# Fatal NTSB investigations: Piper PA-28-235 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 · 123 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB WPR22FA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA264.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Seguin, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 22, 2022 · N8542W · Destroyed > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude after being distracted when the engine cowling opened during flight, which led to a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the… - [NTSB CEN20LA374](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA374.md): Piper PA28 · Walker, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 2, 2020 · N8957W · Substantial damage > The pilot’s impairment from the effects of an undiagnosed brain tumor. - [NTSB CEN20LA201](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA201.md): Piper PA28 · Carlinville, IL · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 31, 2020 · N8991W · Destroyed > The pilot’s attempted recovery from a steep descent which inadvertently exceeded the ultimate load factor of the airframe and resulted in a low-level inflight breakup. - [NTSB CEN16FA378](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA378.md): Piper PA 28-235 · Lee's Summit, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 20, 2016 · N8983W · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper control inputs during takeoff, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and subsequent departure stall, and loss of airplane control. - [NTSB ERA15FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA066.md): Piper PA28 · Sommerville, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 2014 · N8607W · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to attempt visual flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impaired… - [NTSB CEN14FA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA328.md): Piper PA 28-235 · Georgetown, CO · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 2014 · N8814W · Destroyed > The pilot’s inability to maintain a climb while maneuvering the airplane in high-density altitude conditions that degraded the airplane’s climb performance and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack, which led to an aerodynamic stall and… - [NTSB CEN13WA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13WA123.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Guatemala City, Guatemala · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Dec 29, 2012 · N64KW · Substantial damage - [NTSB CEN12FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA101.md): Piper PA-28-235D · Chickasha, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 10, 2011 · N999RR · Substantial damage > The non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to continue flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of instrument… - [NTSB WPR10FA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA234.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Livermore, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 9, 2010 · N56626 · Substantial damage > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with obstacles and terrain. - [NTSB CHI08FA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08FA146.md): Piper PA28 · Hillsboro, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 30, 2008 · N9376W · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to an in-flight fire as a result of a corrosion hole in the muffler that was not identified by the mechanic. Contributing to the accident was the improper emergency procedure performed for an… - [NTSB LAX07FA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07FA103.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Tooele, UT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2007 · N9381W · Destroyed > The pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the wings and horizontal stabilizers. Contributing to the accident were the night lighting conditions, clouds, turbulence and icing conditions. - [NTSB CHI07FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07FA026.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Wellington, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 20, 2006 · N8990W · Destroyed > Spatial disorientation experienced by the pilot while attempting to visually locate traffic during cruise flight, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. Contributing factors were the inadvertent overload failure of the wing spar and stabilator, and the… - [NTSB ANC06FA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC06FA089.md): Piper PA-28 · Manley Hot Spng, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 6, 2006 · N9026W · Destroyed > The pilot's continued cruise flight into known adverse weather conditions, his failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering, and his exceeding the design stress limits of the airplane, which resulted in an in-flight break-up. Factors associated with… - [NTSB LAX06FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06FA082.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Mammoth Lakes, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 8, 2006 · N9124W · Destroyed > the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed resulting in a stall/spin. - [NTSB CHI05LA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05LA261.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Faulkton, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 2005 · N8523W · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation during initial climb after takeoff into night instrument meteorological conditions. Factors were the fog and the dark night. - [NTSB LAX05FA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05FA262.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Big Bear City, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 2005 · N8540W · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and adequate airspeed while executing an evasive maneuver during an aborted landing, which resulted in a cross-controlled accelerated stall and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the probable… - [NTSB NYC05FA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC05FA105.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Fairview, PA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 2005 · N235G · Destroyed > A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a forced landing after takeoff and subsequent collision with a residence. - [NTSB CHI05FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05FA080.md): Piper PA-28-235 · West Union, IA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 27, 2005 · N8966W · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff, his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the takeoff, and the pull-up to avoid obstacles which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's failure to maintain… - [NTSB CHI03FA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA219.