Fatal NTSB investigations
138 cases where the sequence of events included 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.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal'
AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s.\"tier2Number\" = '402' 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."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '402' 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 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 ERA13FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 · Lake Park, GAThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to depart in dark, night marginal visual flight rules conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN13FA096Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMBB BK 117 A-3 · Compton, ILThe inadvertent encounter with inclement weather, including snow, freezing rain, and reduced visibility conditions, which led to the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of aircraft control.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 CEN13FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320E · San Marcos, TXThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to takeoff in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB CEN13FA010Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Blanco, TXThe pilot's loss of helicopter control as a result of spatial disorientation due to dark night conditions and marginal visual flight rules weather conditions.NTSB WPR13FA008Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Laramie Peak, WYThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient clearance from rising terrain.NTSB CEN13FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Intracoastal City, LAThe pilot’s decision to attempt a local flight in marginal visual meteorological conditions and his subsequent loss of control following an inadvertent encounter with instrument metrological conditions shortly after 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 ERA12FA438Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · Moscow, TNThe non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation, a loss of airplane control, and subsequent impact with trees and terrain.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 ANC12FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · Chuathbaluk, AKThe pilot’s loss of situational awareness after an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with tree-covered terrain.NTSB WPR11FA395Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-7-235C · Brookings, ORThe pilot’s improper decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees while on approach for landing.NTSB ANC11FA077Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · McGrath, AKThe pilot's decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.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 ANC11FA069Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Juneau, AKThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to reach his destination.NTSB ERA11FA412Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182S · Erwin, NCThe pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in dark night conditions.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 WPR10FA273Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-220T · Lincoln, MTThe pilot’s decision to continue flight into an area of low ceilings and low visibility and his failure to maintain sufficient clearance from mountainous 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 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 CEN09FA603Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Houma, LAThe pilot’s decision to take off into instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB WPR09FA391Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportNavion Navion A · Adrian, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control while in cruise flight due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an exceedence of the design stress limits of the aircraft and led to an in-flight structural failure.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 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 ERA09FA036Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-44 · Gallatin, TNThe pilot's inadvertent descent into water as a result of the dark night and limited outside visual references.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 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 LAX08FA246Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · McMurray, WAThe pilot's improper decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions. Contributing to the accident were low ceilings, reduced visibility, and mountainous terrain.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 DEN08FA101Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Huntsville, TXThe pilot's failure to identify and arrest the helicopter's descent, which resulted in its impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the limited outside visual reference due to the dark night conditions.NTSB MIA08FA115Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T206H · Cedar Key, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water during a dark night approach to a coastal airport.NTSB DEN08FA100Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportExtra Flugzeugbau EA 300/L · Gothenburg, NEThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after encountering instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's recent usage of Marihuana, his impaired judgement and decision making, and the low visibility weather…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 DFW08FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA46-500TP · San Antonio, TXThe pilot's failure to execute an instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to recent use of over-the-counter medication.