# 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 296 of 617 · 30,846 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB FTW89DPJ02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89DPJ02.md): Ercoupe 415C · Oklahoma City, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · Dec 21, 1988 · N99636 · Destroyed
  > During flight, the airplane appeared to go into a steep banked spiral from which it did not recover. It struck a two-car detached garage and then the ground. Inspection revealed that the fabric of both wings had been installed improperly, and part of the…
- [NTSB DEN89FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA045.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Elephant Butte, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 1988 · N751SP · Destroyed
  > During a return flight from having maintenance performed on the acft the plt executed a low pass by his home which was located on a point of land overlooking Elephant Butte reservoir, NM. During the maneuver while in a steep turn the left wing struck the…
- [NTSB DCA89RA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA89RA014.md): Boeing 747-121 · Lockerbie, United Kingdom · Accident · 270 fatal · Foreign investigation · Dec 21, 1988 · N739PA
- [NTSB LAX89FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA064.md): Cessna T210L · Buena Park, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 1988 · N4675Q · Destroyed
  > The pilot used poor judgement in beginning the flight with inadequate fuel; his failure to follow normal v.f.r. procedures; and his poor preflight inspection.
- [NTSB FTW89RA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89RA034.md): Learjet 24B · Cuatro Cienegas, Mexico · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Dec 16, 1988 · N234CM
- [NTSB DEN89FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA041.md): Piper PA-28R-201T · Arvada, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 1988 · N3110Q · Destroyed
  > The pilot entered clouds and shortly thereafter, crashed near the city of Arvada, WY. The flight consisted of two aircraft, flying together in loose formation, at night, under a layer of clouds. The plt of the lead acft estimated that about 2 min elapsed when…
- [NTSB SEA89FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89FA027.md): de Havilland DHC-2 · Kasaan, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 14, 1988 · N89U · Destroyed
  > The plt planned to land at a seaplane base that was located in a bowl-shaped cove. Drg the landing, the acft touched down long on water swells & the plt elected to go around. Witnesses rprtd that drg the go-around, the plt initiated a steep turn while still…
- [NTSB LAX89DVM03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DVM03.md): Beard Varieze · Palo Alto, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Dec 13, 1988 · N226RB · Substantial damage
  > The acft crashed 200 ft short of the rwy in a pond and nosed over. Witnesses heard the sounds of low power. Evidence of low/no power was shown by the prop. Investigation revealed that unapproved engine mods were made by pilot/owner. An untested carb heat…
- [NTSB DCA89LA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA89LA012.md): Mitsubishi MU-2J · Missing (Pacific Ocean) · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 9, 1988 · N296MA · Destroyed
  > During a flt at night from majuro, marshall islands to cairns, australia, the plt requested a dscnt from FL 190 to 12,000 to remove ice from the airframe. Later, he requested a climb to FL 200. After starting the climb, he made a mayday call to sidney flt…
- [NTSB ATL89FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA054.md): Aero Commander 720 · Alcoa, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 9, 1988 · N120G · Destroyed
  > After encountering icing conditions in flight and experiencing problems maintaining altitudes and headings, the pilot elected to divert from his planned destination of dayton, oh to knoxville, TN. While on final approach after descending 1300 ft below minimum…
- [NTSB SEA89FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89FA021.md): Cessna 335 · Arlington, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 3, 1988 · N2706F · Destroyed
  > Drg a ngt arr, the plt was vectored for a LOC rwy 34 apch. After rchg the final apch fix/outer marker (om), he was clrd for the apch. Abt 5 or 6 min later, the ATC ctlr noticed the acft was aprx 7 mi nw of the arpt, climbing abv 3000' MSL. Missed apch…
- [NTSB FTW89FA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89FA028.md): Piper PA-38-112 · Tomball, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 3, 1988 · N2379V · Destroyed
  > The airplane was being used for touch and go landings by an instructor and a low time student. It was on a base leg to land to the south when the instructor told the tower she had lost the engine and was going down. There were no witnesses to the accident.…
- [NTSB CHI89FA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89FA030.md): Mooney M20J · Vermillion, IL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 3, 1988 · N201UL · Destroyed
- [NTSB CHI89DEV04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89DEV04.md): Tesori Regionne 2002 · Urbana, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Dec 3, 1988 · CGFSY · Substantial damage
  > The plt transmitted on an advisory frequency 'clear the area I have engine trouble'. While turning from downwind to the base leg of his emergency approach to the airport, witnesses observed the airplane in a steep right bank when it suddenly banked left and…
