# Fatal NTSB investigations: Volkswagen CONVERSION 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 ERA22FA320](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA320.md): Knight AA Nieuport 28 · Basehor, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 18, 2022 · N6170 · Destroyed > The pilot’s incorrect installation of the left-wing strut, which resulted in a loss of airplane control during takeoff and a subsequent aerodynamic stall and spin from which the pilot could not recover. - [NTSB ERA16FA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA084.md): Eros 1600 · Lebanon, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 7, 2016 · N508AH · Substantial damage > A failure of the front cylinder piston due to the pilot's improper maintenance, which resulted in a total loss of engine power after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to return to the runway at low altitude following the loss of… - [NTSB ERA15LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA133.md): Johnson Joel H Rans S-6ES Coyote II · Rincon, PR · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 19, 2015 · N5196W · Substantial damage > The inadequate maintenance and inspection of the fuel system, which resulted in partial blockage of a fuel filter, a partial loss of engine power, and subsequent ditching. - [NTSB CEN14FA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA173.md): Worthington Donald Wayne Sonerai II LT · Highlands Ranch, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 29, 2014 · N63917 · Destroyed > The pilot’s loss of control during a forced landing following a loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to postimpact fire damage. - [NTSB ERA13LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA093.md): Russom Roy G Hummel H5 · Calhoun, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 2012 · N156FH · Substantial damage > The pilot’s impairment or incapacitation due to the effects of medication, worsening cardiac disease, or cardiac arrhythmia, which resulted in his loss of control of the airplane. - [NTSB ERA09LA454](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA454.md): Pongracz John M Nieuport 1 · Brasstown, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 2009 · N112PM · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during climb after takeoff, resulting in an inadvertent stall. - [NTSB ERA09LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA263.md): Keeley/Tidd MK-1 · Demopolis, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 24, 2009 · N91MK · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a complete loss of engine power resulting in a stall while maneuvering to land. The reason for the loss of engine power was undetermined. - [NTSB CEN09LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA263.md): Laseure Sonerai II · Grantsburg, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 22, 2009 · N232PE · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb which resulted in a stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the degraded engine performance. - [NTSB CHI08LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08LA046.md): Swearingen T R/Masters W Rand KR 2 · Benton, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 29, 2007 · N7016M · Destroyed > The reason for this accident is undetermined. - [NTSB MIA05LA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA05LA146.md): Gustafson Easy Eagle · Milton, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 2005 · N707DG · Destroyed > A loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent in-flight collision with tree-covered terrain. - [NTSB DFW05LA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05LA129.md): Miller Rand Robinson KR-2 · Galliano, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 21, 2005 · N684LM · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin during initial takeoff climb. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of experience for the make/model airplane. - [NTSB MIA03LA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03LA146.md): Sonerai Sonerai IIB · Lakeland, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 2003 · N224RB · Destroyed > The pilot's decision to conduct low level flight and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. - [NTSB LAX02LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA010.md): Rhoades Jodel D-9 · Waialua, HI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 21, 2001 · N43RR · Substantial damage > Loss of engine power for unknown reasons. A factor was the inadvertent stall the pilot encountered while maneuvering to make a forced landing in an open taro field. - [NTSB CHI98FA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98FA096.md): Wasielak Sonerai II L · Malta, IL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 1998 · N38NL · 2 aircraft · Destroyed > The pilot's failed to maintain adequate clearance from the other aircraft. - [NTSB CHI97FA272](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA272.md): Kellums Sonerai 1 · Scottsburg, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 26, 1997 · N76457 · Destroyed > a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the student pilot's failure