# 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 5 of 8 · 392 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 CEN15FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA027.md): Cessna T210M · Bay City, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 2014 · N761SU · Destroyed > The non-instrument rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control. - [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 ERA14FA359](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA359.md): Piper PA-46-310P · Clayton, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 2014 · N248SP · Destroyed > The pilot’s decision to begin a flight with fog and low clouds present at the airport, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions immediately after takeoff and a controlled flight into terrain. - [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 CEN14FA369](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA369.md): Agusta A109E · Newkirk, NM · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 2014 · N507CF · Destroyed > The pilot's inadvertent visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control. - [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 ERA14FA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA292.md): Columbia Aircraft Mfg LC41 550FG · East Patchogue, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2014 · N610MH · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and his decision to continue visual flight rules flight in instrument conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. - [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 WPR14FA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA188.md): Mooney M20C · Cody, WY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 6, 2014 · N6704U · Substantial damage > The non-instrument rated pilots’ decision to continue flight into known instrument meteorological conditions over mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB WPR14FA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA172.md): NBB Glasair III · Young, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 26, 2014 · N911EX · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to enter instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the loss of airplane control. - [NTSB ERA14CA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA189.md): Moore Thomas O Zenith Stol CH701 · Frostproof, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 8, 2014 · N12369 · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a precautionary landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's delayed decision to divert due to deteriorating weather. - [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 ERA14LA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA122.md): Cessna 172M · Pinson, TN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 14, 2014 · N194EX · Substantial damage > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions at night and his failure to divert in a timely manner, which resulted in an off-airport precautionary landing and subsequent substantial damage to the airplane. - [NTSB ERA14LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA117.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Stuart, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 8, 2014 · N2571U · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into dark night, instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation and subsequent impact with water. - [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 CEN14LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA074.md): Piper PA 28-181 · Rock Lake, ND · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 1, 2013 · N6780F · Substantial damage > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s failure to obtain weather briefings immediately before and during the flight and his continued flight into icing conditions, which resulted in the airplane’s loss of performance and the subsequent controlled descent into trees… - [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 WPR14FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA044.md): Cessna U206F · Donnelly, ID · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 2013 · N206KL · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering in likely low-ceiling and low-visibility conditions in mountainous terrain. - [NTSB ERA14FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA027.md): Cessna 172R · Nashville, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 29, 2013 · C-GRJH · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into night instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in a collision with the runway during an attempted approach to land. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s mental state, his… - [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 CEN13LA439](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA439.md): Woods Rufus III Vans RV-8A · Lucas, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2013 · N131RP · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control. - [NTSB ERA13FA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA273.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Manchester, KY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2013 · N114AE · Destroyed > The pilot’s loss of helicopter control due to spatial disorientation when he inadvertently encountered night, instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the main rotor and tailboom. - [NTSB CEN13FA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA217.md): Mooney M20E · Guymon, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 2013 · N9330M · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and his subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to take off in deteriorating… - [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 WPR13FA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA138.md): Cessna 172M · Saratoga, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 3, 2013 · N5129R · Substantial damage > The pilot’s decision to attempt flight into approaching adverse weather, which led to his low-level flight, encounter with mountain obscuration and moderate turbulence, and his subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the severity of the pilot’s… - [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 ERA13CA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA142.md): Dombroski Frank Vans RV-10 · Lake Placid, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 21, 2013 · N10FD · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision making, which resulted in attempted visual flight in night instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent impact with terrain. - [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 ANC13LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC13LA021.md): Cessna 172N · Kalskag, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 5, 2013 · N5290J · Substantial damage > The pilot’s decision to take off into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference and the subsequent controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the severity of the rear seat passenger’s injuries was the incorrect… - [NTSB WPR13FA312](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA312.md): Mooney M20F · Yosemite Valley, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 2012 · N9524M · Substantial damage > The pilot’s decision to continue flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain situational awareness and sufficient altitude to clear mountainous terrain. - [NTSB ERA13WA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13WA089.md): Piper PA34 · Zulia, Colombia · Accident · 4 fatal · Foreign investigation · Dec 12, 2012 · HK4477G · Destroyed > On December 12, 2012, about 1530 universal coordinated time (1030 local time), a Piper PA-34-200T, Colombian registration HK4477G, was destroyed when it impacted rising mountainous terrain in the vicinity of La Cuchilla, near Zulia, Norte de Santander,… - [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. Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401/sequence.md?page=6 ## 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=5 --- 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.