# NTSB Accident LAX06LA068
> **Piper PA-28-180** · 2005-12-25 · Hopland, CA, USA · FATL
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX06LA068) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*