# NTSB investigations, 1997: 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 · 94 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB FTW98LA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA078.md): Beech 35 · Springdale, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 28, 1997 · N2815V · Substantial damage
  > The fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to refuel and his inadequate pre-flight planning. Factors were the pilot's disorientation due to instrument meteorological conditions. Another factor, was the lack of suitable terrain for the pilot to execute a…
- [NTSB DCA98MA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA98MA015.md): Boeing 747-122 · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean) · Accident · 1 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Dec 28, 1997 · N4723U · Minor damage
  > The pilot-in-command's inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions, and the difficulty of obtaining adequate weather forecasts of over-ocean turbulence. Factors contributing to the accident include the presence of clear air turbulence, and the failure…
- [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 NYC98FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98FA041.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Pittsville, MD · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 12, 1997 · N3448W · Destroyed
  > the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his resultant improper planning/decision and flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude while flying over wooded terrain. Factors…
- [NTSB LAX98LA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA057.md): Saab-Scania 340B · Ventura, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 11, 1997 · N329AE · No damage
  > Seat belt not used. A related factor was the unforecasted severe air turbulence.
- [NTSB NYC98LA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA038.md): Cessna TR182 · Owenton, KY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 9, 1997 · N4701S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight/inflight decision and VFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing was a low ceiling.
- [NTSB CHI98LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA059.md): Bellanca 17-30 · Independence, KS · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 8, 1997 · N4854V · Destroyed
  > the pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather. Contributing factors were low ceilings, fog, and the guy wire.
- [NTSB LAX98FA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA052.md): Cessna 172N · Lytle Creek, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 7, 1997 · N3548E · Destroyed
  > the non-instrument rated pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and subsequent loss of aircraft control, due to spatial disorientation. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions (low ceiling…
- [NTSB MIA98FA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98FA040.md): Commander 114B · Cross City, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 30, 1997 · N302RS · Destroyed
  > VFR flight by the noninstrument-rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft, due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with the terrain (tree,…
- [NTSB IAD98FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98FA012.md): Cessna 182A · New Dover, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 24, 1997 · N6068B · Destroyed
  > The pilot's attempted VFR flight into instrument conditions and the loss of aircraft ctontrol subsequent to the pilot's spatial disorientation. Contributing factors were low ceilings, snow and the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing, as…
- [NTSB ATL98LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA013.md): Cessna 182P · Opa Locka, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 22, 1997 · N45834 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions, and failure to maintain clearance above the ground while attempting a VFR approach to an airport with low clouds. The low clouds (ceiling) and condition of light at dusk were related factors.
- [NTSB MIA98LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA033.md): Mooney M20C · Sparta, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 1997 · N78952 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight and inflight decision and his inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors are self induced pressure, mountainous terrain, and low clouds.
- [NTSB LAX98FA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA039.md): Mooney M20 · Big Bear, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 1997 · N5231B · Destroyed
  > VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (VMC), which led to spatial disorientation, loss of aircraft control, and an uncontrolled descent into terrain. Related factors were: the adverse weather conditions, the pilot's lack of…
- [NTSB CHI98LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA036.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Willmar, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 13, 1997 · N8886J · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper planning/decision, his continued flight into known adverse weather, and subsequent fuel exhaustion, which resulted in loss of engine power, and a forced landing. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, the…
- [NTSB CHI98LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA034.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Ulysses, KS · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 12, 1997 · N9404W · Destroyed
  > the pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions, his failure to activate the pitot heat system, and his failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Factors associated with this accident were: the pilot did not obtain a preflight weather…
- [NTSB ATL98FA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98FA007.md): Champion 7ECA · Hamilton, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 1997 · N9556S · Substantial damage
  > VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from mountainous terrain. Related factors were: darkness, adverse weather conditions, and the pilot's self induced pressure…
- [NTSB CHI98FA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98FA031.md): Piper PA-34-200T · Lynn, IN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 2, 1997 · N79TH · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in the inflight separation of the wings, vertical stabilizer/rudder, and the stabilator. Factors associated with the accident the pilot continued the flight into known adverse weather and…
- [NTSB MIA98LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA017.md): de Havilland DH-8-201 · Jacksonville, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 1, 1997 · N988HA · No damage
  > The passengers failure to secure her seatbelt as directed by the flight crew (seatbelt sign illuminated) on initial takeoff climb resulting in her ejection from her seat during an encounter with turbulence.
