ntsb investigation Archives

Nicholasville, United States: A Florida couple was killed after an experimental aircraft crashed into a farm in central Kentucky just minutes after departing Blue Grass Airport on Saturday, June 20, with federal investigators continuing to examine what caused the fatal accident. The victims have been identified as Brian Tonner, 72, and Karen Tonner, 71, according to the Jessamine County Coroner's Office. Coroner Michael Hughes said the married couple, both residents of Florida, were traveling home when the crash occurred on June 20. Authorities said Brian Tonner was piloting a Comp Air CA-6 experimental aircraft while Karen Tonner was onboard as a passenger. The aircraft departed Blue Grass Airport in Lexington at approximately 8:40 a.m. local time and crashed about six minutes later on a farm near Kentucky Route 169, between U.S. 27 and U.S. 68 in Jessamine County, south of Nicholasville. Emergency crews responded shortly after receiving reports of an aircraft accident in the rural area. Both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. According to flight-tracking data, the aircraft traveled roughly 10 miles after departure and reached an altitude of approximately 3,300 feet before radar contact was lost. Investigators have not determined what caused the aircraft to go down. The aircraft involved was identified as a Comp Air CA-6, an experimental, amateur-built aircraft. Aviation records list the airplane as registration N82BT. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an investigation immediately following the crash. Investigators spent several days documenting the wreckage and collecting evidence from the crash site. The agency said investigators are reviewing multiple factors, including the pilot's flight experience, the aircraft's maintenance and operational history, weather conditions at the time of the accident, air traffic control information, radar data, and witness statements. Officials have not indicated whether the aircraft experienced a mechanical issue before impact. The NTSB said the wreckage will be transported to a secure facility for a more detailed examination once on-site documentation is completed. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft shortly before it crashed, and investigators are continuing to gather statements and any available video footage from the area. The FAA is assisting the NTSB in the investigation. No preliminary cause has been released, and officials cautioned that determining the circumstances behind the crash could take months. A preliminary NTSB report is expected within the coming weeks, while a final report identifying the probable cause of the accident may take considerably longer. The crash remains under investigation.

Florida Couple Killed After Experimental Plane Crashes After Takeoff From Kentucky

Aviation Today News Desk / June 24, 2026

Nicholasville, United States: A Florida couple was killed after an experimental aircraft crashed into a farm in central Kentucky just […]

New Mexico, United States: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary findings into the fatal crash of a medevac Beechcraft King Air C90 in New Mexico, revealing that the crew experienced a loss of GPS navigation capability while military GPS jamming operations were active in the region. The accident occurred shortly after midnight on May 14, 2026, near Lincoln, New Mexico. The aircraft, registration N249CP, was operating as an air ambulance flight under Part 135 regulations. The flight was being conducted by Generations Jets on behalf of Trans Aero Medical Services. All four people aboard the aircraft, two pilots and two flight nurses were killed. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. According to the NTSB, the flight departed Roswell Air Center at approximately 11:52 p.m. local time on May 13 and was headed to Sierra Blanca Regional Airport in Ruidoso to pick up a patient for transport to Albuquerque. Investigators found that military GPS jamming activities were underway during the flight and encompassed the route being flown. Shortly after departure, the crew informed Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center that the aircraft had lost GPS capability and requested heading guidance from controllers. The crew initially planned to fly the RNAV (GPS) approach into Ruidoso but later requested the ILS Runway 24 approach after losing satellite-based navigation. During the same period, several other aircraft in the region also reported GPS disruptions, with one pilot requiring additional assistance to identify a ground-based navigation aid. Air traffic controllers contacted military authorities and requested that GPS jamming be suspended. Controllers subsequently provided radar vectors toward the airport. At approximately 12:08 a.m., while about 31 miles northeast of Ruidoso, the flight crew reported that they had the airport area in sight and could proceed visually. Controllers cleared the aircraft for a visual approach and advised that the crew could cancel IFR once established. No further communications were received from the aircraft. Flight tracking data showed the aircraft turning southwest toward Sierra Blanca Regional Airport and beginning its descent. The route crossed the Capitan Mountains, a rugged terrain area with peaks exceeding 10,000 feet. The aircraft descended to roughly 9,400 feet before initiating a slight climb. The final recorded position placed the airplane at about 9,823 feet and traveling approximately 150 knots. Seconds later, the aircraft struck terrain at an elevation of about 9,950 feet near the Capitan Mountains Summit Radio Facility. The impact occurred only a few hundred feet from the aircraft's final recorded position and triggered a post-crash fire that later spread into a forest fire. The preliminary report also revealed that pilots had been provided notices warning of GPS interference before departure. The flight briefing package contained a NOTAM advising that GPS, WAAS, GBAS and ADS-B services could be unavailable across a large area of New Mexico due to military operations. Additional notices indicated that Sierra Blanca Regional Airport's automated weather observation system was out of service. Investigators noted that no METAR or TAF weather reports were available for the airport at the time of the accident. The NTSB emphasized that the report is preliminary and that no probable cause has yet been determined. Investigators continue to examine the role of GPS interference, flight crew actions, navigation challenges, terrain clearance and other operational factors. A final report establishing the probable cause of the accident is expected following completion of the investigation.

