NTSB investigations
855 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 CEN15FA342Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32R-300 · Harbor Springs, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees during the approach in dark, night conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into trees and terrain.NTSB CEN15RA352Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationDehavilland DHC 2 · Akureyri, IcelandOn August 9, 2015, at an unknown time, a De Havilland DHC-2 airplane, United States registration N610LC, was substantially damaged when it impacted mountainous terrain near Akureyri, Iceland. One occupant sustained fatal injuries, and one occupant sustained…NTSB CEN15WA339Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationKitfox Series 7 · Hundwil, SwitzerlandOn August 5, 2015 about 0840 UTC, a Kitfox Series 7 airplane, Swiss registration HB-YMG, impacted into a forest near Hundwil-Appenzell, Switzerland. The pilot and the passenger were killed, and the airplane was destroyed. Visual Meteorological conditions…NTSB WPR15FA227Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P337G · Santa Paula, CAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct a visual flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA15LA282Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American Navion · Waynesboro, VAThe pilot's early rotation of the airplane and his failure to attain a positive climb rate during takeoff with the airplane near its aft center of gravity limit from a runway with little margin for error.NTSB CEN15WA338Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigation3xtrim 450 Ultra · Golub-Dobrzyn City, PolandOn July 17, 2015 about 1615 UTC, a 3Xtrim 450 Ultra, light sport airplane, Poland registration SP-SPRL, impacted terrain while on a sightseeing flight near Golub-Dobrzyn, Poland. The pilot was seriously injured and the passenger was killed. The airplane was…NTSB ANC15FA049Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 207A · Juneau, AKThe pilot's decision to initiate and continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of situational awareness and controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the company's failure to follow its…NTSB WPR15FA215Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 22-160 · Twin Sisters Mtn, WAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain.NTSB WPR15FA212Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A35 · Mazama, WAThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain.NTSB GAA15CA171Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportWeatherly 620B · Hatch, NMThe pilot failed to maintain obstacle clearance, and the airplane struck a transmission line wire during aerial application operations.NTSB GAA15CA196Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Forest City, SDThe pilot's failure to monitor the flight environment for adequate terrain/obstacle clearance during takeoff, which resulted in the inflight collision with power transmission line wires.NTSB CEN15LA294Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing A75N1 (PT17) · Louisburg, KSA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examinations.NTSB ANC15MA041Accident · 9 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportDehavilland DHC-3 · Ketchikan, AK(1) the pilot's decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his geographic disorientation and controlled flight into terrain; and (2) Promech's company culture, which tacitly endorsed flying in…NTSB GAA15CA128Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech C23 · Long Beach, CAThe pilot failed to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering to land at night, which resulted in a collision with terrain/objects. A factor contributing to the accident was the lack of oversight by ATC; failing to insure that the fully operational VASI…NTSB WPR15LA190Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 20 · Yellow Pine, IDThe pilot's delayed decision to go around after realizing that the airplane’s airspeed and altitude were too high, which resulted in an inadequate flare and bounced landing and a subsequent go-around in high-density altitude conditions.NTSB ERA15WA250Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBell 206B · Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, BrazilOn June 16, 2015, at 1910 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Bell 206B helicopter, Brazilian registration PT-YDY, operated by a private owner, was destroyed following a controlled flight into terrain near Ouro Preto municipality, State of Minas Gerais,…NTSB CEN15WA273Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-23-250 · Kangirsuk, CanadaOn June 11, 2015, about 2340 eastern daylight time, a Canadian registered PA-23-250, C-FXPS, impacted terrain about 1.2 nautical miles from the Kangirsuk Airport, Kangirsuk, Quebec, Canada. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The investigation…NTSB ANC15WA036Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182 · Sikanni Chief, CanadaNTSB GAA15LA101Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT 502B · Archer City, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from power transmission lines during an aerial application flight.NTSB GAA15CA090Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 25-260 · Casselton, NDThe pilot's failure to monitor the flight environment for adequate terrain/obstacle clearance, which resulted in the inflight collision with power transmission line wires.NTSB CEN15WA254Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna T182 - T · Carlow, IrelandNTSB WPR15FA166Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210F · Pleasanton, CAThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient clearance from rising terrain.NTSB ERA15FA204Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Mulberry, TNThe pilot's failure to recover from a controlled descent for reasons that could not be determined during the postaccident investigation.NTSB CEN15LA235Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLathrop Steven A B8M · Ravenna, MIA total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.NTSB WPR15LA150Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 206H · Redding, CAThe pilot's intentional descent into terrain.NTSB WPR15FA147Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobert C. Hanson Pitts S2E · Lebec, CAThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient clearance from rising terrain.NTSB WPR15WA145Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 - B · Ziyang City, China, ChinaOn