# NTSB investigations, 2011: 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.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN12LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA112.md): American Champion 8KCAB · Marysville, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 22, 2011 · N161PC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude from the terrain while performing low-level aerobatics.
- [NTSB WPR12FA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA062.md): Crosley Vans RV-8 · Armistead, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 10, 2011 · N948RC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while performing low altitude aerobatic maneuvers.
- [NTSB ERA12WA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12WA086.md): Bell 212 · Quito, Ecuador · Accident · Serious injuries · Foreign investigation · Nov 25, 2011 · HC-CLH · Substantial damage
  > On November 25, 2011, about 1640 coordinated universal time (1140 local time), a Bell 212, Ecuadorian registration HC-CLH, operated by Aeromaster Airways, S.A., was substantially damaged when it impacted steep terrain next to the company's helipad in Quito,…
- [NTSB ERA12FA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA068.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Boynton Beach, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 13, 2011 · N661FT · Substantial damage
  > The right seat pilot's decision to attempt a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver in a non-aerobatic airplane.
- [NTSB WPR12CA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA025.md): Cessna 172K · Florence, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 30, 2011 · N7276G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power line during a low-level flight along a river. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA12CA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA050.md): Air Tractor AT-301 · McAlpin, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 24, 2011 · N3169C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudgment of the airplane's distance from known transmission lines.
- [NTSB ERA12FA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA008.md): Aviat A-1 · Moyock, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 2011 · N11HU · Substantial damage
  > The operation of the airplane by a non-certificated pilot, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN11LA646](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA646.md): Bell 206B · Spicewood, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 2011 · N3181J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain adequate rotor rpm during a low-altitude maneuvering flight.
- [NTSB CEN11LA593](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA593.md): Air Tractor AT-400 · Monango, ND · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 2011 · N23720 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain adequate separation from a tree during the aerial-application flight.
- [NTSB CEN11LA582](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA582.md): Vertical Unlimited 12 · Kansas City, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 2011 · N2BJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's impairment during an aerobatic airshow performance for reasons that could not be determined based on available information, which resulted in an in-flight loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB CEN11LA581](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA581.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Whitewood, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 2011 · N7051Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB WPR11LA388](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA388.md): Air Tractor AT-602 · Pine Bluffs, WY · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 2011 · N8518Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN11LA571](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA571.md): Air Tractor AT-402 · Uvalde, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 2011 · N10119 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering to avoid power lines during a precautionary landing, which resulted an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the fluctuating engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot's…
- [NTSB CEN11CA565](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA565.md): Weatherly 201C · Bronson, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 10, 2011 · N9054W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN11CA535](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA535.md): Texas Helicopter OH-13H/M74A · Joice, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 1, 2011 · N51857 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wire.
- [NTSB CEN11CA533](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA533.md): Garlick Helicopters OH-58C · Rushford, MN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 31, 2011 · N82855 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's diverted attention, which resulted in the failure to maintain clearance from the power line.
- [NTSB CEN11CA525](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA525.md): Bell 47G-2A · Nicolett, MN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 27, 2011 · N7578 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.
- [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…

## 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") = 2011
  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=2011

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OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.
