# NTSB investigations, 2020: 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.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN21LA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA102.md): Hughes 369D · Tuckers Crossing, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 29, 2020 · N103SU · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of helicopter control when the external saw contacted trees during an attempted emergency landing due to a main rotor transmission oil pressure warning. The reason that the pilot did not release the external saw from the helicopter during the…
- [NTSB ERA21LA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA085.md): Cessna 210L · Midway, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 21, 2020 · N2246S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pressure to complete the flight to work in an emergency room.
- [NTSB CEN21LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA060.md): Piper PA22 · Salem, IN · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 12, 2020 · N3535A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to avoid an obstacle during his approach to land.
- [NTSB ERA21LA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA035.md): Grumman GA7 · Ellicott, NY · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 1, 2020 · N791GA · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s continued descent below the minimum descent altitude while conducting an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR20LA330](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA330.md): Cessna 172 · Stanley, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 13, 2020 · N52700 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance after flying into the wrong canyon in mountainous terrain which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB WPR20LA304](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA304.md): Cessna 172 · Seeley Lake, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 13, 2020 · N3720R · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s encounter with instrument meteorological conditions during a night visual approach due to wildfire smoke, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR20CA299](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA299.md): Cessna 182 · Coeur d'Alene, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Sep 7, 2020 · N8885X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a collision with trees and 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 GAA20WA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20WA133.md): Commander 114 · Fur airport, Denmark · Accident · 4 fatal · Foreign investigation · Aug 30, 2020 · D-EQCA · Destroyed
  > The government of Denmark has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a COMMANDER 114 airplane that occurred on August 30, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Denmark's investigation under the…
- [NTSB CEN20LA367](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA367.md): Cirrus SR22 · Lawrenceville, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 29, 2020 · N607SR · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s controlled flight into terrain as a result of his failure to properly execute an instrument approach and maintain clearance from trees in night instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s unfamiliarity with a…
- [NTSB ERA20CA298](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA298.md): Vans RV6 · Milton, DE · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Aug 27, 2020 · N628JB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot and owner’s failure to adequately communicate and establish an understanding of who was flying the airplane, and their failure to take timely action to avoid a collision with terrain.
- [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 CEN20WA376](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20WA376.md): Canadair CL215 1A10 · Lobios (Ourense), Portugal · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Aug 8, 2020 · EC-HET · Substantial damage
  > The Comision de Investigacion de Accidentes y Incidentes de Aviacion Civil (CIAIAC) of Spain has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a Canadair CL-215-1A10 airplane, which occurred on August 8, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S Accredited…
- [NTSB GAA20WA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20WA126.md): Cessna 172 · Blatten - VS, Switzerland · Accident · 4 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jul 25, 2020 · HB-TLF · Destroyed
  > The government of Switzerland has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 172 airplane that occurred on July 25, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Switzerland's investigation under the…
- [NTSB ANC20CA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20CA070.md): Bell 206L-1 · Homer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jul 16, 2020 · N1432D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to see and avoid the boat's mast, which resulted in a main rotor blade strike. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning by not having the boat's mast measured.
- [NTSB CEN20CA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA275.md): Condor Condor · Freedom, WI · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jul 5, 2020 · N3502X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to initiate a climb in a timely manner which resulted in contact with wires.
- [NTSB GAA20WA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20WA113.md): Robinson R22 · Strzegom city, Poland · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jun 30, 2020 · SP-HBOG · Destroyed
  > The government of Poland has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a ROBINSON R22 helicopter that occurred on June 30, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Poland's investigation under the provisions…
- [NTSB GAA20WA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20WA112.md): Piper PA25 · Vereda Brisas de Guaiquitia, Colombia · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jun 22, 2020 · HK-1042 · Destroyed
- [NTSB CEN20CA240](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA240.md): Schweizer 269C · Sheffield, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jun 21, 2020 · N298TH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a fence while hovering.
- [NTSB WPR20LA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA177.md): Zenair CH601 · Maricopa, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 10, 2020 · N6402X · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of situational awareness and descent below pattern altitude during the landing approach, which resulted in collision with terrain at night.
- [NTSB ERA20LA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA188.md): Vaughn Challenger · Clarksville, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 16, 2020 · N97KV · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.
- [NTSB ANC20LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20LA046.md): Cessna A185 · Nuiqsut, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 15, 2020 · N5454E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s controlled flight into flat snow-covered terrain in weather conditions that were conducive to flat light conditions.
- [NTSB ERA20LA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA150.md): Arion Lightning LS-1 · Mount Pleasant, SC · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 10, 2020 · N81DJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees at the end of the runway due to spatial disorientation during initial climb in dark night conditions. Also causal was the flight instructor’s inadequate monitoring, which did not identify and prevent the…
- [NTSB ANC20CA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20CA041.md): Piper PA 18A · Chickaloon, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 7, 2020 · N2791P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which necessitated a go-around, and her subsequent failure to maintain clearance from rising mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB CEN20LA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA136.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Audubon, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 31, 2020 · N107EH · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to recognize and avoid the power line during the low-altitude flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s fatigue, which affected the pilot’s ability to see and avoid the power line.
- [NTSB CEN20WA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20WA135.md): Piper PA25 · Tepalcatepec, Michoacán, Mexico · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Mar 15, 2020 · XB-VOO · Destroyed
  > The government of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a PIPER PA25 airplane that occurred on March 15, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Mexico's investigation under the provisions of…
- [NTSB ANC20CA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20CA023.md): Robinson R44 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Feb 21, 2020 · N716JL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from snow covered terrain during an en route descent in flat light conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB CEN20WA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20WA124.md): Cessna 150 · Les Cedres, Canada · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Feb 17, 2020 · C-GYEV · Destroyed
  > The government of Canada has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 150 airplane that occurred on February 17, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Canada's investigation under the provisions…
- [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 ANC20FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20FA017.md): Piper PA32R · Tuntutuliak, AK · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 6, 2020 · N7632C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into reduced visibility, including likely flat light and/or white out conditions, which resulted in a controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the operator’s inadequate operational…
- [NTSB CEN20WA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20WA102.md): Robinson R44 · Tuzantan, Mexico · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jan 25, 2020 · XB-KQV · Substantial damage
  > On January 25, 2020, about 1858 hours universal coordinated time, a Robinson R-44II helicopter, Mexican registration XB-KQV, impacted terrain near Tuzantan, Chiapas, Mexico. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight departed Ángel Albino Corzo / Tuxtla…
- [NTSB WPR20WA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20WA083.md): Cessna 182 · Tangalooma, Australia · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jan 22, 2020 · VH-WNR · Substantial damage
  > The government of Australia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 182 airplane that occurred on January 22, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Australia's investigation under the…
- [NTSB WPR20FA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20FA067.md): Cessna 150 · Jacksonville, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 20, 2020 · N4763X · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from guy wires associated with a tower while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB WPR20FA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20FA063.md): Cessna TR182 · Billings, MT · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 12, 2020 · N736YU · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance due to poor decision making in selecting an unsafe altitude during cruise flight.
- [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.

## 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 year(c."eventDate") = 2020
  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?year=2020

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