# Fatal NTSB investigations, WV

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 5 · 206 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA27FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA27FA004.md): Hughes 269B · Lahmansville, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Oct 6, 2026 · N9390F · Substantial damage
  > On October 06, 2026, at about 1653 eastern daylight time, a Hughes 269B, N9390F, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Lahmansville, West Virginia. The pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of…
- [NTSB ERA26FA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26FA266.md): Sikorsky S76 · Huntersville, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Jul 10, 2026 · N93RT · Destroyed
  > On July 10, 2026, about 0745 eastern daylight time, a Sikorsky S-76D helicopter, N93RT, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Huntersville, West Virginia. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14…
- [NTSB ERA22FA368](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA368.md): Piper PA32 · Metz, WV · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 11, 2022 · N720RP · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s intentional visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions based on latent weather information, which resulted in the airplane entering extreme precipitation, a loss of aircraft control, and in-flight break-up.
- [NTSB ERA22FA279](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA279.md): Bell UH-1B · Amherstdale, WV · Accident · 6 fatal · Class 1 · Field · Final report · Jun 22, 2022 · N98F · Destroyed
  > the operator’s failure to adequately inspect the former military turbine powered helicopter, which allowed an engine issue to progress and result in a loss of engine power and a subsequent loss of control after the helicopter struck powerlines during a forced…
- [NTSB ERA21FA377](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA377.md): Beech C23 · Lansing, WV · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 26, 2021 · N3342L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering to avoid trees and terrain after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Also causal was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane outside of…
- [NTSB ERA20FA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA088.md): Aeropro CZ A220 · Grafton, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 27, 2020 · N214K · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and conditions favorable for airframe icing, which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane.
- [NTSB ERA20FA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA019.md): Mooney M20A · Summit Point, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 24, 2019 · N8354E · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to conduct a practice stall maneuver at low altitude, which resulted in inadequate altitude remaining in which to recover before impacting terrain.
- [NTSB ERA17FA313](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA313.md): Cirrus Design SR20 · Jacksonburg, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 2017 · N135CD · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while flying in instrument meteorological conditions in the vicinity of adverse weather conditions.
- [NTSB DCA17FA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA17FA109.md): Short Bros. & Harland SD3 30 · Charleston, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 5, 2017 · N334AC · Substantial damage
  > the flight crew's improper decision to conduct a circling approach contrary to the operator's standard operating procedures (SOP) and the captain's excessive descent rate and maneuvering during the approach, which led to inadvertent, uncontrolled contact with…
- [NTSB ERA16FA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA141.md): Cessna 172N · Charleston, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 26, 2016 · N6238D · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to ensure that her seat was properly secured before initiating the takeoff, which resulted in a subsequent loss of control. Contributing was the lack of an installed secondary seat stop.
- [NTSB ERA14FA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA192.md): Piper PA-32RT-300T · Hugheston, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 11, 2014 · N39965 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control while operating in instrument flight rules conditions.
- [NTSB ERA14FA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA138.md): Beech F33 · Lumberport, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 1, 2014 · N7203E · Destroyed
  > A stroke or cardiovascular event, which resulted in the pilot’s acute impairment or incapacitation and his subsequent flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA12FA409](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA409.md): Raytheon C90GT · Morgantown, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 2012 · N508GT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight route planning and in-flight route and altitude selection, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a communications tower in possible instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's…
- [NTSB ERA12FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA006.md): Harry L. Weber Arion LI · Hedgesville, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 2011 · N747HW · Substantial damage
  > An aerodynamic stall at low altitude due to the pilot’s acute cardiac event.
