# Fatal NTSB investigations: Abrupt maneuver

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 ERA26FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26FA010.md): Beech C90 · Fort Worth, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Oct 12, 2025 · N291CC · Destroyed
  > On October 12, 2025, about 1334 central daylight time, a Beech C90, N291CC, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Fort Worth, Texas. The private pilot and pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14…
- [NTSB CEN25FA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA148.md): Anusiewicz Cassutt III M · Haskell, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Apr 8, 2025 · N5RR · Substantial damage
  > On April 8, 2025, about 1459 central daylight time, a Cassutt III M airplane, N5RR, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Haskell, Oklahoma. The pilot was fatally injured. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…
- [NTSB WPR24FA309](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA309.md): Nanchang China CJ-6A · Lancaster, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 22, 2024 · N313YK · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > The CJ-6A pilot’s failure to maintain separation and the Yak pilot’s failure to monitor the other airplane during a detachment, which resulted in a midair collision.
- [NTSB WPR22FA338](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA338.md): Czech Sport Piper Sport · Santa Monica, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 8, 2022 · N126WK · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s inability to maintain control of the airplane during the landing flare due to the passenger’s excessive control inputs, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and entering an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB WPR22FA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA169.md): Bearhawk LSA · Kalispell, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 30, 2022 · N1908A · Substantial damage
  > An excessive pitch control input for undetermined reasons while the airplane was operating above maneuvering speed, which led to a structural failure of the right wing during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the poor construction quality of the…
- [NTSB ERA22FA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA207.md): Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 429 · Elba, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 26, 2022 · N507TJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilots’ inappropriate flight control inputs while in vortex ring state, which resulted in main rotor blade contact with the tail boom and a subsequent in-flight breakup. Also causal was the flight instructor’s inadequate monitoring of the flight.
- [NTSB WPR22FA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA087.md): Beech K35 · Salem, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 29, 2022 · N9530R · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s excessive nose-up pitch attitude during landing for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN22LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA008.md): Sea & Sky Krucker Cygnet · Point Venture, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 7, 2021 · N38AT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s abrupt pitch up maneuver in response to the localized wind conditions which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude and subsequent impact with water.
- [NTSB ERA21FA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA317.md): Rotorway Exec 162F · Argyle, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 7, 2021 · N162KJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s abrupt control inputs, which resulted in a low G condition, main rotor mast bumping, and the subsequent severing of the tail boom by a main rotor blade.
- [NTSB WPR21FA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21FA300.md): Robinson Helicopter R66 · Colusa, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 1, 2021 · N7000J · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s abrupt flight control input that led to mast bumping and a subsequent in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB ERA20FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA101.md): Mooney M20J · Bartow, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 13, 2020 · N1149T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and subsequent aerodynamic stall and spin at low altitude due to a possible distraction in the cockpit for which the reason was undetermined.
- [NTSB ERA20FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA074.md): Robinson R66 · Mechanicsburg, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 10, 2020 · N450MC · Destroyed
  > A severe left roll excursion after the onset of pitch and roll oscillations, which were not arrested by the pilot for undetermined reasons. This resulted in main rotor blade contact with the airframe and a subsequent inflight breakup of the helicopter.
