# Fatal NTSB investigations: Piper PA-28-161

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 3 · 147 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA24FA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA300.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Palm Beach Gardens, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 10, 2024 · N81250 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB CEN24LA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA157.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Montmorenci, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 12, 2024 · N564PU · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s intentional flight into terrain as an act of suicide.
- [NTSB ERA23FA380](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA380.md): Piper PA28 · Whitesville, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 28, 2023 · N3079M · Destroyed
  > The flight instructor’s improper decision to continue flight into a known area of thunderstorms, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB ERA23FA340](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA340.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Fort Pierce, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 17, 2023 · N9855S · Destroyed
  > The left seat instructor’s intentional maneuvering of the airplane in an aerobatic steep turn for which it was not approved, which resulted in an exceedance of the structural limitations of the airplane and an inflight breakup.
- [NTSB ERA23FA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA164.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Johns Island, SC · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 25, 2023 · N21480 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s degraded judgement and…
- [NTSB ERA23FA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA142.md): Piper J3C · Winter Haven, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 7, 2023 · N10510 · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > The failure of both flight crews to see and avoid each other while operating in the airport environment.
- [NTSB ERA23FA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA137.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Lindenhurst, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 5, 2023 · N8149R · Destroyed
  > An in-flight fire due to a compromised oil pressure line fitting, which resulted in a collision with terrain during a subsequent emergency landing.
- [NTSB GAA21WA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA040.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Acklin, Bahamas · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 4 · Foreign · Mar 5, 2021 · N2932Y · Destroyed
- [NTSB ERA21LA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA111.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Boynton Beach, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 25, 2021 · N266ND · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s controlled flight into the ocean at night due to his unrecognized spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction with the tuning of his transponder while maneuvering over an area with reduced visual references.
- [NTSB ERA19FA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA116.md): Piper PA28 · Fellsmere, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Mar 5, 2019 · N556PU · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation following an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the failure of both the pilot and the flight school to ensure that the…
- [NTSB ERA17FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA072.md): Piper PA28 · Middlebury, VT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 23, 2016 · N31202 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to return to the airport following a partial or complete loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb and his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in exceedance of the critical angle of…
- [NTSB WPR15FA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA256.md): Piper PA28 · Santee, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 2015 · N8441B · Substantial damage
  > The pilots' failure to maintain airplane control following a partial loss of engine power after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of engine power due to a failure of the right magneto.
- [NTSB ERA14LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA117.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Stuart, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 8, 2014 · N2571U · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into dark night, instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation and subsequent impact with water.
- [NTSB ERA14LA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA057.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Elkmont, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 30, 2013 · N8878E · Destroyed
  > A stuck exhaust valve, which resulted in a total loss of engine power at low altitude. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s decision to fly at a low altitude, which reduced his forced landing options when the loss of engine power occurred; and poor…
- [NTSB ERA13FA385](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA385.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Danville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 2013 · N9089N · Destroyed
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain control and climb the airplane during a go-around maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to provide adequate oversight of the student pilot by ensuring that the cockpit was free of…
- [NTSB CEN12FA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA188.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Mexico, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 18, 2012 · N158EA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight performance planning before departing on the soft,…
- [NTSB ERA10LA446](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA446.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Beverly, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 2010 · N9184Y · Minor damage
  > The flight instructor's decision to exit the airplane on the taxiway with the engine still operating, and his failure to avoid the rotating propeller.
- [NTSB WPR09FA437](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA437.md): Cessna 152 · Coolidge, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 2009 · N94741 · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > The failure of both safety/spotter pilots to see and avoid the other airplane.
- [NTSB NYC08FA237](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA237.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Middletown, RI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 3, 2008 · N9888K · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to initiate a go-around during a high approach, and his inadequate remedial action during an attempted touch-and-go.
- [NTSB NYC08FA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA148.md): Piper PA 28-161 · Venice, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 25, 2008 · N465TC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inflight loss of control for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CHI08FAMS2](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08FAMS2.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Vik, Iceland · Accident · 1 fatal · Missing aircraft · Final report · Feb 21, 2008 · N60842 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to fly into an area of forecast weather suitable for structural icing. Contributing to the accident was the effect of the structural icing encountered.
- [NTSB LAX07FA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07FA060.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Big Pine, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 2006 · N9141Y · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate in-flight/planning decision of both pilots to fly up a box canyon at low altitude, and their failure to maintain clearance from the terrain.
- [NTSB NYC06FA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06FA029.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Leesburg, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 9, 2005 · N4171T · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB CHI05LA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05LA226.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Culver, IN · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 2005 · N4512Q · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power while maneuvering due to partial failure of the left magneto, and the flight instructor's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall. An additional cause was improper maintenance by company maintenance personnel,…
- [NTSB NYC05FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC05FA005.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Madison, CT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 2004 · N233PA · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to separation of the propeller due to under-torqued retention bolts.
- [NTSB IAD04FA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD04FA033.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Toughkenamon, PA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 2004 · N38355 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to add power, in an attempt to abort the landing after the airplane had veered off the runway. A factor was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control after the landing.
- [NTSB LAX04FA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04FA137.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Jean, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 16, 2004 · N9199Z · Destroyed
  > !!This case was modified January 31, 2006!! the pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the rising terrain, while maneuvering at low altitude in a mountainous area.
