NTSB investigations, CA
84 cases where the sequence of events included Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT).
Cases per year
| 2008 | 6 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 7 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Where
Open the mapLatest cases
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.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'CA' AND c.\"eventCountry\" = 'USA'
AND 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA' AND 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 WPR26LA158Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportAlexander Schleicher ASH 31 MI · Williams, CAOn April 13, 2026, about 1051 Pacific standard time, an experimental Alexander Schleicher GMBH and Co., Ash 31 Mi Glider, N77UK, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Williams, California. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The…NTSB WPR26FA103Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 210B · Camarillo, CAOn February 15, 2026, about 1805 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 210B, N9735X, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Camarillo, California. The pilot was fatally injured and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane…NTSB WPR24LA221Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBeech B19 · Running Springs, CAThe pilot’s decision to maneuver the airplane at a low altitude toward rising terrain, which exceeded the climb capability of the airplane.NTSB WPR24FA195Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLuscombe 8A · South Lake Tahoe, CAThe pilot’s decision to continue low-altitude flight toward rising mountainous terrain in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in collision with trees and terrain.NTSB WPR24LA094Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Valley Springs, CAThe pilot’s decision to maneuver the airplane at a low altitude and inadvertently entering a box canyon where the airplane could not outclimb the rising terrain.NTSB 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 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 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 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.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 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 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 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 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 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 WPR20FA086Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 140 · Sonora, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during approach for landing.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 WPR19FA175Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Two Harbors, CAThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR19FA172Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportNanchang CJ6 · Porter Ranch, CAThe pilot’s continued flight into marginal visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR19FA146Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAviat A1 · Santa Ynez, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain during cruise flight in low visibility and mountainous obscuration conditions.NTSB WPR19FA086Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech D55 · Stallion Springs, CAThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions associated with mountain obscuration conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a weather…NTSB WPR19FA083Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20F · Diablo, CAThe student pilot’s decision to depart on a visual flight rules flight into reduced visibility night conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR19FA075Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Oceanside, CAThe pilot’s improper decision to depart on the night visual flight rules flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in an in-flight encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and collision with rising terrain.NTSB WPR18FA139Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 76 · Julian, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude above mountainous terrain while maneuvering during night conditions in an area prone to turbulence, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's…NTSB WPR18LA049Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American Navion · El Cajon, CAA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR18LA007Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportThomas Stephen Glasair Super II RG · Santa Ynez, CAA partial loss of engine power for reasons that were not determined.NTSB GAA17CA559Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 182 · San Diego, CAThe airplane’s inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological, dark night conditions and the pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate approach for landing.NTSB WPR17LA206Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 47G 5 · Salinas, CAThe pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a wire.NTSB WPR17FA196Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Bolinas, CAThe non-instrument rated private pilot's improper decision to embark on a flight and continue to fly into forecasted instrument meteorological conditions and mountain obscuration while conducting a visual flight rules flight.NTSB WPR17FA179Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMichaelian Lancair IV-TP · Rio Linda, CAA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.NTSB WPR17LA124Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Carpinteria, CAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR17FA125Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95 C55 · Mountain Ranch, CAThe pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and mountain obscuration that resulted in controlled flight into trees and terrain.NTSB WPR17FA105Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TB 20 Trinidad · Sierraville, CAThe pilot's decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain.NTSB WPR17FA063Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Ramona, CAThe flight instructor's failure to ensure that adequate clearance from terrain was maintained after performance of a simulated engine failure maneuver, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR17FA055Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Lake Hughes, CAThe pilot's controlled flight into mountainous terrain while attempting to operate under visual flight rules in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).NTSB WPR17FA025Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-181 · Upland, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain in dark night conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR16FA111Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · Altadena, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from rising mountainous terrain while flying in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the loss of radio communications for a reason that could not be determined because of the…NTSB WPR16LA028Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Lancaster, CAThe flight instructor's failure to comply with published instrument approach procedures during an instrument approach in dark night, visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the controller's…NTSB WPR15FA227Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P337G · Santa Paula, CAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct a visual flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain.NTSB GAA15CA128Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech C23 · Long Beach, CAThe pilot failed to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering to land at night, which resulted in a collision with terrain/objects. A factor contributing to the accident was the lack of oversight by ATC; failing to insure that the fully operational VASI…NTSB WPR15FA166Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210F · Pleasanton, CAThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient clearance from rising terrain.NTSB WPR15LA150Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 206H · Redding, CAThe pilot's intentional descent into terrain.NTSB WPR15FA147Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobert C. Hanson Pitts S2E · Lebec, CAThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient clearance from rising terrain.NTSB WPR14FA349Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Novato, CAThe instrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct a visual approach to the airport in night, instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's loss of situational awareness, the…NTSB WPR14FA348Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCliff Starduster II SA300 · Placerville, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around in gusting wind conditions following a partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal…NTSB WPR14LA300Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Rancho Cucamonga, CAThe loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR14LA177Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAirplane Factory Ltd The Sling · Daggett, CAThe pilots’ failure to maintain clearance from terrain while operating in dark night, visual meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilots’ failure to enable the aural terrain warning system.NTSB WPR14LA014Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L 1 · Seeley, CAThe total loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 4 bearing.NTSB WPR14FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Julian, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering to avoid clouds in mountainous terrain.NTSB DCA13MA120Accident · 3 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBoeing 777-200ER · San Francisco, CAThe flight crew's mismanagement of the airplane's descent during the visual approach, the pilot flying's unintended deactivation of automatic airspeed control, the flight crew's inadequate monitoring of airspeed, and the flight crew's delayed execution of a…