- [NTSB ATL89DMG01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89DMG01.md): Flagg Teenie TWO · Albemarle, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Dec 3, 1988 · N4831Y · Substantial damage
  > Reportedly, the 150-hour pilot owner was performing a high speed taxi run to get acquainted with the airplane and its controls. The airplane taxiied down runway 22, using 3000 feet of the 4700 foot runway and suddenly became airborne. The flight continued to…
- [NTSB NYC89DNE01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89DNE01.md): Bell 47D1 · Russell, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Dec 2, 1988 · N163B · Destroyed
  > A pilot induced low rotor RPM condition, followed by blade flapping as the main rotor blade contacted the tail of the helicopter.
- [NTSB LAX89DVD01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DVD01.md): Hitchcock JH-1 · Petaluma, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Dec 2, 1988 · N58EE · Destroyed
  > Plt was on initial flt in newly-built gyrocopter. After takeoff, witnesses observed the acft to climb to about 100 feet then to nose over until ground impact. No evidence of mechanical failure was found.
- [NTSB ATL89FA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA047.md): Beech P35 · Bakersville, NC · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 30, 1988 · N9584Y · Destroyed
  > During the VFR business flight radar data indicated the acft descended from 9,500 to approx. 5,500' MSL where it collided with a mountain. Clouds were present in the area. There were no witnesses to the accident. The wreckage was located by ELT signal. The…
- [NTSB MKC89DCJ01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89DCJ01.md): Piper PA-17 · Omaha, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Nov 28, 1988 · N4691H · Substantial damage
  > Witnesses observed the airplane takeoff and climb steeply to about 100 feet above ground. The airplane then turned sharply to the right and crashed into the ground in a nose low attitude. Investigation revealed no problems with either engine or airframe.
- [NTSB MIA89LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA046.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean) · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 28, 1988 · N7926N · Destroyed
  > The student pilot contacted ifss at miami, FL and filed an intl flight plan to the Bahamas. He did not request a weather briefing and none was given. The pilot later contacted controllers and stated that he was in instrument meteorological conditions and…
- [NTSB LAX89FA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA057.md): Beech N35 · Hanford, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 28, 1988 · N9469Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot failed to maintain sufficient altitude and descended below the minimum descent altitude while executing the missed approach. Contributing to this accident was the deteriorating weather conditions and the pilot's wish to return the airplane to its…
- [NTSB DEN89FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA038.md): Cessna 150L · Fairplay, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 28, 1988 · N1464Q · Destroyed
- [NTSB MIA89FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89FA044.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Molino, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 27, 1988 · N8033Y · Destroyed
  > Before takeoff, the plt was adzd of an apchg cold front in the Florida panhandle as well as a forecast of hvy thunder- storm activity in the area of pensacola. En route, he was provided VFR flt following from pensacola apch ctl while cruising at 6500 ft.…
- [NTSB FTW89FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89FA025.md): Luscombe 8E · Port Lavaca, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 27, 1988 · N2301K · Destroyed
  > There were no records to indicate the non-instrument rated pilot received a pre-flight weather briefing from any weather reporting service. Witnesses in the area of the accident stated the night was dark and the ground was covered with fog. The airplane…
- [NTSB ATL89FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA045.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Concord, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 26, 1988 · N98369 · Destroyed
  > PIC & wife flew to local residential area to photograph a house. The acft was flown in the vicinity of the accident for about 30 minutes. Radar data displayed the acft in a level left turn at 2300 feet (1700 AGL) for about 50 seconds when contact was abruptly…
- [NTSB LAX89FA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA058.md): Cessna 182R · Gorman, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 1988 · N5545N · Destroyed
  > The aircraft entered into an uncontrolled descent. The existence of a mountain wave along the aircraft's flight route, the failure of the crew to evaluate reported weather conditions along the flight route, the crews attempt to fly into known adverse weather…
- [NTSB FTW89FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89FA024.md): Cessna 337A · Weatherford, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 24, 1988 · N5337S · Destroyed
  > The pilot failed to maintain minimum required airspeed for slow flight (vs), resulting in a stall with insufficient altitude to recover. A contributing factor was the Piper pilot's unannounced fly-by, which diverted the Cessna pilot's attention.
