# NTSB investigations, AK: 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. ## Latest cases - [NTSB ANC24FA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24FA089.md): Bell 206B · King Salmon, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 7, 2024 · N306FW · Substantial damage > The pilot’s decision to initiate the visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation, failure to maintain helicopter control and subsequent impact with water. - [NTSB ANC24LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24LA069.md): Beech A35 · Gustavus, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 20, 2024 · N410B · Destroyed > The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB ANC24FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24FA032.md): Taylorcraft BC12-D · Nondalton, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 17, 2024 · N95744 · Substantial damage > The non-certificated pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into the water. - [NTSB ANC23LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23LA032.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Skwentna, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 9, 2023 · N704T · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from terrain while maneuvering in adverse weather conditions, which resulted in a dynamic rollover. - [NTSB ANC23LA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23LA002.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Cordova, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 16, 2022 · N3432W · 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 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 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. - [NTSB ANC19TA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC19TA017.md): Cessna A185 · Nome, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Final report · Apr 15, 2019 · N5163E · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into an area of mountainous terrain and instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the… - [NTSB ANC18FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18FA053.md): De Havilland DHC 3 · Hydaburg, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 2018 · N3952B · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB ANC18LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18LA031.md): Cessna 208B · Atqasuk, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 11, 2018 · N814GV · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions and his subsequent failure to level the airplane after the autopilot disconnected, which resulted in a collision with terrain. - [NTSB ANC18FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18FA003.md): Cessna 210 · Russian Mission, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 16, 2017 · N8347Z · Destroyed > The pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of control. - [NTSB ANC17FA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC17FA049.md): Piper PA-18AS · Tyonek, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 2017 · N1905A · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into dark night, marginal visual flight rules to instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. - [NTSB ANC17FA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC17FA039.md): Cessna U206 · Port Alsworth, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Jul 27, 2017 · N1749R · 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. Contributing to the accident was (1) the inadequate preflight… - [NTSB GAA17CA388](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA388.md): Cessna 207 · Hope, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 3, 2017 · N9620M · Substantial damage > The pilot’s inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB ANC17LA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC17LA025.md): Airbus AS350 · Juneau, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 23, 2017 · N207CH · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to depart into an area of degraded visual meteorological and flat light conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual references and subsequent controlled flight into terrain. - [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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 ANC10FA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10FA069.md): Piper PA-18-150 · McGrath, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 2010 · N2413H · Substantial damage > The pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and the airplane’s subsequent aerodynamic stall, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain. - [NTSB ANC10LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10LA071.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Chickaloon, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 2010 · N3432W · Substantial damage > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in an in-flight collision with terrain. - [NTSB ANC10CA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10CA027.md): Cessna 182B · Port Alsworth, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 18, 2010 · N2266G · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to enter adverse weather conditions, resulting in a loss of visibility and collision with terrain during a turn to reverse direction. - [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 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 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. ## 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'AK' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA' AND 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?state=AK --- 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.