NTSB investigations, CA

6 cases where the sequence of events included Glider tow event.

Cases per year

20092026
NTSB investigations, CA per year, 2009–2026: 6 cases
20092
20131
20141
20151
20261

Latest 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.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'CA' AND c.\"eventCountry\" = 'USA'
    AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s.\"tier2Number\" = '510' 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.

NTSB WPR26LA263Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSchleicher ASW-27 · Montague, CAThe pilot’s inability to see and avoid a piece of loose wire in a field during an off-airport landing in a glider, which resulted in a ground loop. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inability to maintain a safe position behind the tow airplane…Jul 15, 2026 · N920KB · Substantial damageNTSB GAA15CA028Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportLet L23 - NO Series · Los Alamitos, CAThe inadvertent deployment of the air brakes during initial climb, resulting in a loss of lift. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to identify and remediate the cause.Mar 29, 2015 · N381BA · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14LA367Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 25-235 · Warner Springs, CAThe glider pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the initial climb while being towed, which led to the tow plane's unstable flight and its subsequent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the tow pilot's delayed release of the…Sep 6, 2014 · N7117Z · Substantial damageNTSB WPR13FA300Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAllstar PZL Glider SZD-54-2 Perkoz · Jacumba, CAThe premature release of the towline from the glider and the glider’s subsequent right banking turn at low altitude for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident airframe examination did not reveal any evidence of a mechanical malfunction or…Jun 29, 2013 · N684SD · Substantial damageNTSB WPR09LA449Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-34 · Lake Elsinore, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the glider after the tow line released during the initial climb.Sep 12, 2009 · N7656 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR09LA381Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchempp Hirth Discus CS · Williams, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain after intentionally releasing from the tow plane at a low altitude during the initial climb.Aug 2, 2009 · N7HV · Substantial damage