- [NTSB DEN89FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA036.md): Cessna T210F · Cortez, CO · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 24, 1988 · N6105R · Destroyed
  > The plt obtained a wx briefing from las vegas fss and was told that flt under VFR was not recommended for the proposed flt to durango (dro). The plt filed a VFR flt plan and departed las vegas. Over page, AZ, he filed a PIREP and was again told VFR flt not…
- [NTSB CHI89FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89FA027.md): Gulfstream AA1A · North Vernon, IN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 24, 1988 · N9396L · Destroyed
  > The aircraft was observed to make a high speed low level pass adjacent to the runway and a climbing left turn away from the airport, heading north. A witness in a field north of the airport reported seeing the aircraft descending from a low altitude, level…
- [NTSB BFO89FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89FA012.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Meadows Of Dan, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 23, 1988 · N4194W · Destroyed
  > The pilot conducted VFR flight into IMC because of inadequate inflight planning/decision. The aircraft experienced inflight brakup when the pilot was unable to maintain flight within the design stress limits of the aircraft.
- [NTSB FTW89FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89FA023.md): Beech A36 · Oklahoma City, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 20, 1988 · N6639R · Destroyed
  > The plt was briefed on flt prctns for IFR conds, tstms & ocnl mod rime icing. Drg the climb, he told ATC he was having trouble with his vacuum & was disoriented. ATC clrd him for altitudes he could use & bgn providing no-gyro vectors. A wxcheck revealed there…
- [NTSB NYC89FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA036.md): Piper PA-28RT-201T · Gans, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 19, 1988 · N2153U · Destroyed
  > Pilot's bad judgement in flying in weather conditions beyond the capabilities of his aircraft. The pilot overstressed the aircraft and sheared the left wing by making an abrupt turn in turbulent air above the design maneuvering speed (VA). The accumulation of…
- [NTSB MKC89FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89FA027.md): Beech E-90 · Locust Grove, AR · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 19, 1988 · N308PS · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance altitude and exceeding the minimum descent altitude published in the approach procedure.
- [NTSB FTW89FA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89FA022.md): Cessna 150M · Fort Worth, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 19, 1988 · N63537 · Destroyed
  > Failure to the flight instructor and the student pilot to obtain a weather briefing prior to departure, and he flight instructor's failure to observe the deteriorating weather conditions in sufficient time return to the airport prior to instrument…
- [NTSB NYC89FA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA033.md): Beech A35 · Shirley, NY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 1988 · N8697A · Destroyed
  > Loss of control during takeoff, due to the failure (separation) of the right rudder control cable. Contributing to the accident was improper inspection and maintenance of the cable.
- [NTSB LAX89FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA050.md): Beech 95 · Milpitis, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 1988 · N663Q · Destroyed
  > The pilot failed to maintain altitude while performing a maneuver.
