# NTSB investigations, AL: 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 · 69 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA26FA338](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26FA338.md): Reed Julian Estill RV-4 · Albertville, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Sep 15, 2026 · N469TW · Substantial damage
  > On September 15, 2026, about 0620 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built RV-4, N469TW, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Albertville, Alabama. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title…
- [NTSB ERA26LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA140.md): Beech A36 · Gulf Shores, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Mar 8, 2026 · N66519 · Destroyed
  > On March 7, 2026, about 1900 central standard time, a Beechcraft A36, N66519 was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Gulf Shores, Alabama. The pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…
- [NTSB ERA26FA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26FA067.md): American Champion 8KCAB · Irvington, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Dec 13, 2025 · N157WB · Substantial damage
  > On December 13, 2025, about 1145 central standard time, an American Champion Decathlon, N157WB, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Roy E. Ray Airfield (5R7), Bayou La Batre, Alabama. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane…
- [NTSB ERA25FA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA071.md): Magni Builder M-16 · Foley, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 9, 2024 · N271BP · Substantial damage
  > The sport pilot’s failure to maintain control of the gyroplane during initial climb, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA24LA349](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA349.md): Smith T Gunter Quick Silver SP II · Mobile, AL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 16, 2024 · N2342D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane in gusty wind conditions while flying low over water, which resulted in the floats impacting a wave and the airplane’s subsequent nose over into the water.
- [NTSB ERA24LA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA083.md): Rabe Richard Exec 162F · Tuscumbia, AL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 16, 2023 · N60932 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter, which resulted in the right skid contacting the ground and a subsequent rollover.
- [NTSB ERA24FA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA055.md): Beech E95 · Elkmont, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 4, 2023 · N369BB · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during slow flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin from which he was unable to recover.
- [NTSB ERA24LA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA047.md): Mooney M20F · Meridianville, AL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 22, 2023 · N9339M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while on final approach to land, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, a loss of airplane control, and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA23FA382](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA382.md): Smith William S Smith Cozy Mark IV · Cullman, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 29, 2023 · N95SF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/owner’s improper installation of engine…
- [NTSB ERA23FA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA175.md): Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 · Chelsea, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 2, 2023 · N231SH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s delayed corrective inputs while maneuvering, which resulted in a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of multiple sedating medications.
- [NTSB ERA23LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA003.md): Destiny XLT · Oneonta, AL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 24, 2022 · N5065Q · Substantial damage
  > The uncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain control of the powered parachute during takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA22FA343](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA343.md): Eurocopter AS350 · Andalusia, AL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 29, 2022 · N124LN · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s acute incapacitation by a syncopal episode, which resulted in the helicopter departing controlled flight and colliding with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA22LA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA213.md): Vans RV7 · Huntsville, AL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 1, 2022 · N1218B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s impairment due to the effects of ethanol, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and an impact with terrain on approach to landing.
- [NTSB ERA22LA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA198.md): Cessna 310 · Selma, AL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 13, 2022 · N7733Q · Substantial damage
  > The failure of maintenance personnel to properly rig the rudder trim system after reinstallation and pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection after recent maintenance, which resulted in an inability to adequately maintain directional control during the flight.
- [NTSB ERA21LA345](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA345.md): Maule MXT-7-180 · Troy, AL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 28, 2021 · N32566 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing which resulted in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA21LA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA216.md): Cessna 172 · Gulf Shores, AL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 13, 2021 · N5170K · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in a loss of control during an attempted go-around.
- [NTSB ERA21LA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA162.md): Bellanca 1730 · Bessemer, AL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 26, 2021 · N93638 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA21LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA068.md): Beech V35A · Attalla, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 12, 2020 · N5470U · Destroyed
  > A loss of control inflight and the failure of a component of the up elevator flight control system due to fatigue, which rendered recovery from a right descending turn improbable.
- [NTSB ERA20LA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA314.md): Zenair CH750 Cruzer · Boaz, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 10, 2020 · N656BN · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with trees and terrain. Contributing was the pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into an area of low clouds.
- [NTSB ERA20LA272](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA272.md): Piper PA 30 · Alabaster, AL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 2, 2020 · N7750Y · Substantial damage
  > A loss of control and lack of climb performance shortly after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence, resulting in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA20LA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA262.md): Beech F33 · Malbis, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 29, 2020 · N3156W · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart in deteriorating weather conditions, which led to restricted visibility and the pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the pilot’s poor decision-making was…
- [NTSB ERA20LA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA217.md): Air Tractor AT502 · Atmore, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 16, 2020 · N879JA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, spin, and loss of control.
- [NTSB ERA20LA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA212.md): Piper PA32RT · Selma, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 10, 2020 · N543GS · Destroyed
  > The mechanic’s failure to clean the oil suction screen during the most recent maintenance, which resulted in oil starvation and subsequent total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA20CA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA116.md): Let L 23 Super Blanik · Huntsville, AL · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 1, 2020 · N296BA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain glider control and his exceedance of the glider's critical angle of attack while maneuvering in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA20FA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA063.md): Vans Vans RV-6 · Cullman, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 5, 2020 · N420PW · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s inadequate planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power during the initial climb. Also causal was the pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while attempting to return to the runway after…
- [NTSB ERA20FA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA056.md): Bell 407 · Headland, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 25, 2019 · N663SF · Substantial damage
  > Pilot incapacitation by a sudden cardiac event related to severe coronary artery disease, which resulted in a loss of helicopter 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 GAA17CA545](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA545.md): Dedeaux Gary G GN-1 · Elba, AL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 2, 2017 · N168BD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's incorrect pitch control during the initial climb, which resulted in his decision to abort the takeoff and a subsequent hard landing.
- [NTSB ERA17FA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA136.md): Cessna T210 · Hayden, AL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 25, 2017 · N6563D · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to continue the flight into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control and in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB ERA17CA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17CA089.md): Cessna 182 · Mobile, AL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 14, 2017 · N707RB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during the initial climb.
- [NTSB GAA16CA363](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA363.md): Hughes 269C · Cullman, AL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 1, 2016 · N9658F · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter flight instructor candidate's improper execution of the autorotation, resulting in abnormal ground contact and subsequent damage to the vertical stabilizer and tail rotor drive assembly.
- [NTSB ERA16FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA140.md): Eurocopter AS 350 B2 · Enterprise, AL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 26, 2016 · N911GF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to perform visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to complete the…
- [NTSB ERA16FA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA100.md): Cessna 182 · Mobile, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 2, 2016 · N784CP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight and inflight weather planning which resulted the pilot's…
- [NTSB ERA16LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA014.md): Gross Michael E Stol CH 701 · Eufala, AL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 14, 2015 · N4931M · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined, because postaccident examination revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. Also causal was the pilot's decision to continue the takeoff…
- [NTSB GAA15LA296](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15LA296.md): Bell 206 · Ozark, AL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 2015 · N49660 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while hovering, which resulted in the helicopter's skid impacting terrain, subsequent abnormal airframe vibrations, and a hard landing during the subsequent hovering autorotation.
- [NTSB ERA15FA330](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA330.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Alabaster, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 2015 · N1116C · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB GAA15CA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA221.md): Bell 47D1 · Clanton, AL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 11, 2015 · N74823 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's abrupt cyclic and collective inputs during the approach to land which resulted in abnormal runway contact and a subsequent tail boom strike by the main rotor blades.
- [NTSB GAA15CA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA198.md): Evektor-Aerotechnik Sportstar · Eufaula, AL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 26, 2015 · N804EV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain direction control during takeoff, and the pilot's failure to ensure that the canopy of the airplane was secured and locked prior to departure.
- [NTSB ERA15CA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA064.md): Piper PA 28-180 · Athens, AL · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 30, 2014 · N7422W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude while landing in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with power lines while on final approach.
- [NTSB ERA14CA376](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA376.md): Piper PA 34-220T · Gulf Shores, AL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 6, 2014 · N212RW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of aircraft control.
- [NTSB ERA14FA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA300.md): Israel Aircraft Industries 1124A · Huntsville, AL · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 2014 · N793BG · Destroyed
  > The flight crew's inability to maintain airplane control during initial climb following deployment of the right thrust reverser for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine thrust reverser system did not…
- [NTSB ERA14LA147](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA147.md): Cessna 172D · Fairhope, AL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2014 · N2755U · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate separation from a helicopter during the approach to landing, which resulted in an encounter with the helicopter’s trailing vortices, a loss of airplane control, and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA14FA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA120.md): Cessna 210L · Clay, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 15, 2014 · N732EJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while being vectored to intercept the localizer during night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Contributing to the accident was the operator's inadequate dispatch procedures, which did not…
- [NTSB ERA13CA284](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA284.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Ozark, AL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 8, 2013 · N6881W · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the aborted landing.
- [NTSB ERA13LA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA012.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Birmingham, AL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 6, 2012 · N80KW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's overreliance on the autopilot system and his inability to hand-fly the airplane once the autopilot…
- [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 ERA12FA565](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA565.md): Yakovlev YAK 52 · Brownsboro, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 2012 · N2207X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control while performing a low-level aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA12CA390](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA390.md): Cessna 150H · Alabaster, AL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 9, 2012 · N6963S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions.
- [NTSB ERA12FA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA194.md): Strout Frank Aventura II · Laceys Spring, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 26, 2012 · N1193S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a low-altitude maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of the required rating to operate the airplane.
- [NTSB ERA12FA149](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA149.md): Aero Vodochody L39C · Rainbow City, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 21, 2012 · N16RZ · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight loss of control in instrument meteorological conditions.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?state=AL&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" = 'AL' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '240' 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/240/sequence?state=AL

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