NTSB investigations
247 cases where the defining event was VFR encounter with IMC.
Cases, newest first
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 e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e.\"isDefiningEvent\" AND e.\"tier2Number\" = '401') 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 e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e."isDefiningEvent" AND e."tier2Number" = '401') 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 WPR15FA072Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Benson, AZThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, during which he failed to identify forecasted…NTSB CEN15FA092Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-181 · Vaughn, NMThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from terrain.NTSB WPR15FA070Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Sutter Creek, CAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's encounter with instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) while maneuvering, which resulted in a loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt to…NTSB ERA15FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Sommerville, TNThe noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to attempt visual flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impaired…NTSB CEN15FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Pagosa Springs, COThe noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to fly to the destination airport and into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his controlled flight into mountainous terrain during a snow storm.NTSB ERA14LA433Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C 65 · Carrol County, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during an emergency landing after encountering deteriorating weather conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s poor preflight weather planning, which resulted in an inadvertent encounter with…NTSB ERA14FA377Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Senoia, GAThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s inadequate preflight weather planning and his improper decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in night instrument metrological conditions, which resulted in subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB CEN14LA424Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBarger Steve M RV-7A · Russell, IAThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and the subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN14LA376Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT 401B · Ellis, KSThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s inadequate preflight weather planning and subsequent inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and the loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB WPR14FA286Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Fall City, WAThe pilot’s decision to depart in low-ceiling conditions and his continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR14FA244Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA 5B · Florence, ORThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and the subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR14TA149Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBell OH-58A · Tehachapi, CAThe pilot's decision to attempt a mission at night with known en route weather conditions below operating minimums, likely due to self-induced pressure, and then continue flight beyond the alternate landing airport as weather conditions deteriorated, which…NTSB ERA14FA163Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDehavilland DHC-1 · Vonore, TNThe pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN14FA102Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20R · Boyne City, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane as he attempted to return to the airport after encountering dark night conditions and heavy snow showers.NTSB ERA14CA062Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAnderson Andreas Rans S-6S · Traveler's Rest, SCThe pilot's decision to continue visual flight into deteriorating weather, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent inability to maintain clearance with terrain.NTSB ANC14LA007Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 1900C · Deadhorse, AKThe captain’s decision to initiate a visual flight rules approach and attempted landing into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the airplane touching down short of the runway. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s…NTSB CEN14FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T310R · Junction, TXThe noninstrument-rated private pilot's decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a weather…NTSB ERA14FA010Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Somerville, TNThe pilot’s inadvertent encounter with night, instrument meteorological conditions while responding to an obstacle alert, resulting in an in-flight loss of helicopter control.NTSB WPR14CA019Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 - II · Sedro Woolley, WAThe non-instrument rated pilot's inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions during initial climb and his improper decision to continue flight, which resulted in an in-flight impact with a tree and an emergency descent that resulted in a…NTSB ERA14FA002Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Tifton, GAThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA14WA026Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLuscombe 8 - E · Buenos Aires, ArgentinaOn October 14, 2013, about 1134 coordinated universal time, a Luscombe 8E, Argentina registration LV-RTS, was substantially damaged, during descent in thick fog, when it impacted terrain in an industrial park. The flight had departed Zarate Airport (SATE),…NTSB ANC13LA100Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna U206F · Kotzebue, AKThe pilot’s improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA13FA402Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T-50 · Lenox Twp., PAThe pilot's intentional visual flight into night instrument meteorological conditions and thunderstorms and his improper decision to takeoff without getting updated weather information after a briefer cautioned him during a previous flight that visual flight…NTSB ERA13CA389Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 · Blairsville, GAThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into deteriorating weather, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent inability to maintain clearance with terrain.NTSB ERA13FA336Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R66 · Noxen, PAThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB CEN13FA214Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Hawley, MNThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to conduct a flight into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB ERA13FA144Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · Lutz, FLThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of instrument…NTSB ERA13FA133Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310H · Yeehaw Junction, FLThe noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his subsequent spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the copilot's improper evaluation of the weather…NTSB WPR13CA065Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBellanca 7ECA · Tehachapi, CAThe non-instrument-rated pilot's continued descent into instrument meteorological conditions during the landing approach and his loss of situational awareness, which resulted in a collision with terrain.NTSB CEN13FA082Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech P35 · Correctionville, IAThe pilot’s failure to perform a go-around after encountering thick fog at night.NTSB CEN13FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320E · San Marcos, TXThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to takeoff in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB ERA13FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Coolbaugh Township, PAThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions due to self-imposed pressure to complete the trip, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN13FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Intracoastal City, LAThe pilot’s decision to attempt a local flight in marginal visual meteorological conditions and his subsequent loss of control following an inadvertent encounter with instrument metrological conditions shortly after takeoff.NTSB ANC12FA066Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Fairbanks, AKThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions likely leading to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and in-flight structural failure.NTSB WPR12FA305Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Salina, UTThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA12FA438Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · Moscow, TNThe non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation, a loss of airplane control, and subsequent impact with trees and terrain.NTSB ERA12FA205Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna LC42-550FG · Salisburry, NCThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to continue flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB WPR12FA091Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T206H · Show Low, AZThe pilot’s encounter with low clouds/low visibility conditions during the initial climb, which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA12CA119Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHughes 369D · Fall Branch, TNThe pilot's improper decision to continue a visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a wire strike.NTSB ANC12CA016Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 207A · Kwigillingok, AKThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions with moderate icing, which resulted in structural icing and an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ANC12FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · Chuathbaluk, AKThe pilot’s loss of situational awareness after an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with tree-covered terrain.NTSB ERA12FA012Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Peru, WVThe non-instrument rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.NTSB WPR11FA395Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-7-235C · Brookings, ORThe pilot’s improper decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees while on approach for landing.NTSB ANC11FA077Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · McGrath, AKThe pilot's decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA11FA422Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Berne, NYThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and rising terrain while attempting to reverse course. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather…NTSB ERA11WA439Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R-44 · Istok, RussiaOn July 9, 2011, at 1900 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R-44, Russian registration RA-04304, registered to and operated by a private owner, collided with the Yenisei River, near Istok, Krasnoyarsk Region, Russia, during a repositioning flight at…NTSB WPR11FA241Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R172K · Cold Springs, NVThe pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a controlled collision with terrain.NTSB WPR11FA230Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCameron Lancair Legacy · Pioneer, CAThe pilot’s continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions at an insufficient altitude to clear terrain.NTSB ERA11GA207Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna A185F · Ashland, MEAn inadvertent encounter with localized instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB CEN11FA240Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150D · Baraboo, WIThe student pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and his decision to continue the flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a subsequent loss of airplane control.