- [NTSB DEN01FA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01FA111.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Meeker, CO · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 29, 2001 · N5999V · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance as a result of his drug induced impairment. A factor was his exceeding the airplane's gross weight limits.
- [NTSB NYC01FA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01FA128.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Danvers, MA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 22, 2001 · N8365M · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors in the accident were the dark night, low ceiling, reduced visibility, and the pilot's decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in marginal weather conditions.
- [NTSB ATL00FA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL00FA091.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Ft. Pierce, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 2000 · N9208N · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > Failure of local controller to provide adequate spacing between two airplanes that resulted in a midair collision. Contributing Factors: the local controller declined receiving a formal brief before relieving the controller on duty. The controller who was…
- [NTSB CHI00FA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00FA263.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Watertown, WI · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 15, 2000 · N8126V · Destroyed
  > Aircraft control not being maintained during initial climb resulting in a stall/mush. Factors to the accident were the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, the pilot operating over the airplane's certified maximum gross weight, and the pilot…
- [NTSB ATL00FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL00FA026.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Chamblee, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 15, 2000 · N8447Y · Substantial damage
  > The S76 helicopter pilot's failure to follow ATC landing sequence clearance, which resulted in the PA-28's encounter with the helicopters wake turbulence. A factor was the air traffic controllers clearance procedure.
- [NTSB MIA00FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA00FA041.md): Piper PA-44-180 · Deland, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 3, 1999 · N3038N · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > The inadequate visual lookout by the pilot-in-command (PIC)/certified flight instructor (CFI) of both aircraft. Contributing factors in the accident were: 1) the frequency congestion of the CTAF 2) the poor in-flight planning decision by the PIC/CFI of the…
- [NTSB NYC99FA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99FA123.md): Piper PA-28-161 · West Dover, VT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 29, 1999 · N717AV · Destroyed
  > Was the failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during an aborted landing. Factors were the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane, the variable winds, and night conditions.
- [NTSB LAX99FA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99FA125.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Lytle Creek, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 1999 · N2529W · Destroyed
  > the pilot's inadvertent visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions resulting in impact with high terrain.
- [NTSB LAX98LA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA172.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Half Moon Bay, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 23, 1998 · N2480Q · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument rated pilot's loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation in dark night conditions.
- [NTSB LAX97FAMS2](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FAMS2.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Avalon, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Missing aircraft · Final report · Feb 11, 1997 · N8436X · Destroyed
  > undetermined.
- [NTSB ATL96FA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL96FA037.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Fort Pierce, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 19, 1996 · N114AV · Substantial damage
  > improper re-assembly of the engine induction air filter by maintenance personnel, during an annual inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power during takeoff; failure of the pilot to abort the takeoff before lift-off; and failure of the pilot to…
- [NTSB ATL95FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL95FA044.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Spring City, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 12, 1995 · N75PF · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning, and his continued VFR flight into instrument weather conditions which resulted in the collision with the mountain. A factor was low ceilings.
- [NTSB MIA95FAMS1](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA95FAMS1.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Missing, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Missing aircraft · Final report · Dec 25, 1994 · N5916V · Destroyed
  > Undetermined.
- [NTSB CHI95FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95FA012.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Winfield, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 16, 1994 · N9089U · Destroyed
  > Collision with the ground for an undetermined reason. The pilot's psychological condition was a probable factor.
- [NTSB FTW94FA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94FA242.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Lakeview, AR · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 1994 · N36566 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain minimum required airspeed for flight.
- [NTSB LAX94FA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94FA243.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Banning, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 1994 · N4512Z · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > The failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other. The haze was a factor.
- [NTSB MIA94FA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94FA078.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Inverness, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 23, 1994 · N44899 · Destroyed
  > The pilot-in-command's lack of total experience in instrument flight, simulated instrument flight, and night flight resulting in the pilot becoming spatially disoriented, and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the…
- [NTSB BFO94FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO94FA034.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Bethel, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 25, 1994 · N28767 · Destroyed
  > the pilot attempting visual flight rules (VFR) flight into instrument meteorological conditions and the pilot not maintaining clearance from objects/terrain.
- [NTSB BFO94FA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO94FA015.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Northampton, MA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 21, 1993 · N3011F · Destroyed
  > Failure of the air traffic control (ATC) facility to identify and provide the required traffic information to the jump aircraft before release of the jumper(s). A factor related to the accident was: inadequate visual lookout by the pilot of the jump aircraft.
- [NTSB NYC94FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC94FA027.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Kinnelon, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 1993 · N43791 · Destroyed
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX93FA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93FA215.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Grass Valley, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 16, 1993 · N26075 · No damage
  > The pilot prematurely raising the airplane's flaps at an airspeed insufficient to maintain flight which resulted in an inadvertent stall mush condition. A factor in this accident was the darkness of the night.
- [NTSB FTW92LA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA187.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Midland, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 1992 · N84102 · Destroyed
  > A loss of control for reasons undetermined.
- [NTSB SEA92FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92FA042.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Ogden, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 6, 1992 · N4370B · Destroyed
  > The improper decision by the instructor pilot to perform maintenance in flight and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Factors relating to the accident were the dark night light conditions, mountainous terrain in the area, and the instructor diverting…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=7102803&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 ('7102803', '7102834'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=7102803

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