# 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 2 of 8 · 392 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB WPR22FA298](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA298.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Blyn, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 10, 2022 · N379DH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s continued operation of the airplane with known mechanical malfunctions with the flight displays, and his continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain while maneuvering.
- [NTSB WPR22FA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA266.md): Holland Mike RV9A · Tryon, NE · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 25, 2022 · N192MH · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation, a loss of control, exceedance of the airplane’s design limitations, and in-flight breakup of the airplane…
- [NTSB WPR22FA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA255.md): Aeronca 7BCM · Lake McMurray, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 16, 2022 · N2588C · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference and subsequent controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA22FA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA314.md): Cessna 210C · Shelby, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 15, 2022 · N3659Y · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to commence the flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-induced pressure to…
- [NTSB WPR22LA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA253.md): Cessna P210N · Buffalo, WY · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 14, 2022 · N731BJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into localized instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an encounter with convective turbulence and a subsequent loss of control and in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB WPR22FA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA172.md): Vans RV10 · Sausalito, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 6, 2022 · N54MG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into an area of limited visibility conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB ERA22LA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA180.md): Hughes 269A · Fort White, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 2, 2022 · N7057L · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to fly a visual flight rules only helicopter in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB ERA22LA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA142.md): Vans RV-12IS · Big Pine Key, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 27, 2022 · N123RR · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight and in-flight weather planning and his improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into an area of limited visibility in moderate precipitation, which resulted in a loss of airplane control due to spatial…
- [NTSB ERA22FA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA096.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Cosby, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 29, 2021 · N544SC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s intentional, continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions in a helicopter that was not certified for instrument conditions, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control and a collision with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB CEN22FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA082.md): Cessna 172 · Hardy, AR · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 26, 2021 · N5798T · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was a loss of engine power due to fuel…
- [NTSB GAA22WA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA22WA054.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Auxerre, France · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 21, 2021 · N565CK · Destroyed
- [NTSB ERA22FA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA085.md): Beech V35 · Crab Orchard, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 10, 2021 · N5704V · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was…
- [NTSB ERA22FA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA083.md): Cessna 182 · Statesboro, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 8, 2021 · N5776B · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into dark night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control shortly after takeoff.
- [NTSB WPR22FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA054.md): Beech V35 · Visalia, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 5, 2021 · N7933M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to depart into night instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB CEN22FA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA058.md): Cessna 182L · Bonnerdale, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 4, 2021 · N182NS · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument rated pilot’s improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA22WA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA22WA082.md): Cubcrafters CC11-160 · Monterrey, Mexico · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 25, 2021 · N70CC · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ERA22LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA060.md): Cessna 150 · Wilkes-Barre, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 14, 2021 · N6714S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to commence the flight in marginal visual flight rules conditions at night, and his failure to maintain a safe altitude once instrument conditions were encountered.
- [NTSB WPR22LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA032.md): Bell OH-58A · Holtville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 9, 2021 · N902SF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control after becoming spatially disoriented when the helicopter entered low-level haze/fog.
- [NTSB CEN22FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA023.md): Beech P35 · Harrison, NE · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 31, 2021 · N8625M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue the flight into instrument and icing conditions, which resulted in loss of control and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a timely weather briefing.
- [NTSB WPR22FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA021.md): Cessna 150L · Dunsmuir, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 20, 2021 · N5268Q · Substantial damage
  > The non-certificated pilot’s improper decision to continue the flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB CEN22FA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA013.md): New Glasair Glastar · Waukesha, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 12, 2021 · N628RS · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart and continue flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB ERA21FA362](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA362.md): Robinson Helicopter R66 · Monticello, GA · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 16, 2021 · N888DV · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into deteriorating weather conditions during a dark night and over unlit terrain, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of helicopter control.
