# Fatal NTSB investigations: Continental C85 series

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 · 153 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN26FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26FA034.md): Funk B85C · Anderson, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Nov 4, 2025 · N24157 · Substantial damage
  > On November 4, 2025, about 12:45 eastern standard time, a Funk B85C airplane, N24157 was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Anderson, Indiana. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of…
- [NTSB WPR25FA257](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25FA257.md): Cessna 140 · Shelter Cove, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Aug 17, 2025 · N89447
  > On August 17, 2025 about 1521 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 140, N89447, was involved in an accident near Shelter Cove, California. The student pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14…
- [NTSB CEN25FA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA151.md): Aeronca 7AC · Cape Fair, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Apr 10, 2025 · N83952 · Substantial damage
  > On April 10, 2025, at 0904 central daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC airplane, N83952, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Cape Fair, Missouri. The pilot received serious injuries, and the passenger was fatally injured. The airplane…
- [NTSB CEN24FA312](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA312.md): Engineering & Research Ercoupe 415-C · Elkhart, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 7, 2024 · N3093H · Destroyed
  > An off-airport landing in a soybean field for reasons that could not be determined. Contributing to the severity of the pilot’s injuries and airplane damage was a fire that occurred at an unknown time.
- [NTSB GAA23WA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA23WA146.md): Engineering & Research 415-C · St. Mary, Jamaica · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · May 5, 2023 · N3254B · Substantial damage
- [NTSB WPR22FA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA255.md): Aeronca 7BCM · Lake McMurray, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 16, 2022 · N2588C · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference and subsequent controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA22FA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA233.md): Cessna 140 · Wayne, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 20, 2022 · N76075 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack on final approach while conducting traditional short takeoff and landing operations in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin from which the pilot could not…
- [NTSB CEN19FA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA307.md): Cessna 140 · Lakeview, SD · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 8, 2019 · N73000 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack, an aerodynamic stall, and subsequent impact with terrain, and the student pilot’s non-compliance and lack of…
- [NTSB CEN19FA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA191.md): Piper J3C · Elyria, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 30, 2019 · N98527 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to carburetor icing, and the pilot’s subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN18FA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA235.md): Ercoupe 415 D · Monmouth, IL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 24, 2018 · N94070 · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB ERA18FA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA152.md): Cessna 140 · Daytona Beach, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 22, 2018 · N89864 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation during the initial climb, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed while turning back to the runway, which resulted in an exceedance of the…
- [NTSB ERA16FA324](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA324.md): Cessna 120 · North Collins, NY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 25, 2016 · N3580V · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > The failure of the second airplane's pilot to see and avoid the first airplane as he was overtaking the first airplane.
- [NTSB CEN16FA370](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA370.md): Piper PA 11 · Arcanum, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 2016 · N4910M · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's reckless flying attitude and use of multiple psychoactive drugs, which likely impaired his ability to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB WPR16FA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA118.md): Moore Joseph O Varieze · Santa Paula, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 28, 2016 · N80681 · Destroyed
  > A total loss of engine power due to fatigue failure of the camshaft drive gear teeth.
- [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 CEN15FA291](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA291.md): Champion 7BCM · Portland, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 2015 · N10497 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s ostentatious low-altitude aerobatic display, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin when he exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to alcohol and drugs.
- [NTSB CEN15FA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA181.md): Piper J-4A · Pine River, MN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 28, 2015 · N30341 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot' failure to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff, which resulted in the airplane's wing exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to conduct the flight…
- [NTSB ERA15FA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA103.md): Luscombe 8 · Fort Valley, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 16, 2015 · N1745K · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to maintain airspeed during an approach with a simulated engine failure, which resulted in an exceedance of the wing’s critical angle-of-attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin.
- [NTSB ERA14FA327](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA327.md): Cessna 140 · Parma, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2014 · N76850 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to land with a quartering tailwind and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the severity of the pilot's injuries was the failure of the aluminum center safety belt bracket.
- [NTSB WPR14FA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA132.md): Cessna 120 · Carson City, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 2014 · N76856 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s delayed decision to initiate a course-reversal turn when the airplane was unable to attain sufficient altitude to cross a mountain range, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and entering an aerodynamic stall…
- [NTSB WPR14LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA100.md): Ercoupe 415 C · Poulsbo, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 20, 2014 · N2076H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to confirm that the engine oil filler cap was secured before flight, which resulted in oil exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power during cruise flight.
- [NTSB ERA13LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA076.md): Cassutt Sport Racer · Collegedale, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 2012 · N9CA · Substantial damage
  > Impact with trees and terrain during the landing approach likely due to the physiological incapacitation of the pilot.
- [NTSB CEN13FA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA081.md): Ercoupe 415-C · Blair, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 29, 2012 · N720RC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control due to physical incapacitation.
- [NTSB CEN12LA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA203.md): Enbody Frank GY 201 Minicab · Granite Shoals, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 24, 2012 · N416FC · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a contaminated carburetor fuel screen. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from medications that degraded his decision-making and the pilot's improper maintenance of the airplane.
