# 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 4 of 16 · 794 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB CEN22LA345](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA345.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Ithaca, NE · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 28, 2022 · N719TF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low level aerial application operations due to a distraction.
- [NTSB ERA22LA341](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA341.md): Garlick OH-58A+ · Bloomsburg, PA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 27, 2022 · N132HD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and visual lookout, which resulted in impact with a powerline.
- [NTSB CEN22LA340](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA340.md): Weatherly 620A · Stewart, MN · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 25, 2022 · N4651W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from crops during an agricultural flight.
- [NTSB CEN22LA335](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA335.md): Ayres S2R-T34 · Parkin, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 23, 2022 · N4046S · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from tower guy wires while maneuvering.
- [NTSB CEN22LA342](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA342.md): Air Tractor AT-502 · East Grand Forks, MN · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 21, 2022 · N1540S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the power lines during a low-level application pass.
- [NTSB WPR22LA245](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA245.md): Hiller UH-12E · Wenatchee, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 6, 2022 · N130HA · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level operations in light rain conditions.
- [NTSB CEN22FA288](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA288.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Blackwell, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 26, 2022 · N4124D · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain proper altitude and clearance during low-level aerial application, resulting in an in-flight collision with power lines.
- [NTSB ERA22LA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA283.md): Piper PA-18A · Charlestown, NH · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 22, 2022 · N1927A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power lines while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA22LA274](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA274.md): Cessna 172 · Brevard, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 16, 2022 · N5064H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude while maneuvering the airplane at a low altitude, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB CEN22LA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA248.md): Air Tractor AT-602 · Beaumont, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 14, 2022 · N42590 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line pole while preparing for a low-level aerial application pass.
- [NTSB CEN22FA240](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA240.md): HPH Spol Sro Glasflugel 304 MS · Rifle, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 9, 2022 · N249SD · Destroyed
  > The glider’s encounter with gusting tailwind and downdraft conditions that the pilot was unable to overcome.
- [NTSB WPR22FA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA195.md): Meyer Fred J Hornet · Lucerne Valley, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 2, 2022 · N6366M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during an aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN22FA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA215.md): Grumman American Avn. G-164 · Whiskerville, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 28, 2022 · N178LB · Destroyed
  > The pilot misjudged the approach during the emergency landing, likely due to the full chemical load, and impacted a ditch, resulting in substantial damage and postimpact fire. Contributing to the pilot’s injuries was the lack of a crash-resistant fuel system…
- [NTSB CEN22LA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA226.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Weiner, AR · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 27, 2022 · N579LA · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the telephone pole during a low-level aerial application pass.
- [NTSB CEN22LA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA200.md): Thrush S2R-H80 · Aurora, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 12, 2022 · N510KK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not ensure clearance from a power line during a surveillance pass of a field to be sprayed.
- [NTSB ERA22LA206](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA206.md): Bell 206 · Lake Apopka, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 26, 2022 · N206BX · Substantial damage
  > A collision with water following a loss of visual reference to the water surface due to sun glare.
- [NTSB ERA22LA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA180.md): Hughes 269A · Fort White, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 2, 2022 · N7057L · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to fly a visual flight rules only helicopter in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB WPR22LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA140.md): Bell OH-58A · Merced, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 1, 2022 · N9287U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to see and avoid wires while conducting an aerial application flight, which resulted in a wire strike and ground impact.
- [NTSB ANC22LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC22LA022.md): Cessna U206F · Newhalen, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 5, 2022 · N1853Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot experiencing a loss of visual reference and subsequent controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ERA22LA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA151.md): Cirrus SR22 · The Hammocks, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 1, 2022 · N21EU · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate altitude above obstacles, which resulted controlled flight into a powerline.
- [NTSB ERA22LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA140.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 · Fallston, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 1, 2022 · N786SH · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's unstabilized hover, which resulted in ground contact and a dynamic rollover. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student and his delayed remedial action.
- [NTSB ERA22LA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA129.md): Lindstrand Balloons 60X · Louisville, KY · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 11, 2022 · N377LX · Substantial damage
  > The pilot applicant’s delayed reaction to the balloon's increased rate of descent, which resulted in impact with a light pole.
- [NTSB CEN22LA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA088.md): Boeing A75N1(PT17) · Rainbow, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 25, 2021 · N64602 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper decision to conduct an intentional low altitude flight which resulted in a collision with wires and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN22LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA074.md): Mini-MAX 1600R Sport · South Bend, IN · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 13, 2021 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s low-level flight and poor visual lookout which resulted in collision with a light pole on final approach and the pilot’s improper decision to operate an airplane under the influence of alcohol.
