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 ERA10WA133Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Restauracion, Dominican Republic, Dominican RepublicOn February 4, 2010, about 1940 Atlantic standard time, a Robinson R44II helicopter, N7535F, impacted the side of Mount Jina Mocha, in the city of Restauracion, Dominican Republic, at night, while en route from Port Au Prince, Haiti to Cibao International…NTSB WPR10GA113Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 182R · Corvallis, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while operating into a known area of mountain obscuration due to low clouds, precipitation, and mist.NTSB WPR10FA116Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340 · Lytle Creek, CAThe pilot’s loss of situational awareness while maneuvering under a cloud layer and failure to maintain sufficient clearance from mountainous terrain.NTSB CEN10CA100Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna P172D · Cedar Rapids, IAThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain a proper glidepath during the approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of instrument proficiency.NTSB WPR10FA107Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Honolulu, HIThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions at an altitude insufficient to ensure adequate terrain clearance. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller's failure to issue a safety alert after observing the…NTSB WPR10GA097Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportBell 206B · Auberry, CAThe pilot's failure to see and avoid a wire while maneuvering during low-altitude operations.NTSB WPR10CA094Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportHiller UH-12E · Tipton, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain.NTSB CEN10FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Alva, OKThe pilot's impairment due to medication use, a migraine headache, or both, and his decision to continue the approach below minimums without the proper visual references, resulting in the subsequent collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB CEN10FA070Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Port Mansfield, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with the water while on approach (VFR) to land.NTSB CEN10FA069Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Eagle Pass, TXThe pilot's decision to continue the approach below minimums without visual references, and subsequent collision with the perimeter fence/terrain.NTSB ERA10FA088Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Raneille, WVThe pilot's improper decision to attempt visual flight into deteriorating night weather conditions, and his subsequent controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN10FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Kewanee, ILThe pilot's decision to initiate a visual night flight without recent night flight experience and his failure to maintain altitude during departure.NTSB ERA10LA066Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Newcomb, NYThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain during descent at night, with low clouds and fog.NTSB WPR10LA048Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiasecki/Pike PV-18 · Adelanto, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during en route flight.NTSB CEN10IA173Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportUnivar 415-C/D · Xenia, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper glide slope during final approach, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tree.NTSB ERA10FA029Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Bennington, VTThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a night approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s non-standard traffic pattern over higher terrain.NTSB CEN10CA018Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna T206H · Johnson City, KSThe pilot's delayed action in applying full power during a go-around after flying into a fog bank.NTSB CEN10FA019Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Tahlequah, OKThe pilot's impairment due to recent heavy use of methamphetamine, recent use of a narcotic pain reliever, and fatigue. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of instrument experience and training.NTSB WPR10FA018Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Pryor, MTThe pilot’s decision to continue flight into an area of low ceilings and low visibility and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain.NTSB WPR10FA223Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D1 · Skokomish, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while flying over hilly, forested terrain.NTSB ERA10CA017Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA28 · Lebanon, VAThe pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into known deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA10CA011Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRemos Remos G-3/ · Sims, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude, resulting in controlled flight into water.NTSB WPR10LA006Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTurpen RV-8 · Yankton, ORThe pilot's inadequate planning during an instrument approach and failure to maintain the published minimum altitudes, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA10CA006Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Gainesboro, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees. Contributing to the accident were the rising terrain and night light conditions.NTSB WPR10FA005Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Black Canyon City, AZThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were low ceilings, reduced visibility, and mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA10WA012Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationAerospatiale AS350 · Cusco, PeruOn October 1, 2009, about 2205 UTC, a Eurocopter AS350-B3, Peruvian registration OB-1911-P, operated by Coyotair S.A.C., was destroyed following an impact with terrain near Cusco, Peru. The helicopter impacted against a hill side at approximately 11,700 feet…NTSB ERA09FA514Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Flat Rock, NCThe pilot’s attempt to maintain visual flight during instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in controlled flight into mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to advise the controller of the weather conditions…NTSB CEN09FA562Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Tulsa, OKThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to attempt flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and an in-flight collision with a radio tower guy wire.NTSB WPR09LA427Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStone Kitfox Series 6 · May, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during the takeoff initial climb.NTSB ERA09LA464Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland EC-145 · North Captiva Island, FLThe pilot's failure to arrest the helicopter's descent, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA09LA459Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Sussex, NJThe pilot’s improper pre-flight planning and take off over gross weight limits.NTSB CEN09WA529Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 412 · Manzanillo, MexicoOn August 7, 2009 a Bell Helicopter model 212 was destroyed when it impacted the ground in low visibility mountainous terrain. The pilot and on board mechanic were killed. The helicopter is located near a mountain top and is not accessible. When to helicopter…NTSB WPR09FA385Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182S · Napa, CAThe instrument-rated pilot’s loss of situational awareness and failure to follow the prescribed instrument departure clearance/procedure, which resulted in an in-flight collision with the terrain.NTSB WPR09CA481Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportS.C. Aerostar YAK-52W · Kaunakakai, HIThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while in the airport traffic pattern in dark night conditions.NTSB ERA09FA417Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Boonsboro, MDThe pilot’s improper decision to depart on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight at night in adverse weather conditions in close proximity to rising mountainous terrain in a helicopter that was only certified to be operated under VFR and his subsequent failure…NTSB ERA09FA411Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · Hayesville, NCFlight into terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR09CA348Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Thermopolis, WYThe instructor pilot's failure to ensure that his dual student maintained clearance from the terrain during a dark night visual flight rules descent.NTSB CEN09LA441Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Cincinnati, OHThe pilot's loss of situational awareness during the approach to an unfamiliar airport at night and his failure to maintain clearance from the trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane's navigational equipment.NTSB CEN09CA431Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Porter, TXThe partial loss of engine power due to carburetor icing resulting in the pilot's inability to clear the wires.NTSB CEN09CA434Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPdps Pzl-Bielsko SZD-59 · Durango, COThe glider pilot's decision to perform a low-altitude 360-degree turn while on final approach to land.NTSB ERA09WA408Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech A36 · Masizo del Roraima, Venezuela, VenezuelaOn July 16, 2009, about 1640 Atlantic standard time, the wreckage of a Beechcraft A36 A, N354RA, was located on the “Ilu – Tepuy” mountain, within the sector of Masizo del Roraima, Bolivar, Venezuela. The pilot had filed a flight plan from the Maurice Bishop…NTSB WPR09FA320Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-350P · St George, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during descent for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA09LA371Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLayson Stanley B Steen SKY Bolt · High Point, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during takeoff.NTSB WPR09WA296Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Paraburdoo, AustraliaOn June 25, 2009 at 2230 local time, a Robinson R22 helicopter, Australia registry VH-HXO, collided with the ground near Paraburdoo, Western Australia. The helicopter was owned and operated by a private individual and was on a non-commercial cross country…NTSB CEN09CA616Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-36-285 · Clark, SDThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from a levy.NTSB ANC09FA052Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHarden RV-7 · Elim, AKThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB WPR09FA282Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182M · Atlanta, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during cruise flight.NTSB WPR09CA272Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-32 · Warner Springs, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while maneuvering in flight.NTSB ERA09FA311Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20D · Clintwood, VAThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA09WA288Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 RG · Santa Cruz, BoliviaOn May 11, 2008, about 1930 Atlantic standard time, a Cessna 172 RG, Bolivian registration CP-2492, , registered to and operated by a private individual, impacted a tree with its left’s wing and then the ground, where a fire ensued. The accident sight was…