# Fatal NTSB investigations: NONE

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.

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## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA26LA346](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA346.md): Schleicher ASW-24 · Edinburg, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Sep 18, 2026 · N94CG · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > On September 18, 2026, about 1426 eastern daylight time, a Schempp-Hirth Ventus-2B glider, N61XC, and a Schleicher ASW-24 glider, N94CG, collided in flight near Edinburg, New York. The pilot of the Schempp-Hirth was fatally injured and the glider was…
- [NTSB CEN26LA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA282.md): Pzl-Bielsko B1-PW-5 · Briggs, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Aug 6, 2026 · N105WS · Substantial damage
  > On August 6, 2026, about 1538 central daylight time, a PZL-Bielsko B1-PW-5 glider, N105WS, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Briggs, Texas. The pilot was fatally injured. The glider was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…
- [NTSB WPR26LA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA287.md): Cameron Balloons A-315 · Menifee, CA · Occurrence · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Aug 2, 2026 · N315U · No damage
  > On August 2, 2026, about 0710 Pacific daylight time, a Cameron Balloons A-315, N315U, was not damaged when it was involved in an accident near Menifee, California. The pilot and one passenger were not injured, and one passenger was fatally injured. The…
- [NTSB ERA26LA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA207.md): I.C.A.-Brasov IS-28B2 · Scotts Fork, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 12, 2026 · N8217W · Minor damage
  > The photographer’s failure to remain clear of an active taxiway.
- [NTSB WPR25FA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25FA232.md): Schleicher ASW27-18 · Morgan, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Aug 1, 2025 · N929JK · Destroyed
  > On August 1, 2025, about 1358 mountain daylight time, a Schleicher ASW27-18, N929JK, was involved in an accident near Morgan, Utah. The pilot was fatally injured. The glider was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. A…
- [NTSB WPR24FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA072.md): Kubicek BB85Z · Eloy, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 14, 2024 · N4961D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to open the rapid deflation valve during flight as a means of descending, which resulted in the deflation of the envelope and hard impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN22FA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA224.md): Schweizer SGS135 · Midlothian, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 5, 2022 · N2817H · No damage
  > The pilot’s incapacitation by an aortic dissection (natural disease).
- [NTSB ERA22FA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA227.md): Schweizer SGS 2-33A · Blairstown, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 15, 2022 · N17879 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain proper alignment with the landing area during the approach, which resulted in the left wing impacting a tree.
- [NTSB CEN22FA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA197.md): Cessna 172 · Broomfield, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 11, 2022 · N73670 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB ERA22FA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA189.md): Schleicher ASW-19B · Jacksonville, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 16, 2022 · N19KW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper preflight assembly of the glider’s elevator control, which resulted in a loss of control on takeoff, and the pilot’s failure to complete a positive control check before the flight, which would have identified the disconnected elevator…
- [NTSB ERA21LA290](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA290.md): Cameron 0-105 · Piermont, NH · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 15, 2021 · N2925L · Substantial damage
  > The balloon pilot’s delay in relighting the burner, which resulted in a hard landing and his ejection from the balloon.
- [NTSB WPR21FA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21FA242.md): Cameron Balloons US O-120 · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 26, 2021 · N158NM · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain adequate clearance from power lines while maneuvering for landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of impairing, illicit drugs.
- [NTSB WPR21LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA158.md): Arbc Inc DBA Lindstrand 77A · Rio Rancho, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 23, 2021 · N477LB · No damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain the proper descent rate during the balloon’s approach to landing, which resulted in a hard landing and fatal passenger injury when the passenger fell out of the basket.
- [NTSB WPR20LA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA216.md): Schleicher ASW27 · Ely, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 11, 2020 · N167TM · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of glider control while maneuvering near a mountain ridge in downdrafts and dry microbursts at an altitude that precluded recovery.
- [NTSB ERA20LA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA145.md): Schempp Hirth Standard Cirrus · Groveland, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 7, 2020 · N271BL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack following his premature termination of the tow for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin during a turn back to the departure airport.
