# Fatal NTSB investigations: Abrupt maneuver

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 · 131 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CHI07LA238](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07LA238.md): Swanson Aventura II · Lakewood, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2007 · N914JS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's excessive pull up, his not maintaining airspeed, and the inadvertent stall resulting in the loss of control. A factor contributing to the accident was the trees.
- [NTSB MIA07LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA07LA077.md): Terrence A. Sack Terrair Express · Lakeland, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 16, 2007 · N456TS · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed while turning base to final which led to a stall. A contributing factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of recent experience.
- [NTSB NYC06FA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06FA071.md): Cessna 172R · Mitchellville, MD · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 2006 · N3536C · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper inflight planning/decision to attempt a landing in weather conditions below landing minimums, and his failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering. Factors in the accident were the fog and snow.
- [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 CHI05FA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05FA199.md): Glasair GS-2 · Wautoma, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2005 · N105TW · Destroyed
  > the abrupt maneuver that was performed while failing to maintain airpeed, resulting in a stall, and uncontrolled impact with the ground without sufficient altitude to recover.
- [NTSB MIA05LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA05LA126.md): JSH Air LLC II Comp Air 7SLX · Winter Haven, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 2005 · N657TT · Destroyed
  > The abrupt steep pitch-up during the initial climb for undetermined reasons resulting in an inadvertent stall, uncontrolled descent, and in-flight collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC05FA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC05FA030.md): Beech K35 · Leesburg, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 14, 2005 · N634Q · Substantial damage
  > An abrupt maneuver performed by the pilot at a low altitude, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which precipitated an inadvertent stall and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB MIA05FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA05FA050.md): Cessna T337G · Lakeland, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 14, 2005 · N42WA · Destroyed
  > The pilot's operation of the airplane with known deficiencies in equipment related to pitch, an abrupt pitch-up during the initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons and the failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed (Vs) resulting in inadvertent…
- [NTSB MIA05FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA05FA017.md): Cessna P206 · Jacksonville, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 30, 2004 · N2588X · Substantial damage
  > The improper setting of the elevator trim by the pilot-in-command, his failure to follow the checklist related to elevator trim setting, and his failure to maintain VS during climb after takeoff resulting in an inadvertent stall, uncontrolled descent, and…
- [NTSB SEA04FA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04FA111.md): TeST TST-10 M · Enumclaw, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 2004 · N410JP · Substantial damage
  > Aircraft control not maintained while maneuvering for landing. A proper glidepath was not maintained was a factor.
- [NTSB CHI04LA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04LA146.md): Cessna A188B · Prosser, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 2004 · N731MP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's abrupt maneuver to avoid obstructions, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in a stall. The low altitude flight operation, and the transmission tower (antenna) were contributing factors.
- [NTSB LAX03LA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA176.md): Winters Glasair SH-2 · Riverside, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 31, 2003 · N73VL · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during an abrupt, low altitude maneuver during the takeoff-initial climb, which resulted in a collision with terrain during the subsequent uncontrolled descent.
- [NTSB SEA03FA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03FA089.md): Cessna 172 · Republic, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 30, 2003 · N7301A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in a stall and subsequent loss of control during low altitude maneuvering.
- [NTSB MIA03FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03FA050.md): Extra Flugzeugbau EA300/L · Golden Gate, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 31, 2003 · N33KL · Destroyed
  > The airplane's entry into a near vertical descent for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a collision with terrain during the resultant descent.
- [NTSB CHI02FA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02FA269.md): Cessna TR182 · Tappen, ND · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 4, 2002 · N756WF · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and his failure to maintain clearance of the transmission wires. Also causal was inadequate preflight planning. Factors associated with the accident were the low altitude and airspeed when the abrupt maneuver was made and…
- [NTSB ANC02FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC02FA064.md): Denzer RAF 2000 · Palmer, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 2002 · N435PR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's abrupt liftoff during takeoff, and his failure to correct a pilot-induced-oscillation during takeoff initial climb which resulted in the main rotor blades striking the tail mounted rudder, and an in-flight loss of control. A factor in the accident…
- [NTSB DCA02MA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA02MA001.md): Airbus Industrie A300B4-605R · Belle Harbor, NY · Accident · 265 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Nov 12, 2001 · N14053 · Destroyed
  > the in-flight separation of the vertical stabilizer as a result of the loads beyond ultimate design that were created by the first officer's unnecessary and excessive rudder pedal inputs. Contributing to these rudder pedal inputs were characteristics of the…
- [NTSB NYC01FA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01FA223.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Bern Township, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 2001 · N8PK · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a high speed dive to the ground.
