# 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 289 of 617 · 30,846 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB SEA89FA156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89FA156.md): Cessna TU206C · Skykomish, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 1989 · N21NW · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to continue the flight into IMC. The pilot did not adequately plan and prepare for the flight and was unable to maintain a proper altitude above the terrain for VMC. Fog was a related factor.
- [NTSB NYC89FA206](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA206.md): Cessna 172P · Northfield, NH · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 1989 · N65595 · Destroyed
  > The pilot initiated flight into known adverse weather which resulted in a loss of control. Contributing factor(s) was: the pilot's overconfidence and the existing weather conditions.
- [NTSB LAX89DUQ05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DUQ05.md): Ruppercht Varieze · California City, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · Sep 2, 1989 · N393D · Destroyed
  > The wing failed due to the pilot/owners overtorquing the wing bolts and the improper installation of the wing attach plates/cones.
- [NTSB SEA89LA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA187.md): Evans Wittman Tailwind W10 · McCall, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 1, 1989 · N62JE · Destroyed
  > A collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ATL89FA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA207.md): Cessna 152 · Tiptonville, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 1989 · N25799 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a proper climb rate after takeoff. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, the pilot's lack of visual cues, his habit of making shallow climbs after takeoff, his lack of recent night flying experience, and the trees.
- [NTSB LAX89FA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA294.md): Beech V35TC · Fort Jones, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 1989 · N6225V · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude.
- [NTSB SEA89FA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89FA160.md): Cessna 152 · Snohomish, WA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 30, 1989 · N49231 · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to see and avoid N49231, a Cessna 172. Contributing factors were: a flight path directly into the setting sun, and the low light conditions of dusk on the ground below.
- [NTSB MKC89FA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89FA191.md): Piper PA-20 · Moose Lake, MN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 30, 1989 · N2841P · Destroyed
  > Severe corrosion of the lower forward lift strut for the right wing, inadequate inspection of the lift strut by maintenance personnel, and subsequent failure of the lift strut, which resulted in an overload failure (folding back) of the wing. Related factors…
- [NTSB NYC89FA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA204.md): Cessna U206F · West Point, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 1989 · N8559Q · Destroyed
  > Continued VFR flight by the pilot into an area of marginal visual meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude over mountainous/hilly terrain. Factors related to the accident were: dark night, high terrain, low clouds/ceiling,…
- [NTSB MIA89FA237](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89FA237.md): Eagle DW-1-220 · Oklawaha, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 1989 · N8802M · Destroyed
  > The loss of control on the ground during the landing roll for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB FTW89FA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89FA155.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Pauls Valley, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 1989 · N7593J · Destroyed
  > Improper planning/decision by the pilot, his lack of understanding of the procedures for operating the aircraft, his improper use of the fuel selector in managing his fuel supply, fuel starvation, and the pilot's failure to know and follow the emergency…
- [NTSB DEN89FA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA202.md): Aerospatiale AS-350D · Blanchard, ID · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 1989 · N132SH · Destroyed
  > Overheating and seizure of the swashplate bearing, which resulted in an inflight breakup of the helicopter and subsequent impact with the ground.
- [NTSB BFO89FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89FA075.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Lynchburg, VA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 1989 · N234J · Destroyed
  > Pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstructions because of improper IFR operation. Contributing to the accident was descent below decision height, delay in initiating the missed approach, and fog conditions.
- [NTSB SEA89FA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89FA157.md): Beech C35 · Sandy, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 1989 · N5916C · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to the separation of the bolt connecting the throttle rod to the carburetor throttle arm and an inadequate annual inspection performed 5 flight hours prior to the occurrence. Contributing factors were obstructions in and around…
- [NTSB LAX89WA293](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89WA293.md): Beech BE-24 · Mexicali, Mexico · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Aug 27, 1989 · N5039M · Destroyed
- [NTSB FTW89LA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA154.md): Cessna 150M · Hearne, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 1989 · N16090 · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane and his lack of experience/training. A factor was the pilot's poor physical condition.
