# NTSB investigations: Lycoming IO-540 series: Loss of control in flight

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 · 59 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN26LA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA317.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Natchez, MS · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 13, 2026 · N7527L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to complete a preflight weight and balance calculation, which resulted in a center of gravity beyond the forward limit, and adversely affected the helicopter’s controllability during takeoff.
- [NTSB WPR25FA147](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25FA147.md): Paul Berkovitz Vans RV-10 · Simi Valley, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · May 3, 2025 · N626PB · Destroyed
  > On May 3, 2025, about 1350 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Van’s RV-10, N626PB, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Simi Valley, California. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a…
- [NTSB CEN25LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA073.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Buras, LA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 8, 2025 · N430JM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control during a hover taxi with a quartering tailwind.
- [NTSB WPR23LA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA170.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Van Nuys, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 28, 2023 · N549TS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control of the helicopter, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR23FA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA137.md): Cessna 182S · Alcova, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 21, 2023 · N314FR · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s encounter with low level wind shear associated with moderate turbulence, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB CEN22LA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA243.md): Maule MT-7-235 · Flasher, ND · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 8, 2022 · N235MG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control during a takeoff from a narrow gravel road, resulting in a collision with a fixed obstacle.
- [NTSB ERA22LA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA236.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Nashua, NH · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 23, 2022 · N666U · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter during the takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB WPR22LA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA132.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Howe, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 22, 2022 · N44DQ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm while descending with a gusting tailwind condition, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control.
- [NTSB WPR21LA359](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA359.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Phoenix, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 30, 2021 · N74706 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while making a clearing turn which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR21LA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA204.md): Mcclure B J Glasair III · Eugene, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 20, 2021 · N54CB · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control during the approach to landing due to an asymmetrical flap deployment for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [NTSB WPR20LA310](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA310.md): Vans RV4 · Clovis, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 19, 2020 · N250LB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control during initial climb due to distraction, which resulted in an in-flight upset and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA20LA323](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA323.md): Cessna 182 · Hollywood, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 18, 2020 · N234ME · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind takeoff, which resulted in a collision with airport lights and a sign.
- [NTSB ERA20CA252](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA252.md): Furlong CA-6 · Manville, NJ · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jul 14, 2020 · N12LF · Substantial damage
  > A loss of directional control on takeoff for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN20FA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20FA070.md): Piper PA60 · Springfield, IL · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 28, 2020 · N6071R · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to follow the instrument landing system (ILS) course guidance during the instrument approach.
- [NTSB CEN20FA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20FA002.md): Piper Aerostar 602P · Kokomo, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 5, 2019 · N326CW · Destroyed
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack following a dual engine power loss caused by the line service technician fueling the airplane with the wrong fuel, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.…
- [NTSB ERA19FA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA113.md): Cessna 182 · Louisburg, NC · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 2, 2019 · N26617 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control following takeoff in night instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB CEN19FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA004.md): Piper PA32RT · Poolville, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 12, 2018 · N221MC · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control as a result of spatial disorientation and the exceedance of the structural capabilities of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's limited experience in instrument conditions.
- [NTSB WPR18FA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA253.md): Commander 114 · Jean, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Sep 6, 2018 · N6064C · Destroyed
  > The pilot failed to maintain adequate speed while maneuvering at a low attitude during night and entered an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin.
- [NTSB ERA18FA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA187.md): Robinson R44 · Williamsburg, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2018 · N616HS · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to safely operate the helicopter due to his impaired cognitive and physical abilities, which resulted in a loss of control.
- [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 ANC18LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18LA032.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 20, 2018 · N511CC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while in a hovering turn, which resulted in a collision with obstacles.
- [NTSB GAA18CA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA140.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Woodland, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 24, 2018 · N630ML · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s distraction due to her malfunctioning iPad, which led to her inadvertent forward cyclic application.
- [NTSB WPR18FA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA084.md): Cessna 182T · Santee, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 6, 2018 · N3525T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to take off into instrument meteorological conditions that resulted in spatial disorientation, and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA18FA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA016.md): Piper PA 32 · Morrison, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 8, 2017 · N47831 · Destroyed
  > The pilots' loss of control during a missed approach in night instrument meteorological conditions as a result of spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB CEN17FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA075.md): Fields Steen Skybolt · Era, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 12, 2017 · N94RG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control while conducting aerobatic flight maneuvers with insufficient altitude to recover.
