# Final NTSB investigations, 2015

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 27 · 1,317 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN16LA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA079.md): Piper 28-140 · Republic, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 31, 2015 · N4643R · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power during cruise flight.
- [NTSB GAA16CA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA095.md): Piper PA 28-161 · Fort Worth, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 30, 2015 · N2135B · Substantial damage
  > An inadvertent collision with a bird while on downwind in the airport pattern.
- [NTSB CEN16LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA076.md): Beech 200 · Gary, IN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 2015 · N999VB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain the glidepath and appropriate airspeed during landing in icing conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a hard landing.
- [NTSB ANC16LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC16LA011.md): Cessna 172 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 29, 2015 · N914CP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's intentional flight into a building.
- [NTSB GAA16CA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA092.md): Piper PA 46 · Stevensville, MD · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 28, 2015 · N9083U · Substantial damage
  > The pilots failure to maintain glide path, descent rate and landing flare, in off shore wind conditions, resulting in a hard landing short of the runway.
- [NTSB GAA16CA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA091.md): Cessna 177 · Grass Valley, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 28, 2015 · N29533 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of directional control during the touchdown and the subsequent attempted aborted landing which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN16LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA069.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Watertown, WI · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 27, 2015 · N5PF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper in-flight fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to switch fuel tanks after the engine lost power, and his delayed decision to activate…
- [NTSB WPR16LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA043.md): Aerostar Acft Corp Of Texas M20F · Nogales, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 26, 2015 · N6811V · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s impact with a hillside shortly after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB GAA16CA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA096.md): Cessna 172 · Punta Gorda, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 26, 2015 · N4776E · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance while taxiing on the ramp, resulting in a collision with an object.
- [NTSB DCA16CA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA16CA052.md): Boeing 737 76N · San Diego, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 26, 2015 · N7733B · No damage
  > An inadvertent encounter with clear air turbulence.
- [NTSB GAA16CA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA089.md): Waco YMF · Fullerton, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 25, 2015 · N99Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
- [NTSB ERA16LA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA078.md): Piper PA-46 · Corinth, MS · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 2015 · N891CR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and his subsequent failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in an access door opening after takeoff, and the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB DCA16CA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA16CA053.md): Boeing 737 7H4 · Charlotte, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 23, 2015 · N475WN · No damage
  > An inadvertent encounter with clear air turbulence.
- [NTSB CEN16LA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA082.md): Beech V35B · Tahlequah, OK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 23, 2015 · N4523A · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power shortly after takeoff due to an inadequately tightened fuel line. Also causal was the pilot's failure to extend the landing gear once the airplane was in a position to safely land on the runway.
- [NTSB CEN16LA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA067.md): Hawker 400 · Telluride, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 23, 2015 · XA-MEX · Substantial damage
  > The limitations of the air traffic control equipment that prevented the controller's timely recognition of NOTAM information that was effective immediately and resulted in the issuance of an approach clearance to a closed runway. Also causal was the pilots'…
- [NTSB WPR16FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA042.md): Piper PA32R · Castro Valley, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 22, 2015 · N323PA · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering during an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB ERA16LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA077.md): Beech A36 · Myerstown, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 22, 2015 · N4314S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during climbout due to his distraction with raising the landing gear.
- [NTSB CEN16LA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA084.md): Schweizer 269C · Warrenton, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 22, 2015 · N292B · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions at night, which resulted in the loss of visual reference to the ground and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from trees.
- [NTSB GAA16CA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA102.md): Piper PA 18A · Girdwood, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 21, 2015 · N2791P · Substantial damage
  > Fuel contamination resulting in the loss of engine power, a forced landing on a highway, and subsequent right wing impact with highway signage.
- [NTSB GAA16CA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA099.md): Davis Michael J MD Special · Wallace, NC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 21, 2015 · N141MD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB GAA16CA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA088.md): Day William L Minicoupe · Middle River, MD · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 20, 2015 · N853WD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's incorrect installation of the rudder horn and failure to properly inspect the installation, which led to a loss of directional control during takeoff.
- [NTSB GAA16CA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA084.md): Piper PA22 · New Castle, PA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 20, 2015 · N5667Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and a nose over.
- [NTSB ERA16FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA075.md): Beech C24R · Winder, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 20, 2015 · N2074P · Destroyed
  > A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the examination of the wreckage did not reveal any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB WPR16FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA041.md): Piper PA 32RT-300T · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 2015 · N36402 · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct and continue the flight despite forecast and en route instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which were not conducive to safe operation under visual flight rules. Also causal to the accident was the…
- [NTSB GAA16CA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA090.md): Stinson 108 · Portales, NM · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 19, 2015 · N97411 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot receiving instruction's improper brake application during the flight instructor's aborted landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's decision to perform…
- [NTSB ERA16LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA076.md): Porrata Luis G Rans S 12XL · Guanica, PR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 2015 · N124LP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot/owner's failure to maintain the engine in accordance with manufacturer guidance, which resulted in the undetected corrosion of the power takeoff bearing, subsequent bearing failure, and a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB DCA16IA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA16IA036.md): Boeing 737 · Seattle, WA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 2015 · N477AS · No damage
  > the flight crew's misidentification of the taxiway as the landing runway.
