# NTSB investigations: Lycoming TI0-540 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 · 63 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN26LA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA300.md): Cessna T206H · Marble, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 21, 2026 · N464PM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the final approach in variable and gusting wind conditions. Contributing to the accident were localized wind effects associated with mountainous terrain and with nearby convective activity.
- [NTSB CEN26FA280](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26FA280.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Bethany, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Aug 4, 2026 · N8422P · Destroyed
  > On August 4, 2026, about 1839 central daylight time, a Piper PA-24-250 airplane, N8422P, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Bethany, Missouri. The pilot received fatal injuries. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal…
- [NTSB WPR26FA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26FA189.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Empire, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · May 17, 2026 · N8502N · Substantial damage
  > On May 17, 2026, about 0738 PDT, a Piper PA-32-300, N8502N, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Empire, Nevada. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…
- [NTSB CEN25FA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA184.md): Rockwell Commander 114A · Hankamer, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · May 24, 2025 · N5903N · Destroyed
  > On May 24, 2025, about 1658 central daylight time (CDT), a Rockwell Commander 114A airplane, N5903N, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Hankamer, Texas. The private pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated under…
- [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 ANC24LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24LA030.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Willcox, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 12, 2024 · N4011R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in collision with an object.
- [NTSB ERA24FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA026.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Marion, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 31, 2023 · N44601 · Destroyed
  > A descent and impact with terrain for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN24FA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA028.md): Piper PA46 · McCook, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 30, 2023 · N510KC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the initial climb, resulting in an aerodynamic stall from which he could not recover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to take off with the airplane well above its maximum…
- [NTSB WPR23FA208](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA208.md): Piper PA-31-325 · Tupelo, MS · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 3, 2023 · N4077W · Destroyed
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.
- [NTSB ERA23FA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA181.md): Piper PA32R · Venice, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 6, 2023 · N635BD · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into dark night conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation during the initial climb and subsequent steep banking descent into water.
- [NTSB CEN23LA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA138.md): Socata TB21 · Eden Prairie, MN · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 12, 2023 · N789TB · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s continued flight into icing conditions in an airplane that was not equipped for icing, which led to structural icing, subsequent loss of airplane control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA23WA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA23WA042.md): Piper PA 46-350P · Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Canada · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 14, 2022 · N5EQ · Destroyed
- [NTSB CEN22FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA080.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Bloomington, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 18, 2021 · N5677V · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to follow the instrument landing system (ILS) course guidance, which resulted in the pilot’s loss of airplane control during the instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the presence of turbulence and low-level wind shear.
- [NTSB WPR22FA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA055.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Medford, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 6, 2021 · N64BR · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during the initial climb into clouds due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA22FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA014.md): Piper PA-24-260 · Blairsville, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 13, 2021 · N9126P · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to commence the flight in low IFR weather conditions, and making immediate turns after takeoff in IMC, resulting in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB CEN21FA360](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA360.md): Mooney M20M · Victoria, MN · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 7, 2021 · N9156Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during final approach, which led to a spiral dive that overstressed the airplane and resulted in an in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB CEN21LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA104.md): Piper PA-24-250 · New Hudson, MI · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 2, 2021 · N8347P · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of an instrument rating and the low visibility at the time…
- [NTSB CEN21LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA075.md): Piper PA32 · Windom, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 6, 2020 · N8178Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of airplane control and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN20LA186](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA186.md): Cessna T206 · Center, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 20, 2020 · N51610 · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument rated pilot’s intentional flight into instrument meteorological conditions (clouds) which resulted in spatial disorientation and an inflight loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN20LA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA160.md): Aerostar 601 · Craig, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 24, 2020 · N601X · Destroyed
  > The student pilot’s flight into terrain for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB GAA19CA546](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA546.md): Mooney M20M · Chandler, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 14, 2019 · N1085W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper pitch control during takeoff and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to take remedial action.
- [NTSB ERA19FA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA124.md): Piper PA31 · Madeira, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 12, 2019 · N400JM · Substantial damage
  > Fuel starvation to the left engine and the resulting loss of engine power to that engine, and a loss of airplane control due to the pilot's failure to maintain the minimum controllable airspeed.
- [NTSB WPR19FA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA093.md): Piper PA23 · Pahokee, FL · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Mar 8, 2019 · N5894Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering for landing with one engine inoperative following a loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB WPR19LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA066.md): Piper PA23 · Ellensburg, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Limited · Final report · Jan 17, 2019 · N14372 · Destroyed
  > The instrument rated pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB ERA19WA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19WA040.md): Piper PA23 · Nassau, Bahamas · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Nov 8, 2018 · N8383C · Substantial damage
  > The government of Bahamas has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Piper PA23 airplane that occurred on November 08, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Bahamas's investigation under the provisions…
- [NTSB CEN18FA368](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA368.md): Piper PA32RT · St Ignace, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 2018 · N500MJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude after takeoff in dark night conditions which resulted in a collision with the water.
