ntsb investigation Archives - Page 2 of 3

New York, United States: A low-speed collision between two Delta Connection regional jets disrupted operations at LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday night, injuring a flight attendant and damaging both aircraft. The incident occurred when Delta Connection Flight 5155, operated by Endeavor Air and scheduled to depart for Roanoke, Virginia, struck the nose of Delta Connection Flight 5047 arriving from Charlotte, North Carolina. The right wing of the departing CRJ-900 clipped the cockpit section of the arriving aircraft. The collision shattered cockpit windows and damaged the forward fuselage of the Charlotte flight. A cabin crew member on board sustained a knee injury and was taken to a local hospital. No passengers were hurt. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that airport operations continued without major disruption. The Endeavor flight 5155 was carrying 32 people including 28 passengers and 4 crewmembers whereas Endeavor flight 5047 was carrying 61 people in which 57 were passengers and 4 crewmembers, all passengers were safely deplaned and transported by bus to the terminal, where Delta arranged hotel accommodation, meals, and rebooking support. The NTSB has dispatched a team of ten investigators and recovered flight recorders from both aircraft for analysis. The FAA stated that Flight 5155 had been instructed to hold position before the collision, but the exact circumstances remain under investigation. The focus will include taxiway intersection layout, air traffic control instructions, and pilot decision-making. Flights resumed on schedule Thursday morning, with no further delays.

Two Delta Jets Collide at LaGuardia Airport; Cockpit Windows Shattered & Crew Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / October 3, 2025

New York, United States: A low-speed collision between two Delta Connection regional jets disrupted operations at LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday […]

Washington, United States: The family of a passenger killed in January’s midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has filed the first federal lawsuit over the disaster, naming American Airlines, its regional affiliate PSA Airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the U.S. Army as defendants. The complaint, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, comes from Rachel Crafton, whose husband, Casey Crafton, was among the 67 people killed when American Eagle Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 29. The crash, which occurred at low altitude just half a mile from the runway, killed all 64 people aboard the Embraer E175 regional jet and all three Army crew members on the helicopter. Crafton’s lawsuit accuses the defendants of negligence and wrongful death, arguing that the tragedy was both predictable and preventable. The 115-page filing cites more than 30 documented near misses in the crowded D.C. airspace that, according to the suit, were ignored by regulators and operators. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary findings indicate insufficient vertical separation, estimated at just 75 feet, and highlight a history of over 15,000 near-misses between aircraft and helicopters in the area from 2021 to 2024, many occurring at night or above designated altitudes. The NTSB has recommended that the FAA restrict helicopter operations near DCA during active runway use and designate safer routes to prevent future collisions. The full investigation is ongoing, with a final report expected in 2026. “The defendants utterly failed in their responsibilities to protect passengers, crew, and the public,” the complaint alleges. It further faults American and PSA for inadequate pilot training, the FAA for failing to redesign or better monitor congested flight paths into Reagan National, and the Army for not preventing its aircraft from entering civilian approach corridors. The suit also highlights alleged air traffic control failures, including the absence of timely safety alerts that could have helped avoid the collision. This federal filing follows earlier Federal Tort Claims Act notices submitted by Crafton in February, seeking $250 million in damages from the FAA and the Army. Those claims are a legal prerequisite to suing the U.S. government, which typically enjoys sovereign immunity unless exceptions apply. The FAA responded with a statement of condolences, noting that it had “acted decisively” since the crash to improve safety over the capital region and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation. The Army declined to comment, citing the active investigation, but said it remains focused on supporting victims’ families. American Airlines and PSA signaled they would defend themselves in court, pointing to their overall safety record. The Crafton case is expected to be a bellwether lawsuit, with other families of victims likely to join or file their own claims in the coming months. The NTSB’s final accident report, expected in 2026, will likely shape the scope of liability across all parties.

Investigation

Widow of Passenger Sues American Airlines, FAA, Army Over Deadly D.C. Collision

Aviation Today News Desk / September 25, 2025

Washington, United States: The family of a passenger killed in January’s midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has