- [NTSB GAA16CA488](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA488.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Cedar City, UT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 14, 2016 · N46HF · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action while providing hover instruction in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in dynamic roll-over.
- [NTSB GAA16CA385](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA385.md): Rockwell International 114 · Munday, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 13, 2016 · N5814N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in an aborted takeoff, runway excursion, collision with a fence, and substantial damage.
- [NTSB GAA16CA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA110.md): Piper PA32RT · Melfa, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 19, 2016 · N3046H · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for a gusting crosswind during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, impact with a structure, and subsequent postimpact fire.
- [NTSB GAA16CA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA019.md): Maule M 7-235C · Mankato, MN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 11, 2015 · N3180G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the go-around, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR15CA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15CA059.md): Cessna 182T · Wendover, UT · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 12, 2014 · N961GW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain situational awareness during a turn which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB WPR15CA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15CA006.md): Maule MX 7-235 · Big Creek, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 8, 2014 · N11ZA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while on final approach with shifting wind conditions.
- [NTSB ERA14LA330](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA330.md): Zubair S Khan Raven · Mattituck, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 6, 2014 · N79ZR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to ensure that the airplane was loaded within its calculated center of gravity limits, which resulted in longitudinal instability and a subsequent unrecoverable stall.
- [NTSB WPR14FA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA172.md): NBB Glasair III · Young, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 26, 2014 · N911EX · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to enter instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB CEN14CA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14CA223.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Liberty, MO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 25, 2014 · N32VB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while operating in gusty wind conditions at a low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN14FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA042.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Kirksville, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 2013 · N408DM · Destroyed
  > A loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the private pilot's impairment due to a sedating antihistamine and both pilots' fatigue.
- [NTSB CEN14FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA014.md): Piper PA 32R-301 · Huntsville, AR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 21, 2013 · N888TP · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into an area of known rain with reduced visibility and his failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering the airplane after entering these conditions.
- [NTSB WPR13LA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA188.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Ocean Shores, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 12, 2013 · N442FG · Substantial damage
  > The pilots’ loss of helicopter control during the approach to landing.
- [NTSB WPR12CA431](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA431.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · McMinnville, OR · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 20, 2012 · N74744 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's aggressive takeoff maneuver, which resulted in a loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN12LA529](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA529.md): Piper PA32RT · Palo Pinto, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 2012 · N36103 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and a proper pitch attitude and airspeed while performing a go-around.
- [NTSB CEN12CA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA202.md): Smith Aerostar 601P · Casterville, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 24, 2012 · N602BV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane while circling to land.
- [NTSB CEN12FA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA139.md): Robinson R44 II · Centerville, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 19, 2012 · N369TL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot allowed the helicopter to settle with power while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN12CA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA140.md): Piper PA-32RT-300 · Angle Fire, NM · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 15, 2012 · N513CW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane during the takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions.
- [NTSB CEN12FA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA091.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Hackensack, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 2011 · N821JV · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter's sudden yaw and subsequent impact with the water for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination of the helicopter and its systems.
- [NTSB ERA11FA412](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA412.md): Cessna 182S · Erwin, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 2011 · N23739 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in dark night conditions.
- [NTSB CEN11LA399](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA399.md): Piper PA-36-300 · Highmore, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2011 · N57885 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA11FA272](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA272.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Indiana, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 1, 2011 · N445AB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's operation of the helicopter at a low-forward airspeed out of ground effect, which resulted in the helicopter’s loss of translational lift and tail rotor authority and the pilot’s subsequent loss of helicopter control.
- [NTSB CEN11LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA066.md): Gearn Geary D Swearingen SX300 · Milford, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 10, 2010 · N3ZX · Substantial damage
  > A loss of control for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA11LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA048.md): Bean R E/R B Weld Glasair III · Winchester, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 5, 2010 · N7SY · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadvertent climb and entry into instrument meteorological conditions during a course reversal, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN10CA369](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA369.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Austin, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 4, 2010 · N74546 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter, resulting in impact with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to ensure the door was properly secured prior to flight.
- [NTSB CEN10CA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA082.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Abilene, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 18, 2009 · N442RS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the air taxi with shifting winds.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/cases.md?engine=41530&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."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('41530', '41585')
    AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND e.aircrafts_position = x.position AND e."isDefiningEvent" AND e."tier2Number" = '240'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/cases?engine=41530

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