# Major NTSB investigations: Loss of control - in flight

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.

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## Latest cases

- [NTSB ANC07MA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC07MA083.md): de Havilland DHC-2 · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · 5 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 2007 · N345KA · Destroyed
  > An inadvertent aerodynamic stall resulting from the pilot's poor decision-making and inadequate planning and execution when he took off toward nearby rising terrain, in strong winds, under circumstances where his options for maneuvering were severely limited…
- [NTSB NYC07MA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07MA073.md): Aerospatiale AS350BA · Princeville, HI · Accident · 4 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 2007 · N354NT · Substantial damage
  > The failure of maintenance personnel to properly tighten (torque) the flight control servo lower attachment clevis, and reinstall a functioning lock washer, which resulted in a flight control disconnect and a complete loss of helicopter control. Contributing…
- [NTSB LAX07MA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07MA069.md): Cessna 525 · Van Nuys, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jan 12, 2007 · N77215 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the initial climb resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin. Contributing to the accident were the second pilots inadequate preflight, failure to properly secure the front baggage door, and the front…
- [NTSB NYC06MA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06MA005.md): Augusta 109E · Smethport, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 2005 · N7YL · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors in the accident were, night instrument meteorological conditions, pilot workload, and improper air traffic control procedures by the approach controller.
- [NTSB SEA05MA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05MA202.md): Agusta A109A II · Edmonds, WA · Accident · 3 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 2005 · N655GS · Destroyed
  > Loss of control for an undetermined reason during maneuvering flight, which resulted in an in-flight collision with water.
- [NTSB IAD05MA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD05MA078.md): Sikorsky S-76C · New York, NY · Accident · Serious injuries · Major investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2005 · N317MY · Substantial damage
  > An inadvertent encounter with a left quartering tailwind. Factors in the accident were settling with power, the high gross weight of the helicopter, and the crew's failure to accurately assess the winds in the area.
- [NTSB DCA05MA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA05MA037.md): Cessna 560 · Pueblo, CO · Accident · 8 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Feb 16, 2005 · N500AT · Destroyed
  > the flight crew's failure to effectively monitor and maintain airspeed and comply with procedures for deice boot activation on the approach, which caused an aerodynamic stall from which they did not recover. Contributing to the accident was the Federal…
- [NTSB LAX04FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04FA075.md): Learjet 24B · Helendale, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 1 · Field · Final report · Dec 23, 2003 · N600XJ · Destroyed
  > A loss of airplane control for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB DEN04MA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN04MA015.md): Cessna 208B · Cody, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Oct 29, 2003 · N791FE · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing factors include the pilot's failure to divert to an alternate airport, an inadvertent stall, and the snow and icing conditions.
- [NTSB NYC03MA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03MA183.md): Beech 1900D · Yarmouth, MA · Accident · 2 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Aug 26, 2003 · N240CJ · Destroyed
  > The improper replacement of the forward elevator trim cable, and subsequent inadequate functional check of the maintenance performed, which resulted in a reversal of the elevator trim system and a loss of control in-flight. Factors were the flightcrew's…
- [NTSB FTW03MA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03MA160.md): Boeing 737-300 · Amarillo, TX · Accident · No injuries · Major investigation · Final report · May 25, 2003 · N343SW · Substantial damage
  > the flight crew's failure to align the airplane's ground track with the runway centerline before touchdown and the flight crew's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane after touchdown. Contributing to the accident was the flight crew's…
- [NTSB IAD03MA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD03MA049.md): Sino-Swearingen SJ30-2 · Loma Alta, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Apr 26, 2003 · N138BF · Destroyed
  > The manufacturer's incomplete high-Mach design research, which resulted in the airplane becoming unstable and diverging into a lateral upset.
- [NTSB DCA03MA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA03MA022.md): Beech 1900D · Charlotte, NC · Accident · 21 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Jan 8, 2003 · N233YV · Destroyed
  > the airplane's loss of pitch control during take-off. The loss of pitch control resulted from the incorrect rigging of the elevator system compounded by the airplane's aft center of gravity, which was substaintially aft of the certified aft limit.…
- [NTSB DCA03MA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA03MA008.md): Beech King Air 100 · Eveleth, MN · Accident · 8 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Oct 25, 2002 · N41BE · Destroyed
  > The flight crew's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which led to an aerodynamic stall from which they did not recover.
