NTSB investigations

66 cases where NTSB found Total instrument experience.

Cases per year

20082026
NTSB investigations per year, 2008–2026: 66 cases
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Latest cases

Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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\", '02031030'))
  ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

NTSB CEN24FA327Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Wayne, NEThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.Aug 26, 2024 · N9626K · DestroyedNTSB WPR24FA270Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182K · Augusta, MTThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into a rugged mountain area in deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in impact with terrain.Aug 8, 2024 · N2764Q · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24FA105Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Madras, ORThe pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an encounter with turbulence and structural icing conditions, loss of control, and subsequent impact with terrain.Mar 10, 2024 · N3264W · DestroyedNTSB WPR24FA040Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Mertzon, TXThe 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.Nov 26, 2023 · N7763W · DestroyedNTSB ERA23LA328Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Charlotte Amalie, CBThe 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.Aug 4, 2023 · N13384 · DestroyedNTSB CEN23FA125Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Port O'Connor, TXThe 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.Mar 7, 2023 · N494SH · DestroyedNTSB CEN23FA095Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Hooker, OKThe 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.Jan 29, 2023 · N6482B · DestroyedNTSB ERA23FA109Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Dawsonville, GAThe pilot’s decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a loss of control in-flight due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of qualifications and…Jan 13, 2023 · N4254T · DestroyedNTSB CEN23FA031Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46-500TP · Bignell, NEThe pilot’s flight into low instrument flight rules conditions and turbulence, which resulted in spatial disorientation, loss of control, and an impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of total instrument experience.Nov 9, 2022 · N234PM · DestroyedNTSB WPR22FA266Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportHolland Mike RV9A · Tryon, NEThe 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…Jul 25, 2022 · N192MH · DestroyedNTSB ERA22LA180Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 269A · Fort White, FLThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to fly a visual flight rules only helicopter in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.Apr 2, 2022 · N7057L · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22FA149Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182Q · Panama City, FLThe pilot’s deviation from the final approach course during a night instrument approach with low instrument meterological conditions, which resulted in an impact with heavily wooded terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue…Mar 9, 2022 · N182XT · DestroyedNTSB CEN21LA044Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Dunn Center, NDThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control.Nov 8, 2020 · N3606A · DestroyedNTSB WPR20LA304Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Seeley Lake, MTThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s encounter with instrument meteorological conditions during a night visual approach due to wildfire smoke, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.Sep 13, 2020 · N3720R · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20FA034Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20C · Flower Pot, AZThe 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…Dec 8, 2019 · N5557Q · DestroyedNTSB CEN19FA332Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150 · Prairie Grove, ARThe noninstrument-rated pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation after encountering instrument meteorological conditions at night.Sep 24, 2019 · N4658X · Substantial damageNTSB WPR19FA263Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Nixon, NVA loss of airplane control while maneuvering due to spatial disorientation after inadvertently entering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inexperience in IMC conditions.Sep 19, 2019 · N1891X · DestroyedNTSB ERA19FA181Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28R · Auburn Township, OHThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation in dark night conditions. Contributing to the accident was his inadequate weather planning, lack of experience flying at night and the deteriorating weather conditions.May 28, 2019 · N3933T · DestroyedNTSB CEN19FA140Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT502 · Eagle Lake, TXThe 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.May 11, 2019 · N713LA · DestroyedNTSB ERA19FA163Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportGuimbal Cabri · Kent Island, MDThe 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…May 4, 2019 · N572MD · DestroyedNTSB CEN19FA120Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Lake, MSThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s loss of control while flying in dark night instrument meteorological weather conditions with convective activity, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its structural limitations and experiencing an in-flight breakup.…Apr 13, 2019 · N4890L · DestroyedNTSB WPR18FA141Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182G · Cascade, IDThe non-instrument-rated pilot's improper decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into an area with low ceilings due to mountain obscuration, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.May 13, 2018 · N2377R · DestroyedNTSB WPR18FA095Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32R · Monticello, UTThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continued flight into a region of deteriorating ceiling and visibility conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain event.Feb 22, 2018 · C-GYGY · DestroyedNTSB CEN17FA361Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Thief River Falls, MNThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, and his subsequent loss of control due to spatial disorientation.Sep 23, 2017 · N4777T · DestroyedNTSB WPR17FA196Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Bolinas, CAThe non-instrument rated private pilot's improper decision to embark on a flight and continue to fly into forecasted instrument meteorological conditions and mountain obscuration while conducting a visual flight rules flight.Sep 7, 2017 · N737QQ · Substantial damageNTSB CEN17FA288Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportZenith CH701SP · Laddonia, MOThe pilot's decision to take off at night and continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions. which resulted in the pilot becoming spatially disoriented and losing control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's…Jul 27, 2017 · N701XL · DestroyedNTSB ERA17FA222Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA23 · Chatsworth, GAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in an encounter with severe convective activity, spatial disorientation, a loss of airplane control, and a subsequent in-flight breakup.