Investigation

NTSB Preliminary Report Details GPS Interference Before Fatal New Mexico Medevac Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / June 19, 2026

New Mexico, United States: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary findings into the fatal crash of

Missouri, United States: Twelve people, including a pilot and 11 skydivers, were killed when a skydiving aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Butler Memorial Airport in western Missouri on Sunday, marking one of the deadliest U.S. skydiving aviation accidents in recent years. The aircraft, identified by investigators as a Pacific Aerospace P750XL single-engine turboprop, was being operated by Skydive Kansas City and was carrying a group of skydivers for a scheduled jump flight when the accident occurred near Butler, a town located about 65 miles south of Kansas City. According to Skydive Kansas City, all 12 occupants onboard lost their lives in the crash. "Tragically, all 12 individuals aboard lost their lives in the accident," the company said in a statement, adding that victim identities would not be released until all next of kin had been notified. Dennis Jacobs, acting manager of Butler Memorial Airport and director of the Bates County Emergency Management Agency, said the aircraft departed at approximately 11:20 a.m. local time but appeared unable to climb normally after takeoff. Jacobs told reporters the airplane made a sharp left turn shortly after becoming airborne before crashing roughly 300 yards from the runway. "It had just taken off and made a left turn," Jacobs said. "In my opinion I think it was losing power, and he was trying to make it over to the highway and land, and he stalled and went down nose first and caught fire," he said. Witness accounts and local officials indicated the pilot may have been attempting an emergency landing near a nearby highway before the aircraft descended rapidly and impacted terrain. Authorities said the passengers were participating in a skydiving outing organized by Skydive Kansas City. According to reports, the group included experienced skydivers as well as tandem jump participants preparing for a recreational jump flight. Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt. Justin Ewing said emergency responders received reports of an aircraft down and engulfed in flames at approximately 11:30 a.m. The aircraft crashed in a field adjacent to the airport and was consumed by fire following impact. Emergency crews extinguished the blaze shortly afterward, but there were no survivors. One of the most tragic aspects of the accident was that several family members of those onboard reportedly witnessed the crash from the ground. Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson said relatives were present at the airport when the aircraft went down. Clergy members, volunteers and grief counselors were mobilized to assist families at the scene while authorities worked to identify victims and notify relatives. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe said multiple state agencies were responding to support local authorities and affected families."Our prayers are with the community and all those working to help," the governor said. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the accident. FAA officials arrived at the crash site Sunday, while an NTSB investigation team was scheduled to arrive Monday to begin documenting evidence, examining the wreckage and interviewing witnesses. The NTSB said a final report determining the probable cause of the accident could take between 12 and 24 months to complete. Authorities have not released any preliminary findings and stressed that the cause remains undetermined.