to maintain airspeed greater than the stalling speed for the airplane. A factor relating to this accident was the student pilot's lack of total experience. - [NTSB NYC97LA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA125.md): Shafer SONERAI-I · W.Hampton Beach, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 1997 · N20CS · 2 aircraft · Destroyed > failure of the number two pilot (N77TY) to follow race procedures, and failure of the number three pilot (N20CS) to turn and avoid the number two airplane, when it decelerated into the number three pilot's blind spot. - [NTSB FTW96FA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96FA092.md): Krueter KR-2 · Watkins, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 15, 1996 · N8019C · Destroyed > Failure by the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors were a lack of familiarity with the aircraft and lack of experience in the make and model. - [NTSB CHI95LA339](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA339.md): Mcclintic-Piercie KR-1 · Scotts, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 28, 1995 · N9975A · Destroyed > the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. - [NTSB CHI95LA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA211.md): First Strike Bobcat · Burlington, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 1995 · N412LF · Destroyed > fatigue failure of a copper fuel line at the carburetor ferrule fitting, which resulted in fuel starvation. The proximity of trees was a related factor. - [NTSB LAX93LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA032.md): R.W. Sherman Turbulent · Adelanto, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 7, 1992 · N84766 · Destroyed > The pilot's improper emergency decision to attempt to return to the departure area. Contributing to this accident was the undetermined loss of power, inadequate altitude, and failure to maintain the airspeed. - [NTSB ATL93LA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL93LA007.md): Bensen B-8M · Holly Ridge, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 1992 · N3777R · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to operate the flight controls properly. - [NTSB NYC91DFJ01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91DFJ01.md): Sterns Sterns Longster · Mayville, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Jul 1, 1991 · N891DS · Destroyed > The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed, which resulted in a stall and spin at a low altitude. Also causal to the accident was the lack of experience of the pilot in this make and model airplane. - [NTSB ATL91LA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA111.md): Rider-Charles Aerosport Scamp · Raeford, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 1991 · N9994A · Destroyed > The pilot's improper adjustment of the engine carburetor, and his operation of the aircraft with a known powerplant deficiency. Factors in this accident were: the lack of spring tension for the fuel mixture, and the fouled condition of the engine spark plugs. - [NTSB MIA91FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91FA014.md): Daniel S. Taylor Sonerai II LS · Prattville, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 21, 1990 · N148DT · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. Factors were undetermined loss of engine power and lack of experience in type. - [NTSB LAX90DUG01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DUG01.md): Mannon-Underwood JEANIE'S Teenie · Hemet, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Oct 21, 1989 · N63327 · Destroyed > Inadvertent stall experienced by the pilot and his lack of experience. - [NTSB NYC89DHM03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89DHM03.md): Vangorden KR-2 · Allaire, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Oct 12, 1988 · N3774G · Destroyed > The homebuilt aircraft was being flown on its maiden flight when the accident occurred. A witness stated that he observed the aircraft 'swirling down like a bird with a broken wing.' According to him, the aircraft was intact with no evidence of smoke before… - [NTSB CHI89DET01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89DET01.md): Volksplane VP-1 · Coldwater, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Oct 8, 1988 · N131JT · Substantial damage > A stall with entry into the incipient stage of a spin with insufficient altitude for recovery. - [NTSB MKC88DCA01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC88DCA01.md): Rosenmayer Skyranger S/C · Maryland Hgts, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Aug 7, 1988 · N830CR · Destroyed > Witnesses observed the a/c making a turn when the wings came off and the a/c nose-dived to the ground with the wings 'floating' down after the a/c. examination of the wreckage found a fatigue crack 1/3 the circumference with instantaneous cracking on the… - [NTSB BFO86FID03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO86FID03.md): Taylor Lonsdale KR-2 · Waynesboro, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · Apr 19, 1986 · N99PT · Destroyed > The airport operator, caleb glick, was driving on a road adjacent to the airport when he observed the aircraft