# NTSB investigations, ID: 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.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA053.md): Tecnam P2008 · Blackfoot, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 10, 2025 · N208CM · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain altitude and clearance from trees while maneuvering at night.
- [NTSB WPR26LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA046.md): Michael W Verzwyvelt SS-7 Super Sport · Boise, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 9, 2025 · N14PM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s operation of the airplane while intoxicated, resulting in its impact with obstacles while on approach.
- [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 WPR25LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA036.md): Cessna 180 · Owinza, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 13, 2024 · N9493C
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water during a low pass over a lake.
- [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 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 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 WPR24LA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA138.md): Aerospatiale SA315B · Lewiston, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 2, 2024 · N42PL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during a low level aerial application.
- [NTSB WPR23LA290](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA290.md): Beech 23 · Coolin, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 30, 2023 · N2362Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees after takeoff, during high density altitude weather conditions.
- [NTSB WPR23LA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA193.md): Cessna 140 · American Falls, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 20, 2023 · N77J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadvertent selection of the off position of the fuel tank selector inflight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB WPR22LA322](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA322.md): Ray E Roberts Kitfox V Vixen · Caldwell, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 26, 2022 · N52367 · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to a loose wire leading to the engine’s electronic control unit (ECU). Contributing was the pilot’s exceedance of the critical angle of attack while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too…
- [NTSB WPR22LA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA297.md): Cessna 182B · Yellow Pine, ID · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 5, 2022 · N722BS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while maneuvering.
- [NTSB WPR22LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA030.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Newdale, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 28, 2021 · N1671J · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to monitor the flight to ensure terrain clearance during the dark night conditions.
- [NTSB WPR21LA360](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA360.md): Cessna 182E · Warren, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 27, 2021 · N3121Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude while maneuvering in a valley of mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB WPR21LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA056.md): Cessna 172 · Howe, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 14, 2020 · N8278B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain after an encounter with a downdraft, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR20LA315](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA315.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Emmett, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 23, 2020 · N836MM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s descent below surrounding terrain and his delayed decision to initiate a climb which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident were terrain and lighting conditions that affected the pilot’s ability to accurately assess terrain…
- [NTSB WPR20LA330](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA330.md): Cessna 172 · Stanley, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 13, 2020 · N52700 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance after flying into the wrong canyon in mountainous terrain which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB WPR18LA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA227.md): Cessna 182 · Salmon, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 18, 2018 · N84CP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadvertent encounter with downdraft conditions, which resulted in a loss of altitude, and the pilot’s subsequent decision to conduct a precautionary landing into a stand of trees.
- [NTSB WPR18LA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA163.md): North Wing Pulse · Mountain Home, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 2, 2018 · N62073 · Substantial damage
  > The hang glider's encounter with a developing vortex or dust devil while maneuvering during an airshow routine, which resulted in a loss of control at an altitude that precluded recovery. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's preexisting and worsening…
- [NTSB GAA17CA526](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA526.md): Cessna 172 · Coolin, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 10, 2017 · N5703A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to take off in high-density altitude and gusting quartering tailwind conditions, which resulted in a loss of lift and an inability to gain altitude during the initial climb.
- [NTSB GAA17CA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA202.md): Cessna 182 · Mackay, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 25, 2017 · N52743 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to maneuver the airplane over mountainous terrain in high-density altitude conditions, which resulted in the airplane’s inability to maintain altitude or establish a climb.
- [NTSB WPR16FA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA131.md): Cessna A185F · Coeur d'Alene, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 2016 · N4585F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at low altitude in mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB WPR16FA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA120.md): Rockwell S2R · De Smet, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 6, 2016 · N4191X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from guy wires during an aerial application flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's reduced ability to see the guy wires due to sun glare.
- [NTSB WPR16FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA006.md): Cessna 182 · Hope, ID · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 2015 · N6184F · Destroyed
  > The pilot's selection of an inadequate altitude to cross mountainous terrain and her subsequent failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight evaluation of the weather conditions and flight plan.
