# NTSB investigations: Loss of lift

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 2 of 6 · 251 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB WPR20CA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA151.md): Let L 33 Solo · Arlington, WA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · May 11, 2020 · N355BA · Substantial damage
  > The loss of lift while on final approach which resulted in a hard off-airport landing.
- [NTSB ERA20CA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA178.md): Schempp Hirth Ventus 2CT · Stuarts Draft, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · May 11, 2020 · N514TW · Substantial damage
  > A loss of thermal lift during a motor glider flight, which resulted in an off-airport landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's delayed attempted engine start.
- [NTSB ERA20CA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA151.md): Pipistrel Sinus · Townsend, TN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 10, 2020 · N711MK · Substantial damage
  > The motor glider's encounter with atmospheric lift conditions that were not sufficient to maintain flight, which necessitated a forced landing and resulted in impact with vegetation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's delayed decision to restart the…
- [NTSB CEN20CA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA052.md): Piper PA28R · Onaga, KS · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 31, 2019 · N3849T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to take off with the airplane at a high gross weight from a short, turf runway, which degraded its climb performance and led to a delayed aborted takeoff, a runway excursion, and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA20CA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20CA032.md): Flight Design Ctls · Monument Valley, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 17, 2019 · N771TX · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control and to attain adequate altitude during takeoff with a quartering tailwind in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in impact with a sandy berm left of the runway.
- [NTSB ANC19TA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC19TA055.md): Stinson 108 · Tyonek, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Final report · Sep 26, 2019 · N6533M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a short field takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.
- [NTSB ANC19LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC19LA054.md): Piper PA 18 · Beluga, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 23, 2019 · N7071B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to perform a takeoff with an overweight float-equipped airplane, which resulted in diminished climb performance.
- [NTSB CEN19CA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19CA336.md): Piper PA38 · Taylor, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 2, 2019 · N6400A · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student's soft-field takeoff, which resulted in an excessive pitch attitude, settling effect, and impact with a ditch off the end of the runway.
- [NTSB WPR19FA241](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA241.md): Glaser Dirks DG 300 Elan · Wilkeson, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 25, 2019 · N300GG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s delayed decision to land following a loss of thermal lift, which resulted in collision with trees during the landing approach.
- [NTSB GAA19CA504](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA504.md): Cessna 182 · Oakland, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 4, 2019 · N58628 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's premature full retraction of the flaps during a go-around and his subsequent improper decision to turn with a minimal climb gradient, which resulted in an off-airport landing and a landing gear collapse.
- [NTSB GAA19CA479](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA479.md): Schleicher ASW 27 · Mackay, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 27, 2019 · N274JM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control of the glider during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the left wing striking the ground and a subsequent ground loop.
- [NTSB CEN19FA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA211.md): Grob G103 · Brandon, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Jul 6, 2019 · N106NS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate clearance from a tree during an attempted off-field landing.
- [NTSB GAA19CA407](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA407.md): Cessna 172 · Montville, ME · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 3, 2019 · N1516E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain the proper airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a low-altitude climbing turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN19LA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA173.md): Just Highlander · Quinlan, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 13, 2019 · N324SB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to depart with minimal runway available and his improper soft-field takeoff procedure, which resulted in impact with trees due to a slow airspeed and settling effect during climb out.
- [NTSB GAA19CA338](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA338.md): Pzl-Swidnik PW-5 · Independence, WI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 10, 2019 · N962JH · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the canopy from the glider during an off-airport landing for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB CEN19LA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA162.md): Robinson R44 · Last Chance, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 8, 2019 · N4504L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm while descending with a tailwind during an aerial application maneuver, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA19LA186](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA186.md): Alisport Silent 2 · Danbury, CT · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 4, 2019 · N66911 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate inflight management of the motor glider’s available battery power, which resulted in the inability of the electric motor to provide sufficient thrust to sustain flight in an environment where no atmospheric lift was available.
