Final NTSB investigations
588 cases where the defining event was Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT).
Cases per year
| 2008 | 36 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 48 |
| 2010 | 41 |
| 2011 | 55 |
| 2012 | 46 |
| 2013 | 54 |
| 2014 | 36 |
| 2015 | 39 |
| 2016 | 30 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 37 |
| 2019 | 16 |
| 2020 | 23 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2022 | 19 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Where
Open the mapLatest cases
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.\"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"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."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
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 ERA26LA307Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Altoona, PAThe pilot’s descent below the glidepath and collision with trees during a missed approach.NTSB ERA26LA300Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportWaco Classic 2T-1A-2 · Clermont, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the landing approach.NTSB WPR26LA266Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMaule M-4-180V · Creede, COThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s performance capabilities in mountainous terrain, which resulted in a forced landing.NTSB WPR26LA234Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Dixie, IDThe pilot's delayed decision to initiate a go-around and subsequent failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain.NTSB WPR26LA196Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportDiamond DA40 · Wells, NVThe pilot’s inability to maintain climb performance and clearance from mountainous terrain due to a downdraft.NTSB CEN26LA180Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportJust JA-30 · Hartville, MOThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line after takeoff.NTSB DCA26LA159Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPyka Pelican Cargo · Summit Point, WVThe 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 ERA26LA143Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Carthage, NCThe 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 WPR26LA095Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican Champion 8KCAB · Alpine, WYThe pilot’s inadvertent descent while operating in flat light conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA26LA096Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican General Acft AG5B · Fairfield, NJThe 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 ERA26LA036Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCzech Sport Aircraft A S Sportcruiser · Cuthbert, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain while maneuvering for a precautionary landing, at low altitude and at night.NTSB ERA26LA022Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRans Employee Flying Club Rans S-6ES Coyote II · Williston, SCThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the initial climb in gusting crosswind conditions.NTSB WPR25LA283Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150F · Rigby, IDThe flight instructor’s improper flap position during takeoff, which resulted in degraded climb performance and a subsequent impact with a building.NTSB ERA25LA341Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman G-44A · Beaver Cove, METhe pilot’s distraction and failure to monitor the airplane’s flight path, which resulted in controlled flight into a lake.NTSB CEN25LA312Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12 · Ozark, ARThe 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 CEN25LA311Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-33A · Monee, ILThe student pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and altitude resulting in a collision with the ground during the base to final turn.NTSB CEN25LA283Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Hartsburg, ILThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff with a tailwind from a wet turf airstrip.NTSB CEN25LA146Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Ault, COThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain terrain clearance during an attempted go-around, which resulted in a collision with a fence post.NTSB CEN25LA098Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMD Helicopters 369FF · Cookville, MOThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree during the low altitude operation.NTSB CEN25FA047Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182T · Drake, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering in mountainous terrain. Contributing was mountain wave turbulence in the area.NTSB ERA25FA037Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150F · Wilder, TNThe 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 ERA24LA346Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3 · Mooresburg, TNThe pilot’s intentional flight into a building as an act of suicide.NTSB ERA24LA297Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBuckeye Dream Machine · Bainbridge, GAThe 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 ERA24FA292Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172N · Lock Haven, PAThe 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 WPR24LA221Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBeech B19 · Running Springs, CAThe pilot’s decision to maneuver the airplane at a low altitude toward rising terrain, which exceeded the climb capability of the airplane.NTSB WPR24FA195Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLuscombe 8A · South Lake Tahoe, CAThe 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 WPR24FA190Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 177B · Elk River, IDThe 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 ERA24FA136Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportIsrael Aircraft Industries 1125 Westwind Astra · Hot Springs, VAThe 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 WPR24LA094Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Valley Springs, CAThe 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 CEN24LA116Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCub Crafters CCX-2000 · Laotto, INThe pilot’s improper decision to continue an approach with his vision obscured by sun glare, which resulted in a collision with a tree.NTSB WPR24LA090Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEnstrom 280FX · Lewistown, MTThe 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 ERA24FA096Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Weston, FLThe 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 ERA24FA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C23 · Midland, VAThe 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 WPR24FA024Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna T206H · Orangeville, UTThe pilot's controlled flight into mountainous terrain for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN24FA024Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLancair 320 · Manitowoc, WIThe 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 WPR24FA002Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Moab, UTThe 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 ERA23LA385Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T206 · Port Clinton, OHThe pilot’s failure to detect and avoid unmarked powerline(s) while attempting to take off from a river.NTSB CEN23LA414Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBuckeye Dream Machine · Fortuna, MOThe non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain the unregistered powered parachute’s clearance from power lines.NTSB ERA23FA358Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus SR20 · Toms River, NJThe 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 WPR23FA296Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna T206H · Yellow Pine, IDThe 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 ANC23FA056Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206-L4 · Wainwright, AKThe 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 ANC23FA045Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Old Harbor, AKThe 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 CEN23LA271Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Siloam Springs, ARThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while on final approach to land.NTSB CEN23FA270Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportIcon A5 · Onamia, MNThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water while flying at a low altitude.NTSB CEN23FA257Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAvid Magnum · Beaver Island, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water while maneuvering in low visibility conditions due to smoke and haze.NTSB CEN23LA212Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B · Light, ARThe pilot exceeding the climb capability of the airplane during takeoff which led to it settling into the ground.NTSB ANC23LA036Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA31 · Point Thomson, AKThe pilot’s inadvertent descent below the published minimum descent altitude, while operating in flat light conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR23FA172Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172S · Los Angeles, CAThe 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 ERA23LA147Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland EC 135 P2+ · Franklin, NCThe pilot’s improper decision to review an aircraft logbook while enroute, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA23LA115Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEiriavion PIK-20D · Benton, TNThe pilot’s decision to turn toward a mountain ridge in a thermal, which resulted in a collision with terrain.