# Fatal NTSB investigations, 2023

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 · 295 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA24FA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA078.md): Piper PA46R-350T · Mooresville, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 31, 2023 · N539MA · Substantial damage
  > A missing induction clamp, which allowed the induction hose to the left side intercooler to become disconnected, resulting in a total loss of engine power due to an overly rich fuel/air mixture.
- [NTSB GAA24WA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA062.md): Cessna A185 · Dorotea, Colombia · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 30, 2023 · HK1658G · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ERA24FA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA077.md): Zenith Stol CH701 · Marienville, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 30, 2023 · N4209W · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into deteriorating visibility conditions at night, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent descent that continued to ground contact.
- [NTSB GAA24WA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA061.md): Air Tractor AT502 · Carletonville, South Africa · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 29, 2023 · ZS-XPC · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ERA24FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA075.md): Hughes Helicopters 369E · Miami, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 27, 2023 · N757TB · Substantial damage
  > Main rotor contact with the tail boom for unknown reasons, resulting in the separation of the tail boom.
- [NTSB CEN24FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA073.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Canton, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 27, 2023 · N858RC · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to attain the runway while landing at night, which resulted in an impact with trees.
- [NTSB ERA24FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA072.md): Hawker Beechcraft G36 · Buford, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 21, 2023 · N23VS · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to significant thermal damage from postimpact fire.
- [NTSB ERA24FA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA069.md): American Eurocopter AS350B2 · Hammonton, NJ · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 20, 2023 · N606HD · Destroyed
  > The helicopter’s gradual descent and impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB WPR24FA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA057.md): Cessna 172G · Independence, OR · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 17, 2023 · N3992L · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in collision with an obstacle while landing.
- [NTSB WPR24FA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA056.md): Vans RV8 · Corona, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 16, 2023 · N6948L · Substantial damage
  > Fuel contamination from the pilot’s improper application of a sealant to the fuel tank, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power on takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN24FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA064.md): Pilatus PC-12/45 · Christoval, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 14, 2023 · N188PC · Substantial damage
  > The instrument-rated pilot and a passenger departed on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight. After about 4.5 hours, while approaching the first planned fuel stop, the airplane was in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). According to air traffic…
- [NTSB WPR24FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA054.md): Beech A36 · Topock, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 10, 2023 · N4171S · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the No. 4 connecting rod due to oil starvation, which resulted in a loss of engine power, inflight fire, and a subsequent off-airport emergency landing on rough desert terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt a…
- [NTSB CEN24FA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA057.md): Beech A23-24 · Oklahoma City, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 10, 2023 · N6945Q · Destroyed
  > A total loss of engine power due to multiple connecting rod failures from oil starvation associated with an extensive before takeoff oil system leak, the source of which could not be identified due to postaccident fire damage.
- [NTSB WPR24FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA053.md): Beauchamp Norm Kitfox · Eloy, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 8, 2023 · N66180 · Destroyed
  > The separation of a propeller blade during the initial climb due to insufficient blade retention forces. Contributing to the accident was the propeller blade retention design, manufacturing defects that prevented the propeller from achieving adequate grip…
- [NTSB ANC24FA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24FA008.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Anchor Point, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 8, 2023 · N1880P · Destroyed
  > An impact to the left wing, at an undetermined time, for reasons that could not be determined, which partially separated the left wing and rendered the airplane uncontrollable.
- [NTSB ERA24FA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA058.md): Beech 35-C33 · Pulaski, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 7, 2023 · N5891J · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in pilot-induced oscillations and a subsequent loss of control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB DCA24WA149](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA24WA149.md): Robinson R22 · Tindal, Australia · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 7, 2023 · VH-DLD · Substantial damage
- [NTSB GAA24WA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA052.md): Bell 412 · Arau, Guyana · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Foreign · Dec 6, 2023 · 8R-AYA · Destroyed
- [NTSB GAA24WA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA049.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Terre-de-Haut, Guadeloupe · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 4, 2023 · N15902
- [NTSB ERA24FA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA055.md): Beech E95 · Elkmont, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 4, 2023 · N369BB · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during slow flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin from which he was unable to recover.
- [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 GAA24WA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA068.md): Cessna 210 · Guayaibi, Paraguay · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 2, 2023 · ZP-BDN · Destroyed
- [NTSB CEN24FA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA049.md): MD Helicopters 600 · Sterling City, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 29, 2023 · N745MB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line pole’s static arm during forecasted gusting wind conditions, un-forecasted light turbulence, and un-forecasted low-level wind shear conditions, resulting in main rotor blade contact with the static…
- [NTSB ERA24FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA050.md): Piper PA32R · Attalla, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 27, 2023 · N4187Q · Destroyed
  > The undetected wear of both pawl retaining rivets of the left magneto impulse coupling and fatigue failure of one pawl retaining rivet, which led to cascading fractures of the second pawl retaining rivet, left gear retainer assembly, and gear teeth of…
- [NTSB WPR24FA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA040.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Mertzon, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 26, 2023 · N7763W · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s overconfidence.