North Carolina, United States: A small private plane crashed in a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Macon County on Thursday afternoon, killing all three people on board. Authorities have confirmed that the deceased include award-winning Nashville songwriter Brett James, 57. The Cirrus SR22T aircraft (tail number N218VB) went down shortly after 3 p.m. local time on September 18, just west of the school grounds in Franklin. The aircraft is registered to James and had departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee, earlier that day, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Macon County Sheriff’s Office and local media reports confirmed the fatalities. Songwriter Brett James, whose career spanned more than two decades, was among those killed. He was known for penning hits including “Jesus, Take the Wheel” (Carrie Underwood) and “When the Sun Goes Down” (Kenny Chesney). James’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Nashville music community, where he was regarded as one of the most versatile and prolific writers of his generation. His songs, often blending country and pop influences, earned him Grammy Awards and recognition from both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. The identities of the two other victims have not yet been officially released. While the crash site was close to Iotla Valley Elementary School, officials confirmed that no students or staff were injured. The Macon County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the wreckage was located in a field adjacent to the school and did not impact school property. Parents and staff were quickly notified, and emergency crews secured the area. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the accident. The North Carolina Highway Patrol assisted local law enforcement in securing the crash site. The FAA is expected to release a preliminary accident report within the next few days, though full investigations can take months. Brett James’s career began as a recording artist before he transitioned to songwriting, where he built a reputation for crafting chart-topping hits across multiple genres. Beyond country music, he collaborated with artists in pop and rock, including Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, and Kelly Clarkson. His songwriting not only brought him industry acclaim but also cemented his influence on Nashville’s modern sound. In addition to writing, James was active in mentoring young musicians and was deeply respected within Music Row’s creative community. According to the FAA, small private aircraft like the Cirrus SR22T are among the most commonly flown in the U.S., and while equipped with advanced safety features including parachute recovery systems accidents still occur.

Aircraft Crashes

Grammy-Winning Nashville Songwriter Brett James Among 3 Dead in Plane Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / September 19, 2025

North Carolina, United States: A small private plane crashed in a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Macon County

Kentucky, United States: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report into the September 27, 2023, crash of a Piper PA-28-161 that killed a flight instructor and student pilot near Whitesville, Kentucky, concluding that the accident was caused by the instructor’s decision to continue flying into an area of severe thunderstorms. Investigators found the airplane suffered an in-flight breakup after encountering extreme turbulence inside convective weather. The Eagle Flight Academy aircraft departed Bowling Green-Woodhurst Airport at 9:55 p.m. for a night cross-country training mission intended to complete the student’s night-flying requirement. The 22-year-old instructor and 18-year-old student were on their first flight together. According to ADS-B data and air traffic control recordings, the aircraft climbed to 4,500 feet and was warned by controllers at 10:44 p.m. of “heavy to extreme precipitation” to its left. Two minutes later, the instructor requested an instrument flight rules clearance but continued circling in the weather and reported the airplane was “getting blown around like crazy” and in “pretty extreme turbulence.” Moments later, communications ceased. Radar data showed a right descending turn before the plane broke apart. The debris field stretched across 25 acres of wooded terrain. Post-accident examination revealed no mechanical failures. Investigators confirmed the aircraft exceeded its structural limits while penetrating severe weather. The NTSB cited the instructor’s decision-making as the defining factor: “The flight instructor’s improper decision to continue flight into a known area of thunderstorms resulted in an in-flight breakup.” The weather briefing obtained before departure included an active convective SIGMET warning of severe storms with tops to 42,000 feet, hail, and wind gusts up to 50 knots. The NTSB also highlighted the potential latency of weather radar images from cockpit and mobile applications, cautioning pilots that such data may be several minutes old and could under-represent the severity or position of fast-moving storms. Autopsies determined both occupants died of multiple blunt-force injuries. Toxicology tests were negative for the instructor. The student tested positive for cetirizine, an over-the-counter antihistamine, but impairment could not be determined.

Investigation

CFI’s Choice to Fly in Severe Weather Caused Crash that Killed Student and Self: NTSB

Aviation Today News Desk / September 11, 2025

Kentucky, United States: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report into the September 27, 2023, crash

Helicopter Crash

Lakeville Helicopter Crash Kills Two, Bursts Into Flames, FAA & NTSB Investigating

Aviation Today News Desk / September 8, 2025

Minnesota, United States: In a tragic aviation accident Saturday afternoon, a Robinson R66 helicopter crashed and ignited near Lakeville roughly

