# NTSB investigations: Below VFR minima 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 4 · 184 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB ERA25LA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA130.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Manchester, VT · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 26, 2025 · N43DN · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the accumulation of airframe icing and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin. - [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 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 CEN24FA295](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA295.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Irene, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 31, 2024 · N903US · Destroyed > The pilot’s poor decision to continue the flight into deteriorating weather conditions and his failure to maintain a safe altitude, which resulted in controlled flight into trees and terrain. - [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 ANC24LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24LA069.md): Beech A35 · Gustavus, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 20, 2024 · N410B · Destroyed > The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. - [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 ERA24FA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA120.md): Piper PA32 · Jackson, OH · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 24, 2024 · N8963N · Destroyed > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain while maneuvering. - [NTSB ERA24FA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA077.md): Zenith Stol CH701 · Marienville, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 30, 2023 · N4209W · Destroyed > The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into deteriorating visibility conditions at night, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent descent that continued to ground contact. - [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 CEN24FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA024.md): Lancair 320 · Manitowoc, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 25, 2023 · N320P · Substantial damage > The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain during an unapproved instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s… - [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 ERA23FA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA131.md): Cessna 150G · Hillsville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 27, 2023 · N2991J · Substantial damage > The pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB CEN23FA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA084.md): Piper PA46 · Yoakum, TX · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 17, 2023 · N963MA · Substantial damage > The pilot’s spatial disorientation during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which led to an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall. - [NTSB WPR23FA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA083.md): Piper PA-34-220T · New Harmony, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 4, 2023 · N814WT · Destroyed > The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. - [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 WPR22FA298](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA298.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Blyn, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 10, 2022 · N379DH · Substantial damage > The pilot’s continued operation of the airplane with known mechanical malfunctions with the flight displays, and his continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain while maneuvering. - [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 CEN22FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA082.md): Cessna 172 · Hardy, AR · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 26, 2021 · N5798T · Destroyed > The non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was a loss of engine power due to fuel… - [NTSB ERA22FA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA085.md): Beech V35 · Crab Orchard, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 10, 2021 · N5704V · Substantial damage > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was… - [NTSB CEN22FA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA067.md): Piper PA 28-140 · Houston, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 9, 2021 · N3865K · Destroyed > The student pilot’s decision to depart into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. - [NTSB WPR22FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA054.md): Beech V35 · Visalia, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 5, 2021 · N7933M · Substantial damage > The pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to depart into night instrument meteorological conditions. - [NTSB CEN22FA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA058.md): Cessna 182L · Bonnerdale, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 4, 2021 · N182NS · Destroyed > The noninstrument rated pilot’s improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent impact with terrain. - [NTSB ANC21FA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21FA069.md): Dehavilland DHC-2 MK.I · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · 6 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Aug 5, 2021 · N1249K · Destroyed > The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules (VFR) flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the FAA’s reliance on voluntary compliance with the Ketchikan… - [NTSB WPR21FA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21FA270.md): Cessna 421C · Monterey, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 13, 2021 · N678SW · Destroyed > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control due to spatial disorientation during an instrument departure procedure in instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of… - [NTSB CEN21FA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA297.md): Earthstar Gull 2000 · Curtiss, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 30, 2021 · N1712L · Substantial damage > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions with dense fog and low clouds, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-imposed… - [NTSB ERA21LA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA101.md): Beech F33 · Columbia, SC · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 13, 2021 · N266DC · Destroyed > The pilot's in-flight loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions. - [NTSB ERA21LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA028.md): Bell 206 · Point Lookout, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 21, 2020 · N716VL · Substantial damage > The pilot’s decision to depart on a visual flight rules flight, and to continue that flight into forecasted and deteriorating instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) in a helicopter that was not equipped for flight in IMC, which resulted in the pilot’s… - [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 CEN20LA354](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA354.md): Lancair Lancair Super ES · Ely, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 21, 2020 · N997S · Destroyed > The non-instrument rated pilot’s improper decision to attempt flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain. - [NTSB ERA20LA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA262.md): Beech F33 · Malbis, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 29, 2020 · N3156W · Substantial damage > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart in deteriorating weather conditions, which led to restricted visibility and the pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the pilot’s poor decision-making was… - [NTSB ERA20FA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA096.md): Cessna 501 · Fairmount, GA · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 8, 2020 · N501RG · Substantial damage > The pilots’ loss of control in flight in freezing instrument meteorological conditions due to spatial disorientation and the cumulative effects of task saturation. - [NTSB ANC20MA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20MA010.md): Airbus AS350B2 · Kekaha, HI · Accident · 7 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Dec 27, 2019 · N985SA · Destroyed > The pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules (VFR) into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in the collision into terrain. Contributing to the accident was Safari Aviation Inc.’s lack of safety management processes… - [NTSB ERA20FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA021.md): Piper PA28R · Atlanta, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 30, 2019 · N56258 · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while flying in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the vacuum pump and its associated instruments. - [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 CEN19FA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA247.md): Piper PA28 · Ontonagon, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 3, 2019 · N5167L · Destroyed > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions with thunderstorm activity, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. - [NTSB CEN19FA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA177.md): Beech A36 · Elida, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 20, 2019 · N6150X · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight rules flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing was the pilot not obtaining a weather… - [NTSB WPR19FA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA175.md): Robinson R44 · Two Harbors, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 18, 2019 · N7187D · Destroyed > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. - [NTSB ERA19FA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA191.md): Agusta A109 · New York, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 10, 2019 · N200BK · Destroyed > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to initiate the flight into marginal visual flight rules and instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of control. - [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 ERA19FA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA113.md): Cessna 182 · Louisburg, NC · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 2, 2019 · N26617 · Destroyed > The pilot's spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control following takeoff in night instrument meteorological conditions. - [NTSB CEN19FA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA088.md): Piper PA46 · Shreveport, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 28, 2019 · N428CD · Substantial damage > The pilot's conduct of a departure into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's poor instrument flying skills and his decision… - [NTSB WPR19FA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA084.md): Cirrus SR22 · Ely, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Feb 16, 2019 · N917SR · Destroyed > The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and icing conditions which resulted in a high rate of descent and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the inaccurate weather reporting… - [NTSB WPR19FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA075.md): Piper PA28 · Oceanside, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 29, 2019 · N37RV · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper decision to depart on the night visual flight rules flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in an in-flight encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and collision with rising terrain. - [NTSB CEN19FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA072.md): Bell 407 · Zaleski, OH · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 1 · Field · Final report · Jan 29, 2019 · N191SF · Destroyed > The NTSB determines that the probable cause of this accident was Survival Flight's inadequate management of safety, which normalized pilots' and operations control specialists' noncompliance with risk analysis procedures and resulted in the initiation of the… - [NTSB WPR19LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA066.md): Piper PA23 · Ellensburg, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Limited · Final report · Jan 17, 2019 · N14372 · Destroyed > The instrument rated pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation. - [NTSB WPR19LA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA058.md): Beech A36 · Colusa, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Limited · Final report · Jan 7, 2019 · N100JB · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff in instrument meteorological conditions. - [NTSB ERA19FA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA071.md): Cessna 560 · Atlanta, GA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 20, 2018 · N188CW · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during initial climb in instrument meteorological conditions. - [NTSB WPR19FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA025.md): Cessna 182 · Redding, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Nov 16, 2018 · N2629R · Substantial damage > The pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control after takeoff in dark night instrument meteorological conditions. Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035075/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", '03035075')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035075/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.