# Fatal NTSB investigations, 1997

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 9 · 402 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB MIA98WA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98WA049.md): Britten-Norman Islander · Rio Sidra, Panama · Accident · 10 fatal · Foreign investigation · Dec 31, 1997 · HP986 · Destroyed
- [NTSB CHI98LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA073.md): Cessna 402B · Watertown, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 31, 1997 · N5087Q · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to perform an aircraft preflight and to remove the ice which had accumulated on the airframe. A factor involved in the accident was the icing weather conditions which existed and the ice which accumulated on the airplane.
- [NTSB LAX98FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA064.md): Piper PA-11 · Willow Beach, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 1997 · N5532H · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CHI98FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98FA074.md): Mitsubishi MU-2B-30 · Wayne, IL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 1997 · N999WB · Destroyed
  > the pilot in command failed to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor was the lack of experience of the pilot and copilot in the type and model of aircraft. An additional factor was the pilot did not follow the proper procedure when the flaps were raised…
- [NTSB MIA98FA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98FA047.md): Cessna 414A · Guyton, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 29, 1997 · N414MT · Destroyed
  > Inadequate maintenance of the cabin pressurization system, which resulted in inadequate pressurization and incapacitation of the pilot due to the hypoxia. Also causal was the pilot's failure to adequately monitor the cabin pressurization system.
- [NTSB CHI98LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA126.md): Cessna 177 · Ft. Leonardwood, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 29, 1997 · N30255 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance and his inadequate inflight decision which resulted in VFR flight in to instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot's overconfidence in his ability is a contributing factor.
- [NTSB DCA98MA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA98MA015.md): Boeing 747-122 · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean) · Accident · 1 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Dec 28, 1997 · N4723U · Minor damage
  > The pilot-in-command's inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions, and the difficulty of obtaining adequate weather forecasts of over-ocean turbulence. Factors contributing to the accident include the presence of clear air turbulence, and the failure…
- [NTSB MIA98FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98FA045.md): Cessna 172M · Raleigh-Durham, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 25, 1997 · N12172 · Destroyed
  > Was loss of control of the airplane on initial climb after entering instrument flight conditions resulting in a turn opposite in direction from that given by ATC, and eventual collision with terrain.
- [NTSB FTW98LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA075.md): Cessna 172M · Monticello, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 1997 · N1596V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and clearance from obstacles. Also causal was the pilot becoming lost and disoriented. Contributing factors were his lack of familiarity with the geographical area, lack of experience, night conditions, and…
- [NTSB CHI98LA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA072.md): Piper PA-30/A · Hastings, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 1997 · N9WG · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper IFR procedure, by which he failed to maintain minimum descent altitude. Fog, a low ceiling, and night condition were a contributing factor.
- [NTSB CHI98FA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98FA070.md): Piper PA-32-301 · Hampshire, IL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 23, 1997 · N2586Y · Destroyed
  > the pilot's intentional flight into known icing conditions, and the accumulation of ice on the leading edges of the airplane's empennage and wings leading to the inadvertent stall/mush. A factor contributing to this accident was the icing conditions.
- [NTSB ATL98FA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98FA030.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Tallahassee, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 23, 1997 · N8074Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath and adequate obstacle clearance which resulted in collision with a power transmission line.
- [NTSB ATL98LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA029.md): Lutz EAA Biplane P-2 · Wellington, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 22, 1997 · N913AM · Substantial damage
  > failure of the pilot to ensure the fuel selector was properly positioned to a tank with adequate fuel before takeoff, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power; failure of the pilot to accomplish the emergency procedure (restart the engine…
- [NTSB NYC98FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98FA048.md): Cessna 152 · Spring City, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 1997 · N22LU · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.
- [NTSB FTW98FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA074.md): Beech A100 · Colo Springs, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 1997 · N100BE · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to follow IFR Procedures and maintain the minimum descent altitude (MDA). A related factor was fog.
