# 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 13 of 16 · 794 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB CEN11CA547](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA547.md): Luscombe 8 · Poplar Grove, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 23, 2011 · N2844K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to not use all available runway length and his failure to abort the takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN11CA509](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA509.md): Bell 206B · Temple, OK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 23, 2011 · N118TV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from static power lines.
- [NTSB WPR11CA339](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA339.md): Bell 47G-5 · Watsonville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 20, 2011 · N1375X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a pole while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB WPR11FA334](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA334.md): Piper PA-12 · Joshua Tree, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 2011 · N7510H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to conduct low altitude flight at a high density altitude and into a box canyon, which resulted in the airplane colliding with rising terrain when its climb capability was exceeded.
- [NTSB CEN11FA468](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA468.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Rising Sun, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 9, 2011 · N42333 · Substantial damage
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and failure to maintain clearance from terrain.
- [NTSB WPR11FA304](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA304.md): Cessna 180D · Santa Paula, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 2011 · N6451X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a telephone line while flying at a low altitude in dusk lighting conditions.
- [NTSB CEN11FA444](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA444.md): Boeing B75N1 · Wetmore, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 3, 2011 · N4473N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN11FA437](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA437.md): American Champion 7GCBC · Hayti, SD · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 3, 2011 · N711AT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to attempt low-altitude flight and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from power lines.
- [NTSB CEN11FA420](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA420.md): Luscombe 8A · Farmdale, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 2011 · N71687 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to initiate an aerobatic maneuver at an altitude that did not allow for full recovery of the airplane before ground impact.
- [NTSB WPR11LA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA223.md): Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro Sportcruiser · Arlington, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 14, 2011 · N282SC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control during the takeoff climb, which resulted in a stall at low altitude and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impaired performance from over-the-counter medications.
- [NTSB CEN11FA337](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA337.md): Bell OH-58C · New Athens, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 12, 2011 · N9263Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to attain sufficient altitude to clear terrain while maneuvering.
- [NTSB CEN11CA330](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA330.md): Air Tractor AT-301 · Garwood, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 10, 2011 · N5097S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from transmission wires during a low-level maneuvering flight.
- [NTSB WPR11CA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA198.md): Grumman G-164 · Princeton, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 4, 2011 · N716Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA11CA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11CA260.md): Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164A · Belhaven, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 23, 2011 · N8896H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance above crops while performing an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB ERA11LA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA234.md): Let L 33 Solo · New Castle, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 10, 2011 · N286BA · Substantial damage
  > Pilot incapacitation shortly after takeoff for unknown reasons.
- [NTSB WPR11LA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA181.md): Cessna A188 · Palouse, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 2011 · N5851G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain adequate clearance from obstacles during a low-level aerial application maneuver.
- [NTSB WPR11LA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA179.md): Eagle DW1 · Newman, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 2011 · N8812A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from a vehicle during a low-altitude operation.
- [NTSB ANC11CA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11CA021.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Chicken Lake, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 27, 2011 · N91117 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain.
- [NTSB CEN11LA239](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA239.md): Glasflugel Standard Libelle · Wellington, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 2011 · N99AE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of glider control due to impairment or incapacitation caused by an episode of ventricular tachycardia.
- [NTSB WPR11LA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA137.md): American Champion 8GCBC · Soda Springs, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 14, 2011 · N885AC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude in a valley.
- [NTSB WPR11LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA133.md): Buckeye Breeze LX · Bullfrog, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 13, 2011 · N75752 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control while maneuvering to land at an off-airport site.
- [NTSB CEN11LA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA177.md): Piper PA-16 · Lake Koshkonong, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 5, 2011 · N5945H · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during a low-altitude pass over a frozen lake.
- [NTSB WPR11LA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA122.md): McDonnell Douglas Helicopters 369E (MD500E) · Elverta, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 4, 2011 · N416WC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain rotor blade clearance from an installation rope while maneuvering to install power lines.
- [NTSB WPR11FA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA117.md): Cessna 172 · Glendora, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 31, 2011 · N6922A · Substantial damage
  > The flight crew's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance while maneuvering in downdraft conditions over mountains.
