# Fatal NTSB investigations: Hard landing

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.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA26FA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26FA084.md): Cessna 172 · Provincetown, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Jan 4, 2026 · N9360E · Substantial damage
  > On January 4, 2026, at 1504 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172N, N9360E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Provincetown, Massachusetts. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of…
- [NTSB ERA25LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA019.md): Cessna 150 · Gainesville, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 18, 2024 · N11519 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s sudden incapacitation due to an in-flight cardiac arrest, which necessitated a landing by a non-pilot passenger and resulted in a hard landing and collapse of the nose landing gear.
- [NTSB WPR24FA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA200.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Bluestem, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 19, 2024 · N323TT · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to manage main rotor rpm during an autorotation, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control. Contributing to the accident was a loss of power for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB CEN24FA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA167.md): Vertical Aviation Technologies Hummingbird · Spring Branch, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 29, 2024 · N829SH · Destroyed
  > A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a forced landing and a subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR24FA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA132.md): Bell 206-L4 · Anaconda, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 26, 2024 · N988B · Destroyed
  > A total loss of engine power due to a loss of cooling oil to the turbine-to-compressor coupling shaft and subsequent fracture of the shaft at an altitude too low for the pilot to complete a successful autorotation. Contributing to the accident was carbon…
- [NTSB GAA23WA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA23WA131.md): Cirrus SR22 · Bankstown, Australia · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Apr 17, 2023 · VH-XGR · Substantial damage
- [NTSB CEN22FA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA111.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Hutchinson, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 31, 2022 · N227BD · Substantial damage
  > The reduction in fuel flow and subsequent partial loss of engine power after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB ERA21LA290](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA290.md): Cameron 0-105 · Piermont, NH · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 15, 2021 · N2925L · Substantial damage
  > The balloon pilot’s delay in relighting the burner, which resulted in a hard landing and his ejection from the balloon.
- [NTSB WPR21LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA158.md): Arbc Inc DBA Lindstrand 77A · Rio Rancho, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 23, 2021 · N477LB · No damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain the proper descent rate during the balloon’s approach to landing, which resulted in a hard landing and fatal passenger injury when the passenger fell out of the basket.
- [NTSB WPR20LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA131.md): Beech 35 · Currie, NV · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 24, 2020 · N8743A · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during a forced landing which resulted in a hard landing for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
- [NTSB ERA19FA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA142.md): Robinson R44 II · Tampa, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 4, 2019 · N4046J · Substantial damage
  > Contamination of and an inadequate bond between the two layers of fabric comprising the helicopter engine's air induction inlet duct, which resulted a partial collapse of the duct, obstruction of the airflow into the engine, and a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA18LA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA184.md): Swearingen SX300 · Daytona Beach, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2018 · N42SX · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during landing, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack, experiencing an aerodynamic stall and hard landing, which resulted in a landing gear collapse, loss of directional control, and…
- [NTSB ERA18LA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA183.md): Bell 206 · Rio Grande, PR · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 2018 · N10CV · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to oil exhaustion, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and hard landing.
- [NTSB ERA17FA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA317.md): Schweizer 269C · Medford, NJ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 2017 · N204HF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's early entry into and failure to maintain rotor rpm during a forced landing autorotation after performing an engine shutdown in flight, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent. Contributing to the accident was the failure of maintenance personnel…
- [NTSB ERA17FA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA115.md): Ryan Navion · Westhampton Beach, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 26, 2017 · N4529K · Destroyed
  > The flight instructor's exceedance of the critical angle of attack during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to familiarize himself with the flight characteristics of the…
- [NTSB CEN16FA241](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA241.md): Boeve Earl Seawind · Buena Vista, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 2016 · N46EB · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power, which resulted in a hard landing and nose over. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined due to the severity of…
- [NTSB CEN16LA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA096.md): Raymond Z Brown Condor · Centralia, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 1, 2016 · N41852 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the prerotator belt, which impeded the engine's timing belt and resulted in a loss of engine power at low altitude.
- [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 WPR15FA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA205.md): Schweizer 269C · Newberg, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 2015 · N2096W · Destroyed
  > The loss of translation/rotational power between the engine and the transmission due to the severe wear of the forward spline portion of the lower coupling drive shaft. The reason for the severe wear of the forward spline could not be definitively determined…
