NTSB investigations
98 cases where the defining event was Loss of visual reference.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 4 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 5 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 10 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Where
Open the mapLatest 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.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e.\"isDefiningEvent\" AND e.\"tier2Number\" = '402') 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" = '402') 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 CEN27LA014AccidentClass 4 · LimitedInvestigation openCessna 210N · Gonzales, LANTSB WPR26LA230Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportStephen Aberle Chipper CH-2A · Alva, OKThe pilot's decision to taxi the tailwheel-equipped airplane over uneven terrain while operating with limited forward visibility, which resulted in the left main landing gear entering a hole.NTSB WPR25LA262Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Burlington, WAThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid the light pole, which resulted in a collision with the light pole and subsequent ground impact.NTSB WPR25LA201Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportLancair IV · Alpine, WYThe pilot’s loss of visual reference during the landing approach which resulted in a collision with water.NTSB WPR25LA194Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Helena, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.NTSB ANC25LA064Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Palmer, AKThe pilot’s diverted attention during takeoff in flat light conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference with terrain.NTSB CEN25LA211Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna U206 · Falun, WIThe pilot experiencing the featureless terrain illusion during the approach which gave the perception that the airplane was at a higher altitude over the glassy water surface than it was, resulting in the airplane impacting the water.NTSB ERA24FA283Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46 · Trout Creek, NYThe pilot’s loss of airplane control in flight due to spatial disorientation during a climb to cruise altitude in instrument meteorological conditions and turbulence, which resulted in the in-flight breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB ERA24LA227Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBrallier Scott Glasair I · Gulf of Mexico, FLThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while flying over water in dark night conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to conduct the overwater flight in conditions conducive to the…NTSB WPR24FA057Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172G · Independence, ORThe pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in collision with an obstacle while landing.NTSB WPR23LA339Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter France AS350B2 · Silverton, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain visual reference and altitude while maneuvering over a lake during dusk conditions, which resulted in the helicopter impacting water.NTSB ERA23FA270Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Ebensburg, PAThe pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.NTSB CEN23FA125Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Port O'Connor, TXThe pilot’s initiation of the visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of helicopter control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s flicker vertigo during the flight.NTSB ANC23LA022Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna U206F · Chugiak, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in flat light conditions which resulted in a loss of control and impact with a snow berm.NTSB WPR23LA103Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Porterville, UTThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from snow covered terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB ERA23LA057Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 175 · Gilford, NHThe pilot’s decision to continue the approach to land in conditions where he was unable to see in front of the airplane due to sun glare, which resulted in in a collision a building.NTSB WPR22LA125Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter AS332L1 · Azusa, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree after encountering brownout conditions and a loss of visual reference during the approach to land.NTSB ANC22LA022Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna U206F · Newhalen, 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.NTSB WPR22FA073Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20C · Marana, AZThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation after entering instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to use of methamphetamine before the flight.NTSB CEN22FA067Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA 28-140 · Houston, TXThe student pilot’s decision to depart into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN21LA281Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-35 · Wellington, COThe glider pilot’s loss of visual references during the landing approach resulting in an off-airport landing on rough sloping terrain.NTSB WPR21FA143Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAirbus Helicopters AS350-B3 · Palmer, AKThe pilot’s failure to adequately respond to an encounter with whiteout conditions, which resulted in the helicopter’s collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the (1) operator’s inadequate pilot training program and pilot competency checks,…NTSB CEN21FA150Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAviat A-1B · Berwyn, NEA loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain as a result of spatial disorientation during cruise in dark night conditions.NTSB WPR21LA021Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Pahrump, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control while hovering low over a body a water while facing into the sun, which resulted in a loss of visual reference and subsequent impact with the lake surface.NTSB CEN20FA010Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Aberdeen, SDThe noncertificated pilot’s decision to fly in dark night instrument conditions, resulting in impact with terrain.NTSB GAA19WA574Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCirrus SR22 · Pedreguer, SpainThe government of Spain has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CIRRUS SR22 airplane that occurred on September 15, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Spain's investigation under the provisions…NTSB ERA19FA234Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Americus, GAThe pilot’s decision to depart in dark instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s and pilot-rated passenger’s self-induced pressure to…NTSB GAA19CA423Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 182 · Salmon, IDThe pilot's delayed decision to abort the landing on a wet grass runway and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action. Contributing to the accident was the wet runway which degraded braking.NTSB GAA19WA417Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationDe Havilland DHC2 · Chibogamau, CanadaThe government of Canada has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a DE HAVILLAND DHC2 airplane that occurred on July 12, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Canada's investigation under the…NTSB ERA19FA191Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAgusta A109 · New York, NYThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to initiate the flight into marginal visual flight rules and instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of control.NTSB ERA19FA163Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportGuimbal Cabri · Kent Island, MDThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent descent into the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to conduct the flight at a low altitude without…NTSB ERA19FA116Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Fellsmere, FLThe student pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation following an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the failure of both the pilot and the flight school to ensure that the…NTSB WPR19FA025Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Redding, CAThe pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control after takeoff in dark night instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA19FA010Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportVans RV8 · Culpeper, VAThe pilot's loss of attitude orientation while maneuvering at low altitude in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB ANC18TA070Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportCessna U206 · Willow, AKThe pilot receiving instruction's failure to maintain control during a night landing pattern crosswind turn due to spatial disorientation and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action, which resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB WPR18FA232Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369 · Granger, TXThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid a power line while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's decision to not follow the training syllabus and allow the low-level high-speed flight.NTSB ANC18FA053Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportDe Havilland DHC 3 · Hydaburg, AKThe pilot's decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB GAA18CA215Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPage Russell L Long EZ · Wakefield, VAThe pilot’s failure to secure the canopy before flight, which resulted in the airplane striking a fence during the approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow the Before Takeoff checklist and In-flight Canopy Opening checklist…NTSB WPR18LA113Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer G 164B · Stockton, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with power lines while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.NTSB ERA18LA094Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Ocean City, MDThe pilot's flight in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in an impact with water for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB GAA18CA095Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 150 · Nampa, IDThe pilot’s geographic disoriention during a night flight, which resulted in an off-airport landing.NTSB ANC18LA014Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Miami, FLThe pilot's decision to continue the landing after a loss of visual cues during a night landing.NTSB WPR17LA181Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRans S9 · Athol, IDThe pilot's loss of pitch attitude and ground proximity awareness, which resulted in an unintentionally steep initial climb and an overcorrection into a steep descent and ground impact.NTSB GAA17CA474Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 210 · Bettles, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate glidepath during the approach to the runway over glassy water and in glaring sun conditions.NTSB GAA17CA388Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 207 · Hope, AKThe pilot’s inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent controlled flight into terrain.NTSB GAA17CA225Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportWeatherly 620B · Lewistown, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during low-altitude maneuvers in flat light conditions.NTSB ERA17FA139Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Aberdeen, MSThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain after takeoff in dark night conditions for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB GAA17CA147Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna A185 · Fairbanks, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate glidepath to the runway and to use the vertical guidance system.NTSB ANC17LA011Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 · Unalaska, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during a precautionary landing in whiteout conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB GAA16CA422Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 195 · Hillsborough, ORThe pilot's failure to attain a proper touchdown point and loss of directional control and her subsequent excessive brake application, which resulted in a nose-over.