# NTSB investigations: VFR encounter with IMC

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 4 of 5 · 247 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB WPR15FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA072.md): Bell 206 · Benson, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 1, 2015 · N57AW · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, during which he failed to identify forecasted…
- [NTSB CEN15FA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA092.md): Piper PA 28-181 · Vaughn, NM · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 2014 · N2558M · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from terrain.
- [NTSB WPR15FA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA070.md): Cessna 172 · Sutter Creek, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 2014 · N8518B · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's encounter with instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) while maneuvering, which resulted in a loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt to…
- [NTSB ERA15FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA066.md): Piper PA28 · Sommerville, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 2014 · N8607W · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to attempt visual flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impaired…
- [NTSB CEN15FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA051.md): Mooney M20C · Pagosa Springs, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 2014 · N6466U · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to fly to the destination airport and into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his controlled flight into mountainous terrain during a snow storm.
- [NTSB ERA14LA433](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA433.md): Piper J3C 65 · Carrol County, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 10, 2014 · N26105 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during an emergency landing after encountering deteriorating weather conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s poor preflight weather planning, which resulted in an inadvertent encounter with…
- [NTSB ERA14FA377](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA377.md): Cessna 150 · Senoia, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 9, 2014 · N7968Z · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s inadequate preflight weather planning and his improper decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in night instrument metrological conditions, which resulted in subsequent collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN14LA424](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA424.md): Barger Steve M RV-7A · Russell, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 9, 2014 · N92BF · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and the subsequent loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB CEN14LA376](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA376.md): Air Tractor AT 401B · Ellis, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 2014 · N4223F · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s inadequate preflight weather planning and subsequent inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and the loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was…
- [NTSB WPR14FA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA286.md): Cessna 182 · Fall City, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2014 · N5816B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to depart in low-ceiling conditions and his continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR14FA244](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA244.md): Grumman American Avn. AA 5B · Florence, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2014 · N28718 · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and the subsequent loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB WPR14TA149](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14TA149.md): Bell OH-58A · Tehachapi, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Mar 27, 2014 · N497E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to attempt a mission at night with known en route weather conditions below operating minimums, likely due to self-induced pressure, and then continue flight beyond the alternate landing airport as weather conditions deteriorated, which…
- [NTSB ERA14FA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA163.md): Dehavilland DHC-1 · Vonore, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 23, 2014 · N540FM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB CEN14FA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA102.md): Mooney M20R · Boyne City, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 6, 2014 · N1046L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane as he attempted to return to the airport after encountering dark night conditions and heavy snow showers.
- [NTSB ERA14CA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA062.md): Anderson Andreas Rans S-6S · Traveler's Rest, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 3, 2013 · N581TC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to continue visual flight into deteriorating weather, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent inability to maintain clearance with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC14LA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14LA007.md): Beech 1900C · Deadhorse, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 22, 2013 · N575X · Substantial damage
  > The captain’s decision to initiate a visual flight rules approach and attempted landing into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the airplane touching down short of the runway. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s…
- [NTSB CEN14FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA051.md): Cessna T310R · Junction, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 12, 2013 · N38LH · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated private pilot's decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a weather…
- [NTSB ERA14FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA010.md): Eurocopter AS 350 B3 · Somerville, TN · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 22, 2013 · N353HW · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s inadvertent encounter with night, instrument meteorological conditions while responding to an obstacle alert, resulting in an in-flight loss of helicopter control.
- [NTSB WPR14CA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA019.md): Robinson R44 - II · Sedro Woolley, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 18, 2013 · N414CC · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument rated pilot's inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions during initial climb and his improper decision to continue flight, which resulted in an in-flight impact with a tree and an emergency descent that resulted in a…
- [NTSB ERA14FA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA002.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Tifton, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 18, 2013 · N11ML · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB ERA14WA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14WA026.md): Luscombe 8 - E · Buenos Aires, Argentina · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Oct 14, 2013 · LV-RTS · Substantial damage
  > On October 14, 2013, about 1134 coordinated universal time, a Luscombe 8E, Argentina registration LV-RTS, was substantially damaged, during descent in thick fog, when it impacted terrain in an industrial park. The flight had departed Zarate Airport (SATE),…
- [NTSB ANC13LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC13LA100.md): Cessna U206F · Kotzebue, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 2013 · N8316Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA13FA402](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA402.md): Cessna T-50 · Lenox Twp., PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 2013 · N41759 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's intentional visual flight into night instrument meteorological conditions and thunderstorms and his improper decision to takeoff without getting updated weather information after a briefer cautioned him during a previous flight that visual flight…
- [NTSB ERA13CA389](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA389.md): Diamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 · Blairsville, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 30, 2013 · N447JP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into deteriorating weather, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent inability to maintain clearance with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA13FA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA336.md): Robinson R66 · Noxen, PA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2013 · N646AG · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN13FA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA214.md): Cessna 152 · Hawley, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 29, 2013 · N5367B · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to conduct a flight into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control.
- [NTSB ERA13FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA144.md): Piper PA-28RT-201 · Lutz, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 24, 2013 · N2895U · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of instrument…
- [NTSB ERA13FA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA133.md): Cessna 310H · Yeehaw Junction, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 14, 2013 · N104DR · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his subsequent spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the copilot's improper evaluation of the weather…
- [NTSB WPR13CA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA065.md): Bellanca 7ECA · Tehachapi, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 8, 2012 · N8595V · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot's continued descent into instrument meteorological conditions during the landing approach and his loss of situational awareness, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN13FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA082.md): Beech P35 · Correctionville, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 2012 · N1566Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to perform a go-around after encountering thick fog at night.
- [NTSB CEN13FA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA039.md): Cessna 320E · San Marcos, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 1, 2012 · N10PM · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to takeoff in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.
- [NTSB ERA13FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA014.md): Bell 407 · Coolbaugh Township, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 2012 · N108MF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions due to self-imposed pressure to complete the trip, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB CEN13FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA003.md): Bell 407 · Intracoastal City, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 2012 · N406AL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to attempt a local flight in marginal visual meteorological conditions and his subsequent loss of control following an inadvertent encounter with instrument metrological conditions shortly after takeoff.
- [NTSB ANC12FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12FA066.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2012 · N432LT · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions likely leading to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and in-flight structural failure.
- [NTSB WPR12FA305](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA305.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Salina, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 2012 · N86AA · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB ERA12FA438](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA438.md): Cirrus Design SR20 · Moscow, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2012 · N764RV · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation, a loss of airplane control, and subsequent impact with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB ERA12FA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA205.md): Cessna LC42-550FG · Salisburry, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 2, 2012 · N167ZP · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to continue flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.
- [NTSB WPR12FA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA091.md): Cessna T206H · Show Low, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 4, 2012 · N445GH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s encounter with low clouds/low visibility conditions during the initial climb, which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB ERA12CA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA119.md): Hughes 369D · Fall Branch, TN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 21, 2011 · N500TN · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to continue a visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a wire strike.
- [NTSB ANC12CA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12CA016.md): Cessna 207A · Kwigillingok, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 21, 2011 · N6480H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions with moderate icing, which resulted in structural icing and an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ANC12FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12FA009.md): Cessna 207 · Chuathbaluk, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 29, 2011 · N1673U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of situational awareness after an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with tree-covered terrain.
- [NTSB ERA12FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA012.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Peru, WV · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 3, 2011 · N115CL · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB WPR11FA395](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA395.md): Maule M-7-235C · Brookings, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 21, 2011 · N199BF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees while on approach for landing.
- [NTSB ANC11FA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11FA077.md): Cessna 207 · McGrath, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 14, 2011 · N91099 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB ERA11FA422](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA422.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Berne, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 2011 · N1279T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and rising terrain while attempting to reverse course. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather…
- [NTSB ERA11WA439](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11WA439.md): Robinson R-44 · Istok, Russia · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jul 9, 2011 · RA-04304 · Substantial damage
  > On July 9, 2011, at 1900 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R-44, Russian registration RA-04304, registered to and operated by a private owner, collided with the Yenisei River, near Istok, Krasnoyarsk Region, Russia, during a repositioning flight at…
- [NTSB WPR11FA241](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA241.md): Cessna R172K · Cold Springs, NV · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 29, 2011 · N9831V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a controlled collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR11FA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA230.md): Cameron Lancair Legacy · Pioneer, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 18, 2011 · N121J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions at an insufficient altitude to clear terrain.
- [NTSB ERA11GA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11GA207.md): Cessna A185F · Ashland, ME · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Mar 24, 2011 · N724MT · Substantial damage
  > An inadvertent encounter with localized instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN11FA240](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA240.md): Cessna 150D · Baraboo, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 2011 · N4178U · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and his decision to continue the flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a subsequent loss of airplane control.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401/cases.md?page=5

## 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."mKey" IN (SELECT e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e."isDefiningEvent" AND e."tier2Number" = '401')
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401/cases?page=4

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