ntsb investigation Archives - Page 5 of 7

Louisiana, United States: Three people from Texas were killed when a small twin-engine Beechcraft Baron aircraft crashed in a field near Gloria Switch Road and Louisiana Highway 93 in Lafayette Parish on Tuesday. Federal investigators have begun examining the wreckage to determine what caused the fatal accident. According to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred shortly after 11:00 a.m. local time on October 21. Emergency responders were dispatched to a rural area outside Carencro, where the aircraft went down and burst into flames upon impact. No survivors were found at the scene. Authorities identified the victims as Bruce Verduyn, 58, Justin Ramsey, 42, and Lydia Laws, 46, all residents of the Houston metropolitan area Verduyn and Ramsey from The Woodlands, and Laws from Spring, Texas. Flight tracking data reviewed by local outlets indicated that a Beechcraft Baron registered as N16PV departed from Hooks Memorial Airport near Houston around 9:53 a.m. and disappeared from radar approximately an hour later near the Lafayette crash site. Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have taken charge of the investigation. Preliminary findings have not yet been released, and authorities have not confirmed the flight’s destination or purpose. Sheriff’s deputies secured the area while firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and recover the remains. The debris field reportedly covered a significant portion of private farmland. Local residents described hearing a loud engine noise followed by a heavy thud before smoke rose from the site. Weather conditions in the area were reported as mostly clear at the time of the incident, though investigators have not ruled out any factors, including possible mechanical failure or pilot distress. The FAA said a full accident report will be published after the NTSB concludes its investigation, which could take months.

3 Killed As Beechcraft Baron Aircraft Crashes In Louisiana; FAA And NTSB Launch Probe

Aviation Today News Desk / October 22, 2025

Louisiana, United States: Three people from Texas were killed when a small twin-engine Beechcraft Baron aircraft crashed in a field […]

Utah, United States: A United Airlines pilot sustained injuries after an unidentified object shattered the cockpit windshield of a Boeing 737 MAX 8 cruising at 36,000 feet on Thursday, forcing an emergency diversion to Salt Lake City International Airport. The flight, operating as United Airlines 1093 from Denver (DEN) to Los Angeles (LAX), was carrying 134 passengers with 6 crew members when the incident occurred approximately 37 minutes after departure. The aircraft tail number N17327 began a controlled descent from its cruising altitude and safely landed in Salt Lake City without further incident. Photographs circulating online show a spider-webbed outer windshield and blood on the pilot’s arm, believed to be caused by flying glass fragments inside the cockpit. United Airlines confirmed that one of the pilots sustained a “minor injury” and was treated after landing. All passengers were unharmed and later transferred to another aircraft to continue to Los Angeles. “The outer pane of the multilayer windshield was damaged, but the aircraft maintained pressurization and all flight controls functioned normally,” United Airlines said in a statement. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the windshield failure. The damaged windshield has been sent to an NTSB laboratory for forensic analysis. Early images of the damage show scorch marks and what appear to be sheared rivets around the impact area, leading investigators to consider several possibilities including a collision with high-altitude debris, a micrometeorite, or a failure in the windshield’s electrical heating system. At 36,000 feet, the chances of a bird strike are virtually impossible, eliminating one of the most common causes of windshield damage at lower altitudes. “We are exploring all potential explanations from internal electrical faults to external debris impact,” an NTSB spokesperson told ABC News. “It’s too early to draw conclusions until the windshield undergoes structural testing.” A California-based company that operates autonomous weather balloons said one of its balloons may have been in the same airspace as Flight 1093 and that it is cooperating fully with authorities. No official link has yet been confirmed. Several passengers described a loud “bang” followed by a rapid descent. “There was a sharp jolt, then the captain announced we were diverting.” Aviation analysts say the nature of the damage concentrated on the upper-left cockpit window and accompanied by burn-like discoloration suggests an external strike rather than an internal electrical failure. “At that altitude, only space debris, high-altitude ice, or an electrical explosion could cause this pattern,” aerospace engineer Mark Pilling told AvGeekery. Despite the extensive cracking, the multilayer windshield design prevented cabin depressurization. The aircraft’s reinforced windshield system consists of three laminated panes, only the outer layer of which was compromised. The NTSB has not released a preliminary report yet but is expected to do so within weeks.