- [NTSB ANC98FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98FA006.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Juneau, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 23, 1997 · N30505 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather. Related factors were the low ceilings, mountainous terrain, and self induced pressure by the pilot to complete the flight and return for the evening.
- [NTSB SEA98FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98FA001.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Leadore, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 1997 · N2938B · Destroyed
  > the pilot's inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from wooded terrain in the area where he was maneuvering. Factors relating to the accident include: darkness, low ceiling, and high/mountainous…
- [NTSB LAX98FA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA007.md): Schweizer 2-32 · Warner Springs, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 1997 · N242DB · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions after inadvertently encountering mountain wave and associated downdraft conditions. The obscuration and high/mountainous terrain were related factors.
- [NTSB LAX98FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA006.md): Cessna 152 · Julian, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 1997 · N67293 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning which resulted in VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and the loss of aircraft control. Contributing was the pilot's overconfidence in his ability, clouds, and rain.
- [NTSB CHI98LA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA016.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Williston, ND · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 1997 · N9691P · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, and his selection of an unsuitable area for landing. The adverse weather condition (low ceiling) and submerged object were related factors.
- [NTSB DCA98MA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA98MA002.md): Cessna 208B · Montrose, CO · Accident · 9 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 1997 · N12022 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed for undetermined reasons while maneuvering the airplane near the maximum gross weight and aft cg in or near instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in the loss of control and entry into a stall/spin.…
- [NTSB MIA98LA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA002.md): McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82 · Cross City, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 2, 1997 · N33502 · No damage
  > The in-flight encounter with turbulence associated with a nearby level 6 thunderstorm with moderate rain while deviating.
- [NTSB NYC97LA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA187.md): Airbus Industrie A-300 · Long Island, NY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 1997 · N14077 · No damage
  > An in-flight encounter with clear air turbulence and the passenger's failure to comply with the fasten seatbelt sign.
- [NTSB LAX97FA331](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA331.md): Cessna 172K · Sandy Valley, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 1997 · N84621 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's intentional VFR flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from mountainous/hilly terrain. Related factors were: the high/mountainous/hilly terrain, and the adverse weather condition (low…
- [NTSB FTW97LA358](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA358.md): Mooney M20C · Pettigrew, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 20, 1997 · N7045V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper in-flight decision. Factors were the prevailing low ceilings, the inaccurate flight and navigation instruments as result of the failure of the engine accessories vacuum pump and the lack of suitable terrain for the pilot to execute the…
- [NTSB NYC97LA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA183.md): Cessna 402C · Nantucket, MA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 1997 · N6879Y · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's delayed decision to perform a go-around (missed approach). Related factors were: darkness, low ceiling, fog, and disorientation of the flight crew, while making the approach in conditions of limited visibility.
- [NTSB MIA97FA249](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97FA249.md): Cessna 177RG · Sebring, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 1997 · N2562V · Destroyed
  > continued flight by the pilot into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent until impact in a lake. The adverse weather condition (thunderstorm) was a related factor.
- [NTSB CHI97LA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA292.md): Boeing 747-422 · Grand Forks, ND · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 1997 · N175UA · No damage
  > The flight attendant's seat belt was not secured. A factor was turbulence in the clouds.
- [NTSB ANC97LA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA160.md): Piper PA-11 · Gulkana, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 1997 · N4116D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control after touchdown. A factor associated with the accident was the gusty wind conditions.
- [NTSB CHI97FA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA283.md): Cessna 177B · Crump, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 1997 · N34142 · Destroyed
  > Continued flight by the non-instrument rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and her failure to maintain control of the airplane, due to spatial disorientation. Related factors were the low ceiling, and the pilot's lack of instrument…
- [NTSB ANC97LA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA134.md): Cessna 207A · Bethel, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 1997 · N7318U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions. Factors in the accident were a downdraft, crosswind conditions, and rough/uneven terrain.