- [NTSB GAA18CA403](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA403.md): Rockwell 114 · Corsicana, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 7, 2018 · N314CT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain the runway heading during a soft-field takeoff with a tailwind, which resulted in a rejected takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA18LA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA157.md): Piper PA 31 · Amagansett, NY · Accident · 4 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 2, 2018 · N41173 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to fly under a thunderstorm and a subsequent encounter with turbulence and restricted visibility in heavy rain, which resulted in a loss of control.
- [NTSB WPR18FA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA119.md): Piper PA 24-260 · Scottsdale, AZ · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 10, 2018 · N9456P · Destroyed
  > The flight instructor's failure to maintain airplane control during the initial climb as a result of the airplane being loaded above its maximum gross weight and beyond its aft center of gravity limits. Contributing to the accident was a degraded engine power…
- [NTSB ERA18WA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18WA063.md): Piper PA-23-250 · Nicholls Town, Bahamas · Accident · 6 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jan 17, 2018 · N62769 · Destroyed
  > The government of Bahamas has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a PIPER PA 23-250 airplane that occurred on January 17, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Bahamas's investigation under the…
- [NTSB ANC18LA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18LA016.md): Piper PA 23-250 · Knoxville, TN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 2017 · N40285 · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to comply with published engine-out procedures and recommended airspeeds, which resulted in a lack of directional control, collision with trees, and impact with the ground; the left engine lost total power due to fuel…
- [NTSB CEN18FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA050.md): Smith Aerostar 601 · Miami, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 10, 2017 · N7529S · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control while returning to the airport after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [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 ERA17FA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA195.md): Piper PA23 · San Juan, PR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 3, 2017 · N21WW · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, properly correct for left yaw, and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent uncontrolled descent into water.
- [NTSB ERA16FA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA169.md): Piper PA32 · Boone, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 25, 2016 · N43576 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's delayed decision to conduct a go-around following an unstabilized landing approach and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from trees near the end of the runway.
- [NTSB WPR16FA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA059.md): Piper PA 24-260 · Santa Rosa, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 29, 2016 · N9362P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during an instrument approach in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent experience in night…
- [NTSB WPR16FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA042.md): Piper PA32R · Castro Valley, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 22, 2015 · N323PA · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering during an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB CEN15FA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA232.md): Piper PA 24-260 · Spring Branch, TX · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 16, 2015 · N9032P · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control during takeoff due to his impairment from marijuana. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impaired decision to fly after using a disqualifying drug.
- [NTSB WPR15FA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA158.md): Piper PA 46 350P · Spokane, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 7, 2015 · N962DA · Destroyed
  > The mechanic's incorrect installation of two aileron cables and the subsequent inadequate functional checks of the aileron system before flight by both the mechanic and the pilot, which prevented proper roll control from the cockpit, resulting in the pilot's…
- [NTSB GAA15CA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA051.md): Piper PA 32R-300 · Gatlinburg, TN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 26, 2015 · N2269M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's encounter with extreme turbulence during descent over mountainous terrain, which resulted in a loss of control, and structural damage in flight.
- [NTSB CEN15FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA048.md): Aero Commander 500 B · Chicago, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 2014 · N30MB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while attempting to return to the airport after a reported engine problem, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.
- [NTSB ERA14FA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA192.md): Piper PA-32RT-300T · Hugheston, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 11, 2014 · N39965 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control while operating in instrument flight rules conditions.
- [NTSB CEN14FA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA163.md): Smith Aerostar 601P · Aurora, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 19, 2014 · N90464 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's operation of the airplane while intoxicated, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB WPR14FA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA127.md): Piper PA 46 350P · Truckee, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 3, 2014 · N9281F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to properly execute the missed approach in instrument conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s lack of instrument proficiency, as demonstrated by his failure to execute the required procedure turn to align with the final…
- [NTSB WPR13FA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA086.md): Beech V35A · Woody, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 7, 2013 · N35SD · Destroyed
  > An in-flight encounter with icing conditions during descent, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall followed by an in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB WPR13FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA072.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Payson, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 2012 · N62959 · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s inadvertent encounter, in night instrument meteorological conditions, with unforecast strong up- and downdrafts and possibly severe airframe icing conditions (which likely included supercooled large droplets that the airplane was not…
- [NTSB CEN13FA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA085.md): Piper PA 46-350P · Greensburg, IN · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 2012 · N92315 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering in night instrument meteorological conditions due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB ERA12FA566](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA566.md): Mooney M20M · Crane Hill, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 17, 2012 · N1085A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control in moderate-to-heavy rain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s reliance on ADS-B for tactical weather avoidance.
- [NTSB WPR12FA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA154.md): Cessna T182 · Ludlow, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 6, 2012 · N5201F · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight loss of control due to the pilot’s impairment as a result of hypoxia. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s operation of the airplane above 12,500 feet without the aid of supplemental oxygen.
- [NTSB ERA12FA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA146.md): Aerostar PA-60-601P · Philadelphia, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 16, 2012 · N700PS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff following loss of power to the left engine due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the loss of control was the pilot’s failure to feather the left propeller following the loss of left engine…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/cases.md?engine=41533&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 ('41533')
    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=41533

---
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.
