NTSB investigations
329 cases where NTSB found Mountainous/hilly terrain.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 35 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 24 |
| 2010 | 25 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2012 | 26 |
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2014 | 21 |
| 2015 | 15 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 20 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Where
Open the mapLatest 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\", '03021010')) 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 f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '03021010')) 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 CEN26LA300Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T206H · Marble, COThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the final approach in variable and gusting wind conditions. Contributing to the accident were localized wind effects associated with mountainous terrain and with nearby convective activity.NTSB WPR26LA234Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Dixie, IDThe pilot's delayed decision to initiate a go-around and subsequent failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain.NTSB WPR26LA123Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBrunner Donald G Kitfox · Rock Crossing, AZAn encounter with a downdraft while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB ANC25LA085Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportDehavilland DHC-2 MK 1 · Soldotna, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN25LA240Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCub Crafters CCK-1865 · La Garita, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude in mountainous terrain. Contributing was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and aeronautical decision making.NTSB WPR25LA080Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Round Mountain, NVImpact with mountainous terrain for reasons that could not be determined due to a lack of available evidence.NTSB CEN25FA047Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182T · Drake, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering in mountainous terrain. Contributing was mountain wave turbulence in the area.NTSB ERA25FA037Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150F · Wilder, TNThe student pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions at night, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR25LA006Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAgustawestland AW109SP · Kamas, UTThe pilot’s exceedance of the helicopter’s available power while landing in a confined area, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and a hard landing.NTSB WPR24FA298Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBoeing A75L3 · Yacolt, WAThe 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 WPR24FA202Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Capitan, NMThe 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 WPR24FA190Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 177B · Elk River, IDThe 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 ERA24LA141Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Winokur, GAA total loss of engine power due to the unseating and subsequent failure of the No. 4 piston connection rod bushing.NTSB WPR24FA035Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172G · Provo, UTThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a chandelle maneuver, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and descent into trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to maneuver into a canyon and…NTSB WPR24FA024Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna T206H · Orangeville, UTThe pilot's controlled flight into mountainous terrain for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB WPR24FA018Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Covelo, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees after entering a steep banked turn for unknown reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to take off toward rising terrain.NTSB WPR24FA001Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCubcrafters CCK-1865 · Twisp, WAThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid a rock during an aborted landing on a hillside, the collision with which resulted in damage to the aileron system that precluded subsequent control of the airplane.NTSB WPR23LA322Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA-5B · Lone Pine, CAThe pilot's inability to maintain altitude after encountering a downdraft, which resulted in collision with terrain.NTSB WPR23FA296Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna T206H · Yellow Pine, IDThe pilot’s decision to perform a go-around into rising mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow published airport guidance about go-arounds, and landings and takeoffs with unfavorable winds.NTSB ANC23FA042Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 180 · Shaktoolik, AKThe pilot’s encounter with gusting tailwind conditions during takeoff, which resulted in impact with a tree, a loss of control, and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR23FA223Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCompagnie Daher TB 30 Epsilon · Apache Junction, AZThe 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 DCA23LA290AccidentClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGeneral Atomics MQ-9 Block 1 · Elgin, AZThe pilot’s loss of situational awareness, resulting in the UAS’s controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR23FA172Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172S · Los Angeles, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with the hilly terrain resulting from his loss of situational awareness due to the deteriorating weather conditions as he descended to approach his destination airport.NTSB ANC23FA031Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 407 · Nuevo, CAThe pilot’s decision to maneuver in a steep bank at a low altitude, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance with terrain.NTSB