- [NTSB WPR11LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA094.md): Rockwell International S-2R · Oakley, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 10, 2011 · N4977X · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight collision with an unmarked meteorological evaluation tower (MET) during an aerial application flight due to the pilot's failure to see and avoid the obstacle. Contributing to the accident was the lack of visual conspicuity of the MET and the lack…
- [NTSB WPR11TA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11TA083.md): Quest Kodiak 100 · Reedsport, OR · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Dec 31, 2010 · N702FW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during a low-level aerial observation flight. Contributing to the accident was pilot's failure to review a route hazards map prior to initiating the flight.
- [NTSB ERA11LA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA083.md): Bell 206B · Isom, KY · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 10, 2010 · N263CH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a known wire hazard during an aerial observation flight.
- [NTSB ERA11CA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11CA082.md): Bell 206L-3 · Canal Point, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 8, 2010 · N955GT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the ground while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s fatigue.
- [NTSB WPR11LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA056.md): Bell 407 · Riverdale, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 22, 2010 · N408UH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a highway marker sign while maneuvering.
- [NTSB CEN11TA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11TA064.md): Partenavia P.68 · Anthony, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Nov 10, 2010 · N44956 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to conduct a low-level flight in mountainous terrain in an area where downdrafts were prevalent, resulting in the inadvertent loss of control and the collision with the terrain.
- [NTSB WPR11CA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA041.md): Aviat A-1B · Heber City, UT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 6, 2010 · N178WW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the ground during low-level maneuvering in mountainous/hilly terrain.
- [NTSB CEN11FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA053.md): Bell 206 · Meeker, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 3, 2010 · N8533F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from electrical power lines during the low-altitude flight.
- [NTSB WPR11FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA027.md): Reed Glasair III SH-3R · Lake Mathews, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 23, 2010 · N2XZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude beneath a cloud layer.
- [NTSB WPR11LA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA016.md): Bell 206B · Auburn, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 14, 2010 · N2763M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a transmission line during flight.
- [NTSB WPR11CA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA011.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Long Beach, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 12, 2010 · N853DS · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain an adequate drift control and skid clearance from the ground and the CFI's inadequate supervision while hovering, resulting in dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB WPR11FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA005.md): Cessna 172 · Panguitch, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 2010 · N8437A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to conduct a low-level flight into a canyon in windy conditions at a high density altitude, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB CEN11CA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA011.md): Cessna 175C · Humphrey, AR · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 8, 2010 · N8323T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a static wire while maneuvering at a low altitude.
- [NTSB WPR10CA466](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA466.md): Hiller UH-12E · Mecca, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 21, 2010 · N6053H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an obstacle while maneuvering.
- [NTSB CEN10CA553](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA553.md): Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C Gulfstream AM G-164B · Blessing, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 21, 2010 · N8157K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires while maneuvering.
- [NTSB ANC10CA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10CA096.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Chicken, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 9, 2010 · N83395 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude in terrain and weather conditions conducive to turbulence and downdrafts.
- [NTSB CEN10CA536](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA536.md): Cessna A188B · Hondo, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 6, 2010 · N731PQ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s delayed action to arrest the airplane’s descent, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR10CA439](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA439.md): Ayres S2R-G10 · Ligurta, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 31, 2010 · N6125X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to orient the application tracks so that they did not provide the maximum possible clearance from the rising terrain, and, the predawn…
- [NTSB WPR10CA410](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA410.md): Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C Gulfstream AM G-164B · Genesee, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 18, 2010 · N8150K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during low-altitude maneuvering.
- [NTSB CEN10RA579](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10RA579.md): Zivko Aeronautics Edge 540 · Toledo, Spain · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Aug 17, 2010 · N540WC · Destroyed
  > import
- [NTSB WPR10LA406](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA406.md): Bellanca 7GCBC · Douglas, WY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2010 · N5034K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain while maneuvering during an aerial observation flight.
- [NTSB WPR10FA399](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA399.md): Piper PA28R · Emigrant Gap, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 2010 · N3463Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilots’ failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear terrain while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.
- [NTSB CEN10CA454](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA454.md): Piper PA-36-285 · Petersburg, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 29, 2010 · N57706 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a signpost during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN10CA446](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA446.md): Bell 206 · St. Olaf, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 28, 2010 · N275RA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires during the agricultural flight.
- [NTSB CEN10CA445](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA445.md): Air Tractor AT-502B · Zwingle, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 28, 2010 · N6030U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires during the agricultural flight.
- [NTSB CEN10CA428](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA428.md): Bell 206B · New Hampton, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 23, 2010 · N40TA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?page=14

## 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?page=13

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