- [NTSB ANC21FA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21FA069.md): Dehavilland DHC-2 MK.I · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · 6 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Aug 5, 2021 · N1249K · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules (VFR) flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the FAA’s reliance on voluntary compliance with the Ketchikan…
- [NTSB ERA21LA295](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA295.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Point Harbor, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 19, 2021 · N4529J · Destroyed
  > The noncertificated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation over a large body of water and a high velocity impact with the water. Contributing to the accident…
- [NTSB CEN21FA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA297.md): Earthstar Gull 2000 · Curtiss, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 30, 2021 · N1712L · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions with dense fog and low clouds, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-imposed…
- [NTSB ERA21LA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA191.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Forkston, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 23, 2021 · N4055N · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight weather planning, which resulted in an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions at night, spatial disorientation, and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA21FA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA189.md): Piper PA-28RT-201T · Brownsville, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 21, 2021 · N4303G · Destroyed
  > The student pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a rapid uncontrolled descent into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the self-induced and external…
- [NTSB CEN21FA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA125.md): Cessna 177RG · Galt, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 8, 2021 · N8080G · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to takeoff into instrument meteorological conditions consisting of low ceilings and icing and his failure to remain clear of terrain while attempting to remain below the clouds, which resulted in impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA21LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA028.md): Bell 206 · Point Lookout, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 21, 2020 · N716VL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to depart on a visual flight rules flight, and to continue that flight into forecasted and deteriorating instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) in a helicopter that was not equipped for flight in IMC, which resulted in the pilot’s…
- [NTSB WPR20LA319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA319.md): Cessna T182 · Santa Barbara, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 27, 2020 · N157RC · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation after entering instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB ERA20LA335](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA335.md): Piper PA28 · Union, SC · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 27, 2020 · N33859 · Destroyed
  > A total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat in conditions conducive to the development of carburetor icing.
- [NTSB WPR20LA304](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA304.md): Cessna 172 · Seeley Lake, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 13, 2020 · N3720R · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s encounter with instrument meteorological conditions during a night visual approach due to wildfire smoke, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA20LA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA314.md): Zenair CH750 Cruzer · Boaz, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 10, 2020 · N656BN · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with trees and terrain. Contributing was the pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into an area of low clouds.
- [NTSB CEN20LA379](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA379.md): Cirrus SR22 · Chester, AR · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 5, 2020 · N733CD · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into dark night instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB ERA20LA305](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA305.md): Piper PA20 · Luray, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 31, 2020 · N7323K · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation, a loss of control, and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA20LA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA262.md): Beech F33 · Malbis, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 29, 2020 · N3156W · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart in deteriorating weather conditions, which led to restricted visibility and the pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the pilot’s poor decision-making was…
- [NTSB ERA20CA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA222.md): Beech 77 · Elizabethton, TN · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jun 20, 2020 · N3815Z · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's decision to continue from visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB CEN20LA186](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA186.md): Cessna T206 · Center, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 20, 2020 · N51610 · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument rated pilot’s intentional flight into instrument meteorological conditions (clouds) which resulted in spatial disorientation and an inflight loss of control.
- [NTSB WPR20CA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA089.md): Cessna 208 · Eureka, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 6, 2020 · N24MG · Destroyed
  > The pilot's delayed response to initiate a go-around during a night visual approach over water after the airplane entered instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of forward visibility and subsequent impact with the water.
- [NTSB ERA20FA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA088.md): Aeropro CZ A220 · Grafton, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 27, 2020 · N214K · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and conditions favorable for airframe icing, which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane.
- [NTSB DCA20MA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA20MA059.md): Sikorsky S76 · Calabasas, CA · Accident · 9 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Jan 26, 2020 · N72EX · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s likely self-induced pressure…
- [NTSB ANC20MA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20MA010.md): Airbus AS350B2 · Kekaha, HI · Accident · 7 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Dec 27, 2019 · N985SA · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules (VFR) into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in the collision into terrain. Contributing to the accident was Safari Aviation Inc.’s lack of safety management processes…
- [NTSB CEN20WA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20WA011.md): Cessna 172 · San Salvador, El Salvador · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Oct 19, 2019 · N7381G · Destroyed
- [NTSB WPR20WA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20WA003.md): Cessna 172 · Sultanpur, India · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Oct 6, 2019 · VT-RGF · Substantial damage
  > On October 6, 2019, about 0750 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 172, VT-RGF, impacted terrain near Sultanpur, India after requesting to turn back due to bad weather. The student pilot and passenger were fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The…
- [NTSB CEN20FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20FA003.md): Lancair Legacy · Bixby, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 6, 2019 · N10LG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB CEN19FA332](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA332.md): Cessna 150 · Prairie Grove, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 24, 2019 · N4658X · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation after encountering instrument meteorological conditions at night.
- [NTSB WPR19FA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA263.md): Cessna 182 · Nixon, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 2019 · N1891X · Destroyed
  > A loss of airplane control while maneuvering due to spatial disorientation after inadvertently entering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inexperience in IMC conditions.
- [NTSB WPR19FA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA256.md): Piper PA32 · La Grande, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 8, 2019 · N6300Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN19FA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA247.md): Piper PA28 · Ontonagon, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 3, 2019 · N5167L · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions with thunderstorm activity, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB ANC19FA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC19FA033.md): Piper PA 24-180 · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 11, 2019 · N5840P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401/sequence.md?page=3

## 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 s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '401' 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/401/sequence?page=2

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