# NTSB investigations: Perception/orientation/illusion 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 13 · 601 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB CEN26LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA128.md): Air Tractor AT-502 · Larose, LA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 1, 2026 · N5063N · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper fuel planning and his failure to adequately monitor the fuel level during flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of attention performing the task,… - [NTSB ANC26LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC26LA011.md): Cessna 150K · Anchorage, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 25, 2026 · N6333G · Substantial damage > The flight instructor’s unintentional selection of the wrong, snow-covered landing surface, which resulted in a nose-over. - [NTSB DCA26LA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA26LA047.md): Embraer S A ERJ 170-200 LR · Chicago, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 29, 2025 · N317TB · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage > United Airlines flight crew’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from the parked Envoy Airlines airplane while taxiing in winter weather conditions. - [NTSB WPR26LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA053.md): Tecnam P2008 · Blackfoot, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 10, 2025 · N208CM · Substantial damage > The student pilot’s failure to maintain altitude and clearance from trees while maneuvering at night. - [NTSB CEN26LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA036.md): Air Tractor AT-502 · Gueydan, LA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 5, 2025 · N7315L · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain situational awareness and clearance from terrain while maneuvering to avoid birds. - [NTSB CEN25LA356](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA356.md): Sikorsky S-76 · Round Mountain, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 1, 2025 · N36RP · Substantial damage > The flight crew’s failure to properly identify the heliport in dark night conditions, which resulted in the flight crew attempting to land and a subsequent impact with trees and terrain. - [NTSB ANC25LA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA083.md): Aviat A-1B · Chisana, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 2, 2025 · N900HY · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude. - [NTSB ANC25LA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA082.md): Cessna U206F · Yakutat, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 2, 2025 · N206GR · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance during approach in gusting wind conditions to a remote airstrip, resulting in a collision with brush. - [NTSB ANC25LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA081.md): Cessna 208B · Anchorage, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 1, 2025 · N645AT · Substantial damage > The pilot’s decision to continue an unstabilized approach, which resulted in a landing touchdown with insufficient runway remaining and a subsequent runway overrun and a collision with a fence. - [NTSB ANC25LA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA067.md): Rockwell International 690B · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 3, 2025 · N690AX · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain control during takeoff resulting in a gear-up landing on the runway. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s momentary distraction from within the airplane. - [NTSB WPR25LA201](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA201.md): Lancair IV · Alpine, WY · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 30, 2025 · N124GH · Substantial damage > The pilot’s loss of visual reference during the landing approach which resulted in a collision with water. - [NTSB ANC25LA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA064.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 30, 2025 · N531AT · Substantial damage > The pilot’s diverted attention during takeoff in flat light conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference with terrain. - [NTSB CEN25LA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA211.md): Cessna U206 · Falun, WI · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 18, 2025 · N932DB · Substantial damage > The pilot experiencing the featureless terrain illusion during the approach which gave the perception that the airplane was at a higher altitude over the glassy water surface than it was, resulting in the airplane impacting the water. - [NTSB ANC25LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA043.md): Cessna 177RG · Snohomish, WA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 28, 2025 · N2155Q · Substantial damage > The pilot’s decision to continue the landing attempt with insufficient runway remaining, which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with a fence. - [NTSB ERA25LA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA199.md): Cessna 182A · Ocala, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 8, 2025 · N174A · Substantial damage > The pilot’s decision to depart on the flight with known electrical issues and his subsequent loss of situational awareness (geographic position), which resulted in his eventual decision to perform an off-airport landing. - [NTSB CEN25LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA140.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Cash, AR · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 28, 2025 · N41687 · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from an excavator during low-altitude aerial application operations. - [NTSB ERA25FA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA143.md): Raytheon A36 · Greenville, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 14, 2025 · N566C · Destroyed > The pilot’s loss of airplane control shortly after climbing into instrument meteorological conditions due to spatial disorientation (somatogyral illusion). - [NTSB WPR25LA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA110.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 10, 2025 · N44KY · Substantial damage > The pilot’s loss of helicopter control after the door opened during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to confirm that the door was properly closed before departure. - [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 DCA25LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA25LA117.md): Boeing 737-832 · Seattle, WA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 5, 2025 · N3737C · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage > The Japan Airlines flight crew’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from the parked Delta Air Lines aircraft while taxiing in congested ramp conditions. - [NTSB ANC25LA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA012.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 25, 2024 · N3802Z · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper airspeed management which resulted in a bounced landing and insufficient airspeed to perform a go around procedure. - [NTSB ERA25LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA087.md): Cessna 172K · Southport, NC · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 19, 2024 · N7085G · Substantial damage > The pilot’s loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation, and the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision, which resulted in the subsequent overstress of the airplane during recovery. - [NTSB WPR25LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA036.md): Cessna 180 · Owinza, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 13, 2024 · N9493C > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water during a low pass over a lake. - [NTSB ANC24FA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24FA089.md): Bell 206B · King Salmon, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 7, 2024 · N306FW · Substantial damage > The pilot’s decision to initiate the visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation, failure to maintain helicopter control and subsequent impact with water. - [NTSB WPR24LA303](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA303.md): Cessna T206H · Big Bend-Gold Bar, WA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 30, 2024 · N379ME · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. - [NTSB CEN24FA327](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA327.