# NTSB Accident WPR16FA014
> **PIPER PA 28R-180** · 2015-10-17 · Morongo Valley, CA, USA · FATL
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=WPR16FA014) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*