- [NTSB DCA02MA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA02MA003.md): Cessna 208 · Dillingham, AK · Accident · 10 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 2001 · N9530F · Destroyed
  > an in-flight loss of control resulting from upper surface ice contamination that the pilot-in-command failed to detect during his preflight inspection of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a preflight inspection requirement for CE-208…
- [NTSB SEA01MA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01MA163.md): Kawasaki KV-107-II · Emigrant, MT · Accident · 3 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 2001 · N186CH · Destroyed
  > The loss of control during cruise/climb flight for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX01MA272](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01MA272.md): Eurocopter AS350-B2 · Meadview, AZ · Accident · 6 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 2001 · N169PA · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of control of the helicopter for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CHI01MA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01MA006.md): Canadair CL600-2B16 · Wichita, KS · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Oct 10, 2000 · CFTBZ · Destroyed
  > the pilot’s excessive takeoff rotation, during an aft center of gravity (c.g.) takeoff, a rearward migration of fuel during acceleration and takeoff and consequent shift in the airplane’s aft c.g. to aft of the aft c.g. limit, which caused the airplane to…
- [NTSB CHI99MA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99MA269.md): Beech 65-A90 · Marine City, MI · Accident · 10 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jul 31, 1999 · N518DM · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall, inflight loss of contol, and collision with the ground.
- [NTSB NYC99MA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99MA178.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Vineyard Haven, MA · Accident · 3 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 1999 · N9253N · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a descent over water at night, which was a result of spatial disorientation. Factors in the accident were haze, and the dark night.
- [NTSB LAX99MA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99MA251.md): Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4DM · Minden, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Jul 13, 1999 · N807BB · Destroyed
  > The pilot's excessive use of the elevator control during recovery from an inadvertently entered spin and/or spiral dive during which the glider exceeded the maximum permissible speed, which resulted in the overload failure of the wings at loadings beyond the…
- [NTSB CHI98MA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98MA260.md): North American NA-265-80 · Florence, KS · Accident · 2 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 1998 · N547JL · Destroyed
  > the pilot's overconfidence in his personal ability, his improper in-flight decision to attempt aerobatics, and his loss of control of the airplane.
- [NTSB FTW98MA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98MA126.md): Embraer 145-ER · Beaumont, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Major investigation · Final report · Feb 11, 1998 · N14931 · Substantial damage
  > The first officer's improper use of the rudder when given a simulated engine failure on takeoff and the pilot-in-command's delayed remedial action which resulted in a loss of control. A factor was the first officer's lack of experience in the regional jet…
- [NTSB ANC98MA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98MA008.md): Cessna 208B · Barrow, AK · Accident · 8 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Nov 8, 1997 · N750GC · Destroyed
  > The pilot's disregard for lateral fuel loading limits, his improper removal of frost prior to takeoff, and the resulting inadvertent stall/spin. Factors involved in this accident were the improper asymmetrical fuel loading which reduced lateral aircraft…
- [NTSB DCA97MA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA97MA059.md): Douglas DC-8-61 · Miami, FL · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Aug 7, 1997 · N27UA · Destroyed
  > The airplane being misloaded to produce a more aft center of gravity and a correspondingly incorrect stabilizer trim setting that precipitated an extreme pitch-up at rotation, was (1) the failure of Fine Air to exercise operational control over the cargo…
- [NTSB DCA97MA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA97MA049.md): Airbus Industrie A300B4-605R · West Palm Beach, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Major investigation · Final report · May 12, 1997 · N90070 · Minor damage
  > The flightcrew's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during leveloff which led to an inadvertent stall, and their subsequent failure to use proper stall recovery techniques. A factor contributing to the accident was the flightcrew's failure to properly use…
- [NTSB DCA97MA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA97MA017.md): Embraer EMB-120RT · Monroe, MI · Accident · 29 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Jan 9, 1997 · N265CA · Destroyed