- [NTSB WPR22LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA059.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Hachita, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 3, 2021 · N7116L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the environment during a low level operation, which resulted in collision with vegetation.
- [NTSB CEN22FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA053.md): Bell 206 · Perry, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 28, 2021 · N59600 · Destroyed
  > A loss of lateral control during a hover that resulted in an impact with terrain. Based on the available evidence, the reason for the loss of lateral control could not be determined.
- [NTSB WPR22FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA043.md): Cessna 182Q · Carlsbad, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 19, 2021 · N91AZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain separation from an FM tower guy wire while on an aerial survey flight.
- [NTSB ERA22LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA031.md): Vans RV-12 · Folkston, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 26, 2021 · N525AT · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s low altitude maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with a utility pole.
- [NTSB WPR22FA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA011.md): Cessna 175 · Reserve, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 15, 2021 · N7584M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s reduced forward visibility due to the sun.
- [NTSB CEN22LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA006.md): Robinson Helicopter R66 · Delta, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 5, 2021 · N266RK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate inflight planning and his failure to see and avoid a wire which resulted in contact with the wire and subsequent ground impact.
- [NTSB WPR21LA360](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA360.md): Cessna 182E · Warren, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 27, 2021 · N3121Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude while maneuvering in a valley of mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB CEN21LA454](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA454.md): Kitfox IV · Ozark, AR · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 24, 2021 · N161JB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inability to maintain altitude after the airplane encountered a downdraft while he intentionally flew at a low-altitude during a practice for a short-takeoff-and-landing flight competition.
- [NTSB CEN21LA446](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA446.md): Cole Paul B Challenger I · Higginsville, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 18, 2021 · N630SC · Substantial damage
  > The non-certificated pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a low-level turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN21LA421](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA421.md): Robinson Helicopter R66 · Reynoldsville, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 15, 2021 · N166LW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the wire during low altitude operations in windy conditions.
- [NTSB ERA21FA355](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA355.md): American Champion 8KCAB · Rhine, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 12, 2021 · N390PE · Substantial damage
  > A collision with trees during a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver for unknown reasons.
- [NTSB CEN21FA410](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA410.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Mentone, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 10, 2021 · N292DD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB WPR21LA338](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA338.md): Bell 206L-3 · Tillamook, OR · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 8, 2021 · N6516K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a powerline during a low reconnaissance, with sun glare.
- [NTSB WPR21LA332](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA332.md): Cessna 172P · Wenatchee, WA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 29, 2021 · N51547 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s inadequate inflight navigation and the flight instructors delayed remedial action which resulted in a collision with trees.
- [NTSB WPR21LA333](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA333.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Glide, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 27, 2021 · N303AE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree during an aerial application.
- [NTSB CEN21FA368](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA368.md): Rockwell International S2R · Strasburg, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 10, 2021 · N4956X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s intentional flight under power lines and his failure to maintain clearance from the lines during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN21LA356](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA356.md): Bell 206 · Corydon, IN · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 4, 2021 · N59552 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power lines.
- [NTSB CEN21LA354](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA354.md): Air Tractor AT-502 · Wooster, OH · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 4, 2021 · N1519U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot inadvertently collided with powerline wires during an agricultural spraying flight, resulting in a loss of aircraft control and subsequent impact with the ground.
- [NTSB CEN21LA350](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA350.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Waukon, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 4, 2021 · N775AK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a powerline during an agricultural application pass.
- [NTSB CEN21FA355](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA355.md): North American T-6G · Starkville, MS · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 4, 2021 · N7197C · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN21LA349](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA349.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Randolph, WI · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 31, 2021 · N285RG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during a low-level aerial application flight.
- [NTSB WPR21LA310](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA310.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Fort Sumner, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 30, 2021 · N9197F · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a windmill while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN21LA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA348.md): Robinson Helicopter R66 · Merry, NE · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 30, 2021 · N857TL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a wire during a low-level aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN21LA452](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA452.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Mineral Point, WI · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 20, 2021 · N44XB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to see and avoid a wire during an aerial application flight, resulting in a collision with the wire.
- [NTSB CEN21LA339](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA339.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · West Liberty, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 20, 2021 · N983HA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to see and avoid a wire while maneuvering at low altitude during an aerial application flight, resulting in a collision with the wire.
- [NTSB CEN21FA330](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA330.md): Robinson R44 · Elgin, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 19, 2021 · N44BJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to operate the helicopter under powerlines, which resulted in a main rotor blade striking a powerline, causing the helicopter to descend from a low altitude and impact terrain.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?page=5

## 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=4

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