# NTSB investigations, 2012: 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 WPR13LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA069.md): Powerchute Airwolf 912ULS · Dell, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 14, 2012 · N480QP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and clearance from mountainous terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude in downdraft conditions.
- [NTSB CEN13FA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA089.md): Beech 58 · Manhattan, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 4, 2012 · N4016A · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight loss of control and impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB CEN13LA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA086.md): Bell 47G-2 · Walkerville, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 1, 2012 · N3755Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude while maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude, which did not provide enough margin to recover from the descent.
- [NTSB WPR13LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA045.md): Piper PA-32 · Obyan · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 2012 · N4267R · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power shortly after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation and the pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during…
- [NTSB WPR13GA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13GA044.md): Bell OH-58 · Altadena, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Nov 17, 2012 · N911FA · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > The landing pilot's failure to maintain clearance with from obstacles a parked prior to landinghelicopter and the other pilot's failure to park the helicopter inside of a marked parking pad. Contributing to the accident was the landing pilot's obscured…
- [NTSB WPR13IA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13IA059.md): Bell 407 · Riverton, WY · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 2012 · N7160V · Minor damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear power lines while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow company operating specifications for minimum altitude.
- [NTSB ERA13LA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA057.md): Hughes 369D · Corning, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 2012 · N369AW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate altitude while conducting a power line aerial observation flight, which resulted in an in-flight collision with wires. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of total experience in the type of operation.
- [NTSB ERA13GA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13GA046.md): Hughes OH-6A · Atlanta, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · Nov 4, 2012 · N368PD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude during maneuvering flight, which resulted in his failure to see and avoid a power pole and wires.
- [NTSB CEN13CA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13CA033.md): Porter James Grant Superior CUB · Beechgrove, IN · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 27, 2012 · N97RP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during takeoff from a short field.
- [NTSB CEN13CA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13CA019.md): Air Tractor AT-502B · Portales, NM · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 17, 2012 · N598LA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB ERA13WA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13WA030.md): Piper PA25 · Juquiá Municipality, Brazil · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Oct 3, 2012 · PT-DOX · Destroyed
  > On October 03, 2012, at 1100 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-25-260, Brazilian registration PT-DOX, was destroyed when it impacted the ground and was consumed by fire after colliding with high-tension electric wires. The pilot was fatally injured. The…
- [NTSB WPR12FA420](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA420.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Strawberry, AZ · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 2012 · N4188E · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's and the evaluator's failure to divert at an appropriate time during cruise flight, which resulted in the airplane's inability to maintain a sufficient altitude to clear rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight…
- [NTSB CEN12LA615](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA615.md): Goodyear F2G · Valley City, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2012 · N5577N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to initiate the aerobatic maneuver at an altitude that did not allow for full recovery of the airplane before ground impact.
- [NTSB WPR12LA371](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA371.md): Arrow Falcon Exporters OH58 · Escalon, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 2012 · N503DR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during a low-altitude agricultural application, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with the ground.
- [NTSB CEN12LA578](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA578.md): Destiny XLT · Hart, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 2012 · N1674A · Substantial damage
  > The partial deflation of the powered parachute canopy when the pilot flew the aircraft into an area with gusty wind conditions. Contributing to the accident were the modifications that changed the flying characteristics of the parachute.
- [NTSB CEN12CA555](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA555.md): Brown Mitch Challenger II · Dexter, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 15, 2012 · N167MB · Substantial damage
  > The operation of an airplane by a noncertificated pilot and his failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level flight.
- [NTSB CEN12CA546](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA546.md): Air Tractor AT-502 · Hanley Falls, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 14, 2012 · N1021D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a guy wire during an agricultural application pass.
- [NTSB CEN12FA521](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA521.md): Ayres S2R-T34 · Lakin, KS · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 2012 · N365SM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the corn during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB WPR12CA342](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA342.md): Piper PA18 · McNeal, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 2, 2012 · N2364P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's in-flight decision to fly at low level into an unfamiliar canyon, which resulted in an off-airport landing when the airplane's climb capability was exceeded. Contributing to the accident was the airplane’s decreased performance due to the high…
- [NTSB CEN12CA464](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA464.md): Bertram William J Bertram 2000 · Shiocton, WI · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 21, 2012 · N115WB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s distraction with taking photographs, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient altitude to avoid the guy wire.