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Jackson, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 2003 · N33774 · Destroyed > The pilot's intentional flight into terrain as an act of suicide. - [NTSB ANC02FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC02FA025.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Manokotak, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 23, 2002 · N1220R · Substantial damage > The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and subsequent collision with terrain during cruise flight. Factors in the accident were low ceilings, snow, and mountainous snow-covered terrain. - [NTSB CHI01FA291](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01FA291.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Crestline, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 25, 2001 · N16405 · Destroyed > The airplane's departure from level flight and subsequent impact with the terrain as a result of a maneuver initiated by the pilot, and the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. The reason for the pilot's actions were not determined. - [NTSB DEN99FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99FA012.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Buffalo, WY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 19, 1998 · N8537N · Destroyed > The non-instrument rated pilot's initiated flight into adverse weather conditions and inadvertently flew into IMC weather conditions. Factors were the low ceiling weather conditions, the dark night light conditions, and a non operating VOR navigational aid. - [NTSB CHI98LA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA224.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Liberal, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 27, 1998 · N8903W · Destroyed > the inadvertent stall, the pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which led to performing a takeoff with insufficient distance to clear the utility pole. A factor which contributed to this accident was the utility pole. - [NTSB FTW98FA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA170.md): Piper PA-28-235 · New Orleans, LA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 3, 1998 · N21LL · Destroyed > The pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane after experiencing spatial disorientation. Factors were the total failure of the vacuum pump, fog, drizzle, and night conditions. - [NTSB ATL98FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98FA053.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Clinton, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 1998 · N9166W · Destroyed > The pilot's lack of recent instrument flight experience that led to spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control; and his improper use of carburetor heat that resulted in a loss of engine power and subsequent collision with the ground during an… - [NTSB CHI97FA308](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA308.md): Piper PA-28-235 · St. Ignaces, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 1997 · N9399W · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to depart in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in impact with terrain. - [NTSB MIA97FA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97FA063.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Okeechobee, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 16, 1997 · N712DB · Destroyed > the noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct a VFR flight into instrument meteorological flight conditions. The weather was a factor. - [NTSB SEA96FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96FA036.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Lehi, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 2, 1996 · N8870W · Destroyed > continued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude and/or clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, low ceiling, and snow. - [NTSB CHI96FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96FA045.md): Piper PA-28 · Friedens, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 3, 1995 · N8775W · Destroyed > the pilot's failure to follow instrument approach procedures, by not maintaining proper altitude and by descending below the minimum descent altitude. Factors relating to the accident were: the air traffic controller's failure to issue a proper clearance, the… - [NTSB SEA95FA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA95FA029.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Seattle, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 11, 1994 · N2VZ · Destroyed > Fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's failure to refuel en route. Factors include a dark night and ditching in the waters of puget sound. - [NTSB FTW95FA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95FA030.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Aurora, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 26, 1994 · N8954W · Destroyed > THE CFI's FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. FACTORS WERE: A DARK, MOONLESS NIGHT WITH NO VISIBLE HORIZON AND RECENCY OF NIGHT EXPERIENCE BY THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR. - [NTSB FTW94FA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94FA168.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Wingate, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 21, 1994 · N8895W · Destroyed > Was the pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment. Factors were the wind, and the pilot's improper corrections. - [NTSB NYC93FA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC93FA076.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Oxford, MA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 9, 1993 · N9349W · Destroyed > The pilot's selection of the wrong runway for takeoff which resulted in not being able to obtain adequate airspeed for climbout. A factor which contributed to the accident was the tailwind. - [NTSB LAX93WA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93WA145.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Loreto, Mexico · Accident · 3 fatal · Foreign investigation · Feb 27, 1993 · N166DP · Destroyed - [NTSB NYC92FA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92FA139.