C-FIT

4) U- IMC ATO

7 fatal accidents on record

This happens when a non-instrument rated pilot attempts a takeoff and intends to stay visual, but is unable due to low clouds and poor visibility. This type of accident is typical of a pilot not expecting IMC conditions after takeoff. The pilot in this case becomes distracted, overloaded, or disoriented immediately after liftoff. The wreckage is typically found just off the end of the departure runway. In error, the NTSB often makes reference to loss of airplane control as a LOC-I or Loss of Control inflight accident. Loss of control implies that the controls were not working properly at the time of impact. Most SD fatal crashes occur where the controls were in fact performing perfectly, and the aircraft was perfectly controllable even though the pilot positioned those controls improperly.

Trend

Fatal accidents per quarter, last 8 quarters, with a rolling 12-month average (per quarter)
  • Accidents per quarter
  • Rolling 12-month average
4) U- IMC ATO: Fatal accidents per quarter, last 8 quarters, with a rolling 12-month average (per quarter)
PeriodAccidentsRolling 12-month average per quarter
Q1 202510.3
Q2 202510.5
Q3 202510.8
Q4 202500.8
Q1 202600.5
Q2 202600.3
Q3 202620.5
Q4 2026 QTD00.5

Lessons

Short reads from the DTSB lesson library for this category.

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Practice scenarios

What to practice to keep this from happening to you. Fly drills with a qualified instructor at a safe altitude, or in a simulator.

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Recent accidents in this category

See all 7 in the accident index →