Idaho, United States: A tragic plane crash in Wyoming’s Bighorn National Forest on Labor Day left one child dead and three members of the Palmer family hospitalized. Authorities said the family had just taken off in a four-seat Piper PA-28 on Monday afternoon when the plane went down in the mountains shortly before 5 p.m. Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 13-year-old Amelia Palmer died at the scene. Her parents, Earl Palmer, 54, and Cindy Palmer, 53, were airlifted in critical condition to a trauma center in Billings, Montana. Their 11-year-old son, Aeron Palmer, suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to Sheridan Memorial Hospital. The Sheriff’s Office initially received reports of a missing or injured person in the Bighorn Mountains before learning of the plane crash. Emergency responders quickly located the wreckage and worked to stabilize the three survivors. Amelia’s body was later airlifted to the Incident Command Post and transported to Sheridan Memorial Hospital. “This was, and still is, a very fluid scene,” Sheridan County Sheriff Levi Dominguez said, praising the “exceptional” coordination of rescuers, EMS, and medical teams. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their family.” The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash. The FAA’s preliminary report confirmed the crash occurred during the plane’s initial climb but listed the cause as unknown circumstances. Amelia was well known in the rodeo community as the 2024/2025 Treasure Valley Rodeo Mini Queen and second runner-up for the 2026 Miss Junior Rodeo Idaho title. “Amelia, you were pure sunshine and brought joy to everyone you met. Our rodeo family won’t be the same without you,” Miss Rodeo Idaho Inc. wrote in a Facebook tribute. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the Palmers with medical bills, travel expenses, and funeral costs. Family friends have stepped in to care for the family’s farm animals, and community members are encouraged to donate feed or contribute to the fundraiser. FAA records list the plane’s registered owner as Austin Travis Peden of Sheridan, Wyoming. According to The Billings Gazette, Peden previously worked for Bighorn Airways, a local provider of private and contract flights.

Aircraft Crashes

Piper PA-28 Crash in Wyoming Claims 13-Year-Old’s Life, Leaves Three Hospitalized

Aviation Today News Desk / September 3, 2025

Idaho, United States: A tragic plane crash in Wyoming’s Bighorn National Forest on Labor Day left one child dead and

Missouri, United States: A small aircraft crashed and burst into flames north of the Midwest National Air Center on Wednesday morning, killing both people on board. Authorities confirmed the victims as Mark and Vickie Spelts, a couple from Chico, California, who owned Spelts Wealth Management. The aircraft, a Cessna C340, went down in a soybean field near Excelsior Springs around 10:30 a.m. First responders arrived within minutes to find the wreckage engulfed in flames. Despite rapid emergency response, neither occupant survived the impact and fire. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office said deputies and local fire crews secured the crash site and worked to extinguish the blaze. “It was fully involved when crews got here,” one official noted, emphasizing the intensity of the fire. As a precaution, the Midwest National Air Center temporarily closed to all air traffic while investigators examined the site. Flights resumed later in the evening around 5 p.m. after safety checks were completed. Family members and business associates confirmed that the victims were Mark and Vickie Spelts. The couple were well-known in northern California for their financial advisory firm and for their community involvement. Their deaths prompted an outpouring of condolences from clients and friends in Chico. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have taken over the investigation. The FAA said the twin-engine plane departed from a nearby airport before the crash, though the purpose of the flight has not been disclosed. Investigators are expected to analyze flight data, weather conditions, and maintenance records to determine the cause.

Aircraft Crashes

Chico Couple Killed as Small Plane Crashes, Burns Near Excelsior Springs, Missouri

Aviation Today News Desk / August 28, 2025

Missouri, United States: A small aircraft crashed and burst into flames north of the Midwest National Air Center on Wednesday

Alabama, United States: A small single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft crashed in a vacant lot near Gulf Shores International Airport on Sunday afternoon, sending both occupants to the hospital. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. as the plane was approaching the airport for landing. According to Gulf Shores Public Information Officer Grant Brown, the aircraft clipped a tree while descending, causing it to spin and crash in a vacant lot situated between Alabama Coastal Community College and the Gulf Shores Tourism Center. The pilot and his wife, who was the passenger, were able to evacuate the plane on their own. Both individuals were conscious and alert when first responders arrived at the scene. They were subsequently transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola for evaluation and treatment. The crash site was secured by Gulf Shores Police and Fire Rescue, as well as airport management. Fortunately, the incident occurred outside the airport boundaries, so airport operations were not affected, and traffic on Alabama 59 remained unaffected. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified and is expected to send investigators to the scene to determine the cause of the crash. Flight tracking data indicates that the aircraft departed from Paris, Texas, earlier in the day and was en route to Gulf Shores International Airport when the incident occurred. The NTSB's investigation will provide further insights into the circumstances leading to the crash. Authorities have not released the identities of the individuals involved at this time.

