# NTSB investigations, AZ: In flight encounter with weather 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 2 · 92 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB SEA07FA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07FA199.md): Cessna 182S · New River, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 15, 2007 · N2454M · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into IMC and his ensuing failure to maintain aircraft control while in cruise flight. Contributing factors were the cloudy weather and the dark night conditions. - [NTSB SEA07CA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07CA175.md): Burkhart Grob G102 Std Astir III · Wickenburg, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 16, 2007 · N123KG · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions which resulted in an inflight collision with a cactus tree while landing. The loss of thermal lift, tailwind, gusts, and tree were contributing factors to the accident. - [NTSB SEA07LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07LA118.md): Beech V35B · Kayenta, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 2, 2007 · N3210L · Substantial damage > The overstress separation of both ruddervators during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the flight's encounter with turbulence. - [NTSB LAX07FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07FA021.md): Cirrus SR22 · Meadview, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 25, 2006 · N121LD · Destroyed > The pilot's inadequate weather evaluation and continued flight into forecasted icing conditions. Contributing to the severity of the accident was the pilot's failure to follow proper operating procedures and deploy the CAPS when the airplane entered a spin.… - [NTSB LAX06LA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06LA247.md): Robinson R44 · Flagstaff, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2006 · N74780 · Substantial damage > the pilot's inadequate preflight planning decision to take off under a low ceiling into an area of mountainous terrain that resulted in an encounter with lowering clouds and forced the pilot to land in unfavorable terrain. - [NTSB LAX06FA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06FA130.md): Beech F33A · Kingman, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 2006 · N41PT · Destroyed > The noninstrument rated pilot's cruise flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent, and an in-flight collision with terrain. Factors associated with the… - [NTSB LAX06CA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06CA102.md): Cessna 182 · Black Canyon, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 4, 2006 · N5421B · Destroyed > the pilot's encounter with downdraft at low altitude on short final approach to land. - [NTSB LAX06CA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06CA012.md): Aerostar RX-8 · Globe, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 8, 2005 · N5161Y · Substantial damage > the pilot's encounter with a wind gust during landing. - [NTSB LAX05CA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05CA161.md): Schempp-Hirth Discus 2b · Peoria, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 9, 2005 · N15MM · Substantial damage > the glider pilot encountered a downdraft that forced him to land in rough terrain. - [NTSB LAX05LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05LA080.md): Cessna T210N · Glendale, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 30, 2005 · N1164U · Substantial damage > The airplane was struck by lightning during the approach to land. - [NTSB LAX05FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05FA045.md): Cessna T310R · Flagstaff, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 8, 2004 · N592DM · Destroyed > The pilot's decision to attempt flight into known adverse weather conditions beyond the capability of the airplane and his failure to ensure that the airplane's wings were free of ice and/or snow contamination that accumulated while the airplane was on the… - [NTSB LAX04LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA087.md): Cessna 421C · Window Rock, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 3, 2004 · N911EA · Substantial damage > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed in the landing flare to compensate for airframe icing, which resulted in a premature stall and hard landing. The degraded aircraft performance due to airframe ice was a contributing factor. - [NTSB LAX03LA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA181.md): Airbus Industrie A320-321 · Payson, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 5, 2003 · N644AW · No damage > The flight's encounter with convectively induced turbulence associated with developing thunderstorms while the flight crew attempted to deviate around an area of adverse weather. The turbulence event occurred while the crew was attempting to maneuver around… - [NTSB LAX03LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA168.md): Aero Commander 500B · Grand Canyon, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 29, 2003 · N64TS · Substantial damage > the pilot's encounter with a wind shear just after liftoff. - [NTSB LAX03FA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA069.md): Piper PA-23-250 · Flagstaff, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 8, 2003 · N135LA · Destroyed > the pilot's failure to comply with his instrument clearance route instruction and to maintain his assigned altitude. A factor in the accident was the poor quality of radio communications due to the severance of underground fiber optic voice and data lines for… - [NTSB DEN03FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03FA012.md): Cessna 208B · Parks, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 8, 2002 · N514DB · Destroyed > the pilot's improper in flight planning/decision making, his flight into known icing conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in the inadvertent stall/spin and impact with terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were the… - [NTSB LAX02FA278](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02FA278.md): Beech A36 · Grand Canyon, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 2002 · N8261J · Destroyed > the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an encounter with adverse weather conditions and the loss of