# Final NTSB investigations: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 12 · 588 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA26LA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA307.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Altoona, PA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 14, 2026 · N586MA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s descent below the glidepath and collision with trees during a missed approach.
- [NTSB ERA26LA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA300.md): Waco Classic 2T-1A-2 · Clermont, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 14, 2026 · N621GL · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the landing approach.
- [NTSB WPR26LA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA266.md): Maule M-4-180V · Creede, CO · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 18, 2026 · N489LA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s performance capabilities in mountainous terrain, which resulted in a forced landing.
- [NTSB WPR26LA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA234.md): Piper PA-12 · Dixie, ID · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 23, 2026 · N3013M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed decision to initiate a go-around and subsequent failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain.
- [NTSB WPR26LA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA196.md): Diamond DA40 · Wells, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 17, 2026 · N787PV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inability to maintain climb performance and clearance from mountainous terrain due to a downdraft.
- [NTSB CEN26LA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA180.md): Just JA-30 · Hartville, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 26, 2026 · N422T · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line after takeoff.
- [NTSB DCA26LA159](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA26LA159.md): Pyka Pelican Cargo · Summit Point, WV · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 17, 2026 · N136ZP · Substantial damage
  > The inaccurate obstacle height entered into mission planning that resulted in the aircraft wing’s impact with a tree during descent, resulting resulted in a loss of control.
- [NTSB ERA26LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA143.md): Cessna 172 · Carthage, NC · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 1, 2026 · N972WW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while on final approach for landing. Contributing to the accident were the flight instructor’s inadequate remedial actions.
- [NTSB WPR26LA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA095.md): American Champion 8KCAB · Alpine, WY · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 29, 2026 · N59SE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadvertent descent while operating in flat light conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA26LA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA096.md): American General Acft AG5B · Fairfield, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 15, 2026 · N59WM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate glide path during the landing approach in gusting wind conditions, resulting in an impact with trees prior to the runway.
- [NTSB ERA26LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA036.md): Czech Sport Aircraft A S Sportcruiser · Cuthbert, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 7, 2025 · N549PS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain while maneuvering for a precautionary landing, at low altitude and at night.
- [NTSB ERA26LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA022.md): Rans Employee Flying Club Rans S-6ES Coyote II · Williston, SC · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 24, 2025 · N43822 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the initial climb in gusting crosswind conditions.
- [NTSB WPR25LA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA283.md): Cessna 150F · Rigby, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 17, 2025 · N8047F · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s improper flap position during takeoff, which resulted in degraded climb performance and a subsequent impact with a building.
- [NTSB ERA25LA341](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA341.md): Grumman G-44A · Beaver Cove, ME · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 6, 2025 · N402E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s distraction and failure to monitor the airplane’s flight path, which resulted in controlled flight into a lake.
- [NTSB CEN25LA312](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA312.md): Taylorcraft BC12 · Ozark, AR · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 9, 2025 · N95356 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree which resulted in the right wing impacting the tree and a subsequent collision with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane at a low altitude over…
- [NTSB CEN25LA311](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA311.md): Schweizer SGS 2-33A · Monee, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 6, 2025 · N65818 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and altitude resulting in a collision with the ground during the base to final turn.
- [NTSB CEN25LA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA283.md): Air Tractor AT-301 · Hartsburg, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 23, 2025 · N2371V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff with a tailwind from a wet turf airstrip.
- [NTSB CEN25LA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA146.md): Piper PA28 · Ault, CO · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 7, 2025 · N8282V · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to maintain terrain clearance during an attempted go-around, which resulted in a collision with a fence post.
- [NTSB CEN25LA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA098.md): MD Helicopters 369FF · Cookville, MO · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 16, 2025 · N6100N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree during the low altitude operation.
- [NTSB CEN25FA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA047.md): Cessna 182T · Drake, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 23, 2024 · N434CP · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering in mountainous terrain. Contributing was mountain wave turbulence in the area.
- [NTSB ERA25FA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA037.md): Cessna 150F · Wilder, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 31, 2024 · N8110S · Destroyed
  > The student pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions at night, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA24LA346](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA346.md): Piper J3 · Mooresburg, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 16, 2024 · N21811 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s intentional flight into a building as an act of suicide.
- [NTSB ERA24LA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA297.md): Buckeye Dream Machine · Bainbridge, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 4, 2024 · UNREG · Destroyed
  > The non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to alcohol and methamphetamine use.
- [NTSB ERA24FA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA292.md): Cessna 172N · Lock Haven, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 4, 2024 · N739GV · Destroyed
  > The student pilot’s premature turn to the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern at low airspeed and altitude, resulting in a collision with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB WPR24LA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA221.md): Beech B19 · Running Springs, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 1, 2024 · N6553R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to maneuver the airplane at a low altitude toward rising terrain, which exceeded the climb capability of the airplane.
