1 fatal · Mooney M20C · 2005-06-02 · Van Nuys, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX05FA193
Event ID
20050610X00750
Type
Accident
Date
2005-06-02
Location
Van Nuys, CA, USA
Coordinates
34.280483, -118.610916
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
1
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
Mooney
Model
M20C
Registration
N6574U
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
NITE
Weather
IMC
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to attempt flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot's loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation. Factors in the accident were haze and low ceilings, the night lighting condition, an undetermined attitude gyro problem, and the pilot's lack of qualification/experience for flight in instrument conditions.