# 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 288 of 617 · 30,846 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB ATL90FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90FA001.md): Beech C90 · Chamblee, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 1, 1989 · N43GT · Destroyed
  > Malfunction of one or more flight instruments for an undetermined reason, failue of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft with partial panel instruments after becoming spatially disoriented, and his exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft.…
- [NTSB NYC89FA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA221.md): Aeronca 65TL · Beaver Falls, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 1989 · N33890 · Destroyed
  > The failure of the left wing, rear upper strut attachment. The failure was caused by not installing the retaining bolt and nut.
- [NTSB MKC89FA201](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89FA201.md): Piper PA-22-150 · St. Charles, MN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 1989 · N7844D · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a positive rate of climb during a night takeoff. Contributing factor(s) was: an out-of-c.g airplane, takeoff with only one magneto operating; and the limited vision of the pilot.
- [NTSB LAX89FA334](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA334.md): Cessna 152 · Lancaster, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 1989 · N6422M · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to enter into IMC while flying under VFR. Factors contributing to accident were: low ceilings, poor planning and decisions, failure to obtain a preflight briefing and not performing a weather evaluation.
- [NTSB CHI89FA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89FA196.md): Beech A36TC · Greencastle, IN · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 1989 · N2YS · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude during a visual approach at dusk. Factors related to the accident were: light conditions at dusk, the pilot's visual perception, and the trees.
- [NTSB CHI89DEM10](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89DEM10.md): Fletcher SONERAI-2L · Interlochen, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Sep 30, 1989 · N76DJ · Destroyed
  > Loose cylinder due to improper maintenance by the pilot/owner, which resulted in overheating and failure of the aluminum cylinder head. The presence of trees was considered to be a factor.
- [NTSB SEA89FA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89FA183.md): Cessna 182F · Diamond Lake, OR · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 1989 · N3581Y · Destroyed
  > Improper inflight planning and decision by the pilot in command who continued VFR flight into IMC conditions while attempting to fly through a mountain pass. Contributing factors were the low ceiling and rain weather conditions and the mountainous, hilly…
- [NTSB SEA89FA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89FA180.md): Cessna 177RG · Nyssa, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 1989 · N8055G · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to attain sufficient altitude before flying over mountainous/hilly terrain. Factors related to the accident were: dark night, rising/mountainous terrain, and probable impairment from a prescription drug.
- [NTSB ATL89DKG06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89DKG06.md): Bell UH-1B · Plains, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · Sep 29, 1989 · N840MC · Destroyed
  > Improper modification of the helicopter by the company/operator, and failure of the spray boom, which resulted in mast bumping, and subsequent failure of the main rotor assembly.
- [NTSB NYC89DFA02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89DFA02.md): Niedzielski COOT-A · Marcy, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Sep 28, 1989 · N247D · Destroyed
  > Fuel system contamination and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall/spin.
- [NTSB LAX89DVA11](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DVA11.md): Skilling VARI-EZE · Oakdale, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Sep 28, 1989 · N23EZ · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the delayed initiation of the aborted landing. A factor was lack of aircraft familiarity.
- [NTSB ATL89FA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA220.md): Aerospatiale AS 350D · Chamblee, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 28, 1989 · N57689 · Destroyed
  > Failure of the main rotor swashplate bearing due to lack of lubricant.
- [NTSB ANC89DAG02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89DAG02.md): Evanson Long EZ/52 · Palmer, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Sep 28, 1989 · N52AK · Substantial damage
  > Pilot-in-command's failure to maintain the proper altitude.
- [NTSB DCA89MA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA89MA076.md): de Havilland DHC-6-300 · Grand Canyon, AZ · Accident · 10 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Sep 27, 1989 · N75GC · Destroyed
  > Improper pilot techniques and crew coordination during the landing attempt, bounce, and attempted go-around.
- [NTSB FTW89FA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89FA172.md): Cessna 210D · Covington, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 1989 · N3962Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot in command's disregard of the weather information provided during two briefings and his decision to continue VFR flight into IMC condtions. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of night and instrument experience.
- [NTSB SEA89LA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA179.md): Luscombe 8A · Mackay, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 1989 · N71756 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to maintain an adequate airspeed for flight. High density altitude was a factor.
