NTSB investigations
675 cases where the defining event was Low altitude operation/event.
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 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"
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 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
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 CEN18WA234Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-25 · Cajeme, Sonora, MexicoOn June 7, 2018, a Mexican registered Piper PA-25, XB-YEI, impacted electrical cables and terrain near Cajeme, Sonora, Mexico. The pilot received fatal injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight departed Cajeme, Mexico, on a local aerial…NTSB CEN18FA182Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMD Helicopter 369D · Luling, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the powerline structure while hovering, which resulted in an inadvertent collision with the structure and an uncontrolled descent into terrain.NTSB GAA18CA309Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT 402 · Nicolaus, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a power transmission wire.NTSB CEN18LA183Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369A · Stoneburg, TXThe pilot's unsafe and aggressive operation of the helicopter at low altitude, which resulted in impact with trees.NTSB GAA18CA247Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Sonora, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB ERA18FA088Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802 · Greenwood, MSThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB WPR18LA076Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBuckeye Industries Dream Machine 582 · Chester, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines.NTSB WPR18FA063Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Ogden, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water while flying over a lake with glassy surface conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of three impairing medications.NTSB ERA18WA060Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAir Tractor AT502 · Rivadavia, ArgentinaThe government of Argentina has notified the NTSB of an accident involving an Air Tractor AT-502B airplane that occurred on December 13, 2017. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Argentina's investigation under…NTSB CEN18WA046Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationMD Helicopter 369HS · La Morita, MexicoOn November 22, 2017, about 1437 pacific standard time, a MD Helicopters 369HS single-engine helicopter, serial number 920414S, Mexican registration XC-TIJ, crashed while providing aerial support for police activity near La Morita, Mexico. The pilot and his…NTSB CEN18FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Electra, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB GAA18CA054Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportQuicksilver MXL Sport · Point Mugu, CAThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid power wires.NTSB CEN18LA026Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Sulphur, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate separation between a long line being used to hoist linemen from a shield wire during an external load flight, which resulted in the long line being severed.NTSB WPR18FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Arlington, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the water while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN18FA011Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Ramsey, MNThe pilot's decision to fly along the river at a low altitude contrary to applicable regulations and safety of flight considerations which resulted in the impact with the power lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inability to see the and avoid…NTSB CEN17WA383Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 47G · Llano Bonito de Pococí, Costa RicaOn September 18, 2017, at 0720 central daylight time, a Bell 47G2 helicopter, Costa Rican registration TI-BGH, serial number 1459, impacted terrain during an aerial application flight, near Llano Bonito de Pococí, Costa Rica. The pilot was fatally injured,…NTSB CEN17FA342Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRans S-6 · Stonewall, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while conducting aerobatic flight maneuvers with insufficient altitude to recover.NTSB GAA17CA491Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Westby, WIThe pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN17LA314Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Villa Grove, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain main rotor clearance from a power line tower during low-level maneuvering.NTSB ANC17LA040Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Solomon, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude above water, and his loss of situational awareness, which resulted in an inadvertent descent and collision with water.NTSB CEN17FA281Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Farmerville, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the lake during a low-level maneuver.NTSB CEN17CA346Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Logan, IAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a wire during an agricultural application flight.NTSB ERA17LA249Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G 164 · Marydel, DEThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from power lines while conducting an aerial application flight.NTSB CEN17LA272Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Pierce, NEThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during a low-level agricultural aerial application flight.NTSB ANC17FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 15AC · Big Lake, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during low-altitude flight, which resulted in an in-flight collision and impact with terrain.NTSB GAA17CA401Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Paoli, INThe pilot's decision to maneuver an overgross weight helicopter at a low altitude and airspeed with a gusting tailwind, which resulted in a high descent rate