# NTSB investigations: Terrain induced turbulence

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.

Page 1 of 2 · 70 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA24LA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA317.md): Mooney M20J · Montauk, NY · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 14, 2024 · N8201R · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ANC24FA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24FA063.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Kekaha, HI · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 11, 2024 · N144KW · Substantial damage
  > An encounter with turbulence due to downdraft winds that resulted in mast bumping and an in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB WPR24FA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA185.md): Rans S-12XL Airaile · Picacho Peak, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 8, 2024 · N518D · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ERA24LA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA247.md): Diamond Aircraft Ind DA20-C1 · Southampton Township, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 5, 2024 · N208DB · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during a low approach and subsequent go-around in turbulent wind conditions.
- [NTSB WPR24LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA021.md): Cessna 152 · The Dalles, OR · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 20, 2023 · N6308Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s encounter with severe turbulence at night which resulted in an extended downwind and collision with wires during the base turn.
- [NTSB CEN23FA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA174.md): Pool Cessna R172 · Victor, CO · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 6, 2023 · N15188 · Destroyed
  > The 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 WPR23FA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA137.md): Cessna 182S · Alcova, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 21, 2023 · N314FR · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s encounter with low level wind shear associated with moderate turbulence, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB WPR23LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA062.md): Cessna 172N · Socorro, NM · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 10, 2022 · N422B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard bounced landing and loss of control in gusting wind.
- [NTSB DCA23LA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA23LA086.md): Boeing 737 · Denver, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 30, 2022 · N946WN · No damage
  > The flight’s encounter with mechanical turbulence.
- [NTSB CEN22LA380](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA380.md): Cessna 172 · McCarthy, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 7, 2022 · N171Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff in turbulent weather conditions.
- [NTSB CEN22FA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA035.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Estes Park, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 17, 2021 · N802NZ · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s encounter with severe to extreme turbulence associated with mountain wave rotor cloud activity, which resulted in loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB ANC21LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA043.md): Cessna 182K · Cordova, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 29, 2021 · N2761Q · Substantial damage
  > An encounter with mountain wave turbulence and windshear that exceeded the climb capability of the airplane and resulted in impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR21LA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA111.md): Piper PA46R-350T · Tehachapi, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 14, 2021 · N40TS · Destroyed
  > The 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 ERA21LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA027.md): Muse Stol CH 750 · Sewanee, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 14, 2020 · N750JD · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s encounter with a downdraft during the initial climb, which resulted in an impact with trees.
- [NTSB DCA21LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA21LA018.md): Boeing 777 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 30, 2020 · N860DA · No damage
  > The airplane’s encounter with severe turbulence while flying over a mountain range during cruise.
- [NTSB WPR20CA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA173.md): Cessna 170 · Butte, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jun 2, 2020 · N8282A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during landing in turbulent conditions.
- [NTSB ANC20FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20FA005.md): Beech V35 · Blythe, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 26, 2019 · N14UC · Destroyed
  > A 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 DCA19CA206](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA19CA206.md): Airbus A320 · Denver, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 27, 2019 · N328FR · No damage
  > an encounter with mountain wave turbulence.
- [NTSB WPR19LA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA170.md): James Experimental Cub · Stanley, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 13, 2019 · N9WU · Substantial damage
  > Overstress failure of the right-wing spar due to an encounter with turbulence.
- [NTSB WPR19FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA080.md): Cessna 172 · Desert Hot Springs, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Feb 6, 2019 · N20556 · Destroyed
  > The 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 CEN19FA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA022.md): Mustang II · Broomfield, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 2, 2018 · N287BM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inability to maintain airplane control following an encounter with mountain wave turbulence.
- [NTSB DCA18CA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA18CA255.md): Embraer ERJ175 · Cut Bank, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 17, 2018 · N637CZ · No damage
  > an unexpected encounter with clear air turbulence.
- [NTSB WPR18FA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA139.md): Beech 76 · Julian, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 11, 2018 · N803FC · Destroyed
  > The 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 GAA18CA347](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA347.md): Piper PA28 · Pine Spring, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 2, 2018 · N9494J · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR18FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA073.md): Piper PA 23-250 · Elko, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 12, 2018 · N54857 · Destroyed
