# Fatal NTSB investigations, VA

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 10 · 469 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN26FA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26FA253.md): Montana Coyote · Fredericksburg, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Jul 14, 2026 · N448VQ · Substantial damage
  > On July 14, 2026, about 1105 eastern daylight time, an experimental Montana Coyote airplane, N448VQ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fredericksburg, Virginia. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a…
- [NTSB ERA26LA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA207.md): I.C.A.-Brasov IS-28B2 · Scotts Fork, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 12, 2026 · N8217W · Minor damage
  > The photographer’s failure to remain clear of an active taxiway.
- [NTSB ERA25FA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA185.md): MX Aircraft Tech PTY MXS · Hampton, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 24, 2025 · N530RH · Substantial damage
  > A counterweight plug that loosened during the accident flight, jammed the elevator, and resulted in loss of control during landing.
- [NTSB CEN25FA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA124.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Danville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Mar 15, 2025 · N331ES · Destroyed
  > On March 15, 2025, about 1500 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, N331ES, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Danville, Virginia. The pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…
- [NTSB ERA25FA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA103.md): Beech V35B · Charlottesville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Jan 25, 2025 · N2UZ · Destroyed
  > On January 25, 2025, about 1235 eastern standard time, a Beech V35B, N2UZ, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Charlottesville, Virginia. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of…
- [NTSB ERA25FA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA065.md): Truitt James B Vans RV-8A · Fort Blackmore, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Dec 4, 2024 · N627TT · Substantial damage
  > On December 4, 2024, about 1451 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Vans RV-8A, N627TT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fort Blackmore, Virginia. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was…
- [NTSB ERA24FA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA219.md): M-Squared Breese 2 · Culpeper, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · May 17, 2024 · N99VY · Substantial damage
  > On May 17, 2024, about 1430 eastern daylight time, an M-Squared Aircraft Inc. Breese 2 airplane, N99VY, was involved in an accident near the Culpeper Regional Airport (CJR), Culpeper, Virginia. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was…
- [NTSB ERA24FA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA209.md): Rockwell International 690A · Palmyra, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 5, 2024 · N690BM · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of control following an encounter with structural icing, which resulted in an inflight breakup of the airplane.
- [NTSB ERA24FA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA136.md): Israel Aircraft Industries 1125 Westwind Astra · Hot Springs, VA · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 10, 2024 · N1125A · Destroyed
  > The PIC’s continuation of an unstabilized approach in gusting wind conditions and his failure to monitor the airplane’s altitude during the approach, which led to a descent into terrain short of the runway. Contributing was the flight crew’s failure to set…
- [NTSB ERA24FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA053.md): Beech C23 · Midland, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 3, 2023 · N76SB · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to descend below the minimum decision altitude of the instrument approach without having the appropriate runway visual references distinctively identified and with the visibility and ceiling below the minimum that was prescribed for the…
- [NTSB ERA23FA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA260.md): Vans RV6 · Colonial Beach, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 7, 2023 · N835BC · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA23FA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA256.md): Cessna 560 · Montebello, VA · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 4, 2023 · N611VG · Destroyed
  > Pilot incapacitation due to loss of cabin pressure for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s and owner/operator’s decision to operate the airplane without supplemental oxygen.
- [NTSB ERA23FA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA131.md): Cessna 150G · Hillsville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 27, 2023 · N2991J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA23FA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA108.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Dayton, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 11, 2023 · N43156 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while descending over mountainous terrain at night.
- [NTSB ERA23FA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA103.md): Piper PA28 · Suffolk, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 7, 2023 · N592FL · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to fly the airplane without confirming it had been released from maintenance, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to loose magnetos. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and…
- [NTSB ERA23FA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA008.md): Cessna 172 · Newport News, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 6, 2022 · N97883 · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to monitor the student pilot on takeoff and her delayed remedial action to stop him from exceeding the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in a low altitude aerodynamic stall from which she was unable to recover.
- [NTSB ERA22FA418](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA418.md): Piper PA32 · Afton, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 15, 2022 · N2104J · Destroyed
  > A catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation, which resulted in a total loss of engine power at night over mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB ERA22FA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA114.md): Cessna 310 · Danville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 1, 2022 · N622QT · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s impairment due to exposure to carbon monoxide as a result of undetected engine exhaust penetration into the cockpit, resulting in the pilot's failure to maintain a minimum controllable airspeed after partially securing an engine after takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA21FA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA148.md): Beech C23 · Purcellville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 4, 2021 · N67013 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to depart from the short turf runway with a tailwind.
- [NTSB ERA21LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA053.md): Beech V35 · Deltaville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 24, 2020 · N35AW · Destroyed
  > An uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain following an in-flight collision with seagulls.
- [NTSB ERA20LA305](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA305.md): Piper PA20 · Luray, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 31, 2020 · N7323K · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation, a loss of control, and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA20FA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA097.md): Aviastroitel AC 4C · Front Royal, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 9, 2020 · N912ES · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.
- [NTSB ERA19FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA066.md): Eipper Quicksilver · Fredericksburg, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 14, 2018 · N350FT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which led to an aerodynamic stall while turning in the traffic pattern at low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA19FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA036.md): Titan Tornado 1 · Louisa, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 4, 2018 · N38FD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and the airplane's exceedance of its critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin at a low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA19FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA010.md): Vans RV8 · Culpeper, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Oct 12, 2018 · N804RL · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of attitude orientation while maneuvering at low altitude in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA19FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA003.md): Piper J3C · Fancy Gap, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 6, 2018 · N38811 · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot's improper decision to undertake a flight into forecast instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and his subsequent decision to continue the flight after encountering IMC, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.…
