# Fatal NTSB investigations, SD

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 4 · 180 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN26LA296](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA296.md): Para-Ski VX · Westport, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Aug 20, 2026 · C-IFBY · Substantial damage
  > On August 19, 2026, about 1920 central daylight time, a Para-Ski VX powered parachute, C-IFBY, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Westport, South Dakota. The pilot sustained serious injuries, passenger 1 sustained fatal…
- [NTSB CEN25FA289](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA289.md): Piper PA-22-150 · New Underwood, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Jul 28, 2025 · N9642D · Substantial damage
  > On July 28, 2025, about 0604 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-22-150 airplane, N9642D, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near New Underwood, South Dakota. The pilot was seriously injured and the passenger sustained fatal…
- [NTSB CEN25FA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA248.md): Piper PA-25 · Hot Springs, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Jul 12, 2025 · N8186K · Substantial damage
  > On July 12, 2025, about 1322 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-25, N8186K, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Hot Springs, South Dakota. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…
- [NTSB CEN24FA295](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA295.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Irene, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 31, 2024 · N903US · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s poor decision to continue the flight into deteriorating weather conditions and his failure to maintain a safe altitude, which resulted in controlled flight into trees and terrain.
- [NTSB CEN24LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA020.md): Piper PA 46-350P · Pierre, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 23, 2023 · N92884 · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s improper configuration of the automatic fuel transfer system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the header tank’s fuel quantity.
- [NTSB CEN22FA433](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA433.md): Airgyro AG915 · Yankton, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 27, 2022 · N499AG · Destroyed
  > A loss of control while an in-flight fire occurred, which resulted in an impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/builder’s improper engine build procedures.
- [NTSB CEN22FA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA109.md): Christavia MK1 · Oral, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 31, 2022 · N3177F · Substantial damage
  > The noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and subsequent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt a flight with no…
- [NTSB CEN20LA389](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA389.md): Champion 8KCAB · Groton, SD · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 13, 2020 · N83DH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control during a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB CEN20LA309](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA309.md): Cessna A188 · Corsica, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 27, 2020 · N53163 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN20LA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA215.md): Mitsubishi MU2B · Sioux Falls, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 7, 2020 · N44MX · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB CEN20FA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20FA022.md): Pilatus PC12 · Chamberlain, SD · Accident · 9 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 30, 2019 · N56KJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of control shortly after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent, low-altitude aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper loading of the airplane, which resulted in reduced static longitudinal stability and his…
- [NTSB CEN20FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20FA010.md): Cessna 172 · Aberdeen, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 10, 2019 · N6483B · Destroyed
  > The noncertificated pilot’s decision to fly in dark night instrument conditions, resulting in impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN19FA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA307.md): Cessna 140 · Lakeview, SD · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 8, 2019 · N73000 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack, an aerodynamic stall, and subsequent impact with terrain, and the student pilot’s non-compliance and lack of…
- [NTSB CEN19LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA053.md): Piper PA28 · Salem, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 13, 2019 · N75191 · Substantial damage
  > The incapacitating effects of an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), which resulted in the pilot's loss of airplane control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN19LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA049.md): Beech 58 · Sioux Falls, SD · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Limited · Final report · Dec 25, 2018 · N6745V · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the instrument approach which led to an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN19FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA021.md): Cessna 210 · Bradley, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 2, 2018 · N81KD · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot's improper decision to conduct a flight in which instrument meteorological conditions existed along the route of flight, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB CEN17FA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA132.md): Cessna 210B · Opal, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 16, 2017 · N9581X · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined due to a lack of evidence.
- [NTSB CEN16FA344](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA344.md): Aves Douglas James RV 6 · Viborg, SD · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 2016 · N676DT · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack, an aerodynamic stall, and subsequent flat spin into terrain.
- [NTSB CEN16FA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA209.md): Pruss Richard S Kitfox IV · De Smet, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2016 · N921RP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle-of-attack during a steep turn at a low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at too low of an altitude to recover.
- [NTSB CEN15FA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA264.md): Bellanca 7GCBC · Kadoka, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 2015 · N11698 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in the airplane’s wing exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN14FA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA224.md): Piper PA 32R-300 · Highmore, SD · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 28, 2014 · N8700E · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to continue the flight into known deteriorating weather conditions at a low altitude and his subsequent failure to remain clear of an unlit wind turbine. Contributing to the accident was the inoperative obstruction light on the wind…
- [NTSB CEN13FA324](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA324.md): Weatherly 620B · Ludlow, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2013 · N350WR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was task- and/or work-related fatigue.
- [NTSB CEN12LA634](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA634.md): North Wing Design Apache Sport · Vermillion, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 2012 · N850GB · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the weight-shift-control aircraft during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.
- [NTSB CEN12FA579](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA579.md): Lee Paul SQ 2000 · Pierre, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 2012 · N416 · Substantial damage
  > The airplane's entry into a pilot-induced oscillation and the pilot’s loss of airplane control during the takeoff initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the left entrance door opening in flight for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN12FA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA100.md): Cessna 421C · Sioux Falls, SD · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 9, 2011 · N421SY · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed after shutting down one engine, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow the guidance contained in the pilot’s…
- [NTSB CEN12LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA059.md): Cessna 172M · Sturgis, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 2011 · N13584 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff with extended flaps.