April 13, 2015, at 0800 local time, a Bell 206 BIII, B-7607, collided with a wire during an aerial application flight near Ziyang City, Sichuan Province, China. The helicopter was operated by Hubei Tongcheng General Aviation Ltd under the pertinent civil…NTSB ERA15WA182Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172S · Santander, ColombiaOn April 12, 2015, about 1915 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 172S, Colombian registration HK5064G, and a Cessna 150M, Colombian registration HK1912G, were substantially damaged after impacting mountainous terrain in the vicinity of the Serrania Los…NTSB ERA15CA176Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech V35B · Wetumpka, ALThe pilot's use of an incorrect radio frequency when attempting to turn on the runway lights, resulting is an attempt to land the airplane while aligned with airport hangar lights.NTSB ERA15WA180Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 - L4 · Diego de Almagro, ChileOn March 31, 2015, about 2210 universal coordinated time (UTC), a Bell 206L4, Chilean registration CC-APP, operated by a private individual, was destroyed during a collision with power lines and a subsequent postcrash fire, while maneuvering near Diego de…NTSB CEN15FA187Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAircraft Mfg & Dvlpmt CH601XL · Pleasanton, KSThe pilot's excessively high angle-of-attack on rotation that prevented the airplane from climbing sufficiently to avoid the approaching trees.NTSB ENG15WA026Accident · Minor injuriesForeign investigationAirbus A320 - 211 · Halifax, CanadaOn 29 March 2015, an Air Canada Airbus A320-200 aircraft (registration C-FTJP) clipped a power line and approach lights short of Runway 05 at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada is investigating the…NTSB CEN15FA174Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · El Paso, TXThe pilot's decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into known instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA15FA144Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Norfolk, VAThe pilot's failure to properly execute the instrument approach procedure. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's improper preflight planning and his decision to conduct the flight in instrument meteorological conditions at night into forecast moderate…NTSB ERA15WA131Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna A188 · Tapes, BrazilOn February 7, 2015, about 1100 universal coordinated time, a Cessna A188, Brazilian registration PT-LOA, was destroyed when it struck a high-tension powerline and impacted terrain while maneuvering over a soybean field near Tapes, Brazil. The pilot was…NTSB ERA15CA127Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer 269C 1 · Carthage, NYThe non-helicopter-rated pilot's improper decision to operate the helicopter at low-level and his inability to adequately see the horizon over snow and ice, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA15LA114Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Fernandina Beach, FLThe pilot’s physical impairment due to intense pain, which resulted in his failure to maintain airplane control.NTSB CEN15LA122Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172F · Routt County, COThe pilot’s intentional flight into terrain.NTSB ERA15WA108Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna A188B · Baixa Grande do Ribeiro, BrazilOn January 14, 2015, about 1050 universal coordinated time, a Cessna A188B, Brazilian registration PT-FFH, was substantially damaged when it collided with a utility pole during an aerial application flight near Baixa Grande do Ribeiro, Brazil. The foreign…NTSB ERA15WA104Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 - II · Santa Monica, BrazilOn January 10, 2015, about 2000 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R44 II, Brazilian registration PR-HPR, was destroyed by impact and fire after collision with wires and terrain during cruise flight in Santa Monica, Parana, Brazil. There was a post-crash…NTSB ERA15RA047Accident · 9 fatalForeign investigationGates Learjet 35A · Freeport, BahamasNTSB ERA15FA046Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Hinton, VAThe flight instructor’s decision to conduct a night training flight in mountainous terrain without conducting or allowing the student to conduct appropriate preflight planning and his lack of situational awareness of the surrounding terrain altitude, which…NTSB CEN15LA042Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMosier Robert S Mosquito XET · Angleton, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during a precautionary landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection during which he failed to detect a loose drive belt, which resulted in an in-flight…NTSB ERA15CA036Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportSix Chuter SR7 XL · Fairview, NCThe non-certificated pilot's delayed go-around procedure, which resulted in collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of total flying experience.NTSB CEN15CA005Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 152 · Arlington, TXThe pilot's inadequate flight preparation and navigation during a training flight resulting in collision with low wires.NTSB ERA15CA002Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Toccoa, GAThe private pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude and the flight instructor's failure to provide correction action, which resulted in a collision with terrain during landing.NTSB CEN14FA522Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T337G · Plano, ILThe pilot’s failure to recognize the airplane’s low altitude and arrest the airplane’s descent on approach to the airport in dark night conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s degraded night…NTSB ERA14LA462Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportQuicksilver Eipper Acft GT 400 · Lebanon, CTThe pilot’s misjudgment of the takeoff distance needed to clear trees at the end of the runway.NTSB WPR14FA382Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28R-180 · Saratoga, WYThe pilot’s failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff in dark, night conditions, which resulted in his controlled flight into terrain due to the lack of ground references or natural horizon.NTSB WPR14CA375Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B2 · Kahului, Maui, HIThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the cart while hovering. Contributing to the accident was the failure of ground personnel to remove the cart from the helipad.