1 fatal · Piper PA-32R-301T · 2004-04-04 · Ukiah, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX04FA177
Event ID
20040409X00441
Type
Accident
Date
2004-04-04
Location
Ukiah, CA, USA
Coordinates
39.122222, -123.199996
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
1
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
Piper
Model
PA-32R-301T
Registration
N4130D
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
IMC
Probable cause
The non-instrument rated pilot's flight intentional flight into instrument meteorological conditions during takeoff-initial climb, which resulted in spatial disorientation, a subsequent loss of aircraft control, and an uncontrolled descent into terrain. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of an instrument rating and a low ceiling.