- [NTSB LAX89FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA042.md): Cessna 172N · Fremont, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 1988 · N6256F · Destroyed
  > The newly certificated private plt reportedly was emotionally disturbed about his employment & personal life situation. He loved flying & flew to release anxiety. Near midnight the plt departed for a short x-c flight during which he became disoriented. The…
- [NTSB CHI89FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89FA026.md): Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 · Chicago, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 1988 · N271MA · Destroyed
  > The first takeoff was aborted due to a perceived engine problem. Six minutes later on second takeoff, the aircraft climbed to 50 feet, drifted to the right, rolled right and impacted in the infield. This was a single pilot operation in a complex aircraft.…
- [NTSB CHI89DEX01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89DEX01.md): Pitts S-15 · Delphi, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Nov 17, 1988 · N3RJ · Destroyed
  > Failure to recover from an aerobatic maneuver due to lack of total experience, and lack of recent experience in the type of flight regime.
- [NTSB NYC89FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA032.md): Mooney M20K · Holden, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 1988 · N1170Z · Destroyed
  > Inflight loss of control due to spatial disorientation and contact with trees prior to regaining control after the pilot experienced an unknown problem with the autopilot. Contributing was the lack of recent night experience.
- [NTSB DEN89FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA034.md): Cessna 421 · Tooele, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 1988 · N222BL · Substantial damage
- [NTSB NYC89FA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA029.md): Ryan Navion A · Franklin, PA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 14, 1988 · N5164K · Destroyed
  > Due to improper grade of fuel in the airplane and bent and binding exhaust valves, the airplane engine had a partial loss of power during the takeoff ground run. The pilot did not abort the takeoff and the airplane stalled and collided with trees when the…
- [NTSB MIA89FA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89FA033.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Jacksonville, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 14, 1988 · N8342L · Destroyed
  > Drg a ngt arrival, the plt requested a special VFR clnc to the arpt & was adzd that the wx was partially obscured, vis was 1 mi with fog & the wind was calm. As he contd the apch, all flts were adzd the vis had dropped to 1/2 mi. The plt requested clnc for an…
- [NTSB FTW89DQG02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89DQG02.md): Piper PA-25 · Amarillo, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Nov 14, 1988 · N8547L · Destroyed
  > Failure on the part of the pilot to maintain the proper airspeed for the maneuver being performed, followed by a stall at an altitude insufficient to recover.
- [NTSB ATL89FA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA035.md): Hughes 269C · Mohawk, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 14, 1988 · N9575F · Destroyed
  > The helicopter had landed at a private airstrip and the instructor deplaned. The dual student remained in the helicopter with the engine running. The CFI reboarded and the student made the takeoff. Later, on downwind in traffic pattern, a witness reported a…
- [NTSB CHI89DEV02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89DEV02.md): Air Command 503 · Sullivan, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Nov 13, 1988 · UNREG · Destroyed
  > The pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft.
- [NTSB ATL89FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA036.md): Cessna 152 · Arcadia, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 13, 1988 · N69175 · Destroyed
  > Aircraft departed on a cross country instructional flight. The aircraft landed for fuel at orlando int'l and departed VFR. There were no witnesses. The accident site was located by ELT signal in a treeline that bordered the west end of a large open pasture.…
- [NTSB MIA89FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89FA027.md): Grumman AA5A · Tampa, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 1988 · N9975U · Destroyed
  > Witnesses stated the acft was flying at low alt in the area of lake thonotosassa just before it struck the top static wire of a group of power lines. Impact occurred while the acft was on a southerly heading. The acft then crashed into an orange grove. An…
- [NTSB BFO89FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89FA009.md): Piper PA-23-250 · Towson, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 1988 · N63762 · Destroyed
  > About 6 min after takeoff, after leveling at 3500 ft, the plt rprtd he was having a probelm that he was unable to figure out. A few minutes later, he repeated the same problem & elected to divert to a nearby arpt. Witnesses rprtd the acft reversed course svrl…
- [NTSB NYC89FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA021.md): Cessna 152 · Smithfield, RI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 1988 · N5462B · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed after beginning an ascent from a low pass, which resulted in a stall & loss of aircraft control. Inadequate altitude to recover from a stall was considered to be a contributing factor.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?fatal=1&page=297

## 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=296

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