# 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 4 of 5 · 242 cases ## Cases, newest first - [NTSB WPR15FA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA212.md): Beech A35 · Mazama, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2015 · N8749A · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain. - [NTSB WPR15FA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA166.md): Cessna 210F · Pleasanton, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 21, 2015 · N1842F · Destroyed > The pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient clearance from rising terrain. - [NTSB ERA15FA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA220.md): Gulfstream American AA-5A · Rowdy, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 21, 2015 · N26886 · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. - [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 GAA15CA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA014.md): Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 Eaglet · Cambridge, MD · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 19, 2015 · N731HG · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. - [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 ERA15CA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA127.md): Schweizer 269C 1 · Carthage, NY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 1, 2015 · N20059 · Substantial damage > The non-helicopter-rated pilot's improper decision to operate the helicopter at low-level and his inability to adequately see the horizon over snow and ice, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. - [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 CEN15CA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15CA095.md): Cessna 152 · Mount Pleasant, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 8, 2014 · N787PB · Destroyed > The pilot's decision to maneuver the airplane at low altitude resulting in the airplane impacting power lines. - [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 CEN14CA368](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14CA368.md): Mckenzie Douglas E Stol CH750 · Dodgeville, MI · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 13, 2014 · N792MC · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff resulting in an impact with a tree and terrain. - [NTSB CEN14LA316](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA316.md): Grazhopper Trike · Ottawa, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 24, 2014 · UNREG · Substantial damage > The noncertificated pilot’s improper decision to operate the powered-parachute at low altitude through mist in a confined area while he was impaired by multiple sedating medications, which resulted in his loss of control of the parachute and subsequent impact… - [NTSB WPR14FA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA231.md): Grumman G 21A · Sula, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2014 · N888GG · Destroyed > The pilot's decision to continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions in an airplane not maintained for instrument flight, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. - [NTSB WPR14FA244](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA244.md): Grumman American Avn. AA 5B · Florence, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2014 · N28718 · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and the subsequent loss of airplane control. - [NTSB WPR14TA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14TA236.md): Mcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E · Mesa, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jun 8, 2014 · N504MP · Substantial damage > The loss of engine power during cruise flight due to the decoupling of the engine’s turbine and compressor sections. Contributing to the decoupling was the excessive wear of the turbine-to-compressor coupling components due maintenance personnel’s placement… - [NTSB CEN14CA246](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14CA246.md): North American SNJ 6 · Santa Fe, NM · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 18, 2014 · N5485V · Substantial damage > The pilot's loss of directional control during landing and subsequent go around attempt. - [NTSB WPR14CA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA115.md): Bell 47G 5A · Greenfield, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 18, 2014 · N715BH · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power pole during low-altitude maneuvering flight. - [NTSB ERA14LA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA111.md): Gates Learjet 35A · Ft. Lauderdale, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 3, 2014 · N979RF · No damage > The pilot’s failure to ensure that the ground power unit was disconnected from the airplane via hand signals from the lineman providing ground services before taxiing, which resulted in an injury to the lineman. - [NTSB ERA14CA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA062.md): Anderson Andreas Rans S-6S · Traveler's Rest, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 3, 2013 · N581TC · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to continue visual flight into deteriorating weather, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent inability to maintain clearance with terrain. - [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 ERA14CA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA021.md): Cessna A185F · Northeast Carry, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 19, 2013 · N93037 · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper decision to take off for an intended night water landing, and his subsequent loss of depth perception during that landing attempt. - [NTSB WPR14CA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA019.md): Robinson R44 - II · Sedro Woolley, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 18, 2013 · N414CC · Substantial damage > The non-instrument rated pilot's inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions during initial climb and his improper decision to continue flight, which resulted in an in-flight impact with a tree and an emergency descent that resulted in a… - [NTSB WPR13CA326](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA326.md): Cessna A185F · Cascade, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 14, 2013 · N185BW · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during final approach due to the sun glare that obscured the pilot's vision. - [NTSB WPR13CA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA235.md): Swanson Tiger Moth 80 · Lynden, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 17, 2013 · N928VS · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during final approach and his obscured vision due to the sun glare. - [NTSB WPR13GA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13GA128.md): Bell 206B · Eureka, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Feb 18, 2013 · N20620 · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a wire while maneuvering during low-altitude operations. Contributing to the accident was task- and/or work-related fatigue. - [NTSB CEN13CA206](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13CA206.md): Cessna T206H · Sabinal, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 13, 2013 · N7824G · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to properly identify the airstrip, which resulted in him landing the airplane off of the airstrip in soft soil causing the nose over. - [NTSB ERA13CA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA122.md): Amirkhanian Shahram Charl Commander · Westminster, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 29, 2013 · N393GX · Substantial damage > Impact with power lines due to the pilot’s obscured vision due to the low angle of the sun, which prevented the pilot from seeing the lines. - [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 ERA13FA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA083.md): Diamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 · Lake Park, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 11, 2012 · N840DS · Substantial damage > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to depart in dark, night marginal visual flight rules conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control. - [NTSB CEN13FA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA096.md): MBB BK 117 A-3 · Compton, IL · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 11, 2012 · N911BK · Substantial damage > The inadvertent encounter with inclement weather, including snow, freezing rain, and reduced visibility conditions, which led to the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of aircraft control. - [NTSB WPR13CA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA065.md): Bellanca 7ECA · Tehachapi, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 8, 2012 · N8595V · Substantial damage > The non-instrument-rated pilot's continued descent into instrument meteorological conditions during the landing approach and his loss of situational awareness, which resulted in a collision with terrain. - [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 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 ANC13CA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC13CA006.md): Piper PA-18-125 · Cordova, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 20, 2012 · N3360P · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during takeoff. - [NTSB CEN13FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA010.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Blanco, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 12, 2012 · N474FA · Substantial damage > The pilot's loss of helicopter control as a result of spatial disorientation due to dark night conditions and marginal visual flight rules weather conditions. - [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 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 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 ANC12CA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12CA036.md): Short Bros. & Harland SC7 Series 3 · Chefornak, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 3, 2012 · N1906 · Substantial damage > The pilot's misidentification of a nearby snow-covered road as the snow-covered runway in flat light conditions. - [NTSB WPR12CA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA183.md): Bell 206B · Arvin, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 25, 2012 · N969W · Substantial damage > The pilot did not maintain clearance from power lines during low altitude maneuvering. - [NTSB CEN12CA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA221.md): Air Tractor AT-402A · Ganado, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 2, 2012 · N4544S · Substantial damage > The improper positioning of the hopper vent, which allowed chemicals to escape and cover the airplane's windshield. - [NTSB ANC12IA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12IA024.md): Bombardier Learjet 35A · Anchorage, AK · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Mar 6, 2012 · N544LM · Minor damage > The flightcrew's loss of visual reference to the runway after encountering severe in-flight icing conditions, which resulted in a loss of control while landing and exceedence of the capabilities of the airplane's windscreen anti-ice systems. Contributing to… - [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 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 CEN12CA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA065.md): Cessna 182J · Alexandria, MN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 12, 2011 · N3051F · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the night landing. - [NTSB ANC11TA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11TA110.md): Bell 206 B3 · Seward, AK · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Sep 23, 2011 · N204PA · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from snow-covered terrain during hover in deteriorating weather and flat light conditions, which resulted in a tail rotor strike. - [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 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. Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/402/sequence.md?page=5 ## 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" = '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?page=4 --- 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.