# Fatal NTSB investigations, KY

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 1 of 6 · 272 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26FA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26FA223.md): Comp Air CA6-WB · Nicholasville, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Jun 20, 2026 · N82BT · Destroyed
  > On June 20, 2026, about 0846 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Comp Air CA6-WB, N82BT, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Nicholasville, Kentucky. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated…
- [NTSB DCA26MA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA26MA024.md): Mcdonnell Douglas MD-11F · Louisville, KY · Accident · 14 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Preliminary report · Nov 4, 2025 · N259UP · Destroyed
  > On November 4, 2025, about 1714 eastern standard time (EST), United Parcel Service (UPS) flight 2976, a Boeing (McDonnell-Douglas) MD-11F airplane, N259UP, was destroyed after it impacted the ground shortly after takeoff from runway 17R at Louisville Muhammad…
- [NTSB ERA25LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA023.md): Buckeye Dream Machine · Nicholasville, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 27, 2024 · N75331 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control in flight, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA25FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA005.md): Bell 206L-3 · Owenton, KY · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Oct 7, 2024 · N230AE · Destroyed
  > On October 7, 2024, at 1730 eastern daylight time, a Bell 206L3+, N230AE, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident in Owenton, Kentucky. The pilot, a flight nurse, and a flight medic were fatally injured. The helicopter was operated by Air Evac Life…
- [NTSB ERA24FA304](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA304.md): Air Tractor AT802 · Cuba, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 13, 2024 · N2003Y · Substantial damage
  > Impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB ERA23FA380](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA380.md): Piper PA28 · Whitesville, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 28, 2023 · N3079M · Destroyed
  > The flight instructor’s improper decision to continue flight into a known area of thunderstorms, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB ERA23FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA048.md): Beech A36 · Harlan, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 3, 2022 · N84R · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions during an approach to land at an airport in mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s hazardous…
- [NTSB ERA22FA397](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA397.md): Rotorway Jetexec · Arthur, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 3, 2022 · N162NH · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to attempt the cross-country flight in thunderstorm conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a weather briefing.
- [NTSB ERA22LA362](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA362.md): Diamond DA-40 · Bardstown, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 7, 2022 · N723AG · Minor damage
  > The pilot’s failure to provide adequate instructions to remain seated until the engine was shut down, which resulted in the passenger’s decision to exit the cockpit while the engine was operating and subsequently being struck by the rotating propeller.
- [NTSB ERA22FA354](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA354.md): Piper J3C-65 · Cynthiana, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 3, 2022 · N88550 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall while maneuvering to land with approaching convective activity.
- [NTSB ERA22FA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA085.md): Beech V35 · Crab Orchard, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 10, 2021 · N5704V · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was…
- [NTSB ERA21FA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA229.md): Munson Roger J RV-8 · Van Cleve, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 24, 2021 · N284RM · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power due to loss of engine oil pressure.
- [NTSB ERA21FA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA135.md): Vans RV7 · Mayfield, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 22, 2021 · N383DB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, loss of airplane control, and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA20FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA026.md): Piper PA32R · Paducah, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 1, 2019 · N181AG · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to fully seat the fuel selector in the proper tank position during the descent for landing, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA19FA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA155.md): Bellanca 1730 · Henderson, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Apr 23, 2019 · N9693E · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack at a low altitude, in the airport traffic pattern, following a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing…
- [NTSB ERA18FA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA022.md): Piper PA32 · Fountain Run, KY · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 12, 2017 · N3371W · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to complete…
- [NTSB ERA18FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA005.md): Bryant C Crosby BC Ultra PUP · Bardstown, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 2017 · N484HC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to initiate a flight in an airplane he had never flown and with no currency in any airplane nor a medical certificate, which resulted in his loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's psychiatric…
- [NTSB ERA17LA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA297.md): Tukan Trike · Nicholasville, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 2017 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The noncertificated pilot's failure to maintain control of the weight-shift-control aircraft during takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA17FA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA180.md): Beech A36TC · Hopkinsville, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 12, 2017 · N1804E · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's overreliance on his…
- [NTSB ERA16FA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA248.md): Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Hickory, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2016 · N427TV · Substantial damage
  > Company maintenance personnel's inappropriate removal without replacement of the safety wires on the collective lever pin screws during a recent maintenance inspection, which resulted in the screws backing out and led to a loss of collective control in flight.
- [NTSB ERA16LA201](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA201.md): Criquet Aviation Bogota Columb Storch FI-156 · Fordsville, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 30, 2016 · N429BB · Destroyed
  > The steep descent to ground impact for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [NTSB ERA15FA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA220.md): Gulfstream American AA-5A · Rowdy, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 21, 2015 · N26886 · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB ERA15FA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA088.md): Piper PA34 · Kuttawa, KY · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 2, 2015 · N81291 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly set the left engine fuel selector before takeoff and to recognize the incorrect setting during the flight, which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power on both engines.
- [NTSB ERA13FA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA273.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Manchester, KY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2013 · N114AE · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of helicopter control due to spatial disorientation when he inadvertently encountered night, instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the main rotor and tailboom.
