# Fatal NTSB investigations

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 170 of 617 · 30,845 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB CHI03FA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA078.md): Beech A36 · Sparta, IL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 6, 2003 · N7253Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision by his flight into known icing conditions which resulted in airframe icing and degraded aircraft performance until the onset of a stall.
- [NTSB SEA03FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03FA042.md): Piper PA-34-220T · Rexburg, ID · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 5, 2003 · N9257X · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while on final approach. High and gusting winds were a factor.
- [NTSB MIA03FA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03FA071.md): Piper PA-28R-201T · Cedar Key, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 4, 2003 · N6369C · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision by his continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological condition after receiving an in-flight weather advisory. Also causal was his failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in flight that…
- [NTSB NYC03FA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03FA061.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Monterey, MA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 3, 2003 · N4072R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to attempt a visual flight rules (VFR) flight in marginal VFR weather conditions over mountainous terrain, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. Factors in this accident were clouds and night light conditions.
- [NTSB ATL03FA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03FA052.md): Beech BE-36A · Mount Airy, NC · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 2, 2003 · N343BA · Destroyed
  > The pilots failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to spatial disorientation. A factor was low clouds.
- [NTSB IAD03FA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD03FA035.md): Socata TBM 700 · Leesburg, VA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 1, 2003 · N700PP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to fly a stabilized, published instrument approach procedure, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which led to an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB NYC03FA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03FA058.md): Cessna 182G · Renfrew, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 28, 2003 · N3404S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering to land. Factors in the accident were the pilot's decision to fly into forecasted\known icing conditions, and the accumulation of structural ice.
- [NTSB MIA03FA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03FA068.md): Beech 36 · Captiva Island, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 28, 2003 · N41VK · Destroyed
  > The pilot's VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his ensuing failure to maintain altitude/clearance resulting in an in-flight collision with the ocean. A factor was the fog.
- [NTSB LAX03FA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA102.md): Mitchell CH-801 · Nicholas, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 28, 2003 · N235RJ · Destroyed
  > an in-flight structural failure due to the pilot exceeding the design limitations of the airplane. Drug impairment was a factor.
- [NTSB FTW03WA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03WA103.md): Cessna 411 · Colchani, Bolivia · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Feb 28, 2003 · CP-1885 · Destroyed
- [NTSB ATL03FA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03FA049.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Sylvania, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 26, 2003 · N54406 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to conduct VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. Related factors were the guy wire and the fog.
- [NTSB MIA03FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03FA066.md): Cessna 172P · Osteen, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 25, 2003 · N97890 · Destroyed
  > The intentional suicidal act by the pilot-in-command resulting in the in-flight collision with trees then the ground.
- [NTSB LAX03LA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA097.md): Firefly 11B · Yountville, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 25, 2003 · N1501H · No damage
  > A bystander was impaired by drugs and did not follow the pilot's directive to release the balloon as it began its ascent.
- [NTSB SEA03FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03FA041.md): Grubert KIS TRI-R TR-1 · Puyallup, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 24, 2003 · N23KS · Destroyed
  > The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate flying airspeed during the turn from crosswind to downwind resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin and subsequent collision with terrain (ground).
- [NTSB LAX03FA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA100.md): Cessna 172N · Ely, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 23, 2003 · N9885J · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance while flying in a box canyon.
- [NTSB NYC03LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA054.md): Cessna 182P · So. Charleston, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 2003 · N21408 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to perform a go-around prior to touchdown. Factors in the accident were the rising terrain and tail wind.
- [NTSB LAX03LA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA092.md): Everett BD-10 · Dana Point, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 2003 · N7FF · Destroyed
  > in-flight breakup of the experimental airplane for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX03FA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA093.md): Piper PA-30 · Nipomo, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 2003 · N9YB · Substantial damage
  > the flying pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed that resulted in a stall/spin.