- [NTSB WPR24FA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA195.md): Luscombe 8A · South Lake Tahoe, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 12, 2024 · N37081 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue low-altitude flight toward rising mountainous terrain in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in collision with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB WPR24FA190](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA190.md): Cessna 177B · Elk River, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 12, 2024 · N34903 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while climbing in mountainous terrain during moderately high density altitude conditions, and conditions conducive to severe carburetor icing.
- [NTSB ERA24FA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA136.md): Israel Aircraft Industries 1125 Westwind Astra · Hot Springs, VA · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 10, 2024 · N1125A · Destroyed
  > The PIC’s continuation of an unstabilized approach in gusting wind conditions and his failure to monitor the airplane’s altitude during the approach, which led to a descent into terrain short of the runway. Contributing was the flight crew’s failure to set…
- [NTSB WPR24LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA094.md): Aeronca 7AC · Valley Springs, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 23, 2024 · N1611E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to maneuver the airplane at a low altitude and inadvertently entering a box canyon where the airplane could not outclimb the rising terrain.
- [NTSB CEN24LA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA116.md): Cub Crafters CCX-2000 · Laotto, IN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 19, 2024 · N358AK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper decision to continue an approach with his vision obscured by sun glare, which resulted in a collision with a tree.
- [NTSB WPR24LA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA090.md): Enstrom 280FX · Lewistown, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 15, 2024 · N899JS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s encounter with low light conditions and snow-covered terrain.
- [NTSB ERA24FA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA096.md): Cessna 172 · Weston, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 23, 2024 · N737VC · Substantial damage
  > The pilots’ spatial disorientation in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in their failure to maintain altitude and a subsequent descent and impact with a swamp.
- [NTSB ERA24FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA053.md): Beech C23 · Midland, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 3, 2023 · N76SB · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to descend below the minimum decision altitude of the instrument approach without having the appropriate runway visual references distinctively identified and with the visibility and ceiling below the minimum that was prescribed for the…
- [NTSB WPR24FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA024.md): Cessna T206H · Orangeville, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 27, 2023 · N915DV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's controlled flight into mountainous terrain for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB CEN24FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA024.md): Lancair 320 · Manitowoc, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 25, 2023 · N320P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain during an unapproved instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…
- [NTSB WPR24FA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA002.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Moab, UT · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 2, 2023 · N7153R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of visual reference to the horizon while departing during dark night, which resulted in the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation and subsequent controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA23LA385](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA385.md): Cessna T206 · Port Clinton, OH · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 30, 2023 · N34PL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to detect and avoid unmarked powerline(s) while attempting to take off from a river.
- [NTSB CEN23LA414](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA414.md): Buckeye Dream Machine · Fortuna, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 11, 2023 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain the unregistered powered parachute’s clearance from power lines.
- [NTSB ERA23FA358](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA358.md): Cirrus SR20 · Toms River, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 3, 2023 · N420PB · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff due to spatial disorientation (somatogravic illusion), which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB WPR23FA296](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA296.md): Cessna T206H · Yellow Pine, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 30, 2023 · N918KG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to perform a go-around into rising mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow published airport guidance about go-arounds, and landings and takeoffs with unfavorable winds.
- [NTSB ANC23FA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23FA056.md): Bell 206-L4 · Wainwright, AK · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 20, 2023 · N311MH · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude over a large body of water toward featureless terrain, which resulted in a loss of visual clues and controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ANC23FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23FA045.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Old Harbor, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 2, 2023 · N1132Q · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN23LA271](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA271.md): Cessna 172N · Siloam Springs, AR · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 30, 2023 · N739GU · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while on final approach to land.
- [NTSB CEN23FA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA270.md): Icon A5 · Onamia, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 30, 2023 · N239BA · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water while flying at a low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN23FA257](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA257.md): Avid Magnum · Beaver Island, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 23, 2023 · N103DG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water while maneuvering in low visibility conditions due to smoke and haze.
- [NTSB CEN23LA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA212.md): Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B · Light, AR · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 29, 2023 · N6678Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot exceeding the climb capability of the airplane during takeoff which led to it settling into the ground.
- [NTSB ANC23LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23LA036.md): Piper PA31 · Point Thomson, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 17, 2023 · N34WM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadvertent descent below the published minimum descent altitude, while operating in flat light conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR23FA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA172.md): Cessna 172S · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 30, 2023 · N575ND · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with the hilly terrain resulting from his loss of situational awareness due to the deteriorating weather conditions as he descended to approach his destination airport.
- [NTSB ERA23LA147](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA147.md): Eurocopter Deutschland EC 135 P2+ · Franklin, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 9, 2023 · N558MT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper decision to review an aircraft logbook while enroute, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA23LA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA115.md): Eiriavion PIK-20D · Benton, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 20, 2023 · N1NZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to turn toward a mountain ridge in a thermal, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120/cases.md?status=final&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
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."completionStatus" = 'Completed'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e."isDefiningEvent" AND e."tier2Number" = '120')
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120/cases?status=final

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