# NTSB investigations: Altitude deviation

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 3 · 104 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA26FA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26FA214.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Saratoga Springs, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · May 26, 2026 · N8656L · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > On 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 DCA26FA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA26FA194.md): Boeing 767-424ER · Newark, NJ · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · May 3, 2026 · N77066 · Substantial damage
  > On 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 DCA26WA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA26WA042.md): Boeing 737 · Malaga, Spain · Incident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 14, 2025 · EI-HGG · No damage
- [NTSB DCA25WA327](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA25WA327.md): Boeing 767 · Sydney, Australia · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Sep 10, 2025 · VH-XQU · No damage
- [NTSB DCA25WA318](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA25WA318.md): Boeing 787 · Frankfurt, Germany · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Aug 27, 2025 · VT-TSD · No damage
- [NTSB DCA24WA334](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA24WA334.md): Boeing 757-224 · Brussels, Belgium · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Aug 30, 2024 · N57111 · No damage
- [NTSB DCA24WA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA24WA184.md): Embraer ERJ190 · Brisbane Airport, Australia · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · May 9, 2024 · VH-UZI · No damage
- [NTSB ENG24WA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG24WA038.md): Dornier 328 · Zurich, Switzerland · Incident · No injuries · Class 3 · Foreign · Apr 20, 2024 · D-CSUE · No damage
- [NTSB DCA24WA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA24WA292.md): Dornier 328 · Zurich, Switzerland · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Apr 20, 2024 · D-CSUE · No damage
- [NTSB ERA24FA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA136.md): Israel Aircraft Industries 1125 Westwind Astra · Hot Springs, VA · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 10, 2024 · N1125A · Destroyed
  > The 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 GAA25WA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA25WA085.md): Sikorsky S92A · Offshore Vessel, Australia · Incident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Feb 1, 2024 · VH-IPE · No damage
- [NTSB DCA24WA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA24WA072.md): Boeing 777 · Muscat, Oman · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Jan 13, 2024 · 9V-SWX · No damage
- [NTSB ERA24FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA053.md): Beech C23 · Midland, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 3, 2023 · N76SB · Destroyed
  > The 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 DCA24WA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA24WA066.md): Airbus A320 · Geneva, Switzerland · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 5, 2023 · G-UZLO, · No damage
- [NTSB GAA24WA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA027.md): Fokker F28 · Adelaide Aerodrome, Australia · Incident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Aug 30, 2023 · VH-FGB · No damage
- [NTSB DCA23WA437](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA23WA437.md): Embraer 190 · Alice Springs, Australia · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Aug 24, 2023 · VH-UYN · No damage
- [NTSB WPR23FA257](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA257.md): Cessna 550 · Murrieta, CA · Accident · 6 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 8, 2023 · N819KR · Destroyed
  > The 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 ENG24WA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG24WA001.md): De Havilland DHC8 · Timaru, New Zealand · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Jun 13, 2023 · ZK-NEM · No damage
- [NTSB ERA23FA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA219.md): Cessna 182 · Reliance, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 7, 2023 · N725AS · Substantial damage
  > The 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 DCA23LA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA23LA172.md): Boeing 777 · Kahului, HI · Incident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 19, 2022 · N212UA · No damage
  > The 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 WPR23LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA029.md): Cessna 152 · San Jose, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 13, 2022 · N5171B · Substantial damage
  > The student pilots unstabilized approach and improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard bounced landing.
