# Fatal NTSB investigations: Loss of visual reference 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 ERA24FA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA283.md): Piper PA46 · Trout Creek, NY · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 30, 2024 · N85PG · Destroyed > The pilot’s loss of airplane control in flight due to spatial disorientation during a climb to cruise altitude in instrument meteorological conditions and turbulence, which resulted in the in-flight breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was… - [NTSB ERA24LA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA227.md): Brallier Scott Glasair I · Gulf of Mexico, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 26, 2024 · N446KW · Destroyed > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while flying over water in dark night conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to conduct the overwater flight in conditions conducive to the… - [NTSB WPR24FA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA057.md): Cessna 172G · Independence, OR · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 17, 2023 · N3992L · Destroyed > The pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in collision with an obstacle while landing. - [NTSB ERA23FA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA270.md): Piper PA-30 · Ebensburg, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 17, 2023 · N7628Y · Destroyed > The pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain. - [NTSB CEN23FA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA125.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Port O'Connor, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 7, 2023 · N494SH · Destroyed > The pilot’s initiation of the visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of helicopter control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s flicker vertigo during the flight. - [NTSB GAA22WA311](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA22WA311.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Kildare, Ireland · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 11, 2022 · N999RL · Destroyed - [NTSB WPR22FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA073.md): Mooney M20C · Marana, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 31, 2021 · N6796N · Substantial damage > The pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation after entering instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to use of methamphetamine before the flight. - [NTSB CEN22FA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA067.md): Piper PA 28-140 · Houston, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 9, 2021 · N3865K · Destroyed > The student pilot’s decision to depart into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. - [NTSB WPR21FA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21FA143.md): Airbus Helicopters AS350-B3 · Palmer, AK · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 28, 2021 · N351SH · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to adequately respond to an encounter with whiteout conditions, which resulted in the helicopter’s collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the (1) operator’s inadequate pilot training program and pilot competency checks,… - [NTSB CEN21FA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA150.md): Aviat A-1B · Berwyn, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 6, 2021 · N166WW · Destroyed > A loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain as a result of spatial disorientation during cruise in dark night conditions. - [NTSB CEN20FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20FA010.md): Cessna 172 · Aberdeen, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 10, 2019 · N6483B · Destroyed > The noncertificated pilot’s decision to fly in dark night instrument conditions, resulting in impact with terrain. - [NTSB GAA19WA574](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19WA574.md): Cirrus SR22 · Pedreguer, Spain · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Sep 15, 2019 · F-HAMP · Destroyed > The government of Spain has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CIRRUS SR22 airplane that occurred on September 15, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Spain's investigation under the provisions… - [NTSB ERA19FA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA234.md): Cirrus SR22 · Americus, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Jul 24, 2019 · N921CD · Destroyed > The pilot’s decision to depart in dark instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s and pilot-rated passenger’s self-induced pressure to… - [NTSB GAA19WA417](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19WA417.md): De Havilland DHC2 · Chibogamau, Canada · Accident · 3 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jul 12, 2019 · C-GRHF · Substantial damage > The government of Canada has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a DE HAVILLAND DHC2 airplane that occurred on July 12, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Canada's investigation under the… - [NTSB ERA19FA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA191.md): Agusta A109 · New York, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 10, 2019 · N200BK · Destroyed > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to initiate the flight into marginal visual flight rules and instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of control. - [NTSB ERA19FA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA163.md): Guimbal Cabri · Kent Island, MD · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · May 4, 2019 · N572MD · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent descent into the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to conduct the flight at a low altitude without… - [NTSB ERA19FA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA116.md): Piper PA28 · Fellsmere, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Mar 5, 2019 · N556PU · Substantial damage > The student pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation following an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the failure of both the pilot and the flight school to ensure that the… - [NTSB WPR19FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA025.md): Cessna 182 · Redding, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Nov 16, 2018 · N2629R · Substantial damage > The pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control after takeoff in dark night instrument meteorological conditions. - [NTSB ERA19FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA010.md): Vans RV8 · Culpeper, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Oct 12, 2018 · N804RL · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of attitude orientation while maneuvering at low altitude in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in impact with terrain. - [NTSB WPR18FA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA232.md): Hughes 369 · Granger, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 21, 2018 · N530FU · Destroyed > The failure of both pilots to see and avoid a power line while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's decision to not follow the training syllabus and allow the low-level high-speed flight. - [NTSB WPR18LA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA113.md): Schweizer G 164B · Stockton, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 27, 2018 · N3629E · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with power lines while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. - [NTSB ERA18LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA094.md): Cessna 172 · Ocean City, MD · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 1, 2018 · N615JA · Destroyed > The pilot's flight in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in an