- [NTSB ERA12LA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA141.md): Bowers Fly Baby 1-A · Jefferson, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 8, 2012 · N4626 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin. Also causal was the partial loss of engine power during the initial climb due to the improper installation of a magneto. Contributing to the accident was the…
- [NTSB ERA11LA503](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA503.md): Cessna 120 · Cordele, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 2011 · N3101N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB CEN09LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA128.md): Probst Baby Ace D · Kilgore, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 12, 2009 · N610DD · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's improper fuel planning. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain situational awareness, resulting in him being lost.
- [NTSB ERA09FA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA087.md): Ercoupe 415-D · Sebring, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 13, 2008 · N99154 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the design stress limitations of the airplane.
- [NTSB SEA07LA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07LA217.md): Taylorcraft BF12 · West Linn, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2007 · N13060 · Substantial damage
  > The corrosion, fatigue fracture, and subsequent separation of the left wing lift strut attachment fitting. Also causal was the inadequate maintenance and annual inspection by the owner/pilot/mechanic.
- [NTSB CHI06LA268](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06LA268.md): Windler Tri Q2 · Branson, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 2006 · N6628K · Destroyed
  > Fatigue failure, originating in an area of surface corrosion, of the right elevator mid span hinge pin and the subsequent failure of the elevator torque tube. Additional causes are the separation of the elevator from the airframe due to the hinge pin and…
- [NTSB MIA06LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA06LA118.md): Ercoupe 415C · Panacea, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 2006 · N99355 · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the airplane descending and impacting trees during the approach. A possible contributing factor was the pilot's pre-existing cardiovascular condition.
- [NTSB SEA05LA165](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05LA165.md): Cessna 120 · Chiloquin, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 2005 · N627DM · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and a loss of control during a pull-up maneuver. A factor contributing to the accident was the inadvertent stall/spin, which resulted in the subsequent collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CHI04LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04LA003.md): Luscombe 8E · Orange City, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 3, 2003 · N1909K · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance from the trees while manuevering at a low altitude. A factor was the trees.
- [NTSB LAX03LA289](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA289.md): Butzbach Smith Miniplane DSA1 · Escondido, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 2003 · N40DB · Destroyed
  > The pilot's low level aerobatic maneuver and his failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CHI03FA301](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA301.md): Aeronca 11BC · Colfax, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2003 · N4103E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A factor associated with the accident was the low altitude at which the pilot was maneuvering.
- [NTSB CHI03LA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA282.md): Cessna 140 · Edwardsburg, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 2003 · N140GS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance from the power line during his low level cruise. Factors were the power transmission line, the lake, and low altitude flight.
- [NTSB ATL03FA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03FA128.md): Ercoupe 415-C · Rome, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 2003 · N99748 · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel system contamination (water). Also causal was the pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CHI03LA241](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA241.md): Young Pietenpol Air Camper · Peru, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2003 · N81171 · Destroyed
  > The pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance from the trees during the landing. A factor was the trees he impacted.
- [NTSB DEN03FA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03FA087.md): Ercoupe 415D · Los Lunas, NM · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 25, 2003 · N93971 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the transmission wire. Contributing factors were the high wind, the pilot's decision to make a low-altitude turn onto the crosswind leg, and the power line.
- [NTSB MIA03FA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03FA077.md): Champion Aeronca 7BCM · Pahokee, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 18, 2003 · N2517E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in an inadvertent stall while maneuvering.
- [NTSB LAX00FA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00FA170.md): Emigh Trojan A2 · Brentwood, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 22, 2000 · N8324H · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane.
- [NTSB DEN99FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99FA075.md): Piper PA-11 · Lander, WY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 8, 1999 · N4582M · Destroyed
  > The pilot inadvertently stalling the airplane. Factors were his abrupt maneuvering of the airplane to avoid a powerline, and his attention being diverted.
- [NTSB FTW98FA377](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA377.md): Jodel F11-3 · Beeville, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 1998 · N8122 · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain obstacle clearance during an intentional low altitude maneuver.
- [NTSB FTW98FA291](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA291.md): Cessna 140A · Edgewood, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 1998 · N9689A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain minimum required airspeed for flight. Factors were the worn fuel line, which separated, and the failure of the maintenance personnel to locate the worn fuel line during the annual inspection.
- [NTSB FTW98FA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA203.md): Ercoupe 415-C · Olustee, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 6, 1998 · N87125 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's improper decision to attempt an 180 degree turn to return to the takeoff runway.
- [NTSB LAX97FA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA259.md): Piper J3C-85 · Bullhead City, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 1997 · N3339N · Destroyed
  > improper judgement of the pilot by intentionally performing low level maneuvers, and his misjudgment of a level-off over water.
- [NTSB CHI97FA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA095.md): Cessna 140 · Big Lake, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 29, 1997 · N77166 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's maneuvers which exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane and resulted in structural overload of the horizontal tail followed by a structural overload of the wings.
- [NTSB SEA96FA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96FA185.md): Aeronca 7CCM · Marsing, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 11, 1996 · N2836E · Substantial damage
  > loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CHI96LA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA188.md): Gray Miniplane DSA-1-G · Astoria, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 31, 1996 · N611SU · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the terrain while performing an aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB ATL96FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL96FA006.md): Luscombe 8E · Picayune, MS · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 1995 · N71590 · Substantial damage
  > a worn left magneto distributor gear, which resulted in a loss of engine power; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the ground.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?engine=17008&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 ('17008'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?engine=17008&fatal=1

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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.