# NTSB investigations, 2015: 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 6 · 298 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA16LA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA078.md): Piper PA-46 · Corinth, MS · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 2015 · N891CR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and his subsequent failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in an access door opening after takeoff, and the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.
- [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 ERA16LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA077.md): Beech A36 · Myerstown, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 22, 2015 · N4314S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during climbout due to his distraction with raising the landing gear.
- [NTSB WPR16FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA041.md): Piper PA 32RT-300T · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 2015 · N36402 · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct and continue the flight despite forecast and en route instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which were not conducive to safe operation under visual flight rules. Also causal to the accident was the…
- [NTSB ERA16FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA074.md): Hinton Paul M RV 4 · Greenville, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 2015 · N77BP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to initiate the flight into known adverse weather conditions, in an airplane that was not approved for instrument flight, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and his subsequent spatial disorientation…
- [NTSB ERA16LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA070.md): Cirrus Design SR20 · Charles Town, WV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 16, 2015 · N614CD · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's inadequate remedial action and the student pilot's failure to maintain yaw control while practicing a stall, which resulted in an unintentional spin.
- [NTSB GAA16CA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA082.md): Aeronca 7BCM · Reidsville, NC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 13, 2015 · N1316V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of pitch control while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a collision with terrain, a left main landing gear collapse, and runway excursion.
- [NTSB ERA16LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA068.md): Mccorkle Robert B Rans S-12 Airaile · Benton, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 12, 2015 · N6202N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the initial climb, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall/spin.
- [NTSB WPR16FA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA037.md): Bell 407 · McFarland, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 11, 2015 · N408FC · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control and collision with terrain while attempting a course reversal after inadvertently entering an area of reduced visibility weather conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent experience with night time…
- [NTSB ERA16FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA064.md): Beech A36 · Farmington, PA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 11, 2015 · N72054 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after a cabin door came open in flight, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's misuse of…
- [NTSB WPR16FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA036.md): Barnett Allen S RV7 · Hurricane, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 10, 2015 · N307AB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s aerobatic maneuver leading to airspeeds above the airplane’s never exceed speed, which resulted in rudder flutter and an in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB GAA16CA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA076.md): Cessna 172 · Abilene, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 10, 2015 · N9868Q · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's abrupt control inputs during the flare, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's lack of over sight and delayed reaction while landing.
- [NTSB GAA16CA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA075.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · West Palm Beach, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 9, 2015 · N4427H · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing, which resulted in a horizontal rotation of the helicopter, and abnormal runway contact.
- [NTSB CEN16LA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA058.md): Mcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 600N · Angleton, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 7, 2015 · N607BP · Substantial damage
  > A loss of control while hovering for reasons that could not be determined, because postaccident examination revealed no mechanical anomalies or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB CEN16FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA054.md): Cessna 140 · Keytesville, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 7, 2015 · N90123 · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to operate in dark night conditions with low clouds, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of methamphetamine, which impaired his…
- [NTSB CEN16FA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA059.md): Cessna 182C · Pattonsburg, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 6, 2015 · N8777T · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control while maneuvering during low-level flight for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact anomalies.
- [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 GAA16CA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA060.md): Beech 56 · Hudson, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 22, 2015 · N12WB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing. Contributing to the accident was the distraction of the open cabin door.
- [NTSB ANC16WA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC16WA008.md): Robinson R22 · Annaka City, Japan · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Nov 22, 2015 · JA7963 · Destroyed
  > On November 22, 2015, at 0157 coordinated universal time, a Japanese registered Robinson R22 helicopter, JA7963, operated by a private individual, impacted the slope face of a speedway in Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The pilot and sole passenger…
- [NTSB ERA16LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA045.md): Phantom Aeronautics Phantom X 1 · Monroe, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 21, 2015 · N28365 · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB CEN16WA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16WA049.md): Piper PA31 · Guatemala City, Guatemala · Accident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Nov 21, 2015 · C6-TAK · Destroyed
  > On November 21, 2015, at 1800 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-31, C6-TAK, was destroyed on impact with a house following a loss of control during takeoff from La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City, Guatemala. The airplane was destroyed. The…
- [NTSB ERA16FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA043.md): Beech A36TC · Orlando, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 20, 2015 · N7FG · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while turning to join the final approach leg of the airport traffic pattern with full airplane-nose-up trim, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an…
- [NTSB WPR16FA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA029.md): Airbus Helicopters AS350B3E · Carlsbad, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 19, 2015 · N711BE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control during landing on a dolly. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's decision to conduct the flight without an instructor despite multiple flight instructors' recommendations to the contrary, his failure to land on the ramp…
- [NTSB ERA16FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA044.md): Beech F33A · North Salem, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 19, 2015 · N9318Q · Destroyed
  > A loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical deficiencies.
- [NTSB ERA16WA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16WA047.md): Cessna 402B · Choco, Colombia · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Nov 17, 2015 · HK4981G · Destroyed
  > On November 17, 2015, about 1550 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 402B, Colombian registration HK4981G, was destroyed when it descended and impacted the ground in a residential area, during takeoff from Acandi Airport (SKAD), Choco, Colombia. The pilot…
- [NTSB CEN16FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA042.md): Cessna 182G · Sandia Park, NM · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 2015 · N2440R · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.
