Accident: Piper PA 28R-180
Oct 17, 2015 · Morongo Valley, CA
NTSB numberWPR16FA014Event id20151017X04139
- 2
- Fatalities
- 0
- Serious injuries
- 0
- Minor injuries
- 0
- Uninjured
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.
Source: National Transportation Safety Board. Record last changed Oct 28, 2026, 10:54 UTC.
Aircraft involved
- Aircraft
- Piper PA 28R-180
- Registration
- N4972J
- Year built
- 1968
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rules
- Part 91: general aviation
- Defining event
- Enroute-cruise Loss of visual reference
Source: National Transportation Safety Board aviation accident database. Counts only; Voydar holds no names.
Nearest airports
Airports with a Voydar profile closest to the recorded position. Proximity only.
- Big Bear City Airport (RBF)12 nm (21 km) north-west
- Banning Municipal Airport (BNG)14 nm (25 km) south-west
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)20 nm (37 km) south-east
This page restates the NTSB's public record. Injury figures are counts; Voydar does not hold or publish the names of anyone involved.