Fatal NTSB investigations: Piper PA-32-300
171 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Piper PA-32-300. 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
| 1968 | 3 |
|---|---|
| 1969 | 2 |
| 1970 | 3 |
| 1971 | 4 |
| 1972 | 5 |
| 1973 | 2 |
| 1974 | 6 |
| 1975 | 5 |
| 1976 | 5 |
| 1977 | 5 |
| 1978 | 6 |
| 1979 | 6 |
| 1980 | 8 |
| 1981 | 6 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 5 |
| 1990 | 4 |
| 1991 | 3 |
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 5 |
| 2003 | 6 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 3 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Where
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 ('7103212'))
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 ('7103212'))
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 WPR26FA189Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPiper PA-32-300 · Empire, NVOn May 17, 2026, about 0738 PDT, a Piper PA-32-300, N8502N, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Empire, Nevada. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…NTSB WPR25LA080Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Round Mountain, NVImpact with mountainous terrain for reasons that could not be determined due to a lack of available evidence.NTSB ERA24FA120Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32 · Jackson, OHThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain while maneuvering.NTSB ERA24FA026Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Marion, OHA descent and impact with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB ANC23FA045Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Old Harbor, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s delayed decision to turn away from the terrain.NTSB ERA23FA025Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Brentwood, TNA total loss of engine power due to the catastrophic failure of the crankshaft resulting from the improper installation of the crankshaft for this application.NTSB ERA22FA418Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32 · Afton, VAA catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation, which resulted in a total loss of engine power at night over mountainous terrain.NTSB CEN22FA299Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Mount Pleasant, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain the proper glidepath while on final approach in night visual conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees.NTSB WPR19FA256Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32 · La Grande, ORThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB ERA18FA138Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32 · West Milford, NJAn in-flight fire and total loss of engine power after takeoff due to a loose fuel line. Contributing to the accident was the installation of an unapproved fuel line by unknown personnel.NTSB ERA18FA016Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32 · Morrison, TNThe pilots' loss of control during a missed approach in night instrument meteorological conditions as a result of spatial disorientation.NTSB ERA16FA169Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32 · Boone, NCThe pilot's delayed decision to conduct a go-around following an unstabilized landing approach and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from trees near the end of the runway.NTSB CEN15FA305Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32-300 · Brazoria, TXThe student pilot's failure to arrest the descent in a timely manner and the flight instructor's failure to safely intervene in the routine training maneuver for reasons that could not be determined based on the information available.NTSB CEN15FA268Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32 · Cuba, MOThe pilot's continued flight into thunderstorm activity, which resulted in his loss of airplane control, the exceedance of the airplane's design limits, and its subsequent in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's reliance on onboard…NTSB CEN14FA434Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32-300 · Ardmore, OKThe partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because thermal damage to the engine prevented a complete examination.NTSB WPR14LA007Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA32 - 300 · Tinian IslandThe pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering at low altitude in dark night conditions.NTSB WPR13LA045Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32 · ObyanA partial loss of engine power shortly after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation and the pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during…NTSB ERA13FA055Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Jackson, MSThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in his failure to note the water in the fuel tank due to condensation, which subsequently shut down the engine in flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to…NTSB WPR12FA255Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Mountain Home, IDThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA10WA116Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-32-300 · Bimini, Bahamas, BahamasOn January 17, 2010, at approximately 1545 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32-300, N4219R, crashed approximately 500 yards northwest of the Bimini Bay Resort, North Bimini, Bahamas. The flight departed Lynden Pindling International Airport, Nassau, Bahamas…NTSB WPR10FA107Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Honolulu, HIThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions at an altitude insufficient to ensure adequate terrain clearance. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller's failure to issue a safety alert after observing the…NTSB WPR09FA158Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Corona, CAThe pilot did not maintain airplane control during climb due to spatial disorientation while flying in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent instrument flying experience.NTSB NYC08FA319Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32 · Atlanta, GAA loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX08FA203Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Mount Charleston, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain and his selection of a cruise altitude that provided inadequate terrain clearance. Contributing to the accident were the high density altitude and the rapidly rising terrain.NTSB CHI07LA051Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Romeo, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and proper rate of descent during the VOR approach. Factors associated with the accident were the low cloud conditions and moderate to heavy rain.NTSB DFW07FA020Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Danville, ARFailure of the number 5 cylinder which resulted in oil starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power, and the pilot's inability to see the transmission line during the forced landing. Factors Contributing to the accident were the dark night and the…NTSB CHI06FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Pierre, SDThe loss of engine power during takeoff-initial climb due to the pilot's failure to correctly position the fuel selector, which resulted in fuel starvation and a forced landing.NTSB MIA06FA024Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Mims, FLThe loss of engine power due to improper installation of the #2 cylinder by maintenance personnel, which resulted in the separation of the cylinder as a result of fatigue cracking of the cylinder to crankcase fasteners. A contributing factor was the lack of…NTSB CHI05FA260Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Wabash, INThe pilot's spatial disorientation that resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Factors to the accident were the pilot's lack of recent night experience and the hazy night conditions.NTSB FTW04FA208Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Burnet, TXThe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather, VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation. A contributing factor was the cloudy weather.NTSB CHI04FA205Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Point Lookout, MOThe pilot's failure attain adequate flying speed and his delay in aborting the takeoff which resulted in premature liftoff and an overrun of the runway. Contributing factors were the descending embankment, trees and ravine.NTSB FTW04FA172Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Hot Springs, ARThe pilot's failure to fly a stabilized, published instrument approach procedure, which resulted in a collision with mountainous terrain. Factors were the clouds and the air traffic controllers' failure to provide known information that may have assisted the…NTSB NYC04FA136Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Leominster, MAThe pilot's failure to follow instrument flight procedures resulting in a collision with trees. A factor related to the accident was the low cloud ceiling, and dark night.NTSB MIA04FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Missing, BahamasUndetermined.NTSB IAD03FA070Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Factoryville, PAThe pilot's improper in-flight decision to descend below the published minimum descent altitude while executing a non-precision approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in collision with trees. A factor was the fog.NTSB ATL03FA089Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Calhoun, GAThe pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing, which would have indicated that MVFR to IFR conditions prevailed over the route with embedded thunderstorms and rain, and his decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological…NTSB FTW03FA120Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Broken Arrow, OKFailure of the engine due to the blow-by condition in the number six cylinder for undetermined reasons, which resulted in oil starvation and eventual failure of the associated connecting rod end cap. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed…NTSB NYC03FA061Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Monterey, MAThe pilot's improper decision to attempt a visual flight rules (VFR) flight in marginal VFR weather conditions over mountainous terrain, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. Factors in this accident were clouds and night light conditions.NTSB ATL03FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Sylvania, GAThe pilot's decision to conduct VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. Related factors were the guy wire and the fog.NTSB DEN03FA028Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Steamboat Spgs, COthe 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 ATL03FA025Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Macon, GAThe loss of engine power due to oil starvation.NTSB ATL02FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Hamilton, GAThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ATL02FA043Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Atlanta, GAThe pilot experienced spatial disorientation that resulted in the loss of control.NTSB ANC02FA010Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32 · Haines, AKThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and subsequent collision with trees while in cruise flight. Factors in the accident were weather conditions consisting of freezing rain, mist, and low ceilings.NTSB ANC01FA093Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Haines, AKThe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions, and his poor in-flight decision making. Factors associated with the accident were clouds and mountainous terrain. A finding is the pilot's use of FAA prohibited drugs.NTSB MIA01FA126Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Fort Lauderdale, FLThe pilot's exceeding the forward center of gravity (CG) ) limits at the time of engine start, the inability of the pilot to control the airplane due to the exceeded CG limits, the failure of the pilot to abort the takeoff with sufficient runway remaining,…NTSB MIA01GA070Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Marathon, FLThe pilot-in-command's lack of recent experience in instrument flight resulting in the pilot becoming spatially disoriented, and subsequent in-flight collision with water while descending.NTSB NYC01FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Seven Springs, PAThe pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.NTSB NYC00FA247Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Apple Creek, OHThe pilot's premature liftoff and failure to attain a proper climb rate. Factors related to the accident were the over-gross weight conditions, and the low cloud ceilings.NTSB SEA00FA080Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Fort Smith, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Factors include low ceilings, snow, rain, and rising, mountainous/hilly terrain.