NTSB investigations
392 cases where the sequence of events included 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 s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s.\"tier2Number\" = '401' 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."mKey" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '401' 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 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 CEN15FA027Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Bay City, WIThe non-instrument rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control.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 ERA14FA359Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Clayton, GAThe pilot’s decision to begin a flight with fog and low clouds present at the airport, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions immediately after takeoff and a controlled flight into terrain.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 CEN14FA369Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAgusta A109E · Newkirk, NMThe pilot's inadvertent visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control.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 ERA14FA292Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportColumbia Aircraft Mfg LC41 550FG · East Patchogue, NYThe noninstrument-rated pilot's encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and his decision to continue visual flight rules flight in instrument conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.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 WPR14FA188Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Cody, WYThe non-instrument rated pilots’ decision to continue flight into known instrument meteorological conditions over mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR14FA172Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNBB Glasair III · Young, AZThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to enter instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA14CA189Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMoore Thomas O Zenith Stol CH701 · Frostproof, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a precautionary landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's delayed decision to divert due to deteriorating weather.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 ERA14LA122Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Pinson, TNThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions at night and his failure to divert in a timely manner, which resulted in an off-airport precautionary landing and subsequent substantial damage to the airplane.NTSB ERA14LA117Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Stuart, FLThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into dark night, instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation and subsequent impact with water.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 CEN14LA074Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-181 · Rock Lake, NDThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s failure to obtain weather briefings immediately before and during the flight and his continued flight into icing conditions, which resulted in the airplane’s loss of performance and the subsequent controlled descent into trees…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 WPR14FA044Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206F · Donnelly, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering in likely low-ceiling and low-visibility conditions in mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA14FA027Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Nashville, TNThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into night instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in a collision with the runway during an attempted approach to land. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s mental state, his…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 CEN13LA439Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWoods Rufus III Vans RV-8A · Lucas, KSThe noninstrument-rated pilot's inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA13FA273Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Manchester, KYThe pilot’s loss of helicopter control due to spatial disorientation when he inadvertently encountered night, instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the main rotor and tailboom.NTSB CEN13FA217Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Guymon, OKThe noninstrument-rated pilot's encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and his subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to take off in deteriorating…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 WPR13FA138Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Saratoga, WYThe pilot’s decision to attempt flight into approaching adverse weather, which led to his low-level flight, encounter with mountain obscuration and moderate turbulence, and his subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the severity of the pilot’s…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 ERA13CA142Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportDombroski Frank Vans RV-10 · Lake Placid, NYThe pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision making, which resulted in attempted visual flight in night instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent impact with terrain.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 ANC13LA021Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Kalskag, AKThe pilot’s decision to take off into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference and the subsequent controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the severity of the rear seat passenger’s injuries was the incorrect…NTSB WPR13FA312Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Yosemite Valley, CAThe pilot’s decision to continue flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain situational awareness and sufficient altitude to clear mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA13WA089Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA34 · Zulia, ColombiaOn December 12, 2012, about 1530 universal coordinated time (1030 local time), a Piper PA-34-200T, Colombian registration HK4477G, was destroyed when it impacted rising mountainous terrain in the vicinity of La Cuchilla, near Zulia, Norte de Santander,…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.