- [NTSB BFO89FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89FA074.md): Beech C50 · Hagerstown, MD · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 1989 · N4917B · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane as a result of spatial disorientation after intentionally flying into instrument flight conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's over confidence in his ability and the obscured weather…
- [NTSB CHI89DEC06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89DEC06.md): Feil BD-5 · Pontiac, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Aug 26, 1989 · N9BD · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff which resulted in a stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the excessive pull-up maneuver and the pilot's lack of total experience in the aircraft.
- [NTSB MIA89FA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89FA233.md): Beech C23 · Barranquitas, PR · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 25, 1989 · N6573R · Destroyed
  > Improper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot and his failure to maintain adequate flying speed, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the terrain. Contributing factors were: operation of the aircraft by the pilot with excessive gross…
- [NTSB LAX89FA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA287.md): Cessna 180J · Tracy, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 1989 · N42695 · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > Inadequate visual lookout by both pilots, which resulted in their failure to see-and-avoid each other's aircraft. A factor related to the accident was: the lack of a conflict alert system for the stockton arts ii radar.
- [NTSB LAX89FA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA275.md): Mooney M20F · Livermore, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 1989 · CFSAB · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to conduct low level night flight under low ceilings. Contributing factors were: the dark night, low ceiling, and high obstructions.
- [NTSB BFO89FA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89FA069.md): Beech B50 · Church Creek, MD · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 1989 · N3688B · Destroyed
  > VFR flight into IMC and pilot disorientation, which resulted in the loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of instrument experience, darkness, and the adverse weather condition.
- [NTSB SEA89FA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89FA154.md): Beech C90 · Gold Beach, OR · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 21, 1989 · N25ST · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to initiate a go-around after emerging from a fog bank on a short final which resulted in inadequate airspeed and a stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's poor judgement in attempting the VFR approach in IMC conditions.
- [NTSB LAX89LA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA283.md): Piper PA-38-112 · Long Beach, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 1989 · N2344N · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate airspeed during takeoff which led to an inadvertent stall. A factor was the excessive weight in the aircraft.
- [NTSB ATL89DKJ09](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89DKJ09.md): Cessna 188B · Prattville, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Aug 16, 1989 · N9318G · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from obstructions (trees).
- [NTSB LAX89FA280](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA280.md): Cessna 152 · Castaic, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 15, 1989 · N152DM · Destroyed
  > Failure of the instructor pilot to adequately supervise the conduct of the flight, failure of the instructor pilot to ensure adequate terrain clearance prior to initiating the maneuver, and failure of the instructor pilot to take timely and proper and proper…
- [NTSB NYC89FA190](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA190.md): Cessna 182Q · Edison Twshp, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 14, 1989 · N759MN · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to follow the IFR procedure and maintain the minimum descent altitude (mda) for that segment of the approach. Factors related to the accident were: minimum safe altitude warning (msaw) radar not enabled, and failure of the approach…
- [NTSB MIA89FA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89FA219.md): Cessna 177RG · Janice, MS · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 14, 1989 · N1976Q · Destroyed
  > The in flight loss of control by the non instrument rated pilot after encountering instrument meteorological conditions resulting in the airplane spiraling into a wooded area.
- [NTSB LAX89LA278](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA278.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Butte Meadows, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 14, 1989 · N3795K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot improper in-flight planning to attain proper altitude to clear the mountainous terrain. Contributing factor(s) was: the high terrain and high density attitude.
- [NTSB LAX89FA277](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA277.md): Piper PA-23-250 · Lake Tahoe, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 14, 1989 · N4838P · Destroyed
  > Disablement of the stabilator flight control system. A contributing factor was: inadequate maintenance.
- [NTSB MKC89FA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89FA179.md): Mooney M20F · Mound City, KS · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 1989 · N6960V · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued VFR flight into an area of thunderstorms & heavy rain which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane. Factors related to the accident were thunderstorms and heavy rain.
- [NTSB MIA89FA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89FA220.md): Cessna 172P · Pass-A-Grille, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 1989 · N99901 · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to recover from a stall/spin. Excessive gross weight of the aircraft and lack of available altitude for spin recovery were probable contributing factors.
