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 ERA24FA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C23 · Midland, VAThe pilot’s decision to descend below the minimum decision altitude of the instrument approach without having the appropriate runway visual references distinctively identified and with the visibility and ceiling below the minimum that was prescribed for the…NTSB GAA24WA047Accident · Serious injuriesClass 5 · ForeignBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · El Mirador, GuatemalaNTSB WPR24FA037Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna P210N · San Diego, CAA 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 WPR24FA024Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna T206H · Orangeville, UTThe pilot's controlled flight into mountainous terrain for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN24FA024Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLancair 320 · Manitowoc, WIThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain during an unapproved instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…NTSB GAA24WA013Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 208 · Monêtier-Allemont, FranceNTSB GAA24WA009Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignDiamond DA20 · Almeria, SpainNTSB WPR24FA002Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Moab, UTThe pilot’s loss of visual reference to the horizon while departing during dark night, which resulted in the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation and subsequent controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA23LA385Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T206 · Port Clinton, OHThe pilot’s failure to detect and avoid unmarked powerline(s) while attempting to take off from a river.NTSB CEN23LA414Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBuckeye Dream Machine · Fortuna, MOThe non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain the unregistered powered parachute’s clearance from power lines.NTSB WPR23LA339Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter France AS350B2 · Silverton, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain visual reference and altitude while maneuvering over a lake during dusk conditions, which resulted in the helicopter impacting water.NTSB ERA23FA358Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus SR20 · Toms River, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff due to spatial disorientation (somatogravic illusion), which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.NTSB WPR23LA307Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing A75N1(PT17) · Red Lodge, MTA partial loss of engine power during the initial climb out due to improper maintenance of the magneto.NTSB WPR23FA296Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna T206H · Yellow Pine, IDThe pilot’s decision to perform a go-around into rising mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow published airport guidance about go-arounds, and landings and takeoffs with unfavorable winds.NTSB ANC23FA056Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206-L4 · Wainwright, AKThe pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude over a large body of water toward featureless terrain, which resulted in a loss of visual clues and controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR23FA257Accident · 6 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 550 · Murrieta, CAThe 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 GAA23WA205Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA28R · GUaratuba, BrazilNTSB ANC23FA045Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Old Harbor, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s delayed decision to turn away from the terrain.NTSB CEN23LA271Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Siloam Springs, ARThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while on final approach to land.NTSB CEN23FA270Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportIcon A5 · Onamia, MNThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water while flying at a low altitude.NTSB CEN23FA257Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAvid Magnum · Beaver Island, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water while maneuvering in low visibility conditions due to smoke and haze.NTSB CEN23LA212Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B · Light, ARThe pilot exceeding the climb capability of the airplane during takeoff which led to it settling into the ground.NTSB ANC23LA036Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA31 · Point Thomson, AKThe pilot’s inadvertent descent below the published minimum descent altitude, while operating in flat light conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN23FA187Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Chambers, NEThe pilot’s continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions at night and his failure to maintain adequate altitude, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ANC23LA032Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Skwentna, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from terrain while maneuvering in adverse weather conditions, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.NTSB WPR23FA172Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172S · Los Angeles, CAThe 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 ERA23LA147Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland EC 135 P2+ · Franklin, NCThe pilot’s improper decision to review an aircraft logbook while enroute, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA23FA131Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150G · Hillsville, VAThe pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA23LA127Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Atlanta, GAThe flight instructor’s failure to effectively utilize carburetor heat, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb due to carburetor ice that formed during the engine run-up and taxi.NTSB DCA23WA150Accident · Minor injuriesClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 737-3H4 · Womarden, AustraliaNTSB ERA23LA115Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEiriavion PIK-20D · Benton, TNThe pilot’s decision to turn toward a mountain ridge in a thermal, which resulted in a collision with terrain.NTSB CEN23FA084Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46 · Yoakum, TXThe pilot’s spatial disorientation during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which led to an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.NTSB ANC23LA012Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 208B · Kualapuu, HIThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate altitude during a circling approach procedure in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with terrain.NTSB ERA23FA108Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Dayton, VAThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while descending over mountainous terrain at night.NTSB GAA23WA055Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · ForeignCessna 188 · Marabá Paulista, BrazilNTSB ERA23LA107Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Old Bridge, NJThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during the landing approach.NTSB GAA23WA038Accident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignBeech 95-B55 · Jraber township, ArmeniaNTSB GAA23WA035Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRotorway unk · Drummondville, CanadaNTSB ENG23WA004Accident · 7 fatalClass 5 · ForeignAgusta A109 · Apricena, ItalyNTSB ERA23FA048Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Harlan, KYThe pilot’s visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions during an approach to land at an airport in mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s hazardous…NTSB ANC23LA002Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Cordova, AKThe pilot’s improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA23FA006Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Arundel, METhe pilot’s loss of situational awareness, which resulted in an unstabilized approach, descent below published minimum altitudes, and collision with terrain.NTSB GAA23WA001Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 206 · Vielbrunn, GermanyNTSB WPR22LA360Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150L · Lyman, WAThe pilot’s delayed decision to exit the valley with rising terrain and failure to maintain clearance from trees.NTSB CEN22LA417Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-18-105 Special · Delta Junction, AKThe pilot’s decision to depart during high, gusty wind conditions which resulted sink and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ERA22FA397Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRotorway Jetexec · Arthur, KYThe pilot’s decision to attempt the cross-country flight in thunderstorm conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a weather briefing.NTSB WPR22LA297Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182B · Yellow Pine, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while maneuvering.NTSB CEN22LA374Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Kenai, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper approach glide path, which resulted in a collision with a berm.NTSB ERA22LA347Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Franklin, PAThe pilot’s inadequate visual lookout while flying at a low level over a river, which resulted in a wire strike.NTSB WPR22LA258Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEvolution Revolt · Walter Springs, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines, which resulted in a wire strike and impact with terrain.