Final NTSB investigations
744 cases where the sequence of events included Low altitude operation/event.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 57 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 55 |
| 2011 | 41 |
| 2012 | 38 |
| 2013 | 47 |
| 2014 | 35 |
| 2015 | 31 |
| 2016 | 31 |
| 2017 | 34 |
| 2018 | 32 |
| 2019 | 51 |
| 2020 | 45 |
| 2021 | 44 |
| 2022 | 38 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2024 | 34 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 11 |
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.\"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 CEN26LA286Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T188C · Randolph, NEThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree during a low-level aerial application flight.NTSB CEN26LA289Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 Raven 1 · Scribner, NEThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at low-level altitude during an agricultural operation.NTSB CEN26LA256Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Coralville, IAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during a low-level aerial application flight.NTSB CEN26LA252Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT802 · Whiting, KSThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an antenna while maneuvering during a low-level aerial application flight.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 WPR26LA180Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Marysvale, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering in mountainous terrain prior to encountering a downdraft.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 WPR26LA146Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Chimney Rock, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from the terrain while performing a low altitude circling takeoff maneuver, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.NTSB WPR26LA123Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBrunner Donald G Kitfox · Rock Crossing, AZAn encounter with a downdraft while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB WPR26LA104Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAerosport Ikarus C42E · Wendover, UTThe pilot’s mismanagement of engine power during a maximum performance, 180° climbing left turn at a low altitude that resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB CEN26LA101Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Sullivan, MOThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during low-level operations.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 CEN26LA036Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502 · Gueydan, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain situational awareness and clearance from terrain while maneuvering to avoid birds.NTSB CEN25LA396Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Archer City, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while herding livestock.NTSB CEN25LA336Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Argusville, NDThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB ANC25LA085Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportDehavilland DHC-2 MK 1 · Soldotna, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB ANC25LA083Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAviat A-1B · Chisana, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN25LA286Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportWeatherly 620B · Rushmore, MNThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree during low-level maneuvering.NTSB CEN25LA285Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Walcott, IAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the crops during an aerial application flight.NTSB CEN25LA283Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Hartsburg, ILThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff with a tailwind from a wet turf airstrip.NTSB CEN25FA281Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Thibodaux, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance to powerlines during an agricultural application pass.NTSB CEN25LA276Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402A · Centralia, MOThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level maneuvering.NTSB CEN25LA274Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT502 · Hastings, NEThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN25LA266Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell B206-B · Bloomington, ILThe pilot’s failure to avoid power lines during an aerial application flight.NTSB CEN25LA240Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCub Crafters CCK-1865 · La Garita, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude in mountainous terrain. Contributing was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and aeronautical decision making.NTSB CEN25LA231Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B · Lockport, LAThe pilot’s inadequate planning for the high density altitude conditions which resulted in reduced airplane performance, climb capability, and subsequent forced landing.NTSB ERA25LA240Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Hawesville, KYThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level agricultural spray operations.NTSB CEN25LA191Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-401 · Hamlet, NEThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines during low altitude maneuvering.NTSB WPR25LA165Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportWeatherly 620B · Lewiston, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB CEN25LA140Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Cash, ARThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from an excavator during low-altitude aerial application operations.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 ERA25LA144Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Mogadore, OHThe pilot’s decision to fly at low altitude, at night, and over water, which resulted in the helicopter’s collision with power lines.NTSB ANC25LA023Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Cantwell, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during a low-altitude maneuver which resulted in inadvertent ground contact and a nose over.NTSB WPR25FA100Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 505 · Ririe, IDThe pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and decision to maneuver the helicopter at a low altitude, and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from power lines.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 CEN25LA075Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Batesville, ARThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while flying at low altitude.NTSB WPR25LA056Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Marysvale, UTThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from snow covered terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.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 WPR24LA315Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172P · Kooskia, IDThe pilot’s decision to descend into a canyon that exceeded the performance capabilities of the airplane, which resulted in an impact with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN24LA368Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Lexington, NEThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper clearance from powerlines.NTSB ERA24LA393Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Ravenel, SCThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain, which resulted in the right skid contacting the ground and a subsequent rollover.NTSB CEN24FA338Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Camden, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a power transformer that was mounted to a power pole during an aerial application flight.NTSB ANC24LA083Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA22 · Aleknagik, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at 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 WPR24FA255Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Izee, ORThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while maneuvering through an area of low visibility due to wildfire smoke and haze.NTSB CEN24LA285Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna A188B · Sumner, NEThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line during the spray pass.NTSB CEN24LA276Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Cornland, ILThe pilot was unable to see a wire due to the setting sun and the helicopter subsequently struck the wire.NTSB CEN24LA275Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206B · Cuba City, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a wire during an agricultural application pass.NTSB ERA24LA314Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell OH-58A · Hegins, PAThe pilot’s inadequate pre-flight and in-flight planning, which resulted in the helicopter striking a wire hazard during an aerial application flight.