# NTSB investigations: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 20 of 22 · 1,074 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB ERA10FA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA088.md): Piper PA-30 · Raneille, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 23, 2009 · N8923Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to attempt visual flight into deteriorating night weather conditions, and his subsequent controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB CEN10FA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10FA057.md): Cessna 182P · Kewanee, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 23, 2009 · N1986M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to initiate a visual night flight without recent night flight experience and his failure to maintain altitude during departure.
- [NTSB CEN10LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA054.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Mineola, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 19, 2009 · N3148Q · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and the pilot's inadequate preflight planning.
- [NTSB CEN10LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA056.md): Navion Navion G · Montrose, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 2009 · N2493T · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.
- [NTSB ERA10LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA066.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Newcomb, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 2009 · N1723T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain during descent at night, with low clouds and fog.
- [NTSB CEN10LA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA055.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Naytahwaush, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 14, 2009 · N7736N · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument rated pilot's decision to continue the flight into known instrument meteorological conditions resulting in spatial disorientation and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR10LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA048.md): Piasecki/Pike PV-18 · Adelanto, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 7, 2009 · N183YP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during en route flight.
- [NTSB ERA10LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA053.md): Hughes 369 · Baxley, GA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 2009 · N89ZC · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation resulting from the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the main fuel valve position.
- [NTSB CEN10IA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10IA173.md): Univar 415-C/D · Xenia, OH · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 2009 · N93415 · Minor damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glide slope during final approach, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tree.
- [NTSB ERA10FA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA029.md): Cessna 172P · Bennington, VT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 25, 2009 · N55479 · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR10LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA021.md): Aerotrike Naked Cobra · Virgin, UT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 2009 · N10LK · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power during cruise flight for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN10CA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA018.md): Cessna T206H · Johnson City, KS · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 16, 2009 · N454TG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed action in applying full power during a go-around after flying into a fog bank.
- [NTSB CEN10FA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10FA019.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Tahlequah, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 14, 2009 · N3234G · Destroyed
  > The 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 WPR10FA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA018.md): Cessna 182 · Pryor, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 13, 2009 · N6202A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue flight into an area of low ceilings and low visibility and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain.
- [NTSB WPR10FA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA223.md): Taylorcraft BC12-D1 · Skokomish, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 2009 · N44362 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while flying over hilly, forested terrain.
- [NTSB ERA10CA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA017.md): Piper PA28 · Lebanon, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 10, 2009 · N43620 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into known deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA10CA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA011.md): Remos Remos G-3/ · Sims, NC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 8, 2009 · N18241 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude, resulting in controlled flight into water.
- [NTSB WPR10LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA006.md): Turpen RV-8 · Yankton, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 2009 · N61FS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate planning during an instrument approach and failure to maintain the published minimum altitudes, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA10CA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA006.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Gainesboro, TN · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 5, 2009 · N95472 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees. Contributing to the accident were the rising terrain and night light conditions.
- [NTSB WPR10FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA005.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Black Canyon City, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 2009 · N7471P · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA10WA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10WA012.md): Aerospatiale AS350 · Cusco, Peru · Accident · 3 fatal · Foreign investigation · Oct 1, 2009 · OB-1911-P · Destroyed
  > On 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 ERA09FA514](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA514.md): Beech A36 · Flat Rock, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 10, 2009 · N888WD · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN09FA562](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09FA562.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Tulsa, OK · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 2009 · N1228H · Destroyed
  > The 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 WPR09LA427](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA427.md): Stone Kitfox Series 6 · May, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 30, 2009 · N2070A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during the takeoff initial climb.
- [NTSB WPR09FA428](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA428.md): Piper PA-22-150 · Canyonville, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 30, 2009 · N2967P · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated and non-certificated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions in mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA09LA464](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA464.md): Eurocopter Deutschland EC-145 · North Captiva Island, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 2009 · N911LZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to arrest the helicopter's descent, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA09LA459](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA459.md): Cessna 150 · Sussex, NJ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 2009 · N6676S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper pre-flight planning and take off over gross weight limits.
- [NTSB CEN09WA529](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09WA529.md): Bell 412 · Manzanillo, Mexico · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Aug 7, 2009 · XA-HSH · Destroyed
  > On 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 WPR09FA385](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA385.md): Cessna 182S · Napa, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 2009 · N23750 · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA09LA433](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA433.md): Boeing A75N1 · Livermore Falls, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 2009 · N49778 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB WPR09CA481](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA481.md): S.C. Aerostar YAK-52W · Kaunakakai, HI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 25, 2009 · N691T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while in the airport traffic pattern in dark night conditions.
- [NTSB ERA09FA417](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA417.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Boonsboro, MD · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 2009 · N7189W · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA09FA411](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA411.md): Cessna R182 · Hayesville, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 2009 · N778RK · Destroyed
  > Flight into terrain for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB WPR09CA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA348.md): Cessna 172M · Thermopolis, WY · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 16, 2009 · N5461Q · Substantial damage
  > The instructor pilot's failure to ensure that his dual student maintained clearance from the terrain during a dark night visual flight rules descent.
- [NTSB CEN09LA441](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA441.md): Piper PA-28 · Cincinnati, OH · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 15, 2009 · N5519W · Destroyed
  > The 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 CEN09CA431](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA431.md): Piper J3C-65 · Porter, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 13, 2009 · N70455 · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to carburetor icing resulting in the pilot's inability to clear the wires.
- [NTSB CEN09CA434](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA434.md): Pdps Pzl-Bielsko SZD-59 · Durango, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 12, 2009 · N592JD · Destroyed
  > The glider pilot's decision to perform a low-altitude 360-degree turn while on final approach to land.
- [NTSB WPR09LA337](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA337.md): Engineering & Research 415C · Corona, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2009 · N87295 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power during cruise flight for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA09WA408](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09WA408.md): Beech A36 · Masizo del Roraima, Venezuela, Venezuela · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jul 11, 2009 · N354RA · Destroyed
  > On 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 WPR09FA320](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA320.md): Piper PA-46-350P · St George, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 2009 · N927GL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during descent for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA09LA371](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA371.md): Layson Stanley B Steen SKY Bolt · High Point, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 27, 2009 · N233VW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during takeoff.
- [NTSB WPR09WA296](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09WA296.md): Robinson R22 · Paraburdoo, Australia · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jun 25, 2009 · VH-HOX · Destroyed
  > On 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 ERA09LA360](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA360.md): Robinson R22 · Del Ray Beach, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 2009 · N2306T · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight failure of the main drive vee belts.
- [NTSB ERA09LA352](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA352.md): Cessna U206F · Islesboro, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2009 · N33243 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.
- [NTSB CEN09CA616](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA616.md): Piper PA-36-285 · Clark, SD · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 12, 2009 · N57625 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from a levy.
- [NTSB ANC09FA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC09FA052.md): Harden RV-7 · Elim, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 10, 2009 · N303BK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR09FA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA282.md): Cessna 182M · Atlanta, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 3, 2009 · N70946 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during cruise flight.
- [NTSB WPR09CA272](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA272.md): Schweizer SGS 2-32 · Warner Springs, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 30, 2009 · N5826V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while maneuvering in flight.
- [NTSB ERA09LA310](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA310.md): Cessna 172M · Sarasota, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 30, 2009 · N12151 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA09FA311](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA311.md): Mooney M20D · Clintwood, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 29, 2009 · N6628U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120/sequence.md?page=21

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
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 s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '120' AND s.case_mkey IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' WHERE "isDefiningEvent"))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120/sequence?page=20

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