# 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 217 of 617 · 30,845 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB CHI97LA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA233.md): Albrecht SEA REY · Brighton, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 30, 1997 · N7475Q · Destroyed
  > Loss of engine power due to a failed exhaust valve oil seal, and fouled spark plugs.
- [NTSB SEA97FA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97FA178.md): Cessna 172M · Clackamas, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 1997 · N80222 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed in a steep turn and his concurrent failure to maintain adequate altitude, resulting in an accelerated stall at an altitude insufficient for recovery. Factors include the pilot's intentional low altitude flight…
- [NTSB MIA97WA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97WA220.md): Cessna 172K · Normans Cay, Bahamas · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jul 28, 1997 · N84653 · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX97FA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA259.md): Piper J3C-85 · Bullhead City, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 1997 · N3339N · Destroyed
  > improper judgement of the pilot by intentionally performing low level maneuvers, and his misjudgment of a level-off over water.
- [NTSB FTW97FA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA292.md): Beech F35 · Richards, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 1997 · N3835B · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather and the loss of aircraft control which resulted in the aircraft exceeding its design stress limits. Factors were the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing and the adverse weather.
- [NTSB FTW97FA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA286.md): Durbin Glasair R · Chama, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 1997 · N57JD · Substantial damage
  > 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: the low ceiling, rain, fog, and high/mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB FTW97FA285](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA285.md): Ayres S2R-T15 · Oakridge, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 1997 · N3096K · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CHI97LA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA231.md): Stratton Challenger II · Bellaire, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 1997 · N44LS · Destroyed
  > failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff. The gusty wind condition was a related factor.
- [NTSB SEA97WA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97WA180.md): Piper PA-28 · Nelson, Canada · Accident · 4 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jul 27, 1997 · N2394Q · Destroyed
- [NTSB SEA97LA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA177.md): Cessna 182G · Big Creek, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 1997 · N3134S · Destroyed
  > The flightcrew's failure to maintain clearance from trees. A factor was trees north of the departure end of the airstrip.
- [NTSB MIA97FA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97FA219.md): Piper PA-32R-301T · Gainesville, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 1997 · N8473P · Destroyed
  > loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). Factors relating to the accident were: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing, and obstructions (trees and building) that were encountered during the emergency landing.
- [NTSB MIA97FA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97FA217.md): Gulfstream American AA-5B · Naples, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 1997 · N28246 · Substantial damage
  > leaking fuel cap(s), due to inadequate maintenance/repair, which resulted in water contamination of the fuel; inadequate preflight by the flight crew; and improper planning/decision by the flight crew. Factors relating to the accident were: high obstructions…
- [NTSB LAX97FA334](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA334.md): Navion G · Gabbs, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 1997 · N2429T · Destroyed
  > The pilot's attempted visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in his spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. A contributing factor was his overconfidence in his personal ability.
- [NTSB CHI97LA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA221.md): Goble RV-4 · Rosemount, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 1997 · N36JG · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff, which resulted in a stall/spin and collision with the terrain. His excessive climb rate after takeoff was a related factor.
- [NTSB IAD97LA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97LA102.md): Lardas Renegade Spirit · Boonsboro, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 1997 · N416RS · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of his homebuilt airplane during a low level maneuver after a loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons. A factor in the accident was the pilot's alcohol impairment.
- [NTSB SEA97LA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA172.md): Grumman G-164A · Pingree, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 1997 · N6550 · Destroyed
  > The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the power lines. A contributing factor was the unmarked power lines.
- [NTSB FTW97LA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA275.md): Eichman Aerobat III · Brownsville, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 1997 · N17638 · Substantial damage
  > inadequate design by the pilot/builder/designer. Related factors were: the porpoise that was encountered by the pilot during the takeoff, and the subsequent jammed rudder.
- [NTSB FTW97FA274](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA274.md): Hillam Rans S-9 · Mckinney, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 1997 · N1678N · Destroyed
  > loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in a stall and collision with the terrain.
