NTSB investigations
175 cases where the defining event was Loss of lift.
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\" = '500') 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" = '500') 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 ANC14CA079Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 18-135 · Susitna, AKThe pilot's inadequate compensation for gusting, variable wind conditions during initial climb after takeoff.NTSB ERA14CA426Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchleicher ASW 19B · Avoca, NYThe pilot's decision to attempt a return to his departure airport which resulted in the glider's encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight and an off-airport landing.NTSB WPR14CA317Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT 802A · Hazelton, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff roll in variable wind conditions.NTSB CEN14LA349Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502 · Carthage, ILThe airplane’s inability to climb out of ground effect, which resulted from the pilot using a lower power setting than needed for takeoff due to the mechanic’s installation of the wrong engine torque gauge.NTSB WPR14FA282Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28R-180 · Lake Elsinore, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control when the landing gear unintentionally extended while maneuvering at low altitude and airspeed, which increased the airplane’s drag and decreased its ability to climb over the rising terrain.NTSB WPR14LA220Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander Callair A 9B · Gardiner, MTThe pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and his subsequent takeoff with the airplane over its allowable gross weight in high density altitude conditions, which degraded the airplane’s climb performance and led to a subsequent forced landing.NTSB ERA14CA220Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchleicher ASW 20 · Monroe, GAThe pilot's improper selection of an off-airport landing site and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from trees during an off airport landing.NTSB ERA14LA164Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportFarace Thomas Scott Kitfox II · Vicksburg, MSThe airplane’s low-level encounter with a downdraft that maximum engine power could not overcome.NTSB WPR14CA138Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportDG Flugzeugbau DG 1000S · Wrightwood, CAThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision to maneuver the glider where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, resulting in an off airport landing.NTSB ERA14CA126Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Ventus 2B · Burnsville, NCThe pilot's improper use of the spoilers, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and subsequent impact with trees.NTSB ERA13CA420Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRolladen-Schneider LS 6 · Sussex, NJThe pilot's improper selection of an off-airport landing site, and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from trees during a crosswind landing in gusty wind conditions.NTSB ERA13CA415Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHawker Beechcraft G36 · Edgartown, MAThe pilot's failure to achieve a proper takeoff profile prior to raising the landing gear resulting in a collision with terrain.NTSB CEN13CA573Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2 33A · Hampshire, ILThe student pilot's inadequate compensation for landing area conditions during an off-airport landing which resulted in a collision with an obstruction.NTSB WPR13CA395Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech C-50 · Homedale, IDThe pilot's delayed action to arrest a loss of altitude on short final, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and collision with a fence post.NTSB ERA13LA339Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Farmingdale, NJThe airplane’s loss of lift shortly after picking up a banner for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examinations revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR13CA333Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-33A · Hood River, ORThe glider encountered atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, which resulted in an off airport landing on rough terrain.NTSB WPR13CA325Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBoeing E75 · Bozeman, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a turn, which resulted in a loss of lift and collision with terrain.NTSB ERA13CA316Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Blairstown, NJThe flight's encounter with a downdraft from a ridge shortly after takeoff resulting in a loss of lift and collision with terrain during an uncontrolled descent.NTSB WPR13LA295Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Fielding, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm while traversing a canyon in high-density altitude and gusting wind conditions.NTSB CEN13LA371Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502B · Campbell, NEThe pilot's decision to continue with the takeoff roll despite the airplane's difficulty becoming airborne The high-density altitude likely contributed to the airplane's reduced performance.NTSB ERA13LA264Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGlobe GC-1B · Williamson, SCThe pilot’s decision to takeoff with a quartering tailwind at high density altitude, close to gross takeoff weight, on a short turf runway with trees at the departure end.NTSB ERA13CA272Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPdps Pzl-Bielsko SZD-55-1 · Henderson, NCA loss of aerodynamic lift that resulted in a forced landing to unsuitable terrain.NTSB CEN13LA273Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPhillips Zenith 250 · Taos, NMThe pilot’s improper decision to take off in gusting wind conditions and the airplane’s loss of climb performance following an encounter with turbulence and downdrafts.NTSB WPR13LA217Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 II · Pomeroy, WAThe pilot's failure to ensure that the helicopter was properly loaded, which resulted in the helicopter being in excess of its maximum allowable gross weight and led to a loss of main rotor rpm on takeoff. Contributing to the accident were the ground…NTSB WPR13LA209Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Henderson, NVThe pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, including operating in excess of the maximum certified gross weight and center of gravity limits at a high density altitude, which resulted in the airplane’s inability to maintain a positive rate of climb after…NTSB WPR13CA218Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchleicher ASW-27 · Middletown, CAThe glider’s encounter with atmospheric lift conditions not sufficient to maintain flight, which resulted in a forced landing on rough terrain.NTSB CEN13LA199Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRyan Navion · Broomfield, COThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and decision to take off at a high density altitude and in gusting wind conditions.NTSB ANC13CA028Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 185B · Flat, AKThe pilot's inadequate compensation for gusting, variable wind conditions during initial climb after takeoff.NTSB WPR13CA068Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R22 · Logan, UTThe flight instructor’s delayed remedial action and inadequate supervision during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm. Contributing to the accident was the wet landing surface.NTSB CEN13CA079Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-32 · Boulder, COThe glider pilot's inability to locate an area of thermal lift.NTSB WPR13FA061Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Aurora, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain while maneuvering in a remote mountainous region. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to traverse the remote mountainous area in high-density altitude conditions with the…NTSB WPR13CA019Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportQuicksilver Mfg MXL II Sport · Live Oak, CAThe pilot’s failure to compensate for turbulent conditions, which resulted in a loss of altitude.NTSB WPR13LA007Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchleicher ASH25M · Kamuela, HIThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the glider after it encountered atmospheric conditions while maneuvering where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, which resulted in a stall and impact with terrain during the subsequent approach to land.NTSB WPR12LA426Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206 - B · Mammoth Lakes, CAThe pilot’s inability to maintain sufficient main rotor rpm while maneuvering in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in a precautionary landing and subsequent rollover.NTSB CEN12LA578Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDestiny XLT · Hart, MIThe partial deflation of the powered parachute canopy when the pilot flew the aircraft into an area with gusty wind conditions. Contributing to the accident were the modifications that changed the flying characteristics of the parachute.NTSB WPR12CA351Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R22 · Monticello, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in the helicopter settling and subsequently colliding with the ground. Contributing to the accident was that the pilot had insufficient altitude to…NTSB ERA12CA462Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportInfinity Infinity 2003 · Wilmore, KYA loss of lift on initial climb for unreported reasons, which resulted in a collision with trees and the ground.NTSB WPR12CA304Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchempp Hirth Nimbus II · Redmond, ORA loss of aerodynamic lift that resulted in a forced landing on unsuitable terrain.NTSB WPR12LA283Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108 · Stanley, IDThe pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and decision to takeoff at a density altitude outside of the airplane’s takeoff performance envelope, with a tailwind, and near the airplane’s maximum gross weight, which resulted in the airplane’s inability to climb…NTSB WPR12CA278Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-36 · Bishop, CAThe glider’s encounter with insufficient atmospheric lift to maintain soaring flight, which resulted in an off-airport landing.NTSB WPR12CA288Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportDg-Flugzeugbau DG-500MB · Richland, WAThe failure of the spoilers to retract because the right wing spoiler’s lower plate became jammed, which resulted in the glider not having enough lift to make it to the runway surface.NTSB WPR12FA274Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Veneta, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude to clear trees during the initial climb after takeoff.NTSB CEN12LA359Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Santa Teresa, NMThe sudden decrease in headwind during takeoff in a gusty wind and near a passing train, which resulted in a loss of lift and main rotor rpm. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate the helicopter near its maximum performance…NTSB CEN12LA331Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBaldwin Skybolt · Stuttgart, ARThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in the airplane’s overweight takeoff from an airstrip with a high density altitude and subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB WPR12CA157Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportFisher HP-14 Sailplane · Nampa, IDThe pilot’s incorrect positioning of the wing flaps during the landing approach, which resulted in a loss of lift and hard landing.NTSB ERA12TA251Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportBell 407 · Delray Beach, FLThe pilot’s improper response to a simulated engine failure and the instructor’s delayed and improper remedial action.NTSB CEN12CA131Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportInfinity Power Parachutes Classic 2002 · Alanson, MIThe powered parachute’s encounter with a downdraft/windshear during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of lift.NTSB WPR12CA072Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-26B · Murrieta, CAThe glider's encounter with insufficient atmospheric lift to maintain soaring flight.NTSB WPR11CA411Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-32 · Warner Springs, CAThe pilot’s inadequate altitude to clear a ridgeline while maneuvering over a mountainous area.NTSB WPR11CA342Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchleicher ASW-27 · Preston, IDThe glider's impact with crops during the off-airport landing.