# NTSB investigations, 2013: 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 WPR14CA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA066.md): Mcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E · Monticello, UT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 6, 2013 · N2066W · Substantial damage
  > The passenger's accidental discharge of the net gun which resulted in the net going through a main rotor blade.
- [NTSB WPR14CA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA048.md): Maule MX 7-235 · San Ynez, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 11, 2013 · N88CR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering at low altitude in hilly terrain.
- [NTSB WPR14CA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA052.md): Bell 206B · Milo, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 28, 2013 · N16673 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to see and avoid wires while maneuvering at a low-altitude, which resulted in the main rotor blades striking the wires.
- [NTSB ERA14LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA011.md): Boeing B75N1 · Tampa, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 19, 2013 · N65355 · No damage
  > The parachutist’s low altitude departure from the right wing before the planned altitude and his delayed opening of his parachute canopy, which resulted in impact with a tree and then the ground before the parachute fully opened.
- [NTSB WPR14LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA005.md): Cessna 340A · Paulden, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 2013 · N312GC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear a radio tower while maneuvering at low altitude and his decision to make a high-speed, low pass over the gun club.
- [NTSB WPR13LA429](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA429.md): Texas Helicopter OH-13E/M74 · Santa Maria, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 2013 · N38113 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate monitoring of the environment and failure to maintain clearance from transmission wires during a low-altitude maneuver.
- [NTSB WPR13LA420](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA420.md): Miller RV6 · Williams, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 2013 · N67GM · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper decision to fly at a low altitude, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from power lines.
- [NTSB CEN13LA537](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA537.md): Continental Copters Tomcat MK5A · Arlington, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 2013 · N9005T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter while maneuvering when he removed his hand from the collective control while plugging in his radio connection to his helmet, which resulted in the collective moving to the full-down position.
- [NTSB CEN13LA533](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA533.md): Grumman G-164A · Atlantic, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 2013 · N7843 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s delay in releasing product to reduce the airplane’s weight and improve its climb performance, which was reduced because of the high density altitude.
- [NTSB CEN13FA517](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA517.md): Robinson R44 II · Caballo, NM · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 2013 · N3156U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power lines while maneuvering near the ground because dust stirred up by the rotor wash obscured his visibility.
- [NTSB CEN13LA507](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA507.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Clayton, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 26, 2013 · N744KA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of vertical control after the helicopter encountered a gusty tailwind while maneuvering at a low altitude and near the helicopter's maximum gross weight.
- [NTSB WPR13LA385](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA385.md): Robert Golding Tbirdii · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 2013 · N31683 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the two pilots to adequately planflight, particularly regarding their roles and responsibilities, which resulted in their failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear power lines during a low pass.
- [NTSB CEN13LA484](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA484.md): Rockwell International S-2R · Larchwood, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 2013 · N5610X · Substantial damage
  > A complete loss of engine power during an agricultural application flight for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examinations did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB CEN13LA464](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA464.md): Piper PA-36-300 · Santa Teresa, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 2013 · N3789E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree at the completion of an agricultural spray run. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to accept a high level of risk to spray a small field bordered by multiple obstacles and his fatigue…
- [NTSB CEN13LA461](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA461.md): Hughes 369D · Ackerly, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 2013 · N8688F · No damage
  > The pilot’s failure to identify and maintain adequate clearance from a shield wire that was suspended between power transmission line towers.
- [NTSB WPR13LA358](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA358.md): Bell 206B · Chualar, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 4, 2013 · N90146 · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel's failure to properly tighten the bolts securing the main driveshaft to the transmission, which resulted in fatigue failure of the bolts and disconnection of the driveshaft during low-altitude flight.
- [NTSB CEN13FA456](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA456.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Chesterfield, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2013 · N225CD · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to establish and maintain a positive climb rate during the initial climb in night instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB ERA13FA340](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA340.md): Folland Gnat T 1 · Georgetown, SC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 2013 · N18GT · Destroyed
  > The loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined due to postcrash fire damage. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to perform an aerobatic maneuver at low altitude, which did not allow sufficient time for him to regain…
- [NTSB CEN13LA444](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA444.md): Eagle DW-1 · Eagle Lake, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 2013 · N8803Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudgment of tree heights, which resulted in the collision with a tree.
- [NTSB CEN13LA442](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA442.md): Texas Helicopter OH-13H/M74A · Streator, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 2013 · N10009 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's diverted attention during an agricultural application maneuver, which resulted in the helicopter impacting a corn field.
- [NTSB CEN13LA448](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA448.md): Robinson R44 · Capron, IL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2013 · N9681R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor speed while maneuvering at low altitude during an agricultural application flight, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain.
