# Fatal NTSB investigations: Preflight or dispatch event NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports. Page 1 of 2 · 93 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB ERA26FA252](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26FA252.md): Piper PA24 · Hazen, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Jun 28, 2026 · N6852P · Destroyed > On June 28, 2026, about 1317 central daylight time, a Piper PA-24-250, N6852P, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Hazen, North Dakota. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part… - [NTSB ERA25FA201](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA201.md): Piper PA32RT · Yulee, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 10, 2025 · N30689 · Destroyed > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in a stall/spin at an altitude too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident was the opening of the nose baggage door and subsequent distraction of the pilot… - [NTSB GAA25WA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA25WA077.md): Robinson R44 · Pacific Ocean, Ecuador · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Feb 1, 2025 · HC-CQY · Substantial damage - [NTSB ERA24FA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA154.md): Mooney M20K · St. Augustine, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 25, 2024 · N4387W · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed of the airplane while in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing was the pilot’s distraction due to the in-flight opening of the main cabin door, which resulted from the… - [NTSB CEN23LA413](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA413.md): Powrachute Airwolf · Erie, CO · Incident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 20, 2023 · N820PP · Substantial damage > The pilot’s inadvertent manipulation of the throttle, which resulted in the aircraft traveling on the ground and the unsecured pilot being ejected from the aircraft and sustaining fatal injuries. - [NTSB ERA23FA370](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA370.md): Ercoupe 415 · Fitzgerald, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 13, 2023 · N2796H · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to perform pre-takeoff engine runup and carburetor heat check procedures, which resulted in rotation with inadequate climb performance, and his subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed and exceedance of the airplane’s critical… - [NTSB CEN23FA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA314.md): Piper PA-31P · Kearney, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 20, 2023 · N200RA · Destroyed > The pilot’s decision to operate an airplane with known fuel leaks, his failure to conduct an engine run-up before takeoff, his subsequent failure to abort the takeoff, and the mechanic’s inadequate maintenance, which resulted in a partial loss of right engine… - [NTSB CEN21FA334](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA334.md): Air Tractor AT-802 · Benoit, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 25, 2021 · N363BG · Substantial damage > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s takeoff performance capabilities and his failure to abort the takeoff in a timely manner. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to his use of ethanol and prohibited medications. - [NTSB CEN21FA305](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA305.md): Hawker Beechcraft G36 · Aspen, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 4, 2021 · N36JJ · Destroyed > The pilot’s failure to navigate through mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB CEN21FA272](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA272.md): Antenor Velazco Lancair Evolution · Parker, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 16, 2021 · N704AK · Destroyed > The pilot’s diversion of attention following an asymmetric flap deployment, which resulted in a descent and collision with powerlines. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the flap control rod attachment bolts,… - [NTSB CEN20LA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA227.md): Vans RV8 · Mandan, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Limited · Final report · Jun 13, 2020 · N836JC · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to remove the seat belt used as a flight control lock from the aft cockpit control stick before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff and collision with terrain. - [NTSB ANC20FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20FA017.md): Piper PA32R · Tuntutuliak, AK · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 6, 2020 · N7632C · Substantial damage > The pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into reduced visibility, including likely flat light and/or white out conditions, which resulted in a controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the operator’s inadequate operational… - [NTSB ERA20FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA009.md): Vans RV4 · Cameron, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 14, 2019 · N4332J · Substantial damage > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the landing approach, which resulted in a loss of control and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly the airplane in a… - [NTSB ANC19FA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC19FA019.md): De Havilland DHC 2 · Metlakatla, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · May 20, 2019 · N67667 · Substantial damage > The pilot’s inadequate compensation for a quartering tailwind during a water landing, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent nose-over. Contributing to the accident was the company’s inadequate operational control of the flight release process,… - [NTSB WPR19FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA080.md): Cessna 172 · Desert Hot Springs, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Feb 6, 2019 · N20556 · Destroyed > The pilot's inadequate and/or improper preparation for the flight in which he selected an altitude too low to assure terrain clearance and resulted in an impact with terrain in turbulent downdraft conditions. - [NTSB CEN19FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA021.md): Cessna 210 · Bradley, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 2, 2018 · N81KD · Destroyed > The non-instrument-rated pilot's improper decision to conduct a flight in which instrument meteorological conditions existed along the route of flight, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. - [NTSB CEN19FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA005.md): Piper PA28 · Cartersville, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 13, 2018 · N180QT · Destroyed > The pilot's inadequate