# NTSB investigations: Total instrument experience 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 · 66 cases ## Latest cases - [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 WPR24FA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA270.md): Cessna 182K · Augusta, MT · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 8, 2024 · N2764Q · Substantial damage > The 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. - [NTSB WPR24FA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA105.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Madras, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 10, 2024 · N3264W · Destroyed > The 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. - [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 ERA23LA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA328.md): Cessna 172 · Charlotte Amalie, CB · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 4, 2023 · N13384 · Destroyed > The 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. - [NTSB CEN23FA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA125.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Port O'Connor, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 7, 2023 · N494SH · Destroyed > The 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. - [NTSB CEN23FA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA095.md): Cessna 172 · Hooker, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 29, 2023 · N6482B · Destroyed > The 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. - [NTSB ERA23FA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA109.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Dawsonville, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 13, 2023 · N4254T · Destroyed > The 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… - [NTSB CEN23FA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA031.md): Piper PA46-500TP · Bignell, NE · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 9, 2022 · N234PM · Destroyed > The 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. - [NTSB WPR22FA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA266.md): Holland Mike RV9A · Tryon, NE · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 25, 2022 · N192MH · Destroyed > The 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… - [NTSB ERA22LA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA180.md): Hughes 269A · Fort White, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 2, 2022 · N7057L · Substantial damage > The 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. - [NTSB ERA22FA149](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA149.md): Cessna 182Q · Panama City, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 9, 2022 · N182XT · Destroyed > The 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… - [NTSB CEN21LA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA044.md): Piper PA-22-135 · Dunn Center, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 8, 2020 · N3606A · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control. - [NTSB WPR20LA304](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA304.md): Cessna 172 · Seeley Lake, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 13, 2020 · N3720R · Substantial damage > The 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. - [NTSB CEN20FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20FA034.md): Mooney M20C · Flower Pot, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 8, 2019 · N5557Q · Destroyed > The 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… - [NTSB CEN19FA332](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA332.md): Cessna 150 · Prairie Grove, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 24, 2019 · N4658X · Substantial damage > The noninstrument-rated pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation after encountering instrument meteorological conditions at night. - [NTSB WPR19FA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA263.md): Cessna 182 · Nixon, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 2019 · N1891X · Destroyed > A 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. - [NTSB ERA19FA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA181.md): Piper PA28R · Auburn Township, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 28, 2019 · N3933T · Destroyed > The 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. - [NTSB CEN19FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA140.md): Air Tractor AT502 · Eagle Lake, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 11, 2019 · N713LA · Destroyed > The 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. - [NTSB ERA19FA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA163.md): Guimbal Cabri · Kent Island, MD · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · May 4, 2019 · N572MD · Destroyed > The 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… - [NTSB CEN19FA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA120.md): Piper PA28 · Lake, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 13, 2019 · N4890L · Destroyed > The 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.… - [NTSB WPR18FA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA141.md): Cessna 182G · Cascade, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 13, 2018 · N2377R · Destroyed > The 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. - [NTSB WPR18FA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA095.md): Piper PA32R · Monticello, UT · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 2018 · C-GYGY · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's continued flight into a region of deteriorating ceiling and visibility conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain event. - [NTSB CEN17FA361](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA361.md): Cessna TR182 · Thief River Falls, MN · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 23, 2017 · N4777T · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, and his subsequent loss of control due to spatial disorientation. - [NTSB WPR17FA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA196.md): Cessna 172N · Bolinas, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2017 · N737QQ · Substantial damage > The 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. - [NTSB CEN17FA288](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA288.md): Zenith CH701SP · Laddonia, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2017 · N701XL · Destroyed > The 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… - [NTSB ERA17FA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA222.md): Piper PA23 · Chatsworth, GA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 2017 · N44HJ · Destroyed > The 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.… - [NTSB ERA17FA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA108.md): Piper PA28R · Cedar Key, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 12, 2017 · N4504X · Destroyed > The 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. - [NTSB ERA17FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA073.md): Cessna 182 · Gatlinburg, TN · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 26, 2016 · N1839X · Destroyed > The 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. - [NTSB ERA17FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA017.md): Piper PA28 · Austin, PA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 16, 2016 · C-GYSN · Destroyed > The 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… - [NTSB WPR17FA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA008.md): Cessna 182D · South Lake Tahoe, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 2016 · N8718X · Destroyed > The 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… - [NTSB CEN16FA361](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA361.md): Piper PA 46-310P · Chariton, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2016 · N465JM · Substantial damage > The 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… - [NTSB CEN16FA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA086.md): Beech C35 · Meeker, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 14, 2016 · N2025D · Destroyed > The 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… - [NTSB CEN16FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA054.md): Cessna 140 · Keytesville, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 7, 2015 · N90123 · Substantial damage > The 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… - [NTSB ERA16FA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA031.md): Flight Design Ctls · Queens, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 5, 2015 · N622BT · Substantial damage > The 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. - [NTSB GAA16LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16LA031.md): Airbus AS350 · Deadhorse, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 27, 2015 · C-GSLY · Substantial damage > The 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. - [NTSB WPR16FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA014.md): Piper PA 28R-180 · Morongo Valley, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 2015 · N4972J · Destroyed > The 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… - [NTSB WPR15FA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA152.md): Piper PA 28-140 · Mt Tom, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 22, 2015 · N1729J · Destroyed > The 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. - [NTSB CEN14FA437](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA437.md): Lancair LC 40 550FG · Ranger, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 2014 · N6500Z · Destroyed > The 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. - [NTSB CEN14FA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA145.md): Beech B100 · Pearland, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 19, 2014 · N811BL · Destroyed > The 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. - [NTSB CEN14FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA051.md): Cessna T310R · Junction, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 12, 2013 · N38LH · Destroyed > The 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… - [NTSB CEN14FA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA047.md): Beechcraft B36TC · Amarillo, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 2013 · N4245D · Destroyed > The 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. - [NTSB CEN14FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA014.md): Piper PA 32R-301 · Huntsville, AR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 21, 2013 · N888TP · Destroyed > The 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. - [NTSB ERA14FA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA002.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Tifton, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 18, 2013 · N11ML · Destroyed > The 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. - [NTSB WPR13FA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA183.md): Cessna 182C · Circle, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 6, 2013 · N8721T · Destroyed > The 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. - [NTSB ERA13FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA144.md): Piper PA-28RT-201 · Lutz, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 24, 2013 · N2895U · Destroyed > The 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… - [NTSB ERA13LA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA113.md): Piper PA-34-200T · Manteo, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 13, 2013 · N6537C · Destroyed > The 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… - [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 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 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. Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031030/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", '02031030')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031030/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.