Final NTSB investigations

80 cases where the sequence of events included Altitude deviation.

Cases per year

20082026
Final NTSB investigations per year, 2008–2026: 80 cases
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20092
20109
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20126
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Latest 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\" = '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.

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…Mar 10, 2024 · N1125A · DestroyedNTSB 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…Dec 3, 2023 · N76SB · DestroyedNTSB 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,…Jul 8, 2023 · N819KR · DestroyedNTSB 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…May 7, 2023 · N725AS · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Dec 19, 2022 · N212UA · No damageNTSB 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.Nov 13, 2022 · N5171B · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Sep 9, 2022 · N77VJ · Substantial damageNTSB 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…Jun 18, 2022 · N13AR · DestroyedNTSB 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.Jun 3, 2022 · N7581F · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Mar 1, 2022 · N786SH · Substantial damageNTSB 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…Oct 5, 2021 · N283SA · DestroyedNTSB 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…Mar 17, 2020 · N150X · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Aug 22, 2019 · N901BG · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Feb 6, 2019 · N20556 · DestroyedNTSB 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…Dec 31, 2018 · N2146P · DestroyedNTSB 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.Sep 25, 2018 · N241CK · DestroyedNTSB 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.May 28, 2018 · N6AF · Substantial damageNTSB 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…Feb 24, 2018 · N8401V · Substantial damageNTSB GAA18CA007Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna T210 · Waterford, MIThe pilot's unstabilized approach at night, which resulted in collision with trees.Oct 7, 2017 · N5EC · Substantial damageNTSB GAA17CA340Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportSportine Aviacija LAK 12 · Reno, NVThe glider pilot’s failure to maintain proper pitch during an aerotow takeoff.Jun 14, 2017 · N4206N · Substantial damageNTSB 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.May 20, 2017 · N1242S · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Apr 9, 2017 · N5690L · Substantial damageNTSB 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…Apr 7, 2017 · N123SB · DestroyedNTSB 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.Feb 6, 2017 · N246CA · Substantial damageNTSB 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…Dec 30, 2016 · N614SB · DestroyedNTSB 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…Dec 27, 2016 · N669WR · Substantial damageNTSB GAA17CA087Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportJack Fehling Celebrity · North Hampton, NHThe pilot’s unstabilized approach, which resulted in the biplane being low and striking trees.Dec 4, 2016 · N28JF · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Aug 3, 2016 · N82806 · DestroyedNTSB 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.Apr 30, 2016 · N330MT · DestroyedNTSB 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…Apr 20, 2016 · N7MC · DestroyedNTSB 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.Mar 27, 2016 · N776JM · DestroyedNTSB CEN16LA076Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Gary, INThe 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.Dec 30, 2015 · N999VB · Substantial damageNTSB GAA16CA077Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 28 · California, MDThe 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.Dec 11, 2015 · N432FL · Substantial damageNTSB GAA16CA011Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · McMinnville, ORThe 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…Oct 2, 2015 · N20488 · Substantial damageNTSB 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…Apr 6, 2015 · N555JC · Substantial damageNTSB GAA15CA005Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 208B · Muskegon, MIThe 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.Mar 10, 2015 · N12155 · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Feb 5, 2015 · N441TG · Substantial damageNTSB 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,…Jan 9, 2015 · N383GM · Substantial damageNTSB 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…Sep 5, 2014 · N900KN · DestroyedNTSB CEN14LA480Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 188 · Hearne, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a crop.Aug 16, 2014 · N878C · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Jun 20, 2014 · N74584 · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Mar 1, 2014 · N7203E · DestroyedNTSB CEN14IA139Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Gunnison, COThe 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.Feb 14, 2014 · N18DN · Minor damageNTSB CEN14LA129Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Elk City, OKThe pilot’s descent below the published minimum descent altitude for the instrument approach procedure, which resulted in impact with a utility pole.Feb 4, 2014 · N61YP · Substantial damageNTSB 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…Jan 11, 2014 · N3829G · DestroyedNTSB 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.Dec 1, 2013 · N36ML · DestroyedNTSB ERA14CA025Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMooney M20TN · Tylertown, MSThe 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.Oct 26, 2013 · N812PT · Substantial damageNTSB WPR13CA428Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 182Q · Big Bear, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized landing approach, which resulted in a collision with a fence short of the runway.Sep 28, 2013 · N759UP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13CA352Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-33A · Erwinna, PAThe 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.Aug 4, 2013 · N1211S · Substantial damageNTSB WPR13CA260Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportWampach Murphy Moose · Galt, CAThe pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in an abnormal runway contact.Jun 1, 2013 · N331RW · Substantial damage