# NTSB investigations, 2021: 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 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 CEN22LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA074.md): Mini-MAX 1600R Sport · South Bend, IN · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 13, 2021 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s low-level flight and poor visual lookout which resulted in collision with a light pole on final approach and the pilot’s improper decision to operate an airplane under the influence of alcohol.
- [NTSB WPR22LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA059.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Hachita, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 3, 2021 · N7116L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the environment during a low level operation, which resulted in collision with vegetation.
- [NTSB CEN22FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA053.md): Bell 206 · Perry, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 28, 2021 · N59600 · Destroyed
  > A loss of lateral control during a hover that resulted in an impact with terrain. Based on the available evidence, the reason for the loss of lateral control could not be determined.
- [NTSB WPR22FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA043.md): Cessna 182Q · Carlsbad, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 19, 2021 · N91AZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain separation from an FM tower guy wire while on an aerial survey flight.
- [NTSB ERA22LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA031.md): Vans RV-12 · Folkston, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 26, 2021 · N525AT · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s low altitude maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with a utility pole.
- [NTSB WPR22FA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA011.md): Cessna 175 · Reserve, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 15, 2021 · N7584M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s reduced forward visibility due to the sun.
- [NTSB CEN22LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA006.md): Robinson Helicopter R66 · Delta, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 5, 2021 · N266RK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate inflight planning and his failure to see and avoid a wire which resulted in contact with the wire and subsequent ground impact.
- [NTSB WPR21LA360](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA360.md): Cessna 182E · Warren, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 27, 2021 · N3121Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude while maneuvering in a valley of mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB CEN21LA454](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA454.md): Kitfox IV · Ozark, AR · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 24, 2021 · N161JB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inability to maintain altitude after the airplane encountered a downdraft while he intentionally flew at a low-altitude during a practice for a short-takeoff-and-landing flight competition.
- [NTSB CEN21LA446](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA446.md): Cole Paul B Challenger I · Higginsville, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 18, 2021 · N630SC · Substantial damage
  > The non-certificated pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a low-level turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN21LA421](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA421.md): Robinson Helicopter R66 · Reynoldsville, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 15, 2021 · N166LW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the wire during low altitude operations in windy conditions.
- [NTSB ERA21FA355](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA355.md): American Champion 8KCAB · Rhine, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 12, 2021 · N390PE · Substantial damage
  > A collision with trees during a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver for unknown reasons.
- [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 WPR21LA338](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA338.md): Bell 206L-3 · Tillamook, OR · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 8, 2021 · N6516K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a powerline during a low reconnaissance, with sun glare.
- [NTSB WPR21LA332](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA332.md): Cessna 172P · Wenatchee, WA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 29, 2021 · N51547 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s inadequate inflight navigation and the flight instructors delayed remedial action which resulted in a collision with trees.
- [NTSB WPR21LA333](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA333.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Glide, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 27, 2021 · N303AE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree during an aerial application.
- [NTSB CEN21FA368](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA368.md): Rockwell International S2R · Strasburg, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 10, 2021 · N4956X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s intentional flight under power lines and his failure to maintain clearance from the lines during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB WPR21LA308](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA308.md): Cessna 172 · Reno, NV · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 9, 2021 · N5735R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain prior to encountering a downdraft, which resulted in a forced landing and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN21LA356](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA356.md): Bell 206 · Corydon, IN · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 4, 2021 · N59552 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power lines.
- [NTSB CEN21LA354](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA354.md): Air Tractor AT-502 · Wooster, OH · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 4, 2021 · N1519U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot inadvertently collided with powerline wires during an agricultural spraying flight, resulting in a loss of aircraft control and subsequent impact with the ground.
- [NTSB CEN21LA350](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA350.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Waukon, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 4, 2021 · N775AK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a powerline during an agricultural application pass.
- [NTSB CEN21FA355](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA355.md): North American T-6G · Starkville, MS · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 4, 2021 · N7197C · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN21LA349](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA349.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Randolph, WI · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 31, 2021 · N285RG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during a low-level aerial application flight.
