# Fatal NTSB investigations: Inflight upset

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 ERA23LA320](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA320.md): Mesnard Velocity Twin · Sandersville, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 1, 2023 · N106VT · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of power in the right engine due to the right ECU injector wires being severed by the main landing gear actuator piston teeter bar as a result of a lack of clearance and protection of the wiring bundle.
- [NTSB ANC23FA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23FA008.md): Raytheon C90A · Kaupo, HI · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 15, 2022 · N13GZ · Substantial damage
  > Guardian Flight’s inadequate pilot training and performance tracking, which failed to identify and correct the pilot’s consistent lack of skill, and which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain his position inflight using secondary instruments to…
- [NTSB ERA23FA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA078.md): Rotorsport UK Cavalon · Beverly, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 4, 2022 · N401GR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper yaw control during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an excessive sideslip and a subsequent loss of aircraft control.
- [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 CEN21FA290](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA290.md): American AA-1A · Cleburne, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 24, 2021 · N9261L · Destroyed
  > The canopy moving fully open during flight, which resulted in the pilot’s distraction and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin and loss of control.
- [NTSB WPR20LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA155.md): CSP Leasing Cavalon · Roseburg, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 28, 2020 · N477AG · Destroyed
  > A substantially unweighted rotor system for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in contact between the main rotor blade and the gyrocopter’s keel tube and a loss of control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA19FA265](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA265.md): Vans RV-12 · Lady Lake, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 6, 2019 · N767FS · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of pitch control due to the in-flight opening of the canopy for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB WPR19FA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA235.md): Meyers Midget 0100 · Big Spring, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 24, 2019 · N881MM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain situational awareness while conducting a roll, which resulted in his inability to recover from the maneuver before the airplane impacted the ground. Contributing to the accident was his inexperience in both aerobatic maneuvers…
- [NTSB WPR19FA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA123.md): Robinson R44 · Kailua, HI · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 29, 2019 · N808NV · Destroyed
  > The helicopter’s encounter with a strong downdraft or outflow boundary while operating at a higher than recommended airspeed in turbulence which resulted in a low-G condition, excessive main rotor flapping, and an in-flight breakup when the main rotor…
- [NTSB ERA19LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA093.md): Piper PA32RT · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean) · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 1, 2019 · N3016L · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB ERA19LA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA026.md): Piper PA31T · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean) · Accident · 5 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 25, 2018 · N555PM · Destroyed
  > An in-flight loss of control, which resulted in an impact with water, for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not recovered.
- [NTSB ANC18LA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18LA057.md): Aeros Venture 2000 · Bad Axe, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 2018 · N43865 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of aircraft control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB WPR18WA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18WA123.md): Cessna T210N · Oudtshoorn, South Africa · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Feb 25, 2018 · ZS-KOM · Destroyed
- [NTSB WPR18FA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA091.md): Piper PA34 · Minden, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 19, 2018 · N14GQ · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from the use of a sedating antihistamine.
- [NTSB WPR18FA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA088.md): Hastings Thomas G Cirrus VK 30 · Agua Dulce, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 11, 2018 · N52TH · Substantial damage
  > The driveshaft fracture due to overstress loading and rotational bending as a result of the under-torqued nuts on the elastomeric couplings backing off and the subsequent in-flight separation of the horizontal fairing due to contact with the separated end of…
- [NTSB CEN17FA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA103.md): Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 429 · Shreveport, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 15, 2017 · N598PB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions resulting in spatial disorientation, loss of control, and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR16FA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA178.md): Piper PA 28R-201T · Reno, NV · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 12, 2016 · N821ET · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to depart with the airplane loaded above its maximum gross weight and at or just beyond its aft center of gravity limitations, which resulted in a loss of control during the initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the pressure to…
- [NTSB CEN16FA361](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA361.md): Piper PA 46-310P · Chariton, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2016 · N465JM · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's design stress limitations and a subsequent in-flight breakup. Contributing to the…
- [NTSB CEN16LA281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA281.md): Vans RV9 · Springfield, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 2016 · N807LK · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to fly into known thunderstorms, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB DCA16FA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA16FA199.md): Bell 525 · Italy, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Jul 6, 2016 · N525TA · Destroyed