- [NTSB WPR15LA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA255.md): Extra Flugzeugbau EA 300/L · Jerome, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 2015 · N4BM · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while conducting a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB WPR14LA271](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA271.md): Cessna 182Q · Big Creek, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 2014 · N132K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s execution of a traffic pattern that did not put the airplane in position for a normal final approach and the pilot’s decision to continue the landing attempt instead of initiating a go-around, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical…
- [NTSB WPR14CA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA255.md): Cosmos Phase II Phase II 582 · Caldwell, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 20, 2014 · N234BS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to monitor the environment and to maintain sufficient altitude to clear power lines during low altitude flight.
- [NTSB WPR14FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA044.md): Cessna U206F · Donnelly, ID · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 2013 · N206KL · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering in likely low-ceiling and low-visibility conditions in mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB WPR13CA326](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA326.md): Cessna A185F · Cascade, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 14, 2013 · N185BW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during final approach due to the sun glare that obscured the pilot's vision.
- [NTSB WPR12LA265](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA265.md): Roetman Ryland K JR Eagle · Rexburg, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 2012 · N106BD · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine oil pressure, which led to the subsequent uncommanded loss of thrust and decrease in the propeller rpm during a low-level aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB WPR12LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA048.md): Piper PA-32RT-300T · Hailey, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 30, 2011 · N36824 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain course heading and terrain clearance because he was distracted by efforts to engage the autopilot shortly after takeoff on a dark night in mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB WPR11CA413](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA413.md): Cessna 172F · Atlanta, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 29, 2011 · N8698U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s misjudgment of his final approach path. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.
- [NTSB WPR11FA382](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA382.md): Cessna P210N · Burley, ID · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 14, 2011 · N7825K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to attain sufficient altitude and maintain aircraft control during a turn shortly after liftoff while operating at maximum gross weight, with a tailwind, and in high density altitude conditions.
- [NTSB WPR10FA459](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA459.md): Cessna T210N · Coeur d'Alene, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 17, 2010 · N111NA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain clearance with mountainous terrain while maneuvering in an area of low cloud ceilings.
- [NTSB WPR10CA410](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA410.md): Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C Gulfstream AM G-164B · Genesee, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 18, 2010 · N8150K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during low-altitude maneuvering.
- [NTSB WPR10CA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA089.md): Cessna 172M · Albion, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 24, 2009 · N1883V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain while maneuvering in gusting winds.
- [NTSB WPR09LA427](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA427.md): Stone Kitfox Series 6 · May, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 30, 2009 · N2070A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during the takeoff initial climb.
- [NTSB WPR09FA379](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA379.md): Piper PA-22-150 · Saint Charles, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 2009 · N6905B · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering.
- [NTSB WPR09CA358](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA358.md): Wsk-Pzl Meilec PZL M18B · Rockland, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 20, 2009 · N7813T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain during an aerial application reversal turn.
- [NTSB WPR09LA343](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA343.md): Cessna U206G · Yellow Pine, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 2009 · N71BS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees while taking off in a high-density altitude. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's failure to perform pre-takeoff performance calculations, his positioning of the elevator trim in a nose-down…
- [NTSB WPR09FA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA282.md): Cessna 182M · Atlanta, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 3, 2009 · N70946 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during cruise flight.
- [NTSB SEA08CA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08CA168.md): WSL PZL Mielec · Caldwell, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 29, 2008 · N81541 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to maintain clearance from a power line while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was a vehicle.
- [NTSB LAX08CA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08CA125.md): Grumman AA-5A · Atlanta, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 4, 2008 · N9720U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed during the takeoff to clear trees during the initial climb. Contributing factors were the soft and rough nature of the short runway surface.
- [NTSB LAX08CA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08CA091.md): Beech F90 · Idaho Falls, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 20, 2008 · N124BK · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's misjudged distance and airspeed that led to a failure to attain the proper touchdown point and a runway overrun. Contributing factors were the snow and muddy conditions off the runway.

## 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'ID' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  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?state=ID

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OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.
