# 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 8 of 8 · 392 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB CEN09FA340](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09FA340.md): Gulfstream American AA-5B · Humbird, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2009 · N448DM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight into an area of known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB ERA09CA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA314.md): Piper PA-22 · Aurora, WV · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 31, 2009 · N4824A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and preparation which resulted in a low fuel condition requiring an off-airport landing.
- [NTSB ERA09FA311](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA311.md): Mooney M20D · Clintwood, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 29, 2009 · N6628U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR09GA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09GA216.md): Lockheed P2V-7 · Stockton, UT · Accident · 3 fatal · Final report · Apr 25, 2009 · N442NA · Substantial damage
  > The flight crew's failure to maintain terrain clearance during low altitude flight in low ceiling and visibility conditions. Contributing to the accident was the flight crew's failure to adequately monitor their location with respect to the rising terrain…
- [NTSB WPR09FA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA176.md): Maule M-4-220C · Hungry Horse, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 2009 · N2007U · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper decision to continue flight into an area of reduced visibility and snow showers during cruise flight, which resulted in the pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of aircraft control.
- [NTSB WPR09FA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA175.md): Piper PA-22-150 · Sherwood, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 2009 · N9996D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN09FA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09FA195.md): Grumman American Avn. AA-1B · Golden, NM · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 2009 · N9646L · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's recent usage of alcohol and his subsequent impairment.
- [NTSB CEN09FA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09FA178.md): Cessna 182M · Albany, LA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 28, 2009 · N91593 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation after an encounter with marginal VMC and/or instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt the flight with the preflight…
- [NTSB ANC09LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC09LA019.md): Construcciones Aeronauticas C-212-CC · Kotzebue, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 14, 2009 · N440RA · Substantial damage
  > The flight crew's decision to continue flight into adverse weather. Contributing to the accident was blowing snow which limited their visibility during final approach to land.
- [NTSB ERA09FA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA145.md): Piper PA-34-200T · Huntington, WV · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 30, 2009 · N8047C · Destroyed
  > (1) The pilot’s failure to perform adequate preflight planning and to use available in flight resources in a timely manner and (2) his decision to continue visual-flight-rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions despite his lack of an instrument…
- [NTSB WPR09FA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA076.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · West Valley City, UT · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 9, 2009 · N168SH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadvertent VFR flight into IMC conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and loss of control of the helicopter. Also causal was the flight instructor’s delay in taking remedial action.
- [NTSB ERA09LA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA124.md): Piper PA-28-160 · Indiana, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 4, 2009 · N5212W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to attempt VFR flight in IMC conditions, resulting in a collision with trees during a go-around.
- [NTSB ERA09LA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA123.md): Piper PA-28-151 · Powder Springs, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 3, 2009 · N43631 · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument rated pilot's decision to continue under visual flight rules into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA09LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA128.md): Air Tractor AT-602 · Philadelphia, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 2, 2009 · N5013C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper preflight weather planning and his continued VFR flight into IMC conditions resulting in an in-flight collision with trees.
- [NTSB CEN09FA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09FA086.md): Bell 206L-4 · Sabine Pass, TX · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 11, 2008 · N180AL · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water. Contributing to the accident was the inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB ERA09FA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA078.md): Rockwell International 690B · Rio Grande, PR · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 3, 2008 · N318WA · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN09LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA056.md): Cessna 182M · Basalt, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 2008 · N71276 · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his loss of control of the airplane in flight.
- [NTSB ERA09FA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA022.md): Robinson R22 · Dryden, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 16, 2008 · N943MH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB MIA08MA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08MA203.md): Aerospatiale SA365N-1 D · District Heights, MD · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Sep 28, 2008 · N92MD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's attempt to regain visual conditions by performing a rapid descent and his failure to arrest the descent at the minimum descent altitude during a nonprecision approach. Contributing to the accident were (1) the pilot’s limited recent instrument…
- [NTSB CHI08FA293](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08FA293.md): Robinson R44 II · Kenosha, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 2008 · N999ZD · Destroyed
  > The pilots failure to maintain clearance from terrain resulting in an in-flight collision with a house. Contributing to the accident was the night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and the pilot's lack of experience of flying in IMC.
- [NTSB NYC08LA310](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA310.md): Dufault Mark V Pitts S-1D · Ridgely, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 2008 · N511MD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight weather evaluation which resulted in an attempted landing in fog and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB DFW08FA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08FA212.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Yuma, CO · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 2008 · N5476P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB DEN08FA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN08FA141.md): Cessna 182T · Georgia Pass, CO · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 15, 2008 · N487TC · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after inadvertantly encountering instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's failure to obtain a weather brief and the severe weather conditions.
