NTSB investigations
98 cases where the defining event was Loss of visual reference.
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\" = '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 ANC16LA022Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAirbus AS350 · Juneau, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while on approach to land in flat light conditions. Contributing to the severity of the pilot's injuries was the inadequately restrained internal cargo, which shifted forward during the impact and struck the…NTSB ERA16FA143Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Canadensis, PAThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation, which occurred after ascending in order to clear rising terrain and inadvertently entering the clouds.NTSB ERA16LA106Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Destin, FLThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to turn the airplane away from the lighted airport at low altitude, over water, with no visible horizon, in dark night conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.NTSB GAA16CA077Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 28 · California, MDThe student pilot's descent below the prescribed final approach path at night, and flight instructor's failure to correct the student pilot's descent, which resulted in a collision with trees and impact with the ground.NTSB ERA16FA032Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-180 · Cornelia, GAThe pilot's decision to initiate the flight into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA16FA031Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFlight Design Ctls · Queens, NYThe noninstrument-rated pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control while maneuvering at low altitude, over water with no visible horizon, in dark night conditions, which resulted in a collision with the water.NTSB WPR16FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28R-180 · Morongo Valley, CAThe non-instrument rated pilot's improper inflight decision-making to attempt to outclimb clouds along his planned route rather than reverse course, which resulted in his inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, spatial disorientation, and…NTSB GAA16CA016Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCentral Missouri State Univ HP 14 · Jackson, NHThe glider pilot's decision to descend into a broken to overcast cloud layer, which resulted in encountering instrument meteorological conditions and the pilot parachuting from the glider. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of planning for an…NTSB WPR15FA247Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Townsend, MTThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct a cross-country flight over a mountain range in dark night conditions with limited night flight experience, which resulted in a collision with mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA15FA299Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R · Marathon, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff due to spatial disorientation while turning after takeoff in dark night conditions in a sparsely populated area, which resulted in the airplane’s descent into water. Contributing to the…NTSB ERA15FA178Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Cherokee, ALThe pilot's spatial disorientation during a low-level river crossing in rainy, gray, reduced visibility meteorological conditions, which resulted in the helicopter's subsequent descent and impact with the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's…NTSB CEN15FA171Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B2 · Eufaula, OKThe flight's inadvertent encounter with night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot turning the helicopter and subsequently descending into trees and terrain due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR15FA082Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Tooele, UTThe non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to depart into low visibility conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impaired performance due to his use of the sedating antihistamine,…NTSB WPR14LA322Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer G 164B · Tulelake, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering during low-altitude operations.NTSB CEN14CA368Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportMckenzie Douglas E Stol CH750 · Dodgeville, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff resulting in an impact with a tree and terrain.NTSB WPR14CA115Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 47G 5A · Greenfield, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power pole during low-altitude maneuvering flight.NTSB ERA14LA111Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGates Learjet 35A · Ft. Lauderdale, FLThe pilot’s failure to ensure that the ground power unit was disconnected from the airplane via hand signals from the lineman providing ground services before taxiing, which resulted in an injury to the lineman.NTSB ERA14CA021Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna A185F · Northeast Carry, METhe pilot's improper decision to take off for an intended night water landing, and his subsequent loss of depth perception during that landing attempt.NTSB WPR13CA326Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna A185F · Cascade, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during final approach due to the sun glare that obscured the pilot's vision.NTSB WPR13CA235Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportSwanson Tiger Moth 80 · Lynden, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during final approach and his obscured vision due to the sun glare.NTSB CEN13CA206Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna T206H · Sabinal, TXThe pilot’s failure to properly identify the airstrip, which resulted in him landing the airplane off of the airstrip in soft soil causing the nose over.NTSB ERA13CA122Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAmirkhanian Shahram Charl Commander · Westminster, MDImpact with power lines due to the pilot’s