control due to a stall. Contributing factors were thunderstorm related turbulence,… - [NTSB LAX01FA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01FA145.md): Cirrus Design SR20 · Sierra Vista, AZ · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 11, 2001 · N116CD · Destroyed > the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation and attempted VFR flight into IMC, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain. Factors in the accident included the adverse weather conditions and the dusk lighting conditions. - [NTSB LAX00FA324](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00FA324.md): Bellanca 17-30 · Scottsdale, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 2000 · N4905V · Destroyed > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a cruise descent, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain during dark night conditions. Contributing factors were the rain, thuderstorm, and dust storm weather conditions,… - [NTSB LAX00LA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA292.md): Balloon Works Firefly II · Phoenix, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 11, 2000 · N7244X · No damage > The pilot's failure to use pibals or other on site wind determination devices, and his subsequent failure to detect adverse wind conditions prior to launch of the balloon. - [NTSB LAX00LA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA219.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Mesa, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 2000 · N115ND · Substantial damage > the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control in that he failed to properly position the ailerons during his landing roll. Gusty, crosswind conditions, from a direction and velocity that equaled the aircraft's maximum demonstrated crosswind… - [NTSB LAX99FA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99FA273.md): Balloon Works Firefly 11 · Cave Creek, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 1999 · N7021U · Minor damage > An unforecast encounter with a low level microburst that resulted in a distortion of the balloon envelope, an excessive outflow of hot air (loss of lift), creating an excessive rate of descent that was beyond the performance capability of the balloon to… - [NTSB LAX99LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA093.md): Aerostar RX-9 · Peoria, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 11, 1999 · N91067 · Substantial damage > The pilot's attempted flight in an area of forecasted high winds and his inadequate compensation for those wind conditions once encountered. - [NTSB LAX98LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA155.md): Beech A23-24 · Holbrook, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 12, 1998 · N6092N · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a go-around after encountering a gust of wind. - [NTSB LAX98LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA059.md): Mooney M20F · Safford, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 20, 1997 · N2965L · Destroyed > The pilot's poor in-flight judgement and intentional flight into known adverse weather conditions. Related factors were, mountainous terrain, rain and fog. - [NTSB LAX97FA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA093.md): Cessna R172K · Bagdad, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 22, 1997 · N736WZ · Destroyed > continued flight by the pilot into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the high/mountainous terrain and adverse weather conditions. - [NTSB LAX97FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA082.md): Fairchild SA227-AC · Bullhead City, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 5, 1997 · N165SW · Destroyed > failure of the pilot(s) to use 'override' ignition as prescribed by checklist procedures during an encounter with icing conditions, which subsequently led to ice ingestion and dual engine flame-outs. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather… - [NTSB LAX96FA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96FA294.md): Mooney M20K · Grand Canyon, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 2, 1996 · N4634H · Destroyed > due to an in-flight loss of control resulting from a probable incapacitation for unknown reasons. The loss of control occurred while the aircraft was being flown in close proximity to a level 6 thunderstorm. The failure of the pilot to obtain current weather… - [NTSB LAX95LA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA183.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Peoria, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 11, 1995 · N7403Z · Destroyed > the pilot's inflight loss of control due to his delay in releasing the glider after the towed glider experienced an unplanned altitude gain on takeoff when it encountered a dust devil. - [NTSB LAX95LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA094.md): Cessna 152 · Sedona, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 3, 1995 · N46874 · Substantial damage > the pilot's improper compensation for the prevailing wind conditions, and his improper remedial action by raising the flaps before applying the power. The downdraft was a factor. - [NTSB LAX95FA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95FA262.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Flagstaff, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 1994 · N4108R · Destroyed > the pilot's intentional flight into known adverse weather conditions, his misjudged evaluation of the weather, and his inexperience in actual instrument flying. - [NTSB LAX95LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA036.md): Thunder and Colt TC-180 · Peoria, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 1994 · N738TC · Substantial damage > the flight's encounter with unforecasted high winds which resulted in a hard landing. - [NTSB LAX94LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA045.md): Beech A-36 · Florence, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 1993 · N9MP · Destroyed > the pilot's poor inflight planning and decision making by continuing the flight into adverse weather conditions. Factors contributing to this accident were: not obtaining a preflight weather briefing, not following the airplane flight manuals, and exceeding… - [NTSB LAX94FA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94FA028.md): Piper PA-24-250 · San Simon, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 27, 1993 · XBHOM · Destroyed > The pilot's improper planning/decision, and his allowing the airplane to exceed its design stress limits, which resulted in overload failure of the right outboard wind section and left horizontal stabilizer. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse… - [NTSB LAX93LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA056.md): Cessna 182K · Flagstaff, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 28, 1992 · N2622Q · Destroyed > The pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions and improper remedial action by descending into high terrain. Contributing to this accident were the prevailing cloud condition. - [NTSB LAX93LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA027.md): Beech 36TC · Sedona, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 3, 1992 · N67434 · Destroyed > The pilot's poorly planned approach and delay in executing the appropriate remedial action. Contributing to this accident was the pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath and encountering a downdraft. - [NTSB LAX93LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA022.md): Thunder and Colt AX7-77 · Sierra Vista, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 31, 1992 · N666TE · Destroyed > The flight's encounter with unforecast unfavorable winds. - [NTSB LAX93LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA008.md): Cessna R172K · Picacho, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 1992 · N736WZ · Substantial damage > The pilot's encounter with the unforecasted cyclonic wind. - [NTSB LAX92LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA133.md): Helio HST-550A · Salome, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 1, 1992 · N550HZ · Destroyed > The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning, improper altitude, and delaying the required remedial action to prevent the collision with the mountain. Contributing to the accident was the unfavorable wind and downdraft conditions. - [NTSB LAX91LA406](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA406.md): Callair A-3 · Williams, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 23, 1991 · N2903V · Destroyed > The pilot's encounter with a strong and gusty cross-wind which suddenly developed in the area and his subsequent loss of control. Factors which contributed to the accident were the pilot's inadequate airspeed and inability to adequately compensate for the… - [NTSB LAX91LA245](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA245.md): Cessna R182 · Williams, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 5, 1991 · N484ER · Substantial damage > That the flight encountered windshear and that aircraft control was not possible. - [NTSB LAX91FA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA106.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Fredonia, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 17, 1991 · N4384L · Destroyed > The pilot's inattention to the airspeed and subsequent loss of aircraft control after attempting VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to recognize his limitations of his aircraft. - [NTSB LAX91FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA045.md): Piper PA-28R-201 · Show Low, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 26, 1990 · N31638 · Destroyed > The pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in loss of engine power, due to induction system icing. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather condition and lack of a suitable area for a forced landing. - [NTSB LAX91LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA021.md): Cessna 152 · Maricopa, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 1, 1990 · N757PZ · Substantial damage > The failure of the flight instructor to ensure that an adequate airspeed was maintained during the final approach for the existing wind conditions; to adequately supervise the conduct of the flight; and to arrest the rate of descent prior to touch down. - [NTSB LAX90FA331](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90FA331.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Flagstaff, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 1990 · N3558 · Destroyed > VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain proper altitude during the approach to land. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, the adverse weather conditions, and failure of… - [NTSB LAX90LA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA253.md): Piper PA22-150 · Springerville, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 1990 · N8231C · Substantial damage > The encounter with a downdraft beyond the climb capability of the aircraft. - [NTSB LAX90LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA080.md): Adams A55 · Glendale, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 21, 1990 · N4021L · No damage > Improper planning/decision by the pilot. The unexpected high wind condition was a related factor. - [NTSB LAX90LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA048.md): Aerostar RX-7 · Chandler, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 1989 · N64997 · Substantial damage > Improper planning/decision by the pilot. Factors related to the accident were: variable and high wind conditions. - [NTSB LAX89LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA131.md): Aerostar Raven 560 · Tucson, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 19, 1989 · N767AA · No damage > Balloon entered into a severe down draft which resulted in a hard landing due to inadequate preparation and compensation for the conditions by the balloon pilot. - [NTSB LAX89LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA104.md): Cameron A-140 · Phoenix, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 6, 1989 · N2912R · Minor damage > The pilot displayed poor preflight planning and preparation by not properly evaluating the weather conditions. Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?state=AZ&occurrence=240&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" = 'AZ' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA' 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" = 240) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?occurrence=240&state=AZ --- 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.