- [NTSB ERA18FA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA187.md): Robinson R44 · Williamsburg, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2018 · N616HS · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to safely operate the helicopter due to his impaired cognitive and physical abilities, which resulted in a loss of control.
- [NTSB ERA18FA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA150.md): Piper PA28 · Chesapeake, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 22, 2018 · N6177W · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during the departure climb in instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB ERA18FA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA127.md): Cessna 525 · Crozet, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 16, 2018 · N525P · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control while operating in night instrument meteorological conditions as a result of spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate an airplane after consuming alcohol and his resulting…
- [NTSB ERA18FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA006.md): Piper PA 25-235 · Front Royal, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 7, 2017 · N90866 · Destroyed
  > The tow plane pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence. Contributing to the accident was the glider instructor's diversion of attention away from the tow airplane which resulted in his delay in…
- [NTSB ERA17LA280](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA280.md): Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2004 Bravo · Quinton, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2017 · N319TA · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor and commercial pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in water contamination of the fuel supply, and a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA17FA274](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA274.md): Bell 407 · Charlottesville, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 2017 · N31VA · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of helicopter control after entry into vortex ring state, leading to a high rate of descent to the ground with a right spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent and recurrent training in vortex ring state recognition…
- [NTSB ERA16FA288](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA288.md): Beech 95 B55 (T42A) · Fredericksburg, VA · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 2016 · N128VB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot(s) failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an attempted go-around, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA16FA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA194.md): Jihlavan Airplanes Sro KP 5 ASA · Rhoadesville, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 24, 2016 · N440JM · Destroyed
  > The pilots' loss of control that necessitated the activation of the parachute system and the airplane manufacturer's inadequate design of the front parachute anchor attachment structure, which resulted in a failure of the parachute after it was deployed in…
- [NTSB ERA16FA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA089.md): Caughran Terry Flightstar II · Wake, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 14, 2016 · N82652 · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the left wing in flight due to compression loading from wing loads combined with preexisting damage.
- [NTSB ERA15FA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA215.md): Beech 95 B55 (T42A) · Saltville, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 18, 2015 · N5816S · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s flight into developing rain showers and updrafts, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s continued flight into forecast adverse weather conditions, and his reliance on…
- [NTSB ERA15FA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA170.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Orange, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 29, 2015 · N32396 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA15FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA144.md): Mooney M20F · Norfolk, VA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 4, 2015 · N66BB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly execute the instrument approach procedure. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's improper preflight planning and his decision to conduct the flight in instrument meteorological conditions at night into forecast moderate…
- [NTSB ERA15FA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA076.md): Titan Tornado II · Catlett, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 14, 2014 · N50402 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA15FA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA046.md): Cessna 172 · Hinton, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 8, 2014 · N2152T · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s decision to conduct a night training flight in mountainous terrain without conducting or allowing the student to conduct appropriate preflight planning and his lack of situational awareness of the surrounding terrain altitude, which…
- [NTSB ERA14FA445](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA445.md): North American T 28C · Alton, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 2014 · N531KG · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude while performing low-level aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to attempt aerobatics at such a low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA14LA415](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA415.md): Cirrus SR22 · Wallops Island, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 30, 2014 · N930RH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s impairment and subsequent incapacitation for reasons that could not be determined because the pilot and airplane were not recovered.
- [NTSB ERA14FA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA328.md): Cessna 150J · Topping, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 6, 2014 · N50824 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.
- [NTSB ERA14FA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA231.md): Eagle C-7 · Ruther Glen, VA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 9, 2014 · N3016Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s inadequate approach and his failure to maintain clearance from power lines, which resulted in a subsequent fire.
- [NTSB ERA14FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA075.md): Beech A36TC · Chatlottesville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 2013 · N3705Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to position the fuel selector handle in a fuel tank detent, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the pilot’s fatal injuries was the separation of his shoulder harness due to overload in an…
- [NTSB ERA14LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA006.md): Cessna 340A · Hampton Roads, VA · Accident · 4 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 2013 · N4TK · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control due to spatial disorientation in low-visibility conditions while maneuvering during a missed approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s ineffective use of the onboard GPS equipment.
- [NTSB ERA13FA385](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA385.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Danville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 2013 · N9089N · Destroyed
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain control and climb the airplane during a go-around maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to provide adequate oversight of the student pilot by ensuring that the cockpit was free of…
- [NTSB ERA13FA330](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA330.md): Cessna 172M · Fredericksburg, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 2013 · N61954 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's intentional descent into the ground to commit suicide.
- [NTSB ERA13FA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA227.md): Newgent, Barry S6S · Suffolk, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 4, 2013 · N388KB · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while turning from the downwind to the base leg of the traffic pattern, which resulted in a subsequent aerodynamic stall, spin, and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of currency…
- [NTSB ERA13FA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA209.md): Cessna 210E · Williamsburg, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 19, 2013 · N111BK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during a base-to-final turn with a gusting wind and potential turbulence/wind shear, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.

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

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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.
