# Fatal NTSB investigations: Turbulence encounter

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 CEN24FA326](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA326.md): Rans S19 · Crofton, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 26, 2024 · N519JR · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight into an area of low cloud cover and precipitation which resulted in an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB ANC24FA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24FA063.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Kekaha, HI · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 11, 2024 · N144KW · Substantial damage
  > An encounter with turbulence due to downdraft winds that resulted in mast bumping and an in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB ERA24FA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA283.md): Piper PA46 · Trout Creek, NY · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 30, 2024 · N85PG · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control in flight due to spatial disorientation during a climb to cruise altitude in instrument meteorological conditions and turbulence, which resulted in the in-flight breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was…
- [NTSB DCA24WA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA24WA185.md): Boeing 777 · Payagyi, Myanmar (Burma) · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Foreign · May 21, 2024 · 9V-SWM · Minor damage
- [NTSB ERA24FA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA217.md): Beech V35 · Franklin, TN · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 15, 2024 · N47WT · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s flight into convective weather, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation and a subsequent inflight breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the lack of accurate weather intensity depiction on the…
- [NTSB CEN24FA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA179.md): Piper PA46-500TP · Marianna, AR · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 13, 2024 · N241PM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s design limitations, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB CEN24FA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA049.md): MD Helicopters 600 · Sterling City, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 29, 2023 · N745MB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line pole’s static arm during forecasted gusting wind conditions, un-forecasted light turbulence, and un-forecasted low-level wind shear conditions, resulting in main rotor blade contact with the static…
- [NTSB WPR23FA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA137.md): Cessna 182S · Alcova, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 21, 2023 · N314FR · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s encounter with low level wind shear associated with moderate turbulence, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
- [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 WPR21LA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA111.md): Piper PA46R-350T · Tehachapi, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 14, 2021 · N40TS · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s encounter with mountain wave activity with severe turbulence, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing.
- [NTSB WPR20LA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA216.md): Schleicher ASW27 · Ely, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 11, 2020 · N167TM · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of glider control while maneuvering near a mountain ridge in downdrafts and dry microbursts at an altitude that precluded recovery.
- [NTSB ERA20LA206](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA206.md): Piper PA 31T · Eatonton, GA · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 5, 2020 · N135VE · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions, which placed the airplane in an unusual attitude from which the pilot could not recover. Contributing to the accident was the convective and…
- [NTSB CEN20LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA127.md): Piper PA28R · Pleasant Plain, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 19, 2020 · N3943T · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s encounter with convective turbulence and low-level wind shear in dark night instrument meteorological conditions that resulted in spatial disorientation and the loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB ANC20FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20FA005.md): Beech V35 · Blythe, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 26, 2019 · N14UC · Destroyed
  > A loss of control in flight due to the pilot’s decision to fly into a mountain range, at night, in conditions conducive to high wind, mountain waves, and turbulence.
- [NTSB CEN19WA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19WA077.md): Rans S12 · Bavispe, Mexico · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jan 26, 2019 · UNREG · Substantial damage
- [NTSB CEN19FA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA022.md): Mustang II · Broomfield, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 2, 2018 · N287BM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inability to maintain airplane control following an encounter with mountain wave turbulence.
- [NTSB CEN18FA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA266.md): Cessna 210 · Alma, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 2, 2018 · N68640 · Substantial damage
  > The noncertificated pilot's poor decision to depart on a flight over mountainous terrain in an improperly maintained airplane, and the subsequent encounter with mountain wave turbulence, which resulted in the loss of airplane control and impact with terrain.…
- [NTSB WPR18FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA073.md): Piper PA 23-250 · Elko, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 12, 2018 · N54857 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight weather planning, which resulted in the flight over mountainous terrain into forecast instrument meteorological conditions, icing, and mountain wave, and resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR17FA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA213.md): Cessna 172L · Perkinsville, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 2017 · N7070Q · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to fly into a canyon during wind conditions conducive to turbulence and downdrafts, and his subsequent loss of aircraft control while maneuvering in the canyon. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's limited canyon flying experience.
- [NTSB ERA17FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA066.md): Fairchild SA227 · Camilla, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 6, 2016 · N765FA · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to initiate and continue the flight into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted spatial disorientation, a loss of airplane control, and a subsequent in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB WPR17FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA023.md): Cessna 172N · Moss Beach, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 2016 · N6610D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control following an encounter with low level wind shear and turbulence during final approach for landing. Contributing to the loss of control was the pilot's decision to retract the wing flaps on final approach, which resulted in…