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Wayne, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 26, 2024 · N9626K · Destroyed > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control. - [NTSB CEN24FA326](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA326.md): Rans S19 · Crofton, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 26, 2024 · N519JR · Destroyed > The non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight into an area of low cloud cover and precipitation which resulted in an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. - [NTSB WPR24FA257](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA257.md): Pilatus PC-12/47E · Recluse, WY · Accident · 7 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 26, 2024 · N357HE · Destroyed > The pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation while operating in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction from the autopilot disconnecting due to an… - [NTSB ERA24FA323](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA323.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Trenton, ME · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 25, 2024 · N990PT · Destroyed > The pilot’s aggressive pitch and power control inputs while executing a missed approach, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. - [NTSB CEN24LA279](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA279.md): Evolution Revolt · Rochelle, IL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 21, 2024 · N798EE · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance during a low-level turn, that resulted in an impact with the ground. - [NTSB WPR24FA238](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA238.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Helena, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 10, 2024 · N10122 · Substantial damage > The pilot’s loss of situational awareness during the water scoop due to task overload while operating in a multi-airplane tactical firefighting environment, which resulted in the pilot’s failure to maintain directional control and the airplane’s collision… - [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 WPR24FA201](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA201.md): Air Tractor AT-802 · Arco, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 20, 2024 · N802TP · 2 aircraft · Destroyed > A midair collision between two airplanes during aerial application operations due to both pilots’ insufficient awareness of their proximity to each other and their failure to see and avoid each other. Contributing to the accident was the operator and both… - [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 WPR24FA156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA156.md): Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/L · Bandera, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 19, 2024 · N22MW · Substantial damage > The pilot’s decision to continue flight into icing conditions and inclement weather, which likely led to spatial disorientation when he attempted to divert from the planned course to the destination airport. - [NTSB ERA24FA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA217.md): Beech V35 · Franklin, TN · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 15, 2024 · N47WT · Destroyed > The pilot’s flight into convective weather, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation and a subsequent inflight breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the lack of accurate weather intensity depiction on the… - [NTSB ERA24LA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA171.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · South Kingstown, RI · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 9, 2024 · N331EL · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water while maneuvering at low altitude. - [NTSB CEN24LA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA144.md): Piper PA28 · Muncie, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 1, 2024 · N8438B · Destroyed > The pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control while maneuvering outside established instrument approach procedures in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the… - [NTSB CEN24MA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24MA111.md): Airbus Helicopters EC 130 · Halloran Springs, CA · Accident · 6 fatal · Class 2 · Major · Final report · Feb 10, 2024 · N130CZ · Destroyed > The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the company’s inadequate oversight of its… - [NTSB ERA24FA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA104.md): Beech V35 · Clearwater, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 2, 2024 · N6659L · Destroyed > An in-flight engine compartment fire due to a partially loose flexible fuel hose b-nut at the fuel metering unit. Contributing to the severity of the accident was the pilot’s inability to visually identify the destination airport at night, which prolonged the… - [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 CEN24FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA064.md): Pilatus PC-12/45 · Christoval, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 14, 2023 · N188PC · Substantial damage > The instrument-rated pilot and a passenger departed on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight. After about 4.5 hours, while approaching the first planned fuel stop, the airplane was in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). According to air traffic… - [NTSB WPR24FA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA040.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Mertzon, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 26, 2023 · N7763W · Destroyed > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s overconfidence. - [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 ERA24LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA030.md): Cessna 172 · Pembroke Pines, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 31, 2023 · N140FS · Substantial damage > The pilot’s loss of airplane control and descent into terrain due to spatial disorientation during a solo night cross country flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-reported fatigue. - [NTSB DCA24LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA24LA043.md): Boeing 787 · Chicago, IL · Incident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 19, 2023 · N30913 · Minor damage > The flight crew’s misperception of the distance required to safely pass the hangar and failure to request additional ground handling support while taxiing, which resulted in a collision with a hangar. Contributing to the accident was United Airlines… - [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 WPR24FA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA002.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Moab, UT · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 2, 2023 · N7153R · Substantial damage > The pilot’s loss of visual reference to the horizon while departing during dark night, which resulted in the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation and subsequent controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB ERA23FA384](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA384.md): Cessna 150K · Gilford, NH · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 30, 2023 · N6312G · Substantial damage > The pilot’s loss of control during visual flight rules flight in night instrument meteorological conditions due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s motivation to depart on the flight despite being made aware that conditions… - [NTSB ERA23FA358](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA358.md): Cirrus SR20 · Toms River, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 3, 2023 · N420PB · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff due to spatial disorientation (somatogravic illusion), which resulted in impact with trees and terrain. Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/020220/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", '020220')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/020220/cases --- 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.