# NTSB investigations: Alcohol

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 2 · 87 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA046.md): Michael W Verzwyvelt SS-7 Super Sport · Boise, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 9, 2025 · N14PM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s operation of the airplane while intoxicated, resulting in its impact with obstacles while on approach.
- [NTSB ANC25LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA036.md): Stinson 108 · North Pole, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 25, 2025 · N9308K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tree. Contributing to the accident was his impairment from the effects of alcohol consumption.
- [NTSB CEN25LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA049.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Camdenton, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 24, 2024 · N6575W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s poor flight planning which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB ERA24LA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA297.md): Buckeye Dream Machine · Bainbridge, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 4, 2024 · UNREG · Destroyed
  > The non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to alcohol and methamphetamine use.
- [NTSB ERA24LA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA134.md): Cessna 150 · Clay, KY · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 9, 2024 · N1703Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to attempt a VFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to alcohol consumption.
- [NTSB CEN23FA201](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA201.md): Cessna 182T · Grand Isle, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 24, 2023 · N577TZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s operation of the airplane while intoxicated, resulting in its impact with the ocean.
- [NTSB CEN23LA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA178.md): Airbus Helicopters EC130 · Carta Valley, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 6, 2023 · N254DM · No damage
  > The right rear-seat passenger’s improper judgement to release his restraint system and depart the helicopter while in a hover, which resulted in him sustaining serious injuries. Contributing to the accident was his impairment from effects of alcohol…
- [NTSB CEN23FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA050.md): Cessna 170 · Gage, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 28, 2022 · N2710D · Destroyed
  > The non-certificated pilots’ loss of airplane control, resulting in an impact with terrain during final approach. Contributing to the accident was the airplane owner’s impairment due to his use of ethanol and depressant medications, in combination with his…
- [NTSB ERA22FA422](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA422.md): Wren Ronnie D Titan II · Citra, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 17, 2022 · N709RD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and failure to maintain airspeed while recovering from an aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of…
- [NTSB WPR22FA254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA254.md): Stucky Steven D RV-7 · Topeka, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 16, 2022 · N283S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control while performing an aerobatic maneuver on takeoff, which resulted in exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, a subsequent aerodynamic stall, and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident…
- [NTSB CEN22LA324](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA324.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Grain Valley, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 15, 2022 · N2945Q · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB CEN22LA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA297.md): Cub Crafters CC18-180 · Air Force Academy, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 1, 2022 · N469AK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during the go-around, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from the effects of alcohol consumption.
- [NTSB CEN22FA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA203.md): American AA-1A · Cleburne, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 17, 2022 · N6409L · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s decision to operate the airplane after consuming alcohol, which led to an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, an aerodynamic stall, and a subsequent loss of control at a low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA22LA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA213.md): Vans RV7 · Huntsville, AL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 1, 2022 · N1218B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s impairment due to the effects of ethanol, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and an impact with terrain on approach to landing.
- [NTSB WPR22FA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA160.md): Cessna 337 · Sylmar, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 20, 2022 · N143JB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control while troubleshooting a landing gear issue, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at an altitude too low to recover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from alcohol consumption.
- [NTSB WPR22FA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA109.md): Distar CZ D 13/15 SUN Dancer · Boulder City, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 24, 2022 · N588V · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering, which resulted in a wire strike and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from alcohol consumption and his use of diphenhydramine before the…
- [NTSB CEN21FA426](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA426.md): Rans S20 · Wadsworth, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 18, 2021 · N6915G · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to depart shortly after a landing helicopter, which resulted in an encounter with the helicopter’s wake turbulence and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment by his recent use of ethanol.
- [NTSB CEN21FA334](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA334.md): Air Tractor AT-802 · Benoit, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 25, 2021 · N363BG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s takeoff performance capabilities and his failure to abort the takeoff in a timely manner. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to his use of ethanol and prohibited medications.
- [NTSB CEN21LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA080.md): Vans RV6 · Hitchcock, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 8, 2020 · N69HF · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s impairment by the effects of ingested alcohol, which resulted in the loss of airplane control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA21LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA020.md): Aero Commander 100 · Citra, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 14, 2020 · N631PF · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s inadequate preflight planning likely due to impairment from ethanol, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing was his improper decision to depart from an unlit airstrip in dark night conditions.
- [NTSB ERA20LA313](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA313.md): Beech A36 · Jackson, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 11, 2020 · N74HS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to alcohol.
- [NTSB WPR20FA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20FA018.md): Cessna 150 · Brawley, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 31, 2019 · N7158X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to perform a flight while impaired by the effects of alcohol and cocaine, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance during the flight.
- [NTSB GAA20CA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20CA022.md): Beech 36 · Douglas, GA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 14, 2019 · N8047R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear due to intoxication during an unauthorized flight.
- [NTSB ANC19FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC19FA042.md): Piper PA22-150 · Girdwood, AK · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 2019 · N7402D · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain due to his impairment from alcohol consumption.
- [NTSB WPR19TA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19TA193.md): Cessna 550 · Mesquite, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Final report · Jul 18, 2019 · N320JT · Destroyed
  > The pilot's operation of the airplane while intoxicated, which resulted in a loss of airplane control on landing.