Incidents

United Airlines Pilot Injured As Cockpit Windshield Shatters Mid-Flight At 36,000 Feet

Aviation Today News Desk / October 21, 2025

Utah, United States: A United Airlines pilot sustained injuries after an unidentified object shattered the cockpit windshield of a Boeing

Pennsylvania, United States: A New Jersey flight instructor has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with a 2022 small-plane crash in Salisbury Township, Pennsylvania, that killed his student pilot from Easton. According to federal prosecutors, 36-year-old Philip McPherson of Haddon Township, New Jersey, entered a guilty plea in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania earlier this week. The plea stems from the fatal crash that occurred just one minute after takeoff from Queen City Municipal Airport in Allentown on August 18, 2022, claiming the life of 49-year-old student pilot Keith Kozel. McPherson and Kozel were flying a single-engine Cessna 172 on an instructional flight when the aircraft lost control shortly after departure. The plane crashed into the yard of a home on South Melrose Avenue in Salisbury Township and burst into flames. Kozel died at the scene, while McPherson survived with injuries. Investigators later determined that McPherson was not legally certified to act as a flight instructor or pilot at the time of the crash. Court documents revealed he had surrendered his pilot certificate to the FAA in 2018 after being involved in two prior accidents and subsequently failed a 2021 reexamination for lack of competence. In August 2024, McPherson was indicted on one count of involuntary manslaughter and 40 counts of serving as an airman without a valid certificate, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Prosecutors argued that McPherson acted with “gross negligence” by knowingly providing flight instruction despite his disqualification, thereby endangering his student’s life. On October 14, 2025, McPherson pleaded guilty to manslaughter under a plea agreement that will see the remaining charges dismissed at sentencing, as confirmed by local authorities. He faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. McPherson’s sentencing is scheduled for January 2026 in Philadelphia. The court is expected to consider aggravating factors related to his prior record and repeated violations of federal aviation regulations. Friends and relatives of the late Keith Kozel described him as a dedicated student pilot who was “living his dream of flying.” The Kozel family has expressed relief that justice is being served but said “no sentence can bring Keith back.” The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assisted in the investigation, which concluded that the accident resulted from pilot error and lack of qualification on the part of McPherson.

Aircraft Crashes

Unlicensed Flight Instructor Pleads Guilty In 2022 Crash That Killed Student Pilot

Aviation Today News Desk / October 17, 2025

Pennsylvania, United States: A New Jersey flight instructor has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with a 2022 small-plane crash

Dartmouth, United States: A fiery plane crash on Interstate 195 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, claimed the lives of a Rhode Island couple early Monday morning. The victims have been identified as 68-year-old Thomas Perkins and his 66-year-old wife, Agatha, both of Middletown, Rhode Island. The crash occurred around 8 a.m. after the couple's Socata TBM 700 aircraft, a single-engine turboprop, took off from New Bedford Regional Airport. According to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office, the couple was found in the fuselage and pronounced dead at the scene. A woman driving a silver Hyundai Sonata was injured when part of the plane struck her vehicle. She was transported to St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released. Aviation experts suggest that the pilot may have been attempting to return to New Bedford Regional Airport but faced mechanical issues, leading to the decision to land on or near the highway. Tom Kinton, former CEO of the Massachusetts Port Authority, commented, "That's the first thing you look for is a pasture or a highway to get that plane down, and maybe they were trying to do it." The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident. Initial reports indicate that the pilot did not file a flight plan or provide information about the number of people aboard the aircraft. The crash occurred amid a nor'easter that brought strong winds and rain to the region. New Bedford Regional Airport remained open, but many commercial and private flights were canceled due to the storm. Interstate 195 was closed in both directions for several hours. The center and right lanes on the eastbound side reopened at about 2:45 p.m., while all lanes on the westbound side reopened shortly before 3:15 p.m. The left lane on eastbound I-195 remained closed as of 6:30 p.m. The aircraft involved in the crash was owned by Easton Air, LLC, based in Middletown, Rhode Island. The FAA and NTSB are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash.

Aircraft Crashes

Rhode Island Couple Killed After Plane Crashes On Massachusetts Highway I-195

Aviation Today News Desk / October 15, 2025

Dartmouth, United States: A fiery plane crash on Interstate 195 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, claimed the lives of a Rhode Island