- [NTSB NYC98FA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98FA047.md): Cady LONG-EZ · West Milford, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 20, 1997 · N18CC · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot to use carburetor heat, which resulted in carburetor ice. Carburetor icing conditions and terrain conditions were contributing factors.
- [NTSB IAD98FA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98FA018.md): Beech A 36 · Findlay, OH · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 20, 1997 · N5050G · Destroyed
  > The pilot-in-command's failure to obtain/maintain clearance with objects during the initial climb. Contributing factors were trees, fog, and the flying pilot's failure to maintain runway heading during the initial climb.
- [NTSB FTW98FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA073.md): Swearingen SA226-T · Byers, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 20, 1997 · N950TT · Destroyed
  > The pilot inadvertently stalling the airplane and his subsequent spatial disorientation which prevented him from maintaining airplane control. Factors were excessive workload on the pilot and the dark night light conditions.
- [NTSB NYC98LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA049.md): Bihn Mini 500 · Gettysburg, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 1997 · N727EB · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, followed by the main rotor striking the tailboom, which resulted in the separation of a main rotor blade.
- [NTSB DCA98RA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA98RA013.md): Boeing 737-300 · Indonesia · Accident · 97 fatal · Foreign investigation · Dec 19, 1997 · 9VTRF
- [NTSB CHI98FA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98FA068.md): Beech C35 · Evansville, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 1997 · N782D · Substantial damage
  > Improper maintenance by the use of a loose fitting unapproved fuel line, which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ATL98FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98FA025.md): Cessna A150K · Jacksonville, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 1997 · N1218M · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate flying speed following a banner pick up, which resulted in a stall and an uncontrolled collision with the ground. A related factor was: the pilot allowed the maximum certificated gross weight of the airplane to be…
- [NTSB NYC98LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA043.md): Robinson R22 Beta · Belle Vernon, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 16, 1997 · N55TP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper out-of-ground hover procedure, which resulted in a loss of tailrotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB FTW98FA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA068.md): Bell 407 · Littleton, CO · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 1997 · N771AL · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inability to maintain adequate visual lookout due to the lighting conditions and his failure to follow company procedures for departure from a landing zone. Factors were dark night conditions, bright lights in the landing zone which prevented…
- [NTSB SEA98FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98FA023.md): Aero Commander 690A · Yakima, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 13, 1997 · N72VF · Destroyed
  > A loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB DCA98RA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA98RA011.md): Fairchild SA-226-TC · La Veriente, Bolivia · Accident · 10 fatal · Foreign investigation · Dec 13, 1997 · CP1635
- [NTSB CHI98LA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA061.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Sturtevant, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 13, 1997 · N5454S · Destroyed
  > The pilot's misjudgment of altitude/distance and her failure to maintain adequate visual lookout. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance. A contributing factor was the pilot experiencing a visual illusion.
- [NTSB NYC98FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98FA041.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Pittsville, MD · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 12, 1997 · N3448W · Destroyed
  > the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his resultant improper planning/decision and flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude while flying over wooded terrain. Factors…
- [NTSB FTW98RA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98RA076.md): Fairchild SA-2226-TC · La Vertiente, Bolivia · Accident · 10 fatal · Foreign investigation · Dec 12, 1997 · CP-1635
- [NTSB ATL98FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98FA023.md): Beech A100 · Charlotte, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 11, 1997 · N30SA · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued approach below decision height without reference to the runway environment, and his failure to execute a missed approach.
- [NTSB IAD98FA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98FA015.md): Socata TB-20 Trinidad · Roanoke, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 10, 1997 · N3041J · Destroyed
  > Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A related factor was the low ceiling.
- [NTSB NYC98LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA039.md): Cessna 172M · New Salem, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 9, 1997 · N12219 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance above the water due to his impairment by drugs. A factor in this accident was the glassy water condition.
- [NTSB CHI98LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA059.md): Bellanca 17-30 · Independence, KS · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 8, 1997 · N4854V · Destroyed
  > the pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather. Contributing factors were low ceilings, fog, and the guy wire.
