# NTSB investigations, VA: 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 · 51 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA25LA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA203.md): Seamax Aircraft Ltda Seamax M-22 · Dahlgren Center, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 17, 2025 · N154RL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to take off with a known…
- [NTSB ERA25FA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA065.md): Truitt James B Vans RV-8A · Fort Blackmore, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Dec 4, 2024 · N627TT · Substantial damage
  > On December 4, 2024, about 1451 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Vans RV-8A, N627TT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fort Blackmore, Virginia. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was…
- [NTSB ERA24FA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA209.md): Rockwell International 690A · Palmyra, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 5, 2024 · N690BM · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of control following an encounter with structural icing, which resulted in an inflight breakup of the airplane.
- [NTSB ERA22FA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA114.md): Cessna 310 · Danville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 1, 2022 · N622QT · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s impairment due to exposure to carbon monoxide as a result of undetected engine exhaust penetration into the cockpit, resulting in the pilot's failure to maintain a minimum controllable airspeed after partially securing an engine after takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA20FA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA097.md): Aviastroitel AC 4C · Front Royal, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 9, 2020 · N912ES · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.
- [NTSB ERA20CA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA072.md): Beech 23 · Norfolk, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 7, 2020 · N24690 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot receiving instruction's failure to maintain airplane control during landing with a crosswind, which resulted in a bounced landing, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a loss of control during the go-around.
- [NTSB WPR19TA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19TA142.md): Zenair Zenith CH 701 · Marion, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Final report · Apr 30, 2019 · N396PH · Substantial damage
  > The noncertificated pilot's failure to maintain control following a bounced landing and his decision to fly the airplane without proper training.
- [NTSB ERA19FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA036.md): Titan Tornado 1 · Louisa, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 4, 2018 · N38FD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and the airplane's exceedance of its critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin at a low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA18LA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA233.md): Cessna 172 · New Kent, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 26, 2018 · N1537U · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s loss of airplane control during a go-around.
- [NTSB DCA18IA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA18IA269.md): DJI Phantom · Blacksburg, VA · Incident · Minor injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Aug 14, 2018 · FA3HCWCR4X · Minor damage
  > the drone pilot's incorrect control inputs due to insufficient knowledge of the aircraft flight manual procedures. Contributing to the incident was the close proximity of the observers, and the decision to conduct a demonstration near the observers in a…
- [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 ERA18FA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA150.md): Piper PA28 · Chesapeake, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 22, 2018 · N6177W · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during the departure climb in instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB ERA18FA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA127.md): Cessna 525 · Crozet, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 16, 2018 · N525P · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control while operating in night instrument meteorological conditions as a result of spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate an airplane after consuming alcohol and his resulting…
- [NTSB GAA18CA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA060.md): Hughes 300 · Woodlawn, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 22, 2017 · N9685F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inappropriate descent profile during landing with a quartering gusting tailwind, which resulted in a loss of main rotor rpm.
- [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 ERA17FA274](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA274.md): Bell 407 · Charlottesville, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 2017 · N31VA · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of helicopter control after entry into vortex ring state, leading to a high rate of descent to the ground with a right spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent and recurrent training in vortex ring state recognition…
- [NTSB ERA17LA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA229.md): Aviat A-1C-180 · Dillwyn, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 2017 · N272WY · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of a grass airstrip that was of insufficient length for landing, and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB GAA17CA241](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA241.md): American AA 1 · New Market, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 9, 2017 · N5690L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper approach path, which resulted in an impact with trees.
- [NTSB ERA16CA239](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16CA239.md): Piper PA 22-160 · Harrisonburg, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 2, 2016 · N8130D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions.
- [NTSB GAA16CA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA235.md): Cessna 182P · Williamsburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 14, 2016 · N58625 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing in variable direction and gusting wind conditions, resulting in a landing off the side of the runway and impact with a drainage culvert.
- [NTSB ERA16LA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA179.md): Taylorcraft BC12 D · Critz, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 7, 2016 · N43363 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed while on final approach, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB GAA16CA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA167.md): Sewell William K Zodiac 601 · Clarksville, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 29, 2016 · N601BZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in the airplane drifting to the left of the runway and impacting trees.
- [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 GAA16CA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA094.md): Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 Eaglet · Chesapeake, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 1, 2016 · N112TE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff which resulted in impact with the ground.
- [NTSB GAA16CA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA066.md): Grumman American Avn. AA 5 · West Point, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 2, 2015 · N28295 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to fly a traffic pattern following an aborted instrument landing in night instrument metrological conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference to the runway, an inadvertent aerodynamic stall, and a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA15LA257](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA257.md): Piper PA28 · Galax Hillsville, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 2015 · N43503 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while turning onto the final approach leg of the traffic pattern, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA15FA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA215.md): Beech 95 B55 (T42A) · Saltville, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 18, 2015 · N5816S · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s flight into developing rain showers and updrafts, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s continued flight into forecast adverse weather conditions, and his reliance on…
- [NTSB ERA15CA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA059.md): Hiller OH 23B · Leesburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 24, 2014 · N6057 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of tail rotor effectiveness while hovering in gusting crosswind conditions resulting in the student pilot's loss of control of the helicopter. Contributing was the delayed remedial action of the flight instructor.
- [NTSB ERA14CA367](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA367.md): Cessna 162 · Winchester, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 30, 2014 · N6004U · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during an aborted landing.
- [NTSB ERA14LA302](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA302.md): Bailey Robert Moyes Dragonfly · Melfa, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 2014 · N286A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain roll control during the initial takeoff and his decision to take off with only partial power applied.
- [NTSB ERA14CA320](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA320.md): Fairchild M 62C(PT-23A) · Petersburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 22, 2014 · N60418 · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing attempt. Contributing to the accident was the changing wind conditions.
- [NTSB ERA14CA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA185.md): Cessna 205A · Leesburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 8, 2014 · N4862U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during landing, resulting in a runway excursion and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the wind conditions.
- [NTSB ERA14LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA006.md): Cessna 340A · Hampton Roads, VA · Accident · 4 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 2013 · N4TK · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control due to spatial disorientation in low-visibility conditions while maneuvering during a missed approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s ineffective use of the onboard GPS equipment.
- [NTSB ERA13FA385](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA385.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Danville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 2013 · N9089N · Destroyed
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain control and climb the airplane during a go-around maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to provide adequate oversight of the student pilot by ensuring that the cockpit was free of…
- [NTSB ERA13CA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA090.md): American AA-5 · Hot Springs, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 20, 2012 · N5813L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while attempting to land in crosswind conditions.
- [NTSB ERA12FA583](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA583.md): Cessna 150M · Fredericksburg, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 2012 · N66246 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to alcohol.
- [NTSB ERA12CA402](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA402.md): Aeronca 7AC · Blairs, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 9, 2012 · N2067 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a takeoff into sun glare.
- [NTSB ERA12CA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA054.md): Aeros Trike · Amherst, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 30, 2011 · N6111F · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's inadequate aircraft control and improper airspeed while maneuvering to land, which resulted in a stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model of the accident aircraft.
- [NTSB ERA11FA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA258.md): Cessna 210D · Altavista, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 23, 2011 · N3963Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of experience in actual night instrument conditions.
- [NTSB ERA10CA477](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA477.md): Beam-Walter RS-15 · Windsor, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 27, 2010 · N29WB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate installation and preflight inspection of the right rudervator assembly, which resulted in a loss control during takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA10FA435](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA435.md): North Wing Scout X-C · Amherst, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 21, 2010 · N417JN · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of aircraft control for an undetermined reason.
- [NTSB ERA10LA277](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA277.md): Rutter Herbert G Long EZ · Wakefield, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 21, 2010 · N91HR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to properly align the airplane with the final approach path to the runway and his subsequent loss of control during his attempts to correct the flight path. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s progressive cognitive decline due to…
- [NTSB ERA10FA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA161.md): Cessna T303 · Louisa, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 4, 2010 · N9305T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and secure the right engine during a loss of engine power after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine power on the right engine for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA09FA376](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA376.md): Pilatus PC-12/45 · Raphine, VA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2009 · N578DC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while in instrument meteorological conditions following a reported instrumentation failure for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA09LA370](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA370.md): Michael J. Kohout Glassair III · Manassas, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 2009 · N2YT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while attempting an emergency landing after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and distraction due to a separated fuel cap in flight.
- [NTSB ERA09LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA043.md): Miller J Kirtley RV-6 · Martinsville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 7, 2008 · N8LK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the initial climb after an aborted landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from an over-the-counter sedating antihistamine.
- [NTSB MIA08CA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08CA191.md): Airframes Unlimited USA-1B · Surry, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 7, 2008 · N723JH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper handling of the powered parachute during takeoff/initial climb.
- [NTSB NYC08CA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA294.md): Sacrey W Michael Zenair CH · Fincastle, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 22, 2008 · N404BB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent premature rotation during takeoff.
- [NTSB NYC08CA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA236.md): Glasflugel Standard Libelle · Front Royal, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 29, 2008 · N184W · Substantial damage
  > Aircraft control was not maintained during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was turbulence and inadvertent flight into adverse weather.
- [NTSB MIA08LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08LA105.md): Aviate Raptor · Bealeton, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 23, 2008 · N74TK · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/cases.md?state=VA&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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'VA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE 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?state=VA

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