# NTSB Accident WPR16FA041
> **PIPER PA 32RT-300T** · 2015-12-19 · Bakersfield, CA, USA · FATL
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=WPR16FA041) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*