# Fatal NTSB investigations: Piper PA-12 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 2 · 92 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB ANC22FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC22FA066.md): Piper PA-12 · Arctic Village, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 11, 2022 · N3937M · Substantial damage > The pilot’s decision to depart in turbulent and gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain. - [NTSB ERA22FA315](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA315.md): Piper PA12 · Middle Township, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 16, 2022 · N3703M · Substantial damage > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a missed banner pickup, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and loss of control at an altitude too low to recover. - [NTSB ERA22FA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA243.md): Piper PA-12 · North Myrtle Beach, SC · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 28, 2022 · N4421M · Substantial damage > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in a subsequent aerodynamic stall at an altitude that was too low for recovery. - [NTSB CEN22FA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA211.md): Piper PA-12 · Seagraves, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 24, 2022 · N78466 · Destroyed > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and loss of control. - [NTSB ANC18FA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18FA071.md): Piper PA-12-150 · Healy, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 23, 2018 · N7511H · Substantial damage > An impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information. - [NTSB ERA17FA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA148.md): Piper PA 12 · Sanford, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 8, 2017 · N3280M · Destroyed > The incorrect rigging of the elevator control cables, which resulted in a reversal of elevator control inputs applied by the pilot during the takeoff, an excessive nose-high pitch, and subsequent aerodynamic stall after takeoff. Also causal was the inadequate… - [NTSB ANC14FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14FA050.md): Piper PA 12 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 2014 · N3512M · Substantial damage > The incorrect (reverse) rigging of the elevator control cables, and the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect the misrigging. - [NTSB CEN12FA594](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA594.md): Piper PA-12 · Rye, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 2012 · N3031M · Substantial damage > The pilot’s selection of a flightpath toward rising terrain that exceeded the climb capability of the airplane. - [NTSB ANC11FA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11FA065.md): Piper PA-12 · Delta, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 2011 · N92770 · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to make a low-altitude turn back to the airport following a loss of engine power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the severity of the pilot's injuries was the separation of the pilot's seat… - [NTSB WPR10FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA009.md): Piper PA-12 · Burlington, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 2009 · N2087C · Substantial damage > The pilot's in-flight loss of control due to his failure to correctly connect the elevator control cables during the restoration/rebuild of the airplane. Contributing to this accident was the pilot's decision to perform a high-speed taxi test prior to having… - [NTSB CEN09LA597](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA597.md): Piper PA-12 · Columbia, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 2009 · N3234M · Substantial damage > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which included low ceilings and fog, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of engine power as a result of water… - [NTSB NYC08LA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA270.md): Piper PA-12 · Brownsboro, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 2008 · N7820H · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to ensure the fuel valve was on prior taxi and takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed following loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. - [NTSB ANC06FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC06FA080.md): Piper PA-12 · Cooper Landing, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 2006 · N7658H · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while performing a low level pass, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain. A factor contributing to the accident was an inadvertent stall. - [NTSB ANC04FA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC04FA102.md): Piper PA-12 · Koliganek, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 4, 2004 · N2899M · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while on approach to land, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and an uncontrolled descent. - [NTSB SEA03WA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03WA114.md): Piper PA-12 · Nimpo Lake, BC, Canada · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jun 19, 2003 · N3351M · Destroyed - [NTSB SEA01FA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01FA106.md): Piper PA-12 · Augusta, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 28, 2001 · N2564M · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff resulting in an inadvertent stall at low a altitude. - [NTSB IAD00FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD00FA038.md): Piper PA-12 · Norfolk, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 17, 2000 · N3813M · Substantial damage > The loss of power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an inadvertent stall during at banner pick-up. - [NTSB LAX00FA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00FA122.md): Piper PA-12 · Cima, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 7, 2000 · N7586H · Destroyed > In-flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons. - [NTSB