- [NTSB GAA24WA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA044.md): Robinson R66 · Ramallo, Argentina · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 4 · Foreign · Nov 26, 2023 · LV-FQJ · Substantial damage
- [NTSB CEN24FA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA046.md): Socata TBM 700 · Ludington, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 26, 2023 · N850JH · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to take off with ice/snow contamination on the airplane’s wings, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA24WA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA043.md): Rockwell 112 · Kasberg, Grünau im Almtal, Austria · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 25, 2023 · D-ELPO · Substantial damage
- [NTSB GAA24WA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA039.md): Cessna 402B · Panama City, Panama · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 24, 2023 · N76MD · Destroyed
- [NTSB CEN24FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA045.md): Cirrus Design SR22T · Fairland, IN · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 22, 2023 · N17DT · Destroyed
  > Both pilots’ failure to maintain adequate airspeed during departure from the airport, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack, entering an aerodynamic stall, and impacting terrain.
- [NTSB CEN24FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA042.md): Mooney M20C · Plano, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 21, 2023 · N1204X · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a climbing turn during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.
- [NTSB GAA24WA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA036.md): Cessna 172 · Dinslaken, Germany · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 17, 2023 · D-EDJL · Destroyed
- [NTSB WPR24FA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA037.md): Cessna P210N · San Diego, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 16, 2023 · N1400 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s inadequate flight and fuel planning and his decision to fly in night instrument meteorological conditions despite his lack of recent instrument flight.
- [NTSB ERA24FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA038.md): Xtremeair XA42 · Union City, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 15, 2023 · N42XM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot receiving instruction’s loss of airplane control while performing aerobatics, which resulted in a stall/spin at an altitude too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision.
- [NTSB WPR24FA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA035.md): Cessna 172G · Provo, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 14, 2023 · N3971L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a chandelle maneuver, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and descent into trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to maneuver into a canyon and…
- [NTSB ERA24FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA036.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Micanopy, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 14, 2023 · N7806W · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s improper inflight decision making and his flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s…
- [NTSB GAA24WA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA034.md): Cessna 421C · Sunshine Coast, Australia · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 10, 2023 · VH-VPY
- [NTSB GAA24WA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA032.md): Cessna 150 · Ponte de Sor, Portugal · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 10, 2023 · D-ERIT
- [NTSB GAA24WA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA028.md): Gulfstream 695A · Cloncurry, Australia · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 4, 2023 · VH-HPY · Destroyed
- [NTSB GAA24WA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA025.md): Cirrus SR20 · St. Andrä im Lunga, Austria · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 2, 2023 · D-ESFB · Destroyed
- [NTSB GAA24WA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA024.md): Robinson R44 · Cirque de Salazie, Réunion · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Foreign · Oct 31, 2023 · F-HLOU · Destroyed
- [NTSB ERA24FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA026.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Marion, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 31, 2023 · N44601 · Destroyed
  > A descent and impact with terrain for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN24FA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA028.md): Piper PA46 · McCook, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 30, 2023 · N510KC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the initial climb, resulting in an aerodynamic stall from which he could not recover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to take off with the airplane well above its maximum…
- [NTSB GAA24WA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA022.md): Cessna 208 · Rio Branco, Brazil · Accident · 12 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Oct 29, 2023 · PT-MEE · Destroyed
- [NTSB WPR24FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA024.md): Cessna T206H · Orangeville, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 27, 2023 · N915DV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's controlled flight into mountainous terrain for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB GAA24WA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA023.md): Robinson R66 · Williamtown, Australia · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Oct 26, 2023 · VH-KFT · Destroyed
- [NTSB CEN24FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA024.md): Lancair 320 · Manitowoc, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 25, 2023 · N320P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain during an unapproved instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…
- [NTSB CEN24FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA021.md): Air Tractor AT-502B · Vidalia, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 24, 2023 · N5180W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s cell phone use and the position of the sun, which reduced the pilot’s ability to perceive the location of the power…
- [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 WPR24FA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA018.md): Beech A36 · Covelo, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 21, 2023 · N8248K · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees after entering a steep banked turn for unknown reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to take off toward rising terrain.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?fatal=1&year=2023&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") = 2023
  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=2023

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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.