# NTSB investigations, 2002

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 40 · 2,000 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB NYC03LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA034.md): Socata TB 9 · Mount Union, PA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 31, 2002 · N136ER · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff. A factor was the soft runway.
- [NTSB FTW03LA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA072.md): Bell 206-L4 · High Island 471 · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 31, 2002 · N177AL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's attempt to takeoff during known adverse weather conditions and failure to maintain control of the helicopter while maneuvering. Contributing factors were the gusty and high wind conditions.
- [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 ATL03FA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03FA030.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Austell, GA · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 31, 2002 · N5118G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight planning/decision that resulted in fuel exhaustion, and subsequent loss of engine power.
- [NTSB NYC03LA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA047.md): Piper PA-18A 150 · Blairstown, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 2002 · N6780B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
- [NTSB LAX03LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA056.md): Nicholson Lancair 320 · Corona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 2002 · N364M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot/builder's improper maintenance procedure for reattaching a high-pressure oil line, which resulted in the oil line disconnecting during flight, followed by a loss of oil and engine seizure.
- [NTSB FTW03LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA070.md): Cessna T207 · Brownsville, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 2002 · N1599U · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to the separation of the crankshaft. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB DEN03FA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03FA028.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Steamboat Spgs, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 29, 2002 · N7989C · Destroyed
  > the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision making resulting in insufficient altitude to fly over the mountain, and the subsequent inadvertent stall/mush into tree covered mountainous terrain. Contributing factors were the tail wind and high density…
- [NTSB LAX03LA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA055.md): Lipscomb Lancair 235 · Payson, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 28, 2002 · N777KL · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during an aborted landing that resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. A contributing factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane.
- [NTSB FTW03LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA068.md): Barber Glasair · Conroe, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 28, 2002 · N3885J · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall and a subsequent loss of control.
- [NTSB FTW03FA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA067.md): Beech F-35 · Addison, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 28, 2002 · N3367C · Destroyed
  > The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply by his failure to switch fuel tank positions which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB DEN03LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA029.md): Beech F33A · Durango, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 28, 2002 · N1592W · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to extend the landing gear. A contributing factor is the pilot's failure to follow the checklist.
- [NTSB ANC03LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA021.md): de Havilland DHC-3 · Nikolai, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 28, 2002 · N3904 · Substantial damage
  > An improper and undocumented major repair of the elevator torque tube support assembly by an unknown person, which resulted in an in-flight disconnection of the airplane's right elevator, and a jammed rudder. A factor associated with the accident is the…
- [NTSB MIA03WA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03WA052.md): Cessna 208B · San Pedro, Belize · Accident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Dec 27, 2002 · V3-HGH · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ATL03LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA027.md): Cessna 182S · Nashville, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 27, 2002 · N416ES · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain visual lookout and his inattentiveness during taxi that resulted in an on ground collision with an embankment. A factor was the fog.
- [NTSB WAS03WA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WAS03WA005.md): Cessna 404 · Windhoek, Namibia · Accident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Dec 26, 2002 · V5-WAA · Substantial damage
- [NTSB NYC03LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA033.md): MBB BK 117 A-4 · Albany, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 26, 2002 · N951AM · Substantial damage
  > The inadvertent encounter with a downdraft during engine start, which flexed the main rotor blades and subsequently damaged the tail boom assembly. A factor related to the accident was the failure of the operator to comply with a service bulletin.
- [NTSB NYC03LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA032.md): Cessna 172S · Akron, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 26, 2002 · N782SP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB MIA03CA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03CA037.md): Piper PA-30 · Tallahassee, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 26, 2002 · N752CF · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper start procedure which resulted in an unintentional engine start, and unoccupied aircraft collision with hangar structure.
- [NTSB DEN03LA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA026.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Spanish Fork, UT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 26, 2002 · N75337 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation and his in-flight decision/planning resulting in fuel exhaustion. A contributing factor was the rough, frozen terrain at the landing site.
- [NTSB MIA03FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03FA034.md): Cessna 208B · Manteo, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 25, 2002 · N1122Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued descent below the minimum descent altitude, for undetermined reasons, while performing a NDB approach, resulting in the airplane crashing into water 1.5 miles from the airport. A factor in the accident was a cloud ceiling below the…
- [NTSB DEN03FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03FA025.md): Cessna 421 · Akron, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 25, 2002 · N421D · Destroyed
  > The fractured connecting rods and the pilot not maintaining aircraft control following the engine failure. Factors contributing to the accident were the low altitude, the pilot not maintaining minimum controllable airspeed following the engine failure, the…
- [NTSB ATL03LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA031.md): Beech F-35 · Hollywood, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 25, 2002 · N4268B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot exceeded the design limits of the airplane which resulted in an in flight structural failure.
- [NTSB SEA03LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA021.md): Hughes 369D · Boise, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 2002 · N8366F · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the operator's maintenance personnel to properly rig the left/right seat twistgrip throttles to the engine fuel control, the pilot in command's failure to adhere to the rotorcraft flight manual, and the check pilot's premature flare during the…
- [NTSB FTW03FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA064.md): Beech BE-58 · Egypt, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 2002 · N5TV · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadvertent flight into severe icing conditions. A contributing factor was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning.