turning base for runway 23 at Waynesboro airport. Shortly therafter he lost sight of N99PT and next observed it as it collided with the ground in… - [NTSB CHI85FA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85FA269.md): Chamberlain Viking Dragonfly · Faribault, MN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 1985 · N59BC · Destroyed > The acft collided with trees and burst into flames during a forced landing. On the plt's second radio contact with Faribault municipal airport UNICOM he declared, 'I have engine failure. I'm going down in a corn field.' Post accident inspection of the… - [NTSB ATL85FMG01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85FMG01.md): Mcclellan J. Grote Dragonfly · Morrisville, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Feb 22, 1985 · N5275U · Destroyed > The owner/builder had prepared the acft for its 1st flt. This preparation included high speed taxi tests, a brake line repair & eng adjustments. Two 17.6 lb barbell weights were tied to the wing lift bulkhead with 5/16 inch hemp rope for purposes of weight &… - [NTSB MKC84FA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC84FA225.md): Bobby Wayne Watkins Mini Coupe · Nashville, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 1984 · N937BW · Destroyed > The builder/owner/plt had flown the home built acft for about 10 mins on its 1st test flt which was made a few days prior to the accident. On third flt, he took off on rwy 01, climbed straight-out for awhile, made a left turn to x-wind leg & started a… - [NTSB FTW84FA290](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84FA290.md): Griffin FG-1A · Mt Pleasant, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 1984 · N455FG · Destroyed > According to witnesses, the gyrocopter plt took off & turned onto a left downwind to stay in the traffic pattern for rwy 17. One witness stated that the gyrocopter turned onto final apch at about 300 to 400 ft AGL. Two other witnesses, who reside aprx 1/4 mi… - [NTSB LAX83FUA06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FUA06.md): Rand Robinson KR-1 · Seal Beach, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Jul 23, 1983 · N98BB · Destroyed > According to a witness, the acft apchd at about 1000 ft, made 3 circles & headed in an easterly direction. The acft was then observed to make a steep banked turn toward the witness at an estimated altitude of 200 to 300 ft above the water. It then nosed down,… - [NTSB LAX83FUG08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FUG08.md): Rand KR-2 · Norco, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · Dec 12, 1982 · N5RU · Destroyed > Experimental aircraft on demonstration flight spun to the ground from low altitude and was destroyed on impact. Witness saw and heard the aircraft maneuver and crash with the engine at high RPM. Weather was VMC. - [NTSB CHI82FEE03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82FEE03.md): Sonerai II · Romeoville, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Oct 20, 1981 · N66LS · Destroyed - [NTSB LAX81FVD40](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX81FVD40.md): Minatre KR-2 · Tracy, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Aug 16, 1981 · N23WM · Destroyed - [NTSB NYC81FNA18](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC81FNA18.md): Rand KR-2 · N Kingstown, RI · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jul 12, 1981 · N29SL · Destroyed - [NTSB MIA80FLD97](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA80FLD97.md): Fletcher KR-1 · Sarasota, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Sep 7, 1980 · N7472 · Destroyed - [NTSB CHI79FEE86](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI79FEE86.md): Volksplane VP-1 · Plainfield, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Sep 29, 1979 · N655 · Substantial damage - [NTSB LAX79FVM27](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX79FVM27.md): Bensen B8M · Paso Robles, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jun 17, 1979 · N1450 · Destroyed - [NTSB NYC78FHA37](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC78FHA37.md): Soneria II · Pipersville, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Sep 23, 1978 · N81915 · Substantial damage - [NTSB SEA78FYM50](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA78FYM50.md): Mini Coupe Buffum · Independence, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Aug 30, 1978 · N75MB · Destroyed - [NTSB MKC74FER57](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC74FER57.md): Sisler-Home SF2 · Faribault, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jun 15, 1974 · N5549 · Destroyed - [NTSB CHI72FEP45](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI72FEP45.md): Bensen B-8 · Wiscnsin Rpds, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · May 16, 1972 · N2362 · Destroyed - [NTSB CHI67A0125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI67A0125.md): Bensen B-8M · Westland, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jun 14, 1967 · N6931 · Destroyed ## 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 ('63501')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?engine=63501&fatal=1 --- 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.