# Fatal NTSB investigations: Lycoming IO-360-L2A

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 WPR26FA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26FA294.md): Textron 172S · Provo, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Aug 7, 2026 · N1842E · Substantial damage
  > On August 7, 2026, about 1549 mountain daylight time, a Textron Aviation Inc. 172S, N1842E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Provo, Utah. The flight instructor sustained serious injuries, and the pilot undergoing instruction…
- [NTSB WPR26FA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26FA232.md): Cessna 172 · Willard, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Jun 24, 2026 · N387AF · Destroyed
  > On June 23, 2026, at about 2247 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N387AF, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Willard, Utah. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91…
- [NTSB WPR25FA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25FA264.md): Cessna 172S · Los Banos, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Aug 27, 2025 · N5203H · Destroyed
  > On August 26, 2025, about 1905 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N5203H, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Los Banos, California. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part…
- [NTSB ERA25FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA082.md): Cessna 172 · Cintrona, PR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 20, 2024 · N22088 · Destroyed
  > Maintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the airplane, which resulted in inflight the failure of the right aileron carry through cable due to wear, reduced effectiveness of the airplane’s ailerons, and a subsequent loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN24LA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA099.md): Textron 172S · Direct, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 25, 2024 · N23107 · Destroyed
  > The pilot died by suicide.
- [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 ERA23LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA022.md): Cessna 172S · Statesboro, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 17, 2022 · N2476Y · No damage
  > The pilot’s failure to include deplaning procedures as part of a passenger safety briefing and failure to have the passengers remain onboard until the engine was shut down, which resulted in a passenger subsequently being struck by the rotating propeller.
- [NTSB ERA23FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA001.md): Cessna 172S · Hermantown, MN · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 2, 2022 · N262TA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during initial climb in dark night and low instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a descent into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s fatigue due to a long…
- [NTSB CEN22FA424](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA424.md): Cessna 172S · Longmont, CO · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 17, 2022 · N2117Y · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > The pilots’ inability to see and avoid each other, resulting in a midair collision.
- [NTSB ERA22FA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA058.md): Cessna 172 · Branchville, NJ · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 11, 2021 · N90559 · Destroyed
  > The flight instructor’s failure to recover from a steep spiral turn during an instructional flight.
- [NTSB WPR21FA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21FA211.md): Textron 172S · Eden, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 29, 2021 · N1727T · Destroyed
  > The flight instructor’s improper aeronautical decision-making, which led to an encounter with a downdraft at a low altitude in mountainous terrain and resulted in the instructor’s loss of airplane control and an impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA20WA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20WA139.md): Cessna 172 · Riyadh, Saudi Arabia · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Sep 22, 2020 · N9056K · Destroyed
- [NTSB CEN20FA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20FA110.md): Cessna 172 · Lincoln, IL · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 3, 2020 · N157SF · Destroyed
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during an aerial survey, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low to recover.
- [NTSB CEN19FA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA221.md): Cessna 172 · Katy, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 13, 2019 · N517LA · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control and subsequent impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB ERA19FA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA107.md): Cessna 172 · Mansfield, MA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 23, 2019 · N224TA · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to maintain airplane control during initial climb after a touch-and-go landing, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA18LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA094.md): Cessna 172 · Ocean City, MD · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 1, 2018 · N615JA · Destroyed
  > The pilot's flight in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in an impact with water for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB ERA17LA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA261.md): Cessna 172 · Danbury, CT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 30, 2017 · N612DF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate the airplane above its maximum gross weight, which likely reduced…
- [NTSB CEN17FA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA111.md): Cessna 172S · Berthoud, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 27, 2017 · N2461N · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilots to apply prompt and/or correct flight control inputs to adequately recover from the intentional aerodynamic spin.
- [NTSB WPR17FA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA063.md): Cessna 172 · Ramona, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 12, 2017 · N2179L · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to ensure that adequate clearance from terrain was maintained after performance of a simulated engine failure maneuver, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA16LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA008.md): Cessna 172S · Seville, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 2015 · N5295Y · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s encounter with a downdraft, and the pilot's decision to maneuver the airplane at a low altitude and airspeed, which provided insufficient time and altitude to recover before impacting terrain.
- [NTSB WPR15FAMS1](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FAMS1.md): Cessna 172S · Davenport, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Missing aircraft · Final report · May 8, 2015 · N191TG
  > Undetermined because the airplane was not located.
