# NTSB investigations: Lycoming 0-540 series, VA 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. ## Latest cases - [NTSB CEN25FA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA124.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Danville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Mar 15, 2025 · N331ES · Destroyed > On March 15, 2025, about 1500 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, N331ES, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Danville, Virginia. The pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal… - [NTSB ERA24LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA108.md): Cessna R182 · Abingdon, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 4, 2024 · N756ZW · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to lower the airplane's landing gear prior to landing, which resulted in abnormal runway contact. - [NTSB ERA20LA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA195.md): Piper PA24 · South Boston, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 26, 2020 · N5948P · Substantial damage > The powerplant mechanic’s failure to properly affix the engine crankshaft gear lockplate during overhaul, resulting in a total loss of engine power. - [NTSB GAA19CA398](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA398.md): Cessna R182 · Petersburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 10, 2019 · N757PU · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to verify that the main landing gear were extended, which resulted in landing with partially extended landing gear. Contributing to the accident was a tripped landing gear motor circuit breaker. - [NTSB GAA18CA574](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA574.md): Piper PA24 · Crewe, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 29, 2018 · N6148P · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate 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 improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation… - [NTSB ERA18FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA006.md): Piper PA 25-235 · Front Royal, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 7, 2017 · N90866 · Destroyed > The tow plane pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence. Contributing to the accident was the glider instructor's diversion of attention away from the tow airplane which resulted in his delay in… - [NTSB ERA16CA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16CA024.md): Maule M5 · Warrentown, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 24, 2015 · N406X · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance of a cattle-guard fence on landing. Contributing to the accident was his lack of recent flying experience. - [NTSB ERA16LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA022.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Bluemont, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 23, 2015 · N43249 · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power as a result of the separation of the No. 5 connecting rod for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information. - [NTSB ERA12LA486](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA486.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Blacksburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2012 · N6248P · Substantial damage > The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and improper in-flight fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. - [NTSB ERA11CA452](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11CA452.md): Piper PA-28-236 · Front Royal, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 14, 2011 · N4341M · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to attain the proper touchdown point. - [NTSB IAD03FA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD03FA019.md): Piper PA-32RT-300 · Bastian, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 27, 2002 · N31554 · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate altitude above terrain. Factors in the accident were the dark night conditions and the low cloud ceiling. - [NTSB IAD01LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD01LA014.md): Gick Aerocomp CA6WB · White Post, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 2000 · N8181L · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate preflight. Also causal in the accident was the under-inflated tire that flattened and locked during landing, and collapsed the nose landing gear. - [NTSB NYC00FA245](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC00FA245.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Lexington, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 30, 2000 · N6411P · Destroyed > The pilot's attempted VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions that resulted in spatial disorientation. A factor in this accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning. - [NTSB NYC95LA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC95LA130.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Ashland, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 31, 1995 · N16354 · Destroyed > a loss of engine power due to a subsurface fatigue crack in the crankshaft which led to failure of the crankshaft. - [NTSB NYC95FA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC95FA068.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Suffolk, VA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 13, 1995 · N57326 · Destroyed > The pilot's inadequate preflight and improper in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Darkness was a factor related to the improper planning/decision-making for the emergency landing. - [NTSB BFO94FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO94FA144.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Front Royal, VA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 1994 · N3701W · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance, his improper in-flight decision and his inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) which resulted in in-flight collision with terrain. The high terrain and weather conditions were… - [NTSB NYC93LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC93LA168.md): Piper PA-25-225 · Chesapeake, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 26, 1993 · N9556P · Substantial damage > The loosening of the crankshaft geardrive as a resulted of a sheared bolt and guide pin which resulted in the loss of engine power. A factor was a forced landing on a crop field. - [NTSB NYC93LA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC93LA042.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Cheriton, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 10, 1992 · N9102W · Substantial damage > The pilot's improperly planned approach, resulting in a touchdown too FAR down the runway, with excessive airspeed, and the subsequent encounter with soft terrain and nose over. - [NTSB NYC93FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC93FA012.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Pulaski, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 9, 1992 · N31953 · Destroyed > The improper decision by the non-instrument-rated pilot to continue VFR flight into known instrument meteorological conditions resulting in spatial disorientation and loss of control of the airplane. Factors which contributed to the accident were the actions… - [NTSB BFO91LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO91LA032.md): Piper PA32-260 · Roanoke, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 18, 1991 · N4870T · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance on a night visual approach. - [NTSB BFO89LA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89LA035.