# Fatal, Final NTSB investigations, ND

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 3 · 128 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN23FA412](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA412.md): Air Tractor AT-502B · New Rockford, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 19, 2023 · N502NB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from overhead power lines during an aerial application flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to fly under the power lines with a small area of clearance available for the airplane.
- [NTSB CEN23FA409](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA409.md): Thrush S2R-T660 · Ardoch, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 12, 2023 · N710TY · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a guy wire during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN22FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA017.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Buxton, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 19, 2021 · N820ND · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s intentional flight into terrain as an act of suicide.
- [NTSB CEN21FA368](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA368.md): Rockwell International S2R · Strasburg, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 10, 2021 · N4956X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s intentional flight under power lines and his failure to maintain clearance from the lines during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN21LA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA044.md): Piper PA-22-135 · Dunn Center, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 8, 2020 · N3606A · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN20LA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA227.md): Vans RV8 · Mandan, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Limited · Final report · Jun 13, 2020 · N836JC · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to remove the seat belt used as a flight control lock from the aft cockpit control stick before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN19FA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA030.md): Cessna 441 · Harmon, ND · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Nov 18, 2018 · N441CX · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane in dark night conditions that resulted in an in-flight positive overload failure of the wings and the subsequent in-flight breakup of the airplane.
- [NTSB CEN18FA277](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA277.md): Cessna 152 · Fort Rice, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Jul 17, 2018 · N24515 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat in conditions that were conducive to serious carburetor icing, which resulted in a loss of engine power, an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the…
- [NTSB CEN17LA244](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA244.md): Air Tractor AT 602 · Stirum, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 2017 · N4196Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to attempt flight with low-level fog in the area, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN17FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA045.md): Cessna 340 · Fargo, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 1, 2016 · N123KK · Destroyed
  > The loose fuel fitting on the combustion heater that leaked a lean fuel-air mixture into the nose baggage compartment. The mixture was most likely ignited by the combustion heater, blowing off the nose baggage compartment doors and starting an in-flight fire.
- [NTSB CEN16FA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA212.md): Piper PA 28-140 · Wishek, ND · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 2016 · N6223W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a climbing turn after takeoff, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to…
- [NTSB CEN14FA400](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA400.md): Larry Ketterling FEW P-51 Mustang · Lisbon, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 2014 · N116LK · Destroyed
  > The partial loss of engine power for a reason that could not be determined because of extensive impact and postcrash fire damage, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in the airplane's wing exceeding its critical…
- [NTSB CEN12LA615](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA615.md): Goodyear F2G · Valley City, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2012 · N5577N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to initiate the aerobatic maneuver at an altitude that did not allow for full recovery of the airplane before ground impact.
- [NTSB CEN12LA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA336.md): Bellanca 8GCBC · Zahl, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 4, 2012 · N88095 · Substantial damage
  > The non-certificated pilot's improper preflight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and his failure to maintain airplane control after a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN11FA508](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA508.md): Beech A36 · Williston, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 2011 · N41MK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a partial loss of engine power while maneuvering at a low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN09LA277](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA277.md): Champion 7GCBC · Surrey, ND · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 3, 2009 · N5106T · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during an abrupt pull-up maneuver, which resulted in an aerodynammic stall at low altitude.
- [NTSB CHI08LA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08LA101.md): Cessna 172K · Roseglen, ND · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 11, 2008 · N7490G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to maintain obstacle clearance from the TV antenna during a low altitude maneuver. Contributing factors were the antenna, the night conditions, and pilot impairment due to alcohol.
- [NTSB CHI07LA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07LA162.md): Aero Commander S2R · Watford City, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 5, 2007 · N8835Q · Destroyed
  > The agricultural pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain while maneuvering to avoid power lines. The power lines were a contributing factor in the accident.
- [NTSB CHI06FA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06FA275.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Kulm, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 2006 · N9714W · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument rated pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in his inadvertent encounter with a thunderstorm and his loss of aircraft control. A factor to the accident was the thunderstorm.
- [NTSB CHI06LA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06LA223.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Underwood, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2006 · N4693Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power line during the aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CHI05LA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05LA188.md): Air Tractor AT-301 · Langdon, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 15, 2005 · N3159N · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain while attempting an abrupt turning maneuver at a low altitude.
- [NTSB CHI05LA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05LA012.md): Cessna 150M · Ashley, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 21, 2004 · N63439 · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument rated pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions and his not maintaining aircraft control during cruise flight. Factors present were the night condition and low ceilings.
- [NTSB CHI04LA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04LA225.md): Cessna A188B · Mylo, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 2004 · N92806 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the windmill. The windmill was a contributing factor.
- [NTSB CHI02FA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02FA269.md): Cessna TR182 · Tappen, ND · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 4, 2002 · N756WF · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and his failure to maintain clearance of the transmission wires. Also causal was inadequate preflight planning. Factors associated with the accident were the low altitude and airspeed when the abrupt maneuver was made and…
