NTSB investigations
780 cases where the sequence of events included Low altitude operation/event.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 58 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 51 |
| 2011 | 42 |
| 2012 | 41 |
| 2013 | 47 |
| 2014 | 36 |
| 2015 | 34 |
| 2016 | 32 |
| 2017 | 40 |
| 2018 | 34 |
| 2019 | 52 |
| 2020 | 46 |
| 2021 | 41 |
| 2022 | 39 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 35 |
| 2026 | 21 |
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.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s.\"tier2Number\" = '220' 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" = '220' 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 ERA27LA017Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedInvestigation openRobinson Helicopter R44 · Kinnelon, NJNTSB WPR26FA354Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 172B · Royal City, WAOn September 23, 2026, about 1711 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172B, N44P, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Royal City, Washington. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…NTSB WPR26LA312Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportSchweizer G-164B · Olene, OROn August 20, 2026, about 9:32 Pacific daylight time, a Schweizer Aircraft Corp., G-164B, N7501Q, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Orlene, Oregon. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…NTSB CEN26LA286Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T188C · Randolph, NEThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree during a low-level aerial application flight.NTSB CEN26LA289Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 Raven 1 · Scribner, NEThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at low-level altitude during an agricultural operation.NTSB CEN26LA256Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Coralville, IAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during a low-level aerial application flight.NTSB CEN26LA252Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT802 · Whiting, KSThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an antenna while maneuvering during a low-level aerial application flight.NTSB ANC26LA055Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedInvestigation openPiper PA-18 105 · Petersville, AKNTSB CEN26LA185Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 407 · Dallas, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain situational awareness and clearance from the helipad surveillance camera during liftoff.NTSB WPR26LA180Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Marysvale, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering in mountainous terrain prior to encountering a downdraft.NTSB ANC26LA037Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportTundrair King · Palmer, AKOn May 5, 2026, about 1950 Alaska daylight time (AKDT), an experimental Tundrair King airplane, N62TK, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Palmer, Alaska. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of…NTSB ERA26FA178Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportMooney M20J · Ironton, OHOn April 17, 2026, about 1414 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20J, N205MK, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Ironton, Ohio. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91…NTSB CEN26LA168Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Mount Blanco, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper main rotor rpm during a low-level turn, which resulted in the main rotor rpm drooping, a loss of control at an altitude too low for recovery, and a subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR26LA146Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Chimney Rock, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from the terrain while performing a low altitude circling takeoff maneuver, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.NTSB CEN26LA148Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Stonewall, TXOn March 24, 2026, about 0930 central daylight time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, N233JD, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Stonewall, Texas. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The helicopter was operated as a…NTSB WPR26LA123Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBrunner Donald G Kitfox · Rock Crossing, AZAn encounter with a downdraft while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB WPR26FA121Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportMD Helicopters 369FF · Mojave, CAOn March 9, 2026, about 1517 Pacific daylight time, an MD Helicopters 369FF, N530XX, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Mojave, California. The pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…NTSB GAA26WA120Accident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignBeech B-60 · Egelsbach, GermanyNTSB WPR26LA104Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAerosport Ikarus C42E · Wendover, UTThe pilot’s mismanagement of engine power during a maximum performance, 180° climbing left turn at a low altitude that resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB CEN26LA101Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Sullivan, MOThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during low-level operations.NTSB WPR26FA091Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportN126c CCX-1865 · Montour, IDOn January 27, 2026, about 1100 mountain standard time, an amateur-built, experimental CCX-1865 Carbon Cub, N126C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Montour, Idaho. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The…NTSB CEN26LA070Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGlynn RS-3 · Crabapple, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fence cable guy-line during low-level maneuvering over a river.NTSB CEN26LA055Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportJust Highlander · Brazos, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level maneuvering along a river.NTSB ERA26FA039Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportJabiru USA Sport J230-SP · New Bavaria, OHOn November 14, 2025, at 1708 eastern standard time, a Jabiru USA Sport Aircraft LLC J230-SP, N755J, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near New Bavaria, Ohio. The sport pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was…NTSB GAA26WA044Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignAir Tractor AT602 · Campo Novos dos Parecis, BrazilNTSB CEN26LA036Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502 · Gueydan, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain situational awareness and clearance from terrain while maneuvering to avoid birds.NTSB WPR26FA031Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportRobinson Helicopter R66 · Ekalaka, MTOn October 22, 2025, about 1830 mountain daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter Co. R66, N67GA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Ekalaka, Montana. The pilot and 3 passengers were fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as…NTSB CEN25LA396Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Archer City, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while herding livestock.NTSB WPR25LA290Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportEurocopter EC135 · Whittier, WAOn September 23, 2025, at 2303 Pacific daylight time, a Eurocopter EC-135 T2+, N955AL, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Whittier, Washington. The pilot and three medical crew members received minor injuries. The helicopter…NTSB DCA25WA343Incident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignAirbus A320 · Catania, ItalyNTSB CEN25LA336Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Argusville, NDThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB ANC25LA085Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportDehavilland DHC-2 MK 1 · Soldotna, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB ANC25LA083Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAviat A-1B · Chisana, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN25LA286Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportWeatherly 620B · Rushmore, MNThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree during low-level maneuvering.NTSB CEN25LA285Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Walcott, IAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the crops during an aerial application flight.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 CEN25FA281Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Thibodaux, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance to powerlines during an agricultural application pass.NTSB CEN25LA276Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402A · Centralia, MOThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level maneuvering.NTSB CEN25LA274Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT502 · Hastings, NEThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN25LA266Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell B206-B · Bloomington, ILThe pilot’s failure to avoid power lines during an aerial application flight.NTSB CEN25LA240Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCub Crafters CCK-1865 · La Garita, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude in mountainous terrain. Contributing was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and aeronautical decision making.NTSB GAA25WA225AccidentClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R22 · Anthony Lagoon, AustraliaNTSB CEN25LA231Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B · Lockport, LAThe pilot’s inadequate planning for the high density altitude conditions which resulted in reduced airplane performance, climb capability, and subsequent forced landing.NTSB ERA25LA240Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Hawesville, KYThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level agricultural spray operations.NTSB CEN25LA191Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-401 · Hamlet, NEThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines during low altitude maneuvering.NTSB WPR25LA165Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportWeatherly 620B · Lewiston, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB CEN25LA140Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Cash, ARThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from an excavator during low-altitude aerial application operations.NTSB WPR25LA112Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEnstrom 280FX · Waterford, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from water while operating at a low altitude.NTSB ERA25LA144Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Mogadore, OHThe pilot’s decision to fly at low altitude, at night, and over water, which resulted in the helicopter’s collision with power lines.NTSB ANC25LA023Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Cantwell, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during a low-altitude maneuver which resulted in inadvertent ground contact and a nose over.