# NTSB investigations, CA: 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 1 of 2 · 84 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA158.md): Alexander Schleicher ASH 31 MI · Williams, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Apr 13, 2026 · N77UK · Substantial damage
  > On April 13, 2026, about 1051 Pacific standard time, an experimental Alexander Schleicher GMBH and Co., Ash 31 Mi Glider, N77UK, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Williams, California. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The…
- [NTSB WPR26FA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26FA103.md): Cessna 210B · Camarillo, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Feb 16, 2026 · N9735X · Substantial damage
  > On February 15, 2026, about 1805 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 210B, N9735X, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Camarillo, California. The pilot was fatally injured and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane…
- [NTSB WPR24LA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA221.md): Beech B19 · Running Springs, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 1, 2024 · N6553R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to maneuver the airplane at a low altitude toward rising terrain, which exceeded the climb capability of the airplane.
- [NTSB WPR24FA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA195.md): Luscombe 8A · South Lake Tahoe, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 12, 2024 · N37081 · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR24LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA094.md): Aeronca 7AC · Valley Springs, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 23, 2024 · N1611E · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR24FA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA037.md): Cessna P210N · San Diego, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 16, 2023 · N1400 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s inadequate flight and fuel planning and his decision to fly in night instrument meteorological conditions despite his lack of recent instrument flight.
- [NTSB WPR23FA257](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA257.md): Cessna 550 · Murrieta, CA · Accident · 6 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 8, 2023 · N819KR · Destroyed
  > The flight crew’s decision to descend below the decision altitude of an instrument approach without having the appropriate runway visual reference(s) distinctively identified and with the visibility below the minimum that was prescribed for the approach,…
- [NTSB WPR23FA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA172.md): Cessna 172S · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 30, 2023 · N575ND · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR22LA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA258.md): Evolution Revolt · Walter Springs, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 17, 2022 · N258MH · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines, which resulted in a wire strike and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR22FA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA098.md): Bell UH-1H · Coalinga, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 17, 2022 · N72297 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of situational awareness for reasons that could not be determined given the available evidence, which led to controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate the helicopter while ill and…
- [NTSB WPR22LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA069.md): Cessna 172N · Auburn, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 22, 2021 · N6280F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during an instrument approach, which resulted in an impact with power lines.
- [NTSB WPR22FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA044.md): Jahnke Lionel G Glasair III · Big Bear City, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 21, 2021 · N291KT · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR22FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA021.md): Cessna 150L · Dunsmuir, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 20, 2021 · N5268Q · Substantial damage
  > The non-certificated pilot’s improper decision to continue the flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR20LA295](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA295.md): Beech 35 · Three Rivers, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 4, 2020 · N818S · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while operating in conditions of reduced visibility due to smoke.
- [NTSB WPR20CA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA261.md): Aviat A1 · Kernville, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Aug 8, 2020 · N327MN · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during a go-around, which resulted in an impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR20FA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20FA086.md): Cessna 140 · Sonora, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 6, 2020 · N9474A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during approach for landing.
- [NTSB WPR20FA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20FA057.md): Thunder Mustang TM-1 · Santa Clarita, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 4, 2020 · N151WR · Destroyed
  > Engine detonation that resulted in material deformation of the crankcase and led to engine failure and restricted cockpit visibility.
- [NTSB WPR19FA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA175.md): Robinson R44 · Two Harbors, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 18, 2019 · N7187D · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR19FA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA172.md): Nanchang CJ6 · Porter Ranch, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 15, 2019 · N269AG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s continued flight into marginal visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR19FA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA146.md): Aviat A1 · Santa Ynez, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 15, 2019 · N236AM · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain during cruise flight in low visibility and mountainous obscuration conditions.
- [NTSB WPR19FA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA086.md): Beech D55 · Stallion Springs, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 22, 2019 · N533Q · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions associated with mountain obscuration conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a weather…
- [NTSB WPR19FA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA083.md): Mooney M20F · Diablo, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 9, 2019 · N3270F · Destroyed
  > The student pilot’s decision to depart on a visual flight rules flight into reduced visibility night conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR19FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA075.md): Piper PA28 · Oceanside, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 29, 2019 · N37RV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper decision to depart on the night visual flight rules flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in an in-flight encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and collision with rising terrain.