- [NTSB CEN12FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA001.md): Robinson Helicopter R66 · Philip, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 1, 2011 · N266CY · Destroyed
  > The in-flight separation of the main rotor mast following a mast bumping event. The reason for the mast bumping event could not be determined due to postaccident damage.
- [NTSB CEN11LA581](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA581.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Whitewood, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 2011 · N7051Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN11FA437](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA437.md): American Champion 7GCBC · Hayti, SD · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 3, 2011 · N711AT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to attempt low-altitude flight and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from power lines.
- [NTSB CEN11LA399](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA399.md): Piper PA-36-300 · Highmore, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2011 · N57885 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN10LA430](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA430.md): Piper PA-28-151 · Spearfish, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 2010 · N1158X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB CEN10LA429](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA429.md): Warth Dennis J Classic Sport S-18 · Tea, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 2010 · N216TB · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot's loss of airplane control, which led to an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN10LA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA275.md): Bellanca 7GCBC · Watertown, SD · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 29, 2010 · N88399 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control while conducting aerobatic, low-altitude maneuvers. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairmant due to alcohol.
- [NTSB CEN09LA523](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA523.md): From Here To There PDQ RV-8 · Tea, SD · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2009 · N98AW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during recovery from an aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB CHI07LA147](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07LA147.md): Thrush S2RHG-T65 · Tyndall, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 19, 2007 · N40097 · Destroyed
  > The pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance from a powerline while maneuvering. A factor was the low visibility associated with the thunderstorm and the powerlines.
- [NTSB CHI06FA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06FA264.md): Beech BE-95-B55 · N. Sioux City, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 2006 · N4JV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during cruise flight, and subsequent inadvertent flat spin from which he could not recover. Contributing to the accident were clouds, turbulence, and rain showers.
- [NTSB CHI06FA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06FA067.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Pierre, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 14, 2006 · N8745E · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power during takeoff-initial climb due to the pilot's failure to correctly position the fuel selector, which resulted in fuel starvation and a forced landing.
- [NTSB CHI05LA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05LA261.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Faulkton, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 2005 · N8523W · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation during initial climb after takeoff into night instrument meteorological conditions. Factors were the fog and the dark night.
- [NTSB CHI05LA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05LA164.md): Rockwell S-2R · Bristol, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2005 · N3211R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the static lines between the transmission towers. A factor associated with the accident were the static lines.
- [NTSB CHI05LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05LA023.md): Taylorcraft BC12-D · Wasta, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 2004 · N39971 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot inadvertently pulled the fuel shut off valve resulting in fuel starvation and a subsequent loss of engine power. The pilot also failed to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in the airplane stalling.
- [NTSB CHI03LA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA227.md): Ullrich Auriga FT · Aberdeen, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2003 · N512EA · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power due to the lack of design fuel pressure for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CHI03FA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA141.md): Cessna 182Q · Gettysburg, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 3, 2003 · N630SW · Destroyed
  > The pilot not maintaining aircraft control in cruise flight leading to his inadvertent spiral. A factor was the pilot's in-flight encounter with moderate to heavy rain.
- [NTSB CHI03LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA133.md): Air & Space 18A · South Shore, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 19, 2003 · N6155S · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. The pilot's lack of experience, the rain, the dark night, the low ceiling, and the rising terrain were contributing factors to the accident.
- [NTSB CHI02FA288](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02FA288.md): Bell 206L-1 · Doland, SD · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 10, 2002 · N400SL · Destroyed
  > Pilot spatial disorientation while flying in dark night conditions, resulting in a loss of aircraft control; and the company's inadequate remedial actions after identifying the pilot's night flying deficiency over areas without lighted references. A factor to…
- [NTSB CHI02LA159](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02LA159.md): Galbraith Piel Emeraude · Hot Springs, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 11, 2002 · N71PE · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to the connecting rod fatigue failure during takeoff climb.
- [NTSB CHI01LA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA151.md): Air Tractor AT-402B · Mount Vernon, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 3, 2001 · N484WB · Destroyed
  > the pilot not maintaining aircraft control while maneuvering close to the ground.
- [NTSB CHI01FA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01FA113.md): Beech 95-B55 · Norris, SD · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 19, 2001 · N9927S · Destroyed
  > The pilot encountering instrument meteorological conditions and his subsequent loss of control of the airplane.
- [NTSB CHI01FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01FA001.md): Piper PA-44-180 · Rapid City, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 3, 2000 · N294ND · Destroyed
  > Suicide
- [NTSB CHI00FA288](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00FA288.md): Piper PA-22-108 · Custer, SD · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 2000 · N4730Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot not maintaining clearance from the tree. Factors relating to this accident were the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, the high density altitude, the inadequate rate of climb, the pilot's improper in-flight decision to fly into…
- [NTSB CHI00FA265](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00FA265.md): Cessna 340A · Mission, SD · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 2000 · N34DD · Destroyed
  > the aircraft control not maintained by the pilot. A contributing factor was pilot fatigue.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?fatal=1&state=SD&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" = 'SD' 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=SD

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