# NTSB investigations, 2002: 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 · 85 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB ATL03LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA028.md): Cessna 172F · Stuart, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 31, 2002 · N5338R · Substantial damage > The pilot's inflight encounter with wind shear on final approach, which resulted in an inflight loss of control and subequent uncontrolled descent into trees. - [NTSB SEA03LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA019.md): Eurocopter Deutschland EC-135 P1 · Loon Lake, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 2002 · N311MS · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) while in cruise flight, and an excessive descent rate. Factors include falling snow, whiteout conditions and dark night conditions. - [NTSB LAX03FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA051.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Anaheim Hills, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 16, 2002 · N6268P · Destroyed > the pilot's encounter with forecast severe turbulence during an inadvertent penetration of an intense weather cell, which resulted in the pilot exceeding the design structural limits of the airplane. A factor in the accident was the pilot's inadequate… - [NTSB MIA03LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03LA029.md): Piper PA-28-150 · Cashiers, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 14, 2002 · N5899W · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate in-flight decision by which he conducted visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were a low ceiling and mountainous terrain. - [NTSB FTW03FA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA057.md): Cessna 210L · Harrison, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 4, 2002 · N210CT · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft and the exceedance of the manufactured limits, which resulted in an in flight break-up. Contributing factors were the dark night conditions and the clouds. - [NTSB FTW03LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA056.md): Cessna 172M · Vici, OK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 3, 2002 · N4470R · Substantial damage > The pilot's departure and continued flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors were the icing conditions, and the lack of suitable terrain for the precautionary landing. - [NTSB DEN03LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA019.md): Cameron Balloons O-70 · Montrose, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 30, 2002 · N5303Z · No damage > the unforecasted increase in wind velocity. A contributing factor was the fence that the basket struck, subsequently spilling the occupants onto the ground. - [NTSB SEA03FA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03FA013.md): Cessna 172P · Malaga, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 26, 2002 · N65564 · Destroyed > The pilot's attempted VFR flight into IMC resulting in the aircraft colliding with trees and up sloping terrain. Contributing factors were clouds, trees, and uphill terrain. The pilot’s performance and judgment were likely impaired by the effects of… - [NTSB FTW03LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA049.md): Girard RV-4 · Homer, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 2002 · N5246 · Destroyed > The pilot's VFR flight into IMC conditions and his failure to obtain/maintain altitude/clearance from trees during the initial climb after takeoff. Contributing factors were fog and trees. - [NTSB FTW03FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA048.md): Beech A36 · Salem, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 2002 · N367T · Destroyed > The pilot's inadequate inflight planning/decision to continue flight from visual to instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from terrain while in cruise flight. A low ceiling, obscuration, mountainous terrain… - [NTSB NYC03FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03FA024.md): Socata TB-20 · Massena, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 20, 2002 · N57TB · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in a stall. Factors in this accident were the icing conditions, deteriorated airplane performance due to ice accumulation, and control interference by the passenger as reported by the pilot. - [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 NYC03FA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03FA022.md): Cessna 182D · NewPhiladelphia, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 2002 · N9964T · Destroyed > The pilot's improper decision to disregard the weather briefing, and to conduct an intentional flight into known icing conditions, with an airplane not equipped for that flight, and his failure to maintain airspeed. Factors were the clouds and icing… - [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 ATL03LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA014.md): McDonnell Douglas MD-82 · Orlando, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 2002 · N479AA · No damage > The airplane's inflight encounter with turbulence that resulted in injuries to the number two flight attendant. - [NTSB FTW03FA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA029.md): Cirrus Design SR20 · Las Vegas, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 3, 2002 · N566T · Destroyed > The pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain clearance with the terrain. A contributing factor was the pilot's failure to obtain an updated preflight weather briefing. - [NTSB FTW03LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA030.md): Cessna 172G · Fort Stockton, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 1, 2002 · N6072R · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to conduct VFR flight into IMC and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the dark night, clouds, fog, and the lack of suitable terrain. - [NTSB NYC03FA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03FA015.md): Cessna 182S · Accident, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 31, 2002 · N7099L · Substantial