- [NTSB WPR19FA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA173.md): Piper PA-11 · Copperopolis, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 16, 2019 · N209H · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from consuming alcohol before the flight.
- [NTSB WPR19FA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA150.md): Beech 35 · Melba, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 19, 2019 · N1888D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control during a low-level aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to the effects of alcohol and antidepressant medication.
- [NTSB CEN18FA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA336.md): Cessna 172 · Rhome, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 2018 · N2893Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate maintenance of the airplane, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation when organic debris restricted available fuel to the carburetor, and the pilot's impairment due to the ingestion of alcohol, which…
- [NTSB CEN18FA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA297.md): Aeronca 7AC · Alexandria, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 2018 · N85506 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's intentional low-altitude flight, which resulted in an impact with power lines.
- [NTSB CEN18LA274](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA274.md): Cessna 150 · Lakeview, AR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 2018 · N50183 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s impairment by alcohol and multiple medications, which led to his failure to maintain obstacle clearance during takeoff and the subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and…
- [NTSB ERA18FA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA127.md): Cessna 525 · Crozet, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 16, 2018 · N525P · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control while operating in night instrument meteorological conditions as a result of spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate an airplane after consuming alcohol and his resulting…
- [NTSB WPR17LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA126.md): Hy-Tek Hurricane · Redcrest, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 4, 2017 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The noncertificated pilot's impairment from methamphetamine and alcohol use, which precluded the pilot from maintaining control of the airplane after a loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.
- [NTSB WPR17LA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA092.md): Piper PA 28-140 · Whittier, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 4, 2017 · N55339 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's impaired decision-making due to alcohol intoxication and his improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB ERA17LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA070.md): Beech A36 · Ormond Beach, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 2016 · N410BC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's impairment by alcohol before and during the flight, which led to his improper fuel management and resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN17FA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA046.md): Gordon Pegazair P 100 · Mt Vernon, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 2016 · N129LZ · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment resulting from the combination of his progressive degenerative neurologic condition and his use of alcohol.
- [NTSB CEN16FA370](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA370.md): Piper PA 11 · Arcanum, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 2016 · N4910M · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's reckless flying attitude and use of multiple psychoactive drugs, which likely impaired his ability to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN16FA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA215.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Jonesboro, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 2016 · N789MR · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to his combined use of alcohol and diphenhydramine, which led to his improper decision to fly after drinking alcohol and degraded…
- [NTSB CEN16FA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA188.md): Cessna P210N · Sheridan Lake, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 18, 2016 · N6609P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's severe impairment from the combined effects of high levels of ingested alcohol as well as three impairing medications (zolpidem, lorazepam, and diphenhydramine), which resulted in his decision to attempt an aerobatic maneuver that the airplane was…
- [NTSB CEN16FA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA114.md): Ohlgren RV 6A · Abilene, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 1, 2016 · N419B · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to his combined use of central…
- [NTSB ERA16LA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA026.md): Piper PA31 · Weston, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 26, 2015 · N55GK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's feathering of the incorrect propeller following a total loss of right engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from maintenance personnel’s failure to reinstall the flapper valve in the right main fuel tank. Contributing to the accident…
- [NTSB CEN16LA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA004.md): Cessna 150 · Dexter, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 2015 · N3174J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's impairment due to the ingestion of alcohol, which impaired his decision-making and resulted in his taking off and flying the airplane until the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB CEN15LA398](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA398.md): Buckeye Dream Macine · Zeeland, MI · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 2015 · UNREG · Destroyed
  > The noncertificated pilot's impairment due to alcohol consumption, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from a tree.
- [NTSB ERA15LA281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA281.md): Cessna A188B · Albertson, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 25, 2015 · N731MB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from wires during takeoff due to his impairment from alcohol use.
- [NTSB CEN15LA306](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA306.md): Air Creation Clipper 582 · Clark, SD · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 2015 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inability to maintain control of the weight-shift control aircraft during initial climb due to his impairment from ethanol, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana.
- [NTSB CEN15FA291](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA291.md): Champion 7BCM · Portland, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 2015 · N10497 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s ostentatious low-altitude aerobatic display, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin when he exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to alcohol and drugs.
- [NTSB ERA15LA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA224.md): Cessna 337 · Melbourne, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 27, 2015 · N1732M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while taxiing as a result of his impairment due to alcohol ingestion.
- [NTSB ERA15FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA066.md): Piper PA28 · Sommerville, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 2014 · N8607W · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to attempt visual flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impaired…
- [NTSB CEN15LA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA026.md): Stephenson Stol CH 701 · Mount Vernon, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 2014 · N34WS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s impairment due to the ingestion of alcohol and sedating medications, which led to her improper decision to conduct low-level flight, affected her ability to safety operate the airplane, and resulted in her failure to maintain clearance from power…
- [NTSB ERA14LA411](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA411.md): Cessna 150L · Creedmoor, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 2014 · N1741Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to alcohol ingestion.
- [NTSB ANC14FA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14FA062.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Big Lake, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 2014 · N5158P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's impairment due to alcohol consumption, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from trees.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02012015/cases.md?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."mKey" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '02012015'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02012015/cases

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