NTSB investigations, 2009
31 cases where the sequence of events included VFR encounter with IMC.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 28 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 31 |
| 2010 | 33 |
| 2011 | 31 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 23 |
| 2014 | 22 |
| 2015 | 24 |
| 2016 | 18 |
| 2017 | 29 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 16 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 18 |
| 2025 | 7 |
Where
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 year(c.\"eventDate\") = 2009
AND 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 year(c."eventDate") = 2009 AND 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 ERA10FA091Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Kissimmee, FLThe pilot's decision to depart under special VFR flight at night when instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the departure airport and along the route of flight and his continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted…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 ERA10CA017Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA28 · Lebanon, VAThe pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into known deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.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 WPR10FA005Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Black Canyon City, AZThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were low ceilings, reduced visibility, and mountainous terrain.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 ERA09LA527Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Lowndesville, SCThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and improper decision to continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation after entering instrument flight conditions.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 ERA09FA417Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Boonsboro, MDThe pilot’s improper decision to depart on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight at night in adverse weather conditions in close proximity to rising mountainous terrain in a helicopter that was only certified to be operated under VFR and his subsequent failure…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 CEN09LA350Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPeterson Allen L Dragonfly II · Arthur, NEThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to the use of a over-the-counter medication with sedative effects and spatial disorientation.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 ERA09CA314Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Aurora, WVThe pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and preparation which resulted in a low fuel condition requiring an off-airport landing.NTSB ERA09FA311Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20D · Clintwood, VAThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR09GA216Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportLockheed P2V-7 · Stockton, UTThe flight crew's failure to maintain terrain clearance during low altitude flight in low ceiling and visibility conditions. Contributing to the accident was the flight crew's failure to adequately monitor their location with respect to the rising terrain…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 WPR09FA175Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Sherwood, ORThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in spatial disorientation and a loss of 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 CEN09FA178Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182M · Albany, LAThe pilot's loss of control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation after an encounter with marginal VMC and/or instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt the flight with the preflight…NTSB ANC09LA019Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportConstrucciones Aeronauticas C-212-CC · Kotzebue, AKThe flight crew's decision to continue flight into adverse weather. Contributing to the accident was blowing snow which limited their visibility during final approach to land.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 WPR09FA076Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · West Valley City, UTThe pilot’s inadvertent VFR flight into IMC conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and loss of control of the helicopter. Also causal was the flight instructor’s delay in taking remedial action.NTSB ERA09LA124Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Indiana, PAThe pilot's decision to attempt VFR flight in IMC conditions, resulting in a collision with trees during a go-around.NTSB ERA09LA123Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Powder Springs, TNThe non-instrument rated pilot's decision to continue under visual flight rules into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.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.