- [NTSB MIA89FA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89FA253.md): Cessna 172N · Ochopee, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 1989 · N1063F · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilots of both airplanes to see and avoid each other while maneuvering.
- [NTSB FTW89FA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89FA171.md): Piper PA-22-150 · Elgin, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 1989 · N4329A · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadvertent closure (deactivation) of the mixture control, which resulted in a loss of engine power, and his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors related to the accident were: the gusty wind, and…
- [NTSB MIA89FA252](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89FA252.md): Cessna 152 · Ochopee, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 1989 · N47009 · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain altitude/clearance over the terrain. Related factors were: dark night, spatial disorientation of the pilot, and his lack of experience in the type of operation (night flying).
- [NTSB DCA89MA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA89MA074.md): Boeing 737-400 · Flushing, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Sep 21, 1989 · N416US · Destroyed
  > The captain's failure to exercise his command authority in a timely manner to reject the takeoff or take sufficient control to continue the takeoff, which was initiated with a mistrimmed rudder. Also causal was the captain's failure to detect the mistrimmed…
- [NTSB SEA89FA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89FA176.md): Cessna 150M · Cave Junction, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 20, 1989 · N704TF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper handling of the aircraft due to the lack of recurrent training and recent experience which resulted in a loss of airspeed and a resultant stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's over-confidence in his ability to attempt flight…
- [NTSB NYC89FA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA220.md): MBB BO-105CB-4 · Tuckerton, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 20, 1989 · N5353V · Destroyed
  > The pilot's delay in remedial action by delaying the pull-up from a descending maneuver.
- [NTSB LAX89FA319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA319.md): Cessna 310K · Ojai, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 1989 · N6958L · Destroyed
  > The pilot-in-command's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate altitude to provide terrain clearance. Contributing factors were: the mountainous terrain, adverse weather conditions, and…
- [NTSB SEA89LA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA175.md): Bell 47G3B2 · Monitor, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 1989 · N83111 · Destroyed
  > The pilot failed to maintain aircraft separation from obstacles on the ground. A factor in the accident was the bright glare from the rising sun.
- [NTSB LAX89LA324](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA324.md): Hughes 269A · Agana · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 1989 · N8134Y · Destroyed
  > Inadequate visual lookout by the pilot, which resulted in his failure to see-and-avoid the power line. The power line was a related factor.
- [NTSB FTW89GA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89GA170.md): Beech A35 · Escondido, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · Sep 18, 1989 · N566B · Destroyed
  > Spatial disorientation of the pilot after he initiated flight into IMC conditions, and his exceeding the design stress limits of the airplane during the attempted recovery. Related factors were: the pilot's lack of total and recent instrument flight…
- [NTSB DEN89FA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA222.md): Cessna 172N · Afton, WY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 1989 · N739XX · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument rated pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear the terrain. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, adverse weather conditions, and…
- [NTSB DEN89FA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA219.md): Cessna 182 · Concord, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 1989 · N92651 · Destroyed
  > Loss of engine power due to an unknown reason, and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall.
- [NTSB CHI89DEC08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89DEC08.md): Wesley Striplin Ranger · Smith Creek, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Sep 18, 1989 · N46WW · Destroyed
  > The improper installation of the wingtip fuel tank which resulted in its inflight separation and the subsequent loss of control.
- [NTSB LAX89WA326](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89WA326.md): Cessna 175 · Muiege, Mexico · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Sep 17, 1989 · N6650E · Substantial damage
- [NTSB DEN89FA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA218.md): Cessna 310I · Hesperia, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 17, 1989 · N8087M · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument rated pilot continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and misjudged his altitude above the terrain. Contributing factors were: the pilot's lack of instrument experience, pressure induced by his wife (the…
- [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 LAX89FA304](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA304.md): Rockwell 112B · La Grange, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 1989 · N1232J · Destroyed
  > Continued VFR flight into instrument meteorlogical conditions (IMC) by the pilot, which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of aircraft control. Related factors were: flight into known adverse weather by the pilot, the adverse weather conditions, and…
- [NTSB FTW89DRG10](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89DRG10.md): Zenair CH-200 · Kerrville, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Sep 16, 1989 · N14LU · Destroyed
  > Improper planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, due to an inadequate supply of fuel.