CHI99FA332](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99FA332.md): Piper PA-12 · Neguanee, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 1999 · N91901 · Destroyed > the pilot failed to maintain clearance from the tower. - [NTSB SEA97FA206](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97FA206.md): Piper PA-12 · Horseshoe Bend, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 1997 · N3637M · Destroyed > the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from transmission wires. The wires were a factor. - [NTSB CHI96FA237](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96FA237.md): Piper PA-12 · Roselle, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 13, 1996 · N25JP · Destroyed > the pilot's improper decision to perform a go-around, while there was restricted rudder movement and the banner was still attached to the airplane, which resulted in a loss of airspeed and an inadvertent stall. Factors relating to the accident were: the… - [NTSB ANC95FA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC95FA078.md): de Havilland DHC-2 · Nondalton, AK · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 1995 · N1348 · 2 aircraft · Destroyed > The failure of both pilots to maintain adequate visual lookout. - [NTSB SEA94FA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94FA199.md): Piper PA-12 · Salem, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 31, 1994 · N2368M · Minor damage > Failure of the pilot to see-and-avoid the occupied canoe. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's improper planning/decision and excessive taxi speed. - [NTSB MIA94FA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94FA114.md): Piper PA-12 · Merritt Island, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 7, 1994 · N2834M · Substantial damage > The loss of elevator control due to jamming by the tow rope which prevented the pilot from being able to control the airplane. - [NTSB ANC94FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC94FA032.md): Piper PA-12 · Kenai, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 10, 1994 · N7523H · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude. A factor in the accident was the student pilot's inadequate training. - [NTSB SEA94FA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94FA052.md): Piper PA-12 · Idaho Falls, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 21, 1994 · N7805H · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Factors include the pilot's poor inflight decision to attempt low level maneuvers in a narrow canyon. - [NTSB ANC93LA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC93LA171.md): Piper PA-12 · Ptarmigan Pass, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 1993 · N3629M · No damage > The pilot inadvertently walked into a turning propeller. Factors in the accident were the soft runway which mired the airplane and the pilot's diverted attention during the attempt to free the airplane. - [NTSB SEA93FA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93FA151.md): Piper PA-12 · Laramie, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 1993 · N3108M · Substantial damage > Poor inflight planning and an inadvertent stall. - [NTSB SEA93FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93FA010.md): Piper PA-12 · Lowman, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 25, 1992 · N3743M · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Factors include mountainous/hilly terrain, trees, and the pilot's diverted attention. - [NTSB ATL93FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL93FA012.md): Piper PA-12 · Cedar Springs, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 1992 · N2479M · Destroyed > The private pilot's failure to maintain airspeed above stalling speed, and his failure to maintain a proper altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent, low altitude stall. A factor was the gusty wind condition at the time of the accident. - [NTSB ANC91LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91LA036.md): Piper PA-12 · Moose Creek, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 1991 · N3419M · Substantial damage > The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain aircraft control, proper altitude not maintained, and failure to maintain flying speed. Contributing to the accident was the high altitude terrain. - [NTSB ANC90LA190](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC90LA190.md): Piper PA-12 · Cathedral Rapid, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1990 · N92512 · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude above the terrain which resulted in a loss of airspeed and a stall/spin while maneuvering to avoid terrain. The mountainous terrain, high winds, and high density altitude were factors which contributed to the… - [NTSB MIA90FA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA90FA085.md): Cessna 152 · Miramar, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 1990 · N48977 · 2 aircraft · Destroyed > The failure of the local controller to provide adequate traffic advisories to N7510H, the local controller's improper clearance to N7510H to descend through the traffic pattern, and the failure of the pilots of both aircraft to see and avoid each other.… - [NTSB DEN90FA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90FA063.md): Piper PA-12-150 · Milliken, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 25, 1990 · N4053H · Destroyed > The pilot's poor judgement, intentional buzzing, and failure to see and avoid the obstruction (inadequate visual lookout). Factors related to the accident were: the power line and the absence of shoulder harnesses in the aircraft. - [NTSB ANC89FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89FA144.md): Piper PA-12 · Windy Fork, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 1989 · N7542H · Destroyed > Failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed while operating to or from the gravel bar, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. The rising terrain was considered a contributing factor. - [NTSB FTW89FA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89FA127.md): Piper PA-12 · Sanger, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 3, 1989 · N3353M · Destroyed > Failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall at low altitude. - [NTSB ANC89FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89FA009.md): Piper PA-12 · Little Heart Lk, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 13, 1988 · N3153M · Substantial damage > The pilot-in-command called a local pilot in the talkeetna area for weather and the conditions of the lake to determine if the lake's surface had frozen. He then departed for the lake at 1800 adt and was not heard from again. The airplane wreckage was located… - [NTSB ANC87FA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87FA153.md): Piper PA-12 · Shaw Creek, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 1987 · N3140M · Destroyed > The private pilot was transporting passengers incidental to the operation of his lodge. According to witnesses, it was common for pilots to use that portion of the highway for takeoffs and landings. According to the husband of one of the fatally injured… - [NTSB DEN87FA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87FA234.md): Piper PA-12-150 · Anaconda, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 1987 · N7695H · Destroyed > Both plts were reportedly avid big horn sheep hunters. On the morning of the accident, the 2nd plt picked up topographical charts of the area where the acft crashed. It was an area where the Montana department of fish, wildlife, and parks (fwp) had recently… - [NTSB DEN87FA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87FA035.md): Piper PA-12-150 · Gilcrest, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 27, 1986 · N78475 · Destroyed > The plt made a low pass at aprx 200 ft AGL & waved at TW0 friends who were duck hunting. He then made a 2nd pass at aprx 150 ft & left the area. About 10 min later, the acft returned & was seen flying down a river at tree top level. The acft struck 3 of 4… - [NTSB ANC85FA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85FA111.md): Piper PA-12 · Chugiak, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 1985 · N3081M · Destroyed > The acft crashed in a wooded residential area following a loss of pwr on takeoff. Post accident inspection of the airframe and powerplant disclosed automotive fuel was being used in the acft. Lab tests indicated the fuel was subjectedto high temps which… - [NTSB ANC84LA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC84LA185.md): Piper PA-12 · Dadina Lake, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 1984 · N3269M · Substantial damage > Prior to the accident the plt had been involved in moose hunting activities. On the morning of the occurrence he had made two successful flts hauling meat from a small unnamed lake to Dadina Lake, about 3 miles north. Shortly after the third takeoff from the… - [NTSB CHI84FA343](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84FA343.md): Piper PA-12 · Alpena, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1984 · N98967 · Destroyed > Witnesses stated that the acft flew at a very low altitude over the lake performing what appeared to be a series of stalls and recoveries with the acft climbing steeply to aprx 150 ft above the lake and then dropping sharply back down within a few feet of the… - [NTSB ANC84FA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC84FA120.md): Piper PA-12 · Cantwell, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 1984 · N2537M · Substantial damage > Impact occurred at the 3,600 ft level on a steep slope of mountainous terrain. Instrument meteorological conditions were reported by pilots as well as ground personnel in the area. Loose and unstable terrain conditions limited the investigative effort. - [NTSB MIA84FA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA84FA049.md): Piper PA-12 · Ft. Lauderdale, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 22, 1983 · N7510H · Destroyed > The acft crashed on the arpt in a steep nose down attitude after dropping a banner it was towing. The plt waved to the ground personnel and turned in a 60 degree bank nose high turn. After 180 degrees of turn the acft stalled, the nosefell through and the… - [NTSB ANC83FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC83FA064.md): Piper PA-12 · Glennallen, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 2, 1983 · N2826M · Substantial damage > Witnesses reported that after takeoff, the plt flew by a cabin at approximately 200 ft, signaled by rocking the acft's wings, then began a gradual climb. The climb increased in steepness until 1 witness could see the entire top of the acft. It then nosed… - [NTSB DEN82FTG06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82FTG06.md): Piper PA-12 · Oakes, ND · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · Aug 27, 1982 · N7715H · Destroyed > Several witnesses reported that the purpose of the flight was blackbird control of a sunflower field. There was speculation by local residents that the aircraft was being used to spread poisoned corn. This was substantiated when corn and a portion of an… - [NTSB ATL82FIJ02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL82FIJ02.md): Piper PA-12 · Dunbar, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · May 10, 1982 · N7583H · Substantial damage > The pilot took off eastbound toward multiple power lines that crossed the river. The aircraft climbed to about 100 feet and was turning left away from the wires when it nosed over and crashed into the river. The pilot did not have a seaplane rating but had… - [NTSB ANC82FA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC82FA002.md): Piper PA-12 · Valouga Lake, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Oct 9, 1981 · N3953M · Substantial damage - [NTSB LAX81FA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX81FA098.md): Piper PA-12 · Five Points, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jun 23, 1981 · N12PA · Destroyed Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=7101202&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.aircraft_model_code IN ('7101202')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=7101202 --- 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.