NTSB investigations
70 cases where NTSB found Terrain induced turbulence.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 5 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 4 |
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\", '03032010')) 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", '03032010')) 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 ERA24LA317Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20J · Montauk, NYThe pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate glide path during the landing approach in terrain induced turbulence, resulting in a hard landing and subsequent runway excursion.NTSB ANC24FA063Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Kekaha, HIAn encounter with turbulence due to downdraft winds that resulted in mast bumping and an in-flight breakup.NTSB WPR24FA185Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRans S-12XL Airaile · Picacho Peak, AZThe pilot’s decision to conduct a low-altitude flight in mountainous terrain and his subsequent loss of airplane control after encountering mechanical turbulence, which resulted in an impact with the terrain.NTSB ERA24LA247Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA20-C1 · Southampton Township, NJThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during a low approach and subsequent go-around in turbulent wind conditions.NTSB WPR24LA021Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 152 · The Dalles, ORThe pilot’s encounter with severe turbulence at night which resulted in an extended downwind and collision with wires during the base turn.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 WPR23FA137Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182S · Alcova, WYThe airplane’s encounter with low level wind shear associated with moderate turbulence, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR23LA062Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Socorro, NMThe pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard bounced landing and loss of control in gusting wind.NTSB DCA23LA086Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing 737 · Denver, COThe flight’s encounter with mechanical turbulence.NTSB CEN22LA380Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · McCarthy, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff in turbulent weather conditions.NTSB CEN22FA035Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Estes Park, COThe airplane’s encounter with severe to extreme turbulence associated with mountain wave rotor cloud activity, which resulted in loss of airplane control.NTSB ANC21LA043Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182K · Cordova, AKAn encounter with mountain wave turbulence and windshear that exceeded the climb capability of the airplane and resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB WPR21LA111Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA46R-350T · Tehachapi, CAThe pilot’s encounter with mountain wave activity with severe turbulence, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing.NTSB ERA21LA027Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMuse Stol CH 750 · Sewanee, TNThe airplane’s encounter with a downdraft during the initial climb, which resulted in an impact with trees.NTSB DCA21LA018Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing 777 · Anchorage, AKThe airplane’s encounter with severe turbulence while flying over a mountain range during cruise.NTSB WPR20CA173Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna 170 · Butte, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during landing in turbulent conditions.NTSB ANC20FA005Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35 · Blythe, CAA loss of control in flight due to the pilot’s decision to fly into a mountain range, at night, in conditions conducive to high wind, mountain waves, and turbulence.NTSB DCA19CA206Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportAirbus A320 · Denver, COan encounter with mountain wave turbulence.NTSB WPR19LA170Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportJames Experimental Cub · Stanley, IDOverstress failure of the right-wing spar due to an encounter with turbulence.NTSB WPR19FA080Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Desert Hot Springs, CAThe pilot's inadequate and/or improper preparation for the flight in which he selected an altitude too low to assure terrain clearance and resulted in an impact with terrain in turbulent downdraft conditions.NTSB CEN19FA022Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMustang II · Broomfield, COThe pilot's inability to maintain airplane control following an encounter with mountain wave turbulence.NTSB DCA18CA255Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportEmbraer ERJ175 · Cut Bank, MTan unexpected encounter with clear air turbulence.NTSB WPR18FA139Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 76 · Julian, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude above mountainous terrain while maneuvering during night conditions in an area prone to turbulence, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's…NTSB GAA18CA347Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA28 · Pine Spring, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate altitude while flying over mountainous terrain in turbulent wind conditions at night, which resulted in a tree strike.NTSB WPR18FA073Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 23-250 · Elko, NVThe pilot's inadequate preflight weather planning, which resulted in the flight over mountainous terrain into forecast instrument meteorological conditions, icing, and mountain wave, and resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.NTSB WPR17FA213Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Perkinsville, AZThe pilot's decision to fly into a canyon during wind conditions conducive to turbulence and downdrafts, and his subsequent loss of aircraft control while maneuvering in the canyon. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's limited canyon flying experience.NTSB DCA17CA042Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBoeing 737 824 · Denver, COAn inadvertent encounter with mountain wave turbulence.NTSB WPR17FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Moss Beach, CAThe pilot's loss of airplane control following an encounter with low level wind shear and turbulence during final approach for landing. Contributing to the loss of control was the pilot's decision to retract the wing flaps on final approach, which resulted in…NTSB WPR16FA130Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R66 · Wikieup, AZAn encounter with turbulence due to updrafts and/or dust devils that resulted in mast bumping and an in-flight break-up.NTSB 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…NTSB GAA16CA244Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchleicher ASW 19 · Frankton, INThe pilot's exceedance of the critical angle of attack on final approach in turbulent conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.NTSB GAA16CA030Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMcpherson John G Pietenpol Aircamper · Placerville, CAThe pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and an impact with terrain.NTSB GAA16CA003Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBushmaster Super Bushmaster · Marble Canyon, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain descent rate durring the landing resulting in collision with terrain.NTSB GAA16CA002Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Avalon, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the critical angle of attack in turbulent and downdraft conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain on final approach.NTSB CEN15LA403Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Big Piney, WYThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude while operating over high mountainous terrain, which resulted in an emergency landing after the airplane's encounter with a downdraft.NTSB ANC15CA051Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 140 · Homer, AKThe pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude in mountainous terrain and weather conditions conducive to downdrafts.NTSB GAA15CA051Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 32R-300 · Gatlinburg, TNThe pilot's encounter with extreme turbulence during descent over mountainous terrain, which resulted in a loss of control, and structural damage in flight.NTSB ANC14CA027Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12 D · Wasilla, AKThe pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, which resulted in a turbulence encounter at low altitude and collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of knowledge of local wind conditions.NTSB WPR14FA124Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA31 · Lanai City, HIThe pilot’s spatial disorientation while turning during flight in dark night conditions and terrain-induced turbulence, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from a sedating antihistamine.NTSB CEN14CA123Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172N · Boulder, COThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during final approach with known turbulence present.NTSB WPR14CA011Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportMooney M20J · Sedona, AZThe pilot's inadequate flare which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of aircraft control during an aborted landing.NTSB WPR13LA431Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBombardier DHC-8-402 · Reno, NVThe airplane’s encounter with known moderate-to-severe turbulence, which resulted in a serious injury to a flight attendant.NTSB CEN13FA327Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Mosca, COThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while attempting to clear a mountain pass in turbulent conditions at a high density altitude, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR13TA205Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBell BHT407 · Big Fork, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control while maneuvering over mountainous terrain in strong up/downdrafts and possible mountain wave activity, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB WPR13FA138Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Saratoga, WYThe pilot’s decision to attempt flight into approaching adverse weather, which led to his low-level flight, encounter with mountain obscuration and moderate turbulence, and his subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the severity of the pilot’s…NTSB CEN13FA183Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Angel Fire, NMThe pilot's loss of control while flying in a turbulent mountain-wave environment. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's overconfidence in his ability to safely pilot the airplane in gusting wind conditions and his lack of experience operating in…NTSB CEN13CA026Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportMace Justin I Dragonfly · Durango, COThe pilot’s delayed decision to perform a go-around, which resulted in the airplane impacting trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inexperience in the accident airplane and his encounter with conditions that exceeded his capabilities.NTSB CEN12LA427Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMurray Richard F Aircam BY Lockwood · Taos, NMThe pilot's decision to fly in gusty wind conditions at low altitude over mountainous terrain contrary to guidance in the airplane flight manual and subsequent loss of airplane control due to wind and turbulence.NTSB WPR12LA205Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportInfinity 2000 · Hurricane, UTThe pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude in a canyon, which resulted in insufficient altitude to recover from an encounter with terrain-induced turbulence.NTSB DCA12CA062Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportAirbus Industrie A319-132 · Buena Vista, COan inadvertent encounter with mountain wave turbulence.