Fatal NTSB investigations: Piper PA-12

92 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Piper PA-12. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.

Cases per year

19642026
Fatal NTSB investigations: Piper PA-12 per year, 1964–2026: 92 cases
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Latest cases

Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal'
    AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7101202'))
  ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

NTSB ANC22FA066Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Arctic Village, AKThe pilot’s decision to depart in turbulent and gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.Aug 11, 2022 · N3937M · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22FA315Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA12 · Middle Township, NJThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a missed banner pickup, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and loss of control at an altitude too low to recover.Jul 16, 2022 · N3703M · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22FA243Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-12 · North Myrtle Beach, SCThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in a subsequent aerodynamic stall at an altitude that was too low for recovery.May 28, 2022 · N4421M · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22FA211Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Seagraves, TXThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and loss of control.May 24, 2022 · N78466 · DestroyedNTSB ANC18FA071Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12-150 · Healy, AKAn impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Sep 23, 2018 · N7511H · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 12 · Sanford, FLThe incorrect rigging of the elevator control cables, which resulted in a reversal of elevator control inputs applied by the pilot during the takeoff, an excessive nose-high pitch, and subsequent aerodynamic stall after takeoff. Also causal was the inadequate…Apr 8, 2017 · N3280M · DestroyedNTSB ANC14FA050Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 12 · Anchorage, AKThe incorrect (reverse) rigging of the elevator control cables, and the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect the misrigging.Jul 2, 2014 · N3512M · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12FA594Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Rye, COThe pilot’s selection of a flightpath toward rising terrain that exceeded the climb capability of the airplane.Aug 31, 2012 · N3031M · Substantial damageNTSB ANC11FA065Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Delta, AKThe pilot's decision to make a low-altitude turn back to the airport following a loss of engine power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the severity of the pilot's injuries was the separation of the pilot's seat…Jul 17, 2011 · N92770 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR10FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Burlington, WAThe pilot's in-flight loss of control due to his failure to correctly connect the elevator control cables during the restoration/rebuild of the airplane. Contributing to this accident was the pilot's decision to perform a high-speed taxi test prior to having…Oct 8, 2009 · N2087C · Substantial damageNTSB CEN09LA597Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Columbia, MOThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which included low ceilings and fog, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of engine power as a result of water…Sep 22, 2009 · N3234M · Substantial damageNTSB NYC08LA270Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Brownsboro, ALThe pilot’s failure to ensure the fuel valve was on prior taxi and takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed following loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.Aug 5, 2008 · N7820H · Substantial damageNTSB ANC06FA080Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Cooper Landing, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while performing a low level pass, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain. A factor contributing to the accident was an inadvertent stall.Jun 28, 2006 · N7658H · Substantial damageNTSB ANC04FA102Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Koliganek, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while on approach to land, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and an uncontrolled descent.Sep 4, 2004 · N2899M · DestroyedNTSB SEA03WA114Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-12 · Nimpo Lake, BC, CanadaJun 19, 2003 · N3351M · DestroyedNTSB SEA01FA106Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Augusta, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff resulting in an inadvertent stall at low a altitude.May 28, 2001 · N2564M · DestroyedNTSB IAD00FA038Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Norfolk, MAThe loss of power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an inadvertent stall during at banner pick-up.Apr 17, 2000 · N3813M · Substantial damageNTSB LAX00FA122Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Cima, CAIn-flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.Mar 7, 2000 · N7586H · DestroyedNTSB CHI99FA332Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Neguanee, MIthe pilot failed to maintain clearance from the tower.Sep 2, 1999 · N91901 · DestroyedNTSB SEA97FA206Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Horseshoe Bend, IDthe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from transmission wires. The wires were a factor.Sep 9, 1997 · N3637M · DestroyedNTSB CHI96FA237Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Roselle, ILthe pilot's improper decision to perform a go-around, while there was restricted rudder movement and the banner was still attached to the airplane, which resulted in a loss of airspeed and an inadvertent stall. Factors relating to the accident were: the…Jul 13, 1996 · N25JP · DestroyedNTSB ANC95FA078Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 · Nondalton, AKThe failure of both pilots to maintain adequate visual lookout.Jun 21, 1995 · N1348 · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB SEA94FA199Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Salem, ORFailure of the pilot to see-and-avoid the occupied canoe. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's improper planning/decision and excessive taxi speed.Jul 31, 1994 · N2368M · Minor damageNTSB MIA94FA114Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Merritt Island, FLThe loss of elevator control due to jamming by the tow rope which prevented the pilot from being able to control the airplane.Apr 7, 1994 · N2834M · Substantial damageNTSB ANC94FA032Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Kenai, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude. A factor in the accident was the student pilot's inadequate training.Feb 10, 1994 · N7523H · DestroyedNTSB SEA94FA052Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Idaho Falls, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Factors include the pilot's poor inflight decision to attempt low level maneuvers in a narrow canyon.Jan 21, 1994 · N7805H · Substantial damageNTSB ANC93LA171Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Ptarmigan Pass, AKThe pilot inadvertently walked into a turning propeller. Factors in the accident were the soft runway which mired the airplane and the pilot's diverted attention during the attempt to free the airplane.Sep 6, 1993 · N3629M · No damageNTSB SEA93FA151Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Laramie, WYPoor inflight planning and an inadvertent stall.Jul 8, 1993 · N3108M · Substantial damageNTSB SEA93FA010Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Lowman, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Factors include mountainous/hilly terrain, trees, and the pilot's diverted attention.Oct 25, 1992 · N3743M · DestroyedNTSB ATL93FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Cedar Springs, GAThe private pilot's failure to maintain airspeed above stalling speed, and his failure to maintain a proper altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent, low altitude stall. A factor was the gusty wind condition at the time of the accident.Oct 17, 1992 · N2479M · DestroyedNTSB ANC91LA036Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Moose Creek, AKThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain aircraft control, proper altitude not maintained, and failure to maintain flying speed. Contributing to the accident was the high altitude terrain.Mar 20, 1991 · N3419M · Substantial damageNTSB ANC90LA190Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Cathedral Rapid, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude above the terrain which resulted in a loss of airspeed and a stall/spin while maneuvering to avoid terrain. The mountainous terrain, high winds, and high density altitude were factors which contributed to the…Aug 12, 1990 · N92512 · DestroyedNTSB MIA90FA085Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Miramar, FLThe failure of the local controller to provide adequate traffic advisories to N7510H, the local controller's improper clearance to N7510H to descend through the traffic pattern, and the failure of the pilots of both aircraft to see and avoid each other.…Mar 9, 1990 · N48977 · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB DEN90FA063Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12-150 · Milliken, COThe pilot's poor judgement, intentional buzzing, and failure to see and avoid the obstruction (inadequate visual lookout). Factors related to the accident were: the power line and the absence of shoulder harnesses in the aircraft.Feb 25, 1990 · N4053H · DestroyedNTSB ANC89FA144Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Windy Fork, AKFailure of the pilot to maintain airspeed while operating to or from the gravel bar, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. The rising terrain was considered a contributing factor.Aug 13, 1989 · N7542H · DestroyedNTSB FTW89FA127Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Sanger, TXFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall at low altitude.Jul 3, 1989 · N3353M · DestroyedNTSB ANC89FA009Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Little Heart Lk, AKThe pilot-in-command called a local pilot in the talkeetna area for weather and the conditions of the lake to determine if the lake's surface had frozen. He then departed for the lake at 1800 adt and was not heard from again. The airplane wreckage was located…Oct 13, 1988 · N3153M · Substantial damageNTSB ANC87FA153Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Shaw Creek, AKThe private pilot was transporting passengers incidental to the operation of his lodge. According to witnesses, it was common for pilots to use that portion of the highway for takeoffs and landings. According to the husband of one of the fatally injured…Sep 16, 1987 · N3140M · DestroyedNTSB DEN87FA234Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12-150 · Anaconda, MTBoth plts were reportedly avid big horn sheep hunters. On the morning of the accident, the 2nd plt picked up topographical charts of the area where the acft crashed. It was an area where the Montana department of fish, wildlife, and parks (fwp) had recently…Sep 8, 1987 · N7695H · DestroyedNTSB DEN87FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12-150 · Gilcrest, COThe plt made a low pass at aprx 200 ft AGL & waved at TW0 friends who were duck hunting. He then made a 2nd pass at aprx 150 ft & left the area. About 10 min later, the acft returned & was seen flying down a river at tree top level. The acft struck 3 of 4…Dec 27, 1986 · N78475 · DestroyedNTSB ANC85FA111Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Chugiak, AKThe acft crashed in a wooded residential area following a loss of pwr on takeoff. Post accident inspection of the airframe and powerplant disclosed automotive fuel was being used in the acft. Lab tests indicated the fuel was subjectedto high temps which…Jun 30, 1985 · N3081M · DestroyedNTSB ANC84LA185Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Dadina Lake, AKPrior to the accident the plt had been involved in moose hunting activities. On the morning of the occurrence he had made two successful flts hauling meat from a small unnamed lake to Dadina Lake, about 3 miles north. Shortly after the third takeoff from the…Sep 18, 1984 · N3269M · Substantial damageNTSB CHI84FA343Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Alpena, MIWitnesses stated that the acft flew at a very low altitude over the lake performing what appeared to be a series of stalls and recoveries with the acft climbing steeply to aprx 150 ft above the lake and then dropping sharply back down within a few feet of the…Aug 12, 1984 · N98967 · DestroyedNTSB ANC84FA120Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Cantwell, AKImpact occurred at the 3,600 ft level on a steep slope of mountainous terrain. Instrument meteorological conditions were reported by pilots as well as ground personnel in the area. Loose and unstable terrain conditions limited the investigative effort.Jul 17, 1984 · N2537M · Substantial damageNTSB MIA84FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Ft. Lauderdale, FLThe acft crashed on the arpt in a steep nose down attitude after dropping a banner it was towing. The plt waved to the ground personnel and turned in a 60 degree bank nose high turn. After 180 degrees of turn the acft stalled, the nosefell through and the…Dec 22, 1983 · N7510H · DestroyedNTSB ANC83FA064Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Glennallen, AKWitnesses reported that after takeoff, the plt flew by a cabin at approximately 200 ft, signaled by rocking the acft's wings, then began a gradual climb. The climb increased in steepness until 1 witness could see the entire top of the acft. It then nosed…Apr 2, 1983 · N2826M · Substantial damageNTSB DEN82FTG06Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Oakes, NDSeveral witnesses reported that the purpose of the flight was blackbird control of a sunflower field. There was speculation by local residents that the aircraft was being used to spread poisoned corn. This was substantiated when corn and a portion of an…Aug 27, 1982 · N7715H · DestroyedNTSB ATL82FIJ02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Dunbar, WVThe pilot took off eastbound toward multiple power lines that crossed the river. The aircraft climbed to about 100 feet and was turning left away from the wires when it nosed over and crashed into the river. The pilot did not have a seaplane rating but had…May 10, 1982 · N7583H · Substantial damageNTSB ANC82FA002Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-12 · Valouga Lake, AKOct 9, 1981 · N3953M · Substantial damageNTSB LAX81FA098Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-12 · Five Points, CAJun 23, 1981 · N12PA · Destroyed