# NTSB investigations: Hidden/submerged object

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 ANC25LA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA102.md): American Champion 8GCBC · Unalakleet, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 5, 2025 · N242BC · Substantial damage
  > The pilots encounter with an obstructed dip in the landing surface during the landing roll out on a remote airstrip, which resulted in a noseover.
- [NTSB ANC25LA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA096.md): Cessna A185F · Haines, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 18, 2025 · N9BB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s selection of an unsuitable landing area resulting in an on-ground collision with an obscured log and a main landing gear separation.
- [NTSB ERA25LA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA232.md): Scoda Aeronautica Ltda Super Petrel XP · Geneva, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 8, 2025 · N405XP · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s collision with a submerged object during landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage/hull.
- [NTSB ERA24LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA118.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Miami, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 1, 2024 · N521LS · Substantial damage
  > Tail rotor contact with an unseen object while performing a precautionary landing to a closed helipad at night.
- [NTSB CEN23LA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA287.md): Aerofab LA-4 · Big Prairie, MI · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 8, 2023 · N993PT · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s collision with a submerged log during a water landing.
- [NTSB CEN22LA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA287.md): Air Tractor AT-602 · Newport, AR · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 20, 2022 · N42022 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from obstructed terrain during takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN21LA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA251.md): Kevin Lippert Zenith CH 750 · Montrose, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 5, 2021 · N902KL · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel vapor lock.
- [NTSB GAA19CA562](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA562.md): De Havilland Beaver DHC 2 MK.1 · Kotzebue, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 20, 2019 · N67112 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff from water after the airplane impacted a submerged object, which resulted in insufficient airspeed for liftoff and led to the pilot steering the airplane toward a mud embankment to avoid rocks.
- [NTSB GAA19CA513](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA513.md): Cessna A185 · Rangeley Lake, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 22, 2019 · N1920Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the floats, which led to his subsequent attempt to depart from a lake with damaged floats and led to a loss of roll control and the right wing impacting the water.
- [NTSB GAA19CA350](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA350.md): Piper PA28 · Nowdoinham, ME · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 7, 2019 · N7227F · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's delayed decision to abort the takeoff from a wet, grass runway with insufficient runway remaining, which resulted in a runway overrun and the airplane going down an embankment.
- [NTSB GAA19CA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA174.md): Piper PA32R · Atmautluak, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 21, 2019 · N5544F · Substantial damage
  > The airplane's encounter with a snow-covered pothole during taxi.
- [NTSB GAA18CA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA082.md): Piper PA28 · Pocasset, OK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 9, 2017 · N8856W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper approach path, which resulted in the airplane landing short of the runway.
- [NTSB ERA17LA337](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA337.md): Airmax Construcoes Aeronautica SEAMAX-M22 · New Fairfield, CT · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 15, 2017 · N885PR · Substantial damage
  > Collision with a submerged object during a water landing.
- [NTSB GAA17CA301](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA301.md): Zwicker Murray R Glastar · Napa, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 30, 2017 · N89SR · Substantial damage
  > The amphibious float-equipped airplane's encounter with a submerged object during a water landing, which resulted in a nose-over.
- [NTSB GAA17CA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA251.md): Bender Joseph KIT Rotoway · Wheatland, WY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 30, 2017 · N164JB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to operate the helicopter in gusting wind and high-density altitude conditions and his positioning of the helicopter such that it resulted in a right quartering tailwind, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control due to a loss of…
- [NTSB GAA17CA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA228.md): Bellanca 8GCBC · Willow, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 12, 2017 · N5045E · Substantial damage
  > The airplane's left main ski's collision with a submerged frozen sand berm.
- [NTSB GAA17CA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA187.md): Piper PA22 · Ruby, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 16, 2017 · N72999 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in flat light conditions on a hard-packed snow-covered landing area.
- [NTSB GAA15CA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA229.md): Mckinney Charles R Searey · Augusta, KY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 15, 2015 · N831CM · Substantial damage
  > The amphibious airplane's impact with a submerged object during a water landing, which resulted in a nose over.
- [NTSB GAA15CA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA169.md): Weatherly 201B · Pemberton, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 22, 2015 · N1292W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane's left main landing gear impacting an unknown object, and subsequent collapse during landing.