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Honesdale, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 1992 · N56692 · Destroyed > A loss of control in flight due to pilot incapacitation as a result of a heart attack. - [NTSB LAX91FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA005.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Redlands, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 1990 · N8876W · Destroyed > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a fuel system leak of an undetermined origin. - [NTSB CHI90FA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90FA029.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Monroe Center, IL · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 22, 1989 · N9465W · Destroyed > In-flight fire initiated by an inadequately installed wiring harness and propagated by an existing fuel leak which was not repaired. - [NTSB DEN89FA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA192.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Bullfrog, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1989 · N9084W · Destroyed > Improper flare by the pilot, his failure to maintain runway alignment, and the improper remedial action which resulted in a loss of control. The high density altitude and objects (runway light and smudge pot) were considered to be contributing factors. - [NTSB LAX88FA312](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA312.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Camarillo, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 1988 · N8743W · Destroyed > The pilot decided to operate the aircraft with a known electrical deficiency during night instrument meteorlogical conditions and the decision of the pilot to conduct a flight operation in which he was not certified. Contributing to this accident was the… - [NTSB NYC87FA244](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87FA244.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Altoona, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 1987 · N8692W · Destroyed > The aircraft departed cleveland, oh at approx 0915 hours on an unauthorized flt to atlantic city, NJ. The plt was not authorized to operate the aircraft or conduct the flt due to his license having been revoked in 1977 for repeatedly violating FARS. Near… - [NTSB NYC87FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87FA021.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Jamestown, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 18, 1986 · N33808 · Destroyed > The non-inst rated plt had received a telephone wx briefing prior to the planned flt. Marginal VFR wx was forecast for the route with vis 1/8 mile and fog. The acft was located aprx 24 hrs later in a heavily wooded area about 200 yds east of and parallel to… - [NTSB CHI86FA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86FA200.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Shelby, IN · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 1986 · N4383X · Destroyed > The non-instrument rated pilot initiated the VFR flight from wheeling, IL, to madison, IN, IN marginal weather conditions. The wreckage was found on the afternoon of the following day about 26 miles south of gary, IN. The aircraft sustained an in-flight… - [NTSB CHI85FA357](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85FA357.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Worthington, MN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 25, 1985 · N8571W · Destroyed > The acft had progreesed 16 miles on a 95 mile x-country flt when it was witnessed in low flt over a corn fld. The acft was about 200 ft AGL when it entered a descending right power on turn until ground impact. An autopsy report on the plt disclosed,… - [NTSB LAX85LA321](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA321.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Monterey, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 1985 · N15548 · Destroyed > The pilot took off on a training flight to practice holding over a VOR intersection 12 miles off shore. Approximately 12MINUTES after take off the pilot declared 'mayday,rough engine', to the Monterey,calfornia control tower control specialist. The control… - [NTSB MIA84LA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA84LA114.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Sanibel Island, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 12, 1984 · N39677 · Destroyed > The acft failed to arrive at its destination. A satellite photo of the area showed wx & cloud cover between the departure & destination arpts. Radar data showed that an acft had left key west, FL, at about 1700, went northbound at 4500 until it encounter bad… - [NTSB DEN83FA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83FA180.md): Piper PA-28-235C · Pitkin, CO · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 1983 · N9378W · Destroyed > The acft was on a x-country flt from camarillo, CA to oshkosh, WI. The plt landed at about noon at montrose, CO, where the acft was refueled & the occupants went to a restaurant to eat. After departing montrose, the acft was seen flying low over rising,… - [NTSB LAX82FA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FA049.md): Mooney M20C · Victorville, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 23, 1982 · N7860V · 2 aircraft · Destroyed > The pilot had planned to fly to the big bear airport, but changed his destination to apple valley, California. While on an easterly heading at about 6800 ft MSL, a collision occurred with another aircraft, a Mooney M20C, N7860V. The Piper pilot believed that… - [NTSB LAX82FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FA050.md): Piper PA-28-235 · 10nm N. Of Mcna, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 22, 1982 · N41664 · Destroyed > While on a cross country flight the pilot flew into weather which included severe to moderate icing conditions. Although the weather was forecast for the intended route of flight in a SIGMET it was not provided to the pilot during the initial weather… - [NTSB LAX81FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX81FA072.md): Piper PA-28 · Truckee, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Feb 13, 1981 · N9431W · Destroyed - [NTSB CHI80FA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI80FA060.md): Piper PA-28 · Lake City, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jul 26, 1980 · N15336 · Destroyed Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=7102810&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 ('7102810')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=7102810 --- 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.