# NTSB Accident ERA15FA299
> **PIPER PA-28R** · 2015-08-10 · Marathon, FL, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** ERA15FA299
- **Event ID:** 20150810X33043
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2015-08-10
- **Location:** Marathon, FL, USA
- **Coordinates:** 24.729999, -81.076667
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** PIPER
- **Model:** PA-28R
- **Registration:** N54380
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** NDRK
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff due to spatial disorientation while turning after takeoff in dark night conditions in a sparsely populated area, which resulted in the airplane’s descent into water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to depart on a night flight over water.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=ERA15FA299) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*