# Fatal NTSB investigations, 2020

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 6 · 294 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ANC21WA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21WA009.md): Robinson R66 · Ojiro in Shimada-City, Shizuoka, Japan · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 30, 2020 · JA77AR
- [NTSB GAA21WA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA006.md): Cessna 177 · Rancador, PR, Brazil · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 4 · Foreign · Dec 29, 2020 · PT-KCK · Destroyed
- [NTSB CEN21LA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA102.md): Hughes 369D · Tuckers Crossing, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 29, 2020 · N103SU · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of helicopter control when the external saw contacted trees during an attempted emergency landing due to a main rotor transmission oil pressure warning. The reason that the pilot did not release the external saw from the helicopter during the…
- [NTSB ERA21LA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA085.md): Cessna 210L · Midway, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 21, 2020 · N2246S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pressure to complete the flight to work in an emergency room.
- [NTSB CEN21LA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA096.md): Express CT · Grand Prairie, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 21, 2020 · N772BM · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control during the departure turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN21LA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA092.md): Sonex Tailwheel · Burleson, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 19, 2020 · N935EK · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to engine seizure. Contributing to the accident was the pilot decision not to orbit the airport, as originally planned.
- [NTSB ERA21LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA080.md): Socata TB10 · Pembroke Pines, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 17, 2020 · N5547Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat in environmental conditions favorable for serious carburetor ice during a prolonged wait with the engine at a low power setting before takeoff, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.…
- [NTSB CEN21LA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA091.md): Extra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/L · Aledo, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 17, 2020 · N102JK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control during an intentional aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an upright spin into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR21LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA070.md): SilverLight AR-1 · Heber City, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 16, 2020 · N261MD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to follow the procedures for takeoff in the Pilot Operating Handbook, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with the terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to receive additional training in the gyroplane.
- [NTSB CEN21LA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA089.md): Piper PA28 · Bossier City, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 16, 2020 · N55168 · Destroyed
  > The student pilot’s decision to conduct a flight during night instrument meteorological conditions and his loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot’s use of an amphetamine and his attention…
- [NTSB CEN21LA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA088.md): Rans S12XL · Port Isabel, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 16, 2020 · N449JP · Substantial damage
  > An exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and aerodynamic stall following a loss of engine power during an unknown phase of flight, which resulted in an impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA21LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA071.md): Anthony Mattioli AR-1 · San Mateo, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 12, 2020 · N11TG · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.
- [NTSB ERA21LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA068.md): Beech V35A · Attalla, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 12, 2020 · N5470U · Destroyed
  > A loss of control inflight and the failure of a component of the up elevator flight control system due to fatigue, which rendered recovery from a right descending turn improbable.
- [NTSB ERA21WA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21WA086.md): Bell 206 · Mambucaba, Brazil · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 11, 2020 · PP-MSA · Substantial damage
- [NTSB CEN21LA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA084.md): Robinson R44 · Colorado City, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 10, 2020 · N7085Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of control and exceedance of performance and/or structural limitations during low-altitude operations, which resulted in an inflight breakup.. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol.
- [NTSB CEN21LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA080.md): Vans RV6 · Hitchcock, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 8, 2020 · N69HF · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s impairment by the effects of ingested alcohol, which resulted in the loss of airplane control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN21LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA075.md): Piper PA32 · Windom, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 6, 2020 · N8178Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of airplane control and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR21WA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21WA065.md): Robinson R44 · Tallong, Australia · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 2, 2020 · VH-HGU · Destroyed
- [NTSB CEN21LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA070.md): Piper PA38 · Franklin, AR · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 30, 2020 · N9879T · Destroyed
  > The impairment of both pilots from carbon monoxide exposure due to a degraded muffler. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance inspection, which failed to detect the degraded muffler.
- [NTSB CEN21LA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA067.md): Vans RV4 · Telluride, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 26, 2020 · N87LW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the turn from the base leg to final approach, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and entering an inadvertent aerodynamic stall/spin at a low altitude over mountainous…
- [NTSB WPR21WA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21WA063.md): Grob 120A-1 · Beer-Sheba, Israel · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 24, 2020 · 4X-DGA · Destroyed
- [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 ERA21LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA052.md): Lancair Legacy FG · Hollywood, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 23, 2020 · N3UH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot/owner’s failure to properly reinstall the number 1 cylinder spark plug, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during the initial climb. Contributing was the pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during an attempted…
- [NTSB WPR21FA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21FA057.md): Blevins Kamron Odyssey · Arlington, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 20, 2020 · N562TB · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control for reasons that could be determined based on available evidence.
- [NTSB WPR21WA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21WA062.md): Cessna 172 · Katale, Uganda · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 18, 2020 · N7834M · Destroyed
- [NTSB GAA21WA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA173.md): Piper PA11 · Open Door, Argentina · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 17, 2020 · LV-YNN · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC21LA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA007.md): Cessna 150L · Colton, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 16, 2020 · N18666 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain positive control of the airplane in mountainous terrain during dark night conditions as a result of spatial disorientation which led to a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA21WA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA005.md): Beech 95B55 · Sao Pedro, SP, Brazil · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 14, 2020 · PT-OOQ · Substantial damage
- [NTSB WPR21FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21FA048.md): Cessna 182 · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 12, 2020 · N939CP · Destroyed
  > Maintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the throttle control hardware during recent maintenance, which resulted in its disconnection and a subsequent loss of engine power on approach for landing.
- [NTSB CEN21WA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21WA063.md): Rotorsport UK Cavalon · Avoch, United Kingdom · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 12, 2020 · G-CKYT · Destroyed
- [NTSB CEN21LA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA055.md): Cessna 182R · Rockwall, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 12, 2020 · N7306H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue an unstabilized approach and his delayed go-around decision, which resulted in the airplane’s impact with power lines and the ground. Contributing to the accident was the inaccurate wind direction reporting as a result of a…
- [NTSB WPR21FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21FA045.md): Cessna 177 · Langley, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 11, 2020 · N34633 · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control while attempting to conduct an emergency landing. Contributing to the accident was a total loss of engine power as a result of…
- [NTSB CEN21LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA053.md): Trick Trikes Stss · Holden, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 11, 2020 · N5152E · Destroyed
  > The noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff.
- [NTSB WPR21FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21FA044.md): Piper PA38 · Grass Valley, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 10, 2020 · N6380A · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to the pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation.
- [NTSB WPR21LA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA061.md): Cessna 172 · Arch Cape, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 9, 2020 · N1444V · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s descent into the ocean for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB CEN21WA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21WA056.md): Quest Kodiak 100 · Guatemala City, Guatemala · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 8, 2020 · TG-SMT · Destroyed
- [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 CEN21WA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21WA061.md): Cessna 182 · Durango, Mexico · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 7, 2020 · XB-QOX · Substantial damage
- [NTSB WPR21WA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21WA050.md): Cirrus SR22 · Nelspruit, South Africa · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 6, 2020 · ZS-CNM · Substantial damage
- [NTSB CEN21FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA043.md): Beech J35 · Fredericksburg, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 6, 2020 · N617Q · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > The pilot of the J35’s failure to maintain clearance from the M35, which resulted in a midair collision and the J35 pilot’s subsequent loss of control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN21WA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21WA042.md): Piper PA34 · Reus, Spain · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 3, 2020 · EC-HCA · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC21LA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA004.md): AutoGyro MTO Sport · Whitewater, KS · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 3, 2020 · N455WM · Destroyed
  > A loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [NTSB ERA21LA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA035.md): Grumman GA7 · Ellicott, NY · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 1, 2020 · N791GA · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s continued descent below the minimum descent altitude while conducting an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR21WA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21WA036.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Kirkwood, South Africa · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Oct 31, 2020 · ZS-MAD · Destroyed
- [NTSB WPR21LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA032.md): Cessna 172 · Billings, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 31, 2020 · N124TW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain the proper descent glide path while on final approach for reasons that could not be determined from available evidence.
- [NTSB WPR21LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA030.md): Cessna 310 · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 29, 2020 · N101G · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain the airplane’s minimum controllable airspeed while maneuvering with one engine inoperative. Also causal was the loss of power in the left engine due to oil starvation. Contributing to the accident were inadequate maintenance…
- [NTSB CEN21LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA030.md): Cessna 210 · Lubbock, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 26, 2020 · N9622T · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s improper decision to fly into icing conditions with an airplane that was not equipped for icing, which led to structural icing and a subsequent loss of airplane control, and the pilot’s impairment from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a cracked…
- [NTSB ERA21FA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA029.md): Cessna 172 · Dunnellon, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 25, 2020 · N724BC · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing was the pilot’s exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN21FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA026.md): Grumman AA5 · Woodbranch, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 25, 2020 · N26136 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB WPR21FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21FA025.md): Lancair 235 · Cordes Lakes, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 24, 2020 · N25NL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during an aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin and a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of aerobatic experience in the accident…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?fatal=1&year=2020&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") = 2020
  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=2020

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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.