NTSB investigations

97 cases where NTSB found Water.

Cases per year

20082026
NTSB investigations per year, 2008–2026: 97 cases
200820
20096
20106
20113
20126
20135
20146
20157
20167
20177
20185
20196
20203
20213
20221
20231
20243
20251
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.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f.\"findingCode\", '03021020'))
  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 ERA26LA261Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportKodiak Kodiak 100 · New York, NYAn inadvertent collision with a large wave during touchdown on a river, which resulted in a subsequent bounce and hard landing.Jul 5, 2026 · N726SH · Substantial damageNTSB ANC25LA101Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 180 · Willow, AKThe pilot’s decision to takeoff from an unsuitable runway due to large puddles of water, which resulted in a nose over.Sep 1, 2025 · N2996C · Substantial damageNTSB ANC24FA032Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Nondalton, AKThe non-certificated pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into the water.May 17, 2024 · N95744 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA24LA171Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · South Kingstown, RIThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water while maneuvering at low altitude.Apr 9, 2024 · N331EL · Substantial damageNTSB CEN24LA112Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Tupelo, MSThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from water during a dark night landing.Feb 7, 2024 · N4054Y · Substantial damageNTSB ANC23FA056Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206-L4 · Wainwright, AKThe pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude over a large body of water toward featureless terrain, which resulted in a loss of visual clues and controlled flight into terrain.Jul 20, 2023 · N311MH · DestroyedNTSB ERA22LA209Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGarlick Helicopters OH-58A+ · Oakland, FLThe pilot’s decision to continue the low-altitude aerial application flight over water conditions that degraded his depth perception, which resulted in an inadvertent collision with the water.Apr 26, 2022 · N281SP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA043Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-236 · Orleans, MAThe pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control while maneuvering over water in dark night conditions.Oct 31, 2021 · N2186U · DestroyedNTSB CEN22LA015Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportZuber Thomas P Zuber Super Drifter · Horseshoe Bay, TXThe pilot’s failure to adequately monitor airspeed during a low-level turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with the water.Oct 9, 2021 · N70TZ · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21LA447Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMorgan Sport Copter Vortex · Kingsland, TXThe pilot’s diverted attention which resulted in an inadvertent descent and subsequent collision with a lake.Sep 19, 2021 · N924WG · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA021Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Pahrump, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control while hovering low over a body a water while facing into the sun, which resulted in a loss of visual reference and subsequent impact with the lake surface.Oct 16, 2020 · N500DL · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20LA327Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman G164 · Alicia, ARInadequate maintenance of panel fasteners, which led to a side panel coming loose during takeoff and the pilot having to make a subsequent forced landing to a flooded rice field when the airplane became difficult to control.Aug 3, 2020 · N8105K · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20LA162Accident · Minor injuriesClass 2 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T210 · New Braunfels, TXThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and fuel planning, which resulted in the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.Apr 28, 2020 · N210HH · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20LA046Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150 · Shreveport, LAThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Nov 24, 2019 · N22931 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA19FA266Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 210 · Marathon, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in the airplane’s descent into water.Sep 8, 2019 · N9436X · Substantial damageNTSB ANC19LA034Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172RG · Ocean City, MDA partial loss of power due to the liberation or failure of the No. 2 cylinder's exhaust valve.Jul 16, 2019 · N9715B · Substantial damageNTSB WPR19FA178Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportMaule M7-235B · Sunriver, ORA partial loss of engine power due to the separation of baffling in both mufflers. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to retract the landing gear on the float-equipped airplane before performing a forced landing to the river.Jun 22, 2019 · N118G · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA108Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportDe Havilland DHC 2 · Hollister, CAThe pilot's failure to retract the amphibious float's landing gear wheels before landing on the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to use the after takeoff and before landing checklists.May 28, 2019 · N501J · Substantial damageNTSB CEN19FA095Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportBell 407 · Galliano, LAThe pilot's loss of control during cruise flight as a result of spatial disorientation while operating the helicopter in close proximity to terrain in marginal meteorological conditions.Mar 10, 2019 · N577AL · DestroyedNTSB WPR19TA037Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3Final reportScottish Series 100 MDL 101 · Lake Pleasant, AZImpact with a lake for undetermined reasons.Nov 17, 2018 · N82696 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18FA188Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369 · MajuroThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance above the surface of the ocean.Jul 4, 2018 · N8648F · DestroyedNTSB ERA18LA140Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Panama City, FLThe pilot's failure to properly remove and secure the tie-down ropes during the preflight inspection, which resulted in the ropes becoming entangled in the rotor head swashplate and pitch control rods during flight and the subsequent loss of pitch control.May 2, 2018 · N923SM · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18LA107Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCubcrafters CC11-160 · Browns Valley, CAThe pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the environment and maintain a sufficient altitude to avoid power lines.Mar 18, 2018 · N1951B · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18CA100Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportHughes 369D · Pacific Ocean, Marshall IslandsAn in-flight mechanical malfunction with the helicopter, which necessitated a ditching in the ocean. The reason for the malfunction could be determined because the helicopter sank and was not recovered.Feb 19, 2018 · N501VS · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18FA063Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Ogden, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water while