- [NTSB CEN16LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA068.md): Cessna 182J · Baytown, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 2015 · N2694F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind conditions.
- [NTSB ERA16FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA074.md): Hinton Paul M RV 4 · Greenville, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 2015 · N77BP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to initiate the flight into known adverse weather conditions, in an airplane that was not approved for instrument flight, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and his subsequent spatial disorientation…
- [NTSB GAA16CA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA083.md): Grumman American Avn. AA-5A · Friendswood, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 17, 2015 · N9860U · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's loss of directional control during an aborted landing, which resulted in a collision with a tree and impact with the ground.
- [NTSB WPR16FA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA040.md): Airbus Helicopters AS350 · Superior, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 16, 2015 · N74317 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of helicopter control in mountainous terrain as the result of operating the helicopter outside the performance envelope of its hydraulic system and encountering the servo transparency phenomenon. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's…
- [NTSB ERA16LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA070.md): Cirrus Design SR20 · Charles Town, WV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 16, 2015 · N614CD · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's inadequate remedial action and the student pilot's failure to maintain yaw control while practicing a stall, which resulted in an unintentional spin.
- [NTSB ANC16LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC16LA010.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Valdez, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 16, 2015 · N255VS · Substantial damage
  > The overhaul facility’s improper and excessive use of an approved lubricant during overhaul of the fuel injection servo, which resulted in a disruption of fuel flow and a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA16LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA071.md): Piper PA-32 · Brunswick, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 2015 · N8675N · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel's failure to properly torque a No. 4 cylinder hold-down nut during engine overhaul, which resulted in the loosening of the nut and the subsequent failure of the studs and through bolts and separation of the cylinder.
- [NTSB DCA16LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA16LA032.md): Boeing 737 3H4 · Nashville, TN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 2015 · N649SW · Substantial damage
  > the flight crew's early turn towards the assigned gate because taxiway lighting had been inadvertently turned off by the controller-in-charge which resulted in the airplane leaving the paved surface. Contributing to the accident was the operation of the…
- [NTSB WPR16LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA039.md): Mooney M20E · Corona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 14, 2015 · N5863Q · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined based on available information. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to conduct the takeoff with observed engine deficiencies.
- [NTSB GAA16CA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA082.md): Aeronca 7BCM · Reidsville, NC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 13, 2015 · N1316V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of pitch control while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a collision with terrain, a left main landing gear collapse, and runway excursion.
- [NTSB GAA16CA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA080.md): Aviat A1 · Broadus, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 13, 2015 · N29712 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wires while flying at a low altitude resulting in a wire strike, a loss of airplane control, and the consequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA16CA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA079.md): Mcmichael Elmer L Lancair 360 · Rimrock, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 13, 2015 · N113LM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and a left main landing gear collapse.
- [NTSB ERA16LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA073.md): Cessna 310 · Kennesaw, GA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 13, 2015 · N7675Q · Substantial damage
  > Inadequate inspection and rigging of the landing gear system, which resulted in the subsequent failure and collapse of the left main landing gear during landing.
- [NTSB ERA16LA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA067.md): Golden Circle Air T Bird II · Lenoir, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 13, 2015 · N92744 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and a coordinated turn in the traffic pattern, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and entering an aerodynamic stall and spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to…
- [NTSB GAA16LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16LA087.md): Piper PA 31 · Clearwater, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 12, 2015 · N27405 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to extend the landing gear before landing.
- [NTSB GAA16CA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA085.md): Kelm David Kitfox 7 · Tracy, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 12, 2015 · N35KF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing, which resulted in a hard landing, runway excursion and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA16LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA068.md): Mccorkle Robert B Rans S-12 Airaile · Benton, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 12, 2015 · N6202N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the initial climb, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall/spin.
- [NTSB ERA16LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA066.md): Raytheon A36 · Fayetteville, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 12, 2015 · N3241N · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel's application of an unapproved sealant to the engine case halves during engine overhaul, contrary to manufacturer's instructions, which resulted in lubrication restriction due to a bearing shift and the subsequent internal failure of the…
- [NTSB ERA16LA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA065.md): Dehavilland Tiger Moth DH 82A · Modena, NY · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 12, 2015 · N9410 · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to a stuck No. 1 cylinder exhaust valve.
- [NTSB DCA16CA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA16CA050.md): Boeing 777 223 · Buenos Aires, Argentina · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 12, 2015 · N784AN · No damage
  > an inadvertant encounter with convective turbulence.
- [NTSB WPR16FA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA037.md): Bell 407 · McFarland, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 11, 2015 · N408FC · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control and collision with terrain while attempting a course reversal after inadvertently entering an area of reduced visibility weather conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent experience with night time…
- [NTSB GAA16CA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA077.md): Piper PA 28 · California, MD · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 11, 2015 · N432FL · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's descent below the prescribed final approach path at night, and flight instructor's failure to correct the student pilot's descent, which resulted in a collision with trees and impact with the ground.
- [NTSB ERA16FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA064.md): Beech A36 · Farmington, PA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 11, 2015 · N72054 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after a cabin door came open in flight, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's misuse of…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?status=final&year=2015&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") = 2015
  AND c."completionStatus" = 'Completed'
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?status=final&year=2015

---
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.