# NTSB Accident FTW04FA235
> **Piper PA-32R-300** · 2004-09-09 · Rachel, TX, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** FTW04FA235
- **Event ID:** 20040928X01501
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2004-09-09
- **Location:** Rachel, TX, USA
- **Coordinates:** 26.965555, -98.250831
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** PA-32R-300
- **Registration:** N6209J
- **FAR Part:** 135
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** NDRK
- **Weather:** IMC
## Probable cause

The total failure of the vacuum pump that resulted in an inoperative attitude gyro and spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of aircraft control by the pilot.  Factors were; the prevailing instrument meteorological conditions, and the dark night light condition.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=FTW04FA235) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*