Aircraft Crashes

12 Killed After Skydiving Aircraft Crashes Shortly After Takeoff In Missouri

Aviation Today News Desk / June 15, 2026

Missouri, United States: Twelve people, including a pilot and 11 skydivers, were killed when a skydiving aircraft crashed shortly after

lymouth, United States: Two people were injured after a small amphibious aircraft crashed at Plymouth Municipal Airport in New Hampshire on Monday afternoon, prompting an emergency response and the launch of an investigation into the accident. According to local broadcaster WMUR, emergency crews were dispatched to the airport shortly before 4 p.m. local time following reports of an aircraft crash on airport property. The two occupants aboard the aircraft survived the accident and were transported for medical treatment. Authorities have not released details regarding the extent of their injuries. The aircraft involved was a CubCrafters CC19-215 NXCub, registration N69NX. The aircraft was equipped with floats, allowing it to operate from both conventional runways and water surfaces.The aircraft is owned by Sonoma Valley LLC. Officials have not disclosed the identities of the occupants, the purpose of the flight, or whether the aircraft was arriving at or departing from Plymouth Municipal Airport at the time of the accident. The flight's origin and intended destination also remain unknown. The circumstances surrounding the crash have not been released, and investigators have yet to determine what caused the aircraft to go down. No information has been provided regarding possible weather-related, mechanical, operational or other contributing factors. The accident remains under investigation, with additional details expected to be released as authorities gather evidence and examine the aircraft. Federal aviation investigators are expected to review the wreckage, flight information and other available evidence as part of the inquiry. The CubCrafters NXCub is a modern utility aircraft designed for backcountry and recreational flying. When fitted with floats, the aircraft can operate from both land and water, making it popular among private owners and adventure pilots. No fatalities were reported in the accident.

Aircraft Crashes

2 Injured After Small Aircraft Crashes At Plymouth Municipal Airport In New Hampshire

Aviation Today News Desk / June 10, 2026

Plymouth, United States: Two people were injured after a small amphibious aircraft crashed at Plymouth Municipal Airport in New Hampshire

Georgia, United States: A newlywed groom and a helicopter pilot were killed when a helicopter carrying three people crashed in a remote wooded area of North Georgia shortly after departing a wedding venue late Friday night, while the bride survived with injuries, according to family members, company officials and authorities. The couple were Indian-origin Malayalis from families with roots in Kerala. The crash occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on May 29 near Mt. Vernon Drive in Dawson County, southwest of Dawsonville. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Robinson R66 helicopter carrying three occupants. Family members identified one of the victims as 25-year-old groom Dave Fiji, who had celebrated his wedding only hours before the accident. The surviving passenger has been identified by relatives and local reports as his bride, Jesni Sam. The identity of the pilot has not yet been officially released by authorities. According to investigators, the helicopter had departed from a North Georgia wedding venue and was returning from a late-night flight when it went down in heavily wooded terrain. The aircraft was owned and operated by Prestige Helicopters, an Atlanta-area helicopter company. Emergency crews from the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Fire and EMS responded after receiving reports of a possible downed aircraft. The rugged location of the wreckage significantly complicated rescue efforts. Residents near the crash site said first responders were forced to cut through dense forest to access the area. One local resident told television reporters that crews used off-road vehicles and chainsaws to reach the wreckage, while the survivor was not recovered for several hours due to the challenging terrain. Officials confirmed that two occupants died at the scene while the female survivor was transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities have not publicly disclosed details regarding the extent of her injuries. Prestige Helicopters Director of Operations Andy Whitaker confirmed that the crashed helicopter belonged to the company. Whitaker described the accident as unprecedented in the company's history, stating that Prestige Helicopters had maintained a clean safety record for approximately four decades before the fatal crash. Whitaker also said the pilot was familiar with the route and had flown it numerous times previously. While investigators have not determined the cause of the accident, weather conditions are emerging as one area of focus in the early stages of the investigation. Radar data from local weather coverage indicated rain and thunderstorms moving across portions of Dawson County between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Friday. Witnesses also reported fog in the area around the time of the crash. Prestige Helicopters' operating guidelines state that flights require at least six miles of visibility and a cloud ceiling above 600 feet, and the company does not operate flights during electrical storms or significant wind conditions. At this stage, neither the FAA nor the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has identified weather as the cause of the accident. Investigators have emphasized that no conclusions have been reached and that the crash remains under investigation. The NTSB is expected to examine weather data, flight tracks, aircraft maintenance records, pilot qualifications, operational procedures and wreckage evidence. The helicopter will be moved to a secure facility for further examination. Federal investigators are also reviewing radar information, air traffic communications and witness accounts as they work to establish the sequence of events leading up to the crash. A preliminary NTSB report is expected within a few weeks, though a final determination of the probable cause could take months or longer.