- [NTSB CEN13TA441](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13TA441.md): Cessna 182S · Tecumseh, OK · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Jul 27, 2013 · N820HP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent aerodynamic stall at a low altitude, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN13LA447](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA447.md): Bell 206B · Tamaroa, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2013 · N23L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during an agricultural application maneuver.
- [NTSB CEN13LA425](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA425.md): Air Tractor AT-400 · Steward, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2013 · N155HF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the guy wires during an aerial application maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to identify potential obstructions in the area before beginning low-altitude maneuvers.
- [NTSB CEN13LA424](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA424.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Huntingburg, IN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2013 · N86BM · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power line during an aerial application maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to identify potential obstructions in the area before beginning low-altitude maneuvers.
- [NTSB CEN13LA395](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA395.md): Bell 47G-3B-1 · Plover, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 6, 2013 · N7924S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain proper engine rpm, which resulted in a high rate of descent and ground impact.
- [NTSB CEN13LA377](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA377.md): Dankelman Peter G RV-7A · Marion, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 2013 · N445RV · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s sudden incapacitation and natural death as a result of cardiovascular disease.
- [NTSB CEN13LA375](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA375.md): Air Tractor AT-301 · Colome, SD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 2013 · N3168X · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident engine run revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB WPR13LA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA283.md): Extra 300/LT · Adrian, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 23, 2013 · N169TM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to conduct low-level maneuvering in a river canyon with power lines, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.
- [NTSB CEN13LA368](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA368.md): Nanchang China CJ-6 · Wolcott, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 23, 2013 · N2726C · Substantial damage
  > The pilots decision to perform an aerobatic maneuver at a low altitude from which he was unable to recover.
- [NTSB CEN13LA358](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA358.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Durango, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 2013 · N7444J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to take off with a tailwind at a high-density altitude, which resulted in the airplane’s failure to maintain the initial climb rate.
- [NTSB CEN13LA353](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA353.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Minot, ND · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 2013 · N8522S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN13FA327](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA327.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Mosca, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 2013 · N7147R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while attempting to clear a mountain pass in turbulent conditions at a high density altitude, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN13LA322](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA322.md): Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B · Covington, OK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 6, 2013 · N6754Q · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s failure to climb after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examinations of the engine and airframe did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB WPR13FA244](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA244.md): Raytheon A36 · Mountainaire, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 28, 2013 · N999PK · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inability to maintain a climb after departure in high-density altitude conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's decision not to track the four-lane highway just beyond the…
- [NTSB WPR13LA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA248.md): Air Tractor AT-301 · Wheatland, WY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 24, 2013 · N23647 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and the pilot's inadequate fuel planning.
- [NTSB WPR13LA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA233.md): Schweizer G-164D · Butte City, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 16, 2013 · N83110 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control after an encounter with wake turbulence while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s fatigue due to extended hours of wakefulness and high workload.
- [NTSB ERA13LA238](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA238.md): Steele Ralph Bruce Steen Skybolt · Windsor, NC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 11, 2013 · N858RS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to initiate an aerobatic maneuver with insufficient altitude to recover before ground impact.
- [NTSB CEN13LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA263.md): Air Tractor AT-602 · Udall, KS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 5, 2013 · N628JP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate flight planning, which resulted in a wire strike.
- [NTSB CEN13FA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA259.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Lamar, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 5, 2013 · N82509 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's in-flight loss of control, which was likely due to a sudden cardiac event.
- [NTSB CEN13FA241](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA241.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Norfolk, NE · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 28, 2013 · N3970T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude and his subsequent failure to see and avoid power lines.
- [NTSB WPR13CA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA204.md): Bell 206B · Wells, NV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 20, 2013 · N4237M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an obstacle while maneuvering at a low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN13LA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA211.md): Bellanca 17-30A · Plainview, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 27, 2013 · N96JG · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's improper decision to fly in night visual meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain altitude and clearance from obstacles.
- [NTSB ERA13CA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA163.md): Air Tractor AT-301 · Greenbrier, AL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 24, 2013 · N7310N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees.
- [NTSB WPR13GA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13GA128.md): Bell 206B · Eureka, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Feb 18, 2013 · N20620 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a wire while maneuvering during low-altitude operations. Contributing to the accident was task- and/or work-related fatigue.
- [NTSB ERA13CA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA130.md): Dratbe Shmiel Amir Classic Edge X · Miami, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 9, 2013 · N662DA · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's decision to fly at low altitude surrounded by tree, wire, and water hazards, and his failure to maintain clearance from those obstacles.
- [NTSB WPR13FA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA095.md): Cessna 140 · Boulder, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 19, 2013 · N2341N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper decision to maneuver at a low altitude and failure to adequately monitor the environment to maintain clearance from power lines.

## 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") = 2013
  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=2013

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