NTSB investigations

73 cases where NTSB found Use of medication/drugs.

Cases per year

20082026
NTSB investigations per year, 2008–2026: 73 cases
20086
20097
20103
20115
20124
20134
20147
20158
201613
20177
20183
20191
20211
20234

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.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f.\"findingCode\", '02013020'))
  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 CEN23FA369Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper J5A · Iola, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane after landing on a grass taxiway with a tailwind, which resulted in a nose over.Aug 19, 2023 · N35417 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23FA239Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20R · Watertown, WIThe pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation while operating in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from the prohibited substance; however, the extent of impairment could not be determined.Jun 14, 2023 · N1025C · DestroyedNTSB CEN23FA183Incident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Brady, TXThe non-certificated pilot’s failure to ensure the collective friction control was adequately engaged during an on-ground engine run, which resulted in the helicopter inadvertently becoming airborne. Contributing to the crash were the pilot’s various physical…May 14, 2023 · N40506 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR23LA112Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportStar Lite SL1 · Corning, CAThe student pilot’s loss of airplane control during an intentional aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an inflight separation of the left wing and subsequent impact with the terrain.Feb 16, 2023 · UNREG · DestroyedNTSB WPR21FA233Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · White City, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around, which resulted in a collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to his medical conditions and the effects of his medications.Jun 20, 2021 · N2618A · DestroyedNTSB WPR19FA106Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTecnam P2002 · Santa Fe, NMThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, an aerodynamic stall, and loss of control.Apr 8, 2019 · N118LS · DestroyedNTSB ERA19FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · Fancy Gap, VAThe non-instrument-rated pilot's improper decision to undertake a flight into forecast instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and his subsequent decision to continue the flight after encountering IMC, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.…Oct 6, 2018 · N38811 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN18LA274Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Lakeview, ARThe student pilot’s impairment by alcohol and multiple medications, which led to his failure to maintain obstacle clearance during takeoff and the subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and…Jul 12, 2018 · N50183 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA18FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportVans RV-12 · Bonita Springs, FLThe pilot's unsafe maneuvering and exceedance of the airplane's operating limitations, which resulted in an in-flight failure of the left wing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's underlying physiologic or psychiatric disease.Jan 22, 2018 · N262WS · DestroyedNTSB ANC18FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportIcon A5 · Clearwater, FLThe pilot's improper decision to perform aggressive, low-altitude maneuvers due to his impairment from the use of multiple psychoactive substances, which resulted in a loss of control.Nov 7, 2017 · N922BA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17FA241Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportExtra Flugzeugbau EA 300/L · Winchester, NHThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to complete…Jul 13, 2017 · N210MX · DestroyedNTSB ERA17FA211Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBuckeye Powered Parachutes Dream Machine 582 · Federalsburg, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with power lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in powered parachutes.Jun 25, 2017 · N50130 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17FA120Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-180 · Santa Rosa Valley, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while intentionally maneuvering in a steep bank at low altitude, which resulted in an accelerated aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.Jun 4, 2017 · N4871L · Substantial damageNTSB CEN17LA181Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAS+ AC 4 · Blair, NEThe pilot's loss of control due to his diverted attention as he attempted to close the canopy that opened during initial climb.May 13, 2017 · N358R · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17FA180Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Hopkinsville, KYThe noninstrument-rated pilot's intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's overreliance on his…May 12, 2017 · N1804E · DestroyedNTSB CEN17FA170Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT 602 · Hollis, OKAn impact with terrain during final approach for reasons that could not be determined because no evidence of an in-flight failure or malfunction was observed.Apr 28, 2017 · N604RH · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17FA044Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Dabob, WAThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to continue a night visual flight rules into instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain…Dec 30, 2016 · N52388 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17FA073Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Gatlinburg, TNThe non-instrument-rated pilot's intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's established anti-authority attitude.Dec 26, 2016 · N1839X · DestroyedNTSB WPR17FA033Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAirborne Windsports PTY Edge XT-912-L · Santa Barbara, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering in the traffic pattern.Dec 6, 2016 · N188M · Substantial damageNTSB CEN17FA016Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMakela RV-4 · Oregonia, OHThe pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude, which resulted in the collision with a zipline.Oct 16, 2016 · N2626C · DestroyedNTSB CEN16FA346Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7ECA · Moss Hill, TXThe pilot's loss of control attempting to recover from a low-level aerobatic maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt the low-level maneuver which significantly reduced any margin for error.Sep 4, 2016 · N787MW · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16LA338Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · New Orleans, LAThe pilot's improper decision to continue a descent during a night visual approach a for landing which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility and pilot's disregard of the PAPI indications that the…Aug 28, 2016 · N984RA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16FA297Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHeberlein Ronald Vans RV 9A · Sebring, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain.Aug 24, 2016 · N379RV · DestroyedNTSB CEN16FA276Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 