NTSB investigations
1,074 cases where the sequence of events included 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 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"
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 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
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 ERA09WA288Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 RG · Santa Cruz, BoliviaOn May 11, 2008, about 1930 Atlantic standard time, a Cessna 172 RG, Bolivian registration CP-2492, , registered to and operated by a private individual, impacted a tree with its left’s wing and then the ground, where a fire ensued. The accident sight was…NTSB ERA09WA279Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCirrus Design SR22 · Mt. Ainos, GreeceNone.NTSB WPR09GA216Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportLockheed P2V-7 · Stockton, UTThe flight crew's failure to maintain terrain clearance during low altitude flight in low ceiling and visibility conditions. Contributing to the accident was the flight crew's failure to adequately monitor their location with respect to the rising terrain…NTSB WPR09CA207Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportAerostar International Raven S49A · Tracy, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.NTSB ERA09WA241Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210 · Concepcion, BoliviaOn April 11, 2009, at 2305 universal coordinated time (1905 local time), a Cessna 210M, Bolivian registration CP-1373, was destroyed when it impacted terrain shortly after taking off from Concepcion Airport (SLCP), Concepcion, Bolivia. The certificated…NTSB ANC09LA031Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS350 B2 E · Haines, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from snow-covered terrain during the landing approach in flat light conditions.NTSB CEN09WA240Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationSchweizer 269C · Kilshanchoe, IrelandThis is under the jurisdiction and control of the Irish government.NTSB ERA09LA208Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150E · Columbia, MSA loss of engine power in flight due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight fuel planning.NTSB ERA09WA218Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationBeech BE-200 · Quito, EcuadorNone.NTSB WPR09FA146Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA-40 · Arcata, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude and glidepath while executing a night instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's fatigue.NTSB WPR09LA122Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Big Bear Lake, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering in a ravine. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue flight in an area that exceeded the climb rate capabilities of the airplane.NTSB ANC09LA021Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Nome, AKThe pilot's continued flight into adverse weather and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain while on approach in flat light conditions.NTSB ANC09LA019Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportConstrucciones Aeronauticas C-212-CC · Kotzebue, AKThe flight crew's decision to continue flight into adverse weather. Contributing to the accident was blowing snow which limited their visibility during final approach to land.NTSB WPR09FA096Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 205 · Flagstaff, AZThe pilot's loss of situational awareness and failure to maintain clearance from hilly terrain while flying in an area of a low cloud ceiling. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue flight due to a self-induced pressure.NTSB CEN09WA138Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-42-720 · Konigstein, GermanyThis is under the jurisdiction and control of the German Government.NTSB ERA09CA134Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Manteo, NCThe pilot's failure to follow the missed approach procedure while landing with a low ceiling.NTSB ERA09LA123Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Powder Springs, TNThe non-instrument rated pilot's decision to continue under visual flight rules into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB ERA09FA116Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Pittstown, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from trees during the night landing approach and the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action.NTSB ERA09WA206Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBeech V35 · Valenca, BrazilOn December 30, 2008, about 1240 UTC, or 1040 local, a Beech V35B, Brazilian registration PT-JKU, registered to and operated by Unibase Engenharia e Pavimentacao Ltda, collided with mountainous terrain near Valenca, RJ, Brazil. Instrument meteorological…NTSB WPR09FA060Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Kapolei, HIThe partial loss of engine power during the initial climb due to the failure of both pilots to use carburetor heat during a long descent for landing in carburetor icing conditions, and, the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.NTSB CEN09FA086Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-4 · Sabine Pass, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water. Contributing to the accident was the inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CEN09WA082Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLearjet Lear 23 · Tlaxcala, MexicoOn December 7, 2008 at approximately 1815 central standard time (CST) a twin-engine turbo fan, Learjet 23, Mexican Registration XC-LGD, was destroyed when it impacted a lake while on final approach to an unlit day visual flight rules airport near Tlaxcala,…NTSB CEN09FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 206H · Kalkaska, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain during the instrument-flight-rules flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to comply with instrument flight procedures and his lack of recent instrument flight experience.NTSB ERA09FA078Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell International 690B · Rio Grande, PRThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB WPR09CA051Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech B60 · Rock River, WYThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power line due to the lack of forward visibility because of an ice-covered windshield. Contributing to the accident was the flight's encounter with icing weather conditions.NTSB CEN09LA075Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHauser U/Hauser J KIT FOX CL · Boulder, COA loss of engine thrust