# NTSB investigations, 2021: 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 · 258 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR22FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA073.md): Mooney M20C · Marana, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 31, 2021 · N6796N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation after entering instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to use of methamphetamine before the flight.
- [NTSB ERA22FA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA098.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Bronson, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 31, 2021 · N442VB · Destroyed
  > A loss of control due to spatial disorientation as a result of the noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight at night into an area of known reduced visibility due to fog.
- [NTSB CEN22LA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA091.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Presidio, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 30, 2021 · N8591W · Substantial damage
  > The non-certificated pilot’s failure to perform a preflight weight and balance calculation and his decision to operate the airplane beyond the allowable center of gravity limitations, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN22LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA087.md): J&J Ultralights Seawing · Golden, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 30, 2021 · N285SW · Substantial damage
  > The noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control while aggressively maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA22FA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA096.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Cosby, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 29, 2021 · N544SC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s intentional, continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions in a helicopter that was not certified for instrument conditions, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control and a collision with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB WPR22FA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA068.md): Gates Learjet 35A · El Cajon, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 28, 2021 · N880Z · Destroyed
  > The flight crew’s decision to descend below the published MDA, cancel their IFR clearance to conduct an unauthorized circle-to-land approach to another runway while the airport was in nighttime IFR conditions, and the exceedance of the airplane’s critical…
- [NTSB CEN22FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA082.md): Cessna 172 · Hardy, AR · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 26, 2021 · N5798T · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was a loss of engine power due to fuel…
- [NTSB WPR22FA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA067.md): Vans RV6 · Show Low, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 22, 2021 · N6000Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack following an aborted landing approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control at an altitude too low for recovery.
- [NTSB GAA22WA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA22WA180.md): Bell 206 · Santa Ana Mountain, Colombia · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 18, 2021 · HK4511 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB GAA22WA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA22WA063.md): Rockwell 114 · Redcliffe, Australia · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 4 · Foreign · Dec 18, 2021 · VH-WMM · 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 ERA22LA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA090.md): Aerofab Lake LA-4-250 · Auburndale, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 17, 2021 · N1402C · Destroyed
  > A bird strike, which resulted in a loss of control while flying at low altitude over a lake.
- [NTSB ERA22LA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA089.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Knoxville, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 16, 2021 · N162AM · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s encounter with a wake vortex from a preceding airplane, which resulted in a roll upset at an altitude too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident was the failure of ATC to issue a wake turbulence cautionary advisory.
- [NTSB CEN22LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA077.md): Hughes 269A · Crowley, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 14, 2021 · N8827F · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s encounter with a loss of tail rotor effectiveness during hover, and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action that resulted in an emergency landing and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA22WA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA22WA049.md): Rans S12 · Szadek, Poland · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 12, 2021 · D-MNBN · Destroyed
- [NTSB CEN22FA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA070.md): Cessna 310J · Inola, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 12, 2021 · N3187L · Destroyed
  > The loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [NTSB WPR22LA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA061.md): Moul Willis RV-3 · Bermuda Dunes, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 11, 2021 · N9YY · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper positioning of the fuel shutoff valve, which resulted in a loss of engine power, and the pilot’s subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.
- [NTSB ERA22FA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA086.md): Swearingen SA226 · Bedford, NH · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 11, 2021 · N54GP · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to secure and feather the left engine and increase power on the right engine after a perceived loss of engine power in the left engine, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain just short of the runway. Contributing to…
- [NTSB ERA22FA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA085.md): Beech V35 · Crab Orchard, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 10, 2021 · N5704V · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was…
- [NTSB CEN22LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA068.md): CHR International Safari 400 · McKinney, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 9, 2021 · N666JS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not remove the cyclic control lock during preflight, which resulted in a loss of control during the initial hover.
- [NTSB CEN22FA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA067.md): Piper PA 28-140 · Houston, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 9, 2021 · N3865K · Destroyed
  > The student pilot’s decision to depart into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB ERA22FA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA083.md): Cessna 182 · Statesboro, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 8, 2021 · N5776B · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into dark night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control shortly after takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN22FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA064.md): Vans RV-4 · Walsenburg, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 8, 2021 · N456MC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while intentionally maneuvering in a canyon at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to enter a canyon environment at a low altitude, and the sudden change in wind conditions…
- [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 CEN22LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA066.md): Piper PA-22-135 · Tahlequah, OK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 3, 2021 · N3372A · Substantial damage
  > A loss of yaw control while on final approach, which resulted in the pilot performing an off-runway landing, and a subsequent nose over. The reason for the loss of yaw control could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [NTSB WPR22FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA053.md): Russell W Dyer Vortex · Lakeport, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 2, 2021 · N425RD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control for reasons that could not be determined and the delayed remedial action to recover from the power pushover event.