- [NTSB CHI03LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA075.md): Cessna 172S · Tea, SD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 2002 · N692SP · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's improper flare. The pilot's lack of experience and diverted attention were factors.
- [NTSB SEA03LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA020.md): Grumman American AA-1 · Chehalis, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 23, 2002 · N5985L · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power, for undetermined reasons, while the aircraft was on a VFR final approach. No suitable terrain for landing and water were factors.
- [NTSB LAX03FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA054.md): Robinson R22 Beta · Dolan Springs, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 23, 2002 · N888KB · Destroyed
  > the pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from power lines. A factor was the pilot's decision to conduct cruise flight at a low altitude.
- [NTSB FTW03LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA074.md): Cessna 170A · West Helena, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 22, 2002 · N1392D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A contributing factor was the deflated tire.
- [NTSB FTW03LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA066.md): Hughes 369E · Fritch, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 22, 2002 · N5234Y · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to the failure of the generator input drive-end bearing, which resulted in excessive vibrations that induced a fatigue fracture of the Pc line leading to the engine fuel control unit. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable…
- [NTSB CHI03LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA043.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Carleton, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 22, 2002 · N8555W · Substantial damage
  > The #2 cylinder exhaust valve failed due to undetermined reasons. A factor associated with the accident was the soft terrain encountered during the forced landing.
- [NTSB ATL03LA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA026.md): Preceptor Ultra pup · Smithville, TN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 22, 2002 · N5178D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight fuel planning of fuel resulted in fuel starvation, the total loss of engine power and the subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB LAX03LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA053.md): Cessna 172N · Pacoima, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 2002 · N733AM · Substantial damage
  > the student pilot's excessive use of the elevator control that resulted in an inadvertent lift-off and his failure to maintain/attain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall and hard landing.
- [NTSB IAD03FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD03FA024.md): Piper PA-32R-301T · Woodbury, CT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 2002 · N8168G · Destroyed
  > An engine fire for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the pilot's loss of control, and the airplane's subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB FTW03LA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA065.md): Beech BE-35 · Denver City, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 2002 · N9096Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the prevailing wind conditions. A contributing factor was the crosswind.
- [NTSB ATL03FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03FA025.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Macon, GA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 2002 · N47420 · Destroyed
  > The loss of engine power due to oil starvation.
- [NTSB SEA03WA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03WA030.md): Lancair IV · Geelong, Australia · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Dec 20, 2002 · VH-CIV · Destroyed
- [NTSB FTW03LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA062.md): Cessna 195 · Wink, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 20, 2002 · N195SR · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the main landing gear axle bolt from the landing gear assembly.
- [NTSB FTW03LA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA061.md): Creekmore Team Rocket F-1 · Rosenberg, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 20, 2002 · N140TC · Destroyed
  > The in-flight separation of the vertical stabilizer as a result of the builder's failure to install the upper attachment fitting for the vertical fin aft spar.
- [NTSB CHI03LA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA044.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Osage Beach, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 20, 2002 · N3236Y · Substantial damage
  > Fuel Starvation due to the failure of the mechanical fuel pump and the inoperable electric fuel pump caused by the electrical system failure. Factors were the unsuitable terrain and the trees.
- [NTSB MIA03WA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03WA032.md): Piper PA-46-500TP · Badearic Island, Spain · Accident · 3 fatal · Foreign investigation · Dec 19, 2002 · N53328 · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC03LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA019.md): Swearingen SA-226T · Soldotna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 2002 · N55ZP · Substantial damage
  > The flightcrew's selection of an unsuitable landing area, which resulted in a loss of directional control and an on ground encounter with terrain. A factor associated with the accident was a snow-covered, unplowed runway.
- [NTSB ANC03GA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03GA020.md): Aviat A-1B · King Salmon, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Dec 19, 2002 · N57HY · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.
- [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 NYC03LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA031.md): Bell 206B · Odenton, MD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 2002 · N651GA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to monitor his fuel supply which resulted in a power loss due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's misjudged flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB LAX03LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA052.md): Schweizer 269C · Los Banos, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 2002 · N642KC · Substantial damage
  > The improper engine overhaul by other maintenance personnel, which resulted in an exhaust valve failure and a total loss of engine power while in maneuvering flight.
- [NTSB CHI03FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA041.md): Cessna 208B · Rockford, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 2002 · N277PM · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the ILS approach. Factors associated with the accident were the low ceilings, high winds, crosswind, and wind shear conditions that existed.
- [NTSB ANC03LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA018.md): Piper PA-18-105 · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 2002 · N325T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area, and his failure to achieve takeoff speed which resulted in an on ground collision with a ditch. Contributing factors were soft and snow-covered terrain, and a ditch.
- [NTSB SEA03LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA018.md): Hawker Siddeley DH-125 · Seattle, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 2002 · N55RF · Substantial damage
  > The landing gear down and locked was not verified prior to landing. The checklist was not followed, and an inoperative landing gear warning horn were factors.
- [NTSB OPS03IA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OPS03IA001.md): Airbus Industrie 330-301 · Agana · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 2002 · F-OHZO · Minor damage
  > The pilot's initiation of a premature descent that was both below the nominal glideslope and steeper than normal. Contributing to the incident was the air traffic controller's failure to respond to the MSAW warning and issue a safety alert as required by FAA…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?year=2002&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
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?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.