- [NTSB CEN12LA440](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA440.md): Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164A · Darksville, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 13, 2012 · N6846Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain clearance from a tree line at the completion of an agricultural spray run.
- [NTSB WPR12LA301](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA301.md): Cessna A188B · Cheyenne, WY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 2012 · N4831R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a power line. Contributing to the accident was the sun's glare.
- [NTSB ANC12CA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12CA067.md): Cessna 207A · Kotlik, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 6, 2012 · N2162C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from terrain during cruise flight at low altitude, which resulted in an in-flight collision with water. A contributing factor was the pilot’s diverted attention to adjust the engine power.
- [NTSB WPR12FA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA282.md): Aerospatiale AS350B · Camp Verde, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 2012 · N729DP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to fly at a low altitude through a river canyon, contrary to voluntary guidance within the Special Conservation Area, which led to collision with a cable. Contributing to the pilot’s decision were his cognitive and psychomotor…
- [NTSB CEN12LA414](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA414.md): Cessna 172S · Glenwood Springs, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 2012 · N917SA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to fly into a mountainous area where conditions were such that the airplane was unable to climb above rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's insufficient pilot-in-command experience and inadequate training in…
- [NTSB WPR12LA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA259.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · East Wenatchee, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 2012 · N282MC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the environment and maintain clearance from the power lines while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN12CA360](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA360.md): Birchler Boyd Eagle 540 · Kokomo, IN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 9, 2012 · N34BJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the trees during a low-level aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB WPR12LA244](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA244.md): Hiller UH-12B · Pasco, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 4, 2012 · N93467 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain the helicopter's rotor rpm while maneuvering at a low altitude over a fruit orchard.
- [NTSB WPR12GA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12GA243.md): Lockheed P2V-7 · Modena, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · Jun 3, 2012 · N14447 · Substantial damage
  > The flight crew's misjudgment of terrain clearance while maneuvering for an aerial application run, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight crew's failure to follow the lead airplane's track and to…
- [NTSB CEN12CA319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA319.md): Hughes 369HS · Delavan, MN · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 25, 2012 · N11ZX · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with power lines during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB WPR12CA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA229.md): Rockwell International S-2R · Royal City, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 24, 2012 · N8468V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from an object during an aerial application, which resulted in damage to the landing gear and led to the airplane ground looping during the subsequent landing.
- [NTSB ERA12FA345](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA345.md): Shepard Jimmy D JR Pitts S1D · Port Richey, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 21, 2012 · N360MW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to conduct aerobatic flight at a low altitude, which resulted in a collision with the water.
- [NTSB WPR12WA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12WA199.md): Ayres S2R · Moree, Australia, Australia · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Apr 10, 2012 · VH-WDD · Substantial damage
  > On April 10, 2012, at 2300 universal coordinated time, an Ayres Turbo Thrush S-2R, VH-WDD, collided with the terrain near Moree, Australia, while conducting agricultural operations. The airplane was operated by Alexander Aviation PTY LTD under the pertinent…
- [NTSB CEN12LA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA236.md): Ayres S2R-T15 · Lakin, KS · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 9, 2012 · N64DX · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain sufficient airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA12CA272](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA272.md): Wielt Great Lakes 2T-1A · Warwarsing, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 5, 2012 · N211RW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during low level maneuvering flight.
- [NTSB CEN12LA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA227.md): Grumman F8F-1 · Breckenridge, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 4, 2012 · N14HP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control during a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB ANC12CA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12CA029.md): Cessna 180 · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 30, 2012 · N266V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during low-level maneuvering.
- [NTSB ERA12CA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA222.md): Cessna 172N · Orleans, VT · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 10, 2012 · N738QF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line while conducting low-altitude flight.
- [NTSB ERA12WA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12WA223.md): Cessna 188 · Querencia do Norte, Brazil · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Mar 2, 2012 · PR-STO · Substantial damage
  > On March 02, 2012, about 1350 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 188B, Brazilian registration PR-STO, was substantially damaged when it collided with power lines during a crop dusting flight, near Querencia do Norte, Brazil. The foreign certificated pilot…
- [NTSB CEN12FA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA158.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Osborn, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 14, 2012 · N4824L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to conduct low-level passes above a residence and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude.
- [NTSB WPR12LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA093.md): Cessna 172N · Fresno, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 6, 2012 · N7582D · Substantial damage
  > The non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to performance-impairing drugs.

## 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") = 2012
  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=2012

---
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.