  > The Federal Aviation Adminstration's (FAA) failure to establish adequate aircraft certification standards for flight in icing conditions, the FAA's failure to ensure that at Centro Tecnico Aeroespacial/FAA-approved procedure for the accident airplane's deice…
- [NTSB DCA97MA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA97MA016.md): Douglas DC-8-63F · Narrows, VA · Accident · 6 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Dec 22, 1996 · N827AX · Destroyed
  > the inappropriate control inputs applied by the flying pilot during a stall recovery attempt, the failure of the nonflying pilot-in-command to recognize, address, and correct these inappropriate control inputs, and the failure of ABX to establish a formal…
- [NTSB SEA96MA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96MA079.md): Cessna 177B · Cheyenne, WY · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Apr 11, 1996 · N35207 · Destroyed
  > the pilot-in-command's improper decision to take off into deteriorating weather conditions (including turbulence, gusty winds, and an advancing thunderstorm and associated precipitation) when the airplane was overweight and when the density altitude was…
- [NTSB DCA95MA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA95MA006.md): British Aerospace Jetstream 3201 · Morrisville, NC · Accident · 15 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Dec 13, 1994 · N918AE · Destroyed
  > 1) the captain's improper assumption that an engine had failed, and 2) the captain's subsequent failure to follow approved procedures for engine failure, single-engine approach and go-around, and stall recovery. Contributing to the cause of the accident was…
- [NTSB DCA95MA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA95MA001.md): ATR ATR-72-212 · Roselawn, IN · Accident · 68 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Oct 31, 1994 · N401AM · Destroyed
  > the loss of control, attributed to a sudden and unexpected aileron hinge moment reversal that occurred after a ridge of ice accreted beyond the deice boots while the airplane was in a holding pattern during which it intermittently encountered supercooled…
- [NTSB DCA94MA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA94MA027.md): Jetstream 4101 · Columbus, OH · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Jan 8, 1994 · N304UE · Destroyed
  > (1) An aerodynamic stall that occurred when the flightcrew allowed the airspeed to decay to stall speed following a very poorly planned and executed approach characterized by an absence of procedural discipline; (2) Improper pilot response to the stall…
- [NTSB CHI94MA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94MA032.md): Cessna 421B · Greensburg, IN · Accident · 5 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 1993 · N41010 · Destroyed
  > an inadvertent stall by the pilot in command. Factors associated with the accident are the icing conditions and low ceilings.
- [NTSB DCA93RA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA93RA060.md): Douglas DC-8-61 · Guantanamo Bay, Cuba · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 1 · Foreign · Aug 18, 1993 · N814CK · Destroyed
- [NTSB CHI93MA276](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93MA276.md): Canadair CL-600-2B19 · Byers, KS · Accident · 3 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 1993 · CFCRJ · Destroyed
  > The captain's failure to adhere to the agreed upon flight test plan for ending the test maneuver at the onset of prestall stick shaker, and the flightcrew's failure to assure that all required switches were properly positioned for anti-spin chute deployment.…
- [NTSB FTW93MA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93MA143.md): Embraer EMB-120 RT · Pine Bluff, AR · Accident · Minor injuries · Major investigation · Final report · Apr 29, 1993 · N24706 · Substantial damage
  > The captain's failure to maintain professional cockpit discipline, his consequent inattention to flight instruments and ice accretion, and his selection of an improper autoflight vertical mode, all of which led to an aerodynamic stall, loss of control, and a…
- [NTSB MIA92MA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA92MA131.md): CASA 212 · Mayaguez, PR · Accident · 5 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 1992 · N355CA · Destroyed
  > The failure of the beta blocking device for undetermined reason(s), and the second-pilot's inadvertent activation of the power lever, or levers, aft of the flight idle position and into the beta range, resulting in a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB DCA92MA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA92MA025.md): Fokker 28-4000 · Flushing, NY · Accident · 27 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Mar 23, 1992 · N485US · Destroyed
  > The failure of the airline industry and the federal aviation administration to provide flightcrews with procedures, requirements, and criteria compatible with departure delays in conditions conducive to airframe icing and the decision by the flightcrew to…
- [NTSB DCA92MA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA92MA022.md): Douglas DC-8-63 · Swanton, OH · Accident · 4 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Feb 15, 1992 · N794AL · Destroyed
  > The failure of the flightcrew to properly recognize or recover in a timely manner from the unusual aircraft attitude that resulted from the captain's apparent spatial disorientation, resulting from physiological factors and/or a failed attitude director…