preflight and inflight fuel planning and his decision to continue flight without stopping for fuel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. - [NTSB CEN18FA384](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA384.md): Cessna 150 · Festus, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 2018 · N7152S · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and the pilot's subsequent exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to initiate and continue the… - [NTSB CEN18FA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA336.md): Cessna 172 · Rhome, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 2018 · N2893Q · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate maintenance of the airplane, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation when organic debris restricted available fuel to the carburetor, and the pilot's impairment due to the ingestion of alcohol, which… - [NTSB ERA18LA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA199.md): Cessna 182 · Cleveland, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 2018 · N1311S · No damage > The undetected wear of the ignition switch and key, which allowed removal of the key from an intermediate position and subsequently led to an unintended engine start-up. Contributing to the undetected wear of the 42-year-old ignition switch was the lack of… - [NTSB ANC18FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18FA036.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Whittier, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · May 12, 2018 · N7061W · Substantial damage > The student pilot's decision to depart and continue on a solo cross-country flight through mountainous terrain in marginal visual flight rules conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB CEN18FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA144.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Williamsburg, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 19, 2018 · N451TD · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to obtain an updated weather briefing before the flight and his subsequent loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions during a diversion to an alternate airport after… - [NTSB ANC18FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18FA024.md): Mooney M20 · Chuckanut, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 13, 2018 · N123JN · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a visual approach in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB CEN18FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA054.md): Piper PA28 · Reeds Spring, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 2017 · N6433J · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's inadequate pre-flight planning and in-flight decision-making, which resulted in flight into known instrument meteorological conditions and the subsequent collision with terrain. - [NTSB WPR17FA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA215.md): Piper PA 28-140 · Brinnon, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 2017 · N9549W · Destroyed > The flight instructor's failure to completely and properly evaluate the student pilot's incorrectly- planned flight, and his failure to use all available resources to maintain situation awareness during the flight, which resulted in controlled flight into… - [NTSB WPR17LA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA195.md): Walker Edgar E Glastar · Cascade, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 2017 · N65EW · Destroyed > The pilot's inadequate flight planning, preparation, and navigation, which resulted in the airplane entering a canyon that the pilot was unable to exit by climbing the airplane. Also causal were his in-flight decision-making and his execution of the course… - [NTSB CEN17FA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA287.md): Aerofab Lake LA 4 250 · Oshkosh, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2017 · N1400P · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to properly configure the airplane for takeoff and his decision to takeoff with a tailwind in unfavorable water conditions, which resulted in the airplane entering an aerodynamic stall and the pilot losing control. - [NTSB ERA17FA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA222.md): Piper PA23 · Chatsworth, GA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 2017 · N44HJ · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in an encounter with severe convective activity, spatial disorientation, a loss of airplane control, and a subsequent in-flight breakup.… - [NTSB CEN17LA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA181.md): AS+ AC 4 · Blair, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 13, 2017 · N358R · Substantial damage > The pilot's loss of control due to his diverted attention as he attempted to close the canopy that opened during initial climb. - [NTSB ERA17FA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA148.md): Piper PA 12 · Sanford, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 8, 2017 · N3280M · Destroyed > The incorrect rigging of the elevator control cables, which resulted in a reversal of elevator control inputs applied by the pilot during the takeoff, an excessive nose-high pitch, and subsequent aerodynamic stall after takeoff. Also causal was the inadequate… - [NTSB CEN17FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA064.md): Piper PA 28R-200 · Vienna, IL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 31, 2016 · N2806R · Destroyed > The non-instrument rated pilot's decision to descend through an overcast layer of weather during dark night conditions, which resulted in the airplane impacting trees. - [NTSB ERA17FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA066.md): Fairchild SA227 · Camilla, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 6, 2016 · N765FA · Destroyed > The pilot's decision to initiate and continue the flight into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted spatial disorientation, a loss of airplane control, and a subsequent in-flight breakup. - [NTSB CEN17FA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA035.md): Stamper RV-10 · Dubois, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 5, 2016 · N924WY · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after becoming distracted by the opening of the gull-wing cabin door during takeoff, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall at a low… - [NTSB ANC17FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC17FA004.md): Fairchild Heli-Porter Pilatus PC-6 · Port Alsworth, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 29, 2016 · N5308F · Substantial damage > The airplane's collision with mountainous terrain while operating in an area of reduced visibility and icing conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which would have identified deteriorating weather conditions… - [NTSB ERA16LA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA258.md): Piper PA24 · Westwood, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 16, 2016 · N11MT · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in exhaustion of the fuel in the selected fuel tank and a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. - [NTSB CEN16FA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA261.md): Piper PA 32R-300 · Houston, TX · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2016 · N32KK · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after becoming distracted by the open baggage door while operating in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall at… - [NTSB ERA16FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA140.md): Eurocopter AS 350 B2 · Enterprise, AL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 26, 2016 · N911GF · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to perform visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to complete the… - [NTSB ERA16LA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA109.md): Piper PA28 · Port Jefferson, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 21, 2016 · N29099 · Substantial damage > The flight instructor's inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. - [NTSB ERA16FA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA108.md): Beech A36 · Marshville, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 19, 2016 · N61WB · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the severity of the pilot's injuries was his failure to have a properly secured shoulder harness at the time of the accident. - [NTSB ERA16FA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA100.md): Cessna 182 · Mobile, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 2, 2016 · N784CP · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of airplane control during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight and inflight weather planning which resulted the pilot's… - [NTSB ERA16LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA028.md): Schumacher Lancair Super ES · Pascagoula, MS · Accident · 3 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 26, 2015 · N817PR · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control after encountering convective shower activity. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue flight into an area of known adverse weather. - [NTSB ERA16FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA005.md): Piper PA 38-112 · Jasper, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 2015 · N4313E · Substantial damage > The student pilot's failure to accurately determine the airplane's fuel state, subsequent fuel exhaustion, and a total loss of engine power during initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate oversight of the student… - [NTSB CEN15LA360](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA360.md): North American T 28A · Las Cruces, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 14, 2015 · N14124 · Substantial damage > Failure of the No. 6 cylinder connecting rod, due to improper rotation of the propeller during a previous hydraulic lock. - [NTSB CEN15MA290](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15MA290.md): Airbus Helicopters AS350B3E · Frisco, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Jul 3, 2015 · N390LG · Destroyed > Airbus Helicopters' dual-hydraulic AS350 B3e helicopter's (1) preflight hydraulic check, which depleted hydraulic pressure in the tail rotor hydraulic circuit, and (2) lack of salient alerting to the pilot that hydraulic pressure was not restored before… - [NTSB ERA15FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA144.md): Mooney M20F · Norfolk, VA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 4, 2015 · N66BB · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to properly execute the instrument approach procedure. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's improper preflight planning and his decision to conduct the flight in instrument meteorological conditions at night into forecast moderate… - [NTSB ERA15FA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA046.md): Cessna 172 · Hinton, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 8, 2014 · N2152T · Substantial damage > The flight instructor’s decision to conduct a night training flight in mountainous terrain without conducting or allowing the student to conduct appropriate preflight planning and his lack of situational awareness of the surrounding terrain altitude, which… - [NTSB ERA14FA461](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA461.md): Eagle R&D Helicycle · Gallatin, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 28, 2014 · N7062U · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to fly the improperly balanced helicopter at high speed and low altitude, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's depression and resulting degradation of executive… - [NTSB CEN14LA485](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA485.md): Cismowski Tierra II · Montevideo, MN · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2014 · N622MC · Substantial damage > The pilot's impaired judgment due to the use of marijuana, which led to his improper decision to fly the airplane over its maximum gross weight and his subsequent loss of airplane control during takeoff with gusting wind conditions. - [NTSB ERA14FA377](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA377.md): Cessna 150 · Senoia, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 9, 2014 · N7968Z · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s inadequate preflight weather planning and his improper decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in night instrument metrological conditions, which resulted in subsequent collision with terrain. - [NTSB ERA14MA271](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14MA271.md): Gulfstream Aerospace G IV · Bedford, MA · Accident · 7 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Jun 1, 2014 · N121JM · Destroyed > The flight crewmembers' failure to perform the flight control check before takeoff, their attempt to take off with the gust lock system engaged, and their delayed execution of a rejected takeoff after they became aware that the controls were locked.… Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md?fatal=1&page=2 ## The whole list in SQL Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS: ```sql SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '030' AND s.case_mkey IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' WHERE "isDefiningEvent")) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence?fatal=1 --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.