- [NTSB LAX98FA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA052.md): Cessna 172N · Lytle Creek, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 7, 1997 · N3548E · Destroyed
  > the non-instrument rated pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and subsequent loss of aircraft control, due to spatial disorientation. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions (low ceiling…
- [NTSB FTW98FA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA063.md): Pitts S-2B · Bozeman, MT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 7, 1997 · N693SB · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > The failure of both pilots to maintain visual lookout. Factors were the pilot of N693SB not following procedures and directives, and the pilot of N693SB using poor judgment.
- [NTSB FTW98LA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA064.md): Adams A55S · Gallup, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 6, 1997 · N1063V · No damage
  > failure of the ground crewman to follow proper procedures. A factor relating to the accident was: the passenger failed to follow the pilot's verbal instructions.
- [NTSB ATL98LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA019.md): Siggi's Airplane Works D-4 Fascination · Leesburg, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 6, 1997 · DMSMV · Destroyed
  > structural failure of the right wing, during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent to the ground.
- [NTSB ATL98LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA018.md): John T. Simpson Challenger II · Rainbow City, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 6, 1997 · N11644 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the ground. A related factor was the pilot's lack of flying experience.
- [NTSB MIA98FAMS1](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98FAMS1.md): Beech G35 · Missing · Accident · 2 fatal · Missing aircraft · Final report · Dec 3, 1997 · N4404D · Destroyed
  > undetermined.
- [NTSB LAX98FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA050.md): Mooney M20J · Sedona, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 3, 1997 · N301JL · Destroyed
  > the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate terrain clearance during the climb. Contributing factors were dark night conditions, mountainous/hilly terrain, and mountain wave weather conditions.
- [NTSB MIA98FA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98FA039.md): Christen Industries A-1 · Lansing, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 1997 · N9613P · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a wire.
- [NTSB SEA98LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA018.md): Aero Commander 112 · Kettle Falls, WA · Accident · 3 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 1, 1997 · N1054J · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering. Factors include the physiological impairment of the pilot's judgement due to alcohol.
- [NTSB MIA98FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98FA038.md): Cessna C-182E · Townsend, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 1, 1997 · N9033Y · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain VFR flight conditions in a mountainous area resulting in inflight collision with rising terrain.
- [NTSB MIA98FA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98FA040.md): Commander 114B · Cross City, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 30, 1997 · N302RS · Destroyed
  > VFR flight by the noninstrument-rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft, due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with the terrain (tree,…
- [NTSB NYC98FA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98FA035.md): Cessna 310R · St Mary'S, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 28, 1997 · N6923 · Destroyed
  > was the pilot's descent below the minimum descent altitude and his failure to comply with published procedures.
- [NTSB NYC98FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98FA034.md): Beech BE-S35 · Chatham, MA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 27, 1997 · N5667K · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact into trees. Related factors were high wind and turbulence.
- [NTSB LAX98FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA048.md): Piper PA-23-250 · Carson City, NV · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 27, 1997 · N6933Y · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed after being distracted by the nose baggage door opening in-flight resulting in a stall/spin. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and lack of experience in the type…
- [NTSB ATL98FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98FA017.md): Mark Ewart Velocity Standard RG · Florence, SC · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 26, 1997 · N907ME · Substantial damage
  > improper maintenance procedures used by the pilot/repairman, which resulted in the loosening and eventual failure of the propeller. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's self-imposed pressure to hurry to the destination, and trees in the forced…
- [NTSB LAX98FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA045.md): Cessna 152 · El Cajon, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 1997 · N757FT · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > The solo student's failure to see and follow the other aircraft on the downwind as he had been instructed. Factors influencing this accident was the failure of the pilots in the other aircraft to see and avoid the aircraft encroaching on his flight path; the…
- [NTSB DCA98RA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA98RA009.md): Bell UH-1H · La Palma, Panama · Accident · 9 fatal · Foreign investigation · Nov 25, 1997 · N124

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?fatal=1&year=1997&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 year(c."eventDate") = 1997
  AND c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal'
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&year=1997

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