damage > The pilots improper in-flight decision to continue flight into known adverse weather conditions. A factor related to the accident was the icing conditions. - [NTSB ATL03LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA011.md): Piper PA-28R-200 · Laurel Bloomery, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 31, 2002 · N15704 · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain, which resulted in an inflight collision with mountainous terrain. Factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and failure to obtain weather information, which resulted in an inflight encounter… - [NTSB ATL03FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03FA010.md): Cessna R182 · Greensboro, NC · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 25, 2002 · N4629S · Destroyed > The pilot experienced spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of control and the subsequent collision with the ground. Factors were low ceilings and fog. - [NTSB FTW03FA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA016.md): Piper PA-32-301 · Paron, AR · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 20, 2002 · N4353Y · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from terrain. Contributing factors were the low ceiling, the pilot's decision to fly in known adverse weather conditions, and his lack of an instrument rating. - [NTSB ANC03LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA003.md): Maule M-7-235 · Wrangell, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 2002 · N5662S · Destroyed > The pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, his continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from terrain/water, which resulted in a collision with water while maneuvering. Factors… - [NTSB CHI03LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA008.md): Cessna 175B · Lake Elmo, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 14, 2002 · N8161T · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors to the accident included the gusting wind conditions and the encountered windshear, which resulted in the inadvertent stall at a low altitude and subsequent in-flight collision with the transmission… - [NTSB FTW03LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA011.md): Brantly Helicopter B-2B · Vinson, OK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 12, 2002 · N9008H · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions during cruise resulting in his failure to maintain control of the helicopter, and his failure to maintain rotor rpm. Contributing factors relating to the accident included the frontal activity… - [NTSB MIA02FA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA02FA173.md): Piper PA-32R-301T · Yeehaw Junction, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 2002 · N106JG · Destroyed > the pilot's continued flight into known severe weather, resulting in an in-flight separation of the right wing, vertical stabilizer and the stabilator. Factors in this accident were heavy thunderstorm, and failure of the FAA controllers to provide the pilot… - [NTSB ATL02LA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL02LA170.md): Mikoyan Gurevich Mig-15 · Whiteville, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 2002 · N151MG · Destroyed > The pilot continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and experienced spatial disorientation which resulted in a loss of control and the subsequent collision with the ground. - [NTSB NYC02LA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC02LA193.md): I.C.A. Brasov IS-28-B2 · Blairstown, NJ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 12, 2002 · N8216Q · Substantial damage > The second pilot's improper in-flight decision to perform a release from the towplane, which did not allow for successful completion of the flight. A factor was the downdrafts. - [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 DEN02GA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN02GA102.md): Cessna A185F · Howard, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Sep 4, 2002 · N24GS · Destroyed > the pilot's failure to maintain clearance of the terrain. Contributing factors were the clear air turbulent weather condition, and the high density altitude condition. - [NTSB ATL02FA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL02FA162.md): American General AA-5B · Zephyrhills, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 2002 · N81189 · Destroyed > The pilots continued visual flight into instrument conditions (fog), and subsequent collision with a tree and a residence. - [NTSB ANC02LA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC02LA110.md): Cessna 185 · Port Alsworth, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 2002 · N185CF · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the area weather conditions, and his subsequent inability to maintain terrain clearance upon encountering a downdraft, which resulted in an in-flight collision with tree-covered mountainous terrain. A factor in the… - [NTSB NYC02LA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC02LA167.md): Piper PA32-300 · Chatham, MA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2002 · N20787 · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper in-flight decision to continue the landing after losing visual contact with the runway, which resulted in his failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, and the subsequent overrun. Factors in this accident were the clouds and low… - [NTSB FTW02LA237](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02LA237.md): Schweizer SGS 1-26B · Hobbs, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 15, 2002 · N696U · Substantial damage > the pilot's inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions which resulted in the loss of thermal lift. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. - [NTSB IAD02FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD02FA075.md): Beech S-35 · Clear Spring, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 2002 · N5761K · Destroyed > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with rising terrain. Factors included dense fog and mountainous terrain. - [NTSB CHI02LA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02LA212.md): Grumman G-164 · Central City, NE · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 2002 · N5296 · Substantial damage > The pilot was not able to maintain clearance with the trees when the airplane encountered a downdraft at a low altitude. An additional cause was the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the approaching weather conditions. Factors associated with the accident were… - [NTSB ATL02LA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL02LA144.md): Piper PA-32RT-300 · Atlantic Ocean, Bahamas · Accident · 5 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 2002 · N9738C · Destroyed > The pilot continued VFR flight into IMC and thunderstorm conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control of the airplane. - [NTSB NYC02FA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC02FA142.md): Beech C24R · Grindstone, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 2002 · N18860 · Destroyed > The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision resulting in flight into adverse weather, and his failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in overstress of aircraft. A factor was the thunderstorm activity. - [NTSB FTW02CA206](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02CA206.md): Aero Commander Callair A-9B · El Paso, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 13, 2002 · N7791V · Substantial damage > the loss of control due to the encounter with the dust devil. - [NTSB DEN02LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN02LA075.md): American General AA5B · Worland, WY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 13, 2002 · N28717 · Destroyed > the pilot's selection of an inadequate altitude for crossing mountainous terrain, resulting in a collision with trees. A contributing factor was the downdraft. - [NTSB ANC02LA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC02LA067.md): Piper PA-18 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 2002 · N1129A · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, which resulted in a turbulence encounter and subsequent collision with a river embankment during maneuvering flight. A contributing factor was the presence of terrain induced turbulence. - [NTSB FTW02FA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02FA192.md): Piper PA-24-260 · Gorman, TX · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 2002 · N8681P · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of control and the exceedence of the design limits of the airplane which resulted in an in-flight break-up. A factor was inadvertent VFR flight into IMC. - [NTSB SEA02LA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA02LA162.md): Infinity Powered Parachute · Lewistown, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 2002 · UNREG · Substantial damage > Inadequate preflight planning and inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions. High wind conditions was a factor in the accident. - [NTSB ANC02FA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC02FA057.md): Hughes OH-6A · Central, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 2002 · N345SD · Destroyed > The pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were the snow and whiteout weather conditions. - [NTSB SEA02LA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA02LA101.md): Cessna 182Q · Yellow Pine, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2002 · N4725N · Substantial damage > Compensation for wind conditions inadequate during the approach for landing. A downdraft was a factor. - [NTSB MIA02FA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA02FA111.md): Piper PA-46-310P · Osteen, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2002 · N9143B · Destroyed > the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation and his failure to maintain control of the airplane after entering an area of thunderstorms resulting in an in-flight separation of the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer and impact with the ground during an… - [NTSB DEN02TA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN02TA052.md): Beech 58P · Grand Junction, CO · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jun 10, 2002 · N123Z · Substantial damage > the pilot's inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions. A factor contributing to the accident was the terrain-induced turbulence. - [NTSB FTW02LA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW02LA177.md): Bell 47G-3B-1 · Nederland, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 2002 · N999DW · Substantial damage > the pilot's inadvertent in-flight encounter with severe turbulence, which resulted in main rotor-tailboom contact and the separation of the tailrotor drive shaft. - [NTSB DEN02LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN02LA049.md): Piper PA-28R-201 · Beaver, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 1, 2002 · N171M · Substantial damage > the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain on which to make a forced landing. Contributing factors were mountain waves (wind shear) and crosswind. - [NTSB ANC02FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC02FA042.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 1, 2002 · N6969H · Substantial damage > The pilot's selection of a fuel tank that did not contain a usable quantity of fuel. Factors associated with the accident are the dirt berm, meteorological conditions conducive to carburetor icing, and carburetor ice. - [NTSB NYC02FA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC02FA106.md): Cessna A185F · Pleasant Mount, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 30, 2002 · N1577B · Destroyed > The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision resulting in flight into adverse weather, and his failure to maintain aircraft control, resulting in overstress of the aircraft. A factor was the thunderstorm activity. Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?year=2002&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") = 2002 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=2002 --- 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.