- [NTSB ERA15FA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA046.md): Cessna 172 · Hinton, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 8, 2014 · N2152T · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s decision to conduct a night training flight in mountainous terrain without conducting or allowing the student to conduct appropriate preflight planning and his lack of situational awareness of the surrounding terrain altitude, which…
- [NTSB CEN14FA506](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA506.md): Cessna 172R · Okmulgee, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 2014 · N2435R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB ERA14FA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA283.md): Cessna 172S · Daytona Beach, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 10, 2014 · N5524L · Destroyed
  > A partial loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined due to the postaccident condition of the wreckage. Contributing to the accident was the pilots' decision to turn back to the airport, which led to…
- [NTSB WPR13FA254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA254.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Anthem, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 31, 2013 · N327PA · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilots in both aircraft to maintain adequate visual lookout in a known training area where multiple aircraft frequently operated, which resulted in a midair collision.
- [NTSB WPR13LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA062.md): Cessna 172S · Kahului, HI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 2012 · N3554Y · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent failure to maintain airplane control while operating over water in dark night conditions with reduced visibility due to rain in the area.
- [NTSB CEN13FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA012.md): Cessna 172R · Simpson, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 2012 · N2126R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control while maneuvering between areas of precipitation during a night cross-country flight.
- [NTSB ERA12FA572](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA572.md): Cessna 172S · Land O'Lakes, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 2012 · N21750 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue the cross-country flight while fatigued, which resulted in him falling asleep during the initial descent for landing.
- [NTSB CEN12FA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA199.md): Cessna 172S · Longmont, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 23, 2012 · N10468 · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate visual lookout by the pilots of both airplanes, which resulted in a mid-air collision.
- [NTSB ERA12FA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA193.md): Cessna 172S · Key West, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 24, 2012 · N53589 · Substantial damage
  > The non-night-qualified pilot's improper decision to depart in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in his subsequent spatial disorientation, loss of control, and impact with water.
- [NTSB ERA11FA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA146.md): Cessna 172S · New Smyrna Beach, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 16, 2011 · N6345L · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to recognize or implement adequate remedial action to counter the effects of spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the spatial disorientation experienced by one or both pilots.
- [NTSB ERA11FA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA118.md): Cessna 172S · North Myrtle Beach, SC · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 18, 2011 · N2100V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control during a missed approach due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB ERA10LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA105.md): Cessna 172S · Greenbush, ME · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 4, 2010 · N5118J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to attempt a transoceanic flight in turbulent, icing conditions, with an overweight airplane that was not approved for moderate turbulence and not equipped with deicing systems. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's…
- [NTSB ERA10FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA048.md): Cessna 172S · Tallahassee, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 5, 2009 · N5194X · Destroyed
  > The pilots' spatial disorientation during flight in dark conditions, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain.
- [NTSB LAX08FA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08FA261.md): Cessna 172S · Incline Village, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 2008 · N15963 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to initiate a flight for which he was neither approved nor qualified and his failure to maintain terrain clearance during the flight. Contributing to the accident were the dark night, the mountainous terrain, and the pilot's medical…
- [NTSB LAX08LA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA191.md): Cessna 172S · Oceanside, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 23, 2008 · N2436F · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to regain airplane control during an intentional stall/spin maneuver.
- [NTSB LAX08FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08FA023.md): Cessna 172S · Palm Springs, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 29, 2007 · N21101 · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall during takeoff-initial climb, and his impairment from alcohol.
- [NTSB DFW07FA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07FA019.md): Cessna 172S · Hominy, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 5, 2006 · N53443 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued cruise flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Contributing factors were the dark night conditions, and the low ceilings.
- [NTSB DEN06FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN06FA023.md): Cessna 172S · Pinon, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 14, 2005 · N1257Z · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB MIA05FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA05FA140.md): Cessna 172S · Key West, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 31, 2005 · N65982 · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain directional control of the airplane during the dark, night flight over water, resulting in the uncontrolled descent and in-flight collision with the water. A contributing factor in the accident was the pilot's…
- [NTSB LAX05LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05LA073.md): Cessna 172SP · Casa Grande, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 19, 2005 · N2157H · No damage
  > the pilot's inadvertent encounter with a rotating propeller. Contributing factors were the dark night conditions and the pilot's fatigued condition.
- [NTSB CHI03FA284](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA284.md): Cessna 172S · Lake Elmo, MN · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 22, 2003 · N53033 · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > Both pilots failed to maintain adequate visual lookout and did not maintain clearance from the other aircraft.

## 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 ('41597'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?engine=41597&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.