- [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 WPR17FA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA008.md): Cessna 182D · South Lake Tahoe, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 2016 · N8718X · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to depart on and continue a flight over mountainous terrain into forecast instrument metrological conditions, icing, and hazardous wind conditions that exceeded the airplanes performance capabilities and resulted in an…
- [NTSB WPR16FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA144.md): Diamond Aircraft Ind DA40 F · Logan, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 2016 · N419FP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering in turbulence and gusty wind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.
- [NTSB WPR16FA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA130.md): Robinson Helicopter R66 · Wikieup, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 23, 2016 · N117TW · Destroyed
  > An encounter with turbulence due to updrafts and/or dust devils that resulted in mast bumping and an in-flight break-up.
- [NTSB WPR16FA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA007.md): Beech G35 · South Lake Tahoe, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 2015 · N4485D · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inability to maintain airplane control due to an encounter with a downdraft that exceeded the airplane’s climb performance capabilities and resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to depart without…
- [NTSB WPR14FA362](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA362.md): Cessna 177B · Neihart, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 2014 · N34880 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude in turbulent conditions over mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to traverse the mountainous area with the airplane over…
- [NTSB CEN13FA327](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA327.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Mosca, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 2013 · N7147R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while attempting to clear a mountain pass in turbulent conditions at a high density altitude, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB WPR13FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA072.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Payson, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 2012 · N62959 · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s inadvertent encounter, in night instrument meteorological conditions, with unforecast strong up- and downdrafts and possibly severe airframe icing conditions (which likely included supercooled large droplets that the airplane was not…
- [NTSB CEN13FA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA105.md): Beech E-90 · Amarillo, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 2012 · N67PS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control of the airplane after encountering icing conditions and heavy to extreme turbulence and the subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s design limit, which led to an in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB ERA12WA457](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12WA457.md): Beech B36TC · Nassau, Bahamas · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jul 16, 2012 · N6703K · Destroyed
- [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 WPR11FA302](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA302.md): Schleicher ASW-20 · Lone Pine, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 2011 · N838KS · Substantial damage
  > The glider encountered a strong downward orographic wind flow and turbulence that forced it into terrain. Also causal was the pilot’s decision to operate the glider very close to the terrain.
- [NTSB WPR11FA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA155.md): Muse KR2 · Newberry Springs, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 7, 2011 · N122B · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s encounter with severe turbulence, which resulted in the in-flight breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.
- [NTSB ERA11GA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11GA066.md): Cessna M337B · Avon Park, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Final report · Nov 18, 2010 · N1309 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent encounter with an unexpected intense rain shower with severe turbulence at night.
- [NTSB ANC10FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10FA064.md): Dehavilland Beaver DHC-2 MK.1 · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 2010 · N9290Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue the flight toward his destination in significant turbulence and downdrafts, and his subsequent failure to maintain control of the airplane while flying low over rising terrain.
- [NTSB WPR10LA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA259.md): Socata TB-20 · Happy Camp, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 22, 2010 · N3041Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and decision to continue to operate under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an encounter with an embedded thunderstorm and rain showers and moderate to severe turbulence,…
- [NTSB ANC10FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10FA004.md): Cessna A185E · Healy, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 14, 2009 · N2764J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to maneuver at a low altitude over rising terrain in conditions conducive to turbulence/downdrafts, resulting in a loss of control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA09FA389](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA389.md): Cessna 421C · Gulf of Mexico · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2009 · N4467D · Destroyed
  > 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 ERA09FA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA029.md): Piper PA-24 · Red Hill, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 2008 · N8820P · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to an improper repair to the stabilator, which resulted in an in-flight failure of the stabilator. Contributing to the accident was the descent in turbulence, at airspeeds above the maximum structural…
- [NTSB NYC08FA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA180.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Cruso, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 12, 2008 · N64FP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions with moderate to severe turbulence prevailing. Contributing to the accident were the instrument meteorological conditions and turbulence.
- [NTSB DFW08FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08FA080.md): Cessna T210M · Abbeville, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 11, 2008 · N732RR · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident were the prevailing clouds, rain, and turbulence.

## 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" = '360' 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/360/sequence?fatal=1

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