- [NTSB CHI97FA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA220.md): Beech B-60 · Springfield, MO · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 1997 · N3359P · Destroyed
  > The pilot's fuel mismanagement and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in fuel exhaustion followed by the loss of power in one engine and the loss of aircraft control. Contributing was the pilot's failure to refuel the aircraft, the…
- [NTSB CHI97FA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA218.md): Cessna 172P · Chicago, IL · Accident · 7 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 1997 · N5323K · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > the pilots not maintaining visual separation between their airplanes. A factor in this accident was the pilot of the southbound airplane not reporting her position abeam the airport as directed by the ATC controller.
- [NTSB LAX97FA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA253.md): Mooney M20J · Placerville, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 1997 · N405LA · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX97FA241](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA241.md): Cessna TR182 · Panamint Spring, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 15, 1997 · N757CF · Destroyed
  > failure of the pilot to attain a proper touchdown point for landing, and his delay in initiating a go-around. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's attempt to land at the wrong airport, uphill slope of the runway, high density altitude, and…
- [NTSB FTW97FA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA269.md): Mooney M20C · Sarepta, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 15, 1997 · N777TU · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's impairment (drugs) resulting in his becoming disoriented and the ensuing loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Factors were the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing and the inaccurate navigation chart.
- [NTSB NYC97FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97FA144.md): Cessna TR182 · Seaside Heights, NJ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 13, 1997 · N737PK · Destroyed
  > failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above water, while maneuvering over the ocean during a dark moonless night. Related factors were: darkness, the pilot's probable illusion of altitude, spatial disorientation, and lack of…
- [NTSB CHI97FA208](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA208.md): Cessna 150F · Gary, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 1997 · N8197S · Destroyed
  > the pilot's not obtaining/maintaining airspeed which resulted in a stall.
- [NTSB FTW97FA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA262.md): Ryan Navion B · Garfield, CO · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 1997 · N5401K · Destroyed
  > failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, during a turn to reverse direction, which resulted in a stall and collision with a pole and a building. High density altiitude was a related factor.
- [NTSB NYC97FA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97FA139.md): Grumman American AA-5B · Jones Beach, NY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 1997 · N28535 · Destroyed
  > VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain (water). Related factors were: the adverse weather…
- [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 CHI97LA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA197.md): Piper PA-18 · Middleville, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 6, 1997 · N183DP · Destroyed
  > fuel contamination, due to improper servicing of the aircraft; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to land, which resulted in a inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. The pilot's failure to ensure a proper…
- [NTSB CHI97FA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA196.md): Mooney M20A · White Bear, MN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 6, 1997 · N8394E · Destroyed
  > pilot incapacitation due to a stroke.
- [NTSB FTW97FA249](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA249.md): Schempp-Hirth VENTUS-2B · Hobbs, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 1997 · N80077 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to select an off-field landing site with sufficient time/altitude to perform the landing which led to his failure to maintain airspeed. A factor was the unfavorable wind.
- [NTSB CHI97LA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA194.md): Cessna 170B · Karlin, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 1997 · N2416D · Destroyed
  > the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his resultant improper planning/decision, and his inadequate visual lookout while buzzing, which resulted in failure to see-and-avoid the top (ground/static) wires of an electrical power line.
- [NTSB ANC97FA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97FA099.md): de Havilland DHC-2 · Skwentna, AK · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 1997 · N5164G · Substantial damage
  > a loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the no.1 exhaust push rod. Factors contributing to the accident were: insufficient information on pushrod inspection and overhaul from the manufacturer, unsuitable terrain available for landing, and the…
- [NTSB ANC97FA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97FA097.md): Piper PA-32 · Skagway, AK · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 1997 · N15199 · Destroyed
  > jamming/failure of the left magneto impulse coupling, which stopped rotation of the magneto gear, and resulted in subsequent shearing of the accessory intermediate idler gear. Factors relating to the accident were: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced…
- [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 CHI97FA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA200.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · St. Paul, MN · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 1997 · N83353 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. Related factors were the pilot's diverted attention and gusty wind conditions.