impact with water for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information. - [NTSB ERA17FA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA139.md): Mooney M20J · Aberdeen, MS · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 28, 2017 · N643RJ · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain after takeoff in dark night conditions for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information. - [NTSB ERA16FA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA143.md): Robinson R44 · Canadensis, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 27, 2016 · N776JM · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation, which occurred after ascending in order to clear rising terrain and inadvertently entering the clouds. - [NTSB ERA16LA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA106.md): Piper PA28 · Destin, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 13, 2016 · N2209W · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to turn the airplane away from the lighted airport at low altitude, over water, with no visible horizon, in dark night conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. - [NTSB ERA16FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA032.md): Piper PA 28-180 · Cornelia, GA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 5, 2015 · N57WV · Destroyed > The pilot's decision to initiate the flight into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control. - [NTSB ERA16FA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA031.md): Flight Design Ctls · Queens, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 5, 2015 · N622BT · Substantial damage > The noninstrument-rated pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control while maneuvering at low altitude, over water with no visible horizon, in dark night conditions, which resulted in a collision with the water. - [NTSB WPR16FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA014.md): Piper PA 28R-180 · Morongo Valley, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 2015 · N4972J · Destroyed > The non-instrument rated pilot's improper inflight decision-making to attempt to outclimb clouds along his planned route rather than reverse course, which resulted in his inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, spatial disorientation, and… - [NTSB WPR15FA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA247.md): Cessna 172P · Townsend, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 2015 · N62731 · Substantial damage > The non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct a cross-country flight over a mountain range in dark night conditions with limited night flight experience, which resulted in a collision with mountainous terrain. - [NTSB ERA15FA299](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA299.md): Piper PA-28R · Marathon, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 2015 · N54380 · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff due to spatial disorientation while turning after takeoff in dark night conditions in a sparsely populated area, which resulted in the airplane’s descent into water. Contributing to the… - [NTSB ERA15FA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA178.md): Hughes 369D · Cherokee, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 6, 2015 · N555JC · Substantial damage > The pilot's spatial disorientation during a low-level river crossing in rainy, gray, reduced visibility meteorological conditions, which resulted in the helicopter's subsequent descent and impact with the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's… - [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 WPR15FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA082.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Tooele, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 9, 2015 · N383GM · Substantial damage > The non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to depart into low visibility conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impaired performance due to his use of the sedating antihistamine,… - [NTSB WPR14LA322](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA322.md): Schweizer G 164B · Tulelake, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 2014 · N3627R · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering during low-altitude operations. - [NTSB CEN13FA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA135.md): Cessna 208B · Pellston, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 16, 2013 · N1120N · Destroyed > The pilot's inadvertent controlled descent into terrain due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was lack of visual reference due to night conditions. - [NTSB WPR13FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA080.md): Bell 206 · Delano, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 2, 2013 · N828AC · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in low visibility, dark night conditions. - [NTSB ERA13WA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13WA068.md): Embraer 810D · Chapada dos Guimaraes, Brazil · Accident · 4 fatal · Foreign investigation · Nov 1, 2012 · PT-VRV · Substantial damage > On November 1, 2012, at 1950 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), an Embraer Aircraft model EMB-810D (Piper Design PA-34-220T), Brazilian registration PT-VRV, operated by a private owner, was substantially damaged following an encounter with weather and a… - [NTSB ERA12LA562](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA562.md): Republic RC-3 · Cedar Bluff, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 2012 · N6072K · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines during final approach to landing. - [NTSB ERA12WA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12WA113.md): Robinson R44 · Sao Bento do Sul, Brazil · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Dec 9, 2011 · PR-KLA · Substantial damage > On December 9, 2011 at 1630 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R44, Brazilian registration PR-KLA, operated by SASH Locacao de Veiculos LTDA, as a personal flight, impacted terrain in the vicinity of Fazenda Coqueiros, Sao Bento do Sul, Santa Catarina,… - [NTSB CEN11FA557](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA557.md): Piper PA-23 · Millersburg, OH · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 2011 · N2286P · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with terrain during the landing approach in night conditions and fog. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning. - [NTSB CEN11FA468](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA468.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Rising Sun, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 9, 2011 · N42333 · Substantial damage > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and failure to maintain clearance from terrain. - [NTSB WPR09FA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA158.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Corona, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 2009 · N55962 · Substantial damage > The pilot did not maintain airplane control during climb due to spatial disorientation while flying in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent instrument flying experience. - [NTSB NYC08FA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA155.md): SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 · Belfast, ME · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 6, 2008 · N601RH · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation during an aerobatic maneuver. ## 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."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e."isDefiningEvent" AND e."tier2Number" = '402') ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/402/cases?fatal=1 --- 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.