- [NTSB CEN14CA366](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14CA366.md): Air Tractor AT 502B · Cavalier, ND · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 11, 2014 · N636LA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control during the takeoff roll.
- [NTSB CEN14FA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA232.md): Bell 407 · Telluride, CO · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · May 3, 2014 · N407MH · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the power turbine thrust (No. 5) bearing due to overheating as a result of oil starvation, which led to the engine failure. Also causal to the accident was an undocumented repair to the gearbox cover oil delivery tube port during which an…
- [NTSB WPR14CA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA109.md): Piper PA 18-150 · Willcox, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 26, 2014 · N9683P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to land off airport on unsuitable terrain that resulted in a collision with hidden objects.
- [NTSB WPR14CA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA047.md): Aviat A 1B · LaGrange, WY · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 9, 2013 · N510MA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to land on a rough surface with hidden obstructions (holes).
- [NTSB WPR13CA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA199.md): Cessna A185E · Cottonwood, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 7, 2013 · N2303Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to see and avoid an object on the grass airstrip during the takeoff.
- [NTSB ANC11CA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11CA112.md): Cessna 180 · Haines, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 27, 2011 · N3126D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff in a float-equipped airplane for an undetermined reason, which resulted in the airplane colliding with trees and the shore.
- [NTSB ANC11TA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11TA079.md): Dehavilland DHC-2 MK. I(L20A) · Northway, AK · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 3, 2011 · N723DR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to identify unsuitable terrain for landing and subsequent contact with a dirt mound, resulting in the separation of the tailwheel from the airframe.
- [NTSB WPR11CA249](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA249.md): Rusk Smith Super Cub · Heron, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 3, 2011 · N316BR · Substantial damage
  > The floatplane's collision with a submerged object during a water landing.
- [NTSB WPR11CA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA105.md): Lantz Lake Tahoe Special · Redding, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 21, 2011 · N48VP · Substantial damage
  > The airplane's unintentional collision with debris during a water landing.
- [NTSB ERA10CA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA287.md): Lepow David A Prgsv Aerdyn SEA REY · Chester, PA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 29, 2010 · N713AC · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s collision with a submerged object during landing, which resulted in a nose-over.
- [NTSB CHI08CA265](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA265.md): Piper PA-28-161 · New Ulm, MN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 24, 2008 · N523PU · Substantial damage
  > The failure of airport personnel to correct a hazardous condition on the airport. A factor was the uncovered manhole.
- [NTSB CHI08CA298](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA298.md): Lake LA-4 · Algonac, MI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 23, 2008 · N1147L · Substantial damage
  > The amphibious airplane's collision with submerged debris during taxi for takeoff, and the resulting damage to the hull.
- [NTSB SEA08CA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08CA177.md): Anglin RV-6 · Puyallup, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 12, 2008 · N14JA · Substantial damage
  > The complete loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident were hidden obstructions (tree stumps) in the field of long grass within which the pilot executed his forced landing.
- [NTSB CHI08CA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA227.md): Head Balloons AX9-118 · Cook, MN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 31, 2008 · N3106K · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to land in a confined area. Contributing to the accident were the hidden power transmission lines and the confined landing site.
- [NTSB DFW08LA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08LA130.md): Piper PA-22-108 · Opelousas, LA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 3, 2008 · N4515Z · Substantial damage
  > Loss of engine power due to starvation of the right fuel tank and the inability to select the left fuel tank. Contributing to airplane damage was the hidden obstruction in the field selected for the forced landing.
- [NTSB SEA08LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08LA069.md): Piper PA-32R-301T · Parowan, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 4, 2008 · N73BL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper in-flight decision not to over fly/inspect the snow covered runway prior to landing, and his failure to align the airplane over the centerline of the runway. Contributing to the accident was the snow covered runway, the airport operator's…
- [NTSB DFW08CA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08CA070.md): Cessna 172S · Jenks, OK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 3, 2008 · N766PD · Substantial damage
  > The owner of the parking surface's failure to ensure that the parking surface was clear of hazards to taxiing airplanes and the pilot's failure to ensure a safe taxi route in unfamiliar surroundings.

## 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."mKey" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '03022052'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022052/cases

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