# NTSB investigations, VA: 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 · 69 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB NYC06FA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06FA215.md): Cessna 150G · Penhook, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 4, 2006 · N2932J · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during climb, which resulted in exceeding the design stress limits of the airplane, and an in-flight breakup. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into…
- [NTSB NYC06LA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06LA099.md): Bombardier CL600-2B19 · Front Royal, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 15, 2006 · N934EV · No damage
  > An inadvertent encounter with clear air turbulence.
- [NTSB NYC04LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04LA168.md): Airbus Industrie A319 · Flat Rock, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 2004 · N812AW · No damage
  > An inadvertent encounter with turbulence in clouds during descent.
- [NTSB NYC03LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA104.md): Boeing B767-300 · New Market, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 7, 2003 · N650UA · No damage
  > The inadvertent encounter with turbulence.
- [NTSB IAD03LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD03LA048.md): Dornier 328-300 · Roanoke, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 25, 2003 · N427FJ · No damage
  > The airplane's encounter with unforecasted clear air turbulence during cruise flight.
- [NTSB NYC03LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA076.md): Cessna 172P · Shenandoah, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 31, 2003 · CGIKO · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent encounter with snow showers. Factors were the snow and the unsuitable landing area.
- [NTSB NYC03IA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03IA027.md): Canadair CL-600-2B19 · Rockville, VA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 2002 · N868CA · No damage
  > The PIC's inadvertent encounter with turbulence while operating in an area of forecast occasional severe turbulence.
- [NTSB IAD01LA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD01LA102.md): Embraer ERJ-135ER · Richmond, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 30, 2001 · N25504 · No damage
  > Inadequate company procedures/directives, which resulted in the flight attendant leaving her seat prematurely, while the airplane was still in an area of turbulence.
- [NTSB NYC01LA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01LA096.md): Dornier 328-100 · Springfield, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 10, 2001 · N423JS · No damage
  > An inadvertent encounter with turbulence during descent.
- [NTSB IAD01LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD01LA008.md): Conn Sonerai II · Manassas, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 21, 2000 · N188P · Substantial damage
  > Fuel starvation of the engine, caused by the fracturing of the fuel pump switches during a turbulence encounter.
- [NTSB NYC00FA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC00FA118.md): Mooney M20J · Norton, VA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 21, 2000 · N5632H · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper weather evaluation, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. Factors in this accident were icing conditions, and aircraft loading which exceed the airplane's weight and balance limitations.
- [NTSB NYC99FA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99FA214.md): Cessna 172N · Dyke, VA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 25, 1999 · N733DH · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his inability to see the rapidly rising terrain. A factor was the pilot's inaccurate evaluation of the weather.
- [NTSB NYC99LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99LA073.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Richmond, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 1999 · N5454F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation which resulted in flight into icing weather conditions. A factor related to the accident was restricted visibility through the icy windshield during landing.
- [NTSB IAD98FA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98FA068.md): Beech F33A · Delaplane, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 10, 1998 · N6033U · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate in-flight decision which led to VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance resulting in collision with mountainous terrain. Contributing factors were…
- [NTSB NYC98LA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA098.md): Masak Scimitar · Hardscrabble, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 25, 1998 · N102PX · Substantial damage
  > The pilots encounter with an unexpected downdraft.
- [NTSB IAD98FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98FA032.md): Cessna 172P · Langley Afb, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 1, 1998 · N62082 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into IMC conditions, and the subsequent loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation. A factor in the accident was the low ceiling.
- [NTSB IAD96LA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD96LA063.md): Glasair GL20 · Rocky Mount, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 16, 1996 · N518EC · Destroyed
  > the pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions which led to airframe ice and a loss of control. Related factors were: the failure of the FSS briefer to advise the pilot of a valid AIRMET regarding icing conditions, the icing conditions, and…
- [NTSB IAD96LA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD96LA109.md): Mooney M20F · Cape Charles, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 7, 1996 · N9199V · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision making by continuing flight into known adverse weather conditions. Related factors were the dark night and the winter storm (snow and fog).
- [NTSB MIA95LA237](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA95LA237.md): Aerotek Pitts - S2S · Clarksville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 25, 1995 · N260HP · Destroyed
  > continued flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in spatial disorientation and his inability to control the airplane. The weather condition and the lack of instruments in the airplane were related factors.
- [NTSB BFO95FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO95FA064.md): Piper PA-31P-350 · Cedar Bluff, VA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 1995 · N922DC · Destroyed
  > the pilot's improper planning/decision, and his allowing the airplane to exceed its maximum design/stress limitation. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, and the pilot's continued flight into adverse weather.
- [NTSB BFO95FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO95FA048.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Louisa, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 30, 1995 · N20LA · Destroyed
  > the non-instrument rated private pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC and failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from terrain/obstacles. Related factors were the pilot's lack of total experience in IMC operations, his failure to obtain a preflight…
- [NTSB BFO94FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO94FA144.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Front Royal, VA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 1994 · N3701W · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance, his improper in-flight decision and his inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) which resulted in in-flight collision with terrain. The high terrain and weather conditions were…
- [NTSB BFO94FA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO94FA096.md): Cessna 210B · Culpepper, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 11, 1994 · N210M · Destroyed
  > the pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of control of the aircraft. Contributing factors were the low ceilings and clouds.
- [NTSB DCA94GA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA94GA010.md): Beech 300/F · Front Royal, VA · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 1 · Final report · Oct 26, 1993 · N82 · Destroyed
  > the failure of the pilot-in-command to ensure that the airplane remained in visual meteorological conditions over mountainous terrain, and the failure of the Federal Aviation Administration executives and managers responsible for the FAA flying program to:…
- [NTSB NYC92FA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92FA153.md): Danny M Damron Long EZ · Front Royal, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 1992 · N90PD · Destroyed
  > The pilot's self induced pressure to complete the flight which resulted in intentional flight into IMC conditions, and a collision with trees. Factors related to the accident were the pilot's over confidence in his abilities, and the low clouds and fog which…
- [NTSB BFO92FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO92FA064.md): Beech 65 · Madison, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 16, 1992 · N30RR · Destroyed
  > The pilot initiated VFR flight into known adverse weather conditions. Contributing to the accident was low ceiling, high terrain, and low altitude.
- [NTSB NYC92GA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92GA092.md): Beech BE-200 · Roanoke, VA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · May 13, 1992 · N30721 · Substantial damage
  > A lightning strike which discharged through the right elevator.
- [NTSB NYC92FA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92FA078.md): Piper PA-28R-200 · Narrows, VA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 12, 1992 · N16540 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to attempt VFR flight into adverse weather conditions, and the subsequent loss of airplane control. Factors related to the accident were the pilot's lack of an instrument rating, and his disregard of forcasted adverse weather along the…
- [NTSB NYC92LA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92LA063.md): Cessna 150D · Moneta, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 20, 1992 · N4373U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing with a crosswind.
- [NTSB BFO91LA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO91LA063.md): Piper PA-23-250 · New Market, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 1991 · N63817 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate inflight decision that resulted in VFR flight into IMC.
- [NTSB BFO91FA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO91FA061.md): Mooney M20J · Waynesboro, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 1991 · N5809J · Destroyed
  > The pilots failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in overstress of the airplane. Contributing was VFR flight into IMC and thunderstorms.
- [NTSB BFO91LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO91LA028.md): Robinson R-22B · Garrisonville, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 4, 1991 · N2632Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the terrain. Contributing to the accident was VFR flight into IMC.
- [NTSB BFO91LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO91LA021.md): Cessna 152 · South Boston, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 27, 1990 · N48918 · Destroyed
  > The student pilot's delay in taking appropriate action while encountering adverse weather conditions. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the weather conditions that were worse than forecast, and the unsuitable terrain.
- [NTSB BFO90FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90FA073.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Richland, VA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 1990 · N885MA · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and failure to maintain proper clearance from high terrain. Darkness and the adverse weather conditions were related factors.
- [NTSB BFO90FA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90FA063.md): Beech P35 · Disputanta, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 1990 · N9726Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot's indequate inflight decision which resulted in flight into adverse weather condition. Contributing to the accident was thunderstorms and the pilot exceeding the design limits of the airplane.
- [NTSB BFO90FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90FA045.md): Cessna 210N · Shady Grove Cor, VA · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 10, 1990 · N6481N · Destroyed
  > VFR flight by the non-instument rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), his loss of aircraft control, due to spatial disorientation, and his exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft, while recovering from an uncontrolled…
- [NTSB BFO89LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89LA068.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Leesburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 1989 · N4325V · Substantial damage
  > Improper planning/decision by the pilot which resulted in his inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain proper alignment, while landing at night on a road. The weather conditions, dark night, and…
- [NTSB BFO89FA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89FA019.md): Beech V35TC · Roanoke, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 3, 1989 · N27FH · Destroyed
  > The pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB BFO89FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89FA012.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Meadows Of Dan, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 23, 1988 · N4194W · Destroyed
  > The pilot conducted VFR flight into IMC because of inadequate inflight planning/decision. The aircraft experienced inflight brakup when the pilot was unable to maintain flight within the design stress limits of the aircraft.
- [NTSB BFO89LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89LA011.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Port Royal, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 19, 1988 · N8215P · Substantial damage
  > The plt received a wx briefing which forecast IFR after 1800 EST. He departed dca in light drizzle conditions. Arpx 35 NM from dca, radar service was terminated and the plt attempted to contact ATC to no avail. He reported that near the brook VOR the VOR…
- [NTSB BFO88FA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO88FA085.md): Maule M-5-210C · Clarksville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 1988 · N325X · Destroyed
  > Inflight loss of control as a result of pilot disorientation when the pilot tried to conduct VFR flight into IMC. Low clouds, poor visibility, fog and poor decision are contributing factors.
- [NTSB BFO88LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO88LA071.md): Piper PA-22-150 · Harrisonburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 4, 1988 · N1665A · Substantial damage
  > The plt encountered clouds during a night VFR flight. He decided to make a precautionary lndg on what he thought was a lighted farm landing strip. However, he later learned the strip was actually a row of lighted turkey barns. According to the plt, as he made…
- [NTSB BFO88FA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO88FA031.md): Ryan Navion NA-4 · Fancy Gap, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 25, 1988 · N1598V · Destroyed
  > The pilot failed to maintain visual contact and clearance with rising terrain after VFR flight encountered IMC.
- [NTSB BFO88FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO88FA026.md): Cessna 210N · Quantico, VA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 1988 · N6401N · Destroyed
  > The acft was abt 25 mi south & inbound to dca when the plt rprtd an enctr with snowshwrs which were part of a cold front. He asked & was clrd to dscnd to 2500 ft so he could maint VMC. Radar data showed, the acft dscndd past 2500 ft to 1300 ft. abt 16 mi…
- [NTSB BFO88FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO88FA009.md): Cessna 182D · South Hill, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 30, 1987 · N8886X · Destroyed
  > The plt was on the third leg of a trip between tampa, FL and sussex, NJ. The previous two stops were made because of adverse wx conditions. Before this flight he was advised by fss that VFR flight was not recommended. He filed a VFR flight plan but did not…
- [NTSB BFO87FA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO87FA046.md): Grumman AA-5B · Abingdon, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 6, 1987 · N19SM · Destroyed
  > Fss advised the plt that VFR flight was not recommended due to obscured mountains along the flight route. There also were thundershowers west of the flight route. The plt said he had to leave to stay ahead of the thundershowers. He said that he would fly the…
- [NTSB ATL87LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA046.md): Boeing 737-300 · Dublin, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 23, 1986 · N369AU · Minor damage
  > While clbg to FL 350, usair flt 95 enctrd cont 'light chop,' so crew lvld at FL 310 & left the seat belt sign on. They inquired about turbc ahead & were adzd of rprtd lgt/mod chop & 1 enctr with svr turbc at FL260. Clnc was rcvd to dscnd to FL 240. Drg dscnt,…
- [NTSB BFO87FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO87FA009.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Danville, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 1986 · N43905 · Destroyed
  > The aircraft was observed flying around the airport as the weather deteriorated. The pilot had elected to depart at about 2345 EST after obtaining a weather briefing 6 & 1/2 hours before. The plt had a total of about 83 hours flying time and did not have any…
- [NTSB ATL86FA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86FA264.md): Bell 222UT · Galax, VA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 23, 1986 · N251CC · Destroyed
  > The helicopter was dispatched on an emerg med svc (ems/med-evac) flt to transport a patient with subcranial bleeding back to a hospital in winston-salem. Bfr takeoff, the plt received a wx briefing. At that time, widespread IMC prevailedthru-out the area &…
- [NTSB BFO86LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO86LA030.md): Short Brothers SD3-30 · Hopewell, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 21, 1986 · N331SB · No damage
  > The captain reported that moderate to severe turbulence was encountered while passing through some clouds. He called the flight attendant on the intercom and told her to sit down; while she was attempting to answer the intercom, an object from the galley area…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?state=VA&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" = 'VA' 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=VA

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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.
