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 ERA09WA279Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCirrus Design SR22 · Mt. Ainos, GreeceNone.NTSB WPR09GA216Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportLockheed P2V-7 · Stockton, UTThe flight crew's failure to maintain terrain clearance during low altitude flight in low ceiling and visibility conditions. Contributing to the accident was the flight crew's failure to adequately monitor their location with respect to the rising terrain…NTSB WPR09CA207Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportAerostar International Raven S49A · Tracy, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.NTSB ERA09WA241Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210 · Concepcion, BoliviaOn April 11, 2009, at 2305 universal coordinated time (1905 local time), a Cessna 210M, Bolivian registration CP-1373, was destroyed when it impacted terrain shortly after taking off from Concepcion Airport (SLCP), Concepcion, Bolivia. The certificated…NTSB ANC09LA031Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS350 B2 E · Haines, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from snow-covered terrain during the landing approach in flat light conditions.NTSB CEN09WA240Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationSchweizer 269C · Kilshanchoe, IrelandThis is under the jurisdiction and control of the Irish government.NTSB ERA09WA218Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationBeech BE-200 · Quito, EcuadorNone.NTSB WPR09FA146Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA-40 · Arcata, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude and glidepath while executing a night instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's fatigue.NTSB WPR09LA122Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Big Bear Lake, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering in a ravine. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue flight in an area that exceeded the climb rate capabilities of the airplane.NTSB ANC09LA021Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Nome, AKThe pilot's continued flight into adverse weather and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain while on approach in flat light conditions.NTSB ANC09LA019Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportConstrucciones Aeronauticas C-212-CC · Kotzebue, AKThe flight crew's decision to continue flight into adverse weather. Contributing to the accident was blowing snow which limited their visibility during final approach to land.NTSB WPR09FA096Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 205 · Flagstaff, AZThe pilot's loss of situational awareness and failure to maintain clearance from hilly terrain while flying in an area of a low cloud ceiling. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue flight due to a self-induced pressure.NTSB CEN09WA138Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-42-720 · Konigstein, GermanyThis is under the jurisdiction and control of the German Government.NTSB ERA09CA134Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Manteo, NCThe pilot's failure to follow the missed approach procedure while landing with a low ceiling.NTSB ERA09LA123Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Powder Springs, TNThe non-instrument rated pilot's decision to continue under visual flight rules into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB ERA09FA116Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Pittstown, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from trees during the night landing approach and the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action.NTSB ERA09WA206Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBeech V35 · Valenca, BrazilOn December 30, 2008, about 1240 UTC, or 1040 local, a Beech V35B, Brazilian registration PT-JKU, registered to and operated by Unibase Engenharia e Pavimentacao Ltda, collided with mountainous terrain near Valenca, RJ, Brazil. Instrument meteorological…NTSB CEN09FA086Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-4 · Sabine Pass, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water. Contributing to the accident was the inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CEN09WA082Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLearjet Lear 23 · Tlaxcala, MexicoOn December 7, 2008 at approximately 1815 central standard time (CST) a twin-engine turbo fan, Learjet 23, Mexican Registration XC-LGD, was destroyed when it impacted a lake while on final approach to an unlit day visual flight rules airport near Tlaxcala,…NTSB CEN09FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 206H · Kalkaska, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain during the instrument-flight-rules flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to comply with instrument flight procedures and his lack of recent instrument flight experience.NTSB ERA09FA078Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell International 690B · Rio Grande, PRThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB ERA09LA064Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Groton, CTThe student pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent profile to avoid trees during the night visual approach and the flight instructor’s inadequate oversight.NTSB ERA09FA060Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Smithfield, RIThe pilot's improper descent below the published minimum descent altitude during the approach, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN09LA061Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Downers Grove, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath while on final approach in night conditions, due to his impairment from recent use of alcohol, cocaine, and over-the-counter and prescription medications.NTSB CEN09LA054Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Mena, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's continued flight into deteriorating weather conditions.NTSB WPR09FA034Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32S-300 · Forest Falls, CAThe pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent impact with mountainous terrain.NTSB WPR09WA042Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA31-350 · Bathurst, Australia, AustraliaOn November 7, 2008, approximately 0930 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Piper PA-31-350, Australian registration VH-OPC, shortly after take-off, collided with terrain about three nautical miles north of the Bathurst Airport, New South Wales, Australia.