Fatal NTSB investigations: Piper PA-28R-180

98 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Piper PA-28R-180. 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

19682026
Fatal NTSB investigations: Piper PA-28R-180 per year, 1968–2026: 98 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 ('7102809'))
  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 ERA24FA371Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28R · Vergennes, VTThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and entering an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to properly…Sep 8, 2024 · N3757T · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20LA127Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28R · Pleasant Plain, OHThe pilot’s encounter with convective turbulence and low-level wind shear in dark night instrument meteorological conditions that resulted in spatial disorientation and the loss of airplane control.Mar 19, 2020 · N3943T · DestroyedNTSB WPR20FAMS1Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · Missing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA28R · Shelter Cove, CAUndetermined due to lack of available evidence.Oct 25, 2019 · N4958J · DestroyedNTSB ERA19FA181Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28R · Auburn Township, OHThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation in dark night conditions. Contributing to the accident was his inadequate weather planning, lack of experience flying at night and the deteriorating weather conditions.May 28, 2019 · N3933T · DestroyedNTSB CEN18FA359Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28R · Kaplan, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a charted and illuminated television/radio tower.Aug 31, 2018 · N7430J · DestroyedNTSB WPR16FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28R-180 · Morongo Valley, CAThe non-instrument rated pilot's improper inflight decision-making to attempt to outclimb clouds along his planned route rather than reverse course, which resulted in his inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, spatial disorientation, and…Oct 17, 2015 · N4972J · DestroyedNTSB WPR14FA382Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28R-180 · Saratoga, WYThe pilot’s failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff in dark, night conditions, which resulted in his controlled flight into terrain due to the lack of ground references or natural horizon.Sep 21, 2014 · N4618J · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14FA282Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28R-180 · Lake Elsinore, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control when the landing gear unintentionally extended while maneuvering at low altitude and airspeed, which increased the airplane’s drag and decreased its ability to climb over the rising terrain.Jul 6, 2014 · N3723T · DestroyedNTSB ERA14FA002Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Tifton, GAThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.Oct 18, 2013 · N11ML · DestroyedNTSB CEN13FA241Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Norfolk, NEThe pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude and his subsequent failure to see and avoid power lines.Apr 28, 2013 · N3970T · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12FA654Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Roanoke, TXThe loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel's failure to adequately correct the water contamination effects. Contributing to the severity of the occupants' injuries was the lack of…Sep 22, 2012 · N4567J · Substantial damageNTSB WPR10FA330Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Dixon, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and aircraft control while maneuvering, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and collision with mountainous terrain.Jun 27, 2010 · N7581J · Substantial damageNTSB ERA09FA345Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Scotia, NYThe flight instructor's failure to ensure that the airplane was properly configured for a short field takeoff, and his decision to not abort the takeoff.Jun 14, 2009 · N3226R · Substantial damageNTSB LAX05FA213Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Mt. Shasta, CAThe pilot's continued cruise flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot's controlled flight into high mountainous terrain (CFIT).Jun 18, 2005 · N4506J · DestroyedNTSB LAX04FA226Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Columbia, CAThe loss of engine power for undetermined reason during takeoff-initial climb, and the pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall/mush. Factors associated with the accident are an inadvertent stall/mush, and the pilot's failure to abort…May 31, 2004 · N7626J · DestroyedNTSB NYC04FA100Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Harrietstown, NYThe pilot's failure to follow instrument flight rules procedures resulting in a collision with a tree. Factors related to the accident were the dark night conditions, low visibility, and low cloud ceiling.Apr 3, 2004 · N4686J · Substantial damageNTSB LAX04FA139Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Pine Mtn Club, CAThe pilot's continued visual flight into adverse weather conditions at night, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain. The pilot's failure to obtain preflight weather information for the route of flight was also causal.Feb 28, 2004 · N7687J · DestroyedNTSB CHI02FA262Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Newaygo, MIThe altitude/clearance disregarded by the pilot and his ostentatious display. The wire and low altitude flight were a contributing factor.Aug 28, 2002 · N4988J · DestroyedNTSB IAD02FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Milford, CTThe pilot's failure to follow the published IFR approach procedure, which resulted in a premature descent and subsequent impact with water. A factor was the night, overwater visual conditions.Dec 30, 2001 · N7427J · Substantial damageNTSB IAD01FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Afton, VAThe pilot's loss of consciousness due to a medical condition, which resulted in his failure to maintain control of the airplane and subsequent impact with rising terrain.Apr 30, 2001 · N7680J · DestroyedNTSB MIA01FA060Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Bethel, NCthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an in-flight collision with power lines and the subsequent impact with terrain. A factor in this accident was: the pilot's lack of recent instrument…Jan 14, 2001 · N3996T · DestroyedNTSB CHI01FA043Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Danville, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance during the instrument approach. Factors were the low ceilings, the pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment and glidepath during the approach, his lack of recent instrument experience, and his failure to…Nov 27, 2000 · N4541J · DestroyedNTSB NYC99FA193Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28R-180 · Seven Springs, PAThe pilot's failure to obtain a rate of climb after takeoff due to spatial disorientation. Factors in this accident were low ceilings, fog, and the pilot's lack experience in instrument meteorological conditions.Aug 8, 1999 · N3892T · Substantial damageNTSB MIA99LA179Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Wimauma, FLa passenger deplaning the airplane while the engine was running struck the propeller.Jun 13, 1999 · N7485J · No damageNTSB NYC99FA041Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Randolph, NHThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions which led to spatial disorientation and loss of aircraft control. Also causal was the pilot exceeded the design limits of the aircraft which resulted in an in-flight separation.