- [NTSB DCA23WA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA23WA045.md): Boeing 737 · Cairns, Australia · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Oct 25, 2022 · VH-VZA · No damage
- [NTSB DCA23WA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA23WA033.md): Saab 340 · Sydney, Australia · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Oct 24, 2022 · VH-VEQ · No damage
- [NTSB DCA23WA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA23WA032.md): Boeing 737 · Cairns, Australia · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Oct 24, 2022 · VH-VUT · No damage
- [NTSB ERA22LA404](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA404.md): Cirrus Design SF50 · Saint Cloud, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 9, 2022 · N77VJ · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR22FA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA215.md): Beech E35 · Buckeye, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 18, 2022 · N13AR · Destroyed
  > The 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 WPR22FA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA197.md): Cessna 208B · Oceanside, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 3, 2022 · N7581F · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA22LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA140.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 · Fallston, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 1, 2022 · N786SH · Substantial damage
  > The 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 DCA22WA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA22WA039.md): Boeing 737 · Kuusamo, Finland · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 1, 2021 · G-JZHL · No damage
- [NTSB ERA22FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA004.md): Dassault Falcon 20 · Thomson, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 5, 2021 · N283SA · Destroyed
  > The 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 ERA20LA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA129.md): Cirrus SR22 · Conway, SC · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 17, 2020 · N150X · Substantial damage
  > The 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 DCA20WA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA20WA152.md): Boeing 737 · Paris, France · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 6, 2019 · 7T-VJM · No damage
- [NTSB GAA19CA506](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA506.md): Grob G103 · San Antonio, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 22, 2019 · N901BG · Substantial damage
  > The 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 OPS19WA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OPS19WA018.md): Airbus A321 · London, United Kingdom · Incident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Jul 22, 2019 · YL-LCQ · No damage
  > The 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 DCA19WA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA19WA144.md): Boeing 737 · Las Palmas, Spain · Incident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Mar 26, 2019 · G-TAWA · No damage
  > The 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 WPR19FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA080.md): Cessna 172 · Desert Hot Springs, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Feb 6, 2019 · N20556 · Destroyed
  > The 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 CEN19LA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA051.md): Piper PA 23 · Beaver Island, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 31, 2018 · N2146P · Destroyed
  > The 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 CEN18FA387](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA387.md): Beech 200 · Oscoda, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 25, 2018 · N241CK · Destroyed
  > The 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 WPR18LA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA151.md): Cessna 150M · Bainbridge Island, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 28, 2018 · N6AF · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA18LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA087.md): Aero Commander Callair A 9 · Bunn, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 24, 2018 · N8401V · Substantial damage
  > The 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 GAA18CA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA007.md): Cessna T210 · Waterford, MI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 7, 2017 · N5EC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's unstabilized approach at night, which resulted in collision with trees.
- [NTSB GAA17CA340](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA340.md): Sportine Aviacija LAK 12 · Reno, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 14, 2017 · N4206N · Substantial damage
  > The glider pilot’s failure to maintain proper pitch during an aerotow takeoff.
- [NTSB GAA17CA298](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA298.md): Schweizer SGS233 · Springfield, VT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 20, 2017 · N1242S · Substantial damage
  > The 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 GAA17CA241](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA241.md): American AA 1 · New Market, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 9, 2017 · N5690L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper approach path, which resulted in an impact with trees.
- [NTSB WPR17FA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA085.md): Piper PA 46-310P · Harrisburg, OR · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 7, 2017 · N123SB · Destroyed
  > An 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 GAA17CA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA150.md): Beech F90 · Poplar Bluff, MO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 6, 2017 · N246CA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s descent below the minimum descent altitude during a nonprecision approach, which resulted in a tree strike.
- [NTSB CEN17FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA072.md): Cessna 525 · Cleveland, OH · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 2016 · N614SB · Destroyed
  > Controlled 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 ERA17FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA074.md): Independent Technologies Epic LT · Port Orange, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 27, 2016 · N669WR · Substantial damage
  > The 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 GAA17CA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA087.md): Jack Fehling Celebrity · North Hampton, NH · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 4, 2016 · N28JF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s unstabilized approach, which resulted in the biplane being low and striking trees.
- [NTSB WPR16FA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA158.md): Piper PA 34-200T · Flagstaff, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2016 · N82806 · Destroyed
  > A 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.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/282/sequence.md?page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
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
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/282/sequence

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