flying over a lake with glassy surface conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of three impairing medications.Dec 29, 2017 · N4395R · Substantial damageNTSB ERA18LA062Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA32 · Oakland Park, FLThe loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.Dec 13, 2017 · C6RVT · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17LA306Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportKerr Gerald Velocity SUV · St. Petersburg, FLThe pilot's misjudgment of the airplane’s speed and the distance remaining during landing and his improper decision to not abort the landing.Sep 1, 2017 · N753GK · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17LA176Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172S · Seattle, WAThe total loss of engine power due to oil starvation as a result of the loose right magneto, which allowed oil to escape and the engine to seize. Contributing to the accident was inadequate maintenance, which failed to identify the loose magneto bolt.Jul 31, 2017 · N957TA · Substantial damageNTSB CEN17FA281Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Farmerville, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the lake during a low-level maneuver.Jul 23, 2017 · N8661S · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17LA175Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20R · Myrtle Beach, SCA total loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane sank in the ocean and was not recovered.May 9, 2017 · N20835 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17LA128Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Tampa, FLA collapsed engine induction duct, which resulted in restricted air flow to the engine and a subsequent loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the operator's failure to ensure that the correct induction duct was installed.Mar 12, 2017 · N8447R · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17LA069Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Shoreham, NYA fatigue crack of the crankshaft at the No. 4 main bearing journal.Dec 11, 2016 · N69286 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17LA024Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Cedar Key, FLA partial loss of engine power due to a stuck exhaust valve and the noncertificated pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in the airplane being overloaded, both of which led to the airplane's inability to attain a positive climb rate.…Oct 19, 2016 · N1827Y · Substantial damageNTSB GAA17CA042Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 152 · Miami, FLThe student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the aborted takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion.Oct 17, 2016 · N46953 · Substantial damageNTSB GAA16CA474Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 180 · Yakutat, AKThe pilot's inadequate inspection of the off-airport landing area, which resulted in an encounter with standing water and a nose over.Sep 3, 2016 · N54AF · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16LA140Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 23-150 · Kona, HIThe total loss of power in both engines during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not recovered from the ocean.Jul 15, 2016 · N3180P · DestroyedNTSB CEN16LA254Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWaco YMF-F5C · Austin, TXA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Jul 2, 2016 · N30AB · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Honolulu, HIThe in-flight failure of the engine-to-transmission drive shaft due to improper maintenance, which resulted in low main rotor rpm and a subsequent hard landing to water.Feb 18, 2016 · N80918 · Substantial damageNTSB ANC16LA005Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Haines, AKA loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence and the pilot’s decision to continue the flight after realizing the remaining fuel quantity was near 0.Nov 4, 2015 · N4611U · Substantial damageNTSB GAA16CA020Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech A36 · Jasper, TXThe pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and ditching the airplane in a lake.Oct 6, 2015 · N4151Q · Substantial damageNTSB GAA15CA222Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna A185F · Emily, MNThe pilot's failure to retract the landing gear, which resulted in a gear down water landing and a nose over.Aug 10, 2015 · N23DE · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15CA353Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRatte James Aventura II · Tyler, TXThe loss of airplane control during a go around, which resulted in impact with the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of seaplane rating and inexperience in the accident airplane.Aug 10, 2015 · N6356Z · Substantial damageNTSB GAA15LA217Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMD Helicopter 369E · Whitefish, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude and a level attitude while hovering over water at night during an external load operation, which resulted in the helicopter’s main rotor contacting the surface of the water.Aug 5, 2015 · N43792 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15LA265Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Pecan Island, LAThe fatigue fracture of the tail rotor gearbox attachment studs, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor control and a subsequent hard landing.Jun 8, 2015 · N501PH · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15FA127Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEagleston John H Vans RV9A · Kingston, OKThe pilot’s continuation of a banked turn following the loss of engine power, which resulted in his failure to maintain adequate airspeed and the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and entering an accelerated stall at low altitude. Contributing…Jan 28, 2015 · N708JE · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15LA091Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · South Bimini, BahamasThe total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, which resulted in a subsequent ditching in the ocean.Dec 22, 2014 · N12182 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14CA262Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportEvolution Trikes Revo · Williamsburg, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with water.May 25, 2014 · N9912S · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14FA209Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportKenneth A Berger Searey LSX · Electric City, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain pitch control during takeoff after encountering a boat wake, which resulted in the airplane bouncing, impacting the water’s surface, and subsequently becoming submerged.May 24, 2014 · N249PW · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14IA237Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Port Orange, FLThe pilot's failure to attain a proper touchdown point during landing and his failure to go around when he recognized that he would not be able to stop the airplane on the runway, which resulted in a runway excursion.Apr 26, 2014 · N300ET · Minor damageNTSB WPR14LA112Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWeinzierl Searey · Stanwood, WAThe noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from water while maneuvering at a low altitude over glassy water conditions, which adversely affected his depth perception.Jan 27, 2014 · N669DT · Substantial damage