- [NTSB FTW03LA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA101.md): Bell 407 · High Island 443 · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 2003 · N740PH · Minor damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter during the hot refueling operation which resulted in the main rotor blades striking the passenger. A contributing factor was the high wind conditions.
- [NTSB SEA03LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA040.md): Piper PA-22-150 · Garryowen, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 20, 2003 · N24MF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot in command's allowing the aircraft to inadvertently enter into a stall condition at low altitude while maneuvering. A contributing factor was the pilot's intentional low altitude maneuvering.
- [NTSB MIA03FA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03FA065.md): Aerofab Lake 250 · Weirsdale, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 20, 2003 · N811JG · Destroyed
  > The inadequate flare by the pilot-in-command on the calm water resulting in the in-flight collision with the water and subsequent nose over.
- [NTSB CHI03LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA074.md): North American/Aero Classics P-51D · Urbana, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 20, 2003 · N93TF · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in a spin.
- [NTSB MIA03LA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03LA061.md): Piper PA-23-250 · Miami, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 17, 2003 · N54835 · Destroyed
  > The non instrument-rated pilot-in-command's improper inflight planning/decision, and continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control during descent, and impact with water.
- [NTSB IAD03FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD03FA032.md): Cessna 421 · Ferguson, KY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 17, 2003 · N421TJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to follow the instrument approach procedure, which resulted in an early descent into trees and terrain. Factors included the low ceiling and the night lighting conditions.
- [NTSB FTW03FA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA097.md): Bell 407 · Mi 700 · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 16, 2003 · N407HH · Destroyed
  > The catastrophic failure of the engine resulting from 1st stage turbine wheel blade failure due to type 1 hot corrosion (sulfidation). Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to brief the passengers on emergency safety equipment (life raft), the pilot's…
- [NTSB CHI03FA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA071.md): Cessna 172N · Wellington, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 15, 2003 · N5898E · Destroyed
  > Spatial disorientation experienced by the pilot and his subsequent failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to obtain an updated preflight weather briefing prior to the return flight, his attempted flight into…
- [NTSB MIA03WA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03WA059.md): Piper PA-60 · Cajamarca, Colombia · Accident · 5 fatal · Foreign investigation · Feb 7, 2003 · HK3645P · Destroyed
- [NTSB ATL03FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03FA041.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Florence, SC · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 6, 2003 · N5587P · Destroyed
  > The pilot experienced spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of control and the subsequent collision with the ground. A factors was dark night and clouds.
- [NTSB FTW03FA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA093.md): Cessna T210N · Mission, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 5, 2003 · N4945Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in his exceeding the airplane's design limitation. Contributing factors were the pilot's decision to fly the airplane with known deficiencies with the attitude indicator, and the failure of the…
- [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 LAX03FA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA078.md): Beech D95A · Lancaster, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 31, 2003 · N5639S · Destroyed
  > a loss of aircraft control due to the instructor pilot's incapacitation by seizure activity as a result of his undiagnosed cancer, and his use of a medication that can increase seizure risk.
- [NTSB DEN03FA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03FA040.md): Beech V35B · Rock Springs, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 30, 2003 · N935V · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in a stall. Factors contributing to the accident were the icing conditions, low altitude, and the high gusting winds.
- [NTSB CHI03FA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA060.md): Agusta A109C · West Chicago, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 29, 2003 · N109MX · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while maneuvering, resulting in the excessive descent rate and impact with terrain. Factors to the accident included the dark night, low ceiling and reduced visibility at the time of the accident.
- [NTSB NYC03LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA046.md): Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 · Cleveland, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 28, 2003 · N941MA · Minor damage
  > the bank couriers inadequate visual lookout, as he approached an airplane with operating engines. A factor was the lack of guidance and training from the bank, for working around airplanes with operating engines.
- [NTSB LAX03FA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA076.md): Piper PA-60-601P · Scottsdale, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 27, 2003 · N3636Q · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate altitude clearance from mountainous terrain. Contributing factors were dark night conditions, mountainous terrain, and the pilot's diverted attention.