Texas, United States: Two people were killed on Sunday afternoon when a twin-engine aircraft crashed near Hicks Airfield in northwest Fort Worth, igniting a massive blaze that engulfed several parked tractor-trailers, authorities said. The King Air aircraft reportedly departed from Fort Worth Alliance Airport shortly before it went down around 1:30 p.m. local time, striking a property filled with semi-trucks, trailers, and campers. The impact set off multiple explosions, triggering fires that spread to at least ten parked trucks, according to the Fort Worth Fire Department. Firefighters managed to contain the flames within 35 minutes, with around 60 personnel, 10 engines, 14 support vehicles, and three ambulances dispatched to the scene. A nearby grass fire that broke out due to the crash was also quickly extinguished. Officials confirmed two fatalities at the crash site. Their identities have not been released. Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were on board the aircraft. No ground injuries were immediately reported, though the fire caused significant property damage. Several surrounding roads including parts of Business U.S. 287 and Tinsley Road were temporarily closed during emergency response operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest that investigators are examining possible mechanical failure or pilot-related issues, but officials have emphasized that it is too early to draw conclusions. The wreckage will be relocated for detailed examination by NTSB specialists in the coming days.

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed as Twin-Engine Plane Crashes Near Fort Worth, Sparks Massive Fire

Aviation Today News Desk / October 13, 2025

Texas, United States: Two people were killed on Sunday afternoon when a twin-engine aircraft crashed near Hicks Airfield in northwest

Florida, United States: A student pilot and flight instructor were rescued uninjured after their small aircraft crashed in the Florida Everglades during a test flight on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred near Shark Valley, approximately 20 miles west of Miami Executive Airport. According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft took off from Miami Executive Airport at 1:48 PM and circled over the Everglades before encountering issues that led to the crash. Both individuals were uninjured but became stranded in the challenging terrain of the wetlands. They managed to use their cellphones to send their coordinates to emergency responders, enabling rescue teams to locate and extract them safely. Fire rescue units responded to the 12800 block of Southwest 145th Avenue, where the plane had flipped upside down. Both individuals climbed out of the wreckage and stood on the wing while they used their cellphone to send their coordinates to responding officials. They were transported to Miami Executive Airport after being safely removed from the remote area and checked out by paramedics. The student pilot was on a test flight when the aircraft encountered problems that led to the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident to determine the cause of the crash.

Aircraft Crashes

Student Pilot, Flight Instructor Rescued Uninjured After Small Plane Crash In Florida

Aviation Today News Desk / October 8, 2025

Florida, United States: A student pilot and flight instructor were rescued uninjured after their small aircraft crashed in the Florida

California, United States: A medical helicopter operated by REACH Air Medical Services crashed onto the eastbound lanes of Highway 50 in Sacramento on Monday afternoon, leaving three crew members critically injured and shutting down a major section of the freeway. The chopper, identified as a medical transport aircraft, went down shortly after 7 p.m. local time near 65th Street, moments after departing from UC Davis Medical Center. Authorities confirmed that no patient was on board at the time of the crash. The helicopter was carrying a pilot, flight nurse, and paramedic, all of whom sustained severe injuries. Emergency personnel and bystanders assisted in the rescue, with reports indicating that one crew member was pinned under the wreckage before being freed and transported to a nearby hospital. “There were no patients or other vehicles involved in the crash,” REACH Air Medical Services said in a brief statement. “Our primary focus is on the well-being of our crew and their families.” The aircraft did not catch fire after impact, but debris was scattered across multiple lanes, forcing the closure of all eastbound lanes on Highway 50 for several hours. Westbound lanes also experienced significant slowdowns as emergency crews worked through the night to secure the site. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The helicopter appeared to lose altitude rapidly before hitting the roadway, but officials have not confirmed any mechanical failure. Highway 50 eastbound lanes were expected to reopen by early Tuesday afternoon after debris removal and structural assessments of the affected area.

Helicopter Crash

REACH Air Medical Chopper Crashes On Highway 50 in Sacramento Injuring Three Crew

Aviation Today News Desk / October 7, 2025

California, United States: A medical helicopter operated by REACH Air Medical Services crashed onto the eastbound lanes of Highway 50

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.

Accidents

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

ntsb investigation

3 Killed As Beechcraft Baron Aircraft Crashes In Louisiana; FAA And NTSB Launch Probe

United Airlines Pilot Injured As Cockpit Windshield Shatters Mid-Flight At 36,000 Feet

Unlicensed Flight Instructor Pleads Guilty In 2022 Crash That Killed Student Pilot

Two Killed as Twin-Engine Plane Crashes Near Fort Worth, Sparks Massive Fire

Student Pilot, Flight Instructor Rescued Uninjured After Small Plane Crash In Florida

REACH Air Medical Chopper Crashes On Highway 50 in Sacramento Injuring Three Crew

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

Follow Us

Quick Links

Navigate

General Support

News Desk Support

Follow Us