NTSB investigations
280 cases where NTSB found High density altitude.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 27 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2010 | 18 |
| 2011 | 19 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2013 | 21 |
| 2014 | 22 |
| 2015 | 15 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2017 | 18 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 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\", '03031020')) 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", '03031020')) 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 WPR26LA267Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRans S7 · Kemmerer, WYThe pilot’s decision to perform a take-off in high-density-altitude, gusting-crosswind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, hard landing and subsequent nose-over.NTSB WPR26LA266Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMaule M-4-180V · Creede, COThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s performance capabilities in mountainous terrain, which resulted in a forced landing.NTSB DCA26LA285Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportLeigh Aerosystems E100 · Douglas, AZDegraded engine and propeller performance during hot and high-density altitude operations, which resulted in a high descent rate and subsequent hard landing.NTSB WPR25LA283Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150F · Rigby, IDThe flight instructor’s improper flap position during takeoff, which resulted in degraded climb performance and a subsequent impact with a building.NTSB WPR25LA271Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportNaval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 · Red Lodge, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during an aborted landing. Contributing to the accident was the high density altitude weather condition.NTSB WPR25LA234Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182Q · Cashmere, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during an aborted landing, while flying in tailwind conditions. Contributing to the accident was the high density altitude weather condition.NTSB WPR25LA227Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportHartline J Bon Hartline Kitfox III · Logan, UTThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff in variable wind and high density altitude conditions.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 CEN25LA231Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164B · Lockport, LAThe pilot’s inadequate planning for the high density altitude conditions which resulted in reduced airplane performance, climb capability, and subsequent forced landing.NTSB WPR25LA149Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican Champion 8KCAB · Mojave, CAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during climb out from an aborted landing.NTSB WPR24LA307Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Basin, MTThe pilot’s decision to continue performing a high-performance takeoff in a full throttle and low-rotor-rpm condition, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.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 CEN24LA328Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHawker Beechcraft Hawker 900XP · Telluride, COThe flight crew’s failure to properly configure the airplane for takeoff in a high-density altitude environment, which resulted in a loss of control and a subsequent runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the flight crew’s failure to use…NTSB WPR24LA243Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E · Cottonwood, AZThe pilot’s low-speed, high-power maneuvering in high density altitude and near maximum gross weight, which resulted in an uncommanded right yaw due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and a subsequent hard landing.NTSB CEN24LA246Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402 · Helm, MSThe pilot’s failure to maintain control, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN24LA244Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportDesert Fox 1 · Ellicott, COThe pilot's decision to takeoff with a quartering tailwind and high density altitude which resulted in a runway overrun. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the right main axle mount due to the poor weld.NTSB WPR24FA195Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLuscombe 8A · South Lake Tahoe, CAThe pilot’s decision to continue low-altitude flight toward rising mountainous terrain in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in collision with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN24LA208Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Dalhart, TXThe pilot’s improper decision to take off with the airplane over its maximum allowable gross weight at a high density altitude, which degraded its climb performance and led an off airport landing.NTSB ANC24LA039Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Kailua-Kona, HIThe flight instructor’s failure to implement the correct action for low rotor RPM recovery.NTSB WPR24LA148Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportKjelsrud Gary Kitfox · Powell, WYThe pilot’s adjustment of the carburetor to an incorrect setting, which resulted in partial loss of engine power during takeoff.NTSB WPR24FA014Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Williams, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed and exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during initial climb after takeoff, resulting in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing was the pilot’s inadequate preflight airplane performance…NTSB WPR23LA338Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 212 · Balch Camp, CAThe pilot’s inadequate performance planning for the operation that resulted in an excessive gross weight for the operating conditions, leading to a loss of altitude during maneuvering and contact with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…NTSB CEN23LA397Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportTitanium Auto Gyro Titanium Explorer · Falcon, COThe pilot’s failure to establish a proper airspeed before becoming airborne, which resulted in an inability to climb out of ground effect and subsequent hard landing. Contributing to the accident was high-density altitude.NTSB WPR23LA334Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Prescott, AZThe pilot-in-command’s inadequate preflight planning for the high density altitude and relative humidity conditions and his failure to recognize