…Dec 28, 1998 · N4591J · DestroyedNTSB NYC98LA069Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28R-180 · Walbridge, OHthe pilot's failure to refuel the aircraft resulting in fuel exhaustion, and his unsuccessful attempt to clear the wires. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight, dark night conditions, and the wires.Feb 28, 1998 · N4679J · Substantial damageNTSB NYC98FA009Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Morganville, NJThe inadequate maintenance by the flying club and maintenance facility, which resulted in a takeoff with a partially blocked fuel injector nozzle and the failure of the landing gear to retract after takeoff. This resulted in the pilot's diverted attention and…Oct 11, 1997 · N3981T · DestroyedNTSB IAD97FA095Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Penobscot, METhe pilot's flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in the loss of control. Factors relating to the accident were the fog and the pilot's lack of an instrument rating.Jul 3, 1997 · N3896T · DestroyedNTSB SEA96FA137Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Pray, MTthe pilot's delay in initiating a go-around, and his failure to obtain and/or maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid higher terrain during the go-around, which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the narrow…Jun 27, 1996 · N7529J · DestroyedNTSB BFO96FA034Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Louisville, KYfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, loss of altitude, and subsequent collision with obstructions (utility pole and supporting cable).Dec 30, 1995 · N7676J · DestroyedNTSB LAX95FA157Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Pollack Pines, CAThe pilot's disregard of a hazardous weather advisory; his decision to fly into known adverse weather conditions; his failure to maintain control of the airplane with an accumulation of airframe ice; and his improper use of the flight controls during recovery…Apr 8, 1995 · N3904T · DestroyedNTSB LAX95LA060Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Searchlight, NVthe pilot's intentional continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions in mountainous terrain.Dec 24, 1994 · N3836T · DestroyedNTSB LAX95FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Groveland, CAthe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a nighttime descent into the airport over an unlighted mountainous area. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction by attempting to make several cellular telephone calls…Dec 6, 1994 · N4510J · DestroyedNTSB LAX94FA125Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Lake Tahoe, CAThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs, which led to his failure to follow the recommended departure procedure, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from rising mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident…Feb 13, 1994 · N3775T · DestroyedNTSB ATL93FA026Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Blairsville, GAThe pilot's decision to continue the flight into adverse weather conditions which resulted in the inflight collision with high terrain. Factors were high wind and rain.Nov 20, 1992 · N7684J · DestroyedNTSB NYC92FA161Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Bradford, NYA mechanical malfunction of the artificial horizon in IMC that resulted in spatial disorientation of the pilot and his inability to maintain airplane orientation. A factor in the accident was the improper maintenance of the artificial horizon.Aug 13, 1992 · N44AE · DestroyedNTSB FTW92FA163Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Bethany, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain control which resulted in an inadvertent stall. The gusty wind was a factor.Jun 17, 1992 · N7419J · DestroyedNTSB SEA91FA026Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Salt Lake City, UTThe pilot's intentional buzzing of uninhabited island in the great Salt lake and his misjudging the timing of a pull-up maneuver to clear rising terrain of a ridgeline.Nov 30, 1990 · N4678J · DestroyedNTSB BFO90FA073Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Richland, VAThe pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and failure to maintain proper clearance from high terrain. Darkness and the adverse weather conditions were related factors.Aug 28, 1990 · N885MA · DestroyedNTSB ATL89FA214Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Gordon, ALThe improper installation of the fuel gascolator bowl by maintenance personnel, which resulted in fuel leakage and a loss of fuel pressure to the engine.Sep 17, 1989 · N7503J · Substantial damageNTSB FTW89FA155Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Pauls Valley, OKImproper planning/decision by the pilot, his lack of understanding of the procedures for operating the aircraft, his improper use of the fuel selector in managing his fuel supply, fuel starvation, and the pilot's failure to know and follow the emergency…Aug 29, 1989 · N7593J · DestroyedNTSB MKC87FA106Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Sioux City, IAThe PIC had telephoned the fss at huron, s.d. for enr wx to Sioux City, IA, fm Sioux falls, s.d., late the evening of may 20. The fcst indicated IFR flt cond's with intermittent trsms along the rte throughout the fcst period. The PIC dptd Sioux falls, s.d. at…May 21, 1987 · N4982J · DestroyedNTSB CHI84FA073Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Traverse City, MIPrior to the flt, the plt made a phone call to a relative who lived near the southeast side of long lake & said he would 'pass over in about 10 min.' After he took off, the acft was observed in a low pass over the southeast corner of the lake. The acft then…Jan 1, 1984 · N3776T · DestroyedNTSB ATL82FA039Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Blairsville, GAThe aircraft departed atlanta, GA on a flight with no flight plan to an intended final destination of morristown, TN. However, during a weather briefing, the pilot had inquired about the tri-cities airport at bristol, TN. While en route, the aircraft crashed…Jan 18, 1982 · N4583J · DestroyedNTSB LAX82FA004Accident · 3 fatalClosedPiper PA-28R · Tehachapi, CAOct 21, 1981 · N3751T · DestroyedNTSB CHI81FA085Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-28R · Chicago, ILAug 2, 1981 · N7631J · DestroyedNTSB ATL81FA088Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-28R · Beach, GAJul 4, 1981 · N4512J · DestroyedNTSB NYC81FA040Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-28R · Hartford, NYApr 17, 1981 · N7435J · DestroyedNTSB CHI81FA028Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-28R · Fort Wayne, INFeb 18, 1981 · N7496J · DestroyedNTSB DEN80FA054Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-24R · Jackson, WYAug 17, 1980 · N4560J · Substantial damage