# NTSB investigations, 2009: 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 · 55 cases

## Latest cases

- [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.
- [NTSB CEN09LA523](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA523.md): From Here To There PDQ RV-8 · Tea, SD · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2009 · N98AW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during recovery from an aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB CEN09CA528](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA528.md): Morse, Frank L. Kitfox · Crawford, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 16, 2009 · N39FM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued flight into a severe downdraft at low altitude after encountering tailwind over the area.
- [NTSB CEN09CA514](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA514.md): Air Tractor AT-301 · DeWitt, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 10, 2009 · N5018S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the tree during the aerial application maneuver.
- [NTSB ERA09LA450](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA450.md): Stump Bradley Kolb · Calhoun, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 2009 · N2456 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to perform aerobatics at a low altitude and his failure to maintain control of the airplane while performing aerobatics.
- [NTSB CEN09LA488](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA488.md): Piontkowski Challenger · Kankakee, IL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2009 · N4526G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the telephone line and his poor judgment to fly while under the influence of alcohol. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to the alcohol consumption.
- [NTSB CEN09CA483](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA483.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Royal, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 3, 2009 · N6701Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the crop during an aerial application maneuver.
- [NTSB CEN09LA492](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA492.md): Stirling Starduster · Earlham, IA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 2009 · N1XY · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the ground during an aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB ERA09CA432](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA432.md): Bingham Chuck Rotorway 1 · Atlanta, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 31, 2009 · N267BC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while hovering in gusting wind conditions.
- [NTSB CEN09CA479](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA479.md): Piper PA28-151 · Purcell, OK · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 31, 2009 · N41930 · Destroyed
  > The student pilot's failure to see and avoid the power lines.
- [NTSB WPR09CA358](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA358.md): Wsk-Pzl Meilec PZL M18B · Rockland, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 20, 2009 · N7813T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain during an aerial application reversal turn.
- [NTSB ERA09FA419](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA419.md): MD Helicopter 530 (369FF) · Camp Butler, Iraq · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 2009 · N974BW · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance during a low-level course reversal.
- [NTSB WPR09CA339](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA339.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Marysville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 13, 2009 · N244HP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from the power line wires.
- [NTSB ERA09LA398](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA398.md): Barber John A Glasair · Switzerland, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2009 · N132JB · Destroyed
  > A loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's performance of aerobatic maneuvers at altitudes lower than those recommended by the kit manufacturer, resulting in insufficient terrain clearance to conduct a…
- [NTSB WPR09FA334](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA334.md): Cessna 182P · Mammoth Lakes, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2009 · N7314S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision to attempt to fly at a low altitude in a confined area of mountainous terrain in a high density altitude weather condition, and his failure to maintain clearance from the trees.
- [NTSB WPR09CA331](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA331.md): Bell 47G-3B-2 · Ocean Shores, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 7, 2009 · N8169J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water while maneuvering due to the pilot's diverted attention.
- [NTSB WPR09LA325](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA325.md): Aero Vodochody L-29 · Tehachapi, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 2009 · N97869 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while performing a low altitude maneuver.
- [NTSB CEN09LA409](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA409.md): Cessna 172 · Latimer, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 3, 2009 · N8138B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power line while flying at a low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA09LA344](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA344.md): Dehavilland DHC-6 Twin · Orange, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 13, 2009 · N204EH · No damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to perform a low-level maneuver over a populated skydive landing area and his inadequate visual lookout.
- [NTSB CEN09LA355](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA355.md): Aero Commander S2R · Cordova, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 2009 · N1734S · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with terrain after clearing an obstacle during an agricultural application pass.
- [NTSB WPR09FA284](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA284.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Morristown, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 11, 2009 · N149SH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power line.
- [NTSB WPR09LA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA269.md): Storch Aviation Australia PTY SS-MK4 · Boulder, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 29, 2009 · N2898J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low altitude maneuvering.
- [NTSB ERA09CA298](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA298.md): Ayres S2R-G1 · Bald Eagle, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 21, 2009 · N6134T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power line.
- [NTSB ERA09CA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA292.md): Cessna 152 · Memphis, TN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 15, 2009 · N6529M · Substantial damage
  > The pilots' decision to fly at a low altitude and their inadequate visual lookout while maneuvering.
- [NTSB ERA09CA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA294.md): Cessna R182 · Collins, MS · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 14, 2009 · N7392S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from an antenna during a low-altitude aerial observation flight. Contributing to the accident was the sun glare.
- [NTSB CEN09LA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA297.md): Ayres S-2R · Monroe, LA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 14, 2009 · N223SB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power transmission lines during an aerial application run.
- [NTSB WPR09CA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA224.md): Robinson R44 · Cottonwood, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 3, 2009 · N441CB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from wires.
- [NTSB WPR09LA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA226.md): MD Helicopter 369FF · Santa Clarita, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 1, 2009 · N67FF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water while maneuvering at low altitude as a result of the helicopter's grappling hook temporarily becoming ensnared with an underwater obstruction.
- [NTSB WPR09CA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA220.md): Bell OH-58A · Arvin, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 30, 2009 · N175SJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from wires during aerial application maneuvers.
- [NTSB WPR09LA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA203.md): Extra EA-300 · Santa Barbara, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 20, 2009 · N101PK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain for undetermined reasons while performing aerobatics.
- [NTSB WPR09CA190](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA190.md): Ayres S2R-T34 · Cove, OR · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 9, 2009 · N114JP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from rising terrain while maneuvering.
- [NTSB CEN09GA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09GA242.md): Cessna 337 · Pittsville, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Apr 8, 2009 · N2489S · No damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude.
- [NTSB WPR09CA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA163.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Chowchilla, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 24, 2009 · N139RJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.
- [NTSB CEN09LA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA225.md): Air Tractor AT-602 · Ville Platte, LA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 22, 2009 · N5189P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power transmission lines during an aerial application run.
- [NTSB WPR09FA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA154.md): Cessna 180F · Townsend, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 17, 2009 · N2698Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA09LA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA194.md): Hughes 369D · Lee, MA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 10, 2009 · N369RT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the overhead wire.
- [NTSB CEN09CA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA194.md): Air Tractor AT-502B · Harrold, SD · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 6, 2009 · N648LA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines during his turn to reverse course due to weather. Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility at the time of the accident.
- [NTSB WPR09LA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA124.md): Champion 7ECA · Salinas, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 2009 · N2835G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a wire while intentionally maneuvering at a low altitude.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/220/sequence.md?year=2009&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 year(c."eventDate") = 2009
  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?year=2009

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