- [NTSB ERA12FA280](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA280.md): Manzitto Michael A Mwlancair 235 · Hudson, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 14, 2012 · N235MW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to operate the airplane with known electrical system problems, which resulted in the in-flight failure of the electrical wiring interconnect system, loss of electrical power, and subsequent fuel starvation and loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA12FA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA262.md): Beech 58 · Calhoun, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 2012 · N9448Q · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain airplane control after experiencing a loss of power from the left engine due to water contamination of the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane and…
- [NTSB ERA11FA512](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA512.md): Heronimus Kevin A Glasair III · Falls of Rough, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 2011 · N43KH · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the propeller power speed reduction unit, which resulted in a loss of engine power at low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA11FA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA218.md): Cessna 310R · Pikeville, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 30, 2011 · N1914G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's flight below the published minimum descent altitude in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of nighttime cold medication at doses above…
- [NTSB ERA10LA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA348.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Marion, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2010 · N857PM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB ERA10FA246](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA246.md): Beech 58 · Bear Branch, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 27, 2010 · N1856S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, his continued flight into adverse weather (icing conditions), and failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the emergency descent.
- [NTSB ERA10FA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA148.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Springfield, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 23, 2010 · N7778W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's impairment due to alcohol. Contributing to the accident was the Federal Aviation Administration's failure to adequately oversee…
- [NTSB ERA10LA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA102.md): Davis Michael J Longez · Dexter, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 25, 2009 · N499CM · Destroyed
  > The loss of engine power due to the chaffing and grounding of the single magneto's ignition lead.
- [NTSB ERA09LA250](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA250.md): Gladstone Kitfox · Dubre, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 18, 2009 · N191KF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA09FA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA215.md): Cessna 182Q · Lexington, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 26, 2009 · N4871N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA09LA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA132.md): Cessna 172 · Hardin, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 9, 2009 · N28RP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and his impairment from illegal drug use.
- [NTSB ERA09FA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA093.md): Beech 36 · Louisville, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 2008 · N7472N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s continued operation of the aircraft with known deficiencies. Contributing to this accident was the improper sealing of the engine case during overhaul.
- [NTSB NYC08LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA263.md): Osborne Challenger II · Fairdealing, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2008 · N69ER · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while climbing into rising terrain at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and uncontrolled descent.
- [NTSB MIA08FA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08FA122.md): Yates Lancair IV-P · Springfield, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 2008 · N441L · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to a loss of engine oil as a result of the installation of the wrong oil adapter O-ring seal.
- [NTSB MIA08FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08FA027.md): Cessna T210N · Bloomfield, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 8, 2007 · N5431C · Substantial damage
  > the pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane, which resulted in the in-flight break up. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's loss of control in-flight due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB NYC08FA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA046.md): Cessna 310R · Owensboro, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 26, 2007 · N3364G · Substantial damage
  > A loss of control during approach for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB MIA07LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA07LA155.md): Grumman AA-5A · Worthington, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 2007 · N26442 · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the engine's No. 4 piston from the crankshaft for unidentified reasons and the pilot's continued operation with known equipment deficiencies.
- [NTSB NYC07LA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07LA212.md): Schrack Starduster Too · Verona, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 2007 · N5462 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the inadvertent stall.
- [NTSB NYC07LA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07LA177.md): Beech BE-23 · Science Hill, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 2007 · N2354J · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.
- [NTSB NYC07FA159](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07FA159.md): Mooney M20F · Brooks, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2007 · N9180V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the aborted landing. Contributing to the accident was the exceedance of the airplane's maximum gross weight, and the pilot's inadequate preflight planning.
- [NTSB NYC06LA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06LA214.md): Cessna 150K · Shelby Gap, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 2006 · N6401G · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an impact with mountainous terrain. A factor was the low ceiling.
- [NTSB NYC06FA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06FA209.md): Cessna 401A · Whick, KY · Accident · 7 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 2006 · N408JC · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his subsequent failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Contributing was the instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB DCA06MA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA06MA064.md): Bombardier CRJ-100 · Lexington, KY · Accident · 49 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Aug 27, 2006 · N431CA · Destroyed
  > the flight crewmembers's failure to use available cues and aids to identify the airplane's location on the airport surface during taxi and their failure to cross-check and verify that the airplane was on the correct runway before takeoff. Contributing to the…
- [NTSB NYC06LA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06LA171.md): Buckeye Dream Machine · Monticello, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 2006 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The misplaced parachute suspension line, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control. A factor was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.
- [NTSB NYC06LA165](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06LA165.md): North American Navion · Sturgis, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 2006 · N91686 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to a leaking fuel pump gasket.
- [NTSB CHI06FA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06FA141.md): Cessna 210N · Ft. Thomas, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 30, 2006 · N5212U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to maintain altitude/clearance with trees while attempting to return to the airport.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?fatal=1&state=KY&page=2

## 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'KY' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal'
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

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

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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.
