# Fatal NTSB investigations: Piper PA-28R-180 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 · 98 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB ERA24FA371](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA371.md): Piper PA28R · Vergennes, VT · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 8, 2024 · N3757T · Substantial damage > The flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and entering an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to properly… - [NTSB CEN20LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA127.md): Piper PA28R · Pleasant Plain, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 19, 2020 · N3943T · Destroyed > The pilot’s encounter with convective turbulence and low-level wind shear in dark night instrument meteorological conditions that resulted in spatial disorientation and the loss of airplane control. - [NTSB WPR20FAMS1](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20FAMS1.md): Piper PA28R · Shelter Cove, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Missing aircraft · Final report · Oct 25, 2019 · N4958J · Destroyed > Undetermined due to lack of available evidence. - [NTSB ERA19FA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA181.md): Piper PA28R · Auburn Township, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 28, 2019 · N3933T · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation in dark night conditions. Contributing to the accident was his inadequate weather planning, lack of experience flying at night and the deteriorating weather conditions. - [NTSB CEN18FA359](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA359.md): Piper PA28R · Kaplan, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 2018 · N7430J · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a charted and illuminated television/radio tower. - [NTSB WPR16FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA014.md): Piper PA 28R-180 · Morongo Valley, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 2015 · N4972J · Destroyed > The non-instrument rated pilot's improper inflight decision-making to attempt to outclimb clouds along his planned route rather than reverse course, which resulted in his inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, spatial disorientation, and… - [NTSB WPR14FA382](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA382.md): Piper PA 28R-180 · Saratoga, WY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 2014 · N4618J · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff in dark, night conditions, which resulted in his controlled flight into terrain due to the lack of ground references or natural horizon. - [NTSB WPR14FA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA282.md): Piper PA 28R-180 · Lake Elsinore, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 6, 2014 · N3723T · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control when the landing gear unintentionally extended while maneuvering at low altitude and airspeed, which increased the airplane’s drag and decreased its ability to climb over the rising terrain. - [NTSB ERA14FA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA002.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Tifton, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 18, 2013 · N11ML · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. - [NTSB CEN13FA241](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA241.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Norfolk, NE · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 28, 2013 · N3970T · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude and his subsequent failure to see and avoid power lines. - [NTSB CEN12FA654](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA654.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Roanoke, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 2012 · N4567J · Substantial damage > The loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel's failure to adequately correct the water contamination effects. Contributing to the severity of the occupants' injuries was the lack of… - [NTSB WPR10FA330](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA330.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Dixon, MT · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 27, 2010 · N7581J · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and aircraft control while maneuvering, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and collision with mountainous terrain. - [NTSB ERA09FA345](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA345.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Scotia, NY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 14, 2009 · N3226R · Substantial damage > The flight instructor's failure to ensure that the airplane was properly configured for a short field takeoff, and his decision to not abort the takeoff. - [NTSB LAX05FA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05FA213.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Mt. Shasta, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 2005 · N4506J · Destroyed > The pilot's continued cruise flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot's controlled flight into high mountainous terrain (CFIT). - [NTSB LAX04FA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04FA226.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Columbia, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 31, 2004 · N7626J · Destroyed > The loss of engine power for undetermined reason during takeoff-initial climb, and the pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall/mush. Factors associated with the accident are an inadvertent stall/mush, and the pilot's failure to abort… - [NTSB NYC04FA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04FA100.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Harrietstown, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 3, 2004 · N4686J · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to follow instrument flight rules procedures resulting in a collision with a tree. Factors related to the accident were the dark night conditions, low visibility, and low cloud ceiling. - [NTSB LAX04FA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04FA139.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Pine Mtn Club, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 28, 2004 · N7687J · Destroyed > The pilot's continued visual flight into adverse weather conditions at night, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain. The pilot's failure to obtain preflight weather information for the route of flight was also causal. - [NTSB CHI02FA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02FA262.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Newaygo, MI · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 2002 · N4988J · Destroyed > The altitude/clearance disregarded by the pilot and his ostentatious display. The wire and low altitude flight were a contributing factor. - [NTSB IAD02FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD02FA024.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Milford, CT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 2001 · N7427J · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to follow the published IFR approach procedure, which resulted in a premature descent and subsequent impact with water. A factor was the night, overwater visual conditions. - [NTSB IAD01FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD01FA053.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Afton, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 30, 2001 · N7680J · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of consciousness due to a medical condition, which resulted in his failure to maintain control of the airplane and subsequent impact with rising terrain. - [NTSB MIA01FA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA01FA060.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Bethel, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 14, 2001 · N3996T · Destroyed > the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an in-flight collision with power lines and the subsequent impact with terrain. A factor in this accident was: the pilot's lack of recent instrument… - [NTSB CHI01FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01FA043.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Danville, IL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 27, 2000 · N4541J · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance during the instrument approach. Factors were the low ceilings, the pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment and glidepath during the approach, his lack of recent instrument experience, and his failure to… - [NTSB NYC99FA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99FA193.md): Piper PA28R-180 · Seven Springs, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 1999 · N3892T · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to obtain a rate of climb after takeoff due to spatial disorientation. Factors in this accident were low ceilings, fog, and the pilot's lack experience in instrument meteorological conditions. - [NTSB MIA99LA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA99LA179.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Wimauma, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 13, 1999 · N7485J · No damage > a passenger deplaning the airplane while the engine was running struck the propeller. - [NTSB NYC99FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99FA041.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Randolph, NH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 28, 1998 · N4591J · Destroyed > The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions which led to spatial disorientation and loss of aircraft control. Also causal was the pilot exceeded the design limits of the aircraft which resulted in an in-flight separation.