- [NTSB WPR18FA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA139.md): Beech 76 · Julian, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 11, 2018 · N803FC · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude above mountainous terrain while maneuvering during night conditions in an area prone to turbulence, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's…
- [NTSB WPR18LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA049.md): North American Navion · El Cajon, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 2017 · N8884H · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB WPR18LA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA007.md): Thomas Stephen Glasair Super II RG · Santa Ynez, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 5, 2017 · N248ST · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power for reasons that were not determined.
- [NTSB GAA17CA559](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA559.md): Cessna 182 · San Diego, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 27, 2017 · N9346G · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological, dark night conditions and the pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate approach for landing.
- [NTSB WPR17LA206](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA206.md): Bell 47G 5 · Salinas, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 17, 2017 · N3285T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a wire.
- [NTSB WPR17FA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA196.md): Cessna 172N · Bolinas, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2017 · N737QQ · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument rated private pilot's improper decision to embark on a flight and continue to fly into forecasted instrument meteorological conditions and mountain obscuration while conducting a visual flight rules flight.
- [NTSB WPR17FA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA179.md): Michaelian Lancair IV-TP · Rio Linda, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2017 · N420M · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
- [NTSB WPR17LA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA124.md): Piper PA28 · Carpinteria, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 10, 2017 · N2171D · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR17FA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA125.md): Beech 95 C55 · Mountain Ranch, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 2017 · N3717Q · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and mountain obscuration that resulted in controlled flight into trees and terrain.
- [NTSB WPR17FA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA105.md): Socata TB 20 Trinidad · Sierraville, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 17, 2017 · N28070 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB WPR17FA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA063.md): Cessna 172 · Ramona, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 12, 2017 · N2179L · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to ensure that adequate clearance from terrain was maintained after performance of a simulated engine failure maneuver, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR17FA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA055.md): Mooney M20J · Lake Hughes, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 12, 2017 · N6201N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's controlled flight into mountainous terrain while attempting to operate under visual flight rules in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
- [NTSB WPR17FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA025.md): Piper PA 28-181 · Upland, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 22, 2016 · N6912C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain in dark night conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR16FA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA111.md): Cessna R182 · Altadena, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 15, 2016 · N133BW · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from rising mountainous terrain while flying in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the loss of radio communications for a reason that could not be determined because of the…
- [NTSB WPR16LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA028.md): Beech A36 · Lancaster, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 13, 2015 · N78CR · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to comply with published instrument approach procedures during an instrument approach in dark night, visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the controller's…
- [NTSB WPR15FA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA227.md): Cessna P337G · Santa Paula, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 2015 · N4CU · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct a visual flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB GAA15CA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA128.md): Beech C23 · Long Beach, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 19, 2015 · N24022 · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR15FA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA166.md): Cessna 210F · Pleasanton, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 21, 2015 · N1842F · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient clearance from rising terrain.
- [NTSB WPR15LA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA150.md): Cessna 206H · Redding, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 18, 2015 · N3535M · Destroyed
  > The pilot's intentional descent into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR15FA147](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA147.md): Robert C. Hanson Pitts S2E · Lebec, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 14, 2015 · N75BH · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient clearance from rising terrain.
- [NTSB WPR14FA349](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA349.md): Beech V35B · Novato, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 2014 · N1160T · Substantial damage
  > The instrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct a visual approach to the airport in night, instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's loss of situational awareness, the…
- [NTSB WPR14FA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA348.md): Cliff Starduster II SA300 · Placerville, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 2014 · N411TM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around in gusting wind conditions following a partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal…
- [NTSB WPR14LA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA300.md): Luscombe 8A · Rancho Cucamonga, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2014 · N77942 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB WPR14LA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA177.md): Airplane Factory Ltd The Sling · Daggett, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 30, 2014 · N511NG · Substantial damage
  > The pilots’ failure to maintain clearance from terrain while operating in dark night, visual meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilots’ failure to enable the aural terrain warning system.
- [NTSB WPR14LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA014.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L 1 · Seeley, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 2013 · N206KK · Destroyed
  > The total loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 4 bearing.
- [NTSB WPR14FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA012.md): Mooney M20E · Julian, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 9, 2013 · N7145U · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering to avoid clouds in mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB DCA13MA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA13MA120.md): Boeing 777-200ER · San Francisco, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Jul 6, 2013 · HL7742 · Destroyed
  > The flight crew's mismanagement of the airplane's descent during the visual approach, the pilot flying's unintended deactivation of automatic airspeed control, the flight crew's inadequate monitoring of airspeed, and the flight crew's delayed execution of a…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120/sequence.md?state=CA&page=2

## 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND 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?state=CA

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