Final NTSB investigations
753 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.\"completionStatus\" = 'Completed'
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"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."completionStatus" = 'Completed' 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
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 CEN24LA257Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B · Sedgwick, ARThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during the spray pass.NTSB CEN24LA252Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · New Florence, MOThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper altitude/clearance from a dead tree limb during an aerial application flight.NTSB WPR24FA213Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGrumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164A · Chamberino, NMAn aerodynamic stall and loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB CEN24LA318Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAyres S2R · Stanwood, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance during a low-level aerial application flight, which resulted in impact with terrain and a subsequent forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the location of the spray boom pressure gauge, which…NTSB WPR24LA207Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Scheelite, CAThe pilot’s inadvertent entry to a box canyon where the airplane could not outclimb the rising terrain.NTSB WPR24LA187Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Garrett, WYThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while conducting low-level altitude operations, following an encounter with wake turbulence.NTSB WPR24FA184Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A45 · Deer Harbor, WAThe pilot’s decision to perform an aerobatic maneuver at low level, and his misjudged entry altitude for the maneuver, which resulted in impact with water.NTSB WPR24LA173Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSikorsky S-55QT · Benton City, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during a low altitude operation.NTSB CEN24LA209Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportArbc Inc DBA Lindstrand 90A · Hebron, INThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while landing in a field.NTSB CEN24LA205Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Palmyra, MOThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during approach.NTSB ERA24LA220Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · New Washington, OHThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during an aerial application flight.NTSB WPR24FA150Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Thurlow, MTThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction by his cell phone use while…NTSB WPR24LA138Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAerospatiale SA315B · Lewiston, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during a low level aerial application.NTSB CEN24LA175Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · England, ARThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from tower guy wires while maneuvering during a low-level aerial application flight.NTSB ERA24LA172Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMD Helicopters 369FF · Ceiba, PRThe pilots’ failure to ensure adequate clearance from the taxiway while performing a quick stop maneuver.NTSB ERA24LA171Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · South Kingstown, RIThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB WPR24LA113Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportKitfox S7 Super Sport · Asotin, WAPilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during low altitude flying.NTSB WPR24LA115Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportZenith Zodiac CH601 · Rawlins, WYThe student pilot’s failure to see and avoid powerlines during an unstabilized approach, which resulted the airplane landing short of the runway and coming to rest inverted.NTSB ANC24LA015Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna R172K · Trapper Creek, AKThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall; loss of airplane control; and impact with terrain.NTSB ERA24LA114Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172M · Brookwood, ALThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN24FA101Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLockwood AIR CAM · Ranchitos Las Lomas, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a meteorological evaluation tower.NTSB ERA24LA060Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150 · Mount Vernon, ALThe pilot’s decision to operate the airplane at a low altitude over a river, and his failure to maintain clearance from the river while maneuvering.NTSB WPR24LA092Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Calexico, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.NTSB CEN24FA049Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMD Helicopters 600 · Sterling City, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line pole’s static arm during forecasted gusting wind conditions, un-forecasted light turbulence, and un-forecasted low-level wind shear conditions, resulting in main rotor blade contact with the static…NTSB CEN24LA029Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAg-Cat G-164B · Abbeville, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during an aerial application flight.NTSB CEN24FA021Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502B · Vidalia, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s cell phone use and the position of the sun, which reduced the pilot’s ability to perceive the location of the power…NTSB CEN24LA006Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGyro Technic GT-VX2 · Saint Peter, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level maneuvering through a river valley.NTSB CEN23LA422Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportQuicksilver Sport II · Welsh, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude from obstacles during the simulated landing approach which led to a collision with a fence and a building.NTSB CEN23FA412Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502B · New Rockford, NDThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from overhead power lines during an aerial application flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to fly under the power lines with a small area of clearance available for the airplane.NTSB CEN23FA409Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportThrush S2R-T660 · Ardoch, NDThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a guy wire during an aerial application flight.NTSB WPR23LA338Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 212 · Balch Camp, CAThe pilot’s inadequate performance planning for the operation that resulted in an excessive gross weight for the operating conditions, leading to a loss of altitude during maneuvering and contact with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…NTSB WPR23LA322Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA-5B · Lone Pine, CAThe pilot's inability to maintain altitude after encountering a downdraft, which resulted in collision with terrain.NTSB ERA23LA334Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportScoda Aeronautica Ltda Super Petrel LS · Hickory, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at a low altitude over water, which resulted in a collision and loss of control.NTSB ERA23LA332Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 47G-5 · Mifflinville, PAThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid powerlines during an aerial application flight.NTSB CEN23LA357Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA25 · Hartington, NEThe pilot’s misperception of the rising terrain resulting in a collision with crops and terrain.NTSB CEN23FA353Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802 · Gilman City, MOThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a steep turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery.NTSB ERA23LA326Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 369 · Elberon, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line structure arm, which resulted in main rotor blade contact.NTSB CEN23LA341Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Arthur, ILThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during a low-level aerial application flight.NTSB CEN23LA342Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206B · Denison, IAThe pilot’s inflight distraction, which resulted in his failure to see and avoid wires.NTSB ERA23FA317Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206-L4 · Springfield, OHThe pilot’s failure to remain clear of powerlines during an agricultural spraying operation.NTSB CEN23LA336Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402B · Alta, IAThe airplane’s encounter with a dust devil, which resulted in a loss of lift, and subsequent collision with powerlines.NTSB CEN23LA328Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Hanlontown, IAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a cable during spray operations.NTSB CEN23LA324Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402B · Clara City, MNThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a transmission line during an aerial application flight.NTSB ERA23LA307Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Terra Alta, WVThe pilot’s inability to maneuver the helicopter for recovery after experiencing a strong, unanticipated tailwind in a confined operating area, which resulted in a descent and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB CEN23LA311Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802 · Benson, MNThe pilot’s failure to adequately survey a field for obstructions prior to a low-level aerial application pass, which resulted in an impact with a powerline. Contributing to the accident was the degraded visibility due to the smoke in the area.NTSB CEN23LA308Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 369D · Atchison, KSThe pilot’s failure to adequately survey a field for obstructions prior to a low-level aerial application pass, which resulted in an impact with a powerline.NTSB CEN23LA280Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Amity, MOThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid wires while conducting a low-level aerial application flight.NTSB CEN23LA279Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206B · Chapman, KSThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the power line during an agricultural application pass.NTSB ANC23LA046Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot’s encounter with a downdraft while maneuvering low-level, which resulted in a collision with terrain.NTSB WPR23FA223Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCompagnie Daher TB 30 Epsilon · Apache Junction, AZThe pilot’s controlled flight into the mountainous terrain due to diminished depth perception as a result of the shadowing effect from the sun’s position. Contributing to the accident was the decision by all three pilots to fly low altitude around the…