- [NTSB ANC97GA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97GA126.md): Bell BH-206B · Dillingham, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Aug 21, 1997 · N18FH · Destroyed
  > The pilot's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Factors associated with the accident are the pilot's failure to activate the cabin heating system, the lack of an operable windshield defogger, the pilot's overconfidence in…
- [NTSB FTW97LA310](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA310.md): Waco KNF · Wamsutter, WY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 15, 1997 · NC698N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the precautionary landing. A factor was a wind gust.
- [NTSB ANC97FA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97FA121.md): Cessna U206G · Halibut Cove, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1997 · N756AD · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper evaluation of the weather conditions which led the pilot to maneuver within the confines of the lake to avoid surrounding terrain and a subsequent inadvertent stall. Factors were the terrain-induced turbulence and gusts.
- [NTSB ANC97LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA117.md): Piper PA-18 · Farewell, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 1997 · N1606A · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate control of the airplane resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush at low altitude. Factors to the accident were the pilot's low altitude flight maneuver and the gusty winds.
- [NTSB FTW97FA295](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA295.md): Lancair 320 · Dillon, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 31, 1997 · N360GB · Destroyed
  > the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) conditions, and failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: low ceiling, rain, and…
- [NTSB FTW97FA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA292.md): Beech F35 · Richards, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 1997 · N3835B · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather and the loss of aircraft control which resulted in the aircraft exceeding its design stress limits. Factors were the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing and the adverse weather.
- [NTSB FTW97FA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA286.md): Durbin Glasair R · Chama, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 1997 · N57JD · Substantial damage
  > flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude and/or clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the low ceiling, rain, fog, and high/mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB NYC97LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA155.md): McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean) · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 1997 · N831LA · No damage
  > Failure of the aft flight attendant to secure her seat belt. Related factors were turbulence in clouds, and the flight attendant not receiving the crew briefing.
- [NTSB ANC97LA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA109.md): Cessna 208 · Naknek, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 1997 · N9481F · Substantial damage
  > The pilots decision to continue the landing into adverse weather conditions and failure to maintain runway alignmet. A factor was the rain shower which resulted in reduced forward visibility.
- [NTSB ANC97LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA108.md): Goode Avid Flyer MK-IV · Nikiski, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 1997 · N4356H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors were the sudden windshift, and the pilot's lack of seaplane certification.
- [NTSB MIA97LA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97LA211.md): Schweizer SGS-1-26B · Eustis, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 1997 · N9927J · Destroyed
  > an in-flight separation of the right wing, and subsequent impact with trees. Factors in this accident were thermal lift and turbulence in clouds.
- [NTSB FTW97IA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97IA261.md): Boeing 757-223 · Dickinson, ND · Incident · Minor injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 1997 · N660AM · Minor damage
  > an encounter with unforecast convection induced turbulence (CIT). Related factors were: the flight crew's improper evaluation of the weather, and an inaccurate preflight weather briefing by company weather personnel.
- [NTSB LAX97LA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA236.md): Grumman American AA-5B · Susanville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 9, 1997 · N28299 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadvertent encounter with unfavorable weather conditions during the landing, and his failure to maintain runway alignment. The sudden onset of crosswind gusts beyond the capability of the aircraft was a related factor.
- [NTSB NYC97FA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97FA139.md): Grumman American AA-5B · Jones Beach, NY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 1997 · N28535 · Destroyed
  > VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain (water). Related factors were: the adverse weather…
- [NTSB ANC97LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA100.md): Piper PA-18-160 · Cantwell, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 1997 · N3952Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear terrain. Factors were exceeding the airplane's maximum allowable gross weight, and downdrafts and turbulence associated with wind flowing across a mountain ridge.
- [NTSB IAD97FA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97FA095.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Penobscot, ME · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 3, 1997 · N3896T · Destroyed
  > The pilot's flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in the loss of control. Factors relating to the accident were the fog and the pilot's lack of an instrument rating.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?year=1997&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 year(c."eventDate") = 1997
  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&year=1997

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