obscured vision due to the low angle of the sun, which prevented the pilot from seeing the lines.NTSB CEN13FA135Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Pellston, MIThe pilot's inadvertent controlled descent into terrain due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was lack of visual reference due to night conditions.NTSB WPR13FA080Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Delano, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in low visibility, dark night conditions.NTSB ERA13WA068Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationEmbraer 810D · Chapada dos Guimaraes, BrazilOn November 1, 2012, at 1950 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), an Embraer Aircraft model EMB-810D (Piper Design PA-34-220T), Brazilian registration PT-VRV, operated by a private owner, was substantially damaged following an encounter with weather and a…NTSB ANC13CA006Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18-125 · Cordova, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during takeoff.NTSB ERA12LA562Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRepublic RC-3 · Cedar Bluff, ALThe pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines during final approach to landing.NTSB WPR12CA183Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 206B · Arvin, CAThe pilot did not maintain clearance from power lines during low altitude maneuvering.NTSB CEN12CA221Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402A · Ganado, TXThe improper positioning of the hopper vent, which allowed chemicals to escape and cover the airplane's windshield.NTSB ERA12WA113Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Sao Bento do Sul, BrazilOn December 9, 2011 at 1630 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R44, Brazilian registration PR-KLA, operated by SASH Locacao de Veiculos LTDA, as a personal flight, impacted terrain in the vicinity of Fazenda Coqueiros, Sao Bento do Sul, Santa Catarina,…NTSB CEN12CA065Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 182J · Alexandria, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the night landing.NTSB ANC11TA110Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBell 206 B3 · Seward, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from snow-covered terrain during hover in deteriorating weather and flat light conditions, which resulted in a tail rotor strike.NTSB CEN11FA557Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23 · Millersburg, OHThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with terrain during the landing approach in night conditions and fog. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.NTSB CEN11CA545Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAyres S2R-G6 · Forest City, IAThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout during an aerial application run, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a windmill.NTSB CEN11FA468Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Rising Sun, INThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and failure to maintain clearance from terrain.NTSB CEN11CA314Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPrichard Kevin Legacy 2K · Kansas City, MOThe pilot's misjudgment of the landing area, which resulted in the airplane touching down on a grass area adjacent to the runway and between parallel taxiways.NTSB WPR11LA076Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-65 · College Place, WAThe pilot's failure to abort the landing when he lost sight of the runway due to sun glare, and his inadequate compensation for the crosswind.NTSB CEN10CA539Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna A185F · Rushville, NEThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the loss of visual reference due to the sun glare.NTSB ERA10LA421Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Key West, FLThe non-instrument-rated pilot's spatial disorientation during night, over-water, low-ambient-light conditions, which resulted in the airplane impacting the ocean.NTSB ANC10LA071Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Chickaloon, AKThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB WPR10LA115Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Joshua Tree, CAThe certified flight instructor's decision to continue visual flight into deteriorating weather, which resulted in his inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent failure to maintain clearance with terrain.NTSB WPR09FA158Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Corona, CAThe pilot did not maintain airplane control during climb due to spatial disorientation while flying in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent instrument flying experience.NTSB ANC09CA020Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech 65-A90-1 · Soldotna, AKThe pilot's misidentification of the runway surface during landing. Contributing to the accident were the snow-covered terrain, and low-light conditions.NTSB CEN09LA116Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLearjet 45XR · Telluride, COThe failure of both pilots to positively identify the runway prior to landing.NTSB LAX08LA198Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Ash Fork, AZThe pilot's spatial disorientation resulting in his failure to detect and compensate for an unintentional descent during a go-around. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate choice of landing approach, reduced visibility from brownout…NTSB NYC08FA155Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSIAI-Marchetti SF-260 · Belfast, METhe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation during an aerobatic maneuver.NTSB ANC08LA046Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32 · Koliganek, AKThe pilot's VFR flight into adverse weather conditions that resulted in a collision with snow-covered terrain during a turn to reverse direction. Factors contributing to the accident were low ceilings, flat lighting conditions, and the snow-covered terrain.NTSB ANC08LA042Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · White Mountain, AKThe pilot’s inadvertent flight into flat light/whiteout conditions over snow-covered terrain.