Fatal NTSB investigations: Piper PA-28-161
147 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Piper PA-28-161. 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
| 1966 | 1 |
|---|---|
| 1971 | 1 |
| 1978 | 5 |
| 1979 | 12 |
| 1980 | 6 |
| 1981 | 14 |
| 1982 | 12 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 4 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 7 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1990 | 10 |
| 1991 | 2 |
| 1992 | 4 |
| 1993 | 3 |
| 1994 | 6 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2008 | 3 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 2 |
Where
Open the mapLatest 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 ('7102803', '7102834'))
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.
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 ('7102803', '7102834'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB ERA24FA300Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Palm Beach Gardens, FLA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN24LA157Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Montmorenci, INThe pilot’s intentional flight into terrain as an act of suicide.NTSB ERA23FA380Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Whitesville, KYThe flight instructor’s improper decision to continue flight into a known area of thunderstorms, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.NTSB ERA23FA340Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Fort Pierce, FLThe left seat instructor’s intentional maneuvering of the airplane in an aerobatic steep turn for which it was not approved, which resulted in an exceedance of the structural limitations of the airplane and an inflight breakup.NTSB ERA23FA164Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Johns Island, SCThe pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s degraded judgement and…NTSB ERA23FA142Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper J3C · Winter Haven, FLThe failure of both flight crews to see and avoid each other while operating in the airport environment.NTSB ERA23FA137Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Lindenhurst, NYAn in-flight fire due to a compromised oil pressure line fitting, which resulted in a collision with terrain during a subsequent emergency landing.NTSB GAA21WA040Accident · 2 fatalClass 4 · ForeignPiper PA-28-161 · Acklin, BahamasNTSB ERA21LA111Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Boynton Beach, FLThe pilot’s controlled flight into the ocean at night due to his unrecognized spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction with the tuning of his transponder while maneuvering over an area with reduced visual references.NTSB ERA19FA116Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Fellsmere, FLThe student pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation following an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the failure of both the pilot and the flight school to ensure that the…NTSB ERA17FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Middlebury, VTThe pilot's improper decision to return to the airport following a partial or complete loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb and his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in exceedance of the critical angle of…NTSB WPR15FA256Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Santee, CAThe pilots' failure to maintain airplane control following a partial loss of engine power after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of engine power due to a failure of the right magneto.NTSB ERA14LA117Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Stuart, FLThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into dark night, instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation and subsequent impact with water.NTSB ERA14LA057Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Elkmont, ALA stuck exhaust valve, which resulted in a total loss of engine power at low altitude. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s decision to fly at a low altitude, which reduced his forced landing options when the loss of engine power occurred; and poor…NTSB ERA13FA385Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Danville, VAThe student pilot's failure to maintain control and climb the airplane during a go-around maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to provide adequate oversight of the student pilot by ensuring that the cockpit was free of…NTSB CEN12FA188Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Mexico, MOThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight performance planning before departing on the soft,…NTSB ERA10LA446Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Beverly, MAThe flight instructor's decision to exit the airplane on the taxiway with the engine still operating, and his failure to avoid the rotating propeller.NTSB WPR09FA437Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Coolidge, AZThe failure of both safety/spotter pilots to see and avoid the other airplane.NTSB NYC08FA237Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Middletown, RIThe flight instructor's failure to initiate a go-around during a high approach, and his inadequate remedial action during an attempted touch-and-go.NTSB NYC08FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-161 · Venice, FLThe pilot's inflight loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI08FAMS2Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Vik, IcelandThe pilot's decision to fly into an area of forecast weather suitable for structural icing. Contributing to the accident was the effect of the structural icing encountered.NTSB LAX07FA060Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Big Pine, CAThe inadequate in-flight/planning decision of both pilots to fly up a box canyon at low altitude, and their failure to maintain clearance from the terrain.NTSB NYC06FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Leesburg, VAThe flight instructor's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with trees and terrain.NTSB CHI05LA226Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Culver, INThe loss of engine power while maneuvering due to partial failure of the left magneto, and the flight instructor's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall. An additional cause was improper