# NTSB investigations: Clouds 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 3 · 108 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB ERA24FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA053.md): Beech C23 · Midland, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 3, 2023 · N76SB · Destroyed > The pilot’s decision to descend below the minimum decision altitude of the instrument approach without having the appropriate runway visual references distinctively identified and with the visibility and ceiling below the minimum that was prescribed for the… - [NTSB ERA23FA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA270.md): Piper PA-30 · Ebensburg, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 17, 2023 · N7628Y · Destroyed > The pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain. - [NTSB CEN23FA239](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA239.md): Mooney M20R · Watertown, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 14, 2023 · N1025C · Destroyed > The pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation while operating in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from the prohibited substance; however, the extent of impairment could not be determined. - [NTSB WPR23FA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA172.md): Cessna 172S · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 30, 2023 · N575ND · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with the hilly terrain resulting from his loss of situational awareness due to the deteriorating weather conditions as he descended to approach his destination airport. - [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 WPR22FA347](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA347.md): Skiles Kenneth C RV-6A · Preston, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 14, 2022 · N992KS · Substantial damage > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. - [NTSB WPR22FA345](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA345.md): Piper PA46 · Seligman, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 13, 2022 · N43605 · Substantial damage > The student pilot’s continued 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. - [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 CEN22LA320](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA320.md): Cessna 210 · Kendleton, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 14, 2022 · XB-RXC · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper in-flight planning and fuel management that resulted in the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. - [NTSB WPR22FA210](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA210.md): Mooney M20K · Camarillo, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 10, 2022 · N305L · Destroyed > The pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control after entering instrument meteorological conditions shortly after takeoff. - [NTSB CEN22FA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA145.md): Piper PA-30 · Pond Creek, OK · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 17, 2022 · N8357Y · Destroyed > The pilot’s loss of control of the airplane, resulting in an in-flight breakup. - [NTSB CEN22FA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA131.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Fostoria, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 23, 2022 · N3952W · Destroyed > The pilot’s loss of airplane control in night instrument meteorological conditions during the procedure turn of an instrument approach due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a collision with terrain. - [NTSB ERA22LA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA120.md): Pilatus PC-12/47E · Beaufort, NC · Accident · 8 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 13, 2022 · N79NX · Destroyed > The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, inadequate inflight monitoring of the airplane’s flight parameters, and his failure to regain control of the airplane following entry into an inadvertent aerodynamic stall. The pilot’s likely spatial disorientation… - [NTSB CEN22FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA073.md): Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · LaPlace, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 14, 2021 · N150AS · Destroyed > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to fly in instrument conditions. - [NTSB CEN22FA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA013.md): New Glasair Glastar · Waukesha, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 12, 2021 · N628RS · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart and continue flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. - [NTSB CEN21FA360](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA360.md): Mooney M20M · Victoria, MN · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 7, 2021 · N9156Z · Destroyed > The pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during final approach, which led to a spiral dive that overstressed the airplane and resulted in an in-flight breakup. - [NTSB ERA21FA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA189.md): Piper PA-28RT-201T · Brownsville, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 21, 2021 · N4303G · Destroyed > The student pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a rapid uncontrolled descent into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the self-induced and external… - [NTSB CEN21LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA104.md): Piper PA-24-250 · New Hudson, MI · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 2, 2021 · N8347P · Destroyed > The pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of an instrument rating and the low visibility at the time… - [NTSB CEN21LA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA089.md): Piper PA28 · Bossier City, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 16, 2020 · N55168 · Destroyed > The student pilot’s decision to conduct a flight during night instrument meteorological conditions and his loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot’s use of an amphetamine and his attention… - [NTSB WPR20LA319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA319.md): Cessna T182 · Santa Barbara, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 27, 2020 · N157RC · Destroyed > The pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation after entering instrument meteorological conditions. - [NTSB CEN20LA379](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA379.md): Cirrus SR22 · Chester, AR · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 5, 2020 · N733CD · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into dark night instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control. - [NTSB ERA20CA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA222.md): Beech 77 · Elizabethton, TN · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jun 20, 2020 · N3815Z · Substantial damage > The student pilot's decision to continue from visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and mountainous terrain. - [NTSB WPR20LA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA169.md): Cessna 175 · Redlands, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 5, 2020 · N9217B · Substantial damage > The noncertificated pilot’s visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent impact with terrain. - [NTSB CEN20LA186](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA186.md): Cessna T206 · Center, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 20, 2020 · N51610 · Substantial damage > The non-instrument rated pilot’s intentional flight into instrument meteorological conditions (clouds) which resulted in spatial disorientation and an inflight loss of control. - [NTSB CEN20CA182](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA182.md): Cessna 120 · Chatham, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · May 15, 2020 · N120MZ · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to continue flight in instrument meteorological conditions in an airplane not equipped for instrument flight, which forced her to perform a precautionary landing to a muddy field resulting in the airplane nosing over. - [NTSB DCA20MA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA20MA059.md): Sikorsky S76 · Calabasas, CA · Accident · 9 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Jan 26, 2020 · N72EX · Destroyed > The pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s likely self-induced pressure… - [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 CEN19FA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA119.md): Rockwell International NA-265-65 · New Albany, MS · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Apr 13, 2019 · N265DS · Destroyed > An unidentified electrical system malfunction that led to the pilots losing awareness of the airplane's performance in instrument meteorological conditions and resulted in a loss of control of the airplane. - [NTSB WPR19FA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA103.md): Cirrus SR22 · Farmington, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 31, 2019 · N173CT · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into an area of forecast instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of control. - [NTSB ERA19FA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA116.md): Piper PA28 · Fellsmere, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Mar 5, 2019 · N556PU · Substantial damage > The student pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation following an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the failure of both the pilot and the flight school to ensure that the… - [NTSB WPR19FA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA079.md): Cessna 414 · Yorba Linda, CA · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 3, 2019 · N414RS · Destroyed > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after entering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) while climbing due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s design stress limits and subsequent in-flight break-up.… - [NTSB WPR19LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA071.md): Bell 206 · Ashland, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 23, 2019 · N8227J · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to continue visual flight into deteriorating weather, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and spatial disorientation leading to a loss of control. - [NTSB CEN19CA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19CA062.md): Piper PA 18 · Iron Mountain, MI · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 19, 2019 · N3298Z · Substantial damage > The pilot's distraction and subsequent loss of situational awareness and visual horizon in overcast sky conditions, which led to an unrecognized descent during a low-level maneuver and subsequent impact with snow-covered terrain. - [NTSB WPR18LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA135.md): Cessna 152 · Tamiami, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 4, 2018 · N6198Q · Substantial damage > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s loss of control during an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions at night. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to depart on the flight without obtaining approval to fly at night in accordance… - [NTSB CEN18FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA144.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Williamsburg, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 19, 2018 · N451TD · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to obtain an updated weather briefing before the flight and his subsequent loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions during a diversion to an alternate airport after… - [NTSB ERA18FA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA030.md): Mooney M20C · Starke, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 23, 2017 · N6894N · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing was the pilot's lack of instrument currency and his self-induced pressure to complete the flight. - [NTSB ERA18FA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA022.md): Piper PA32 · Fountain Run, KY · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 12, 2017 · N3371W · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to complete… - [NTSB ERA17FA313](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA313.md): Cirrus Design SR20 · Jacksonburg, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 2017 · N135CD · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while flying in instrument meteorological conditions in the vicinity of adverse weather conditions. - [NTSB ERA17FA279](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA279.md): Air Tractor AT502 · Philipp, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2017 · N6082B · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions, below a low overcast ceiling, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB CEN17FA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA258.md): Piper PA 28-181 · Waterford, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2017 · N793MA · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation in instrument meteorological conditions. - [NTSB GAA17CA388](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA388.md): Cessna 207 · Hope, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 3, 2017 · N9620M · Substantial damage > The pilot’s inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB WPR17FA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA091.md): Nanchang CJ6A · Keene, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 27, 2017 · N192NG · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control following a descent into clouds. - [NTSB WPR17FA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA055.md): Mooney M20J · Lake Hughes, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 12, 2017 · N6201N · Substantial damage > The pilot's controlled flight into mountainous terrain while attempting to operate under visual flight rules in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). - [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 CEN16FA372](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA372.md): Agusta A109 · Alexandria, MN · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 17, 2016 · N91NM · Destroyed > The pilot's excessive cyclic input during a missed approach maneuver in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and spiraling descent into terrain. - [NTSB ANC16LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC16LA032.md): Cessna 207 · Goodnews Bay, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2016 · N91170 · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to select the correct route through the mountains as a result of geographic disorientation, and his subsequent visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in collision with terrain. - [NTSB ERA16FA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA215.md): Piper PA31 · State College, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 2016 · N3591P · Destroyed > The pilot's decision to continue an unstabilized instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB ERA16FA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA143.md): Robinson R44 · Canadensis, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 27, 2016 · N776JM · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation, which occurred after ascending in order to clear rising terrain and inadvertently entering the clouds. - [NTSB ERA16FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA140.md): Eurocopter AS 350 B2 · Enterprise, AL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 26, 2016 · N911GF · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to perform visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to complete the… - [NTSB WPR16FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA041.md): Piper PA 32RT-300T · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 2015 · N36402 · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct and continue the flight despite forecast and en route instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which were not conducive to safe operation under visual flight rules. Also causal to the accident was the… Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035025/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", '03035025')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035025/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.