- [NTSB ERA20FA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA097.md): Aviastroitel AC 4C · Front Royal, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 9, 2020 · N912ES · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN19FA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA253.md): Jonker Sailplanes JS1C · Cotulla, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 7, 2019 · N213DT · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed of the glider, which resulted in exceedance of the glider's critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall/spin.
- [NTSB WPR19LA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA191.md): Bolkow Phoebus · Alvord Desert, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 17, 2019 · N112AJ · Destroyed
  > Pilot’s failure to properly respond to a slack towline during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control of the glider.
- [NTSB CEN19FA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA211.md): Grob G103 · Brandon, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Jul 6, 2019 · N106NS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate clearance from a tree during an attempted off-field landing.
- [NTSB ERA18FA238](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA238.md): Schweizer SGS 2 32 · Morrisville, VT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 2018 · N17970 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the glider's critical angle of attack while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate the glider outside of its published weight…
- [NTSB CEN18LA309](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA309.md): Cameron A 250 · Hartsel, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2018 · N2025J · No damage
  > The passengers’ fall from the basket after landing when the basket tipped over.
- [NTSB CEN18LA245](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA245.md): Kubicek BB30 · Ashland, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 2018 · N717FN · Minor damage
  > The pilot's failure to ensure that he was secure in the balloon's basket after landing, which resulted in him falling and striking his head on the burners when the wind caught the envelope and tipped the basket over. Contributing to the accident was the…
- [NTSB WPR18FA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA178.md): Schempp-Hirth Standard Cirrus · Aguila, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Jun 23, 2018 · N7880 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the glider's critical angle of attack while attempting a thermal climb at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at an altitude that precluded recovery.
- [NTSB CEN18FA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA217.md): Let L 23 Super Blanik · Moose, WY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 2018 · N317BA · Destroyed
  > The pilot's encounter with atmospheric conditions that resulted in a loss of lift and a subsequent loss of control near terrain that precluded recovery. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to follow the operator's published tour flight…
- [NTSB WPR18LA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA163.md): North Wing Pulse · Mountain Home, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 2, 2018 · N62073 · Substantial damage
  > The hang glider's encounter with a developing vortex or dust devil while maneuvering during an airshow routine, which resulted in a loss of control at an altitude that precluded recovery. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's preexisting and worsening…
- [NTSB WPR18FA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA143.md): I.C.A.-Brasov IS 29D · Avenal, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 19, 2018 · N38ES · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper installation of the wings onto the glider, which resulted in an in-flight wing separation. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's limited familiarity with the design and a lack of reliable assembly guidance.
- [NTSB ERA18FA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA128.md): S.Z.D. SZD 48 Jantar STD 2 · LaBelle, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 14, 2018 · N456RM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the glider for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [NTSB CEN17LA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA181.md): AS+ AC 4 · Blair, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 13, 2017 · N358R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control due to his diverted attention as he attempted to close the canopy that opened during initial climb.
- [NTSB CEN16FA308](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA308.md): Pzl-Bielsko SZD 55-1 · Channahon, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 2016 · N551DR · Substantial damage
  > The glider pilot's failure to maintain adequate pitch control while being towed and his subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed control after releasing from the towline, which resulted in the glider exceeding its critical angle of attack and an…
- [NTSB DCA16MA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA16MA204.md): Kubicek BB85 · Lockhart, TX · Accident · 16 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Jul 30, 2016 · N2469L · Destroyed
  > The pilot's pattern of poor decision-making that led to the initial launch, continued flight in fog and above clouds, and descent near or through clouds that decreased the pilot's ability to see and avoid obstacles. Contributing to the accident were (1) the…
- [NTSB CEN16LA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA007.md): Rich Harry A Woodstock I · Decatur, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 2015 · N21468 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while turning from the downwind to the base leg of the pattern in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the glider exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and entering an aerodynamic stall/spin at a low…
- [NTSB CEN15LA376](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA376.md): Schleicher ASW 20 · Hempstead, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 2015 · N878S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an attempted off-airport landing.
- [NTSB WPR15FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA144.md): Schempp-Hirth Standard Cirrus · Prescott Valley, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 11, 2015 · N352D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack during the initial climb after a ground-tow launch, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.
