# NTSB investigations, SD: 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.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN25LA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA218.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Huron, SD · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 19, 2025 · N6174A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a low-level aerial application, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control at too low of an altitude to recover.
- [NTSB CEN22FA433](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA433.md): Airgyro AG915 · Yankton, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 27, 2022 · N499AG · Destroyed
  > A loss of control while an in-flight fire occurred, which resulted in an impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/builder’s improper engine build procedures.
- [NTSB CEN22LA245](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA245.md): Cessna 305 · Sioux Falls, SD · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 10, 2022 · N201FM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control after an attempted go-around, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN22FA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA109.md): Christavia MK1 · Oral, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 31, 2022 · N3177F · Substantial damage
  > The noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and subsequent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt a flight with no…
- [NTSB CEN20LA389](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA389.md): Champion 8KCAB · Groton, SD · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 13, 2020 · N83DH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control during a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB CEN20FA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20FA022.md): Pilatus PC12 · Chamberlain, SD · Accident · 9 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 30, 2019 · N56KJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of control shortly after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent, low-altitude aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper loading of the airplane, which resulted in reduced static longitudinal stability and his…
- [NTSB CEN19FA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA307.md): Cessna 140 · Lakeview, SD · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 8, 2019 · N73000 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack, an aerodynamic stall, and subsequent impact with terrain, and the student pilot’s non-compliance and lack of…
- [NTSB CEN19FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA021.md): Cessna 210 · Bradley, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 2, 2018 · N81KD · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot's improper decision to conduct a flight in which instrument meteorological conditions existed along the route of flight, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB CEN18LA306](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA306.md): Bell 47G 3B · Custer, SD · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 2, 2018 · N347BH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s mismanagement of rotor RPM and subsequent forced landing on uneven terrain which led to a dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB GAA17CA513](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA513.md): Cessna 172 · Belle Fourche, SD · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 30, 2017 · N2982U · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a go-around in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN17FA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA132.md): Cessna 210B · Opal, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 16, 2017 · N9581X · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined due to a lack of evidence.
- [NTSB CEN16FA344](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA344.md): Aves Douglas James RV 6 · Viborg, SD · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 2016 · N676DT · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack, an aerodynamic stall, and subsequent flat spin into terrain.
- [NTSB CEN16FA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA209.md): Pruss Richard S Kitfox IV · De Smet, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2016 · N921RP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle-of-attack during a steep turn at a low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at too low of an altitude to recover.
- [NTSB GAA16LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16LA128.md): Piper PA24 · Sturgis, SD · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 12, 2016 · N6691P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to execute the published missed approach procedure in a timely manner, which resulted in collision with a light pole and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA16CA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA022.md): Cessna 180H · Sioux Falls, SD · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 19, 2015 · N9780G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to land with a 20 knot direct cross wind, which resulted in a loss of directional control and the right wing impacting terrain and a subsequent ground loop.
- [NTSB CEN15LA306](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA306.md): Air Creation Clipper 582 · Clark, SD · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 2015 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inability to maintain control of the weight-shift control aircraft during initial climb due to his impairment from ethanol, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana.
- [NTSB CEN15FA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA264.md): Bellanca 7GCBC · Kadoka, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 2015 · N11698 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in the airplane’s wing exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN15CA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15CA160.md): Zenith Acft Stol CH 701 · Marion, SD · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 27, 2015 · N511QC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering to land resulting in contact with a power line and the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane.
- [NTSB CEN14CA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14CA317.md): Quicksilver Enterprises MXL II Sport · Watertown, SD · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 19, 2014 · N4474P · Substantial damage
  > The uncertificated pilot's loss of control while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN13FA324](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA324.md): Weatherly 620B · Ludlow, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2013 · N350WR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was task- and/or work-related fatigue.
- [NTSB CEN13CA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13CA108.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Okaton, SD · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 11, 2012 · N3471Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to perform an adequate preflight inspection of the airplane and obstruction of the aileron control system by snow and ice, which led to a loss of control during flight.
- [NTSB CEN12LA634](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA634.md): North Wing Design Apache Sport · Vermillion, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 2012 · N850GB · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the weight-shift-control aircraft during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.
- [NTSB CEN12FA579](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA579.md): Lee Paul SQ 2000 · Pierre, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 2012 · N416 · Substantial damage
  > The airplane's entry into a pilot-induced oscillation and the pilot’s loss of airplane control during the takeoff initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the left entrance door opening in flight for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN12LA346](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA346.md): Beech 77 · Clark, SD · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2012 · N18012 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper fuel management, which led to fuel exhaustion, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN12LA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA230.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Isabel, SD · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 5, 2012 · N104MH · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.
- [NTSB CEN12FA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA100.md): Cessna 421C · Sioux Falls, SD · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 9, 2011 · N421SY · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed after shutting down one engine, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow the guidance contained in the pilot’s…
- [NTSB CEN11LA452](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA452.md): Cessna A188A · Estelline, SD · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 2011 · N1588M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff for undetermined reasons because the pilot did not recall the accident.
- [NTSB CEN11LA405](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA405.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Faith, SD · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 2011 · N7018Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper turn while maneuvering during an agricultural application flight, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall at low altitude.
- [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 CEN10CA415](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA415.md): Skykits Savannah VGW · Bison, SD · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 7, 2010 · N391EU · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane after encountering a gust of wind while taking off with a crosswind.
- [NTSB CEN10LA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA275.md): Bellanca 7GCBC · Watertown, SD · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 29, 2010 · N88399 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control while conducting aerobatic, low-altitude maneuvers. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairmant due to alcohol.
- [NTSB CEN09LA523](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA523.md): From Here To There PDQ RV-8 · Tea, SD · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2009 · N98AW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during recovery from an aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB CHI08CA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA232.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Wall, SD · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 3, 2008 · N5951Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot not maintaining airplane control during the landing. Contributing to the accident was the reported wind shear.

## 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" = 'SD' 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=SD

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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.