- [NTSB NYC03FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03FA043.md): Beech V35B · Delaware City, DE · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 26, 2003 · N6432X · Substantial damage
  > The mechanic's improper engine overhaul. A factor was the night condition.
- [NTSB MIA03FA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03FA046.md): Cessna M337B (O-2A) · Fernandina Bch, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 26, 2003 · N52513 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with the ocean.
- [NTSB LAX03FA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA077.md): Cessna 172N · Kalaupapa, HI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 25, 2003 · N911FC · Destroyed
  > the student pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into IMC, which resulted in his in-flight collision with mountainous terrain while maneuvering. A contributing factor was the low ceiling weather condition.
- [NTSB LAX03FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA074.md): Beech 95 · Rancho Cucamong, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 25, 2003 · N2733Y · Destroyed
  > The fracture and separation of a propeller blade during cruise flight due to fatigue and corrosion pits in the blade pilot bore, and an improper overhaul of the separated propeller by repair station personnel. Factors contributing to the accident were the…
- [NTSB DEN03MA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03MA035.md): Piper PA-31T · Denver, CO · Accident · 5 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jan 25, 2003 · N360LL · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > Both pilots' inadequate visual lookout. A contributing factor was the Cheyenne pilot operating the airplane with a known transponder deficiency.
- [NTSB WAS03RA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WAS03RA006.md): Gulfstream Aerospace G-159 · Busia, Kenya · Accident · 3 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jan 24, 2003 · 5Y-EMJ
- [NTSB MIA03LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03LA045.md): Bornhofen Twinjet 1500 · Melbourne, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 24, 2003 · N750TJ · Destroyed
  > the pilot-in-command failed to obtain sufficient altitude to clear obstacles at the approach end of the airport which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.
- [NTSB LAX03FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA072.md): Cirrus Design SR 20 · San Jose, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 24, 2003 · N893MK · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain the course for the published approach procedure due to his diverted attention. The distraction responsible for the pilot's diverted attention was the erroneous frequency assignment provided by ATC and the resultant task…
- [NTSB DEN03FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03FA038.md): Piper PA-28R-200 · La Sal, UT · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 24, 2003 · N106AW · Destroyed
  > the loss of engine power (total) due to fuel starvation, the pilot not following procedures/directives (fuel management procedures), and the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation for the flight. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequately…
- [NTSB ATL03LA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA037.md): Long 2000 · Brewton, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 24, 2003 · N8YF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper use of flight controls (cyclic and collective) and failure to maintain rotor RPM while maneuvering that resulted in the separation of the tailboom assembly.
- [NTSB FTW03FA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA086.md): Cessna 152 · Norman, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 21, 2003 · N47257 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering, resulting in an inadvertent stall. Factors contributing to the accident were the low altitude and the prevailing high winds.
- [NTSB SEA03FA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03FA028.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Eastsound, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 19, 2003 · N7282C · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water and his failure to reset the altimeter to the local barometric pressure. Contributing factors were fog and night conditions.
- [NTSB MIA03FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03FA043.md): Cessna 172P · Edgewater, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 18, 2003 · N65906 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inflight loss of control and the pilot's failure to recover from the resultant dive for unknown reasons which resulted in flight beyond the design stress limits of the airplane and subsequent in flight airframe breakup.
- [NTSB CHI03FA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA057.md): Cirrus Design SR-22 · Hill City, MN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 18, 2003 · N9523P · Destroyed
  > Spatial disorientation experienced by the pilot, due to a lack of visual references, and a failure to maintain altitude. Contributing factors were the pilot's improper decision to attempt flight into marginal VFR conditions, his inadvertent flight into…
- [NTSB DEN03FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03FA034.md): Yakovlev YAK 52 · Midway, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 16, 2003 · N2256J · Destroyed
  > The malfunction of the elevator control as a result of a jammed elevator control bell crank, rendering control of the airplane impossible. A contributing factor was the foreign object (nut) damage.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?fatal=1&page=171

## 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'
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&page=170

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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.