- [NTSB GAA19WA254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19WA254.md): Robinson R44 · Guatape-Antioquia, Colombia · Accident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · May 4, 2019 · HK4449 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB GAA19CA208](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA208.md): Airframes Unlimited Outlaw · Elizabeth, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 15, 2019 · N5622D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his subsequent decision to initiate a turn, which resulted in the powered parachute’s descent and impact with a fence.
- [NTSB CEN19WA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19WA081.md): Cessna 150 · Atizapán de Zaragoza, México, México, Mexico · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Feb 10, 2019 · XB-OWS · Substantial damage
  > The government of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 150H airplane that occurred on February 10, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Mexico's investigation under the provisions…
- [NTSB GAA19CA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA101.md): Clifford E Massey AR-1 · Anahuac, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 15, 2018 · N923DJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper landing flare in gusting crosswind conditions.
- [NTSB WPR19WA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19WA090.md): Cessna 560 · Bauchi, Nigeria · Incident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Oct 3, 2018 · 5N-HAR · Minor damage
  > On October 3, 2018, about 0754 universal coordinated time, a Cessna Citation XLS+/Nigerian 5N-HAR sustained minor damage during takeoff roll at Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa / Bauchi State International Airport, Bauchi, Nigeria. The pilot and two passengers were…
- [NTSB ENG18RA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG18RA040.md): MBB BK117 · Kyiv, Ukraine · Accident · Serious injuries · Foreign investigation · Sep 6, 2018 · UR-MHP · Substantial damage
  > On September 6, 2018, a Eurocopter EC-145 experienced an anomaly during the takeoff near Trukhaniv Island, Kyiv, Ukraine. The incident is being investigated by the Ukrainian National Bureau of Air Accidents and Incidents (NBAAI) of Ukraine. All inquiries…
- [NTSB GAA18CA512](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA512.md): Bell 206 · Battle Mountain, NV · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Aug 18, 2018 · N8052G · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain the proper altitude and airspeed while flying in a canyon in gusting wind conditions.
- [NTSB WPR18TA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18TA192.md): Schempp Hirth Discus CS · Goldfield, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Jul 11, 2018 · N104TH · Substantial damage
  > The glider’s encounter with atmospheric lift conditions that were not sufficient to maintain flight, which necessitated a forced landing on uneven terrain.
- [NTSB GAA18CA392](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA392.md): Schempp Hirth Discus CS · Pomfret, VT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 3, 2018 · N1122Q · Substantial damage
  > The glider pilot’s selection of an unsuitable landing area, which resulted in a collision with a ditch during the landing roll.
- [NTSB GAA18CA377](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA377.md): Jonker Sailplanes JS1-C · Panguitch, UT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 24, 2018 · N963CG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inability to maintain altitude and his delayed decision to deploy the powered-glider’s engine, which necessitated an off-airport landing.
- [NTSB GAA18CA382](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA382.md): Pzl-Swidnik PW 5 · Waller, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 23, 2018 · N123PW · Substantial damage
  > The glider pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during landing.
- [NTSB ANC18LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18LA046.md): Cessna 180K · Ambler, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2018 · N2957K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area with unfavorable wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane’s inability to maintain a climb.
- [NTSB GAA18CA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA314.md): Schleicher ASW · Nephi, UT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 30, 2018 · N428US · Substantial damage
  > The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, which resulted in a hard off-airport landing.
- [NTSB GAA18CA305](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA305.md): ZS Delta-Bielsko Wroclaw SZD 36 A Cobra 15 · Hammond, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 27, 2018 · N1075G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of directional control during an off-airport landing and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from power pole guy wires.
- [NTSB WPR18LA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA145.md): Sportavia Putzer RF5B Sperber · Lookout Pass, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 22, 2018 · N66GL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper decision to continue flight toward rising terrain after the engine overheated, which necessitated a precautionary landing when the motorglider could not maintain altitude in downdrafts.
