# NTSB investigations: Low altitude operation/event

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 8 of 14 · 675 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB CEN16LA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA222.md): North American AT-6D · Henley, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 19, 2016 · N150U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to conduct extended inverted flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel flow disruption. Contributing to the accident was his decision to conduct aerobatic maneuvers at low altitude, which precluded him from…
- [NTSB CEN16FA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA215.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Jonesboro, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 2016 · N789MR · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to his combined use of alcohol and diphenhydramine, which led to his improper decision to fly after drinking alcohol and degraded…
- [NTSB WPR16FA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA120.md): Rockwell S2R · De Smet, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 6, 2016 · N4191X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from guy wires during an aerial application flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's reduced ability to see the guy wires due to sun glare.
- [NTSB GAA16CA303](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA303.md): Air Tractor AT 502 · Nicolaus, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 1, 2016 · N5091N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's insufficient clearance from a power line during aerial application operations, which resulted in a power line strike, a forced landing on unsuitable terrain, loss of directional control, and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA16CA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA266.md): Cessna 177 · Pine Bluff, AR · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 29, 2016 · N29601 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and her exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack during a low-altitude turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA16FA182](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA182.md): Greg Connell Pitts S-2SW · Atlanta, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 14, 2016 · N24CD · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain proper positioning during performance of an aerobatic maneuver and his subsequent failure to discontinue maneuvering when unable to reestablish proper positioning during a steep descent toward the ground.
- [NTSB CEN16LA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA181.md): Air Tractor AT 502 · West, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 14, 2016 · N1546Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to see and avoid cellular tower guy wires. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate at low altitude.
- [NTSB GAA16CA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA213.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 · Troutdale, OR · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 4, 2016 · N227SH · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to monitor outside the helicopter during hover flight, which resulted in a collision with terrain and rollover.
- [NTSB GAA16CA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA173.md): Beech F35 · Long Island, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 30, 2016 · N4212B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to maneuver at low altitude, which resulted in a collision with power lines and substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer.
- [NTSB GAA16CA165](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA165.md): Bell 206B · Hanford, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 26, 2016 · N52Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to release the collective while flying at 10 feet above ground level, resulting in the rapid helicopter descent and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN16FA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA087.md): Piper PA 22-108 · Garden City, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 14, 2016 · N4751Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain during a low altitude flight.
- [NTSB WPR16FA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA040.md): Airbus Helicopters AS350 · Superior, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 16, 2015 · N74317 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of helicopter control in mountainous terrain as the result of operating the helicopter outside the performance envelope of its hydraulic system and encountering the servo transparency phenomenon. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's…
- [NTSB GAA16CA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA080.md): Aviat A1 · Broadus, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 13, 2015 · N29712 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wires while flying at a low altitude resulting in a wire strike, a loss of airplane control, and the consequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA15CA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA266.md): Schweizer G 164B · Paxton, NE · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 16, 2015 · N3628Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate distance from a power line during low altitude flight operations, which resulted in an impact with the power line, and subsequent impact with the ground.
- [NTSB WPR15LA257](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA257.md): Hughes 369HS · Manra Island, Kiribati · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 2015 · N9068F · Destroyed
  > A The loss of helicopter control for reasons that could not be determined asbecause the helicopter sank in the oceanwater and was not recovered.
- [NTSB WPR15LA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA255.md): Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/L · Jerome, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 2015 · N4BM · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while conducting a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB ERA15FA335](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA335.md): Cooper Michael C RV 8A · Advance, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 2015 · N393MC · Destroyed
  > The pilots' failure to maintain airplane control during a low-altitude maneuver.
- [NTSB GAA15CA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA255.md): Aviat A-1C-200 · Irwin, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 27, 2015 · N63BW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance during low level flight, which resulted in the airplane striking a wire, impacting water, and nosing over.
- [NTSB CEN15LA384](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA384.md): Air Tractor AT 602 · Pine Bluff, AR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 26, 2015 · N3026R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN15LA367](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA367.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Wiville, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2015 · N3070R · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a utility pole while maneuvering during an agricultural application flight, which resulted in damage to the right aileron and a subsequent uncontrolled right roll at a low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN15LA403](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA403.md): Cessna 182 · Big Piney, WY · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2015 · XBYUH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude while operating over high mountainous terrain, which resulted in an emergency landing after the airplane's encounter with a downdraft.
- [NTSB CEN15CA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15CA348.md): Robinson R44 · Kansasville, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 7, 2015 · N20KD · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inability to see and avoid power lines that were low to the ground and a green color that blended with the background crops.
- [NTSB CEN15LA341](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA341.md): Hughes 269B · Atkinson, IL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 2015 · N9427F · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper decision to intentionally fly the helicopter at a low altitude and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from a power line.
- [NTSB GAA15CA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA204.md): Airbus AS350-B2 · Tucson, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 29, 2015 · N6095U · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's misperception of the helicopter's altitude in relation to the runway surface during a low altitude maneuver, resulting in ground impact.
- [NTSB ANC15FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC15FA050.md): Cessna U206G · Trapper Creek, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 2015 · N734VB · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while intentionally maneuvering close to the ground.