- [NTSB DCA15MA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA15MA019.md): Scaled Composites 339 · Koehn Dry Lake, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Oct 31, 2014 · N339SS · Destroyed
  > Scaled Composites' failure to consider and protect against the possibility that a single human error could result in a catastrophic hazard to the SpaceShipTwo vehicle. This failure set the stage for the copilot's premature unlocking of the feather system as a…
- [NTSB WPR14LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA263.md): Knell ASC Spirit · Lehi, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 2014 · N127JK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering in a steep turn at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA14LA290](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA290.md): Cameron Balloons US Z-225 · Spring City, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2014 · N65625 · No damage
  > The pilot's fall from the balloon’s basket during touchdown in a field for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence, which resulted in his fatal injury.
- [NTSB ERA14FA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA231.md): Eagle C-7 · Ruther Glen, VA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 9, 2014 · N3016Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s inadequate approach and his failure to maintain clearance from power lines, which resulted in a subsequent fire.
- [NTSB WPR14FA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA181.md): Aero Tek Zuni · Aguila, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 3, 2014 · N22DA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inability to maintain control of the glider after the tow cable separated prematurely due to an incomplete engagement of the cable in the control tow release system due to a missing spring.
- [NTSB CEN13WA492](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13WA492.md): Aerostar International S-55A · Mont-St-Grégoire, Canada · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Aug 11, 2013 · N25QL · No damage
  > On August 11, 2013, at 0730 eastern daylight time, an Aerostar International Inc. model S-55A, United States registration N25QL, serial number S55A1-1017, was not damaged when a member of the balloon ground-support team was fatally injured after falling to…
- [NTSB ERA13FA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA215.md): Schweizer SGS 2-32 · Shirley, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 27, 2013 · N9857E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during final approach, which resulted in a stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s likely impairment due to an over-the-counter sedating antihistamine.
- [NTSB ERA12LA528](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA528.md): Schleicher ASW-19 · Dansville, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 25, 2012 · N438AS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain glider control while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to an over-the-counter sedating antihistamine.
- [NTSB ERA12LA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA231.md): Firefly Balloons Firefly 8 · Fitzgerald, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 16, 2012 · N14643 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing and his failure to follow the balloon manufacturer's published emergency procedure for weather deterioration during flight.
- [NTSB WPR12FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA010.md): DG Flugzeugbau DG 1000S · Cle Elum, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 13, 2011 · N7760A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and control after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB WPR11FA392](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA392.md): Briegleb BG-12B · Moore, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2011 · N559Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to perform a low pass over the runway in the opposite direction of his intended landing, and his subsequent failure to maintain airspeed and glider control during the reverse-course maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the effect of…
- [NTSB ERA11FA401](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA401.md): Slingsby Capstan Type 49B · Hollywood, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 15, 2011 · N7475 · Substantial damage
  > The glider pilot’s improper response to the “check spoilers” signal from the tow pilot. Contributing to the accident was the glider pilot’s failure to confirm that the spoilers were closed and locked before takeoff, and the glider copilot’s improper crew…
- [NTSB WPR11LA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA317.md): Schweizer SGS 2-32 · Bigfork, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2011 · N591CC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his excessive control inputs during a simulated rope break while taking off, which resulted in an accelerated aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB WPR11FA302](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA302.md): Schleicher ASW-20 · Lone Pine, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 2011 · N838KS · Substantial damage
  > The glider encountered a strong downward orographic wind flow and turbulence that forced it into terrain. Also causal was the pilot’s decision to operate the glider very close to the terrain.
- [NTSB CEN11FA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA259.md): Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau G102 Club Astir Iiib · Boulder, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 2011 · N633BG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's incapacitation for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN11LA239](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA239.md): Glasflugel Standard Libelle · Wellington, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 2011 · N99AE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of glider control due to impairment or incapacitation caused by an episode of ventricular tachycardia.
- [NTSB ERA10LA511](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA511.md): Ballonbau Worner NL-1000/STU · Adriatic Sea, A1 · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 2010 · N801NM · Substantial damage
  > The crew's intentional flight into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted in destruction of the balloon envelope by lightning strike and the subsequent uncontrolled descent to the sea.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?engine=00000&fatal=1&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."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('00000'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?engine=00000&fatal=1

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