- [NTSB CEN22LA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA061.md): Experimental Nieuport-12 · Midland, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 1, 2021 · N12GX · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of directional control during a high-speed taxi operation and subsequent collision with terrain during the inadvertent flight.
- [NTSB CEN22FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA053.md): Bell 206 · Perry, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 28, 2021 · N59600 · Destroyed
  > A loss of lateral control during a hover that resulted in an impact with terrain. Based on the available evidence, the reason for the loss of lateral control could not be determined.
- [NTSB WPR22LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA050.md): Alon A2 · Frazier Park, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 24, 2021 · N989T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while on approach for landing which, resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR22FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA048.md): Zenith Zodiac CH601XL · Temecula, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 23, 2021 · N601KS · Destroyed
  > The failure of the airplane’s canopy latch system, which resulted in the canopy opening in flight and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a secondary canopy latch as recommended by the kit manufacturer.
- [NTSB CEN22FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA042.md): Cessna T310R · Chadron, NE · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 22, 2021 · N310JA · Destroyed
  > The incapacitating effects of a myocardial infarction (heart attack), which resulted in the pilot's loss of airplane control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA22LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA070.md): Cessna 172N · Old Bridge, NJ · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 21, 2021 · N8074E · Destroyed
  > The student pilot’s loss of control during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN22LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA043.md): Cessna 172P · Wheeling, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 21, 2021 · N99715 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing was the student pilot’s self-induced pressure to land after being admonished by the controller.
- [NTSB ERA22LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA069.md): K Copters 47G-2 · Lancaster, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 20, 2021 · N210JB · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to ensure a positive transfer of aircraft control, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN22LA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA041.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Miamisburg, OH · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 19, 2021 · N221HG · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter during a low-altitude hover shortly after liftoff.
- [NTSB CEN22FA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA035.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Estes Park, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 17, 2021 · N802NZ · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s encounter with severe to extreme turbulence associated with mountain wave rotor cloud activity, which resulted in loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB CEN22FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA032.md): Beech E-90 · Boyne City, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 15, 2021 · N290KA · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while in icing conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent ground impact.
- [NTSB GAA22WA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA22WA028.md): Just Escapade · York, United Kingdom · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 14, 2021 · G-CGNV · Destroyed
- [NTSB ERA22LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA062.md): Maxair Drifter · Sebring, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 13, 2021 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The non-certificated pilot’s decision to operate the airplane without flight training or a pilot certificate and his loss of control shortly after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA22FA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA058.md): Cessna 172 · Branchville, NJ · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 11, 2021 · N90559 · Destroyed
  > The flight instructor’s failure to recover from a steep spiral turn during an instructional flight.
- [NTSB ERA22FA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA056.md): Zenith CH601 · Oak Hill, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 10, 2021 · N22XF · Destroyed
  > A loss of airplane control while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN22LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA034.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Fort Davis, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 10, 2021 · N3027W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s encounter of a downdraft from which there was insufficient altitude to recover.
- [NTSB ERA22FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA050.md): Mooney M20F · Villa Rica, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 8, 2021 · N3284F · Substantial damage
  > 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 and spin.
- [NTSB ANC22FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC22FA005.md): Gerald Jones 2+2 · Kodiak, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 7, 2021 · N540AK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN22FA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA029.md): Vans RV · Harrison, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 5, 2021 · N16TG · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during landing approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB WPR22FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA026.md): Ayres S-2R · Shafter, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 3, 2021 · N8960Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB ERA22LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA043.md): Piper PA-28-236 · Orleans, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 31, 2021 · N2186U · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control while maneuvering over water in dark night conditions.
- [NTSB ERA22FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA036.md): Vans RV4 · Chattahoochee, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 31, 2021 · N479JJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to properly secure the canopy before takeoff, allowing the canopy to open and then separate in flight, which resulted in the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane for reasons that could not be determined based on the…
- [NTSB CEN22FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA023.md): Beech P35 · Harrison, NE · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 31, 2021 · N8625M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue the flight into instrument and icing conditions, which resulted in loss of control and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a timely weather briefing.
- [NTSB WPR22FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA023.md): Mooney M20M · Snoqualmie, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 28, 2021 · N40KA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to fly the airplane into known icing conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and collision with terrain.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?year=2021&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") = 2021
  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=2021

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