# Final 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 2 · 80 cases ## Latest cases - [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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. - [NTSB WPR16FA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA097.md): Extra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/L · Henderson, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 30, 2016 · N330MT · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to monitor and maintain clearance with terrain while maneuvering at low level. Contributing to the accident, was the pilot's failure to conduct an adequate amount of clearing turns while maneuvering at low level. - [NTSB CEN16FA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA158.md): Beech 65 A90 1 · Slidell, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 20, 2016 · N7MC · Destroyed > The unstable approach in black-hole conditions, resulting in the airplane overshooting the runway extended centerline and descending well below a safe glidepath for the runway. Contributing to the accident was the lack of monitoring by the copilot allowing… - [NTSB ERA16FA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA143.md): Robinson R44 · Canadensis, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 27, 2016 · N776JM · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation, which occurred after ascending in order to clear rising terrain and inadvertently entering the clouds. - [NTSB CEN16LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA076.md): Beech 200 · Gary, IN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 2015 · N999VB · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain the glidepath and appropriate airspeed during landing in icing conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a hard landing. - [NTSB GAA16CA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA077.md): Piper PA 28 · California, MD · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 11, 2015 · N432FL · Substantial damage > The student pilot's descent below the prescribed final approach path at night, and flight instructor's failure to correct the student pilot's descent, which resulted in a collision with trees and impact with the ground. - [NTSB GAA16CA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA011.md): Cessna 172M · McMinnville, OR · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 2, 2015 · N20488 · Substantial damage > The flight instructor's failure to correct the student pilot's approach path during the final approach, which resulted in a collision with runway threshold lights. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's failure to attain and maintain the… - [NTSB ERA15FA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA178.md): Hughes 369D · Cherokee, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 6, 2015 · N555JC · Substantial damage > The pilot's spatial disorientation during a low-level river crossing in rainy, gray, reduced visibility meteorological conditions, which resulted in the helicopter's subsequent descent and impact with the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's… - [NTSB GAA15CA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA005.md): Cessna 208B · Muskegon, MI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 10, 2015 · N12155 · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper decision to continue the landing when the airplane was not in a safe position to land, resulting in the collision with ground-based approach lighting. - [NTSB CEN15FA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA136.md): Cessna 441 · Argyle, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 5, 2015 · N441TG · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the instrument approach in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall/spin at a low altitude. - [NTSB WPR15FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA082.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Tooele, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 9, 2015 · N383GM · Substantial damage > The non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to depart into low visibility conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impaired performance due to his use of the sedating antihistamine,… - [NTSB ERA14LA424](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA424.md): Socata TBM 700 · Caribbean Sea, A1 · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 2014 · N900KN · Destroyed > The design of the cabin pressurization system, which made it prone to unnecessary shutdown, combined with a checklist design that prioritized troubleshooting over ensuring that the pilot was sufficiently protected from hypoxia. This resulted in a loss of… - [NTSB CEN14LA480](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA480.md): Cessna 188 · Hearne, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2014 · N878C · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a crop. - [NTSB WPR14FA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA262.md): Mooney M20B · Page, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 20, 2014 · N74584 · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain while maneuvering in a canyon in high-density altitude conditions. - [NTSB ERA14FA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA138.md): Beech F33 · Lumberport, WV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 1, 2014 · N7203E · Destroyed > A stroke or cardiovascular event, which resulted in the pilot’s acute impairment or incapacitation and his subsequent flight into terrain. - [NTSB CEN14IA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14IA139.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Gunnison, CO · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Feb 14, 2014 · N18DN · Minor damage > The pilot's improper decision to initiate the flight into an area with forecast icing conditions, which resulted in an encounter with in-flight icing conditions that prevented the airplane from being able to maintain altitude. - [NTSB CEN14LA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA129.md): Cessna 525 · Elk City, OK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 4, 2014 · N61YP · Substantial damage > The pilot’s descent below the published minimum descent altitude for the instrument approach procedure, which resulted in impact with a utility pole. - [NTSB CEN14FA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA110.md): Cessna 310R · Waterford, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 11, 2014 · N3829G · Destroyed > The pilot's controlled flight into terrain during an instrument landing system approach at night in instrument flight rules conditions. Contributing to the accident were the operator's inadequate training of the pilot, the operator's failure to provide a… - [NTSB WPR14FA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA094.md): Beech B36TC · Yellow Pine, ID · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 1, 2013 · N36ML · Destroyed > The pilot’s continued flight into known light-to-moderate icing conditions over mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine power due to induction icing. - [NTSB ERA14CA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA025.md): Mooney M20TN · Tylertown, MS · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 26, 2013 · N812PT · Substantial damage > The pilot's misjudgment of speed and distance on final approach resulting in touchdown prior to the runway, a runway excursion down the right side of the runway, and a collision with an embankment. - [NTSB WPR13CA428](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA428.md): Cessna 182Q · Big Bear, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 28, 2013 · N759UP · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized landing approach, which resulted in a collision with a fence short of the runway. - [NTSB ERA13CA352](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA352.md): Schweizer SGS 2-33A · Erwinna, PA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 4, 2013 · N1211S · Substantial damage > The student pilot's improper altitude and energy management in the landing pattern which resulted in the glider impacting a tree and landing short of the runway. - [NTSB WPR13CA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA260.md): Wampach Murphy Moose · Galt, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 1, 2013 · N331RW · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in an abnormal runway contact. Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/282/sequence.md?status=final&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."completionStatus" = 'Completed' AND 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?status=final --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.