- [NTSB GAA16CA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA050.md): Cessna 182Q · Bowstring, MN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 13, 2015 · N717AT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot exceeded the critical angle of attack during takeoff which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with a wind sock and terrain.
- [NTSB CEN16LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA039.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Alpine, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 13, 2015 · N449MC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate rotor speed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a descent from which he was unable to recover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to conduct the flight at or near the helicopter's…
- [NTSB ERA16WA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16WA037.md): Cessna 650 · Guarda-Mor, Brazil · Accident · 4 fatal · Foreign investigation · Nov 10, 2015 · PT-WQH · Destroyed
  > On November 10, 2015, at 2030 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Cessna 650 Citation VII, Brazilian registration PT-WQH, operated by a private owner, was destroyed following an in-flight loss of control and collision with terrain near Guarda-mor…
- [NTSB CEN16WA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16WA041.md): Cessna 182 · Parry Sound, Canada · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Nov 10, 2015 · C-GKNZ · Destroyed
  > On November 10, 2015, at 0020 universal coordinated time, a Canadian registered Cessna 182H airplane, C-GKNZ, impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport (CNK4), Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada. The pilot and passenger were…
- [NTSB ERA16FA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA035.md): Cessna 441 · Climax, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 9, 2015 · N164GP · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Also causal to the accident was the pilot’s impairment by the combined effects of multiple medications and drugs.
- [NTSB CEN16FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA034.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Colorado Springs, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 9, 2015 · N752C · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control during the turn back to the airport after takeoff in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impaired…
- [NTSB GAA16LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16LA046.md): U-Fly-It Aerolite 103 · Midland, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 8, 2015 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to attain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack during takeoff with the airplane’s center of gravity aft of its limit, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA16CA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16CA060.md): Eurocopter Deutschland EC 135 · Monongahela, PA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 6, 2015 · N639ME · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate securing of the wheeled fire extinguisher's cover which resulted in it being blown off of the fire extinguisher and ingested into the helicopter's fenestron during takeoff, resulting in a loss of directional control.
- [NTSB ERA16FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA032.md): Piper PA 28-180 · Cornelia, GA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 5, 2015 · N57WV · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to initiate the flight into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB ERA16FA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA031.md): Flight Design Ctls · Queens, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 5, 2015 · N622BT · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control while maneuvering at low altitude, over water with no visible horizon, in dark night conditions, which resulted in a collision with the water.
- [NTSB GAA16CA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA045.md): Schweizer 269C 1 · Mount Pocono, PA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 4, 2015 · N21496 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to remove the tension applied to the cyclic before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control and the tail rotor striking the ground.
- [NTSB DCA16RA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA16RA014.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 609 · Tronzano Vercellese, Italy · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Oct 30, 2015 · N609AG · Destroyed
  > import
- [NTSB ERA16LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA028.md): Schumacher Lancair Super ES · Pascagoula, MS · Accident · 3 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 26, 2015 · N817PR · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control after encountering convective shower activity. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue flight into an area of known adverse weather.
- [NTSB WPR16LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA019.md): American Eurocopter AS350B3 · Folsom, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 2015 · N911WL · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to perform simulated engine failure training in accordance with manufacturer guidance, including his improper recovery from the maneuver, which resulted in an overshoot of the intended landing zone when the engine did not…
- [NTSB GAA16CA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA027.md): Cessna A188A · Elberta, UT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 24, 2015 · N4401Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to compensate for wind while maneuvering at a low altitude, resulting in a collision with terrain and a postcrash fire.
- [NTSB ERA16FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA023.md): Mooney M20M · Worcester, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 2015 · N243CW · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power during the initial climb due to a fatigue failure of the engine's crankshaft. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB GAA16CA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA040.md): Cessna 182J · Skwentna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 23, 2015 · N3092F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during landing, which resulted in a porpoise and structural damage to the airplane.
- [NTSB GAA16CA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA033.md): Cessna 150 · Millbrook, NY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 23, 2015 · N6709S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of heading control during the go-around in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees.
- [NTSB GAA16CA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA026.md): Rans S-7 · Gerlach, NV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 21, 2015 · N272X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain pitch and airspeed control, in conjunction with full flaps, while maneuvering at a low altitude, resulting in a tail-stall and subsequent impact with the ground.
- [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 GAA16CA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA055.md): Bell 47G · Searchlight, NV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 18, 2015 · N73224 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree during hover flight.
- [NTSB ERA16RA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16RA021.md): Beech 60 · Bogota, Colombia · Accident · 10 fatal · Foreign investigation · Oct 18, 2015 · HK3917G · Substantial damage
  > On October 18, 2015 at 2119 UTC, a Beechcraft B60, Colombian registration HK3917G, registered to and operated by Sky Hub Aviation, was destroyed during a collision with a building in Barrio El Lujan, Bogota, Colombia. The pilot, three passengers, and six…
- [NTSB WPR16FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA014.md): Piper PA 28R-180 · Morongo Valley, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 2015 · N4972J · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument rated pilot's improper inflight decision-making to attempt to outclimb clouds along his planned route rather than reverse course, which resulted in his inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, spatial disorientation, and…
- [NTSB CEN16FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA014.md): Zidek Vans RV-4 · Cortland, NE · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 2015 · N999ZF · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to intentionally maneuver at a low altitude and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the climbing right turn, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?year=2015&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 year(c."eventDate") = 2015
  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?year=2015

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