NTSB investigations
104 cases where the sequence of events included Altitude deviation.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 7 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2014 | 8 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 2 |
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.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s.\"tier2Number\" = '282' 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" = '282' 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 ERA26FA214Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPiper PA-25-235 · Saratoga Springs, NYOn May 26, 2026, about 1347 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235 airplane, N8656L, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Saratoga Springs, New York. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code…NTSB DCA26FA194Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportBoeing 767-424ER · Newark, NJOn May 3, 2026, about 13:50 eastern daylight time (EDT), United Airlines flight 169, Boeing B767-424ER, N77066, struck a light pole on the New Jersey turnpike while on final approach to runway 29 at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Newark, New…NTSB DCA26WA042Incident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 737 · Malaga, SpainNTSB DCA25WA327IncidentClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 767 · Sydney, AustraliaNTSB DCA25WA318IncidentClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 787 · Frankfurt, GermanyNTSB DCA24WA334IncidentClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 757-224 · Brussels, BelgiumNTSB DCA24WA184IncidentClass 5 · ForeignEmbraer ERJ190 · Brisbane Airport, AustraliaNTSB ENG24WA038Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · ForeignDornier 328 · Zurich, SwitzerlandNTSB DCA24WA292IncidentClass 5 · ForeignDornier 328 · Zurich, SwitzerlandNTSB ERA24FA136Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportIsrael Aircraft Industries 1125 Westwind Astra · Hot Springs, VAThe PIC’s continuation of an unstabilized approach in gusting wind conditions and his failure to monitor the airplane’s altitude during the approach, which led to a descent into terrain short of the runway. Contributing was the flight crew’s failure to set…NTSB GAA25WA085Incident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignSikorsky S92A · Offshore Vessel, AustraliaNTSB DCA24WA072IncidentClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 777 · Muscat, OmanNTSB ERA24FA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C23 · Midland, VAThe pilot’s decision to descend below the minimum decision altitude of the instrument approach without having the appropriate runway visual references distinctively identified and with the visibility and ceiling below the minimum that was prescribed for the…NTSB DCA24WA066IncidentClass 5 · ForeignAirbus A320 · Geneva, SwitzerlandNTSB GAA24WA027Incident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignFokker F28 · Adelaide Aerodrome, AustraliaNTSB DCA23WA437IncidentClass 5 · ForeignEmbraer 190 · Alice Springs, AustraliaNTSB WPR23FA257Accident · 6 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 550 · Murrieta, CAThe flight crew’s decision to descend below the decision altitude of an instrument approach without having the appropriate runway visual reference(s) distinctively identified and with the visibility below the minimum that was prescribed for the approach,…NTSB ENG24WA001IncidentClass 5 · ForeignDe Havilland DHC8 · Timaru, New ZealandNTSB ERA23FA219Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Reliance, TNThe pilot’s decision to continue an instrument flight into an area of forecast weather with severe to extreme turbulence associated with a line of thunderstorms, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing was the pilot’s operation of the airplane in…NTSB DCA23LA172Incident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing 777 · Kahului, HIThe flight crew’s failure to manage the airplane’s vertical flightpath, airspeed, and pitch attitude following a miscommunication about the captain’s desired flap setting during the initial climb.NTSB WPR23LA029Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 152 · San Jose, CAThe student pilots unstabilized approach and improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard bounced landing.NTSB DCA23WA045IncidentClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 737 · Cairns, AustraliaNTSB DCA23WA033IncidentClass 5 · ForeignSaab 340 · Sydney, AustraliaNTSB DCA23WA032IncidentClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 737 · Cairns, AustraliaNTSB ERA22LA404Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus Design SF50 · Saint Cloud, FLThe pilot’s continuation of the instrument approach into known extreme precipitation and turbulence associated with a thunderstorm, resulting in excessive altitude deviations that required him to activate the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System.NTSB WPR22FA215Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech E35 · Buckeye, AZThe pilots’ failure to climb and complete a normal traffic pattern after making a low approach and their failure to extend the flaps for reasons that could not be determined, and the flight instructor’s failure to ensure adequate airspeed and bank control…NTSB WPR22FA197Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 208B · Oceanside, CAThe right-seated pilot’s failure to correct the left-seated pilot’s mismanagement of the engine thrust, which resulted in undesired speed and thrust oscillations during the final approach and a subsequent descent into terrain.NTSB ERA22LA140Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 · Fallston, MDThe student pilot's unstabilized hover, which resulted in ground contact and a dynamic rollover. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student and his delayed remedial action.NTSB DCA22WA039IncidentClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 737 · Kuusamo, FinlandNTSB ERA22FA004Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportDassault Falcon 20 · Thomson, GAThe flight crew’s continuation of an unstable dark night visual approach and the captain’s instruction to use air brakes during the approach contrary to airplane operating limitations, which resulted in a descent below the glide path, and a collision with…NTSB ERA20LA129Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Conway, SCThe pilot’s incorrect use of the autopilot while approaching the initial approach fix and his subsequent improper primary pitch control input while a pitch mode of the autopilot was engaged, which resulted in pitch excursions and subsequent departure from…NTSB DCA20WA152IncidentClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 737 · Paris, FranceNTSB GAA19CA506Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportGrob G103 · San Antonio, TXThe failure of the glider tow rope, which lodged in the glider's rudder and resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to properly secure the glider's aft canopy.NTSB OPS19WA018Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationAirbus A321 · London, United KingdomThe Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) of the United Kingdom has notified the NTSB of an incident involving an Airbus A-321-231, which occurred on July 22, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the AAIB investigation…NTSB DCA19WA144Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Las Palmas, SpainThe CIAIAC of Spain has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a Boeing 737 airplane that occurred on March 26, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the CIAIAC's investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13 as…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 CEN19LA051Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 23 · Beaver Island, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain a positive rate of climb after takeoff which resulted in an impact with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inability to see a visible horizon due to the dark night lighting conditions and limited…NTSB CEN18FA387Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Oscoda, MIThe pilot's descent below minimum descent altitude during the nonprecision instrument approach for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB WPR18LA151Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Bainbridge Island, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water and his distraction by using the tablet for navigation, which resulted in his failure to detect that the airplane had entered a descent.NTSB ERA18LA087Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAero Commander Callair A 9 · Bunn, NCThe glider instructor's delayed remedial action when the glider became out of position during aerotow, which resulted in excessive side-loading of the release hook and a delay in the glider's release from tow, which resulted in the towplane’s descent and…NTSB GAA18CA007Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna T210 · Waterford, MIThe pilot's unstabilized approach at night, which resulted in collision with trees.NTSB GAA17CA340Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportSportine Aviacija LAK 12 · Reno, NVThe glider pilot’s failure to maintain proper pitch during an aerotow takeoff.NTSB GAA17CA298Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer SGS233 · Springfield, VTThe student pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate glidepath and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in the glider landing short of the runway in trees.NTSB GAA17CA241Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAmerican AA 1 · New Market, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper approach path, which resulted in an impact with trees.NTSB WPR17FA085Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 46-310P · Harrisburg, ORAn encounter with a downburst during an instrument approach, which resulted in a loss of control at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller's failure to solicit and disseminate pilot reports from arriving and departing…NTSB GAA17CA150Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech F90 · Poplar Bluff, MOThe pilot’s descent below the minimum descent altitude during a nonprecision approach, which resulted in a tree strike.NTSB CEN17FA072Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Cleveland, OHControlled flight into terrain due to pilot spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was pilot fatigue, mode confusion related to the status of the autopilot, and negative learning transfer due to flight guidance panel and attitude indicator…NTSB ERA17FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportIndependent Technologies Epic LT · Port Orange, FLThe pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to fly a stabilized approach…NTSB GAA17CA087Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportJack Fehling Celebrity · North Hampton, NHThe pilot’s unstabilized approach, which resulted in the biplane being low and striking trees.NTSB WPR16FA158Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 34-200T · Flagstaff, AZA departure flight path that consisted of several unexplained turns during the initial climbout, and terminated in a high-speed descent and ground impact. The reason(s) for the turns and descent could not be determined due to lack of definitive evidence.