# 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 8 · 392 cases ## Cases, newest first - [NTSB ANC17FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC17FA021.md): Cessna 208B · Chignik Lake, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 1, 2017 · N803TH · Substantial damage > The pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into an area of mountainous terrain and instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). Contributing to the accident was the company's failure to provide the pilot… - [NTSB WPR17FA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA105.md): Socata TB 20 Trinidad · Sierraville, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 17, 2017 · N28070 · Destroyed > The pilot's decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain. - [NTSB GAA17CA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA215.md): Cessna 182 · Blue Earth, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 3, 2017 · N8889X · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to continue the night, visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain while on final approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper use of an electronic flight… - [NTSB ANC17FA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC17FA018.md): Cessna R172K · Nome, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 6, 2017 · N736AS · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper decision to conduct multiple visual approaches to the destination airport despite the night instrument meteorological conditions; the airplane's low fuel state at that time, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel… - [NTSB WPR17FA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA065.md): Cessna 172 · Panguitch, UT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 26, 2017 · N3712F · Substantial damage > The pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate preflight weather planning and his poor decision-making. - [NTSB ERA17LA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA113.md): Cirrus SR20 · Daytona Beach, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 24, 2017 · N255JB · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions (fog) during initial climb, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. - [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 WPR17FA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA055.md): Mooney M20J · Lake Hughes, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 12, 2017 · N6201N · Substantial damage > The pilot's controlled flight into mountainous terrain while attempting to operate under visual flight rules in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). - [NTSB WPR17FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA045.md): Cessna T210K · Payson, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 2, 2017 · N272EF · Destroyed > The non-instrument-rated pilot's improper decisions to begin and to continue a flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB CEN17FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA064.md): Piper PA 28R-200 · Vienna, IL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 31, 2016 · N2806R · Destroyed > The non-instrument rated pilot's decision to descend through an overcast layer of weather during dark night conditions, which resulted in the airplane impacting trees. - [NTSB WPR17FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA021.md): Hughes 369 · Pukoo, HI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 2016 · N81GG · Destroyed > The pilot's decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions at night in rain, which resulted in his geographic disorientation and controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB ANC17FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC17FA004.md): Fairchild Heli-Porter Pilatus PC-6 · Port Alsworth, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 29, 2016 · N5308F · Substantial damage > The airplane's collision with mountainous terrain while operating in an area of reduced visibility and icing conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which would have identified deteriorating weather conditions… - [NTSB ERA17CA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17CA008.md): Algimantas Jonusas RV-10 · Ashwood, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 7, 2016 · N100UK · Substantial damage > The noninstrument-rated pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight weather planning and continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain. - [NTSB ANC17MA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC17MA001.md): Cessna 208B · Togiak, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Oct 2, 2016 · N208SD · Destroyed > The flight crew's decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into deteriorating visibility and their failure to perform an immediate escape maneuver after entry into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into… - [NTSB WPR16LA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA189.md): Dehavilland Beaver DHC 2 MK.1 · Lopez Island, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 2016 · N6781L · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to land in an area of low visibility and ground fog, which resulted in collision with water. - [NTSB ANC16LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC16LA060.md): Piper PA 18-150 · Salcha, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 2016 · N8998Y · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. - [NTSB GAA16CA383](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA383.md): Aeronca 7AC · Lenoir, NC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 18, 2016 · N84690 · Substantial damage > The pilot's encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an emergency descent through fog, a runway overrun on a wet grass runway, and a collision with a ditch and vegetation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to… - [NTSB ANC16LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC16LA032.md): Cessna 207 · Goodnews Bay, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2016 · N91170 · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to select the correct route through the mountains as a result of geographic disorientation, and his subsequent visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in collision with terrain. - [NTSB ERA16CA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16CA197.md): American Champion 7GCBC · Warner, NH · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 29, 2016 · N80RK · Substantial damage > An encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot's spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. - [NTSB ANC16FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC16FA023.md): Airbus AS350 · Skagway, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 7, 2016 · N94TH · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot experiencing a loss of visual reference and subsequent controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the… - [NTSB ERA16FA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA176.md): Beech V35 · Syosset, NY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 3, 2016 · N440H · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of airplane control while operating in instrument meteorological conditions with only a partial instrument panel due to a failure of the airplane's vacuum pump. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's spatial disorientation and the… - [NTSB ERA16WA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16WA163.md): Robinson R66 · Bely Island, Russia · Accident · 3 fatal · Foreign investigation · Apr 18, 2016 · RA-06233 · Substantial damage - [NTSB ERA16FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA140.md): Eurocopter AS 350 B2 · Enterprise, AL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 26, 2016 · N911GF · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to perform visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to complete the… - [NTSB ERA16WA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16WA138.md): Bell 206B III · Angostura, Colombia · Accident · 3 fatal · Foreign investigation · Mar 22, 2016 · HK4674 · Destroyed > On March 23, 2016, about 1211 universal coordinated time, a Bell 206B III, Colombian registration HK4764, was destroyed when it impacted mountainous terrain and was consumed by a postcrash fire. Three of the four occupants were fatally injured, and one… - [NTSB CEN16LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA128.md): Grumman AA5 · Longview, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 18, 2016 · N9582L · Substantial damage > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control. - [NTSB CEN16FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA073.md): Cessna 172N · Wayne, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 4, 2016 · N5104D · Substantial damage > The noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with terrain. - [NTSB ERA16WA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16WA081.md): Bell 429 · Rostov-na-Dony, Russia · Accident · Serious injuries · Foreign investigation · Jan 1, 2016 · RA-01617 · Destroyed > Subject: ERA16WA081 Bell 429, RA-01617, Rostov-na-Dony, Russia On January 1, 2016, about 0621 universal coordinated time, a Bell 429, Russian registration RA-01617, was substantially damaged by collision with terrain during an uncontrolled descent following a… - [NTSB CEN16LA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA084.md): Schweizer 269C · Warrenton, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 22, 2015 · N292B · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions at night, which resulted in the loss of visual reference to the ground and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from trees. - [NTSB WPR16FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA041.md): Piper PA 32RT-300T · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 2015 · N36402 · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct and continue the flight despite forecast and en route instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which were not conducive to safe operation under visual flight rules. Also causal to the accident was the… - [NTSB ERA16FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA074.md): Hinton Paul M RV 4 · Greenville, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 2015 · N77BP · Destroyed > The pilot's decision to initiate the flight into known adverse weather conditions, in an airplane that was not approved for instrument flight, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and his subsequent spatial disorientation… - [NTSB ERA16WA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16WA069.md): Hawker Beech A36TC · Suvorovskaya, Russia · Accident · 4 fatal · Foreign investigation · Dec 13, 2015 · RA-2587G · Destroyed > On December 13, 2015, about 0826 Universal Time Coordinated (UTC), a Beech A36TC, Russian registration RA-2587G, registered to and operated by a private individual, experienced an in-flight loss of control and collided with terrain near Suvorovskaya Village,… - [NTSB ERA16FA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA063.md): Timothy C Williams CCK-1865 · Linesville, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 7, 2015 · N541TC · Substantial damage > The noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to attempt a flight under visual flight rules at night in instrument meteorological conditions to an unlit airstrip, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB CEN16FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA054.md): Cessna 140 · Keytesville, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 7, 2015 · N90123 · Substantial damage > The non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to operate in dark night conditions with low clouds, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of methamphetamine, which impaired his… - [NTSB CEN16FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA042.md): Cessna 182G · Sandia Park, NM · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 2015 · N2440R · Destroyed > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control. - [NTSB GAA16LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16LA031.md): Airbus AS350 · Deadhorse, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 27, 2015 · C-GSLY · Substantial damage > The noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation, and his subsequent failure to maintain terrain clearance while attempting to land in flat light and whiteout conditions. - [NTSB ERA16LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA003.md): Beech S35 · Knoxville, TN · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 2 · Limited · Final report · Oct 7, 2015 · N449CT · Substantial damage > The 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 spatial disorientation and subsequent collision with terrain. - [NTSB CEN16FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA005.md): Beech P35 · Chadron, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 6, 2015 · N877DM · Destroyed > The pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into rising terrain during cruise flight. - [NTSB CEN15FA400](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA400.md): Cessna 310H · Silverton, CO · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 2015 · N1099Q · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's improper judgment and his failure to maintain situational awareness, which resulted in the flight's encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and controlled flight into terrain during cruise flight. - [NTSB WPR15FA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA227.md): Cessna P337G · Santa Paula, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 2015 · N4CU · Substantial damage > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct a visual flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain. - [NTSB WPR15FA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA215.md): Piper PA 22-160 · Twin Sisters Mtn, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2015 · N9712D · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain. - [NTSB WPR15FA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA212.md): Beech A35 · Mazama, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2015 · N8749A · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain. - [NTSB WPR15FA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA166.md): Cessna 210F · Pleasanton, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 21, 2015 · N1842F · Destroyed > The pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient clearance from rising terrain. - [NTSB ERA15FA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA220.md): Gulfstream American AA-5A · Rowdy, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 21, 2015 · N26886 · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. - [NTSB WPR15FA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA152.md): Piper PA 28-140 · Mt Tom, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 22, 2015 · N1729J · Destroyed > The noncertificated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation leading to the pilot's loss of control of the airplane and subsequent collision with mountainous terrain. - [NTSB WPR15LA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA142.md): Schleicher ASW 27 · Reno, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 5, 2015 · N27QV · Substantial damage > The glider's encounter with severe turbulent atmospheric conditions after the pilot inadvertently entered clouds, which led to his inability to maintain a proper airspeed and the subsequent in-flight breakup of the glider. - [NTSB CEN15FA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA189.md): Cessna 152 · Batesville, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 2, 2015 · N65463 · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's controlled flight into terrain due to an inadvertent encounter with clouds in dark night conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly at night in marginal visual meteorological conditions without the… - [NTSB WPR15FA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA135.md): Piper PA32R - 301 · Townsend, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 26, 2015 · C-GAUS · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to depart on and to continue a visual flight rules flight over mountainous terrain into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent… - [NTSB CEN15FA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA174.md): Cessna 182Q · El Paso, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 17, 2015 · N735KF · Destroyed > The pilot's decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into known instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB CEN15FA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA171.md): Eurocopter AS 350 B2 · Eufaula, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 13, 2015 · N919EM · Destroyed > The flight's inadvertent encounter with night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot turning the helicopter and subsequently descending into trees and terrain due to spatial disorientation. - [NTSB ERA15FA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA099.md): Cessna 152 · New Smyrna Beach, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 14, 2015 · N757ZM · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while operating under visual flight rules (VFR) in night, instrument meteorological conditions, likely due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the outcome was the radar controller's failure to… Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401/sequence.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 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=4 --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.