Helicopter Crash

Newlywed Groom And Pilot Killed In Georgia Helicopter Crash; Bride Survives

Aviation Today News Desk / June 1, 2026

Georgia, United States: A newlywed groom and a helicopter pilot were killed when a helicopter carrying three people crashed in

Sonoma, United States: A small single-engine aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Sonoma Valley Airport in Northern California on Wednesday afternoon, injuring all three people onboard and triggering a multi-agency emergency response. The accident occurred at approximately 4:19 p.m. local time on May 27, 2026, at Sonoma Valley Airport, also known as Schellville Airport, located along Arnold Drive in Sonoma County, California. According to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded alongside crews from the Schell-Vista Fire Protection District and Sonoma Valley Fire District after reports of an aircraft accident during landing. First responders located the damaged aircraft resting near a levee adjacent to the runway within airport property. Authorities confirmed the aircraft involved was a single-engine airplane that had departed from Auburn Municipal Airport before attempting to land in Sonoma. Three occupants identified as the pilot and two passengers were onboard at the time of the crash. Initial reports from emergency agencies stated that all three occupants sustained injuries. Two individuals were transported to hospitals for treatment, while one occupant declined medical transport. Later updates from California Highway Patrol officials indicated one person suffered major injuries and two others sustained minor injuries. The aircraft involved was a Murphy SR2500 Super Rebel, registration N135DS, manufactured in 2001 and operated by JM Environmental Inc. According to local fire officials, one injured occupant was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, while another was transported by ground ambulance to Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa. Images from the crash scene showed the aircraft overturned with substantial damage inside a watery ditch next to the runway area. Emergency responders secured the scene while investigators began preliminary assessments. Officials stated the aircraft came to rest in a field across a levee but remained confined within airport grounds. No post-crash fire was reported. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the accident. Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage, flight path, aircraft maintenance records, pilot information, and weather conditions as part of the inquiry.

Aircraft Crashes

3 Onboard Injured As Single-Engine Plane Crashes During Landing At Sonoma Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / May 29, 2026

Sonoma, United States: A small single-engine aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Sonoma Valley Airport in Northern California on