- [NTSB DEN89LA210](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA210.md): Let L-13 · Buena Vista, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 1989 · N3458 · Substantial damage
  > A premature release of the glider tow line by the glider pilot and his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed, while maneuvering back toward the runway, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.
- [NTSB ATL89FA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA213.md): Beech 100 · Mayfield, KY · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 1989 · N887PE · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to follow IFR procedures and maintain the minimum descent altitude (mda). Factors related to the accident were: darkness, the adverse weather conditions, and the tree.
- [NTSB SEA89LA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA173.md): Miller Special JM-2 · Reno, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 1989 · N74M · Destroyed
  > Structural failure when design stress limits were exceeded after encountering hazardous meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB LAX89FA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA314.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Ontario, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 1989 · N70PE · Destroyed
  > Failure of the right propeller hub due to metal fatigue which resulted in catastrophic separation of the propeller. Contributing to the accident was damage done to the aircraft airframe in flight by the separating propeller making the aircraft uncontrollable.
- [NTSB DEN89FA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA217.md): Piper PA-31T2 · Louisville, CO · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 1989 · N63XL · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering for spacing in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an inadvertent stall at low altitude.
- [NTSB MKC89FA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89FA196.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Bentonville, AR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 1989 · N8995N · Destroyed
  > A loose oil line that became disconnected, when maintenance/inspection of the aircraft had not been completed, which resulted in loss of engine oil and subsequent failure of the connecting rod from lack of lubrication. A factor related to the accident was:…
- [NTSB LAX89FA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA307.md): Aero Commander 680FLP · Kailua-Kona, HI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 1989 · N22LR · Destroyed
  > Inadequate maintenance, and operation by the pilot with known deficiencies in the aircraft. Factors related to the accident were: excessive wear in both engines, improper use of powerplant controls by the pilot, subsequent overtemperature/detonation in both…
- [NTSB LAX89DVG09](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DVG09.md): Clatti FOCKE-WULF-190 · Placerville, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Sep 8, 1989 · N34FW · Destroyed
  > The wing failed due to delamination caused by adhesive separation.
- [NTSB DEN89FA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA209.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Lk Havasu City, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 1989 · N3999W · Destroyed
  > Pilot's attention diverted outside the airplane. This diversion resulted in the pilot failing to monitor his altitude while in a descending turn and inadvertently flying the airplane into the water.
- [NTSB DEN89FA208](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA208.md): Piper PA-24-180 · Grantsville, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 1989 · N7835P · Destroyed
  > Improper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, by entering a box canyon with insufficient altitude to assure a safe exit. Contributing factors were: box canyon, rising terrain, and high density altitude.
- [NTSB ANC89FA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89FA160.md): Cessna 185 · Tanacross, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 1989 · N4838C · Destroyed
  > Poor judgement by the pilot by buzzing the airport and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above the terrain. The pilot's use of abrupt maneuvers was a contributing factor.
- [NTSB LAX89FA296](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA296.md): Grumman AA-5B · California City, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 1989 · N28493 · Destroyed
  > Failure of the student pilot to maintain a proper airspeed while maneuvering for an emergency landing. Factors in the accident were the partial engine power loss, which was due to improper maintenance procedures, the student pilot's inexperience, the strong…
- [NTSB FTW89DPA04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89DPA04.md): North American F-51 · Denton, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Sep 6, 1989 · N51VP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to detect water in the fuel system during the preflight which subsequently resulted in a loss of power.
- [NTSB LAX89DUG07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DUG07.md): Monett Monarai · Yermo, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Sep 4, 1989 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to maintain airspeed and inadvertently entered into a stall/spin.
- [NTSB DEN89DTE04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89DTE04.md): Cessna A188B · Wiggins, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Sep 4, 1989 · N9335R · Destroyed
  > The pilot failed to maintain an adequate visual lookout and collided with a standpipe which severed four feet of the right wing, resulting in loss of control inflight and subsequent collision with the terrain.
- [NTSB FTW89FA159](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89FA159.md): Cessna 152 · Houma, LA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 1989 · N24516 · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > The failure of both pilots to see-and-avoid each other's aircraft (inadequate visual lookout). A probable factor was: failure of either pilot to issue a traffic advisory.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?fatal=1&page=289

## 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=288

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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, except the copies of manufacturers’ service documents, which belong to their rights holders.