…Jul 1, 2017 · N44HJ · DestroyedNTSB ERA17FA108Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28R · Cedar Key, FLThe non-instrument-rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.Feb 12, 2017 · N4504X · DestroyedNTSB ERA17FA073Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Gatlinburg, TNThe non-instrument-rated pilot's intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's established anti-authority attitude.Dec 26, 2016 · N1839X · DestroyedNTSB ERA17FA017Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Austin, PAThe pilot's loss of control while maneuvering in night instrument conditions that included light-to-heavy rain with severe turbulence, updrafts and downdrafts, and hail. Contributing to the accident was the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation, his lack…Oct 16, 2016 · C-GYSN · DestroyedNTSB WPR17FA008Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182D · South Lake Tahoe, CAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to depart on and continue a flight over mountainous terrain into forecast instrument metrological conditions, icing, and hazardous wind conditions that exceeded the airplanes performance capabilities and resulted in an…Oct 15, 2016 · N8718X · DestroyedNTSB CEN16FA361Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 46-310P · Chariton, IAThe non-instrument-rated pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's design stress limitations and a subsequent in-flight breakup. Contributing to the…Sep 7, 2016 · N465JM · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16FA086Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Meeker, COThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to fly the airplane in instrument meteorological conditions at high altitude for greater than 30 minutes without the use of supplemental oxygen which resulted in hypoxia, and a subsequent loss of control. Contributing…Jan 14, 2016 · N2025D · DestroyedNTSB CEN16FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Keytesville, MOThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to operate in dark night conditions with low clouds, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of methamphetamine, which impaired his…Dec 7, 2015 · N90123 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16FA031Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFlight Design Ctls · Queens, NYThe noninstrument-rated pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control while maneuvering at low altitude, over water with no visible horizon, in dark night conditions, which resulted in a collision with the water.Nov 5, 2015 · N622BT · Substantial damageNTSB GAA16LA031Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAirbus AS350 · Deadhorse, AKThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation, and his subsequent failure to maintain terrain clearance while attempting to land in flat light and whiteout conditions.Oct 27, 2015 · C-GSLY · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28R-180 · Morongo Valley, CAThe non-instrument rated pilot's improper inflight decision-making to attempt to outclimb clouds along his planned route rather than reverse course, which resulted in his inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, spatial disorientation, and…Oct 17, 2015 · N4972J · DestroyedNTSB WPR15FA152Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-140 · Mt Tom, ORThe noncertificated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation leading to the pilot's loss of control of the airplane and subsequent collision with mountainous terrain.Apr 22, 2015 · N1729J · DestroyedNTSB CEN14FA437Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportLancair LC 40 550FG · Ranger, TXThe pilot's loss of airplane control shortly after takeoff as a result of spatial disorientation due to dark night conditions, the pilot's low overall night and instrument flight time, and his lack of recent night flights.Aug 17, 2014 · N6500Z · DestroyedNTSB CEN14FA145Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B100 · Pearland, TXThe noninstrument-rated pilot's loss of airplane control during a missed instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to file an instrument flight rules flight plan and to fly into known instrument meteorological conditions.Feb 19, 2014 · N811BL · DestroyedNTSB CEN14FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T310R · Junction, TXThe noninstrument-rated private pilot's decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a weather…Nov 12, 2013 · N38LH · DestroyedNTSB CEN14FA047Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeechcraft B36TC · Amarillo, TXThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to fly a night instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control of the airplane during an attempted missed approach.Nov 11, 2013 · N4245D · DestroyedNTSB CEN14FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32R-301 · Huntsville, ARThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into an area of known rain with reduced visibility and his failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering the airplane after entering these conditions.Oct 21, 2013 · N888TP · DestroyedNTSB ERA14FA002Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Tifton, GAThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.Oct 18, 2013 · N11ML · DestroyedNTSB WPR13FA183Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182C · Circle, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control as a result of spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue flight into low visibility conditions.Apr 6, 2013 · N8721T · DestroyedNTSB ERA13FA144Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · Lutz, FLThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of instrument…Feb 24, 2013 · N2895U · DestroyedNTSB ERA13LA113Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Manteo, NCThe pilot's attempted visual flight in instrument meteorological conditions while maneuvering at a low altitude in the traffic pattern, which resulted in spatial disorientation and impact with the water. Contributing was the pilot's lack of experience flying…Jan 13, 2013 · N6537C · DestroyedNTSB ERA13FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 · Lake Park, GAThe 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.Dec 11, 2012 · N840DS · Substantial damageNTSB WPR13CA065Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBellanca 7ECA · Tehachapi, CAThe 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.Dec 8, 2012 · N8595V · Substantial damageNTSB CEN13FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320E · San Marcos, TXThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to takeoff in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.Nov 1, 2012 · N10PM · Substantial damage