Cedar City, United States: A training helicopter operated by the aviation program of Southern Utah University crashed at Cedar City Regional Airport on Saturday morning, leaving a pilot and a student pilot injured and prompting a federal investigation into the accident. According to authorities, the crash occurred on May 23, 2026, at Cedar City Airport in Iron County, Utah. Officers from the Cedar City Police Department responded to the scene after receiving reports of an accident involving an SUU helicopter used for flight training operations. Police said two people were onboard the aircraft at the time of the accident, a pilot instructor and a student pilot. Both occupants survived the crash and were transported to Cedar City Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Officials confirmed the helicopter sustained significant damage during the accident. However, no additional injuries were reported on the ground and no other property was damaged. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the helicopter type, registration number, flight phase, or the exact cause of the crash. “We are aware of the accident involving an SUU helicopter at the Cedar City Airport this morning,” SUU public relations director Brooke Heath said in a brief written statement. “The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority, and we are working closely with the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) to investigate the incident,” Heath’s statement concluded. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the incident. Federal investigators are expected to examine operational records, maintenance history, weather conditions, pilot training procedures, and wreckage evidence to determine the cause of the crash. Southern Utah University operates one of the largest collegiate helicopter training fleets in the United States through its aviation division based in Cedar City. The university’s rotorcraft training program uses helicopters for commercial pilot, instructor, mountain flying, and emergency procedure training. Cedar City Regional Airport, located about two miles northwest of Cedar City, is a major hub for flight training activity in southern Utah and hosts both fixed-wing and rotorcraft operations. As of now, officials have not released additional details regarding the sequence of events leading to the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Helicopter Crash

SUU Flight Training Helicopter Crash In Utah Injures Instructor And Student Pilot

Aviation Today News Desk / May 27, 2026

Cedar City, United States: A training helicopter operated by the aviation program of Southern Utah University crashed at Cedar City

Florida, United States: A training aircraft belonging to Florida-based flight school Aamro Aviation was involved in an emergency forced landing Friday afternoon after a reported engine malfunction caused the aircraft to crash into a field near Hobe Sound, Florida, authorities said. According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred shortly after 3 p.m. west of Interstate 95 near Hobe Sound. Deputies and Martin County Fire Rescue crews responded after the aircraft went down in an open dirt field following an apparent loss of engine power. Both occupants, a flight instructor and a student pilot survived the crash and escaped without serious injuries. The aircraft involved was identified as a 2023-built Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP registered as N294PL. The aircraft sustained “substantial damage” during the forced landing after experiencing engine power loss near Tailwinds Airport (FD15). Flight tracking data showed the aircraft departed from North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport before the emergency unfolded. Reports indicated the airplane was operating as a training flight carrying a certified flight instructor and a student pilot at the time of the accident. Photos released from the scene showed the white single-engine aircraft heavily damaged in the field after the emergency landing. Preliminary information from investigators suggests the instructor attempted an off-airport forced landing after the engine malfunction occurred. The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to investigate the incident alongside the National Transportation Safety Board to determine the exact cause of the reported engine failure and circumstances leading to the crash landing.

Aircraft Crashes

Flight Instructor & Student Escape Unhurt After Forced Landing Crash Incident

Aviation Today News Desk / May 23, 2026

Florida, United States: A training aircraft belonging to Florida-based flight school Aamro Aviation was involved in an emergency forced landing

Nevada, United States: Two people were killed after a single-engine aircraft crashed in a remote desert area southwest of Empire, Nevada, prompting a full-scale investigation by federal aviation authorities, according to local officials. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) confirmed that emergency crews located the wreckage approximately 7.5 miles southwest of Empire following a coordinated search operation on Sunday morning. Both occupants were found dead inside the aircraft upon discovery. Authorities said concerns were raised over a possibly missing aircraft that had earlier departed from Reno-Stead Airport, leading to the incident. The aircraft was later identified as a single-engine private plane, which failed to reach its intended destination for reasons that remain under investigation. At approximately 8:25 a.m. local time, WCSO received a request to assist in locating the aircraft after it was reported overdue. Search and rescue teams from the sheriff’s office, along with Pyramid Lake Fire crews, were deployed across the desert terrain surrounding the Empire. Within hours, responders located the downed aircraft in a remote area, where both individuals onboard were pronounced dead at the scene. Officials noted that the crash site lies in a sparsely populated desert region, where difficult terrain and limited visibility can slow aerial and ground search operations. The area southwest of Empire is known for open stretches of desert land, making it challenging to locate small aircraft wreckage without coordinated search support. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken charge of the formal investigation into the accident. Authorities have not yet released the cause of the crash, and it remains unclear what led the aircraft to go down shortly after departure.