the need to reject the takeoff, allowing the student pilot to execute an abnormally long takeoff roll and apply…NTSB WPR23LA329Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Kanab, UTThe pilot's decision to take off in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR23LA290Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 23 · Coolin, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees after takeoff, during high density altitude weather conditions.NTSB WPR23FA289Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 177 · Gillette, WYThe pilot's decision to depart the high-density-altitude airport with the airplane at the maximum gross weight limit.NTSB WPR23LA282Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Elko, NVThe pilot’s failure to ensure adequate airplane performance before taking off from a significantly shorter runway than originally planned for.NTSB WPR23LA266Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Judith Gap, MTThe pilot's decision to take off on a soft field that exceeded the performance capabilities of the airplane, which resulted in an impact with a pole and terrain.NTSB ERA23LA284Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Macclenny, FLThe improper maintenance of the landing gear dampers and main rotor elastomeric dampers, resulting in ground resonance during an unsuccessful takeoff attempt with the helicopter near its maximum gross weight for the density altitude.NTSB WPR23LA240Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 140 · Cedar Mountain, UTThe pilot’s decision to depart with a high density altitude, which degraded the airplane’s climb performance and resulted in an impact with trees.NTSB CEN23LA244Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502 · Sturgis, SDThe pilot’s improper timing to initiate beta mode with the propeller and his failure to maintain directional during the full load landing that resulted in a runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent experience with…NTSB CEN23FA174Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPool Cessna R172 · Victor, COThe pilot’s failure to follow established mountain flying guidance, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with trees and mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the airplane’s reduced climb performance at the elevated density altitude…NTSB ERA22FA387Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSea & Sky Krucker Cygnet · Emily, MNThe pilot’s operation of the weight-shift control aircraft over its design gross weight and his decision to take off with the engine operating at less than the specified takeoff rpm, which resulted in degraded takeoff and climb performance. Contributing to…NTSB WPR22LA288Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · McCarthy, AKThe pilot’s improper decision to takeoff from an unimproved airstrip with a high density altitude which degraded its climb performance and led to a collision with vegetation off the end of the airstrip.NTSB CEN22FA317Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell UH-1H · Chapelle, NMThe total loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the starter-generator input (zerol) gear which failed due to poor maintenance. Contributing to the accident was the unsuccessful autorotation complicated by the setting sun and high density altitude.NTSB WPR22FA148Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTaylorcraft BL-65 · Counselor, NMA loss of control while maneuvering at a high-density altitude in gusty wind conditions.NTSB WPR22LA116Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportLiberty Aerospace Liberty XL-2 · Las Cruces, NMThe airplane’s inability to climb during takeoff due to a degradation of engine performance due to high density altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the takeoff.NTSB WPR22FA067Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV6 · Show Low, AZThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack following an aborted landing approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control at an altitude too low for recovery.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 CEN21LA449Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportColumbia Aircraft Mfg LC41-550FG · Granby, COThe pilot’s loss of control during landing in high density altitude conditions.NTSB WPR21LA319Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Panguitch, UTThe airplane’s inability to maintain altitude during the initial climb due to a degradation in the airplane’s performance due to high-density altitude conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to conduct preflight performance planning…NTSB ERA21LA313Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Waxhaw, NCThe pilot’s failure to abort the takeoff in sufficient time to stop the airplane on the runway remaining. Contributing to the accident was the lack of airplane takeoff performance due to the pilot’s failure to assure that the carburetor heat control was in…NTSB WPR21LA345Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 340 · Rock Springs, WYThe pilot’s improper pitch control during takeoff which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent hard landingNTSB CEN21LA315Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 421C · Longmont, COThe loss of performance for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB WPR21LA255Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150 · Terreton, IDThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR21LA249Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20F · Marion, MTThe pilot’s improper rotation during takeoff from a high-altitude airport and his failure to abort the takeoff, which resulted in an impact with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper management of the turbocharger, which…NTSB WPR21LA239Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20J · West Glacier, MTThe pilot’s inadequate performance planning and decision to continue the takeoff which, resulted in a runway overrun and collision with terrain.NTSB WPR21FA232Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportKitfox Series 6 · Likely, CAThe pilot’s poor decision making in attempting a takeoff from a field with high vegetation and a high-density altitude, which resulted in decreased takeoff performance and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR21FA227Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCovey Tri Quickie · Gila Bend, AZThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the reduced airplane performance due to high density…