- [NTSB NYC92FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92FA053.md): Beech 1900C · Block Island, RI · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 1 · Field · Final report · Dec 29, 1991 · N811BE · Destroyed
  > The instructor pilot's loss of altitude awareness and possible spatial disorientation, which resulted in the loss of control of the airplane at an altitude too low for recovery; and company management's lack of involvement in and oversight of its Beechcraft…
- [NTSB CHI91MA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91MA224.md): Learjet 23 · Detroit, MI · Accident · 3 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 1991 · N959SC · Destroyed
  > Improper preflight by the pilot, his failure to abort the takeoff while there was sufficient runway remaining, and his failure to assure that the aircraft attained sufficient airspeed for lift-off and climb. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's…
- [NTSB DCA91MA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA91MA042.md): Beech C99 · Birmingham, AL · Accident · 13 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 1991 · N7217L · Destroyed
  > The decision of the captain to initiate and continue an instrument approach into clearly identified thunderstorm activity, resulting in a loss of control of the airplane from which the flightcrew was unable to recover and subsequent collision with obstacles…
- [NTSB MIA91MA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91MA100.md): Piper PA-46-310P · Bronson, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Mar 17, 1991 · N9112K · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to activate the pitot heat before ascending above the freezing level in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), followed by his improper response to erroneous airspeed indications that resulted from blockage of the pitot tube by…
- [NTSB DCA91MA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA91MA021.md): Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-15 · Cleveland, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Feb 17, 1991 · N565PC · Destroyed
  > The failure of the flightcrew to detect and remove ice contamination on the airplane's wings, which was largely a result of a lack of appropriate response by the federal aviation administration, Douglas aircraft company, and ryan international airlines to the…
- [NTSB DCA90MA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA90MA055.md): Boeing 707-321B · Marana, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Sep 20, 1990 · N320MJ · Destroyed
  > Improper preflight planning/preparation by the pilot, and his failure to use a checklist. Factors related to the accident were: the faa's inadequate surveillance of the operation, the faa's insufficient standards/requirements, the pilot's operation of the…
- [NTSB CHI90MA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90MA162.md): Piper PA-46-310P · Lakeville, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 1990 · N315RC · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to use the airplane's ice protection equipment, which resulted in a performance loss due to induction icing, propeller icing, or both, while flying in convective instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at and above the freezing level.…
- [NTSB MKC90MA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90MA115.md): Piper PA-46-310P · Naylor, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · May 27, 1990 · N22EK · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to activate the pitot heat before flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) above the freezing level, followed by his improper response to erroneous airspeed indications that resulted from blockage of the pitot tube by…
- [NTSB ATL90MA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90MA051.md): Learjet 23 · Ansonia, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jan 18, 1990 · N331DP · Destroyed
  > The flight crew became incapacitated for undetermined reasons and lost control of the airplane.
- [NTSB DCA89MA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA89MA076.md): de Havilland DHC-6-300 · Grand Canyon, AZ · Accident · 10 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Sep 27, 1989 · N75GC · Destroyed
  > Improper pilot techniques and crew coordination during the landing attempt, bounce, and attempted go-around.
- [NTSB DEN89MA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89MA130.md): Bell 206L-3 · Big Timber, MT · Accident · 4 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jun 2, 1989 · N76KM · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft during takeoff, due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a collision with the terrain. Contributing factors were: dark night, pilot's visual perception, inadequate initial training of the pilot…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?major=1&occurrence=250&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.board_report_url IS NOT NULL OR c."investigationClass" = 'Class 1' OR c."caseType" = 'Major - Launch')
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 250)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?major=1&occurrence=250

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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, except the copies of manufacturers’ service documents, which belong to their rights holders.