  > A severe vibration of the helicopter that led to the crew's inability to maintain sufficient rotor rotation speed (Nr), leading to excessive main rotor blade flapping, subsequent main rotor blade contact with the tail boom, and the resultant in-flight…
- [NTSB ERA16FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA006.md): Columbia Aircraft Mfg LC41 550FG · Erwin, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 9, 2015 · N1058S · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to fly into a known area of adverse weather, which resulted in the airplane entering a severe thunderstorm and a subsequent loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN15FA268](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA268.md): Piper PA 32 · Cuba, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 14, 2015 · N2966X · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued flight into thunderstorm activity, which resulted in his loss of airplane control, the exceedance of the airplane's design limits, and its subsequent in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's reliance on onboard…
- [NTSB CEN15FA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA126.md): Enstrom 280FX · Erie, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 26, 2015 · N86235 · Destroyed
  > An in-flight failure of the helicopter's #2 main rotor spindle due to undetected fatigue cracking, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to failure were the nonconforming thread root radius of the spindle and the manufacturer's failure to…
- [NTSB CEN14FA306](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA306.md): Brumwell RV-6 · Sauk Rapids, MN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 2014 · N135BB · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of pitch control due to the in-flight opening of the canopy during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because fire damage precluded examination of the airplane’s canopy and systems.
- [NTSB ANC14FA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14FA022.md): Cessna 208B · Kwethluk, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 8, 2014 · N126AR · Destroyed
  > The check airman's delayed remedial action and initiation of a recovery procedure after a simulated pitch trim excursion, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB WPR13LA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA137.md): Hughes 369HS · Latangai Island, Papua New Guinea · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 2, 2013 · N471M · Substantial damage
  > The failure of both the pilot and the fish master of the vessel to adequately monitor their environment, which resulted in a collision.
- [NTSB WPR13FA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA070.md): Piper PA-31T1 · Ely, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 2012 · N93CN · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to regain airplane control following a sudden rapid descent during cruise flight, which resulted in an exceedance of the design stress limits of the aircraft and led to an in-flight structural failure.
- [NTSB ERA12FA433](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA433.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · New Site, MS · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2012 · N4386F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to operate into a known area of adverse weather, which resulted in the inadvertent penetration of a severe thunderstorm, a subsequent loss of control, and in-flight breakup of the airplane.
- [NTSB ERA12FA376](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA376.md): Hawker Beechcraft A36 · Macon, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 31, 2012 · N976S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to continue flight into an area of known thunderstorms, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in actual instrument meteorological conditions and his reliance on datalink…
- [NTSB WPR12FA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA203.md): M Squared Breese · Whitewater, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 13, 2012 · N51336 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to fly at low altitude in mountainous terrain in the presence of strong wind and turbulence, which resulted in an aerodynamic upset at too low an altitude for recovery.
- [NTSB WPR11FA239](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA239.md): Brantly B-2B · Weaverville, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 27, 2011 · N222DW · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's decision to fly in windy conditions that exceeded his capabilities, which resulted in his subsequent loss of helicopter control. Contributing to the accident was his lack of flight experience in the accident helicopter.
- [NTSB CEN11FA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA150.md): Piper PA 46-350P · Westcliffe, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 9, 2011 · N727MC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control following an encounter with moderate to severe weather.
- [NTSB WPR11FA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA059.md): Mooney M20R · Hollister, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 2010 · VH-PPA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not ensure the airplane was loaded within its weight and balance envelope, which resulted in longitudinal instability and a loss of aircraft control during the initial climb.
- [NTSB ERA11FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA036.md): Beech B36TC · Rienzi, MS · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 26, 2010 · N8045Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller's failure to provide precipitation information to the pilot as required.
- [NTSB WPR11FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA032.md): Mooney M20J · Lander, WY · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 25, 2010 · N201HF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to depart into known adverse weather conditions over mountainous terrain, which required operation near the limits of the airplane's performance capability and which resulted in a loss of airplane control and subsequent ground impact.…
- [NTSB WPR10FA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA133.md): Eurocopter EC135 · Cave Creek, AZ · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 14, 2010 · N127TS · Substantial damage
  > The sudden and inadvertent lowering of the collective to near the lower stop, followed by a simultaneous movement of the collective back up and the cyclic control to a nearly full-aft position, which resulted in the main rotor disc diverging from its normal…

## 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 s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '271' 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/271/sequence?fatal=1

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