- [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 FTW01FA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01FA129.md): Cessna 150 · Pryor, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 26, 2001 · N5617E · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > the failure of the glider pilot to maintain aircraft control and his delay in releasing the towrope. A contributing factor was the glider's worn elevator trim friction, which resulted in its disengagement.
- [NTSB DEN01FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01FA044.md): Aero Vodochody Aero. Works L-39CT · Watkins, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 24, 2001 · N602MC · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, and the subsequent inadvertent stall/mush. Factors were the pilot's diverted attention due to the failure of the rear canopy's acrylic transparency and the loss of communication with his back seat passenger,…
- [NTSB MIA00FA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA00FA102.md): McDonnell Douglas HU-600N · Miami, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 3, 2000 · N611BC · Destroyed
  > The pilot's ostentatious display and in-flight decision to perform an abrupt low altitude pitch up maneuver (aerobatic flight). This resulted in the main rotor blades colliding with and separating the tail boom assembly while maneuvering, and the helicopters…
- [NTSB FTW99FA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99FA211.md): Cessna 177 · Wagoner, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 1999 · N29571 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadvertent stall while performing an abrupt maneuver at low altitude.
- [NTSB CHI99LA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA169.md): Hornbeck Glassair · Johnson City, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 31, 1999 · N83PG · Destroyed
  > The pilot's intentional low altitude performance of aerobatics.
- [NTSB NYC99FA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99FA097.md): Ives Sonerai II-L · Eastford, CT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 25, 1999 · N56RA · Destroyed
  > Inadequate welding of the airplane's spar-box by the owner/builder, which resulted in a total spar-box failure in-flight. A factor in the accident was the pilot's decision to perform aerobatics.
- [NTSB IAD98GA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98GA110.md): Hughes OH-6A · Newark, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Sep 25, 1998 · N234ZM · Destroyed
  > Failure of the Instructor Pilot to control the helicopter's rate of descent during a demonstrated autorotation. Contributing to the accident were the Operator's lack of: a. Instructor Pilot standardization procedures, and b. Specific or adequate flight…
- [NTSB IAD98FA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98FA086.md): Consolidated-Vultee BT-13A · Stevensville, MD · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 2, 1998 · N550C · Destroyed
  > The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain aircraft control while buzzing a building.
- [NTSB ANC98FA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98FA079.md): Cessna 185 · Big Lake, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 1998 · N9982X · Destroyed
  > The pilot's performance of a low level maneuver. Factors were the pilot's overconfidence in his personal ability, his lack of experience in the type of airplane, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain.
- [NTSB LAX98FA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA171.md): Vans RV-8 · Ripley, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 24, 1998 · N58RV · Destroyed
  > the intentional or unintentional sudden application of aft elevator control by an undetermined aircraft occupant that exceeded the design stress limits of the aircraft. The aircraft gross weight, which exceeded the maximum allowable for aerobatics, and…
- [NTSB IAD98FA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98FA061.md): Sukhoi SU-29 · Manassas, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 19, 1998 · N292SU · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance during an aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB IAD98FA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98FA049.md): Fairchild Hiller FH-1100 · Stevensville, MD · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 26, 1998 · N1345Q · Destroyed
  > The pilot's abrupt, low-g maneuver, which resulted in mast bumping and separation of the main rotor system.
- [NTSB ANC97FA159](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97FA159.md): de Havilland DHC-2 · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 1997 · N4787C · Destroyed
  > The pilot's excessive climb and turning maneuver at low altitude, the pilot's inadvertent stall, and the intentional operation of the airplane with the required stall warning system disabled. Factors associated with this accident were the pilot's…
- [NTSB CHI97FA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA300.md): Beech T34B · Fremont, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 25, 1997 · N777SU · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. Also causal was the pilot's ostentatious display.