- [NTSB ATL97FA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97FA095.md): Boeing Stearman B75N1 · Locust Grove, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 1997 · N450GC · Destroyed
  > The inadvertent stall encountered by the pilot after experiencing an in-flight cylinder head separation.
- [NTSB MIA97LA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97LA202.md): DFL Holdings Tango · Keystone, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 1997 · N772T · Destroyed
  > an in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ANC97FAMS1](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97FAMS1.md): Cessna 182F · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · 4 fatal · Missing aircraft · Final report · Jun 29, 1997 · N3186U · Destroyed
  > Undetermined.
- [NTSB LAX97FA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA225.md): Cessna R172K · Moreno Valley, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 1997 · N7373K · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his attempt to climb through a low stratus cloud layer while in mountainous/hilly terrain. The pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing, the weather, and the terrain were…
- [NTSB ATL97FA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97FA090.md): Beech 35-C33A · Lugoff, SC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 1997 · N4863J · Substantial damage
  > improper fuel management by the pilot by not positioning the fuel selector to the fullest tank for landing, which resulted in fuel starvation, loss of engine power, and a forced landing. Trees in the emergency landing area were a factor.
- [NTSB ANC97FA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97FA092.md): Cessna 207A · Nome, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 1997 · N207SP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from an obstruction (antenna tower). Factors in the accident were low ceilings and visibility, and the pilot's lack of familiarity with…
- [NTSB NYC97LA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA125.md): Shafer SONERAI-I · W.Hampton Beach, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 1997 · N20CS · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > failure of the number two pilot (N77TY) to follow race procedures, and failure of the number three pilot (N20CS) to turn and avoid the number two airplane, when it decelerated into the number three pilot's blind spot.
- [NTSB LAX97FA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA286.md): Cessna 172N · Cuyama, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 1997 · N6141D · Destroyed
  > undetermined.
- [NTSB SEA97FA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97FA148.md): Beech 77 · Cottage Grove, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 1997 · N6630C · Substantial damage
  > Fuel exhaustion resulting from the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a forced landing approach, resulting in a stall. A related factor was the pilot's failure to refuel.
- [NTSB MIA97LA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97LA192.md): Unknown Kolb Firestar II · Orlando, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 1997 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > Inadvertent stall by the pilot while turning from the upwind to the crosswind leg. Contributing to the accident was the pilots lack of total experience in the make and model airplane.
- [NTSB MIA97FA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97FA188.md): Beech 77 · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 1997 · N1821B · Destroyed
  > loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), and failure of the student pilot to remain clear of obstructions, while attempting to make a forced landing.
- [NTSB SEA97LA147](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA147.md): Wolf Smith M/P DSA-1 · Bend, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 20, 1997 · N168RW · Destroyed
  > An inflight propeller blade separation, and a subsequent evasive turn to avoid traffic by the pilot at an inadequate airspeed resulting in an accelerated stall. Factors were excessive power output of the installed engine, an aircraft taking off in the…
- [NTSB LAX97LA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA218.md): Hughes 369HS · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean) · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 20, 1997 · N4250N · Destroyed
  > The unapproved field modification of the cyclic trim switch, including the use of non-standard parts, which resulted in a hard-over lateral trim failure, and the pilot's subsequent failure to maintain control of the helicopter during a landing approach. A…
- [NTSB LAX97FA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA217.md): Piper PA 31-310 · San Diego, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 20, 1997 · N266MM · Destroyed
  > The loss of power in the left engine for undetermined reasons and the pilot's subsequent failure to maintain minimum single-engine control airspeed. A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to fly with known deficiencies in the equipment.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?fatal=1&page=218

## 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=217

---
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.