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 WPR22FA255Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAeronca 7BCM · Lake McMurray, WAThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference and subsequent controlled flight into terrain.NTSB GAA22WA226Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna A188 · Puerto Lopez, ColombiaNTSB ANC22FA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportChampion 7EC · Valdez, AKThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in loss of control and collision with terrain.NTSB ERA22LA307Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20F · Cragsmoor, NYThe pilot’s decision to continue toward rising terrain despite observing the airplane’s decreased climb performance after takeoff, which resulted in flight into terrain.NTSB ERA22LA300Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna A185F · Plymouth, CTThe pilot’s encounter with known and forecast adverse weather which resulted in a collision with trees during the initial climb.NTSB WPR22LA238Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA20 · Challis, IDThe pilot's turn towards rising terrain with limited climb performance and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from terrain that resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB GAA22WA247Accident · Serious injuriesClass 5 · ForeignPilatus PC6 · Papua, IndonesiaNTSB ENG22WA038Accident · 22 fatalClass 5 · ForeignDe Havilland DHC6 · Near Shikha, NepalNTSB CEN22LA218Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Princeton, MNThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper approach glide path, which resulted in a collision with trees.NTSB GAA22WA200Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna TU206 · Macizo Del AuyáN-Tepui, VenezuelaNTSB WPR22FA164Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 · Cedar City, UTThe pilot’s failure to maintain obstacle clearance, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane above its maximum gross weight.NTSB ERA22LA179Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20M · Manville, NJThe pilot’s delayed go-around decision following an encounter with a tailwind during landing, which resulted in an inability to climb and subsequent impact with trees.NTSB GAA22WA140Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 208 · Gruehorn, SwitzerlandNTSB ANC22LA025Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172P · Kekaha, HIThe pilot’s improper decision to continue the visual-flight-rules flight into low visibility conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA22FA160Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMD Helicopters 369 · Loxahatchee, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB GAA22WA127Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · ForeignCirrus SR22 · Ceresole, ItalyNTSB GAA22WA136Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 210 · Tierra Nueva, MexicoNTSB CEN22FA131Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Fostoria, OHThe pilot’s loss of airplane control in night instrument meteorological conditions during the procedure turn of an instrument approach due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a collision with terrain.NTSB WPR22FA098Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell UH-1H · Coalinga, CAThe 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 CEN22FA113Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182T · Heath, OHThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude after takeoff, which resulted in collision with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN22LA108Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Lamesa, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a descent that resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB GAA22WA061Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBell 412 · Quillen-Neuquen district, ArgentinaNTSB WPR22LA069Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Auburn, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during an instrument approach, which resulted in an impact with power lines.NTSB WPR22LA078Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 369D · Strawberry, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a static wire during approach.NTSB CEN22LA074Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMini-MAX 1600R Sport · South Bend, INThe pilot’s low-level flight and poor visual lookout which resulted in collision with a light pole on final approach and the pilot’s improper decision to operate an airplane under the influence of alcohol.NTSB CEN22FA069Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46-500TP · Steamboat Springs, COThe pilot’s failure to adhere to the published instrument approach procedure, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ANC22LA009Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 208 · Port Alsworth, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach path which resulted in landing short of the runway and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR22FA044Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportJahnke Lionel G Glasair III · Big Bear City, CAThe 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 GAA22WA058Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R22 · Rauch, ArgentinaNTSB ERA22LA060Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150 · Wilkes-Barre, PAThe pilot’s decision to commence the flight in marginal visual flight rules conditions at night, and his failure to maintain a safe altitude once instrument conditions were encountered.NTSB GAA22WA029Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna P210N · Dornbirn, AustriaNTSB GAA22WA024Accident · 5 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBeech C90 · Caratinga, BrazilNTSB WPR22LA030Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Newdale, IDThe flight instructor’s failure to monitor the flight to ensure terrain clearance during the dark night conditions.NTSB WPR22FA021Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150L · Dunsmuir, CAThe 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 GAA22WA177Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA34 · Königswinter, GermanyNTSB ERA22LA007Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 429 · Batavia, NYThe pilot’s failure to disengage the autopilot prior to climbing out of a fog bank.NTSB ERA22LA006Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172K · Williston, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain on approach which resulted in controlled flight into trees. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the approach path, the dark night conditions and the landing…NTSB ERA22FA001Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech S35 · Andrews, NCThe pilot’s decision to fly toward rapidly rising, obscured mountainous terrain after departing under visual flight rules at night.NTSB GAA21WA249Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna F172 · Dala-Floda, SwedenNTSB ENG21WA041Accident · 4 fatalClass 5 · ForeignLet L410 · Kazachinskoye, RussiaNTSB ANC21FA069Accident · 6 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportDehavilland DHC-2 MK.I · Ketchikan, AKThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules (VFR) flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the FAA’s reliance on voluntary compliance with the Ketchikan…NTSB ANC21FA065Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172P · Eagle River, AKAn inflight collision with terrain under unknown circumstances. Contributing to the delayed rescue response was the failure of the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) to activate as designed, and the mechanic’s failure to ensure the correct ELT was installed…NTSB GAA21WA177Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignMooney M20 · Gothard, SwitzerlandNTSB CEN21FA305Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportHawker Beechcraft G36 · Aspen, COThe pilot’s failure to navigate through mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB GAA21WA163Accident · 6 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA-32-260 · Leogane, HaitiNTSB ERA21LA270Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R66 · Waxhaw, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during a low-level aerial application flight.NTSB WPR21FA231Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Rush Valley, UTThe pilot’s misidentification of a mountain pass at night, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s overconfidence based on her previous aviation experience and fatigue due to both the time of the flight…NTSB CEN21LA271Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T210L · Buena Vista, COThe partial loss of engine power due to a vane failure in the engine-driven fuel pump.NTSB ERA21LA266Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPilatus B4-PC11 · Sterling, MAThe pilot’s misjudged approach angle which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN21FA220Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · St. Louis, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate visual lookout to ensure clearance from the radio tower and its guy wires. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s unnecessary use of his mobile device during the flight, which diminished his attention/monitoring…