NTSB investigations
190 cases where NTSB found Low ceiling.
Cases, newest first
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\", '03035010')) 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", '03035010')) 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 WPR18FA141Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182G · Cascade, IDThe non-instrument-rated pilot's improper decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into an area with low ceilings due to mountain obscuration, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN18FA168Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Lone Tree, COThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to fly the airplane at night in marginal weather conditions.NTSB CEN18FA144Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Williamsburg, PAThe pilot's failure to obtain an updated weather briefing before the flight and his subsequent loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions during a diversion to an alternate airport after…NTSB WPR18FA095Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32R · Monticello, UTThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continued flight into a region of deteriorating ceiling and visibility conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain event.NTSB ERA18LA033Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 421 · Presque Isle, METhe in-flight leakage of fuel from the fuel injection system's mixture shaft onto the hot turbocharger, which resulted in an in-flight fire, and the pilot's inability to see the runway due to reduced visibility conditions and conduct a successful landing.NTSB ERA18FA016Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32 · Morrison, TNThe pilots' loss of control during a missed approach in night instrument meteorological conditions as a result of spatial disorientation.NTSB CEN17FA361Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Thief River Falls, MNThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, and his subsequent loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB GAA17CA454Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT 802 · Trumann, ARThe pilot’s improper decision to continue flight in deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in collision with the ground.NTSB ERA17FA108Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28R · Cedar Key, FLThe non-instrument-rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN17FA064Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28R-200 · Vienna, ILThe non-instrument rated pilot's decision to descend through an overcast layer of weather during dark night conditions, which resulted in the airplane impacting trees.NTSB CEN16FA372Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportAgusta A109 · Alexandria, MNThe pilot's excessive cyclic input during a missed approach maneuver in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and spiraling descent into terrain.NTSB ERA16CA197Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportAmerican Champion 7GCBC · Warner, NHAn encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot's spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA16FA140Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B2 · Enterprise, ALThe pilot's decision to perform visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to complete the…NTSB CEN16LA128Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA5 · Longview, TXThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB WPR16FA059Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 24-260 · Santa Rosa, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during an instrument approach in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent experience in night…NTSB GAA16CA066Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA 5 · West Point, VAThe pilot's decision to fly a traffic pattern following an aborted instrument landing in night instrument metrological conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference to the runway, an inadvertent aerodynamic stall, and a collision with terrain.NTSB ERA15FA361Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206 · Spring Hill, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized instrument approach, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB ERA15FA326Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA44 · Houlton, METhe pilot's descent below the published minimum descent altitude in night instrument meteorological conditions without visual contact with the runway environment, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain short of the runway. Contributing to the…NTSB ERA15FA254Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Plainville, MAThe total loss of engine power due to the failure of the alternator drive coupling. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inability to locate and navigate to a suitable forced landing site due to low cloud ceilings.NTSB CEN15FA174Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · El Paso, TXThe pilot's decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into known instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA15FA144Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Norfolk, VAThe pilot's failure to properly execute the instrument approach procedure. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's improper preflight planning and his decision to conduct the flight in instrument meteorological conditions at night into forecast moderate…NTSB WPR15FA072Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Benson, AZThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, during which he failed to identify forecasted…NTSB CEN15FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Clines Corners, NMThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to initiate the flight into known deteriorating weather conditions and his continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which ultimately resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the…NTSB CEN14FA506Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Okmulgee, OKThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN14LA424Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBarger Steve M RV-7A · Russell, IAThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and the subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA14CA373Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-46-350P · Statesville, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path and airspeed on final approach, which resulted in a long landing and runway excursion.NTSB WPR14FA231Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman G 21A · Sula, MTThe pilot's decision to continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions in an airplane not maintained for instrument flight, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR14FA244Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA 5B · Florence, ORThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and the subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA14FA288Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-500TP · White Plains, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff due to spatial disorientation (somatogravic illusion). Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to depart and his decision to depart in low-ceiling and…NTSB CEN14FA265Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Watkins, COThe pilot’s loss of control and subsequent aerodynamic stall due to spatial disorientation in night instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction due to his cell phone use while maneuvering at low-altitude.NTSB CEN14FA224Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32R-300 · Highmore, SDThe pilot's decision to continue the flight into known deteriorating weather conditions at a low altitude and his subsequent failure to remain clear of an unlit wind turbine. Contributing to the accident was the inoperative obstruction light on the wind…NTSB ERA14LA117Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Stuart, FLThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into dark night, instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation and subsequent impact with water.NTSB CEN14LA129Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Elk City, OKThe pilot’s descent below the published minimum descent altitude for the instrument approach procedure, which resulted in impact with a utility pole.NTSB CEN14GA135Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 210E · Oden, ARThe pilot’s improper decision to fly into an area with reported marginal meteorological conditions in an airplane not maintained for instrument flight and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain.NTSB ERA14FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Dawsonville, GAThe pilot’s in-flight loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while operating in dark night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s design stress limitations and a subsequent in-flight breakup.…NTSB ERA14FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFocke-Wulf FWP 149D · Kenansville, NCThe pilot’s loss of control in instrument meteorological conditions for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB WPR14FA044Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206F · Donnelly, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering in likely low-ceiling and low-visibility conditions in mountainous terrain.NTSB CEN14FA042Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Kirksville, MOA loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the private pilot's impairment due to a sedating antihistamine and both pilots' fatigue.NTSB ERA14FA027Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Nashville, TNThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into night instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in a collision with the runway during an attempted approach to land. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s mental state, his…NTSB ERA14FA010Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Somerville, TNThe pilot’s inadvertent encounter with night, instrument meteorological conditions while responding to an obstacle alert, resulting in an in-flight loss of helicopter control.NTSB DCA13MA133Accident · 2 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportAirbus A300 - F4 622R · Birmingham, ALthe flight crew's continuation of an unstabilized approach and their failure to monitor the aircraft's altitude during the approach, which led to an inadvertent descent below the minimum approach altitude and subsequently into terrain. Contributing to the…NTSB CEN13FA456Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Chesterfield, MOThe pilot’s failure to establish and maintain a positive climb rate during the initial climb in night instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA13FA336Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R66 · Noxen, PAThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB ANC13FA058Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Cantwell, AKThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.NTSB CEN13FA217Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Guymon, OKThe noninstrument-rated pilot's encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and his subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to take off in deteriorating…NTSB ANC13FA030Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 1900C · Aleknagik, AKThe flight crew's failure to maintain terrain clearance, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the flight crew's failure to correctly read back and interpret clearance…NTSB ERA13FA144Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · Lutz, FLThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of instrument…NTSB ERA13FA105Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech H35 · Palm Coast, FLA total loss of engine power after the failure of the No. 4 connecting rod due to oil starvation, which resulted in a subsequent forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to clearly state that the aircraft had lost all power and the…NTSB ERA13FA101Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Jasper, ALThe student pilot’s poor judgment to take a multiengine airplane for which he did not have experience or permission to operate and depart into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and impact with terrain.NTSB ERA13LA042Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Sevierville, TNThe air traffic controller’s failure to comply with the required vectoring and safety alert procedures, which resulted in the airplane’s flight into rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the Federal Aviation Administration’s continued practice of…