1 fatal · Piper PA-28-180 · 2005-12-25 · Hopland, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX06LA068
Event ID
20060120X00104
Type
Accident
Date
2005-12-25
Location
Hopland, CA, USA
Coordinates
38.912223, -123.063056
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
1
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
Piper
Model
PA-28-180
Registration
N3953R
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
NDRK
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The non-instrument rated pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain, which resulted in a controlled flight into terrain. Contributing factors were the dark night conditions and the low clouds.