# 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 6 of 8 · 392 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [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 ERA13FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA026.md): Aerospatiale AS 355 · Erwinna, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 2012 · C-FXGM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to depart under visual flight rules in dark night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in subsequent spatial disorientation, uncontrolled descent, and impact with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB WPR13FA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA013.md): Aeropro CZ A240 · Half Moon Bay, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 2012 · N72AH · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane 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 WPR13FA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA008.md): Piper PA-32R-301T · Laramie Peak, WY · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 9, 2012 · N110UM · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient clearance from rising 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 CEN12FA639](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA639.md): Mooney M20J · Teddys Peak, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 2012 · N58119 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions, including fog and mountain obscuration, and his failure to maintain clearance with known rising terrain along the route of flight, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ANC12CA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12CA089.md): Maule M-5-210C · Coldfoot, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 18, 2012 · N319X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed decision to turn around while flying through a narrow mountain pass, which resulted in a forced landing and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA12FA467](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA467.md): Brenholt Larry R RV-4 · Cedartown, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 2012 · N25UA · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.
- [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 WPR12FA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA255.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Mountain Home, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 2012 · N8990N · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB WPR12CA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA213.md): Rotherwick HR Glasair III · Darby, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 17, 2012 · N471B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of directional control during an emergency landing on a paved highway.
- [NTSB CEN12FA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA196.md): Beech 35 · Glencoe, MN · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 21, 2012 · N3871N · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the design limits of the airplane being exceeded and an in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB ANC12LA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12LA026.md): Dehavilland Beaver DHC-2 · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 13, 2012 · N82SF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to depart in marginal visual meteorological conditions, and his continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions.
- [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 ERA12FA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA151.md): Cessna 150G · Quincy, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 23, 2012 · N73JK · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s spatial disorientation in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his inability to maintain controlled flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to take off in deteriorating…
- [NTSB ERA12MA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12MA122.md): Bell 206B · Green Cove Springs, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Dec 26, 2011 · N5016M · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s improper decision to continue visual flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the pilot’s improper decision was his self-induced pressure to complete the trip.
- [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 CEN12FA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA098.md): Socata TB21 · Silverton, CO · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 3, 2011 · N25153 · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to embark on a flight through forecasted instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his subsequent flight into IMC, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent maneuvering of the airplane…
- [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 CEN12FA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA083.md): Cirrus Design SR20 · Crystal Lake, IL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 26, 2011 · N223CD · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to continue flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control of the airplane.
- [NTSB WPR12FA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA031.md): Cessna 182Q · Lake Havasu City, AZ · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 7, 2011 · N4701N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued cruise flight into cloudy conditions at night, which resulted in a loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation.
- [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 ANC11CA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11CA092.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Deadhorse, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 4, 2011 · N83283 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions.
- [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 ERA11FA467](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA467.md): Cessna 172M · Titusville, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 2011 · N13126 · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's improper decision to attempt a visual descent into instrument meteorological conditions while approaching the destination airport, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees and terrain.
- [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 ERA11FAMS1](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FAMS1.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Accident · 1 fatal · Missing aircraft · Final report · Aug 1, 2011 · N4533R · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrumented rated pilot’s flight into instrument meteorological conditions for undetermined reasons, resulting in an in-flight loss of control, uncontrolled descent, and collision with the water.
- [NTSB ERA11LA424](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA424.md): Air Tractor AT-602 · Drew, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 2011 · N8525L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to conduct a visual flight rules aerial application flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in flight collision with the ground while maneuvering.
- [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 ANC11FA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11FA069.md): Cessna 182P · Juneau, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 2011 · N7304S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to reach his destination.
- [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 WPR11FA319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA319.md): Piper PA-22-135 · Verlot, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2011 · N8721C · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into clouds and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering in an area of reduced visibility, low clouds, and mountain obscuration.
- [NTSB ERA11FA376](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA376.md): Cessna A185F · Yabucoa, PR · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 2011 · N8436Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate weather planning and improper decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an encounter with a thunderstorm and subsequent loss of control.
- [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 CEN11FA347](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA347.md): Beech F33A · Taos, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 20, 2011 · N1533Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of situational awareness, and a possible encounter with icing conditions.
- [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 WPR11FA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA221.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Miles City, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 9, 2011 · N8523H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into deteriorating weather conditions in an airplane not equipped for instrument flight, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN11FA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA300.md): Dahlman-Dower Tailwind W-8 · Elk City, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 21, 2011 · N7804C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to attempt flight into instrument meteorological conditions in an airplane that was equipped for flight in visual meteorological conditions only, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disoriented and loss of control of the airplane.
- [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.
- [NTSB WPR11FA156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA156.md): Douglas AD-4N · Twin Falls, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2011 · N2088G · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s encounter with localized instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB WPR11FA147](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA147.md): Neefjes Lancair 360 MK-II · Milford, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 27, 2011 · N989TT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation after inadvertently entering instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate preflight preparation, his en route decision-making, and his…
- [NTSB ERA11WA159](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11WA159.md): Robinson R44 · Canne della Battaglia, Italy · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Feb 18, 2011 · F-GUJB · Substantial damage
  > On February 18, 2011, about 0706 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R44, French registration F-GUJB, crashed after an in-flight separation of the tail rotor from the fuselage. The pilot was killed. The flight departed Bari, Italy, for Foggia Airport…
- [NTSB ERA11CA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11CA134.md): Piper PA-12 · Sebago Lake, ME · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 5, 2011 · N3806M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s initiation of a right turn with insufficient altitude remaining during an aborted landing resulting in a collision with the landing surface.
- [NTSB ERA11LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA104.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Benton, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 3, 2011 · N42997 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during the night flight.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/401/sequence.md?page=7

## 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=6

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