- [NTSB DEN08LA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN08LA139.md): Dickey RV-6A · Muskogee, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 11, 2008 · N22163 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into an area of reduced visibility weather conditions, which resulted in the pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was…
- [NTSB ANC08FA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08FA133.md): Cessna 182 · Juneau, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 2008 · N9350X · Destroyed
  > 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 was the…
- [NTSB DFW08CA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08CA203.md): Collard Dragonfly · Big Sping, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 4, 2008 · N793TW · Substantial damage
  > Loss of aircraft control due to inadvertent penetration of a dust devil.
- [NTSB LAX08FA246](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08FA246.md): Cessna 172N · McMurray, WA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2008 · N75558 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions. Contributing to the accident were low ceilings, reduced visibility, and mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB NYC08FA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA231.md): Beech 95-B55 · Jasper, AL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 2008 · N727BC · Destroyed
  > The pilot's intentional visual flight into known instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of control in flight. Contributing to the accident was the overweight and aft-center-of-gravity condition of the…
- [NTSB NYC08CA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA236.md): Glasflugel Standard Libelle · Front Royal, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 29, 2008 · N184W · Substantial damage
  > Aircraft control was not maintained during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was turbulence and inadvertent flight into adverse weather.
- [NTSB NYC08LA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA223.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Rockland, ME · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 2008 · N8776N · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument rated pilot becoming spatially disorientated after inadvertently entering instrument flight conditions.
- [NTSB LAX08CA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08CA188.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Lodi, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 19, 2008 · N3859E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate in-flight decision to continue the flight into an area of obscured visibility and his failure to maintain clearance above obstacles.
- [NTSB LAX08FA190](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08FA190.md): Cessna 172M · Pahala, HI · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2008 · N13713 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to remain clear of rising terrain while deviating from his planned route of flight. Contributing to the accident were clouds and mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB LAX08LA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA154.md): Maule MX-7-235 · Boulder, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 23, 2008 · N5657Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to continue flight at low altitude in instrument weather conditions and his failure to maintain clearance from a power line. Contributing to the accident were low cloud and visibility conditions.
- [NTSB LAX08CA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08CA150.md): Bellanca 7GCBC · Rockport, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 19, 2008 · N90930 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's performance of VFR flight into IMC, resulting in failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing to the accident was the fog.
- [NTSB NYC08FA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA180.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Cruso, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 12, 2008 · N64FP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions with moderate to severe turbulence prevailing. Contributing to the accident were the instrument meteorological conditions and turbulence.
- [NTSB CHI08CA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA131.md): Kuntz Kuntz 2000 GTS EFI · Dickinson, ND · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 10, 2008 · N610RD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight weather evaluation and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the precautionary landing at night. Contributing to the accident was the pilot becoming lost after inadvertently encountering fog while en route, the night…
- [NTSB SEA08LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08LA105.md): Glasair Glasair III · Cheyenne, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 7, 2008 · C-GGTM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions. Contributing to the accident were low ceilings, snow and whiteout conditions.
- [NTSB ANC08LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08LA046.md): Piper PA-32 · Koliganek, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 2008 · N8327S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's VFR flight into adverse weather conditions that resulted in a collision with snow-covered terrain during a turn to reverse direction. Factors contributing to the accident were low ceilings, flat lighting conditions, and the snow-covered terrain.
- [NTSB SEA08LA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08LA095.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Bridger, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 26, 2008 · N432RM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to maintain situational awareness during the flight. Contributing to the accident were the dark night, the pilot's failure to follow approved navigational procedures for the flight, and the pilot's over reliance on the avionics in the…
- [NTSB CHI08LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08LA080.md): Cessna 140 · Grand Meadow, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 8, 2008 · N3537V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into an area of known instrument meteorological conditions in an airplane not equipped for instrument flight, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB DFW08FA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08FA062.md): Eurocopter France AS350B2 · S. Padre Island, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 6, 2008 · N911VA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in the helicopter impacting the water. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions, the low ceiling, dark night conditions, and…
- [NTSB LAX08FA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08FA058.md): Cessna 340A · Cabazon, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 2, 2008 · N354TJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain terrain clearance while en route. Contributing to the accident were clouds and mountainous terrain.

## 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=8

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