due to the pilot's inadvertent activation of the propeller controls. Contributing to the accident were the non-standard propeller controls and the pilot's lack of experience in the airplane.NTSB WPR09LA043Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Hanna, UTThe flight's encounter with adverse tailwinds and downdrafts in mountainous terrain that exceeded the airplane's climb capability.NTSB ERA09LA064Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Groton, CTThe student pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent profile to avoid trees during the night visual approach and the flight instructor’s inadequate oversight.NTSB ERA09FA060Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Smithfield, RIThe pilot's improper descent below the published minimum descent altitude during the approach, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN09LA061Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Downers Grove, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath while on final approach in night conditions, due to his impairment from recent use of alcohol, cocaine, and over-the-counter and prescription medications.NTSB CEN09LA054Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Mena, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's continued flight into deteriorating weather conditions.NTSB WPR09FA034Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32S-300 · Forest Falls, CAThe pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent impact with mountainous terrain.NTSB WPR09WA042Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA31-350 · Bathurst, Australia, AustraliaOn November 7, 2008, approximately 0930 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Piper PA-31-350, Australian registration VH-OPC, shortly after take-off, collided with terrain about three nautical miles north of the Bathurst Airport, New South Wales, Australia.…NTSB ERA09FA039Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPartenavia P.68C · Gainesville, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath during an instrument-landing-system (ILS) approach. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's decision to initiate the ILS approach with weather below the published minimums, and the pilot's…NTSB CEN09LA039Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChamberlin Victor Wayne Minimax · Winnsboro, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from static wires while maneuvering to avoid another airplane.NTSB CEN09WA022Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 402 · Monterrey, MexicoOn October 17, 2008, a Cessna 402C with Mexican Registration XC-HAQ departed on Runway 02 from Del Norte Airport (MMAN), near Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico at 1308 central daylight time (CDT) and was on climb out to cruise when radar contact was lost at 1315.…NTSB ERA09FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Dryden, NYThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN09MA019Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 222 · Aurora, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the 734-foot-tall lighted tower during the visual night flight due to inadequate preflight planning, insufficient altitude, and a flight route too low to clear the tower. Contributing to the accident was the air…NTSB DEN08FA162Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPilatus PC-12/47E · Santa Fe, NMThe pilot's incapacitation due to fatigue resulting in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB MIA08MA203Accident · 4 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportAerospatiale SA365N-1 D · District Heights, MDThe pilot's attempt to regain visual conditions by performing a rapid descent and his failure to arrest the descent at the minimum descent altitude during a nonprecision approach. Contributing to the accident were (1) the pilot’s limited recent instrument…NTSB CHI08FA293Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 II · Kenosha, WIThe pilots failure to maintain clearance from terrain resulting in an in-flight collision with a house. Contributing to the accident was the night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and the pilot's lack of experience of flying in IMC.NTSB DFW08CA229Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSukhoi SU-31M · Collinsville, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from marked transmission lines while on final approach.NTSB DEN08LA145Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Angle Fire, NMControlled flight into terrain for unknown reasons.NTSB DCA08RA095Accident · 17 fatalForeign investigationBeech 1900 · Bukavu, Congo - KinshasaOn September 1, 2008 about 1510 UTC, ZS-OLD, Beech 1900C, operated by Air Serv International, collided with high terrain during approach to Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The pilot, copilot, and 15 passengers were fatally injured. The airplane…NTSB SEA08LA191Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Burbank, CAThe pilot's improper preflight and in-flight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's loss of situational awareness while conducting the normal and emergency checklists during his turn from base to final…NTSB ANC08FA133Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Juneau, AKThe pilot's decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot experiencing a loss of visual reference and subsequent controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB LAX08FA261Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Incline Village, NVThe pilot's decision to initiate a flight for which he was neither approved nor qualified and his failure to maintain terrain clearance during the flight. Contributing to the accident were the dark night, the mountainous terrain, and the pilot's medical…NTSB CHI08CA235Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 150L · Watertown, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from terrain during cruise. Contributing to the accident was the night, the haze, and the tall vegetation.NTSB DEN08IA130Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportRaytheon Cobra · Colorado Springs, COThe flight team's failure to program the UAS with flight-tested parameters that could tolerate the high density altitude and tailwind conditions encounted during the flight, which resulted in two undershoot approaches, and the existence of an undiscovered…NTSB LAX08FA246Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · McMurray, WAThe pilot's improper decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions. Contributing to the accident were low ceilings, reduced visibility, and mountainous terrain.