… - [NTSB NYC98LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA069.md): Piper PA28R-180 · Walbridge, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 28, 1998 · N4679J · Substantial damage > the pilot's failure to refuel the aircraft resulting in fuel exhaustion, and his unsuccessful attempt to clear the wires. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight, dark night conditions, and the wires. - [NTSB NYC98FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98FA009.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Morganville, NJ · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 1997 · N3981T · Destroyed > The inadequate maintenance by the flying club and maintenance facility, which resulted in a takeoff with a partially blocked fuel injector nozzle and the failure of the landing gear to retract after takeoff. This resulted in the pilot's diverted attention and… - [NTSB IAD97FA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97FA095.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Penobscot, ME · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 3, 1997 · N3896T · Destroyed > The pilot's flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in the loss of control. Factors relating to the accident were the fog and the pilot's lack of an instrument rating. - [NTSB SEA96FA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96FA137.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Pray, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 27, 1996 · N7529J · Destroyed > the pilot's delay in initiating a go-around, and his failure to obtain and/or maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid higher terrain during the go-around, which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the narrow… - [NTSB BFO96FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO96FA034.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Louisville, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 1995 · N7676J · Destroyed > failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, loss of altitude, and subsequent collision with obstructions (utility pole and supporting cable). - [NTSB LAX95FA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95FA157.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Pollack Pines, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 8, 1995 · N3904T · Destroyed > The pilot's disregard of a hazardous weather advisory; his decision to fly into known adverse weather conditions; his failure to maintain control of the airplane with an accumulation of airframe ice; and his improper use of the flight controls during recovery… - [NTSB LAX95LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA060.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Searchlight, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 1994 · N3836T · Destroyed > the pilot's intentional continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions in mountainous terrain. - [NTSB LAX95FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95FA044.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Groveland, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 6, 1994 · N4510J · Destroyed > the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a nighttime descent into the airport over an unlighted mountainous area. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction by attempting to make several cellular telephone calls… - [NTSB LAX94FA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94FA125.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Lake Tahoe, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 13, 1994 · N3775T · Destroyed > The pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs, which led to his failure to follow the recommended departure procedure, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from rising mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident… - [NTSB ATL93FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL93FA026.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Blairsville, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 20, 1992 · N7684J · Destroyed > The pilot's decision to continue the flight into adverse weather conditions which resulted in the inflight collision with high terrain. Factors were high wind and rain. - [NTSB NYC92FA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92FA161.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Bradford, NY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 1992 · N44AE · Destroyed > A mechanical malfunction of the artificial horizon in IMC that resulted in spatial disorientation of the pilot and his inability to maintain airplane orientation. A factor in the accident was the improper maintenance of the artificial horizon. - [NTSB FTW92FA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92FA163.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Bethany, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 1992 · N7419J · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain control which resulted in an inadvertent stall. The gusty wind was a factor. - [NTSB SEA91FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91FA026.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Salt Lake City, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 30, 1990 · N4678J · Destroyed > The pilot's intentional buzzing of uninhabited island in the great Salt lake and his misjudging the timing of a pull-up maneuver to clear rising terrain of a ridgeline. - [NTSB BFO90FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90FA073.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Richland, VA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 1990 · N885MA · Destroyed > The pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and failure to maintain proper clearance from high terrain. Darkness and the adverse weather conditions were related factors. - [NTSB ATL89FA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA214.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Gordon, AL · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 17, 1989 · N7503J · Substantial damage > The improper installation of the fuel gascolator bowl by maintenance personnel, which resulted in fuel leakage and a loss of fuel pressure to the engine. - [NTSB FTW89FA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89FA155.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Pauls Valley, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 1989 · N7593J · Destroyed > Improper planning/decision by the pilot, his lack of understanding of the procedures for operating the aircraft, his improper use of the fuel selector in managing his fuel supply, fuel starvation, and the pilot's failure to know and follow the emergency… - [NTSB MKC87FA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87FA106.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Sioux City, IA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 21, 1987 · N4982J · Destroyed > The PIC had telephoned the fss at huron, s.d. for enr wx to Sioux City, IA, fm Sioux falls, s.d., late the evening of may 20. The fcst indicated IFR flt cond's with intermittent trsms along the rte throughout the fcst period. The PIC dptd Sioux falls, s.d. at… - [NTSB CHI84FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84FA073.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Traverse City, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 1, 1984 · N3776T · Destroyed > Prior to the flt, the plt made a phone call to a relative who lived near the southeast side of long lake & said he would 'pass over in about 10 min.' After he took off, the acft was observed in a low pass over the southeast corner of the lake. The acft then… - [NTSB ATL82FA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL82FA039.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Blairsville, GA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 18, 1982 · N4583J · Destroyed > The aircraft departed atlanta, GA on a flight with no flight plan to an intended final destination of morristown, TN. However, during a weather briefing, the pilot had inquired about the tri-cities airport at bristol, TN. While en route, the aircraft crashed… - [NTSB LAX82FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FA004.md): Piper PA-28R · Tehachapi, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Oct 21, 1981 · N3751T · Destroyed - [NTSB CHI81FA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI81FA085.md): Piper PA-28R · Chicago, IL · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Aug 2, 1981 · N7631J · Destroyed - [NTSB ATL81FA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL81FA088.md): Piper PA-28R · Beach, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jul 4, 1981 · N4512J · Destroyed - [NTSB NYC81FA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC81FA040.md): Piper PA-28R · Hartford, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Apr 17, 1981 · N7435J · Destroyed - [NTSB CHI81FA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI81FA028.md): Piper PA-28R · Fort Wayne, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Feb 18, 1981 · N7496J · Destroyed - [NTSB DEN80FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN80FA054.md): Piper PA-24R · Jackson, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Aug 17, 1980 · N4560J · Substantial damage Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=7102809&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 ('7102809')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=7102809 --- 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.