…NTSB ERA09FA039Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPartenavia P.68C · Gainesville, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath during an instrument-landing-system (ILS) approach. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's decision to initiate the ILS approach with weather below the published minimums, and the pilot's…NTSB CEN09LA039Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChamberlin Victor Wayne Minimax · Winnsboro, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from static wires while maneuvering to avoid another airplane.NTSB CEN09WA022Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 402 · Monterrey, MexicoOn October 17, 2008, a Cessna 402C with Mexican Registration XC-HAQ departed on Runway 02 from Del Norte Airport (MMAN), near Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico at 1308 central daylight time (CDT) and was on climb out to cruise when radar contact was lost at 1315.…NTSB CEN09MA019Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 222 · Aurora, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the 734-foot-tall lighted tower during the visual night flight due to inadequate preflight planning, insufficient altitude, and a flight route too low to clear the tower. Contributing to the accident was the air…NTSB DEN08FA162Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPilatus PC-12/47E · Santa Fe, NMThe pilot's incapacitation due to fatigue resulting in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB MIA08MA203Accident · 4 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportAerospatiale SA365N-1 D · District Heights, MDThe pilot's attempt to regain visual conditions by performing a rapid descent and his failure to arrest the descent at the minimum descent altitude during a nonprecision approach. Contributing to the accident were (1) the pilot’s limited recent instrument…NTSB DFW08CA229Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSukhoi SU-31M · Collinsville, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from marked transmission lines while on final approach.NTSB DEN08LA145Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Angle Fire, NMControlled flight into terrain for unknown reasons.NTSB DCA08RA095Accident · 17 fatalForeign investigationBeech 1900 · Bukavu, Congo - KinshasaOn September 1, 2008 about 1510 UTC, ZS-OLD, Beech 1900C, operated by Air Serv International, collided with high terrain during approach to Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The pilot, copilot, and 15 passengers were fatally injured. The airplane…NTSB LAX08FA261Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Incline Village, NVThe pilot's decision to initiate a flight for which he was neither approved nor qualified and his failure to maintain terrain clearance during the flight. Contributing to the accident were the dark night, the mountainous terrain, and the pilot's medical…NTSB CHI08CA235Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 150L · Watertown, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from terrain during cruise. Contributing to the accident was the night, the haze, and the tall vegetation.NTSB DEN08IA130Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportRaytheon Cobra · Colorado Springs, COThe flight team's failure to program the UAS with flight-tested parameters that could tolerate the high density altitude and tailwind conditions encounted during the flight, which resulted in two undershoot approaches, and the existence of an undiscovered…NTSB LAX08FA246Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · McMurray, WAThe pilot's improper decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions. Contributing to the accident were low ceilings, reduced visibility, and mountainous terrain.NTSB LAX08LA213Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269 C-1 · Sunol, CAThe pilots' failure to maintain adequate clearance from transmission wires during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident were the dark night and low fog.NTSB LAX08FA203Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Mount Charleston, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain and his selection of a cruise altitude that provided inadequate terrain clearance. Contributing to the accident were the high density altitude and the rapidly rising terrain.NTSB LAX08FA190Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Pahala, HIThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to remain clear of rising terrain while deviating from his planned route of flight. Contributing to the accident were clouds and mountainous terrain.NTSB DEN08FA101Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Huntsville, TXThe pilot's failure to identify and arrest the helicopter's descent, which resulted in its impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the limited outside visual reference due to the dark night conditions.NTSB MIA08FA115Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T206H · Cedar Key, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water during a dark night approach to a coastal airport.NTSB DFW08FA153Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · Steamboat, COThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain in day visual conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to marijuana and inadequate medical oversight of the pilot by the Federal Aviation Administration.NTSB CHI08FA128Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland EC 135 T2+ · La Crosse, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees along the top of a ridgeline due to inadequate preflight planning, insufficient altitude, and the lack of a helicopter terrain awareness and warning system. Member Sumwalt did not approve this brief and…NTSB MIA08LA096Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGarrett Gerald P Cozy Mark IV · Jekyll Island, GAControlled flight into water for undetermined reasons.NTSB ANC08FA053Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B2 · Chickaloon, AKAn in-flight overtorque of the engine-to-transmission driveshaft resulting in disconnection of the main transmission from the engine. The overtorque likely occurred due to an in-flight main rotor blade contact with snow-covered terrain, precluding significant…NTSB SEA08FA108Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Big Bear City, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident were the mountainous terrain, the dark night condition, the turbulent wind condition, and the low clouds.