- [NTSB GAA18CA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA283.md): Schweizer SGS123 · Tunbridge, VT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 13, 2018 · N9915J · Substantial damage
  > The student glider’s inability to maintain altitude due to a loss of thermal lift, which resulted in an off-airport landing.
- [NTSB GAA18CA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA263.md): Schweizer SGS 1 26 · Springfield, VT · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 5, 2018 · N17909 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inability to maintain sufficient altitude after the glider encountered downdrafts during the approach, which resulted in the glider striking trees.
- [NTSB GAA18CA250](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA250.md): Michael R Alexander Mosquito XE · Iron Station, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 2, 2018 · N725JC · Destroyed
  > The noncertificated pilot’s decision to practice hovering the helicopter in a confined space, which resulted in the tail rotor striking a tree.
- [NTSB CEN18FA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA143.md): Beech G33 · Warsaw, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 16, 2018 · N9345Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to continue flight in known icing conditions, which resulted in structural icing, degraded airplane performance, and a subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain an official weather briefing…
- [NTSB GAA18CA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA172.md): Lithuanian Factory Of LAK 12 · Sunriver, OR · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 20, 2018 · N63010 · Substantial damage
  > The glider pilot's inadequate flight planning, which resulted in an off-airport landing.
- [NTSB ERA18LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA068.md): Schweizer 269C · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 24, 2018 · N3947C · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power during the initial climb due to a stuck intake valve on the No. 4 cylinder.
- [NTSB WPR18LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA029.md): Bell 206 · Rolling Fork, MS · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 7, 2017 · N93PH · Substantial damage
  > An uncommanded yaw and subsequent loss of main rotor rpm for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB GAA17CA526](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA526.md): Cessna 172 · Coolin, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 10, 2017 · N5703A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to take off in high-density altitude and gusting quartering tailwind conditions, which resulted in a loss of lift and an inability to gain altitude during the initial climb.
- [NTSB GAA17CA477](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA477.md): Let L 23 Super Blanik · Homestead, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 30, 2017 · N304MG · Substantial damage
  > The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, which resulted in the pilot landing short of the intended runway.
- [NTSB WPR17LA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA163.md): British BAC Stkmstr MK80 · Henderson, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 24, 2017 · N605GV · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to ensure that the flaps were set to the proper position for takeoff which resulted in the airplane becoming airborne and unable to climb or accelerate and subsequently impacting terrain.
- [NTSB GAA17CA440](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA440.md): Mitchell Derryle V Rans S 7 Courier · Cordova, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 23, 2017 · N6333Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper decision to take off from a lake in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB GAA17CA427](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA427.md): Let L23 · Deatsville, AL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 21, 2017 · N342BA · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees and power lines while landing.
- [NTSB WPR17LA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA136.md): Cessna 310R · Santa Ana, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 30, 2017 · N87297 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inability to maintain adequate airspeed after a loss of power to the right engine while maneuvering in the pattern to return to the airport. Contributing to the accident were the loss of power to the right engine for reasons that could not be…
- [NTSB GAA17CA368](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA368.md): Schempp-Hirth Discus 2B · Bishop, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 22, 2017 · N21TH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering over rising mountainous terrain, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB WPR17FA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA107.md): Schleicher ASW 28 18E · Ephrata, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 26, 2017 · N63KR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain glider control while attempting to conduct an off-airport landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA17CA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA255.md): Schweizer SGS134 · Blairstown, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 28, 2017 · N2682H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to attain a proper glidepath on approach for landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an off-airport landing and impact with soccer goal posts.
- [NTSB GAA17CA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA202.md): Cessna 182 · Mackay, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 25, 2017 · N52743 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to maneuver the airplane over mountainous terrain in high-density altitude conditions, which resulted in the airplane’s inability to maintain altitude or establish a climb.
- [NTSB GAA17CA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA196.md): Schweizer SGS126 · Bangor, PA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 11, 2017 · N17933 · Substantial damage
  > The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, which resulted in an off-airport landing.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/500/sequence.md?page=3

## 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" = '500' 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/500/sequence?page=2

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