# 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 1 of 16 · 780 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB ERA27LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA27LA017.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Kinnelon, NJ · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Investigation open · Oct 20, 2026 · N744CJ - [NTSB WPR26FA354](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26FA354.md): Cessna 172B · Royal City, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Sep 24, 2026 · N44P · Substantial damage > On 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 WPR26LA312](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA312.md): Schweizer G-164B · Olene, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Aug 20, 2026 · N7501Q · Destroyed > On 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 CEN26LA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA286.md): Cessna T188C · Randolph, NE · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 1, 2026 · N9998J · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree during a low-level aerial application flight. - [NTSB CEN26LA289](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA289.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 Raven 1 · Scribner, NE · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 18, 2026 · N26EH · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at low-level altitude during an agricultural operation. - [NTSB CEN26LA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA256.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Coralville, IA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 16, 2026 · N322TC · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during a low-level aerial application flight. - [NTSB CEN26LA252](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA252.md): Air Tractor AT802 · Whiting, KS · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 13, 2026 · N808HB · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an antenna while maneuvering during a low-level aerial application flight. - [NTSB ANC26LA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC26LA055.md): Piper PA-18 105 · Petersville, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Investigation open · Jun 18, 2026 · N249T · Substantial damage - [NTSB CEN26LA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA185.md): Bell 407 · Dallas, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 13, 2026 · N652AE · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain situational awareness and clearance from the helipad surveillance camera during liftoff. - [NTSB WPR26LA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA180.md): Cessna 172 · Marysvale, UT · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 10, 2026 · N6643A · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering in mountainous terrain prior to encountering a downdraft. - [NTSB ANC26LA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC26LA037.md): Tundrair King · Palmer, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · May 6, 2026 · N62TK · Destroyed > On 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 ERA26FA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26FA178.md): Mooney M20J · Ironton, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Apr 17, 2026 · N205MK · Substantial damage > On 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 CEN26LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA168.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Mount Blanco, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 17, 2026 · N445JS · Substantial damage > The 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 WPR26LA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA146.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Chimney Rock, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 4, 2026 · N5017G · Substantial damage > The 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 CEN26LA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA148.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Stonewall, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Mar 24, 2026 · N233JD · Substantial damage > On 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 WPR26LA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA123.md): Brunner Donald G Kitfox · Rock Crossing, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 10, 2026 · N104DG · Substantial damage > An encounter with a downdraft while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an impact with terrain. - [NTSB WPR26FA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26FA121.md): MD Helicopters 369FF · Mojave, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Mar 9, 2026 · N530XX · Substantial damage > On 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 GAA26WA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA26WA120.md): Beech B-60 · Egelsbach, Germany · Accident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Feb 28, 2026 · N181BD · No damage - [NTSB WPR26LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA104.md): Aerosport Ikarus C42E · Wendover, UT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 16, 2026 · N420MS · Substantial damage > The 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 CEN26LA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA101.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Sullivan, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 29, 2026 · N916VK · Destroyed > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during low-level operations. - [NTSB WPR26FA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26FA091.md): N126c CCX-1865 · Montour, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Jan 27, 2026 · N126C · Substantial damage > On 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 CEN26LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA070.md): Glynn RS-3 · Crabapple, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 19, 2025 · N3012G · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fence cable guy-line during low-level maneuvering over a river. - [NTSB CEN26LA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA055.md): Just Highlander · Brazos, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 27, 2025 · N957DK · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level maneuvering along a river. - [NTSB ERA26FA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26FA039.md): Jabiru USA Sport J230-SP · New Bavaria, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Nov 14, 2025 · N755J · Substantial damage > On 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 GAA26WA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA26WA044.md): Air Tractor AT602 · Campo Novos dos Parecis, Brazil · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 8, 2025 · PS-VRJ · Destroyed - [NTSB CEN26LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA036.md): Air Tractor AT-502 · Gueydan, LA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 5, 2025 · N7315L · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain situational awareness and clearance from terrain while maneuvering to avoid birds. - [NTSB WPR26FA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26FA031.md): Robinson Helicopter R66 · Ekalaka, MT · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Oct 23, 2025 · N67GA · Substantial damage > On 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 CEN25LA396](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA396.md): Bell 206 · Archer City, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 27, 2025 · N565VA · Destroyed > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while herding livestock. - [NTSB WPR25LA290](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA290.md): Eurocopter EC135 · Whittier, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Sep 24, 2025 · N955AL · Substantial damage > On 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 DCA25WA343](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA25WA343.md): Airbus A320 · Catania, Italy · Incident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Sep 20, 2025 · CN-NML · No damage - [NTSB CEN25LA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA336.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Argusville, ND · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 23, 2025 · N7239Z · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude. - [NTSB ANC25LA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA085.md): Dehavilland DHC-2 MK 1 · Soldotna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 9, 2025 · N232KT · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain while maneuvering at low altitude. - [NTSB ANC25LA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA083.md): Aviat A-1B · Chisana, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 2, 2025 · N900HY · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude. - [NTSB CEN25LA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA286.md): Weatherly 620B · Rushmore, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 23, 2025 · N2032J · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree during low-level maneuvering. - [NTSB CEN25LA285](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA285.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Walcott, IA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 23, 2025 · N802BF · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the crops during an aerial application flight. - [NTSB CEN25LA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA283.md): Air Tractor AT-301 · Hartsburg, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 23, 2025 · N2371V · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff with a tailwind from a wet turf airstrip. - [NTSB CEN25FA281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA281.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Thibodaux, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 23, 2025 · N2611 · Destroyed > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance to powerlines during an agricultural application pass. - [NTSB CEN25LA276](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA276.md): Air Tractor AT-402A · Centralia, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 22, 2025 · N1534D · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level maneuvering. - [NTSB CEN25LA274](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA274.md): Air Tractor AT502 · Hastings, NE · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 22, 2025 · N502KB · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude. - [NTSB CEN25LA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA266.md): Bell B206-B · Bloomington, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 18, 2025 · N975TR · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to avoid power lines during an aerial application flight. - [NTSB CEN25LA240](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA240.md): Cub Crafters CCK-1865 · La Garita, CO · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 7, 2025 · N952SA · Substantial damage > The 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 GAA25WA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA25WA225.md): Robinson R22 · Anthony Lagoon, Australia · Accident · Class 5 · Foreign · Jul 1, 2025 · VH-HGE · Substantial damage - [NTSB CEN25LA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA231.md): Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B · Lockport, LA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 1, 2025 · N8834H · Substantial damage > The pilot’s inadequate planning for the high density altitude conditions which resulted in reduced airplane performance, climb capability, and subsequent forced landing. - [NTSB ERA25LA240](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA240.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Hawesville, KY · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 25, 2025 · N144WK · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level agricultural spray operations. - [NTSB CEN25LA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA191.md): Air Tractor AT-401 · Hamlet, NE · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 2, 2025 · N60057 · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines during low altitude maneuvering. - [NTSB WPR25LA165](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA165.md): Weatherly 620B · Lewiston, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 30, 2025 · N90393 · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude. - [NTSB CEN25LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA140.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Cash, AR · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 28, 2025 · N41687 · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from an excavator during low-altitude aerial application operations. - [NTSB WPR25LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA112.md): Enstrom 280FX · Waterford, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 15, 2025 · N402TA · Destroyed > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from water while operating at a low altitude. - [NTSB ERA25LA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA144.md): Schweizer 269C · Mogadore, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 14, 2025 · N262LH · Substantial damage > The pilot’s decision to fly at low altitude, at night, and over water, which resulted in the helicopter’s collision with power lines. - [NTSB ANC25LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA023.md): Cessna 172 · Cantwell, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 10, 2025 · N5375R · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during a low-altitude maneuver which resulted in inadvertent ground contact and a nose over. Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?page=2 ## 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 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 ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.