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Warrenton, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 20, 1989 · N9489P · Substantial damage > The failure of the glider pilot to maintain a proper climb rate during takeoff and the delay in releasing from the towplane after realizing that he was climbing well above the towplane. Contributing to the accident was the updraft encountered after takeoff… - [NTSB BFO89LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89LA011.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Port Royal, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 19, 1988 · N8215P · Substantial damage > The plt received a wx briefing which forecast IFR after 1800 EST. He departed dca in light drizzle conditions. Arpx 35 NM from dca, radar service was terminated and the plt attempted to contact ATC to no avail. He reported that near the brook VOR the VOR… - [NTSB BFO88FA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO88FA008.md): Piper PA-32-260B · Willis, VA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 27, 1987 · N4832S · Destroyed > The acft was on a night IFR flight at 7000 ft MSL in IMC when the plt reported the directional gyro was inoperative. The acft was outbound from the pulaski VOR on V45 headed southeast. The plt further reported the turn&bank and the mag compass were operative.… - [NTSB BFO87LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO87LA066.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Roanoke, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 20, 1987 · N3636W · Substantial damage > Roanoke tower cleared the aircraft for landing and the pilot pulled the power to idle. The pilot did not realize the engine had quit until he applied power on short final and the engine did not respond. The aircraft struck short of runway 33. The pilot stated… - [NTSB ATL84LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84LA074.md): Cessna R182 · Pennington Gap, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 1983 · N736NJ · Substantial damage > Enroute at 7,000 ft MSL the acft started picking up heavy ice. The plt make a 180 deg turn & descended to 6,000 ft. he was able to see the ground through breaks in the clouds. Upon sighting lee county arpt the plt elected to make a precautionary landing.… - [NTSB ATL81DID18](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL81DID18.md): Piper PA-25 · Carrolton, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Sep 11, 1981 · N9558P · Substantial damage - [NTSB IAD79FID36](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD79FID36.md): Maule M5-236 · Richmond, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Sep 18, 1979 · N5636N · Substantial damage - [NTSB IAD78FID24](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD78FID24.md): Cessna 182RG · Williamsburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Sep 16, 1978 · N3353C · Substantial damage - [NTSB IAD78FA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD78FA081.md): Piper PA-32 · Severn, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jul 13, 1978 · N3905W · Substantial damage - [NTSB IAD77FIA26](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD77FIA26.md): Piper PA-32 · Harrisonburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Sep 23, 1977 · N3460W · Substantial damage - [NTSB IAD77FA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD77FA060.md): Aero Comdr A-9 · Petersburg, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Aug 13, 1977 · N7739V · Destroyed - [NTSB IAD76FID14](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD76FID14.md): Piper PA-32 · South Boston, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Oct 14, 1975 · N3698W · Destroyed - [NTSB IAD76FID11](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD76FID11.md): Piper PA-24 · Blacksburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Sep 28, 1975 · N7189P · Substantial damage - [NTSB IAD76FID07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD76FID07.md): Piper PA-25 · Virginia Beach, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Aug 30, 1975 · N4866Y · Substantial damage - [NTSB IAD74FID21](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD74FID21.md): Piper PA-24 · Hopewell, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Nov 1, 1973 · N6191P · Substantial damage - [NTSB NYC73FID03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC73FID03.md): Piper PA-25 · Newsoms, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Jul 24, 1972 · N4744Y · Substantial damage - [NTSB NYC72FIA20](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC72FIA20.md): Piper PA-24 · Manassas, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Apr 19, 1972 · N8104P · Substantial damage - [NTSB IAD71FIJ11](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD71FIJ11.md): Piper PA-24 · Independence, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Nov 8, 1970 · N7690P · Substantial damage - [NTSB IAD71FID05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD71FID05.md): Piper PA-24 · Norfolk, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Aug 15, 1970 · N7821P · Substantial damage - [NTSB IAD71FID04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD71FID04.md): Piper PA-25 · Zuni, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Aug 6, 1970 · N6725Z · Substantial damage - [NTSB IAD70F0089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD70F0089.md): Piper PA-32 · Norfolk, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Sep 28, 1969 · N5555J · Substantial damage - [NTSB DIA69F0171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DIA69F0171.md): Piper PA-32 · New Kent, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Apr 9, 1969 · N3576W · Substantial damage - [NTSB DIA69D0018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DIA69D0018.md): Piper PA-24 · Dulles, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jun 26, 1968 · N6843P · Substantial damage - [NTSB DIA68D0231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DIA68D0231.md): Piper PA-24 · Alexandria, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · May 19, 1968 · N5454P · Substantial damage - [NTSB DIA68D0189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DIA68D0189.md): Piper PA-24 · Gloucester, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Mar 27, 1968 · N8382P · Substantial damage - [NTSB DIA68D0197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DIA68D0197.md): Piper PA-32 · Rural Retreat, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jan 30, 1968 · N3815W · Substantial damage - [NTSB DIA67D0113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DIA67D0113.md): Piper PA-32 · Lynchburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · May 24, 1967 · N3613W · Substantial damage - [NTSB NYC67F0414](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC67F0414.md): Piper PA-24 · Baileys Xroads, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Oct 16, 1966 · N6641P · Substantial damage - [NTSB NYC66F0394](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC66F0394.md): Piper PA-24 · Richmond, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Dec 26, 1965 · N7720P · Substantial damage - [NTSB UNK65X0554](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/UNK65X0554.md): Piper PA24 · Farmville, VA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Nov 4, 1964 · N6849P · Substantial damage ## 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'VA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('41532')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?engine=41532&state=VA --- 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.