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 WPR21LA193Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172R · Chandler, AZThe pilot’s failure to locate the airport which resulted in an approach to a road and subsequent collision with powerlines during a go-around in low light conditions.NTSB ERA21FA184Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna A188 · Pineview, GAThe pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in collision with powerlines during an aerial application flight.NTSB GAA21WA062Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 182 · Colon and El Marques, Queretaro, MexicoNTSB ERA21FA165Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAviat A-1 · Cave Spring, GAThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from a power line.NTSB ERA21FA148Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C23 · Purcellville, VAThe pilot's improper decision to depart from the short turf runway with a tailwind.NTSB CEN21FA125Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 177RG · Galt, MOThe pilot’s decision to takeoff into instrument meteorological conditions consisting of low ceilings and icing and his failure to remain clear of terrain while attempting to remain below the clouds, which resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB ERA21LA124Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 441 · Belvidere, TNThe pilot’s failure to follow the published instrument approach procedure by prematurely descending the airplane below the final approach fix altitude to fly under the low ceiling conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB GAA21WA016Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 182 · Sefferweich, GermanyNTSB ERA21LA111Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Boynton Beach, FLThe pilot’s controlled flight into the ocean at night due to his unrecognized spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction with the tuning of his transponder while maneuvering over an area with reduced visual references.NTSB ERA21LA102Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportKolb Firestar · Vineland, NJA steep descent and impact with terrain during final approach for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN21LA102Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 369D · Tuckers Crossing, MSThe 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 ERA21LA085Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 210L · Midway, GAThe 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 CEN21LA060Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA22 · Salem, INThe pilot’s failure to avoid an obstacle during his approach to land.NTSB ERA21LA035Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman GA7 · Ellicott, NYThe 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 WPR20LA330Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Stanley, IDThe 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 WPR20LA304Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Seeley Lake, MTThe 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 WPR20CA299Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna 182 · Coeur d'Alene, IDThe 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 WPR20LA295Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 35 · Three Rivers, CAThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while operating in conditions of reduced visibility due to smoke.NTSB GAA20WA133Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCommander 114 · Fur airport, DenmarkThe 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 CEN20LA367Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Lawrenceville, ILThe 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 ERA20CA298Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportVans RV6 · Milton, DEThe 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 WPR20CA261Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportAviat A1 · Kernville, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during a go-around, which resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB CEN20WA376Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCanadair CL215 1A10 · Lobios (Ourense), PortugalThe 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 GAA20WA126Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Blatten - VS, SwitzerlandThe 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 ANC20CA070Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Homer, AKThe 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 CEN20CA275Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCondor Condor · Freedom, WIThe pilot's failure to initiate a climb in a timely manner which resulted in contact with wires.NTSB GAA20WA113Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Strzegom city, PolandThe 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 GAA20WA112Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA25 · Vereda Brisas de Guaiquitia, ColombiaNTSB CEN20CA240Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Sheffield, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a fence while hovering.NTSB WPR20LA177Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportZenair CH601 · Maricopa, AZThe pilot’s loss of situational awareness and descent below pattern altitude during the landing approach, which resulted in collision with terrain at night.NTSB ERA20LA188Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVaughn Challenger · Clarksville, TNThe loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.NTSB ANC20LA046Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna A185 · Nuiqsut, AKThe pilot’s controlled flight into flat snow-covered terrain in weather conditions that were conducive to flat light conditions.NTSB ERA20LA150Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportArion Lightning LS-1 · Mount Pleasant, SCThe 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 ANC20CA041Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 18A · Chickaloon, AKThe 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 CEN20LA136Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Audubon, IAThe 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 CEN20WA135Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA25 · Tepalcatepec, Michoacán, MexicoThe 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 ANC20CA023Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Talkeetna, AKThe 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 CEN20WA124Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 150 · Les Cedres, CanadaThe 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 WPR20FA086Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 140 · Sonora, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during approach for landing.NTSB ANC20FA017Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32R · Tuntutuliak, AKThe 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 CEN20WA102Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Tuzantan, MexicoOn 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 WPR20WA083Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182 · Tangalooma, AustraliaThe 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 WPR20FA067Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150 · Jacksonville, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from guy wires associated with a tower while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB WPR20FA063Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna TR182 · Billings, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance due to poor decision making in selecting an unsafe altitude during cruise flight.NTSB WPR20FA057Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportThunder Mustang TM-1 · Santa Clarita, CAEngine detonation that resulted in material deformation of the crankcase and led to engine failure and restricted cockpit visibility.NTSB GAA20WA101Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA25 · Rio Branco, Cerro Largo, UruguayThe government of Uruguay has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a PIPER PA25 airplane that occurred on December 24, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Uruguay's investigation under the provisions…NTSB GAA20WA104Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCirrus SR22 · Salzburg, Austria, AustriaThe government of Austria has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CIRRUS SR22 airplane that occurred on December 21, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Austria's investigation under the…NTSB ERA20WA066Accident · 9 fatalClass 3 · ForeignBeech A100 · Charallave, VenezuelaNTSB WPR20LA038Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Phoenix, AZThe pilot’s mismanagement of the fuel onboard, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the fuel starvation was the erroneous indications on the fuel gauges.NTSB WPR20FA034Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus SR-22 · North Las Vegas, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during cruise flight in dark night conditions.