Aircraft Crashes

Small Plane Crashes Near Gulf Shores Airport, Both Pilot and Passenger Hospitalized

Aviation Today News Desk / August 25, 2025

Alabama, United States: A small single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft crashed in a vacant lot near Gulf Shores International Airport on

Titusville, Florida: A small training aircraft carrying a flight instructor and a student pilot crashed Friday afternoon near Space Coast Regional Airport, leaving both occupants injured and prompting an emergency response from multiple agencies. The crash occurred around 2:13 p.m. on August 15, 2025, when the aircraft went down in a wooded area just west of the airport and north of Shepard Drive, according to the Titusville Police Department and Titusville Fire Department. Both the instructor and the student were able to call 911 from inside the downed plane. Emergency crews from Titusville Fire, Titusville Police, and Brevard County Fire Rescue rushed to the scene and located the damaged aircraft in the wooded terrain. Authorities said one of the occupants sustained serious injuries, while the other suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Both were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Their names and the exact nature of their injuries have not yet been released. The pair were engaged in a training flight when the crash occurred. A spokesperson for the Titusville Police confirmed that the two victims were conscious and responsive when emergency responders reached them. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are expected to take over the probe into the crash. So far, neither agency has released details on what might have led to the aircraft going down. Investigators are expected to examine flight conditions, pilot communications, and the maintenance history of the aircraft. Residents near Shepard Drive reported hearing emergency sirens and seeing multiple rescue vehicles heading toward the crash site. Local media outlets, including Florida Today, confirmed that two people were injured and that the aircraft came down near the airport perimeter. As the FAA and NTSB begin their formal investigation, officials are urging the public to avoid speculation until official findings are released. Updates on the condition of the instructor and student pilot are expected once their families have been notified.

Aircraft Crashes

Titusville Plane Crash Leaves Two Injured Near Space Coast Regional Airport, Florida

Aviation Today News Desk / August 18, 2025

Florida, United States: A small training aircraft carrying a flight instructor and a student pilot crashed Friday afternoon near Space

Montana, United States: A small private aircraft crash-landed into multiple parked planes at Kalispell City Airport on Monday afternoon, sparking an intense fire but resulting in no serious injuries, authorities confirmed. The incident involved a 2011-built Socata TBM 700 turboprop, registered to Meter Sky LLC of Pullman, Washington. According to the Kalispell Fire Department, the single-engine plane was carrying four people, the pilot and three passengers when it attempted to land at around 2:00 p.m. local time. Initial reports from Kalispell Fire Chief Dan Pearson indicate that the TBM 700 touched down normally but lost directional control during rollout. The aircraft veered off the runway and collided with several parked planes on the apron. The collision ruptured fuel lines, triggering a blaze that quickly spread to the nearby grassy area adjacent to the tarmac. All four occupants managed to evacuate the aircraft before flames engulfed it. Two people suffered minor injuries and received treatment on-site, while the other two were unhurt. No injuries were reported among ground personnel. Multiple firefighting units from Kalispell and surrounding districts responded within minutes. Eyewitnesses described the crash as sudden and violent. Mark Grant, manager of the Aero Inn located near the airport, recounted to AP NEWS the moment of impact: “It was like sticking your head inside a bass drum and someone hitting it with all their might. The sound rattled the windows.” Several onlookers captured videos that circulated widely on social media, showing thick columns of black smoke rising from the airfield as emergency crews rushed to the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it has opened a preliminary inquiry into the crash, while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the formal investigation. The investigators will examine factors including runway surface conditions, aircraft mechanical integrity, and potential pilot error. The TBM 700’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders, though not required for all private planes, will be checked if installed. The NTSB’s initial report is expected within two weeks, but a final determination could take up to a year.

Aircraft Crashes

4 Escape Serious Injury After Small Plane Hits Parked Planes, Sparks Fire at Kalispell

Aviation Today News Desk / August 12, 2025

Montana, United States: A small private aircraft crash-landed into multiple parked planes at Kalispell City Airport on Monday afternoon, sparking

ntsb investigation

Two Delta Jets Collide at LaGuardia Airport; Cockpit Windows Shattered & Crew Injured

Widow of Passenger Sues American Airlines, FAA, Army Over Deadly D.C. Collision

Grammy-Winning Nashville Songwriter Brett James Among 3 Dead in Plane Crash

Lakeville Helicopter Crash Kills Two, Bursts Into Flames, FAA & NTSB Investigating

Piper PA-28 Crash in Wyoming Claims 13-Year-Old’s Life, Leaves Three Hospitalized

Chico Couple Killed as Small Plane Crashes, Burns Near Excelsior Springs, Missouri

Small Plane Crashes Near Gulf Shores Airport, Both Pilot and Passenger Hospitalized

Titusville Plane Crash Leaves Two Injured Near Space Coast Regional Airport, Florida

4 Escape Serious Injury After Small Plane Hits Parked Planes, Sparks Fire at Kalispell

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