# 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 14 of 17 · 801 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [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.
- [NTSB ANC10LA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10LA065.md): Cessna 170B · Palmer, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 2010 · N4590C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to make a low-altitude pass over a remote airstrip toward rising terrain in weather conducive to downdrafts.
- [NTSB CEN10LA418](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA418.md): Cessna A188B · Clyde, OH · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2010 · N5855G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a grain auger during aerial application maneuvers.
- [NTSB CEN10CA411](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA411.md): Continental Copters Tomcat MK6B · Blackstone, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 15, 2010 · N17H · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter encountered a dust devil at a low altitude during the aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN10CA402](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA402.md): Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B · Independence, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 13, 2010 · N8260K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to pay attention to the power lines and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from the corn field during the aerial application flight.
- [NTSB ANC10CA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10CA060.md): Cessna 172N · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 12, 2010 · N6594D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to fly towards rising terrain that exceeded the climb capability of the airplane.
- [NTSB CEN10CA391](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA391.md): Air Tractor AT602 · Lake Village, AR · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 11, 2010 · N42590 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wires during the aerial application pass.
- [NTSB CEN10CA406](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA406.md): WSK PZL Mielec M-18A · Muncie, IN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 10, 2010 · N92640 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to see and avoid the power line during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN10CA395](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA395.md): Bell OH-58A · Roswell, NM · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 10, 2010 · N415NS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from transmission wires.
- [NTSB CEN10LA380](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA380.md): Champion 8KCAB · Estes Park, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2010 · N56BC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude in mountainous terrain and weather conditions conducive to downdrafts.
- [NTSB ERA10LA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA348.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Marion, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2010 · N857PM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB WPR10CA320](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA320.md): Cessna 175 · Huntsville, UT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 30, 2010 · N9247B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during climb.
- [NTSB ANC10LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10LA053.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Unalaska, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 20, 2010 · N333DV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inappropriate low altitude maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR10CA289](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA289.md): Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B · Courtland, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 13, 2010 · N6726Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during low-altitude maneuvers.
- [NTSB ERA10CA309](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA309.md): Air Tractor AT-402B · Alcolu, SC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 10, 2010 · N5085Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree. Contributing to the accident was the sunglare.
- [NTSB CEN10FA310](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10FA310.md): Air Tractor AT602 · Knobel, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2010 · N4184P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN10CA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA307.md): Champion 7ECA · Northwood, ND · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 7, 2010 · N9620S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from the transmission wire.
- [NTSB WPR10CA279](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA279.md): Cessna 172H · Bountiful, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 5, 2010 · N3948R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Contributing to the accident was the high density altitude.
- [NTSB CEN10CA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA286.md): Cessna 150M · Glasco, KS · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 31, 2010 · N9388U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s delay in applying full power to arrest a sink rate at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN10CA268](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA268.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Pearsall, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 24, 2010 · N927SH · Minor damage
  > The pilot's failure to see and avoid the power lines.
- [NTSB CEN10LA250](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA250.md): Ayres S2R · Rushville, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 16, 2010 · N241WD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain clearance from a power line while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA10LA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA266.md): Aerostar S A YAK-52 · Jensen Beach, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 15, 2010 · N6868Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to perform an aerobatic maneuver at a low altitude, which resulted in insufficient clearance from the water to conduct a recovery. Contributing to the accident was the airplane’s extended landing gear, which resulted in a degradation of…
- [NTSB CEN10CA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA251.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Baraboo, WI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 15, 2010 · N570MD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with crops while maneuvering during aerial application.
- [NTSB ANC10FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10FA038.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Willow, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 14, 2010 · N1123 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree due to the effects of impairment from alcohol consumption.
- [NTSB WPR10FA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA228.md): Cessna U206G · Yuma, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 6, 2010 · N756WN · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of situational awareness and failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was glare from the rising sun.
- [NTSB CEN10LA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA184.md): Stutesman Charles Lee RV-6 · Balmorhea, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 4, 2010 · N4024K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the lake while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN10CA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA185.md): Air Tractor AT-301 · Malden, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 2, 2010 · N3653T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN10CA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA179.md): Cessna 182M · Hamilton, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 30, 2010 · N71229 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a static power line while maneuvering at a low altitude.
- [NTSB WPR10FA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA162.md): North American AT6 · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 17, 2010 · N75AG · Substantial damage
  > The pilots did not maintain clearance from terrain for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB WPR10FA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA131.md): Yakovlev YAK 52 · Redlands, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 8, 2010 · N52VY · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and altitude sufficient to recover from a low-level aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB WPR10CA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA124.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Crystal, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 30, 2010 · N9083W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a ground vehicle during a low-altitude maneuver.
- [NTSB CEN10FA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10FA162.md): Maule M-6-235 · Bennett, CO · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 30, 2010 · N7613X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a utility line while maneuvering.
- [NTSB CEN10LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA074.md): Gibson Mark Manta 503 · Magnolia, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 13, 2009 · N193AW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a static wire while maneuvering and his improper decision to fly with a low overcast sky.
- [NTSB WPR10LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA069.md): Mahre Starduster SA300 · Zillah, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 29, 2009 · N480DM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during a low-altitude maneuver.
- [NTSB CEN10LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA043.md): Moore Skybolt/BM · Altus, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 8, 2009 · N6644 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's poor judgment by performing intentional low-level maneuvers that resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin at an altitude to low to affect a safe recovery.
- [NTSB ERA10CA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA046.md): American AA1 · Lake Placid, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 3, 2009 · N7266L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power line.
- [NTSB CEN10LA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA035.md): Blanik L-13 · Middlefield, OH · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 1, 2009 · N1142 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's improper control inputs which resulted in the inadvertent stall of the glider.
- [NTSB ERA10FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA027.md): Cessna U206G · Elizabethton, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 22, 2009 · N120MS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to remain clear of rising terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB ANC10FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10FA004.md): Cessna A185E · Healy, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 14, 2009 · N2764J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to maneuver at a low altitude over rising terrain in conditions conducive to turbulence/downdrafts, resulting in a loss of control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR10FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA012.md): Mcdonnell Douglas Heli 369FF · Fossil, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 12, 2009 · N527SH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power pole to which he was connecting wire-pulling ropes.
- [NTSB CEN10CA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA010.md): Aerostar International RX-7 · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 5, 2009 · N9126K · Minor damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a known obstacle and the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the balloon during the sudden climb following the ejection of the passenger.
- [NTSB CEN10TA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10TA006.md): Beech E18S · Jones Creek, TX · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Oct 3, 2009 · N797SB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to see and avoid the radio tower.
- [NTSB WPR09CA470](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA470.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Mt Charleston, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 28, 2009 · N29LE · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and terrain clearance while maneuvering at a low altitude above high terrain. Contributing to the accident was a downdraft and high density altitude.
- [NTSB CEN09CA540](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA540.md): Air Tractor AT-502 · East Grand Forks, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 22, 2009 · N4516K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the crops while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB WPR09CA403](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA403.md): Rockwell 690 · Wenatchee, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 17, 2009 · N90AT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain situational awareness, and thus clearance from objects, while operating at low altitude.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?page=15

## 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=14

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