Fatal NTSB investigations
43 cases where the sequence of events included Altitude deviation.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 5 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
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.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal'
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"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."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' 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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.NTSB WPR16FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportExtra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/L · Henderson, NVThe 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 CEN16FA158Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 65 A90 1 · Slidell, LAThe 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 ERA16FA143Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Canadensis, PAThe 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 ERA15FA178Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Cherokee, ALThe 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 CEN15FA136Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 441 · Argyle, TXThe 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 WPR15FA082Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Tooele, UTThe 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 ERA14LA424Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSocata TBM 700 · Caribbean Sea, A1The 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 WPR14FA262Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20B · Page, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain while maneuvering in a canyon in high-density altitude conditions.NTSB ERA14WA148Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationZivko Aeronautics Edge 540T · Al Khor, QatarOn March 17, 2014, about 1725 local time, a Zivko Aeronautics Edge 540T, N149WA, was substantially damaged when it collided with the ground during an airshow performance at Al Khor Airport (OTBK), Al Khor, Qatar. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The…NTSB ERA14FA138Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33 · Lumberport, WVA stroke or cardiovascular event, which resulted in the pilot’s acute impairment or incapacitation and his subsequent flight into terrain.NTSB CEN14FA110Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Waterford, MIThe 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 WPR14FA094Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B36TC · Yellow Pine, IDThe 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 ERA13FA064Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Canton, CTThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while performing a night visual approach to an airport. Contributing to the accident were the dark night and the pilot's lack of recent experience flying at night.NTSB ERA13FA032Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSwift Museum Foundation GC-1A · East Moriches, NYThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed, while attempting a precautionary landing for reasons that could not be determined from the available evidence. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s pitch-up reaction to birds that took flight during his…NTSB ERA12FA483Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Plainville, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath during final approach in visual meteorological conditions, resulting in collision with a berm.NTSB WPR12FA154Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T182 · Ludlow, CAThe in-flight loss of control due to the pilot’s impairment as a result of hypoxia. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s operation of the airplane above 12,500 feet without the aid of supplemental oxygen.NTSB WPR12MA034Accident · 5 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportEurocopter EC 130 B4 · Pukoo, HIThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain while operating in marginal weather conditions, which resulted in the impact of the horizontal stabilizer and lower forward portion of the fenestron with ground and/or vegetation and led to…NTSB ERA11FA219Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Greensboro, NCThe pilot’s spatial disorientation due to a somatogravic illusion while conducting a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the airplane’s descent into objects and terrain.NTSB ERA11FA102Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310F · Orange, MAThe pilot did not maintain separation from trees during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and lack of recent night flight experience.NTSB ERA11FA070Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 46-350P · Destin, FLControlled flight into water due to the pilot's improper descent below the published minimum descent altitude.NTSB ERA10LA113Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFoster John Glasair III · Oxford, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach path during visual conditions at dusk, which resulted in an in-flight collision with power lines.NTSB CEN09FA562Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Tulsa, OKThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to attempt flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and an in-flight collision with a radio tower guy wire.NTSB CEN09WA082Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLearjet Lear 23 · Tlaxcala, MexicoOn December 7, 2008 at approximately 1815 central standard time (CST) a twin-engine turbo fan, Learjet 23, Mexican Registration XC-LGD, was destroyed when it impacted a lake while on final approach to an unlit day visual flight rules airport near Tlaxcala,…NTSB ERA09FA060Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Smithfield, RIThe pilot's improper descent below the published minimum descent altitude during the approach, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB MIA08MA203Accident · 4 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportAerospatiale SA365N-1 D · District Heights, MDThe pilot's attempt to regain visual conditions by performing a rapid descent and his failure to arrest the descent at the minimum descent altitude during a nonprecision approach. Contributing to the accident were (1) the pilot’s limited recent instrument…NTSB NYC08FA157Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCartwright H Jr/Cottrell M RV-10 · Seale, ALThe pilot-in-command's in-flight loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the weather conditions and the pilot-in-command's lack of flight experience in the accident airplane.NTSB NYC08MA090Accident · 6 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportRaytheon C90A · Mount Airy, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's improper decision to descend below the minimum descent altitude, and failure to follow the published missed approach…