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 WPR11FA082Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 114B · Lander, WYThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight in instrument or marginal visual meteorological conditions in mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of…NTSB ERA11FA038Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210A · Aiken, SCThe pilot's inadequate weather planning and improper decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…NTSB ERA10FA503Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Sweetwater, TNThe pilot's inadequate preflight weather planning and improper decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB CEN10FA520Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210 · Mountain Home, ARThe pilot’s decision to continue flight into a known area of heavy rain and his subsequent failure to maintain aircraft control.NTSB WPR10LA446Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G · Salinas, CAThe pilot's visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and loss of helicopter control.NTSB ANC10FA069Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · McGrath, AKThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and the airplane’s subsequent aerodynamic stall, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.NTSB WPR10FA397Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 500-B · Burns, ORThe non-instrument rated pilot's improper decision to continue flight into an area of known instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain control of the airplane after entering those conditions.NTSB CEN10CA452Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMaule MX-7-180A · Pittsfield, ILThe pilot's loss of directional control during a precautionary off-field landing that he performed after encountering deteriorating weather conditions.NTSB WPR10LA259Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSocata TB-20 · Happy Camp, CAThe pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and decision to continue to operate under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an encounter with an embedded thunderstorm and rain showers and moderate to severe turbulence,…NTSB ANC10CA027Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 182B · Port Alsworth, AKThe pilot's decision to enter adverse weather conditions, resulting in a loss of visibility and collision with terrain during a turn to reverse direction.NTSB WPR10FA142Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Groveland, CAThe pilot's continued flight into night instrument meteorological conditions during the landing approach, which resulted in an in-flight loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR10CA129Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMaule M-5-235C · Kelton, UTThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to take off and fly into marginal weather conditions.NTSB WPR10FA120Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Phoenix, AZThe student pilot’s decision to take off in marginal visual flight rules conditions, which resulted in an encounter with low clouds, and the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires while maneuvering in the traffic pattern for landing.NTSB WPR10CA106Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 140 · Chico, CAThe pilot’s inadequate weather evaluation and failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering in low visibility conditions.NTSB ERA10FA062Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Dennisville, NJThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to depart into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and overcontrol of the airplane and the subsequent in-flight structural failure. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB CEN10LA055Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Naytahwaush, MNThe non-instrument rated pilot's decision to continue the flight into known instrument meteorological conditions resulting in spatial disorientation and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN10LA041Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWicks Air Center Hornet · Bonham, TXThe pilot's loss of control shortly after takeoff due to spatial disorientation in fog and/or low-level clouds.NTSB ERA10LA007Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCase Richard L VAN RV-6 · Magnolia, NCThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meterological conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight evaluation of the weather.NTSB ERA09FA537Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS-350 · Georgetown, SCThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and a loss of control of the helicopter. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate…NTSB CEN09FA603Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Houma, LAThe pilot’s decision to take off into instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CEN09LA597Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Columbia, MOThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which included low ceilings and fog, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of engine power as a result of water…NTSB WPR09FA428Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Canyonville, ORThe non-instrument-rated and non-certificated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions in mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA09FA487Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TB20 · Pavo, GAThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, with embedded intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, and severe to extreme turbulence, resulting in an in-flight separation of the left wing due to overstress.NTSB ERA09LA392Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNoles Vance L Vans RV7A · Sanderson, FLThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions with convective activity and thunderstorms. Contributing to the accident was his failure to get an adequate weather briefing.NTSB CEN09PA348Accident · 2 fatalClass 1Final reportAgusta A109E · Santa Fe, NMThe pilot's decision to take off from a remote, mountainous landing site in dark (moonless) night, windy, instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were an organizational culture that prioritized mission execution over aviation safety…NTSB CEN09FA340Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream American AA-5B · Humbird, WIThe pilot's decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight into an area of known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR09FA176Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-4-220C · Hungry Horse, MTThe pilot's improper decision to continue flight into an area of reduced visibility and snow showers during cruise flight, which resulted in the pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of aircraft control.NTSB CEN09FA195Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA-1B · Golden, NMThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's recent usage of alcohol and his subsequent impairment.NTSB ERA09FA145Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Huntington, WV(1) The pilot’s failure to perform adequate preflight planning and to use available in flight resources in a timely manner and (2) his decision to continue visual-flight-rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions despite his lack of an instrument…NTSB ERA09LA128Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Philadelphia, MSThe pilot's improper preflight weather planning and his continued VFR flight into IMC conditions resulting in an in-flight collision with trees.NTSB CEN09LA056Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182M · Basalt, COThe non-instrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his loss of control of the airplane in flight.NTSB ERA09FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Dryden, NYThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CHI08FA293Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 II · Kenosha, WIThe pilots failure to maintain clearance from terrain resulting in an in-flight collision with a house. Contributing to the accident was the night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and the pilot's lack of experience of flying in IMC.NTSB NYC08LA310Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDufault Mark V Pitts S-1D · Ridgely, MDThe pilot's inadequate preflight weather evaluation which resulted in an attempted landing in fog and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB DFW08FA212Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Yuma, COThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB DEN08FA141Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182T · Georgia Pass, COThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after inadvertantly encountering instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's failure to obtain a weather brief and the severe weather conditions.NTSB DEN08LA139Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDickey RV-6A · Muskogee, OKThe pilot's improper decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into an area of reduced visibility weather conditions, which resulted in the pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB ANC08FA133Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Juneau, AKThe pilot's decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot experiencing a loss of visual reference and subsequent controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB NYC08LA223Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Rockland, METhe non-instrument rated pilot becoming spatially disorientated after inadvertently entering instrument flight conditions.NTSB LAX08LA154Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMaule MX-7-235 · Boulder, MTThe pilot's decision to continue flight at low altitude in instrument weather conditions and his failure to maintain clearance from a power line. Contributing to the accident were low cloud and visibility conditions.NTSB LAX08CA150Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Rockport, CAThe pilot's performance of VFR flight into IMC, resulting in failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing to the accident was the fog.NTSB NYC08FA180Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Cruso, NCThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions with moderate to severe turbulence prevailing. Contributing to the accident were the instrument meteorological conditions and turbulence.NTSB CHI08CA131Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportKuntz Kuntz 2000 GTS EFI · Dickinson, NDThe pilot's inadequate preflight weather evaluation and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the precautionary landing at night. Contributing to the accident was the pilot becoming lost after inadvertently encountering fog while en route, the night…NTSB SEA08LA105Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGlasair Glasair III · Cheyenne, WYThe pilot's improper decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions. Contributing to the accident were low ceilings, snow and whiteout conditions.NTSB CHI08LA080Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Grand Meadow, MNThe pilot's continued visual flight into an area of known instrument meteorological conditions in an airplane not equipped for instrument flight, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB DFW08FA062Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter France AS350B2 · S. Padre Island, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in the helicopter impacting the water. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions, the low ceiling, dark night conditions, and…NTSB LAX08FA058Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Cabazon, CAThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain terrain clearance while en route. Contributing to the accident were clouds and mountainous terrain.