- [NTSB ERA20FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA043.md): Bushby Bushby Mustang M II · Milton, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 24, 2019 · N24GL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane on takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ANC19FA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC19FA029.md): Maule M6 · Moose Pass, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 2019 · N56512 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's geographic disorientation and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering to avoid mountainous terrain, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB WPR19MA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19MA177.md): Beech 65-A90 · Mokuleia, HI · Accident · 11 fatal · Class 2 · Major · Final report · Jun 22, 2019 · N256TA · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s aggressive takeoff maneuver, which resulted in an accelerated stall and subsequent loss of control at an altitude that was too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident were (1) the operation of the airplane near its aft center of gravity…
- [NTSB GAA19WA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19WA175.md): Cessna 188 · Rio Pardo, State of Rio Grande do sul, Brazil, Brazil · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Mar 11, 2019 · PR-RVO · Substantial damage
  > The government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 188 airplane that occurred on March 11, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under the provisions of…
- [NTSB WPR18FA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA171.md): Beech A35 · Hesperia, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Jun 15, 2018 · N580B · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted return to the airport following the separation of the spinner bulkhead during takeoff as a result of fatigue cracking. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to fly…
- [NTSB WPR18FA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA093.md): Cirrus Design SR22T · San Diego, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 21, 2018 · N707DF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during an attempted return to the runway following a total loss of engine power after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the excessive amount of…
- [NTSB ERA17FA339](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA339.md): Hickox Andy Andys Gyroplane · Umatilla, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 28, 2017 · N152AH · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper response to a total loss of engine power, which resulted in main rotor blade contact with the rudder and vertical stabilizer, and a subsequent uncontrolled descent. The loss of engine power was due to the separation of the electrical…
- [NTSB WPR17FA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA120.md): Piper PA 28-180 · Santa Rosa Valley, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 4, 2017 · N4871L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while intentionally maneuvering in a steep bank at low altitude, which resulted in an accelerated aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN17WA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17WA193.md): Quicksilver GT500 · Barcelona, Spain · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · May 20, 2017 · EC-BQ3 · Substantial damage
  > On May 20, 2017, at 1000 local time, a Quicksilver GT-500, EC-BQ3, impacted terrain after making a steep left turn during takeoff from Gurb Aerodrome in Barcelona, Spain. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot was fatally injured. The flight was being…
- [NTSB WPR17FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA101.md): Icon A5 · Lake Berryessa, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 8, 2017 · N184BA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's mistaken entry into a canyon surrounded by steep rising terrain while at a low altitude for reasons that could not be…
- [NTSB ERA17FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA017.md): Piper PA28 · Austin, PA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 16, 2016 · C-GYSN · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control while maneuvering in night instrument conditions that included light-to-heavy rain with severe turbulence, updrafts and downdrafts, and hail. Contributing to the accident was the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation, his lack…
- [NTSB CEN16FA341](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA341.md): Beech A36 · Bentonville, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 2016 · N8283D · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to monitor and/or transmit his position over the uncontrolled airport's common traffic advisory frequency, and his decision to continue the takeoff when he observed conflicting traffic on the runway.
- [NTSB ERA16FA279](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA279.md): Cessna 414 · Destin, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2016 · N2735A · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff, while maneuvering over water during dark night conditions.
- [NTSB ERA16FA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA133.md): Cessna 340 · Tampa, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 18, 2016 · N6239X · Destroyed
  > The intentional low altitude maneuvering during takeoff in response to a near-miss with an airplane departing from a converging runway, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA15FA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA348.md): Aerofab Lake LA-4-250 · Somerset, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 2015 · N1401P · Destroyed
  > The pilot's attempted 180-degree return to the runway immediately after takeoff in dark night conditions, which resulted in collision with trees and terrain. Also causal was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a takeoff with…
- [NTSB ERA15FA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA175.md): Bedecorp BD-22 · Fort Pierce, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 2015 · N224BD · Destroyed
  > The pilot's excessive pitch control inputs to the airplane’s sidestick control, which resulted in an overstress of the airframe and its subsequent in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate the airplane contrary to the…
- [NTSB WPR15FA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA125.md): BAE Systems MK-67 Hawk · Yuma, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 11, 2015 · N506XX · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s initiation of an early rotation during takeoff, which led to an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's use of nose up pitch trim and the operator's policy to use nose-up pitch trim during…
- [NTSB WPR15FA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA062.md): Piper PA 18-150 · Ronan, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 16, 2014 · N5989Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while performing an intentional, abrupt low-level maneuver.
- [NTSB ERA14FA445](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA445.md): North American T 28C · Alton, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 2014 · N531KG · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude while performing low-level aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to attempt aerobatics at such a low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA14LA346](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA346.md): Cessna 172N · Elliott Key, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 2014 · N737TP · Destroyed
  > The airplane’s vertical descent into water for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident airplane examinations revealed no mechanical anomalies.
- [NTSB CEN14FA339](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA339.md): North American/Aero Classics P 51D · Durango, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 2014 · N1451D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to compensate for the high-performance airplane's tendency to enter a torque roll during the initial climb, which resulted in the airplane entering a torque roll and the subsequent loss of control at too low of an altitude to recover.…
- [NTSB WPR14LA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA233.md): North Wing Apache Sport · Polson, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2014 · N2804P · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control during initial climb due to his experiencing an incapacitating medical event.