30 · Plainfield, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an en route climb near convective activity, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, an uncontrolled descent, and a subsequent in-flight breakup due to an exceedance of the airplane's design load…Jul 21, 2016 · N7409Y · DestroyedNTSB WPR16FA131Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Coeur d'Alene, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at low altitude in mountainous terrain.Jun 25, 2016 · N4585F · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16LA203Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Penwell, TXThe pilot’s intentional flight into a silo.Jun 2, 2016 · N5679G · DestroyedNTSB WPR16LA114Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMichael Burton Calidus · Fruitland, UTThe pilot's improper judgment in conducting a flight in a gyroplane over mountainous terrain near its demonstrated maximum operating altitude and his subsequent failure to maintain adequate clearance with terrain during cruise flight in turbulent weather…May 20, 2016 · N50NE · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16FA111Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · Altadena, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from rising mountainous terrain while flying in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the loss of radio communications for a reason that could not be determined because of the…May 15, 2016 · N133BW · DestroyedNTSB WPR16FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportExtra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/L · Henderson, NVThe pilot's failure to monitor and maintain clearance with terrain while maneuvering at low level. Contributing to the accident, was the pilot's failure to conduct an adequate amount of clearing turns while maneuvering at low level.Apr 30, 2016 · N330MT · DestroyedNTSB CEN16FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Colorado Springs, COThe pilot's loss of airplane control during the turn back to the airport after takeoff in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impaired…Nov 9, 2015 · N752C · DestroyedNTSB ERA15FA330Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Alabaster, ALAn in-flight loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.Aug 28, 2015 · N1116C · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15FA331Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT 602 · Wilmot, ARThe pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane as a result of incapacitation by drug effects or an acute cardiac event.Aug 1, 2015 · N6007N · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15FA305Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32-300 · Brazoria, TXThe student pilot's failure to arrest the descent in a timely manner and the flight instructor's failure to safely intervene in the routine training maneuver for reasons that could not be determined based on the information available.Jul 14, 2015 · N555PK · DestroyedNTSB ERA15FA245Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCzech Sport Piper Sport · Holly Ridge, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after the cockpit canopy opened during initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to securely lock the canopy before takeoff.Jun 21, 2015 · N35EP · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15FA255Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCub Crafters CC18-180 · Raton, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.Jun 5, 2015 · N162WR · Substantial damageNTSB WPR15FA147Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobert C. Hanson Pitts S2E · Lebec, CAThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient clearance from rising terrain.Apr 14, 2015 · N75BH · DestroyedNTSB CEN15FA189Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Batesville, ARThe noninstrument-rated pilot's controlled flight into terrain due to an inadvertent encounter with clouds in dark night conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly at night in marginal visual meteorological conditions without the…Apr 2, 2015 · N65463 · DestroyedNTSB CEN15FA092Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-181 · Vaughn, NMThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from terrain.Dec 30, 2014 · N2558M · Substantial damageNTSB CEN14LA372Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJonker Sailplanes JS1-C · Wallis, TXThe pilot’s loss of glider control and its subsequent impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined due to a lack of available information.Jul 13, 2014 · N60XJ · Substantial damageNTSB CEN14LA336Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorthwing Design Apache Sport · Omro, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed to compensate for a newly installed wing, which resulted in the aircraft stalling and the subsequent loss of control.Jul 3, 2014 · N2725T · Substantial damageNTSB CEN14FA300Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 46-310P · Lehman, TXThe pilot's improper decision to enter an area of known adverse weather, which resulted in the loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller's failure to provide critical weather information to the pilot to help him…Jun 18, 2014 · N2428Q · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14LA290Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCameron Balloons US Z-225 · Spring City, PAThe pilot's fall from the balloon’s basket during touchdown in a field for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence, which resulted in his fatal injury.Jun 15, 2014 · N65625 · No damageNTSB WPR14FA243Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportDittenber Thomas J Auriga · Echo Bay, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering for landing to an unlit runway in dark night conditions.Jun 13, 2014 · N55GM · DestroyedNTSB CEN14GA135Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 210E · Oden, ARThe pilot’s improper decision to fly into an area with reported marginal meteorological conditions in an airplane not maintained for instrument flight and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain.Jan 31, 2014 · N4957U · Substantial damageNTSB CEN14FA084Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 24-250 · Collbran, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and subsequent impact with terrain.Dec 12, 2013 · N8037P · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Julian, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering to avoid clouds in mountainous terrain.Oct 9, 2013 · N7145U · DestroyedNTSB WPR13LA420Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMiller RV6 · Williams, CAThe pilot's improper decision to fly at a low altitude, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from power lines.Sep 24, 2013 · N67GM · DestroyedNTSB WPR13FA388Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Desert Center, CAThe pilot's abrupt maneuver, which resulted in an accelerated stall and a loss of airplane control at low altitude.Aug 26, 2013 · N61VT · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13LA076Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCassutt Sport Racer · Collegedale, TNImpact with trees and terrain during the landing approach likely due to the physiological incapacitation of the pilot.Dec 2, 2012 · N9CA · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Jun 23, 2012 · N5781A · Substantial damage