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed In Small Plane Crash Near Empire, Nevada; NTSB Launches Investigation

Aviation Today News Desk / May 20, 2026

Nevada, United States: Two people were killed after a single-engine aircraft crashed in a remote desert area southwest of Empire,

Ohio, United States: Two people were killed after a small single-engine aircraft crashed into a residential home in Akron, Ohio, on Thursday afternoon, triggering a massive fire and prompting a federal investigation into the cause of the accident. Authorities confirmed that the victims were the two occupants onboard the aircraft, while a family of four inside the house escaped safely without injuries. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft involved was a Piper PA-28 Cherokee, identified in several reports as a 1963 Piper Cherokee. The aircraft crashed into a home on Canterbury Circle at approximately 3:45 p.m. local time after departing from Akron Fulton Regional Airport, located only a few miles from the crash site. The identities of the two deceased occupants had not been officially released as of the latest updates. Authorities also have not disclosed whether the flight was private, instructional, or recreational. The Akron Fire Department said a couple and their two children were inside the residence when the aircraft slammed into the garage area of the house. All four managed to escape unharmed before flames engulfed parts of the structure. Akron Fire Department District Chief Sierjie Lash confirmed during a press briefing that no one on the ground suffered injuries. “There were a couple and two children that lived there. They were all four home, and they were able to get out with no injuries, so we're very fortunate that they are safe,” Lash said. Emergency responders initially treated the incident as a residential structure fire after receiving multiple calls reporting explosions, heavy smoke and flames. “We got a call that residents saw a plane going down into the house,” Lash said. “We got more calls that people heard explosions.” Residents in the neighborhood described hearing a loud whining sound moments before the impact. Neighbor Christi Gould said power briefly flickered before the crash. “We were sitting there, the power flickered for a few seconds, and then I heard the whining of a plane,” she said, adding that a loud explosion shook nearby homes seconds later. Another resident, Jewell Ulrich, described seeing the aircraft debris scattered between homes after the crash. “That fire was instant,” Ulrich said. “It was so hot.” Her husband, Steve Ulrich, said the aircraft’s tail section remained lodged near the garage area after the impact. Videos circulating on social media showed thick black smoke rising above the suburban neighborhood while flames consumed parts of the residence. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the crash. The NTSB will lead the investigation and is expected to release a preliminary report in the coming days. As of now, officials have not confirmed the cause of the accident. No distress call, mechanical failure, weather issue or pilot-related factor has yet been officially identified. Authorities also evacuated at least one neighboring home as a precaution while investigators assessed structural damage to the impacted residence.

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed After Piper PA-28 Crashes Into Akron Home, Family Escapes Without Injuries

Aviation Today News Desk / May 15, 2026

Ohio, United States: Two people were killed after a small single-engine aircraft crashed into a residential home in Akron, Ohio,

ntsb investigation

Florida Couple Killed After Experimental Plane Crashes After Takeoff From Kentucky

NTSB Preliminary Report Details GPS Interference Before Fatal New Mexico Medevac Crash

12 Killed After Skydiving Aircraft Crashes Shortly After Takeoff In Missouri

2 Injured After Small Aircraft Crashes At Plymouth Municipal Airport In New Hampshire

Newlywed Groom And Pilot Killed In Georgia Helicopter Crash; Bride Survives

3 Onboard Injured As Single-Engine Plane Crashes During Landing At Sonoma Airport

SUU Flight Training Helicopter Crash In Utah Injures Instructor And Student Pilot

Flight Instructor & Student Escape Unhurt After Forced Landing Crash Incident

Two Killed In Small Plane Crash Near Empire, Nevada; NTSB Launches Investigation

Two Killed After Piper PA-28 Crashes Into Akron Home, Family Escapes Without Injuries

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