NTSB investigations, CA
83 cases where the sequence of events included Low altitude operation/event.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 12 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Where
Open the mapLatest cases
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.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'CA' AND c.\"eventCountry\" = 'USA'
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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA' 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 WPR26FA121Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportMD Helicopters 369FF · Mojave, CAOn March 9, 2026, about 1517 Pacific daylight time, an MD Helicopters 369FF, N530XX, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Mojave, California. The pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…NTSB WPR25LA112Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEnstrom 280FX · Waterford, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from water while operating at a low altitude.NTSB WPR25LA078Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206A · Lemoore, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB WPR24LA282Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B · Durham, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines, which resulted in a wire strike.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 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 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 ANC23FA031Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 407 · Nuevo, CAThe pilot’s decision to maneuver in a steep bank at a low altitude, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance with terrain.NTSB WPR23FA122Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRockwell International S-2R · Willows, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while flying under multiple conductors during a low-altitude aerial application flight, which resulted in propeller contact with a powerline and a subsequent loss of control.NTSB WPR23LA120Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B · Vernalis, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during a low-level aerial application flight.NTSB WPR22FA195Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMeyer Fred J Hornet · Lucerne Valley, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during an aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB WPR22LA140Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell OH-58A · Merced, CAThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid wires while conducting an aerial application flight, which resulted in a wire strike and ground impact.NTSB WPR21LA130Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206B · Laton, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during low-altitude maneuvering.NTSB WPR20CA253Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportRobert D Carr Jr Cavalon · Upper Lake, CAThe pilot’s distraction and failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low altitude maneuver, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and collision with terrain.NTSB WPR20LA163Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Fairfield, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines while conducting external load operations, which resulted in the main rotor contacting a wire and a subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB WPR20CA092Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell OH 58A · Colexico, CAThe pilot's failure to arrest the descent rate while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB WPR19FA188Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Hayward, CAThe pilots’ loss of control during a low altitude maneuver for undetermined reasons, which resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB WPR19FA173Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-11 · Copperopolis, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from consuming alcohol before the flight.NTSB WPR19FA163Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Antioch, CAA loss of control while conducting low-altitude, high-speed maneuvers.NTSB WPR19FA080Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Desert Hot Springs, CAThe pilot's inadequate and/or improper preparation for the flight in which he selected an altitude too low to assure terrain clearance and resulted in an impact with terrain in turbulent downdraft conditions.NTSB GAA18CA309Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT 402 · Nicolaus, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a power transmission wire.NTSB GAA18CA054Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportQuicksilver MXL Sport · Point Mugu, CAThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid power wires.NTSB WPR17FA120Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-180 · Santa Rosa Valley, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while intentionally maneuvering in a steep bank at low altitude, which resulted in an accelerated aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.NTSB GAA17CA151Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Holtville, CAThe pilot’s initiation of a left turn at a low altitude with low airspeed and a tailwind while operating near maximum gross weight, which resulted in the helicopter losing altitude, touching down on a dirt surface, and a subsequent dynamic rollover.NTSB GAA17CA118Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 140 · Markleeville, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during a low pass and the subsequent impact with a snow berm, which resulted in a nosed-over.NTSB GAA16CA339Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportHughes 269B · Princeton, CAThe uncertificated pilot's failure to maintain pitch and directional control, which resulted in an impact with terrain and a rollover.NTSB GAA16CA303Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT 502 · Nicolaus, CAThe pilot's insufficient clearance from a power line during aerial application operations, which resulted in a power line strike, a forced landing on unsuitable terrain, loss of directional control, and collision with terrain.NTSB GAA16CA165Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 206B · Hanford, CAThe pilot's decision to release the collective while flying at 10 feet above ground level, resulting in the rapid helicopter descent and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR15FA195Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportShort Brothers S312 Tucano T MK1 · Maricopa, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during low-level airwork, which resulted in uncontrolled collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from the combined effects of butalbital and codeine.NTSB WPR15GA005Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMarsh S 2F3AT · El Portal, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB WPR14CA296Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 47G 2A · Merced, CAThe pilot's failure to adequately monitor the environment to maintain clearance from the power pole guide wire during low level maneuvering.NTSB WPR14FA239Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · El Mirage, CAThe pilot's loss of airplane control while intentionally maneuvering close to the ground, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack in a steep bank and entering an accelerated stall.NTSB WPR14LA230Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Laytonville, CAThe pilot’s impairment due to alcohol ingestion, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from trees during a low-altitude flyby.NTSB WPR14FA203Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Santa Paula, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while flying at a low altitude.NTSB WPR14FA182Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing E75 · Fairfield, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the runway during a low-level aerobatic maneuver due to his impairment by an over-the-counter antihistamine. Contributing to the severity of the pilot's injuries were the pilot's lack of fire protective clothing,…NTSB WPR14CA048Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMaule MX 7-235 · San Ynez, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering at low altitude in hilly terrain.NTSB WPR13LA429Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTexas Helicopter OH-13E/M74 · Santa Maria, CAThe pilot's inadequate monitoring of the environment and failure to maintain clearance from transmission wires during a low-altitude maneuver.NTSB WPR13LA420Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMiller RV6 · Williams, CAThe pilot's improper decision to fly at a low altitude, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from power lines.NTSB WPR13LA385Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobert Golding Tbirdii · Bakersfield, CAThe 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 WPR13LA358Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Chualar, CAMaintenance 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 WPR13LA233Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer G-164D · Butte City, CAThe 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 WPR13GA044Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportBell OH-58 · Altadena, CAThe 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 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 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 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 WPR11CA339Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 47G-5 · Watsonville, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a pole while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.NTSB WPR11FA334Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Joshua Tree, CAThe pilot's decision to conduct low altitude flight at a high density altitude and into a box canyon, which resulted in the airplane colliding with rising terrain when its climb capability was exceeded.NTSB WPR11FA304Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180D · Santa Paula, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a telephone line while flying at a low altitude in dusk lighting conditions.NTSB WPR11CA198Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportGrumman G-164 · Princeton, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.