# Fatal NTSB investigations: Altitude

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 10 · 478 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN25FA281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA281.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Thibodaux, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 23, 2025 · N2611 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance to powerlines during an agricultural application pass.
- [NTSB WPR25FA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25FA100.md): Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 505 · Ririe, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 20, 2025 · N118LG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and decision to maneuver the helicopter at a low altitude, and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from power lines.
- [NTSB CEN25LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA075.md): Bellanca 7GCBC · Batesville, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 12, 2025 · N8569V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while flying at low altitude.
- [NTSB CEN25FA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25FA019.md): Robinson R44 · Houston, TX · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Oct 21, 2024 · N881KE · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a lighted radio tower during a visual night flight. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller’s failure to issue a safety alert notifying the pilot of the flight’s unsafe proximity to the tower.
- [NTSB WPR25FA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25FA020.md): Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/L · Las Cruces, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 20, 2024 · N512DW · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s entry into an aerobatic maneuver at an altitude that was insufficient to complete a successful recovery, which resulted in an accelerated stall and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR24FA298](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA298.md): Boeing A75L3 · Yacolt, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 6, 2024 · N53466 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at a low altitude in mountainous terrain in moderately high density altitude conditions, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR24FA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA270.md): Cessna 182K · Augusta, MT · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 8, 2024 · N2764Q · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into a rugged mountain area in deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN24FA295](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA295.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Irene, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 31, 2024 · N903US · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s poor decision to continue the flight into deteriorating weather conditions and his failure to maintain a safe altitude, which resulted in controlled flight into trees and terrain.
- [NTSB WPR24FA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA255.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Izee, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 26, 2024 · N805DG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while maneuvering through an area of low visibility due to wildfire smoke and haze.
- [NTSB WPR24FA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA225.md): Game Composites GB1 Gamebird · Irwin, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 4, 2024 · N786AE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to perform a spin maneuver at an altitude that was insufficient to complete a successful recovery and subsequent failure to properly arrest the spin, which resulted in a secondary stall and an impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA24FA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA292.md): Cessna 172N · Lock Haven, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 4, 2024 · N739GV · Destroyed
  > The student pilot’s premature turn to the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern at low airspeed and altitude, resulting in a collision with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB WPR24FA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA215.md): Cessna 182 · Big Creek, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 28, 2024 · N6210A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s delayed decision to go around after descending below the recommended abort altitude with a slight tailwind and an over-gross-weight airplane, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to…
- [NTSB WPR24FA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA202.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Capitan, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 21, 2024 · N331BS · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight through an apparent visual corridor that rapidly narrowed due to rising terrain and mountain obscuration, resulting in momentary instrument meteorological conditions and the pilot’s subsequent…
- [NTSB WPR24FA190](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA190.md): Cessna 177B · Elk River, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 12, 2024 · N34903 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while climbing in mountainous terrain during moderately high density altitude conditions, and conditions conducive to severe carburetor icing.
- [NTSB WPR24FA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA184.md): Beech A45 · Deer Harbor, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 7, 2024 · N268AF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to perform an aerobatic maneuver at low level, and his misjudged entry altitude for the maneuver, which resulted in impact with water.
- [NTSB ERA24LA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA227.md): Brallier Scott Glasair I · Gulf of Mexico, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 26, 2024 · N446KW · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while flying over water in dark night conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to conduct the overwater flight in conditions conducive to the…
- [NTSB WPR24FA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA132.md): Bell 206-L4 · Anaconda, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 26, 2024 · N988B · Destroyed
  > A total loss of engine power due to a loss of cooling oil to the turbine-to-compressor coupling shaft and subsequent fracture of the shaft at an altitude too low for the pilot to complete a successful autorotation. Contributing to the accident was carbon…
- [NTSB ERA24FA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA136.md): Israel Aircraft Industries 1125 Westwind Astra · Hot Springs, VA · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 10, 2024 · N1125A · Destroyed
  > The PIC’s continuation of an unstabilized approach in gusting wind conditions and his failure to monitor the airplane’s altitude during the approach, which led to a descent into terrain short of the runway. Contributing was the flight crew’s failure to set…
- [NTSB ERA24FA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA120.md): Piper PA32 · Jackson, OH · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 24, 2024 · N8963N · Destroyed
  > The non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain while maneuvering.
- [NTSB CEN24FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA101.md): Lockwood AIR CAM · Ranchitos Las Lomas, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 29, 2024 · N315GW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a meteorological evaluation tower.
- [NTSB CEN24FA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA089.md): Cessna 310R · Poolville, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 14, 2024 · N252DL · Destroyed
  > Pilot incapacitation for undetermined reasons which resulted into controlled descent into terrain.
- [NTSB CEN24FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA073.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Canton, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 27, 2023 · N858RC · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to attain the runway while landing at night, which resulted in an impact with trees.
