NTSB investigations
856 cases where the defining event was Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT).
Cases, newest first
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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.\"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"
Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
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."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
Run it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB WPR11CA442Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Creation Tanarg · Corvallis, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an obstacle while taking off with a gusting crosswind.NTSB WPR11WA484Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationAerospatiale AS350 · Rockhampton, Australia, AustraliaOn September 8, 2011, at 0203 universal coordinated time, an Aerospatiale Industries AS-350BA, VH-RDU, collided with the terrain near Rockhampton, Australia. The helicopter was substantially damaged. Of the three occupants on board, two were fatally injured…NTSB DCA11RA098Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationM7Aero SW3 · Trinidad, BoliviaOn September 6, 2011, an Aerocon Swearingen SA-227 Metroliner, registration CP-2548 performing flight A4-238 from Santa Cruz to Trinidad (Bolivia) with 7 passengers and 2 crew, was on approach to Trinidad when radio contact was lost. The airplane was located…NTSB WPR11FA430Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210 · Tehachapi, CAThe pilot’s intentional low-altitude maneuvering and failure to maintain clearance from terrain due to distraction.NTSB ANC11CA092Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Deadhorse, AKThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB WPR11WA438Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Plutonic Aero., Australia, AustraliaOn September 3, 2011, at 0330 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R44, Australia registry VH-HCA, collided with terrain while maneuvering near Plutonic Aerodrome, Australia. The helicopter was operated by Wieland Helicopter Company under the pertinent…NTSB ERA11FA480Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Provincetown, MAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees and terrain during the initial climb. Contributing was spatial disorientation due to a vestibular illusion and the pilot’s likely impairment due to alcohol consumption.NTSB WPR11CA398Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 47G-4 · Los Banos, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power poles while maneuvering during low-altitude operations.NTSB ERA11FA467Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Titusville, PAThe flight instructor's improper decision to attempt a visual descent into instrument meteorological conditions while approaching the destination airport, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees and terrain.NTSB WPR11CA397Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 170B · Jefferson, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power transmission lines during the landing approach into the sun.NTSB WPR11FA381Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Lander, WYThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA11CA450Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Elkins, WVThe flight instructor's unfamiliarity with the geographic area, resulting in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR11LA375Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Willcox, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tower while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the recent installation of the unmarked tower.NTSB ERA11IA436Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Relience, TNInadvertent contact with wires due to the lack of visual cues regarding their presence and the low angle of the sun, which was directly in the takeoff path.NTSB WPR11FA354Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus SR20 · Fredonia, AZThe non-instrument-rated pilots’ loss of situational awareness during a dark night flight over a remote area, which resulted in their failure to maintain an altitude sufficient to ensure adequate terrain clearnance. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB CEN11WA592Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationSocata TB10 · Kufstein, AustriaUnder the jurisdiction and control of the Austrian government.NTSB ERA11LA424Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Drew, MSThe pilot's improper decision to conduct a visual flight rules aerial application flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in flight collision with the ground while maneuvering.NTSB ANC11FA069Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Juneau, AKThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to reach his destination.NTSB CEN11CA492Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 182S · Meeker, COThe pilot's inadvertent flight into a downdraft, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.NTSB WPR11FA319Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Verlot, WAThe non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into clouds and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering in an area of reduced visibility, low clouds, and mountain obscuration.NTSB WPR11LA315Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Oljato, UTThe pilot’s failure to follow the airplane manufacturer’s mixture setting guidance while landing in high density altitude conditions.NTSB WPR11LA306Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA-5 · Yacoit, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain.NTSB CEN11LA456Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCondor Southern Powered Parach Raptor · Weyauwega, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear power lines during flight.NTSB CEN11CA439Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBarker A E B-2 · Sisterdale, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles.NTSB ERA11CA365Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Bridgeport, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a blast fence on final approach to land.NTSB ERA11WA368Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCirrus SR20 · Cairo Montenotte, ItalyOn June 23, 2011, about 1000 UTC, a Cirrus SR20, Luxembourg registration LX-MPR, operated by a private individual, collided with mountainous terrain near Cairo Montenotte, Italy. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed in the area at the time and…NTSB WPR11FA268Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTrusty Thorp T-18 · Tehachapi, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain during cruise flight, which resulted from his impairment or incapacitation due to multiple medical conditions and sedating medication.NTSB CEN11WA407Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-39 · Mont Agel, FranceUnder the jurisdiction and control of the French government.NTSB ERA11FA321Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Ellijay, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain while maneuvering in a mountainous area.NTSB ERA11WA308Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 206L-3 · Norte de Santander, ColombiaOn May 23, 2011, about 2105 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Bell 206L-3, Columbian registration HK4448, operated by Aviheco S.A., was destroyed following a collision with terrain near Norte de Santander, Columbia. The local flight originated in Bogota.…NTSB WPR11LA233Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPalmer RV6A · Cody, WYThe pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude to avoid rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s visual illusion and disorientation due to the flat light conditions.NTSB ERA11CA309Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech A23 · Greene, NYThe pilot's decision to continue a visual approach with low visibility and in heavy rain and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from trees.NTSB CEN11FA347Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Taos, NMThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of situational awareness, and a possible encounter with icing conditions.NTSB WPR11WA482Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Julia Creek, Australia, AustraliaOn May 9, 2011, at 0440 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R-22, Australian registry VH-DSD, operated by Versatile Helicopter Services, impacted terrain during a mustering operation near Julia Creek, Australia. The helicopter was substantially damaged and…NTSB WPR11FA221Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Miles City, MTThe pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into deteriorating weather conditions in an airplane not equipped for instrument flight, which resulted in a collision with terrain.NTSB CEN11LA323Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402A · Arriba, COThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA11WA276Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Sulmona, ItalyOn April 26, 2011, at 1743 coordinated universal time (1843 local time), a Robinson R22, Italian registration I-ETEC, was destroyed when it impacted power lines near Sulmona, L'Aquila, Italy. The pilot and the observer were fatally injured. The flight, which…NTSB CEN11LA307Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 320 · Lake Heron, NMThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while conducting a flight at low altitude in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CEN11CA294Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Horseshoe Lake, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the tower due to his inadequate visual lookout.NTSB CEN11CA293Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Greenville, TXThe pilot's delayed action in performing a go-around maneuver, which resulted in an impact with trees.NTSB WPR11WA217Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Straubing, GermanyOn March 31, 2011, at 1630 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R44 Raven II Helicopter, D-HBLT, collided with an aircraft storage hangar at Straubing-Wallmühle Airport, Straubing, Germany. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries; the helicopter…NTSB ERA11FA219Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Greensboro, NCThe pilot’s spatial disorientation due to a somatogravic illusion while conducting a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the airplane’s descent into objects and terrain.NTSB ERA11FA218Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Pikeville, KYThe pilot's flight below the published minimum descent altitude in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of nighttime cold medication at doses above…NTSB CEN11FA263Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Fredricktown, MOThe pilot's decision to attempt to maintain visual flight by descending below an area of deteriorating forecast weather to an altitude that did not provide adequate terrain clearance.NTSB ERA11CA205Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Statesville, NCThe certified flight instructor's inadequate remedial action during the go-around, which resulted in a collision with trees.NTSB WPR11FA490Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRadford RV-6 · Grand Canyon, AZThe pilot's intentional flight into terrain.NTSB WPR11FA145Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Phoenix, AZThe pilot and flight instructor's failure to adequately monitor the flight task and environment while maneuvering to maintain sufficient altitude with rising terrain in dark night conditions and the flight instructor's improper decision to practice in an area…NTSB ERA11WA211Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationCessna 340 · Tachira, VenezuelaOn February 22, 2011, about 1915 UTC, a Cessna 340A, Venezulian registration YV2402, operated by Premezolados Agreconsa C.A., collided with mountainous terrain near Tachira, Venezuela. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the destination airport…NTSB ERA11WA155Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · Vereda Galan, ColombiaOn February 18, 2011, about 0415 universal coordinated time, a Bell 206-B, Colombian registration HK-4594, operated by Heliservice LTDA, crashed in mountainous terrain near Vereda Galan, Colombia, and was consumed by a post crash fire. Instrument…NTSB ERA11WA145Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationScotts-Bell 47 47G-4A · El Tocuyo, VenezuelaOn February 9, 2011, about 1300 UTC, a Scotts-Bell 47, Inc., 47G-4A, YV-447A, collided into mountainous terrain near El Tocuyo, Venezuela. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and flight plan information is unknown for the foreign non-U.S.…