- [NTSB WPR14FA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA183.md): Cessna 150 - F · Santa Clara, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 7, 2014 · N8236F · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to arrest the airplane’s descent and maintain clearance from mountainous terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude.
- [NTSB WPR13WA415](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13WA415.md): Lancair 360 - NO Series · Shenyang, China · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Sep 17, 2013 · C-FXCK · Substantial damage
  > On September 17, 2013 about 0523 Universal Time, an experimental amateur-built Lancair, Canadian registration C-FXCK, collided with terrain while maneuvering near Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. The airplane was participating in an aerobatic exhibition…
- [NTSB WPR13FA399](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA399.md): Tyler Ives SD-1 TG · Spanish Fork, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 2013 · N123SD · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while performing prohibited aerobatic maneuvers and the deployment and separation of the ballistic parachute system from the airframe for reasons that could not be determined due to the severity of impact…
- [NTSB WPR13FA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA300.md): Allstar PZL Glider SZD-54-2 Perkoz · Jacumba, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 2013 · N684SD · Substantial damage
  > The premature release of the towline from the glider and the glider’s subsequent right banking turn at low altitude for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident airframe examination did not reveal any evidence of a mechanical malfunction or…
- [NTSB ANC13FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC13FA054.md): Dehavilland Beaver DHC-2 MK.1 · Petersburg, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 4, 2013 · N616W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate altitude above the trees, and his subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to avoid the trees, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall/spin and an uncontrolled descent.
- [NTSB CEN12FA378](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA378.md): Iar Brasov IS-28B2 · Wallis, TX · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2012 · N6388V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an emergency situation, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s acute coronary event, which resulted from his severe…
- [NTSB WPR12FA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA230.md): Cessna 172S · St. George, UT · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 26, 2012 · N953SP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an aggressive pitch-up maneuver, which resulted in a low-altitude aerodynamic stall shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from alcohol consumption and an…
- [NTSB WPR11FA450](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA450.md): Cone James A RV-6A · West Jordan, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 2011 · N641JC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s execution of an abrupt maneuver, likely to avoid birds, which resulted in a stall and spin.
- [NTSB WPR11FA392](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA392.md): Briegleb BG-12B · Moore, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2011 · N559Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to perform a low pass over the runway in the opposite direction of his intended landing, and his subsequent failure to maintain airspeed and glider control during the reverse-course maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the effect of…
- [NTSB WPR11FA344](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA344.md): American AA-1A · Corona, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 2011 · N34299 · Substantial damage
  > An aggressive flight maneuver performed by the pilot during low altitude flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN11FA434](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA434.md): Schaffer Gary W Lancair · Yukon, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 2011 · N358MA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's use of an excessive bank angle while in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in an accelerated stall. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s lack of experience in the airplane and the pilot’s distracted attention to the rough running…
- [NTSB WPR11FA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA225.md): P&M Pegasus Quik 912S · Hanalei, HI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 17, 2011 · N705PM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued operation of the aircraft with deteriorated wing fabric and his aggressive maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in the right wing fabric’s failure during flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's loading of the aircraft…
- [NTSB CEN10FA424](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10FA424.md): Eurocopter AS 350 B2 · Kingfisher, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 2010 · N918EM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s impaired judgment, due to medications, which led to an abrupt low-level maneuver and subsequent impact with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB WPR10FA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA217.md): Piper PA-30 · Merced, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 27, 2010 · N847DE · Substantial damage
  > Pilot incapacitation due to the combined effect of multiple unreported medical conditions.
- [NTSB CEN10LA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA129.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Gatesville, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 27, 2010 · N4218J · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s incapacitation as a result of one or more pre-existing medical conditions.
- [NTSB WPR09GA407](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09GA407.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Austin, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Aug 20, 2009 · N807MA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain a stabilized approach prior to the retardant drop and his subsequent failure to release the retardant load, resulting in a stall/mush and collision with terrain.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/270/cases.md?fatal=1&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."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e."isDefiningEvent" AND e."tier2Number" = '270')
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/270/cases?fatal=1

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