5 fatal · PIPER PA 32RT-300T · 2015-12-19 · Bakersfield, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
WPR16FA041
Event ID
20151220X04641
Type
Accident
Date
2015-12-19
Location
Bakersfield, CA, USA
Coordinates
35.288055, -119.147499
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
5
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
5
Aircraft
Make
PIPER
Model
PA 32RT-300T
Registration
N36402
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct and continue the flight despite forecast and en route instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which were not conducive to safe operation under visual flight rules. Also causal to the accident was the pilot's decision to accept an instrument flight rules clearance and fly into IMC during cruise flight, which led to his spatial disorientation and a resultant loss of control and an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to arrive at the destination for a party that night.