  > The 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 WPR17FA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA213.md): Cessna 172L · Perkinsville, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 2017 · N7070Q · Destroyed
  > The 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 DCA17CA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA17CA042.md): Boeing 737 824 · Denver, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 14, 2016 · N24202 · No damage
  > An inadvertent encounter with mountain wave turbulence.
- [NTSB WPR17FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA023.md): Cessna 172N · Moss Beach, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 2016 · N6610D · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR16FA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA130.md): Robinson Helicopter R66 · Wikieup, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 23, 2016 · N117TW · Destroyed
  > An encounter with turbulence due to updrafts and/or dust devils that resulted in mast bumping and an in-flight break-up.
- [NTSB WPR16LA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA114.md): Michael Burton Calidus · Fruitland, UT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 20, 2016 · N50NE · Substantial damage
  > The 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 GAA16CA244](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA244.md): Schleicher ASW 19 · Frankton, IN · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 15, 2016 · N19VT · Substantial damage
  > The 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 GAA16CA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA030.md): Mcpherson John G Pietenpol Aircamper · Placerville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 23, 2015 · N169JG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and an impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA16CA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA003.md): Bushmaster Super Bushmaster · Marble Canyon, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 4, 2015 · C-FIIB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain descent rate durring the landing resulting in collision with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA16CA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA002.md): Cessna 172 · Avalon, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 1, 2015 · N4286Q · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN15LA403](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA403.md): Cessna 182 · Big Piney, WY · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2015 · XBYUH · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ANC15CA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC15CA051.md): Cessna 140 · Homer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 14, 2015 · N72784 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude in mountainous terrain and weather conditions conducive to downdrafts.
- [NTSB GAA15CA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA051.md): Piper PA 32R-300 · Gatlinburg, TN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 26, 2015 · N2269M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's encounter with extreme turbulence during descent over mountainous terrain, which resulted in a loss of control, and structural damage in flight.
- [NTSB ANC14CA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14CA027.md): Taylorcraft BC12 D · Wasilla, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 4, 2014 · N64518 · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR14FA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA124.md): Piper PA31 · Lanai City, HI · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 27, 2014 · N483VA · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN14CA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14CA123.md): Cessna 172N · Boulder, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 25, 2014 · N738LQ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during final approach with known turbulence present.
- [NTSB WPR14CA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA011.md): Mooney M20J · Sedona, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 8, 2013 · N5760Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate flare which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of aircraft control during an aborted landing.
- [NTSB WPR13LA431](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA431.md): Bombardier DHC-8-402 · Reno, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 2013 · N449QX · No damage
  > The airplane’s encounter with known moderate-to-severe turbulence, which resulted in a serious injury to a flight attendant.
- [NTSB CEN13FA327](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA327.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Mosca, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 2013 · N7147R · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR13TA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13TA205.md): Bell BHT407 · Big Fork, MT · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Apr 25, 2013 · N937GR · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR13FA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA138.md): Cessna 172M · Saratoga, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 3, 2013 · N5129R · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN13FA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA183.md): Mooney M20E · Angel Fire, NM · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 3, 2013 · N3484X · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN13CA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13CA026.md): Mace Justin I Dragonfly · Durango, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 9, 2012 · N764JM · Substantial damage
  > The 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 CEN12LA427](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA427.md): Murray Richard F Aircam BY Lockwood · Taos, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 2012 · N984AT · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR12LA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA205.md): Infinity 2000 · Hurricane, UT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 11, 2012 · N541KP · Substantial damage
  > The 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 DCA12CA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA12CA062.md): Airbus Industrie A319-132 · Buena Vista, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 15, 2012 · N808AW · Minor damage
  > an inadvertent encounter with mountain wave turbulence.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03032010/cases.md?page=2

## 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", '03032010'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03032010/cases

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