- [NTSB ERA12FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA012.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Peru, WV · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 3, 2011 · N115CL · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB ERA11FA495](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA495.md): North American T-28C · Martinsburg, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 17, 2011 · N688GR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's impairment or incapacitation that occurred during a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver due to complications from a recent heart attack, resulting in his inability to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the Federal…
- [NTSB ERA11FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA042.md): MD Helicopters 369E · Thomas, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 30, 2010 · N765WH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to clear the helicopter and its external load from surrounding structures and his failure to execute a timely release of the external load, which resulted in an inadvertent entanglement and collision with wires and terrain. Contributing to…
- [NTSB ERA10FA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA088.md): Piper PA-30 · Raneille, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 23, 2009 · N8923Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to attempt visual flight into deteriorating night weather conditions, and his subsequent controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA09FA429](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA429.md): Cirrus SR-22 · Ravenswood, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 31, 2009 · N581DS · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper modification of the certified, on-board oxygen system, which resulted in incapacitation due to hypoxia, and the airplane's subsequent uncontrolled descent into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA09FA377](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA377.md): Cessna 400 · Huntington, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2009 · N207JB · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB ERA09FA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA145.md): Piper PA-34-200T · Huntington, WV · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 30, 2009 · N8047C · Destroyed
  > (1) The pilot’s failure to perform adequate preflight planning and to use available in flight resources in a timely manner and (2) his decision to continue visual-flight-rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions despite his lack of an instrument…
- [NTSB NYC08FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA012.md): Aero Commander 560-F · Wiley Ford, WV · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 14, 2007 · N6370U · Destroyed
  > A partial power loss in the right engine due to the failure of the number one exhaust valve, and the airplane's inability to maintain a climb on one engine for unknown reasons. Contributing to the accident were fog and rising terrain. [This report was…
- [NTSB NYC07FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07FA041.md): Mooney M20R · Summersville, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 7, 2006 · N9165T · Destroyed
  > The airplane's encounter with in-flight icing, which resulted in a loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's improper weather evaluation, the in-flight icing conditions, the reduced visibility from a snow squall during the forced…
- [NTSB NYC06FA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06FA162.md): Cessna 310D · Sutton, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 2006 · N6867T · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during takeoff-initial climb to avoid a stall/mush. A factor associated with the accident was the inadvertent stall/mush.
- [NTSB NYC06FA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06FA079.md): Beech 56TC · Winfield, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 18, 2006 · N18LL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight preparation to ensure an adequate supply of supplemental oxygen, and his inadequate in-flight planning and decision making, which resulted in exhaustion of his oxygen supply, and incapacitation from hypoxia during cruise…
- [NTSB NYC06LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06LA066.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Henderson, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 31, 2006 · N8335Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to attempt the off-airport takeoff; and his improper decision to continue the takeoff after striking a pole during the takeoff roll.
- [NTSB NYC04LA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04LA217.md): Firefly Galaxy 9 · Lewisburg, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 25, 2004 · N2200Z · Minor damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to attempt to board the balloon while it was ascending.
- [NTSB NYC04FA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04FA170.md): Piper PA-32R-301T · Wheeling, WV · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2004 · N7710M · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while executing an instrument approach. A factor was the night instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB NYC04FA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04FA139.md): Beech 200 · Rupert, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 13, 2004 · N200BE · Destroyed
  > The pilot-in-command's improper decision to continue VFR flight into IMC conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Factors were the FAA Principle Operations Inspector's inadequate surveillance of the operator, and a low ceiling.
- [NTSB NYC04LA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04LA024.md): Cessna 150H · Bruceton Mills, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 2003 · N23178 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's physical impairment due to alcohol and his improper decision to attempt flight with a low cloud ceiling, low visibility, after consuming alcohol. A related factor in the accident was the low cloud ceiling.
- [NTSB NYC03FA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03FA113.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Bruceton Mills, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 21, 2003 · N55995 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's intentional decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance which resulted in the airplane striking a guy wire on the communications antenna. A factor was the fog.
- [NTSB NYC03LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA054.md): Cessna 182P · So. Charleston, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 2003 · N21408 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to perform a go-around prior to touchdown. Factors in the accident were the rising terrain and tail wind.