- [NTSB ERA15FA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA085.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Lake Worth, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 29, 2014 · N771MM · Substantial damage
  > A main rotor stall due to low rotor rpm, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.
- [NTSB WPR14FA310](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA310.md): Bell 206A · Wenatchee, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 2014 · N949FM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a proper decent rate and path, which resulted in a hard landing and dynamic rollover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment by a sedating medication.
- [NTSB ERA14LA290](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA290.md): Cameron Balloons US Z-225 · Spring City, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2014 · N65625 · No damage
  > The pilot's fall from the balloon’s basket during touchdown in a field for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence, which resulted in his fatal injury.
- [NTSB WPR14FA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA158.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Green River, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 6, 2014 · N13HG · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel contamination while maneuvering at a low altitude and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect the contamination.
- [NTSB CEN13LA237](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA237.md): Alon A2 · Greenbrier, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 22, 2013 · N6369V · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and porpoise. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's limited recent flying experience and proficiency and the challenging runway environment.
- [NTSB CEN13LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA062.md): Jabiru USA Sport J250-SP · Jacksonville, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 2012 · N635J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb following an aborted landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin at a low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN12LA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA187.md): Brice Ron Glastar Sportsman 2+ · Kimberling, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 13, 2012 · N627RM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate flare, which resulted in the airplane impacting into the water.
- [NTSB CEN11FA465](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA465.md): Pipistrel Taurus · Durango, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2011 · N261T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control during the off-airport landing in strong winds, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB DCA10RA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA10RA085.md): Boeing 737 · San Andres Island, Colombia · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Aug 16, 2010 · HK-4682 · Substantial damage
  > On August 16, 2010, at 0150 UTC, an Aires B737-700, registration HK4682, crashed on approach to the San Andres Island Airport in San Andres Island, Colombia. Of the 121 passengers and 6 crew on board, preliminary reports indicate that there was one fatality…
- [NTSB ERA10FA356](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA356.md): Cirrus SR20 · Chapel Hill, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 2010 · N527MJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and subsequent improper go-around procedure, which resulted in a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and collision with a tree.
- [NTSB ERA10FA347](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA347.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Fairfield, NJ · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2010 · N764CD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the go-around following a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's continuance of an unstabilized final approach and the improper use of flaps during the go-around.
- [NTSB WPR10LA156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA156.md): North American P51D · Chandler, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 11, 2010 · N514NH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper flare, resulting in a bounced landing, stall, and loss of directional control.
- [NTSB ERA09FA414](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA414.md): Hughes 369 · Franklin, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 2009 · N61735 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's fuel mismanagement.
- [NTSB ERA09LA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA176.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Ridgeland, SC · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 26, 2009 · N4981T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a precautionary landing. Contributing to the accident was a partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN09TA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09TA060.md): Bell OH-58C · Quitman, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Nov 16, 2008 · N153GF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to execute a proper autorotation during a forced landing after a loss of rotor rpm for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB NYC08FA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA307.md): Lindstrand Balloons 150A · Phoenixville, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2008 · N844LB · Substantial damage
  > The separation of a portion of a fuel fitting during a hard landing resulting in release of fuel and a fire in the balloons basket area. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to follow the manufacturer's published procedures to shut down the…
- [NTSB LAX08FA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08FA233.md): Hughes 369D · Price, UT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2008 · N400BE · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight performance planning for the takeoff and the loading that exceeded the lift performance capability of the helicopter.
- [NTSB SEA08FA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08FA161.md): Cessna 441 · Sunriver, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 16, 2008 · N441HK · Destroyed
  > The pilot's misjudged landing flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the go-around after one of the airplane's propellers struck the runway.
- [NTSB LAX08FA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08FA092.md): Beech 95-B55 · Benson, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 3, 2008 · N20480 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudged speed and altitude during approach that led to a long landing and his subsequent failure to maintain control during an attempted go-around. Contributing to the accident were the dark night, the pilot's low total night flight experience,…

## 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" = '092' 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/092/sequence?fatal=1

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