# 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.

Page 1 of 3 · 137 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA26LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA140.md): Beech A36 · Gulf Shores, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Mar 8, 2026 · N66519 · Destroyed
  > On March 7, 2026, about 1900 central standard time, a Beechcraft A36, N66519 was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Gulf Shores, Alabama. The pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…
- [NTSB ERA25FA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA119.md): Cessna 208 · Pierson, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 14, 2025 · N40EA · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of control.
- [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 CEN24FA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA243.md): Waco YKC · Selden, KS · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 30, 2024 · N14137 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which had not been forecast at the time of departure, and which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB WPR24FA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA202.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Capitan, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 21, 2024 · N331BS · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight through an apparent visual corridor that rapidly narrowed due to rising terrain and mountain obscuration, resulting in momentary instrument meteorological conditions and the pilot’s subsequent…
- [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 ERA24FA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA120.md): Piper PA32 · Jackson, OH · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 24, 2024 · N8963N · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain while maneuvering.
- [NTSB ERA24FA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA096.md): Cessna 172 · Weston, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 23, 2024 · N737VC · Substantial damage
  > The pilots’ spatial disorientation in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in their failure to maintain altitude and a subsequent descent and impact with a swamp.
- [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 ERA24FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA036.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Micanopy, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 14, 2023 · N7806W · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s improper inflight decision making and his flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s…
- [NTSB ERA24FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA003.md): Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Croydon, NH · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 8, 2023 · N802JR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control during the initial climb in dark night conditions due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a steep banking descent into trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent night flight experience,…
- [NTSB ERA23LA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA328.md): Cessna 172 · Charlotte Amalie, CB · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 4, 2023 · N13384 · Destroyed
  > The pilots’ loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was both pilots’ lack of experience in operating in actual instrument meteorological conditions.
- [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 CEN23FA239](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA239.md): Mooney M20R · Watertown, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 14, 2023 · N1025C · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation while operating in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from the prohibited substance; however, the extent of impairment could not be determined.
- [NTSB CEN23FA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA220.md): Vans RV7 · Gibbon, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 2, 2023 · N977RV · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s improper decision to fly the airplane into known adverse weather and icing conditions which resulted in a loss of control.
- [NTSB WPR23FA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA172.md): Cessna 172S · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 30, 2023 · N575ND · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with the hilly terrain resulting from his loss of situational awareness due to the deteriorating weather conditions as he descended to approach his destination airport.
- [NTSB CEN23FA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA142.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Port Allen, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 26, 2023 · N441PD · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and the loss of aircraft control.
- [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 CEN23FA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA095.md): Cessna 172 · Hooker, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 29, 2023 · N6482B · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to depart and continue the visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB WPR23FA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA083.md): Piper PA-34-220T · New Harmony, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 4, 2023 · N814WT · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB WPR22FA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA266.md): Holland Mike RV9A · Tryon, NE · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 25, 2022 · N192MH · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation, a loss of control, exceedance of the airplane’s design limitations, and in-flight breakup of the airplane…
- [NTSB WPR22FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA101.md): Mcdonnell Douglas 500N · Newport Beach, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 20, 2022 · N521HB · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter’s encounter with unanticipated right yaw during a low-altitude, low-airspeed, tight-radius orbit. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction during the orbit, which resulted in the loss of control, his fatigue due to his early…
- [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 CEN22FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA082.md): Cessna 172 · Hardy, AR · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 26, 2021 · N5798T · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was a loss of engine power due to fuel…
- [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 ERA22FA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA083.md): Cessna 182 · Statesboro, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 8, 2021 · N5776B · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into dark night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control shortly after takeoff.
- [NTSB GAA22WA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA22WA029.md): Cessna P210N · Dornbirn, Austria · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 11, 2021 · N731MT · Destroyed
- [NTSB WPR22FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA021.md): Cessna 150L · Dunsmuir, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 20, 2021 · N5268Q · Substantial damage
  > The non-certificated pilot’s improper decision to continue the flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR22FA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA011.md): Cessna 175 · Reserve, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 15, 2021 · N7584M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s reduced forward visibility due to the sun.
- [NTSB ERA22FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA010.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Cornwall, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 10, 2021 · N637HP · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB CEN21FA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA297.md): Earthstar Gull 2000 · Curtiss, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 30, 2021 · N1712L · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions with dense fog and low clouds, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-imposed…
- [NTSB WPR21LA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA166.md): Cessna 140 · Williams, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 16, 2021 · N2506N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff in night visual meteorological conditions.
- [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 WPR20LA319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA319.md): Cessna T182 · Santa Barbara, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 27, 2020 · N157RC · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation after entering instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB ANC20FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20FA017.md): Piper PA32R · Tuntutuliak, AK · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 6, 2020 · N7632C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into reduced visibility, including likely flat light and/or white out conditions, which resulted in a controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the operator’s inadequate operational…
- [NTSB CEN20FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20FA034.md): Mooney M20C · Flower Pot, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 8, 2019 · N5557Q · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to initiate and continue the visual flight rules flight into an area of forecast instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control. Contributing was…
- [NTSB CEN20WA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20WA024.md): Piper PA32 · Kingston, Canada · Accident · 7 fatal · Foreign investigation · Nov 28, 2019 · N50DK · Destroyed
- [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 ERA19FA240](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA240.md): Beech F33 · Hatboro, PA · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 8, 2019 · N4082S · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during the departure climb after entering instrument meteorological conditions.
- [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 CEN19FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA140.md): Air Tractor AT502 · Eagle Lake, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 11, 2019 · N713LA · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to fly into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation, a loss of control, and a subsequent impact with terrain.
- [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 WPR19FA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA103.md): Cirrus SR22 · Farmington, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 31, 2019 · N173CT · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into an area of forecast instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of control.
- [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 WPR19FA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA084.md): Cirrus SR22 · Ely, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Feb 16, 2019 · N917SR · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and icing conditions which resulted in a high rate of descent and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the inaccurate weather reporting…
- [NTSB CEN19LA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA051.md): Piper PA 23 · Beaver Island, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 31, 2018 · N2146P · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a positive rate of climb after takeoff which resulted in an impact with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inability to see a visible horizon due to the dark night lighting conditions and limited…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/402/sequence.md?fatal=1&page=2

## 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 s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '402' 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/402/sequence?fatal=1

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