- [NTSB LAX97GA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97GA235.md): Bell BHT-206L-1 · Highland, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Jul 7, 1997 · N27591 · Destroyed
  > Loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. Also causal was the ingestion of entrapped air that occurred during an abrupt maneuver and fuel-borne contamination that caused the fuel system check valves to leak, resulted in a lower than expected fuel level…
- [NTSB FTW97FA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA207.md): Canadair F-86E MK.6 · Broomfield, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 1, 1997 · N86EX · Destroyed
  > Inadequate planning and decision making by the pilot in starting the aerobatic maneuver at an insufficient altitude to successfully complete the maneuver.
- [NTSB CHI97FA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA116.md): Piper PA-22-150 · Holland, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 26, 1997 · N3126Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall/mush and subsequent impact with trees and then a residence. A related factor was turbulence.
- [NTSB LAX97LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA014.md): Cunningham Rotorway Exec · Mather, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 13, 1996 · N18WC · Destroyed
  > excessive maneuvering by the pilot, which allowed the main rotor blades to contact and sever the tail rotor system and allowed mast bumping to occur.
- [NTSB CHI97LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA010.md): Dellicker Starduster TOO SA300 · Eaton Rapids, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 13, 1996 · N7691 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and subsequent inadvertent stall of the airplane. A factor was the ostentatious display.
- [NTSB LAX96LA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA037.md): North American AT-6D · Richvale, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 3, 1995 · N1049A · Destroyed
  > the attempt by the pilot to execute an aerobatic maneuver with inadequate altitude to effect recovery before impacting terrain.
- [NTSB FTW95LA244](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA244.md): Walter W. Bell Lazer Edge · El Reno, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 14, 1995 · N33PE · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin. Factors were the pilot's performance of aerobatic maneuvers at the low altitude.
- [NTSB NYC95DEI01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC95DEI01.md): Staudacher S-600 · Wellington, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · May 8, 1995 · N600RT · Destroyed
  > loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering, which resulted in a stall and collision with the ground.
- [NTSB FTW95FA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95FA102.md): Cessna 150L · Needville, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 27, 1995 · N1493Q · Destroyed
  > Loss of control at an altitude insufficient for recovery after one of the two pilots on board attempted an aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB CHI95DCA01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95DCA01.md): Yakovlev YAK-52 · Caruthersville, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Nov 29, 1994 · N2215C · Destroyed
  > The insufficient altitude (300 feet above the airport) at which an aerobatic maneuver was attempted by the pilot.
- [NTSB FTW94LA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA283.md): Walton Skybolt · Collinsville, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 1994 · N113BW · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall.
- [NTSB CHI94LA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA294.md): Watson KR-2 · Pekin, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 1994 · N121CW · Destroyed
  > Aircraft control not maintained by the pilot and the subsequent stall. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flight experience.
- [NTSB FTW94FA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94FA158.md): Bell 47G-2 · Tulsa, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 16, 1994 · N47GY · Destroyed
  > In flight loss of control due to the pilot's improper use of the cyclic and collective controls when he maneuvered abruptly to avoid colliding with a flock of birds. Factors were the birds and the inflight separation of the left synchronized elevator.
- [NTSB FTW94FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94FA140.md): Cessna 150M · Arroyo City, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 30, 1994 · N190AR · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadvertent stall during the pull up. Factors were the low pass, his ostentatious display, and his inability to recover from the stall due to insufficient altitude.
- [NTSB LAX94LA190](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA190.md): Bushby Mustang II · Byron, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 17, 1994 · N363RD · Destroyed
  > an abrupt maneuver by the pilot that initiated an in-flight separation of the tail and wing sections during acrobatic flight.
- [NTSB CHI94DCQ01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94DCQ01.md): Robert O. ELY STARDUSTER-II SA300 · Baxter Springs, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Apr 2, 1994 · N107UP · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain altitude during an aerobatic maneuver on takeoff. A factor related to the accident was the pilot performing an aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB NYC94FA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC94FA040.md): Aero Commander 500A · White Mills, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 16, 1993 · N9379R · Destroyed
  > was the fracture and separation of the airplane wing, and the subsequent loss of control and collision with trees, as a result of the pilot's repeated performance of acrobatic maneuvers, which exceeded the design limits of the airplane.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?fatal=1&occurrence=100&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 o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 100)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&occurrence=100

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