and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to…NTSB GAA17CA402Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 206 · Uniontown, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate separation from power lines, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control.NTSB CEN17FA169Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7KCAB · Collinston, LAThe failure of the flight instructor and the commercial pilot to maintain adequate clearance from a power line during an aerial application training flight.NTSB ERA17FA144Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBuckeye Dream Machine · Knoxville, TNThe pilot's decision to maneuver the aircraft at low altitude, towards rising terrain, which resulted in an inflight collision with trees.NTSB ERA17WA146Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationGrumman G164 · Pista La Julia, EcuadorOn March 30, 2017, about 1645 universal coordinated time, a Grumman 164A, Ecuadorian registration HC-BPI, was destroyed when it impacted electrical wires and terrain near Pista La Julia, Ecuador. The foreign certificated pilot was fatally injured. The flight…NTSB CEN17WA129Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationMD Helicopter 369 · Mexicali, MexicoOn March 13, 2017, about 1600 hours pacific daylight time, a MD Helicopters model 369FF single-engine helicopter, serial number 0079FF, Mexican registration XC-PEP, collided with high-voltage power lines while maneuvering near Mexicali, Mexico. The pilot and…NTSB CEN17CA120Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportAero Commander S2R · Fairmont, OKThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line while conducting agricultural spray operations.NTSB ERA17WA349Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA25 · Santa Catarina, BrazilOn February 23, 2017, about 1030 coordinated universal time, an Piper PA-25-235, Brazilian registration PT-WBO, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during an aerial application flight near Santa Catarina, Brazil. The foreign certificated pilot…NTSB WPR17LA068Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Holbrook, AZThe pilot’s failure to compensate for a loss of effective translational lift while turning from an upwind to a downwind condition at a low altitude and low airspeed, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control.NTSB CEN17FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Price, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a communications tower guy-wire. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to conduct a long distance transition flight at a low altitude.NTSB GAA17CA118Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 140 · Markleeville, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during a low pass and the subsequent impact with a snow berm, which resulted in a nosed-over.NTSB ERA17FA088Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSharpe William L Buccaneer II B · Mayo, FLThe pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines while flying at low altitude.NTSB CEN17FA016Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMakela RV-4 · Oregonia, OHThe pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude, which resulted in the collision with a zipline.NTSB ERA17CA012Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Knoxville, TNThe pilot's intentional low-altitude operation, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from unmarked utility wires.NTSB CEN16FA370Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 11 · Arcanum, OHThe student pilot's reckless flying attitude and use of multiple psychoactive drugs, which likely impaired his ability to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN16WA358Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 206B · Flatlands, CanadaOn September 4, 2016, about 1600 Atlantic Daylight Time, a Bell model 206B helicopter, Canadian registration C-GVJT, serial number 3492, collided with power lines during cruise flight before crashing into the Restigouche River near Flatlands, New Brunswick,…NTSB WPR16FA169Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing A75N1(PT17) · Madras, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the runway during a low-level aerobatic maneuver. Contributing to the accident was a high density altitude and the pilot's failure to plan/adequately compensate for high density altitude conditions.NTSB CEN16LA326Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportThrush S2R T660 · Ruthton, MNThe pilot's failure to see and avoid the tower guy-wire during an agricultural spraying operation.NTSB CEN16LA312Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502B · Hickory Ridge, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a transmission line while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB GAA16CA399Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT 301 · Bird Island, MNThe pilot's diverted attention inside the cockpit and failure to maintain the airplane's altitude while maneuvering at a low altitude, resulting in an impact with terrain.NTSB CEN16CA277Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportGrumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G 164A · Topeka, KSThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a wire during an agricultural flight.NTSB GAA16CA358Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Bountiful, UTThe pilot's decision to fly into a canyon without sufficient room to reverse course if necessary, which resulted in an emergency landing, loss of directional control, collision with terrain, and a post-crash fire.NTSB GAA16CA333Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Anthony, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a cable while maneuvering at a low altitude over water, which resulted in a collision with a cable and impact with water.NTSB GAA16CA332Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportThrush S2R · Lazbuddie, TXThe pilot's failure to avoid the metering loop pole during an aerial application.NTSB GAA16CA339Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportHughes 269B · Princeton, CAThe uncertificated pilot's failure to maintain pitch and directional control, which resulted in an impact with terrain and a rollover.