# NTSB investigations, TX: 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 2 · 72 cases

## Latest cases

- [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 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 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 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 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 CEN25FA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA019.md): Robinson R44 · Houston, TX · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Oct 21, 2024 · N881KE · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a lighted radio tower during a visual night flight. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller’s failure to issue a safety alert notifying the pilot of the flight’s unsafe proximity to the tower.
- [NTSB CEN24FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA101.md): Lockwood AIR CAM · Ranchitos Las Lomas, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 29, 2024 · N315GW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a meteorological evaluation tower.
- [NTSB CEN24FA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA049.md): MD Helicopters 600 · Sterling City, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 29, 2023 · N745MB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line pole’s static arm during forecasted gusting wind conditions, un-forecasted light turbulence, and un-forecasted low-level wind shear conditions, resulting in main rotor blade contact with the static…
- [NTSB CEN23LA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA086.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Fowlerton, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 10, 2023 · N811S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with trees, which resulted in an uncontrollable spin due to tail rotor damage.
- [NTSB CEN23LA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA063.md): Rockwell International S2R-G6 · Mission, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 6, 2022 · N4205X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an electrical box.
- [NTSB CEN23LA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA047.md): Seace David A Gyroplane · Iredell, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 22, 2022 · N44088 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power line during low-level maneuvering.
- [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 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 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 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 CEN21LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA155.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Dunn, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 26, 2021 · N7184N · Substantial damage
  > The loss of rotor RPM for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
- [NTSB CEN21LA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA139.md): Hughes 369 · Kaufman, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 26, 2021 · N58431 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during low-level maneuvering.
- [NTSB CEN21LA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA084.md): Robinson R44 · Colorado City, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 10, 2020 · N7085Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of control and exceedance of performance and/or structural limitations during low-altitude operations, which resulted in an inflight breakup.. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol.
- [NTSB CEN21LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA077.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Marietta, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 5, 2020 · N371MP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to see and avoid a transmission wire during takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN20CA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA230.md): Robinson R22 · El Campo, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jun 16, 2020 · N797SH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the rice vegetation, which resulted in the helicopter's impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN20LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA143.md): Air Tractor AT 502 · Pecan Gap, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 8, 2020 · N9185D · Destroyed
  > The pilot did not maintain adequate clearance from tree, which resulted in a collision with a tree and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN20CA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA144.md): Robinson R22 · Seymour, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 6, 2020 · N7007X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN20LA442](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA442.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Sterling City, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 12, 2020 · N4386W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN20CA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA085.md): Robinson R44 · Marfa, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 14, 2020 · N441KA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fence during low-altitude maneuvering.
- [NTSB GAA20CA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20CA033.md): Weatherly 620 · Fabens, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 17, 2019 · N9033T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power wires while maneuvering at a low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN19LA316](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA316.md): Infinity Powered Parachutes IPP2 · Eustace, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 12, 2019 · N6035L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to see and avoid a power line. Contributing was the pilot’s decision to fly at an altitude too low to avoid obstacles.
- [NTSB GAA19CA453](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA453.md): Air Tractor AT 502 · Stanton, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 24, 2019 · N15400 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires during an agricultural application flight.
- [NTSB CEN19LA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA193.md): Robinson R22 · Garwood, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 29, 2019 · N7143Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilots' failure to maintain clearance from a power line during low level operations.
- [NTSB GAA19CA354](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA354.md): Air Tractor AT 602 · La Ward, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 9, 2019 · N2602M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a wire during an aerial application flight in sun glare conditions.
- [NTSB GAA19CA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA270.md): Grumman G164 · Lane City, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 15, 2019 · N4865 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-altitude maneuvering.
- [NTSB CEN19TA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19TA131.md): Air Tractor AT 602 · Quanah, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Final report · Apr 28, 2019 · N602AM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power line during a low altitude aerial application maneuver.
- [NTSB GAA19CA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA216.md): Bell 47G · Donna, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 17, 2019 · N96671 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude during an agricultural application flight.
- [NTSB CEN19FA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA117.md): Air Tractor AT 502 · Harlingen, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 9, 2019 · N7314D · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power transmission lines during low altitude flight operations. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to a sedating medication.
- [NTSB CEN19LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA087.md): Warner Aerocraft Space Walker II · Devine, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 27, 2019 · N1778 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN19FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA003.md): Air Tractor AT502 · Placedo, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 12, 2018 · N6135P · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the antenna tower, a known obstruction, during the agricultural application flight. Contributing to the accident was glare from the sun which hindered the pilot's ability to see and avoid the antenna tower.
- [NTSB CEN18LA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA183.md): Hughes 369A · Stoneburg, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 19, 2018 · N369GK · Destroyed
  > The pilot's unsafe and aggressive operation of the helicopter at low altitude, which resulted in impact with trees.
- [NTSB GAA18CA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA247.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Sonora, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 18, 2018 · N4487D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at a low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN18FA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA035.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Electra, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 20, 2017 · N4179M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN17FA342](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA342.md): Rans S-6 · Stonewall, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 10, 2017 · N112CD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while conducting aerobatic flight maneuvers with insufficient altitude to recover.
- [NTSB CEN17FA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA095.md): Cessna 177 · Price, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 31, 2017 · N2810X · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a communications tower guy-wire. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to conduct a long distance transition flight at a low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN17FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA080.md): Bellanca 7GCBC · Wellington, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 21, 2017 · N91Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper decision to perform a steep turn at low altitude, which resulted in exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB GAA16CA332](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA332.md): Thrush S2R · Lazbuddie, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 23, 2016 · N127PB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to avoid the metering loop pole during an aerial application.
- [NTSB CEN16LA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA181.md): Air Tractor AT 502 · West, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 14, 2016 · N1546Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to see and avoid cellular tower guy wires. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN16FA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA087.md): Piper PA 22-108 · Garden City, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 14, 2016 · N4751Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain during a low altitude flight.
- [NTSB GAA15CA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA232.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Prairie Lea, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 16, 2015 · N804DF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and collision with trees.
- [NTSB CEN15FA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA154.md): Rose Thunder Mustang · Helotes, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 25, 2015 · N7TR · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance from terrain after initiating an aerobatic maneuver at a low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN15CA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15CA153.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Asherton, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 15, 2015 · N7181S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain adequate clearance from the trees.
- [NTSB CEN15CA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15CA095.md): Cessna 152 · Mount Pleasant, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 8, 2014 · N787PB · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to maneuver the airplane at low altitude resulting in the airplane impacting power lines.
- [NTSB CEN15CA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15CA025.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Harper, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 24, 2014 · N7192K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?state=TX&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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'TX' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND 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?state=TX

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