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 LAX08LA213Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269 C-1 · Sunol, CAThe pilots' failure to maintain adequate clearance from transmission wires during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident were the dark night and low fog.NTSB LAX08FA203Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Mount Charleston, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain and his selection of a cruise altitude that provided inadequate terrain clearance. Contributing to the accident were the high density altitude and the rapidly rising terrain.NTSB LAX08LA198Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Ash Fork, AZThe pilot's spatial disorientation resulting in his failure to detect and compensate for an unintentional descent during a go-around. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate choice of landing approach, reduced visibility from brownout…NTSB NYC08LA223Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Rockland, METhe non-instrument rated pilot becoming spatially disorientated after inadvertently entering instrument flight conditions.NTSB LAX08FA190Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Pahala, HIThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to remain clear of rising terrain while deviating from his planned route of flight. Contributing to the accident were clouds and mountainous terrain.NTSB DEN08FA101Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Huntsville, TXThe pilot's failure to identify and arrest the helicopter's descent, which resulted in its impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the limited outside visual reference due to the dark night conditions.NTSB MIA08FA115Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T206H · Cedar Key, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water during a dark night approach to a coastal airport.NTSB DFW08FA153Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · Steamboat, COThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain in day visual conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to marijuana and inadequate medical oversight of the pilot by the Federal Aviation Administration.NTSB LAX08LA154Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMaule MX-7-235 · Boulder, MTThe pilot's decision to continue flight at low altitude in instrument weather conditions and his failure to maintain clearance from a power line. Contributing to the accident were low cloud and visibility conditions.NTSB NYC08FA184Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337A · West Creek, NJThe pilot's departure with insufficient fuel for the planned flight, and his improper in-flight fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of power in both engines due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's fatigue, which was…NTSB CHI08FA135Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Stevens Point, WIThe partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI08FA128Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland EC 135 T2+ · La Crosse, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees along the top of a ridgeline due to inadequate preflight planning, insufficient altitude, and the lack of a helicopter terrain awareness and warning system. Member Sumwalt did not approve this brief and…NTSB MIA08LA096Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGarrett Gerald P Cozy Mark IV · Jekyll Island, GAControlled flight into water for undetermined reasons.NTSB ANC08FA053Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B2 · Chickaloon, AKAn in-flight overtorque of the engine-to-transmission driveshaft resulting in disconnection of the main transmission from the engine. The overtorque likely occurred due to an in-flight main rotor blade contact with snow-covered terrain, precluding significant…NTSB SEA08FA108Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Big Bear City, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident were the mountainous terrain, the dark night condition, the turbulent wind condition, and the low clouds.NTSB ANC08LA046Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32 · Koliganek, AKThe pilot's VFR flight into adverse weather conditions that resulted in a collision with snow-covered terrain during a turn to reverse direction. Factors contributing to the accident were low ceilings, flat lighting conditions, and the snow-covered terrain.NTSB SEA08LA095Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Bridger, MTThe pilot failed to maintain situational awareness during the flight. Contributing to the accident were the dark night, the pilot's failure to follow approved navigational procedures for the flight, and the pilot's over reliance on the avionics in the…NTSB NYC08FA138Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Front Royal, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from rising mountainous terrain, and his failure to turn toward his assigned course during initial climb. Contributing to the accident were the low ceiling, reduced visibility, dark night conditions, and rising…NTSB NYC08LA137Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Middlesboro, KYThe mechanic's improper maintenance installation of the No. 1 cylinder rocker arms which led to oil starvation and a loss of engine power.NTSB NYC08FA109Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Cumberland, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper approach course for undetermined reasons.NTSB SEA08FA078Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLancair LC41 · Portland, ORThe pilot's failure to follow the missed approach procedure. Contributing to the accident were the fog and below landing minimums visibility conditions.NTSB LAX08FA058Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Cabazon, CAThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain terrain clearance while en route. Contributing to the accident were clouds and mountainous terrain.NTSB LAX08FA052Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Los Angeles, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate obstacle clearance altitude from transmission wires during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the dark night conditions.NTSB SEA08FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHawker Beechcraft 1900C · Lihue, HIThe pilot's spatial disorientation and loss of situational awareness. Contributing to the accident were the dark night and the task requirements of simultaneously monitoring the cockpit instruments and the other airplane.