- [NTSB WPR21LA310](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA310.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Fort Sumner, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 30, 2021 · N9197F · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a windmill while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN21LA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA348.md): Robinson Helicopter R66 · Merry, NE · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 30, 2021 · N857TL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a wire during a low-level aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN21LA452](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA452.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Mineral Point, WI · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 20, 2021 · N44XB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to see and avoid a wire during an aerial application flight, resulting in a collision with the wire.
- [NTSB CEN21LA339](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA339.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · West Liberty, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 20, 2021 · N983HA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to see and avoid a wire while maneuvering at low altitude during an aerial application flight, resulting in a collision with the wire.
- [NTSB CEN21FA330](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA330.md): Robinson R44 · Elgin, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 19, 2021 · N44BJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to operate the helicopter under powerlines, which resulted in a main rotor blade striking a powerline, causing the helicopter to descend from a low altitude and impact terrain.
- [NTSB CEN21LA313](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA313.md): Air Tractor AT802 · Newell, IA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 11, 2021 · N949TM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from crops during an agricultural flight.
- [NTSB CEN21LA318](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA318.md): Air Tractor AT-602 · Nappanee, IN · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 6, 2021 · N602RE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the tower during low-level agricultural operations.
- [NTSB ERA21LA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA270.md): Robinson Helicopter R66 · Waxhaw, NC · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 27, 2021 · N7078V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during a low-level aerial application flight.
- [NTSB ERA21LA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA269.md): Garlick Helicopters OH-58A+ · Alpine, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 25, 2021 · N372NS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during a low-level aerial application flight, resulting in main rotor blade impact with a fiber-optic cable, a loss of control, and the helicopter’s subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN21LA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA283.md): Air Tractor AT-502B · Edwardsburg, MI · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 20, 2021 · N8523Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to identify rising terrain and to maintain terrain clearance from trees during an aerial application pass that resulted in an in-flight collision with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB ERA21LA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA262.md): Mcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E · Swan Lake, NY · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 18, 2021 · N371EE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the power transmission tower structure during powerline maintenance work, which resulted in the helicopter's main rotor striking the lifeline support bracket for the tower catwalk and the subsequent loss…
- [NTSB CEN21LA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA225.md): Bell OH58A · Ulysses, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 18, 2021 · N176SJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during the aerial application flight, which resulted in collision with the power line and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA21WA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA103.md): Precision Helicopters UH-1H · Rayón, Mexico · Accident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · May 2, 2021 · N1206G · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ERA21FA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA200.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Wingate, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 2, 2021 · N4528T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during a low-level aerial application flight, resulting in tail rotor impact with the power line, a loss of control, and subsequent impact with the ground.
- [NTSB ERA21LA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA193.md): Textron 208B · Laceyville, PA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 26, 2021 · N143CA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper decision to conduct a low altitude flight and his failure to see and avoid powerlines. Contributing was the operator’s lack of safety guidance or a safety policy for low-altitude operations.
- [NTSB CEN21LA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA179.md): Destiny Powered Parachutes 2000 · Saint Paul, NE · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 4, 2021 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The uncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain control of the powered parachute during low altitude flight in gusting wind conditions.
- [NTSB CEN21LA165](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA165.md): Hughes 369D · Lake City, KS · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 25, 2021 · N41AJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during power line maintenance.
- [NTSB WPR21LA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA130.md): Bell 206B · Laton, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 13, 2021 · N161BH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during low-altitude maneuvering.
- [NTSB CEN21LA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA148.md): Air Tractor AT-402B · Moorhead, MS · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 5, 2021 · N41068 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain clearance from a powerline during an aerial application flight.
- [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 CEN21LA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA123.md): Piper J3F-50 · Weidman, MI · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 3, 2021 · N26811 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a low approach over a snow-covered runway. Contributing to the accident was the loss of depth perception due to the bright sunlight and snow.
- [NTSB CEN21LA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA119.md): Cessna 172 · Silt, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 31, 2021 · N4376Q · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to avoid powerlines while flying at low altitude.

## 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") = 2021
  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=2021

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