2 fatal · PIPER PA 28R-180 · 2015-10-17 · Morongo Valley, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
WPR16FA014
Event ID
20151017X04139
Type
Accident
Date
2015-10-17
Location
Morongo Valley, CA, USA
Coordinates
34.11639, -116.706947
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
2
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
2
Aircraft
Make
PIPER
Model
PA 28R-180
Registration
N4972J
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The non-instrument rated pilot's improper inflight decision-making to attempt to outclimb clouds along his planned route rather than reverse course, which resulted in his inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, spatial disorientation, and a resultant loss of control. The pilot's preexisting medical conditions and his use of impairing medications contributed to his degraded performance.