ERA23LA147Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland EC 135 P2+ · Franklin, NCThe pilot’s improper decision to review an aircraft logbook while enroute, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA23FA108Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Dayton, VAThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while descending over mountainous terrain at night.NTSB WPR23LA052Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRutan Long-EZ · Mountain Green, UTThe pilot’s flight into a valley with rising terrain that the airplane was incapable of out-climbing.NTSB WPR22LA360Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150L · Lyman, WAThe pilot’s delayed decision to exit the valley with rising terrain and failure to maintain clearance from trees.NTSB CEN22LA414Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172M · Fort Collins, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain while intentionally maneuvering the airplane at low altitudes, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.NTSB ERA22LA363Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150H · Ellenville, NYBoth pilots’ decision to perform the takeoff near maximum gross weight with 10° of flaps, contrary to the owner’s manual procedure, which resulted in the airplane’s degraded climb performance approaching high terrain.NTSB ERA22LA307Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20F · Cragsmoor, NYThe pilot’s decision to continue toward rising terrain despite observing the airplane’s decreased climb performance after takeoff, which resulted in flight into terrain.NTSB WPR22LA238Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA20 · Challis, IDThe pilot's turn towards rising terrain with limited climb performance and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from terrain that resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB WPR22FA164Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 · Cedar City, UTThe pilot’s failure to maintain obstacle clearance, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane above its maximum gross weight.NTSB CEN22LA176Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Twin Lakes, COThe failure of the left turbocharger at FL230, which resulted in a rapid loss of manifold pressure and subsequent complete loss of engine power due to an overly rich fuel-air mixture setting. Contributing was the smoke in the cabin in IMC, which caused the…NTSB ANC22LA029Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Beluga, AKThe pilot’s excessive touchdown speed, which resulted in a long landing and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR22LA150Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAlexander Schleicher ASK 21 · Valyermo, CAThe gliders encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight and subsequent impact with mountainous terrain.NTSB WPR22LA144Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Alpine, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain while operating in a canyon, which resulted in an impact with terrainNTSB WPR22FA021Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150L · Dunsmuir, CAThe non-certificated pilot’s improper decision to continue the flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA22FA001Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech S35 · Andrews, NCThe pilot’s decision to fly toward rapidly rising, obscured mountainous terrain after departing under visual flight rules at night.NTSB ANC21LA088Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and nose over.NTSB WPR21LA332Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172P · Wenatchee, WAThe student pilot’s inadequate inflight navigation and the flight instructors delayed remedial action which resulted in a collision with trees.NTSB WPR21LA341Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Camp Verde, AZThe pilot's inadequate preflight performance calculations which resulted in an aborted takeoff and collision with trees.NTSB WPR21FA330Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna TU206F · Bernard, IDThe pilot’s decision to continue the flight into a canyon that exceeded the performance capabilities of the airplane, which resulted in an impact with trees an terrain.NTSB ERA21LA353Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEmbraer EMB-505 · Banner Elk, NCThe pilot’s failure to achieve the approach criteria for the available runway landing distances published in the POH, likely as a result of the steeper-than-normal approach and the required left turn on short final to avoid the terrain surrounding the…NTSB WPR21FA321Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182H · Bountiful, UTThe decision of both pilots to fly into a steep canyon, which resulted in the airplane being unable to maintain a sufficient altitude to clear rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was their delayed initial action in responding to the hazard, and their…NTSB CEN21FA305Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportHawker Beechcraft G36 · Aspen, COThe pilot’s failure to navigate through mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR21LA251Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportStinson 108-3 · Stevenson, WAA runway incursion, which resulted in a go-around, and subsequent forced landing when the airplane was not able to climb at a rate sufficient to clear approaching rising terrain.NTSB WPR21FA211Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTextron 172S · Eden, UTThe flight instructor’s improper aeronautical decision-making, which led to an encounter with a downdraft at a low altitude in mountainous terrain and resulted in the instructor’s loss of airplane control and an impact with terrain.NTSB CEN21FA177Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMagnus Fusion 212 · Conifer, COThe pilot’s decision to fly at low altitude toward a mountainous canyon, and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering to avoid rising terrain, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR21LA107Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHughes OH-6A · Horseshoe Bend, IDA partial loss of engine power due to a leak in the fuel cell outlet valve.