NTSB investigations
794 cases where the sequence of events included Low altitude operation/event.
Cases, newest first
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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 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"
Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
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 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
Run it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB CEN13CA033Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPorter James Grant Superior CUB · Beechgrove, INThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during takeoff from a short field.NTSB CEN13CA019Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502B · Portales, NMThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.NTSB ERA13WA030Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA25 · Juquiá Municipality, BrazilOn 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 WPR12FA420Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Strawberry, AZThe 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 CEN12LA615Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGoodyear F2G · Valley City, NDThe 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 WPR12LA371Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportArrow Falcon Exporters OH58 · Escalon, CAThe 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 CEN12LA578Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDestiny XLT · Hart, MIThe 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 CEN12CA555Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBrown Mitch Challenger II · Dexter, MOThe operation of an airplane by a noncertificated pilot and his failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level flight.NTSB CEN12CA546Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502 · Hanley Falls, MNThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a guy wire during an agricultural application pass.NTSB CEN12FA521Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportAyres S2R-T34 · Lakin, KSThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the corn during an aerial application flight.NTSB WPR12CA342Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA18 · McNeal, AZThe 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 CEN12CA464Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBertram William J Bertram 2000 · Shiocton, WIThe pilot’s distraction with taking photographs, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient altitude to avoid the guy wire.NTSB CEN12LA440Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164A · Darksville, MOThe pilot did not maintain clearance from a tree line at the completion of an agricultural spray run.NTSB WPR12LA301Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Cheyenne, WYThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a power line. Contributing to the accident was the sun's glare.NTSB ANC12CA067Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 207A · Kotlik, AKThe 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 WPR12FA282Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS350B · Camp Verde, AZThe 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 CEN12LA414Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Glenwood Springs, COThe 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 WPR12LA259Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · East Wenatchee, WAThe pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the environment and maintain clearance from the power lines while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN12CA360Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBirchler Boyd Eagle 540 · Kokomo, INThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the trees during a low-level aerobatic maneuver.NTSB WPR12LA244Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHiller UH-12B · Pasco, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain the helicopter's rotor rpm while maneuvering at a low altitude over a fruit orchard.NTSB WPR12GA243Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportLockheed P2V-7 · Modena, UTThe 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 CEN12CA319Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportHughes 369HS · Delavan, MNThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with power lines during an aerial application flight.NTSB WPR12CA229Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRockwell International S-2R · Royal City, WAThe 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 ERA12FA345Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportShepard Jimmy D JR Pitts S1D · Port Richey, FLThe pilot's decision to conduct aerobatic flight at a low altitude, which resulted in a collision with the water.NTSB WPR12WA199Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAyres S2R · Moree, Australia, AustraliaOn 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 CEN12LA236Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAyres S2R-T15 · Lakin, KSThe pilot did not maintain sufficient airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude.NTSB ERA12CA272Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportWielt Great Lakes 2T-1A · Warwarsing, NYThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during low level maneuvering flight.NTSB CEN12LA227Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman F8F-1 · Breckenridge, TXThe pilot's loss of airplane control during a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver.NTSB ANC12CA029Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 180 · Palmer, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during low-level maneuvering.NTSB ERA12CA222Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172N · Orleans, VTThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line while conducting low-altitude flight.NTSB ERA12WA223Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 188 · Querencia do Norte, BrazilOn 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 CEN12FA158Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Osborn, MOThe pilot’s decision to conduct low-level passes above a residence and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude.NTSB WPR12LA093Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Fresno, CAThe 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.NTSB CEN12LA112Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAmerican Champion 8KCAB · Marysville, OHThe pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude from the terrain while performing low-level aerobatics.NTSB WPR12FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCrosley Vans RV-8 · Armistead, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while performing low altitude aerobatic maneuvers.NTSB ERA12WA086Accident · Serious injuriesForeign investigationBell 212 · Quito, EcuadorOn 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 ERA12FA068Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Boynton Beach, FLThe right seat pilot's decision to attempt a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver in a non-aerobatic airplane.NTSB WPR12CA025Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172K · Florence, MTThe 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 ERA12CA050Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · McAlpin, FLThe pilot's misjudgment of the airplane's distance from known transmission lines.NTSB ERA12FA008Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAviat A-1 · Moyock, NCThe 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 CEN11LA646Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Spicewood, TXThe pilot did not maintain adequate rotor rpm during a low-altitude maneuvering flight.NTSB CEN11LA593Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-400 · Monango, NDThe pilot did not maintain adequate separation from a tree during the aerial-application flight.NTSB CEN11LA582Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVertical Unlimited 12 · Kansas City, MOThe 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 CEN11LA581Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Whitewood, SDThe pilot's collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR11LA388Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Pine Bluffs, WYThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.NTSB CEN11LA571Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402 · Uvalde, TXThe 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 CEN11CA565Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportWeatherly 201C · Bronson, IAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.NTSB CEN11CA535Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportTexas Helicopter OH-13H/M74A · Joice, IAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wire.NTSB CEN11CA533Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportGarlick Helicopters OH-58C · Rushford, MNThe pilot's diverted attention, which resulted in the failure to maintain clearance from the power line.NTSB CEN11CA525Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 47G-2A · Nicolett, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.