# NTSB investigations: Lycoming 0-540 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 · 67 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 ERA26FA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26FA214.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Saratoga Springs, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · May 26, 2026 · N8656L · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > On May 26, 2026, about 1347 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235 airplane, N8656L, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Saratoga Springs, New York. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code…
- [NTSB WPR25FA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25FA079.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Rock Springs, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Jan 14, 2025 · N6502P
  > On January 14, 2025, about 0622 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-24-250, N6502P, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Rock Springs, Wyoming. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations…
- [NTSB ERA23LA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA287.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Myrtle Beach, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 4, 2023 · N7507X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter during a hover taxi, which resulted in a rollover.
- [NTSB CEN23LA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA255.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Westhope, ND · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 22, 2023 · N7419Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control that resulted in an impact with terrain after takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA23FA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA266.md): Wonder Michael S Harmon Rocket · Porter, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 11, 2023 · N85TP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while initiating a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s high-risk behavior.
- [NTSB ERA23LA240](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA240.md): Cessna R182 · Macon, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 21, 2023 · N182LG · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to properly set the elevator trim before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA23FA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA234.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Hollywood, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 17, 2023 · N430AB · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of aircraft control.
- [NTSB WPR23LA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA162.md): Cessna R182 · Grand Canyon, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 19, 2023 · N4166C · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB WPR22FA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA264.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Seguin, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 22, 2022 · N8542W · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude after being distracted when the engine cowling opened during flight, which led to a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the…
- [NTSB CEN22FA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA131.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Fostoria, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 23, 2022 · N3952W · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control in night instrument meteorological conditions during the procedure turn of an instrument approach due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN22LA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA091.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Presidio, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 30, 2021 · N8591W · Substantial damage
  > The non-certificated pilot’s failure to perform a preflight weight and balance calculation and his decision to operate the airplane beyond the allowable center of gravity limitations, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC22FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC22FA005.md): Gerald Jones 2+2 · Kodiak, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 7, 2021 · N540AK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA22LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA043.md): Piper PA-28-236 · Orleans, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 31, 2021 · N2186U · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control while maneuvering over water in dark night conditions.
- [NTSB WPR21LA245](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA245.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Big Bear City, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 22, 2021 · N15381 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s inadequate flare and subsequent loss of airplane control during an aborted landing in gusting wind, which resulted in impact with trees.
- [NTSB GAA21WA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA076.md): Piper PA-31-350 · South Bimini, Bahamas · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 4 · Foreign · Apr 17, 2021 · N827RD · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ERA21FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA140.md): Cessna R182 · Gainesville, GA · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 26, 2021 · N3652C · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to depart into low instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB ERA20CA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA282.md): Piper PA32 · Montauk, NY · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Aug 10, 2020 · N4817S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with trees.
- [NTSB CEN20WA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20WA024.md): Piper PA32 · Kingston, Canada · Accident · 7 fatal · Foreign investigation · Nov 28, 2019 · N50DK · Destroyed
- [NTSB ERA19LA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA287.md): Robinson R44 · Sanford, ME · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 28, 2019 · N21EH · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while hover-taxiing in gusting wind conditions.
- [NTSB GAA19CA511](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA511.md): Piper PA28 · Cottonwood, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 25, 2019 · N8619W · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's improper pitch and lateral control during a soft-field takeoff, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's failure to relinquish control of the airplane to the instructor.
- [NTSB ERA19FA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA179.md): Cessna TR182 · St. Simons Island, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 25, 2019 · N6123T · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control during approach for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB WPR19FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA042.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Aberdeen, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Dec 17, 2018 · N6283P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's diverted attention during the takeoff climb due to a loss of engine power, which resulted in the airplane’s exceedance of the critical angle of attack and subsequent stall/spin.
- [NTSB GAA18CA556](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA556.md): Cessna R182 · Mount Holly, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 15, 2018 · N7304T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control of the airplane during landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent runway excursion.
- [NTSB CEN18LA378](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA378.md): Piper PA32 · Hereford, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 2018 · N4078W · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB GAA18CA311](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA311.md): Maule M5 · Lewiston, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 28, 2018 · N5634Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain the runway centerline and his subsequent decision to not perform a go-around, which resulted in the main landing gear contacting tall wheat and a subsequent loss of control.