- [NTSB GAA15CA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA232.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Prairie Lea, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 16, 2015 · N804DF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and collision with trees.
- [NTSB CEN15CA293](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15CA293.md): Cessna A188B · Crawfordsville, IN · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 5, 2015 · N625EH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the powerline during an aerial application operations.
- [NTSB WPR15FA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA204.md): Hughes 269C · Asotin, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 2015 · N9490F · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from power lines while maneuvering in a canyon.
- [NTSB GAA15CA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA153.md): Grumman American Avn. AA 5A · Mackay, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 1, 2015 · N9887U · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's disorientation in mountainous terrain and course deviation into a canyon, which resulted in the airplane's inability to out climb terrain and a forced landing.
- [NTSB WPR15FA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA195.md): Short Brothers S312 Tucano T MK1 · Maricopa, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 2015 · N206PZ · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during low-level airwork, which resulted in uncontrolled collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from the combined effects of butalbital and codeine.
- [NTSB ERA15WA246](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15WA246.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Patrocínio Municipality,Minas Gerais, Brazil · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jun 5, 2015 · PR-ACH · Substantial damage
  > On June 5, 2015, about 1506 universal coordinated time, Piper PA-25-235, Brazilian registration PR-ACH, was substantially damaged by collision with terrain while maneuvering at low altitude in Patrocinio Municipality, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Brazilian…
- [NTSB ERA15WA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15WA235.md): Cessna A188 · Puerto Gaitan, Colombia · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jun 4, 2015 · HK-1364 · Substantial damage
  > On June 4, 2015, about 1715 coordinated universal time, a Cessna A188, Colombian registration HK-1364, was substantially damaged when it impacted power lines and then terrain during an aerial application flight near Puerto Gaitan, Colombia. The commercial…
- [NTSB ANC15FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC15FA032.md): Cessna 207 · Bethel, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 30, 2015 · N1653U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude, which resulted in collision with the terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from carbon monoxide exposure in flight. The source of the carbon monoxide could not be determined because the…
- [NTSB GAA15CA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA096.md): Aero Vodochody L39 · Grand Junction, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 28, 2015 · N6175C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and subsequent failure to remain clear of power line wires while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB WPR15FA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA161.md): Bellanca 7GCBC · Juntura, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 14, 2015 · N5042P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines while intentionally maneuvering at low altitude for the aerial observation flight.
- [NTSB ERA15WA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15WA213.md): Cessna 182 · Bajo Hondo, Argentina · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · May 13, 2015 · LV-CXM · Destroyed
  > On May 13, 2015, about 1835 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Cessna 182, Argentine registration LV-CXM, impacted power lines while maneuvering during an aerial survey flight near Bajo Hondo, Argentina. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured, and the…
- [NTSB WPR15CA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15CA128.md): Enstrom F28 - C · Shelby, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 14, 2015 · N5688N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor RPM during a low altitude operation, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN15FA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA154.md): Rose Thunder Mustang · Helotes, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 25, 2015 · N7TR · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance from terrain after initiating an aerobatic maneuver at a low altitude.
- [NTSB WPR15CA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15CA107.md): Piper PA28 - 180 · Garfield, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 15, 2015 · N7928W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain clearance from a power line while maneuvering at a low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN15CA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15CA153.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Asherton, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 15, 2015 · N7181S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain adequate clearance from the trees.
- [NTSB CEN15LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA077.md): New Piper PA 32R-301T · Springfield, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 12, 2014 · N3127R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to descend below the recommended altitude during approach for landing in night visual meteorological conditions, and his failure to see and avoid a lighted tower, which resulted in collision with the tower and a subsequent total loss of…
- [NTSB CEN15CA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15CA095.md): Cessna 152 · Mount Pleasant, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 8, 2014 · N787PB · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to maneuver the airplane at low altitude resulting in the airplane impacting power lines.
- [NTSB ERA15CA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA055.md): Mcdonnell Douglas Helicopter MD500 · Decatur, AL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 18, 2014 · N8371F · Substantial damage
  > An undetermined pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an electrical transmission tower resulting in substantial damage to a main rotor blade. Postaccident investigation could not determine which of two pilots was flying the helicopter at the time the…
- [NTSB CEN15LA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA026.md): Stephenson Stol CH 701 · Mount Vernon, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 2014 · N34WS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s impairment due to the ingestion of alcohol and sedating medications, which led to her improper decision to conduct low-level flight, affected her ability to safety operate the airplane, and resulted in her failure to maintain clearance from power…
- [NTSB CEN15CA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15CA025.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Harper, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 24, 2014 · N7192K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering.
- [NTSB WPR15GA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15GA005.md): Marsh S 2F3AT · El Portal, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Oct 7, 2014 · N449DF · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at a low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA15CA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA010.md): Toerner Bob SEA REY · Tampa, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 6, 2014 · N345BT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to retract the landing gear after takeoff, which resulted in the landing gear contacting the water while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN15LA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA004.md): Celier Xenon R · Loma, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 2014 · N719MB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a static wire and his decision to maneuver the gyroplane at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN14LA487](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA487.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Macedonia, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 2014 · N699TQ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in a collision with a static line.
- [NTSB CEN14CA444](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14CA444.md): Hughes 369HS · Saint Peter, MN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 18, 2014 · N369GN · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not see the wires resulting in the subsequent wire collision.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/cases.md?page=9

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
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 e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e."isDefiningEvent" AND e."tier2Number" = '220')
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/cases?page=8

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