maintenance by company maintenance personnel,…NTSB NYC05FA005Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Madison, CTA loss of engine power due to separation of the propeller due to under-torqued retention bolts.NTSB IAD04FA033Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Toughkenamon, PAThe pilot's decision to add power, in an attempt to abort the landing after the airplane had veered off the runway. A factor was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control after the landing.NTSB LAX04FA137Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Jean, NV!!This case was modified January 31, 2006!! the pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the rising terrain, while maneuvering at low altitude in a mountainous area.NTSB DEN01FA111Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Meeker, COthe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance as a result of his drug induced impairment. A factor was his exceeding the airplane's gross weight limits.NTSB NYC01FA128Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Danvers, MAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors in the accident were the dark night, low ceiling, reduced visibility, and the pilot's decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in marginal weather conditions.NTSB ATL00FA091Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Ft. Pierce, FLFailure of local controller to provide adequate spacing between two airplanes that resulted in a midair collision. Contributing Factors: the local controller declined receiving a formal brief before relieving the controller on duty. The controller who was…NTSB CHI00FA263Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Watertown, WIAircraft control not being maintained during initial climb resulting in a stall/mush. Factors to the accident were the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, the pilot operating over the airplane's certified maximum gross weight, and the pilot…NTSB ATL00FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Chamblee, GAThe S76 helicopter pilot's failure to follow ATC landing sequence clearance, which resulted in the PA-28's encounter with the helicopters wake turbulence. A factor was the air traffic controllers clearance procedure.NTSB MIA00FA041Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · Deland, FLThe inadequate visual lookout by the pilot-in-command (PIC)/certified flight instructor (CFI) of both aircraft. Contributing factors in the accident were: 1) the frequency congestion of the CTAF 2) the poor in-flight planning decision by the PIC/CFI of the…NTSB NYC99FA123Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · West Dover, VTWas the failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during an aborted landing. Factors were the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane, the variable winds, and night conditions.NTSB LAX99FA125Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Lytle Creek, CAthe pilot's inadvertent visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions resulting in impact with high terrain.NTSB LAX98LA172Accident · 4 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Half Moon Bay, CAThe non-instrument rated pilot's loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation in dark night conditions.NTSB LAX97FAMS2Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Avalon, CAundetermined.NTSB ATL96FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Fort Pierce, FLimproper re-assembly of the engine induction air filter by maintenance personnel, during an annual inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power during takeoff; failure of the pilot to abort the takeoff before lift-off; and failure of the pilot to…NTSB ATL95FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Spring City, TNThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning, and his continued VFR flight into instrument weather conditions which resulted in the collision with the mountain. A factor was low ceilings.NTSB MIA95FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Missing, FLUndetermined.NTSB CHI95FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Winfield, ILCollision with the ground for an undetermined reason. The pilot's psychological condition was a probable factor.NTSB FTW94FA242Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Lakeview, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain minimum required airspeed for flight.NTSB LAX94FA243Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Banning, CAThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other. The haze was a factor.NTSB MIA94FA078Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Inverness, FLThe pilot-in-command's lack of total experience in instrument flight, simulated instrument flight, and night flight resulting in the pilot becoming spatially disoriented, and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB BFO94FA034Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Bethel, PAthe pilot attempting visual flight rules (VFR) flight into instrument meteorological conditions and the pilot not maintaining clearance from objects/terrain.NTSB BFO94FA015Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Northampton, MAFailure of the air traffic control (ATC) facility to identify and provide the required traffic information to the jump aircraft before release of the jumper(s). A factor related to the accident was: inadequate visual lookout by the pilot of the jump aircraft.NTSB NYC94FA027Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Kinnelon, NJThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX93FA215Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Grass Valley, CAThe pilot prematurely raising the airplane's flaps at an airspeed insufficient to maintain flight which resulted in an inadvertent stall mush condition. A factor in this accident was the darkness of the night.NTSB FTW92LA187Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Midland, TXA loss of control for reasons undetermined.NTSB SEA92FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Ogden, UTThe improper decision by the instructor pilot to perform maintenance in flight and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Factors relating to the accident were the dark night light conditions, mountainous terrain in the area, and the instructor diverting…