- [NTSB ERA18FA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA118.md): Cessna R182 · Ashville, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 28, 2018 · N3167C · Destroyed
  > Descent and impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB WPR18LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA010.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Molokai, HI · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 2017 · N820DF · Destroyed
  > A descent and subsequent impact with open ocean waters for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB GAA18CA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA006.md): Maule M 7 · Manokatak, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 7, 2017 · N81818 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions.
- [NTSB ERA18FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA006.md): Piper PA 25-235 · Front Royal, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 7, 2017 · N90866 · Destroyed
  > The tow plane pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence. Contributing to the accident was the glider instructor's diversion of attention away from the tow airplane which resulted in his delay in…
- [NTSB CEN17FA361](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA361.md): Cessna TR182 · Thief River Falls, MN · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 23, 2017 · N4777T · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, and his subsequent loss of control due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB WPR17FA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA052.md): Piper PA 28-236 · Port Orford, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 13, 2017 · N81839 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of vision during cruise flight, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly with a known medical condition.
- [NTSB CEN16LA332](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA332.md): Piper PA 25-235 · Miller, MO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 2016 · N6542Z · Substantial damage
  > The mechanic's improper installation of the left aileron swage fitting, which resulted in an inflight loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN16LA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA255.md): Piper PA 25-235 · Arlington, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 3, 2016 · N6803Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to establish proper airspeed and angle-of-attack during takeoff with the airplane at its maximum gross weight in elevated density altitude and gusting tailwind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB GAA16CA279](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA279.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 2, 2016 · N441JL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot receiving instruction's incorrect action of interfering with the flight controls and failure to comply with the flight instructor's commands, which resulted in a loss of lateral bank control and a rollover.
- [NTSB WPR15FA250](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA250.md): Piper PA 25 · Llano, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 2015 · N4369Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control during the landing approach due to an incapacitating medical event.
- [NTSB WPR14CA397](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA397.md): Piper PA 24-250 · Rancho Murieta, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 28, 2014 · N8129P · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff and the certified flight instructors delayed remedial action, which resulted in the stall.
- [NTSB ANC14CA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14CA060.md): Piper PA 32-260 · Anderson, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 6, 2014 · N3502W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB CEN14FA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA328.md): Piper PA 28-235 · Georgetown, CO · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 2014 · N8814W · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s inability to maintain a climb while maneuvering the airplane in high-density altitude conditions that degraded the airplane’s climb performance and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack, which led to an aerodynamic stall and…
- [NTSB CEN13FA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA259.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Lamar, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 5, 2013 · N82509 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's in-flight loss of control, which was likely due to a sudden cardiac event.
- [NTSB CEN12FA628](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA628.md): Piper PA-23-250 · Bullard, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 12, 2012 · N4842P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's maneuver, which exceeded the airplane's structural limit and resulted in an in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB WPR12CA388](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA388.md): Piggott John H Bearhawk · Sequim, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 2, 2012 · N347JP · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control on landing.
- [NTSB CEN12FA571](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA571.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Milner, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 2012 · N7774P · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's impairment from alcohol, marijuana, and hypoxia, which adversely affected his ability to maintain control of the airplane.
- [NTSB WPR12FA339](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA339.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Truckee, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 2, 2012 · N8218P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment by prescription pain medication.
- [NTSB CEN12FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA101.md): Piper PA-28-235D · Chickasha, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 10, 2011 · N999RR · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to continue flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of instrument…
- [NTSB CEN12FA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA097.md): Piper PA-32-260 · St. Ignace, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 4, 2011 · N33315 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to initiate visual flight in instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent failure to maintain adequate altitude.
- [NTSB WPR11FA367](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA367.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Camas, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2011 · N6297P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering in the traffic pattern.
- [NTSB ERA11LA380](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA380.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Lakewood, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 2011 · N64JM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate yaw control of the helicopter while hovering.
- [NTSB CEN11FA428](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA428.md): Cessna R182 · Thornton, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 2011 · N2344C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent encounter with a microburst while operating at a low altitude, which resulted in a loss of control from which the pilot could not recover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning for the forecasted…
- [NTSB WPR11FA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA248.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Astoria, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 5, 2011 · N511FS · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in a stall/spin. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's distraction and anxiety from a reported failure of the airplane's electrical system.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/cases.md?engine=41532&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 ('41532')
    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=41532

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