Accident: Piper PA 32RT-300T
Dec 19, 2015 · Bakersfield, CA
NTSB numberWPR16FA041Event id20151220X04641
- 5
- Fatalities
- 0
- Serious injuries
- 0
- Minor injuries
- 0
- Uninjured
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.
Source: National Transportation Safety Board. Record last changed Oct 28, 2026, 10:54 UTC.
Aircraft involved
- Aircraft
- Piper PA 32RT-300T
- Registration
- N36402
- Year built
- 1978
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rules
- Part 91: general aviation
- Defining event
- Enroute-cruise VFR encounter with IMC
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.
- Bakersfield International Airport (KL45)8 nm (14 km) east
- Meadows Field (BFL)10 nm (18 km) north-east
- Shafter Airport - Minter Field (MIT)13 nm (25 km) north
This page restates the NTSB's public record. Injury figures are counts; Voydar does not hold or publish the names of anyone involved.