NTSB investigations, TX
72 cases where the sequence of events included Low altitude operation/event.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 5 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 3 |
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\" = 'TX' 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" = 'TX' 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 CEN26LA185Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 407 · Dallas, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain situational awareness and clearance from the helipad surveillance camera during liftoff.NTSB CEN26LA168Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Mount Blanco, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper main rotor rpm during a low-level turn, which resulted in the main rotor rpm drooping, a loss of control at an altitude too low for recovery, and a subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB CEN26LA148Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Stonewall, TXOn March 24, 2026, about 0930 central daylight time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, N233JD, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Stonewall, Texas. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The helicopter was operated as a…NTSB CEN26LA070Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGlynn RS-3 · Crabapple, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fence cable guy-line during low-level maneuvering over a river.NTSB CEN26LA055Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportJust Highlander · Brazos, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level maneuvering along a river.NTSB CEN25LA396Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Archer City, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while herding livestock.NTSB CEN25FA019Accident · 4 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Houston, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a lighted radio tower during a visual night flight. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller’s failure to issue a safety alert notifying the pilot of the flight’s unsafe proximity to the tower.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 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 CEN23LA086Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Fowlerton, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with trees, which resulted in an uncontrollable spin due to tail rotor damage.NTSB CEN23LA063Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRockwell International S2R-G6 · Mission, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an electrical box.NTSB CEN23LA047Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSeace David A Gyroplane · Iredell, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power line during low-level maneuvering.NTSB CEN22FA288Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Blackwell, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper altitude and clearance during low-level aerial application, resulting in an in-flight collision with power lines.NTSB CEN22LA248Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Beaumont, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line pole while preparing for a low-level aerial application pass.NTSB CEN22LA088Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing A75N1(PT17) · Rainbow, TXThe pilot’s improper decision to conduct an intentional low altitude flight which resulted in a collision with wires and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN21FA410Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Mentone, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN21LA155Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Dunn, TXThe loss of rotor RPM for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.NTSB CEN21LA139Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 369 · Kaufman, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during low-level maneuvering.NTSB CEN21LA084Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Colorado City, TXThe pilot’s loss of control and exceedance of performance and/or structural limitations during low-altitude operations, which resulted in an inflight breakup.. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol.NTSB CEN21LA077Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Marietta, TXThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid a transmission wire during takeoff.NTSB CEN20CA230Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportRobinson R22 · El Campo, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the rice vegetation, which resulted in the helicopter's impact with terrain.NTSB CEN20LA143Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT 502 · Pecan Gap, TXThe pilot did not maintain adequate clearance from tree, which resulted in a collision with a tree and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB CEN20CA144Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R22 · Seymour, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN20LA442Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Sterling City, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.NTSB CEN20CA085Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Marfa, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fence during low-altitude maneuvering.NTSB GAA20CA033Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportWeatherly 620 · Fabens, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power wires while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB CEN19LA316Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportInfinity Powered Parachutes IPP2 · Eustace, TXThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid a power line. Contributing was the pilot’s decision to fly at an altitude too low to avoid obstacles.NTSB GAA19CA453Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT 502 · Stanton, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires during an agricultural application flight.NTSB CEN19LA193Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R22 · Garwood, TXThe pilots' failure to maintain clearance from a power line during low level operations.NTSB GAA19CA354Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT 602 · La Ward, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a wire during an aerial application flight in sun glare conditions.NTSB GAA19CA270Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportGrumman G164 · Lane City, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-altitude maneuvering.NTSB CEN19TA131Accident · No injuriesClass 3Final reportAir Tractor AT 602 · Quanah, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power line during a low altitude aerial application maneuver.NTSB GAA19CA216Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 47G · Donna, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude during an agricultural application flight.NTSB CEN19FA117Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT 502 · Harlingen, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power transmission lines during low altitude flight operations. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to a sedating medication.NTSB CEN19LA087Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportWarner Aerocraft Space Walker II · Devine, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN19FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT502 · Placedo, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the antenna tower, a known obstruction, during the agricultural application flight. Contributing to the accident was glare from the sun which hindered the pilot's ability to see and avoid the antenna tower.NTSB CEN18LA183Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369A · Stoneburg, TXThe pilot's unsafe and aggressive operation of the helicopter at low altitude, which resulted in impact with trees.NTSB GAA18CA247Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Sonora, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB CEN18FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Electra, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN17FA342Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRans S-6 · Stonewall, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while conducting aerobatic flight maneuvers with insufficient altitude to recover.NTSB CEN17FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Price, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a communications tower guy-wire. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to conduct a long distance transition flight at a low altitude.NTSB CEN17FA080Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Wellington, TXThe pilot's improper decision to perform a steep turn at low altitude, which resulted in exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.NTSB GAA16CA332Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportThrush S2R · Lazbuddie, TXThe pilot's failure to avoid the metering loop pole during an aerial application.NTSB CEN16LA181Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT 502 · West, TXThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid cellular tower guy wires. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate at low altitude.NTSB CEN16FA087Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 22-108 · Garden City, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain during a low altitude flight.NTSB GAA15CA232Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Prairie Lea, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and collision with trees.NTSB CEN15FA154Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRose Thunder Mustang · Helotes, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance from terrain after initiating an aerobatic maneuver at a low altitude.NTSB CEN15CA153Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Asherton, TXThe pilot did not maintain adequate clearance from the trees.NTSB CEN15CA095Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 152 · Mount Pleasant, TXThe pilot's decision to maneuver the airplane at low altitude resulting in the airplane impacting power lines.NTSB CEN15CA025Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Harper, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering.