Fatal NTSB investigations

99 cases where the sequence of events included Other weather encounter.

Cases per year

20082026
Fatal NTSB investigations per year, 2008–2026: 99 cases
20087
20097
20104
201111
20127
20136
20144
20154
201613
20175
201810
20195
20203
20214
20222
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20242
20262

Latest cases

Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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\" = '400' 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"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

NTSB WPR26FA294Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportTextron 172S · Provo, UTOn August 7, 2026, about 1549 mountain daylight time, a Textron Aviation Inc. 172S, N1842E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Provo, Utah. The flight instructor sustained serious injuries, and the pilot undergoing instruction…Aug 7, 2026 · N1842E · Substantial damageNTSB CEN26FA280Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPiper PA-24-250 · Bethany, MOOn August 4, 2026, about 1839 central daylight time, a Piper PA-24-250 airplane, N8422P, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Bethany, Missouri. The pilot received fatal injuries. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal…Aug 4, 2026 · N8422P · DestroyedNTSB ANC24FA094Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 207 · Saint Mary's, AKOn September 15, 2024, about 2204 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 207 airplane, N90193, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near St. Mary’s, Alaska. The pilot and three passengers were fatally injured. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code…Sep 16, 2024 · N90193 · DestroyedNTSB ERA24FA176Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Knoxville, TNThe pilot’s decision to depart into an area of instrument meteorological and icing conditions, which resulted in loss of airplane control and a subsequent in-flight breakup.Apr 12, 2024 · N9236J · DestroyedNTSB CEN24FA049Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMD Helicopters 600 · Sterling City, TXThe 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…Nov 29, 2023 · N745MB · Substantial damageNTSB ANC23FA074Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · St. Mary's, AKThe pilot’s decision to operate the airplane above its maximum certificated gross weight, and his installation of an unapproved external load that degraded takeoff performance and flight characteristics resulting in a loss of airplane control during takeoff…Sep 13, 2023 · N109T · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23FA220Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV7 · Gibbon, NEThe pilot’s improper decision to fly the airplane into known adverse weather and icing conditions which resulted in a loss of control.Jun 2, 2023 · N977RV · DestroyedNTSB CEN22FA406Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Cleveland, TNThe pilot’s loss of airplane control while operating in instrument meteorological conditions.Sep 5, 2022 · N58807 · DestroyedNTSB ERA22LA348Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCASA C212 · Raeford, NCThe airplane’s encounter with windshear during landing, which resulted in a hard landing and separation of the right main landing gear, and the pilot’s subsequent decision to leave his seat in flight, which resulted in his fall from the airplane.Jul 29, 2022 · N497CA · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22FA067Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA 28-140 · Houston, TXThe student pilot’s decision to depart into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.Dec 9, 2021 · N3865K · DestroyedNTSB WPR22FA055Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Medford, ORThe 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.Dec 6, 2021 · N64BR · DestroyedNTSB WPR22FA004Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 340A · Santee, CALoss of control due to spatial disorientation.Oct 11, 2021 · N7022G · DestroyedNTSB CEN21FA207Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna T210M · Oxford, IAThe pilot’s loss of directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions that exceeded the airplane’s capability and his decision to attempt to takeoff from a field, which resulted in collision with a power pole/line and terrain.May 2, 2021 · N1215M · DestroyedNTSB CEN21LA089Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Bossier City, LAThe student pilot’s decision to conduct a flight during night instrument meteorological conditions and his loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot’s use of an amphetamine and his attention…Dec 16, 2020 · N55168 · DestroyedNTSB WPR20LA295Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 35 · Three Rivers, CAThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while operating in conditions of reduced visibility due to smoke.Sep 4, 2020 · N818S · DestroyedNTSB WPR20LA170Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportKitfox Kitfox · Lander, WYThe inexperienced pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack during a turn at high density altitude, which resulted in an accelerated stall and impact with water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s poor judgment to continue the…Jun 7, 2020 · N595KF · Substantial damageNTSB ERA20FA009Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV4 · Cameron, NCThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the landing approach, which resulted in a loss of control and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly the airplane in a…Oct 14, 2019 · N4332J · Substantial damageNTSB CEN19WA268Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBeech V35 · Senneterre, Quebec, CanadaJul 30, 2019 · N3804X · DestroyedNTSB CEN19FA139Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · Moose Lake, MNThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane after departing into a snowstorm.May 8, 2019 · N111JP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA19FA112Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA25 · Fort Lauderdale, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper altitude and clearance while maneuvering during a banner tow flight, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a 19-story building in a heavily congested area. Contributing to the accident were the easterly wind…Mar 1, 2019 · N145AB · DestroyedNTSB WPR19FA077Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportRockwell 112 · Mt Hood, ORThe pilot's decision to fly the airplane in close proximity to mountainous terrain in an area of mountain wave activity that exceeded the performance capabilities of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's degraded decision making and…Jan 25, 2019 · N1332J · DestroyedNTSB ERA19LA072Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA46 · Mayport, FLAn in-flight loss of control following an encounter with supercooled large droplet icing conditions, which ultimately resulted in an uncontrolled descent and subsequent inflight breakup. Also causal was the pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate airspeed…Dec 20, 2018 · N307JM · DestroyedNTSB CEN19FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 55 · Liberal, KSThe pilot's improper decision to fly in an area where moderate icing conditions were forecasted in an airplane that was not certified for such conditions, and in the effort to get out of the icing conditions, his decision to fly below the minimum descent…Nov 17, 2018 · N4817M · Substantial damageNTSB CEN18FA277Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna 152 · Fort Rice, NDThe pilot's failure to use carburetor heat in conditions that were conducive to serious carburetor icing, which resulted in a loss of engine power, an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the…Jul 17, 2018 · N24515 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN18FA217Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLet L 23 Super Blanik · Moose, WYThe pilot's encounter with atmospheric conditions that resulted in a loss of lift and a subsequent loss of control near terrain that precluded recovery. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to follow the operator's published tour flight…Jun 9, 2018 · N317BA · DestroyedNTSB WPR18LA163Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth Wing Pulse · Mountain Home, IDThe hang glider's encounter with a developing vortex or dust devil while maneuvering during an airshow routine, which resulted in a loss of control at an altitude that precluded recovery. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's preexisting and worsening…Jun 2, 2018 · N62073 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN18FA143Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech G33 · Warsaw, OHThe pilot's decision to continue flight in known icing conditions, which resulted in structural icing, degraded airplane performance, and a subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain an official weather briefing…Apr 16, 2018 · N9345Q · Substantial damageNTSB CEN18FA266Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Alma, COThe 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.…Apr 2, 2018 · N68640 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA18LA119Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAmes Angier M LNC2 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)The pilot's spatial disorientation after entering instrument meteorological conditions and encountering moderate-to-heavy precipitation, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.Mar 31, 2018 · N4ZQ · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18MA087Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · MajorFinal reportEurocopter EC130 · Peach Springs, AZA loss of tail rotor effectiveness, the pilot’s subsequent loss of helicopter control, and collision with terrain during an approach to land in gusting, tailwind conditions in an area of potential downdrafts and turbulence.Feb 11, 2018 · N155GC · DestroyedNTSB CEN18FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMD Helicopters 369HM · Perrysburg, OHA loss of engine power due to snow or ice ingestion at an altitude that was insufficient to allow for engine re-ignition. Contributing to the accident were conditions, including altitude and flat light conditions, that precluded a successful autorotation to…Jan 15, 2018 · N4QX · Substantial damageNTSB CEN18FA061Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340 · Bartow, FLThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation during takeoff in instrument meteorological conditions.Dec 24, 2017 · N247AT · DestroyedNTSB CEN17FA361Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Thief River Falls, MNThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, and his subsequent loss of control due to spatial disorientation.Sep 23, 2017 · N4777T · DestroyedNTSB ERA17FA181Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU2B · Eleuthera, BahamasThe pilot's intentional flight into an area of known icing and convective thunderstorm activity, which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane.May 15, 2017 · N220N · DestroyedNTSB ERA17FA174Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Clearwater, FLThe pilot's decision to attempt to land while a line of rain showers with microburst activity was crossing the airport, which resulted in a loss of control during a subsequent attempted go-around.May 5, 2017 · N271TS · Substantial damageNTSB CEN17FA103Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 429 · Shreveport, LAThe pilot's inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions resulting in spatial disorientation, loss of control, and subsequent impact with terrain.Feb 15, 2017 · N598PB · Substantial damageNTSB CEN17FA072Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Cleveland, OHControlled flight into terrain due to pilot spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was pilot fatigue, mode confusion related to the status of the autopilot, and negative learning transfer due to flight guidance panel and attitude indicator…Dec 30, 2016 · N614SB · DestroyedNTSB ERA17FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportIndependent Technologies Epic LT · Port Orange, FLThe pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to fly a stabilized approach…Dec 27, 2016 · N669WR · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17FA029Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCAA · Glamis, CAThe pilot's improper decision to attempt a downwind landing and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering during a go-around and subsequent landing attempt, which resulted in exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and an…Nov 25, 2016 · N88373 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17FA017Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Austin, PAThe 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…Oct 16, 2016 · C-GYSN · DestroyedNTSB WPR17FA008Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182D · South Lake Tahoe, CAThe 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…Oct 15, 2016 · N8718X · DestroyedNTSB CEN16FA361Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 46-310P · Chariton, IAThe 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…Sep 7, 2016 · N465JM · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16FA331Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportStemme S10 VT · Telluride, COThe pilot's encounter with a downdraft that exceeded the climb performance of the powered glider and resulted in his inability to maintain clearance from the trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly near building clouds and rain…Aug 24, 2016 · N5021 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16FA304Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C 1 · Jeanerette, LAThe pilot's loss of helicopter control for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.Aug 3, 2016 · N1549W · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16LA281Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVans RV9 · Springfield, OHThe pilot’s decision to fly into known thunderstorms, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.Jul 22, 2016 · N807LK · DestroyedNTSB ANC16FA017Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 206 · Angoon, AKThe pilot's inadvertent turn toward terrain that was higher-than-expected while trying to avoid poor visibility conditions and his subsequent attempt to clear terrain, which reduced the airspeed and led to the exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of…Apr 8, 2016 · N50159 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16FA100Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Mobile, ALThe pilot's loss of airplane control during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight and inflight weather planning which resulted the pilot's…Feb 2, 2016 · N784CP · DestroyedNTSB WPR16FA059Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 24-260 · Santa Rosa, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during an instrument approach in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent experience in night…Jan 29, 2016 · N9362P · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16FA073Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Wayne, NEThe noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with terrain.Jan 4, 2016 · N5104D · Substantial damageNTSB WPR15FA247Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Townsend, MTThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct a cross-country flight over a mountain range in dark night conditions with limited night flight experience, which resulted in a collision with mountainous terrain.Aug 20, 2015 · N62731 · Substantial damage