NTSB investigations
242 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.\"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."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 WPR15FA212Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A35 · Mazama, WAThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain.NTSB WPR15FA166Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210F · Pleasanton, CAThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient clearance from rising terrain.NTSB ERA15FA220Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream American AA-5A · Rowdy, KYThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.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 GAA15CA014Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCostruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 Eaglet · Cambridge, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.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 ERA15CA127Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer 269C 1 · Carthage, NYThe non-helicopter-rated pilot's improper decision to operate the helicopter at low-level and his inability to adequately see the horizon over snow and ice, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.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 CEN15CA095Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 152 · Mount Pleasant, TXThe pilot's decision to maneuver the airplane at low altitude resulting in the airplane impacting power lines.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 CEN14LA316Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrazhopper Trike · Ottawa, ILThe noncertificated pilot’s improper decision to operate the powered-parachute at low altitude through mist in a confined area while he was impaired by multiple sedating medications, which resulted in his loss of control of the parachute and subsequent impact…NTSB WPR14FA231Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman G 21A · Sula, MTThe pilot's decision to continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions in an airplane not maintained for instrument flight, 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 WPR14TA236Accident · No injuriesFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E · Mesa, AZThe loss of engine power during cruise flight due to the decoupling of the engine’s turbine and compressor sections. Contributing to the decoupling was the excessive wear of the turbine-to-compressor coupling components due maintenance personnel’s placement…NTSB CEN14CA246Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportNorth American SNJ 6 · Santa Fe, NMThe pilot's loss of directional control during landing and subsequent go around attempt.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 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 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 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 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 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 WPR13GA128Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell 206B · Eureka, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a wire while maneuvering during low-altitude operations. Contributing to the accident was task- and/or work-related fatigue.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 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 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 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 ANC13CA006Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18-125 · Cordova, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during takeoff.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 ANC12CA036Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportShort Bros. & Harland SC7 Series 3 · Chefornak, AKThe pilot's misidentification of a nearby snow-covered road as the snow-covered runway in flat light conditions.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 ANC12IA024Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBombardier Learjet 35A · Anchorage, AKThe flightcrew's loss of visual reference to the runway after encountering severe in-flight icing conditions, which resulted in a loss of control while landing and exceedence of the capabilities of the airplane's windscreen anti-ice systems. Contributing to…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 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 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.