- [NTSB IAD02LA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD02LA089.md): Puhl Genesis · Petersburg, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 25, 2002 · N51XT · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed after a loss of engine power, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Factors included the pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and the transmission wires in the pilot's glide…
- [NTSB NYC02FA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC02FA168.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Sanderson, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2002 · N680HP · Destroyed
  > Physiological impairment or incapacitation likely related to the pilot's recent exacerbation of Crohn's disease. A factor in the accident was the pilot's decision to conduct the flight in his current medical condition.
- [NTSB IAD01FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD01FA066.md): Hughes 369A · Perry, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2001 · N58963 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. A contributing factor was mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB NYC01LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01LA070.md): Whittman Tailwind DN-1 · Grafton, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 22, 2001 · N911N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper preflight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A factor was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane.
- [NTSB NYC01FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01FA064.md): Cessna 310R · Bluefield, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 8, 2001 · N123RA · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to execute the published missed approach procedure. A factor was heavy snowfall during the approach.
- [NTSB NYC01LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01LA050.md): Miller Slingshot · Kingwood, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 3, 2000 · N97MS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, and subsequent collision with trees.
- [NTSB NYC00FA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC00FA226.md): Cessna 172 · Davis, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 2000 · N8874B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot-in-command's inadequate weather evaluation, which resulted in a takeoff with a tailwind, and a subsequent inadvertent stall. Factors were a high gross weight, a high density altitude, and a tailwind.
- [NTSB NYC99FA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99FA157.md): Robinson R-22 · Hurricane, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 23, 1999 · N9070F · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm and the transmission wires.
- [NTSB NYC99LA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99LA116.md): Nations Acro Sport II · Pence Springs, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 23, 1999 · N113JN · Destroyed
  > The student pilot's improper decision to perform aerobatics, and his failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in an inadvertent spin. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of aerobatic experience.
- [NTSB IAD98FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98FA054.md): Beech A36 · Davis, WV · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 12, 1998 · N72141 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's spatial disorientation, his subsequent loss of control of the airplane, and his overload of the horizontal stabilizer during a recovery attempt. Factors include the pilot's continued flight into icing conditions, his lack of airspeed control, and…
- [NTSB IAD98FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98FA042.md): Piper PA-30 · Mcmechen, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 5, 1998 · N7845Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate pre-flight planning and preparation which resulted in fuel exhaustion during takeoff.
- [NTSB IAD98FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98FA027.md): Beech C-90 · Newton, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 16, 1998 · N5WU · Destroyed
  > The pilot inadequate management of the fuel system which resulted in fuel starvation to both engines. Factors in the accident were the pilot's concern about maintenance being completed prior to executing a scheduled flight later in the day, and operating the…
- [NTSB NYC98FA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98FA016.md): Cessna 182P · Morgantown, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 20, 1997 · N9388G · Destroyed
  > The loss of engine power due to carburetor ice and the pilot's failure to follow ATC instructions during the emergency descent.
- [NTSB IAD98FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98FA005.md): Bell 206B · Sago, WV · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 12, 1997 · N911RH · Destroyed
  > The improper overhaul of the turbine governor by the manufacturer, which resulted in the loss of power.
- [NTSB NYC97FA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97FA057.md): Beech E-18S · Mabie, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 6, 1997 · N54BT · Destroyed
  > The pilot's disregard of the preflight weather briefing for severe weather along his route of flight, and his departure into the known and forecasted severe weather. A factor in the accident was the inadequate FAA oversight of the operator, which fostered an…
- [NTSB NYC97FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97FA021.md): Cessna 414 · Duo, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 26, 1996 · N73CP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate inflight decision which resulted in VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain. The low ceiling was a factor.
- [NTSB IAD96FA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD96FA132.md): Cessna 172P · Summersville, WV · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 11, 1996 · N65632 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper flare, his delay in aborting a landing, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a bounced landing and a stall during climb out in an attempt to avoid collision with trees.
- [NTSB IAD96LA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD96LA122.md): Cessna 150L · Philippi, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 1996 · N21953 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his resultant improper planning/decision, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from trees, while maneuvering at low altitude. Intentional maneuvering at low altitude was a…

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

---
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.