- [NTSB ERA24FA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA069.md): American Eurocopter AS350B2 · Hammonton, NJ · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 20, 2023 · N606HD · Destroyed
  > The helicopter’s gradual descent and impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB ERA24FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA053.md): Beech C23 · Midland, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 3, 2023 · N76SB · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to descend below the minimum decision altitude of the instrument approach without having the appropriate runway visual references distinctively identified and with the visibility and ceiling below the minimum that was prescribed for the…
- [NTSB CEN24FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA024.md): Lancair 320 · Manitowoc, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 25, 2023 · N320P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain during an unapproved instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…
- [NTSB CEN24FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA021.md): Air Tractor AT-502B · Vidalia, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 24, 2023 · N5180W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s cell phone use and the position of the sun, which reduced the pilot’s ability to perceive the location of the power…
- [NTSB CEN24LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA006.md): Gyro Technic GT-VX2 · Saint Peter, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 8, 2023 · N557LJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level maneuvering through a river valley.
- [NTSB WPR24FA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA002.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Moab, UT · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 2, 2023 · N7153R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of visual reference to the horizon while departing during dark night, which resulted in the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation and subsequent controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR23FA302](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA302.md): Bell 407 · Cabazon, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 7, 2023 · N555AS · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > The Skycrane flight crew’s decision to enter the Fire Traffic Area’s 7-nm NOCOM ring at an altitude significantly above their maximum cleared altitude, which resulted in their need for an aggressive descent into congested airspace and subsequent failure to…
- [NTSB ERA23FA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA317.md): Bell 206-L4 · Springfield, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 29, 2023 · N652HA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to remain clear of powerlines during an agricultural spraying operation.
- [NTSB CEN23LA324](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA324.md): Air Tractor AT-402B · Clara City, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 25, 2023 · N291DL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a transmission line during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB CEN23FA257](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA257.md): Avid Magnum · Beaver Island, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 23, 2023 · N103DG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water while maneuvering in low visibility conditions due to smoke and haze.
- [NTSB ERA23FA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA266.md): Wonder Michael S Harmon Rocket · Porter, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 11, 2023 · N85TP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while initiating a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s high-risk behavior.
- [NTSB WPR23FA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA223.md): Compagnie Daher TB 30 Epsilon · Apache Junction, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 10, 2023 · N759F · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s controlled flight into the mountainous terrain due to diminished depth perception as a result of the shadowing effect from the sun’s position. Contributing to the accident was the decision by all three pilots to fly low altitude around the…
- [NTSB WPR23FA208](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA208.md): Piper PA-31-325 · Tupelo, MS · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 3, 2023 · N4077W · Destroyed
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN23FA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA220.md): Vans RV7 · Gibbon, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 2, 2023 · N977RV · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s improper decision to fly the airplane into known adverse weather and icing conditions which resulted in a loss of control.
- [NTSB ANC23FA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23FA031.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 407 · Nuevo, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 24, 2023 · N14Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to maneuver in a steep bank at a low altitude, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR23FA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA137.md): Cessna 182S · Alcova, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 21, 2023 · N314FR · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s encounter with low level wind shear associated with moderate turbulence, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB CEN23FA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA125.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Port O'Connor, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 7, 2023 · N494SH · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s initiation of the visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of helicopter control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s flicker vertigo during the flight.
- [NTSB CEN23FA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA084.md): Piper PA46 · Yoakum, TX · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 17, 2023 · N963MA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s spatial disorientation during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which led to an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA23FA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA108.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Dayton, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 11, 2023 · N43156 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while descending over mountainous terrain at night.
- [NTSB ERA23FA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA077.md): Mooney M20J · Falmouth, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 2, 2022 · N3515H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the landing approach. Contributing to the accident was the sun glare, which impaired the pilot's visibility and situational awareness.
- [NTSB ERA23FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA006.md): Beech A36 · Arundel, ME · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 5, 2022 · N902AT · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of situational awareness, which resulted in an unstabilized approach, descent below published minimum altitudes, and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR22FA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA348.md): Trom Wayne Vans RV6A · Aztec, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 16, 2022 · N646RV · Destroyed
  > The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to turn away from a suitable emergency landing surface, his failure to maintain adequate airspeed as the…
- [NTSB ERA22FA397](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA397.md): Rotorway Jetexec · Arthur, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 3, 2022 · N162NH · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to attempt the cross-country flight in thunderstorm conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a weather briefing.
- [NTSB ERA22FA383](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA383.md): Bell 206B · Whiteside, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 23, 2022 · N770HP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the powerlines.
- [NTSB WPR22FA312](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA312.md): Jackson Dennis RV-8 · Scio, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 21, 2022 · N184DJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to perform a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver and his improper execution of the maneuver, which resulted in impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC22FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC22FA066.md): Piper PA-12 · Arctic Village, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 11, 2022 · N3937M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to depart in turbulent and gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN22FA375](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA375.md): Sonex Waiex · Maxwell, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 9, 2022 · N51YX · Destroyed
  > A loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons that resulted in an impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN22FA347](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA347.md): Air Tractor AT502 · Ute, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 30, 2022 · N501MW · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s inflight collision with a power line during aerial application.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?fatal=1&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
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 f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '01062012'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases?fatal=1

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