- [NTSB CHI01LA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA294.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Alice, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 22, 2001 · N4329Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's unsuccessful recovery from an intentional aerobatic stall/spin maneuver. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's impairment (alcohol), and his psychological condition.
- [NTSB CHI01LA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA273.md): Grumman G-164B · Hazelton, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 11, 2001 · N48624 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's ostentatious display when he performed a low level manuever and stalled the airplane.
- [NTSB CHI00LA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00LA178.md): Weatherly 201C · Tolna, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 2000 · N9228W · Destroyed
  > the wing spar fatigue and wing separation while maneuvering. A factor was that the fatigue was not detected by the mechanic during the last annual inspection.
- [NTSB CHI00LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00LA043.md): McCarty Wittman W-8 Tailwind · Jamestown, ND · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 12, 1999 · N654 · Destroyed
  > the wing spar failure due to its inadequate construction by the owner/builder.
- [NTSB CHI99FA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99FA196.md): Beech C-23 · Mandan, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 1999 · N9703Q · Destroyed
  > the pilot failed to maintain aircraft control on approach to the airport after encountering high winds, gusts, rain, and thunderstorms in the area.
- [NTSB CHI99LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA020.md): Becker Wag Aero Super Sport · Hamilton, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 3, 1998 · N285BB · Destroyed
  > the fatigue failure of the lower wing strut attachment bracket.
- [NTSB CHI98LA361](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA361.md): Champion BL-7-GCBC · Upham, ND · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 1998 · N311DM · Destroyed
  > The pilot's steep pull and failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall/spin. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane's handling qualities, and a lack of recent experience in the airplane.
- [NTSB CHI98LA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA259.md): Anderson T Craft Special · Pick City, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 1998 · N91XX · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance with terrain. A factor was the pilot's attempted low altitude acrobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB CHI98FA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98FA119.md): Cessna 208B · Bismarck, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 7, 1998 · N868FE · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach which resulted in an inadvertant stall. Factors associated with the accident were the icing conditions and the pilot's low level experience in this make and model of airplane.
- [NTSB CHI97LA278](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA278.md): Schweizer G-164B · Larimore, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 1997 · N8326K · Destroyed
  > the pilot delaying the swath run turnaround maneuver at the end of the field boundary, and his failure to maintain clearance between the airplane and the high tension wires. A factor was the pilot's inattentiveness regarding the time to begin the swath run…
- [NTSB CHI96LA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA220.md): Grumman AA5B · Fryburg, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 1996 · N6249L · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors were the fog, low ceiling, and rising terrain.
- [NTSB CHI95LA323](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA323.md): Haugen Kolb Firestar II · Souris, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 17, 1995 · N42996 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain control of the ultralight vehicle.
- [NTSB CHI95FA285](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95FA285.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Ardoch, ND · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 1995 · N85115 · Destroyed
  > the pilot-in-command's continuing flight into adverse weather. Factors were the pilot-in-command's failure to obtain a weather observation and the adverse weather.
- [NTSB CHI95FA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95FA124.md): Beech 65-B80 · Great Bend, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 12, 1995 · N7057J · Destroyed
  > the pilot/mechanic's inadequate maintenance (inspection) of aircraft and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (VMC). Factors were icing conditions, deteriorated induction air ducting, and failure of a piston assembly.
- [NTSB CHI94GA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94GA093.md): Cessna 401A · Minot, ND · Accident · 4 fatal · Final report · Feb 24, 1994 · N4071Q · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude during a missed approach. Factors related to the accident were: the unfavorable weather and snow covered terrain.
- [NTSB CHI93FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93FA053.md): Piper PA-30 · Bowman, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 1992 · N7243Y · Destroyed
  > The non instrument rated private pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance after inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB CHI93LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA017.md): Piper PA-25-260 · Trenton, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 1992 · N8675L · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper aircraft handling while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CHI92FA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92FA220.md): Beech V35B · Northwood, ND · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 31, 1992 · N8BL · Destroyed
  > Spatial disorientation of the pilot in command during initial climb.
- [NTSB CHI92LA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA196.md): Luscombe 8E · Napoleon, ND · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 1992 · N2264K · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed above a stall.
- [NTSB CHI91FA291](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91FA291.md): Beech 95 · Killdeer, ND · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 1991 · N393B · Destroyed
  > The pilot's disregarding the weather forecast; his improper in-flight decision to continue a VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions; and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain. The mountainous hilly terrain and low ceiling were…
- [NTSB CHI91DTG01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91DTG01.md): Cessna 172P · Bismarck, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Jun 1, 1991 · N5478K · Destroyed
  > Spatial disorientation. Factors related to the accident are failure to obtain a preflight weather brief, vrf flight into IMC conditions and lack of total experience.
- [NTSB CHI90FA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90FA214.md): Cessna 150L · Donnybrook, ND · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 1990 · N10094 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in hilly terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and the surrounding steeply rising terrain.
- [NTSB DEN90FA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90FA161.md): Cessna 150L · Hettinger, ND · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 13, 1990 · N11580 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during climbout. Contributing factors were: the pilot's lack of recent experience, and the over maximum gross weight condition of the aircraft.
- [NTSB DEN90DTG02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90DTG02.md): Eugene N. Rausch RV-4 · Erie, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Jun 23, 1990 · N319ER · Destroyed
  > An inadvertent stall.
- [NTSB DEN90FA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90FA099.md): Piper PA-22-160 · Scranton, ND · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 24, 1990 · N2911Z · Destroyed
  > Pilot factor in that he failed to maintain aircraft control while performing an inflight maneuver.
- [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.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?fatal=1&status=final&state=ND&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" = 'ND' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal'
  AND c."completionStatus" = 'Completed'
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

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

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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.