- [NTSB ANC89FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89FA144.md): Piper PA-12 · Windy Fork, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 1989 · N7542H · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed while operating to or from the gravel bar, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. The rising terrain was considered a contributing factor.
- [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 ATL89FA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA196.md): Beech A-36 · Chapel Hill, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1989 · N25805 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering for a landing. Contributing factors were: the pilot's failure to follow the emergency procedures for an autopilot malfunction, and pilot fatigue.
- [NTSB ANC89LA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA181.md): Cessna R172K · Anchorage, AK · Accident · 4 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1989 · N1211V · Destroyed
  > Undetermined.
- [NTSB ATL89DMG06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89DMG06.md): Dammann N3-2 · Hendersonville, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Aug 11, 1989 · N70406 · Destroyed
  > Engine failure due to carburetor ice.
- [NTSB ATL89FA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA194.md): Beech E55 · Raleigh, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 1989 · N55TP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while operating in instrument weather conditions.
- [NTSB MKC89DCQ01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89DCQ01.md): WSK PZL Mielec PZL-M-18-A · Ingalls, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Aug 9, 1989 · N7032M · Substantial damage
  > Improper preflight planning by the pilot and his failure to attain inadequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall/spin. As he was attempting to avoid a power transmission line. Factors related to the accident were: rising terrain, tall grass, tailwind and the…
- [NTSB ATL89DLT05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89DLT05.md): Bratton RB-1 · Springfield, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Aug 9, 1989 · N44516 · Destroyed
  > Improper planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion at a low altitude, due to an inadequate supply of fuel; and his failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Factors related to the accident were: the…
- [NTSB LAX89FA268](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA268.md): Piper PA-601P · Ramona, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 1989 · N6067Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot's VFR flight in instrument meteorologial conditions (IMC) and spatial disorientation, which resulted in an inadvertent descent into the ground. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, low ceiling, and the pilot's lack of a preflight weather…
- [NTSB ANC89FA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89FA137.md): Cessna 402 · Nome, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 1989 · N12333 · Destroyed
  > Continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) by the pilot, and his improper in-flight planning/decision. The weather and terrain conditions were considered to be contributing factors.
- [NTSB NYC89FA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA183.md): Beech B24R · Wiscasset, ME · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 1989 · N2175W · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control of the airplane and uncontrolled descent during attempted flight in instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB LAX89LA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA262.md): Cessna 172H · Dana Point, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 1989 · N2667L · Destroyed
  > Pilot-in-commands failure to maintain control of the airplane while in maneuvering flight.
- [NTSB LAX89FA276](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA276.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Toms Place, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 1989 · N6274W · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to attain sufficient altitude to clear terrain obstructions before entering a high elevation basin. Contributing to the accident was a high density altitude which reduced the aircraft's climb performance to less than the rate of climb of…
- [NTSB DEN89FA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA184.md): Cessna 172M · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 1989 · N64263 · Destroyed
  > The pilot deliberately flew his aircraft into the face of a mountain. A contributing factor was: the psychological condition of the pilot.
- [NTSB DEN89DTG01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89DTG01.md): Cessna 188A · Valley City, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Aug 6, 1989 · N188TV · Destroyed
  > Inadequate visual lookout by the pilot. The power line was a related factor.
- [NTSB ANC89FA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89FA133.md): Piper PA-38-112 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 1989 · N2424N · Destroyed
  > Loss of engine power for an unknown reason, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, while turning back toward the airport, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.
- [NTSB MIA89FA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89FA214.md): Cessna 210L · Marco, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 1989 · N2676S · Destroyed
  > Continued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), his misjudgment of altitude and his physical impairment from use of drugs. Contributing factors were: the pilot's probable spatial disorientation, and the night/weather…
- [NTSB FTW89FA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89FA143.md): Balloon Works Firefly 6B · Baton Rouge, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 1989 · N27113 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot exceeded the temperature limitations of the Balloon during the climb, which resulted in failure of the frabric. Factors related to the accident were: the previous heat damage to the frabric, and the lack of maintenance by the pilot/owner.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?fatal=1&page=290

## 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=289

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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.