Final NTSB investigations
796 cases where the sequence of events included Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT).
Cases per year
| 2008 | 52 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 60 |
| 2010 | 62 |
| 2011 | 72 |
| 2012 | 58 |
| 2013 | 68 |
| 2014 | 51 |
| 2015 | 54 |
| 2016 | 39 |
| 2017 | 55 |
| 2018 | 50 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2020 | 26 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 23 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 10 |
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.\"completionStatus\" = 'Completed'
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."completionStatus" = 'Completed' 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 ERA26LA307Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Altoona, PAThe pilot’s descent below the glidepath and collision with trees during a missed approach.NTSB ERA26LA300Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportWaco Classic 2T-1A-2 · Clermont, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the landing approach.NTSB WPR26LA266Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMaule M-4-180V · Creede, COThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s performance capabilities in mountainous terrain, which resulted in a forced landing.NTSB WPR26LA234Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Dixie, IDThe pilot's delayed decision to initiate a go-around and subsequent failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain.NTSB WPR26LA196Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportDiamond DA40 · Wells, NVThe pilot’s inability to maintain climb performance and clearance from mountainous terrain due to a downdraft.NTSB CEN26LA180Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportJust JA-30 · Hartville, MOThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line after takeoff.NTSB DCA26LA159Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPyka Pelican Cargo · Summit Point, WVThe inaccurate obstacle height entered into mission planning that resulted in the aircraft wing’s impact with a tree during descent, resulting resulted in a loss of control.NTSB ERA26LA143Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Carthage, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while on final approach for landing. Contributing to the accident were the flight instructor’s inadequate remedial actions.NTSB WPR26LA095Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican Champion 8KCAB · Alpine, WYThe pilot’s inadvertent descent while operating in flat light conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA26LA096Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican General Acft AG5B · Fairfield, NJThe pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate glide path during the landing approach in gusting wind conditions, resulting in an impact with trees prior to the runway.NTSB ERA26LA036Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCzech Sport Aircraft A S Sportcruiser · Cuthbert, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain while maneuvering for a precautionary landing, at low altitude and at night.NTSB ERA26LA022Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRans Employee Flying Club Rans S-6ES Coyote II · Williston, SCThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the initial climb in gusting crosswind conditions.NTSB ERA25LA363Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · White Plains, NYThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper glidepath during a night visual approach, which resulted in a collision with the runway lighting system. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot’s momentary disorientation due to glare from the runway approach lighting…NTSB WPR25LA283Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150F · Rigby, IDThe flight instructor’s improper flap position during takeoff, which resulted in degraded climb performance and a subsequent impact with a building.NTSB ERA25LA341Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman G-44A · Beaver Cove, METhe pilot’s distraction and failure to monitor the airplane’s flight path, which resulted in controlled flight into a lake.NTSB CEN25LA312Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12 · Ozark, ARThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree which resulted in the right wing impacting the tree and a subsequent collision with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane at a low altitude over…NTSB CEN25LA311Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-33A · Monee, ILThe student pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and altitude resulting in a collision with the ground during the base to final turn.NTSB CEN25LA283Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Hartsburg, ILThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff with a tailwind from a wet turf airstrip.NTSB CEN25LA211Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna U206 · Falun, WIThe pilot experiencing the featureless terrain illusion during the approach which gave the perception that the airplane was at a higher altitude over the glassy water surface than it was, resulting in the airplane impacting the water.NTSB CEN25LA146Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Ault, COThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain terrain clearance during an attempted go-around, which resulted in a collision with a fence post.NTSB CEN25LA098Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMD Helicopters 369FF · Cookville, MOThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree during the low altitude operation.NTSB CEN25FA047Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182T · Drake, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering in mountainous terrain. Contributing was mountain wave turbulence in the area.NTSB ERA25FA037Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150F · Wilder, TNThe student pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions at night, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA24LA346Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3 · Mooresburg, TNThe pilot’s intentional flight into a building as an act of suicide.NTSB CEN24LA317Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV8 · Guthrie, OKA loss of engine power due to the separation and ingestion of an air filter retaining bracket into the engine cylinder.NTSB CEN24FA295Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Irene, SDThe pilot’s poor decision to continue the flight into deteriorating weather conditions and his failure to maintain a safe altitude, which resulted in controlled flight into trees and terrain.NTSB ANC24LA069Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech A35 · Gustavus, AKThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA24FA294Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Rutherfordton, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from clouds, resulting in controlled flight into terrain due to mountain obscuration.NTSB ERA24LA297Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBuckeye Dream Machine · Bainbridge, GAThe non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to alcohol and methamphetamine use.NTSB ERA24FA292Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172N · Lock Haven, PAThe student pilot’s premature turn to the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern at low airspeed and altitude, resulting in a collision with trees and terrain.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 WPR24FA202Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Capitan, NMThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight through an apparent visual corridor that rapidly narrowed due to rising terrain and mountain obscuration, resulting in momentary instrument meteorological conditions and the pilot’s subsequent…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 WPR24FA190Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 177B · Elk River, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while climbing in mountainous terrain during moderately high density altitude conditions, and conditions conducive to severe carburetor icing.NTSB ANC24FA032Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Nondalton, AKThe non-certificated pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into the water.NTSB WPR24LA115Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportZenith Zodiac CH601 · Rawlins, WYThe student pilot’s failure to see and avoid powerlines during an unstabilized approach, which resulted the airplane landing short of the runway and coming to rest inverted.NTSB ERA24FA136Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportIsrael Aircraft Industries 1125 Westwind Astra · Hot Springs, VAThe PIC’s continuation of an unstabilized approach in gusting wind conditions and his failure to monitor the airplane’s altitude during the approach, which led to a descent into terrain short of the runway. Contributing was the flight crew’s failure to set…NTSB ERA24LA134Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150 · Clay, KYThe pilot’s decision to attempt a VFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to alcohol consumption.NTSB ERA24FA120Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32 · Jackson, OHThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain while maneuvering.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 CEN24LA116Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCub Crafters CCX-2000 · Laotto, INThe pilot’s improper decision to continue an approach with his vision obscured by sun glare, which resulted in a collision with a tree.NTSB WPR24LA090Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEnstrom 280FX · Lewistown, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s encounter with low light conditions and snow-covered terrain.NTSB ERA24FA096Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Weston, FLThe pilots’ spatial disorientation in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in their failure to maintain altitude and a subsequent descent and impact with a swamp.NTSB CEN24FA089Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 310R · Poolville, TXPilot incapacitation for undetermined reasons which resulted into controlled descent into terrain.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 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 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.