NTSB investigations

175 cases where NTSB found Low visibility.

Cases per year

20082026
NTSB investigations per year, 2008–2026: 175 cases
200813
200913
201017
201112
20126
201310
201412
20158
20169
20177
20188
201919
202011
202111
20227
20236
20246

Latest 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\", '03035015'))
  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.

NTSB ERA25FA037Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150F · Wilder, TNThe student pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions at night, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.Oct 31, 2024 · N8110S · DestroyedNTSB ANC24FA089Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206B · King Salmon, AKThe pilot’s decision to initiate the visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation, failure to maintain helicopter control and subsequent impact with water.Sep 7, 2024 · N306FW · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24FA270Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182K · Augusta, MTThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into a rugged mountain area in deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in impact with terrain.Aug 8, 2024 · N2764Q · Substantial damageNTSB ANC24LA069Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech A35 · Gustavus, AKThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.Jul 20, 2024 · N410B · DestroyedNTSB ANC24FA032Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Nondalton, AKThe non-certificated pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into the water.May 17, 2024 · N95744 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN24MA111Accident · 6 fatalClass 2 · MajorFinal reportAirbus Helicopters EC 130 · Halloran Springs, CAThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the company’s inadequate oversight of its…Feb 10, 2024 · N130CZ · DestroyedNTSB WPR24FA057Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172G · Independence, ORThe pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in collision with an obstacle while landing.Dec 17, 2023 · N3992L · DestroyedNTSB ERA23LA328Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Charlotte Amalie, CBThe pilots’ loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was both pilots’ lack of experience in operating in actual instrument meteorological conditions.Aug 4, 2023 · N13384 · DestroyedNTSB WPR23FA257Accident · 6 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 550 · Murrieta, CAThe flight crew’s decision to descend below the decision altitude of an instrument approach without having the appropriate runway visual reference(s) distinctively identified and with the visibility below the minimum that was prescribed for the approach,…Jul 8, 2023 · N819KR · DestroyedNTSB CEN23FA285Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-60-601P · Burlington, COThe pilot’s visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control in flight and subsequent impact with terrain.Jul 6, 2023 · N100PB · DestroyedNTSB CEN23FA220Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV7 · Gibbon, NEThe pilot’s improper decision to fly the airplane into known adverse weather and icing conditions which resulted in a loss of control.Jun 2, 2023 · N977RV · DestroyedNTSB CEN23FA142Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Port Allen, LAThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and the loss of aircraft control.Mar 26, 2023 · N441PD · DestroyedNTSB CEN23FA057Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 210-5(205) · Cleburne, TXAn in-flight loss of control as a result of spatial disorientation in night instrument meteorological conditions.Dec 5, 2022 · N8149Z · DestroyedNTSB CEN23LA028Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech E-90 · Slidell, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted go-around in low visibility conditions.Nov 7, 2022 · N809DM · DestroyedNTSB ERA23FA048Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Harlan, KYThe pilot’s visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions during an approach to land at an airport in mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s hazardous…Nov 3, 2022 · N84R · DestroyedNTSB ANC23LA002Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Cordova, AKThe pilot’s improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.Oct 16, 2022 · N3432W · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22FA354Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Sisters, ORThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s degraded judgement due to fatigue.Sep 22, 2022 · N7063R · DestroyedNTSB ANC22LA025Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172P · Kekaha, HIThe pilot’s improper decision to continue the visual-flight-rules flight into low visibility conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.Mar 21, 2022 · N98763 · DestroyedNTSB ERA22FA153Incident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportAmerican AA-1 · Bay Minette, ALThe pilot’s loss of control during taxi, which resulted in a taxiway overrun and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the incident were the low visibility conditions that existed at the airport around the time of the incident.Mar 11, 2022 · N5774L · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22FA068Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGates Learjet 35A · El Cajon, CAThe flight crew’s decision to descend below the published MDA, cancel their IFR clearance to conduct an unauthorized circle-to-land approach to another runway while the airport was in nighttime IFR conditions, and the exceedance of the airplane’s critical…Dec 28, 2021 · N880Z · DestroyedNTSB WPR22LA069Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Auburn, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during an instrument approach, which resulted in an impact with power lines.Dec 22, 2021 · N6280F · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22FA023Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech P35 · Harrison, NEThe pilot’s decision to continue the flight into instrument and icing conditions, which resulted in loss of control and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a timely weather briefing.Oct 31, 2021 · N8625M · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22FA021Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150L · Dunsmuir, CAThe non-certificated pilot’s improper decision to continue the flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.Oct 20, 2021 · N5268Q · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22FA004Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 340A · Santee, CALoss of control due to spatial disorientation.Oct 11, 2021 · N7022G · DestroyedNTSB ERA21FA362Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R66 · Monticello, GAThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into deteriorating weather conditions during a dark night and over unlit terrain, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of helicopter control.Sep 16, 2021 · N888DV · DestroyedNTSB ERA21LA295Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Point Harbor, NCThe noncertificated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation over a large body of water and a high velocity impact with the water. Contributing to the accident…Jul 19, 2021 · N4529J · DestroyedNTSB CEN21FA300Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 35-33 · Roff, OKThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during low-level nighttime flight.Jul 2, 2021 · N302Z · DestroyedNTSB ERA21FA140Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna R182 · Gainesville, GAThe pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to depart into low instrument meteorological conditions.Feb 26, 2021 · N3652C · DestroyedNTSB CEN21FA125Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 177RG · Galt, MOThe pilot’s decision to takeoff into instrument meteorological conditions consisting of low ceilings and icing and his failure to remain clear of terrain while attempting to remain below the clouds, which resulted in impact with terrain.Feb 8, 2021 · N8080G · DestroyedNTSB CEN21LA104Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · New Hudson, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of an instrument rating and the low visibility at the time…Jan 2, 2021 · N8347P · DestroyedNTSB CEN21LA087Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA12 · Gilliam, LAThe non-instrument rated pilot’s encounter with poor weather conditions resulting in his performing a precautionary landing to a cornfield and subsequently nosing over.Nov 23, 2020 · N2569M · Substantial damageNTSB ERA20LA335Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Union, SCA total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat in conditions conducive to the development of carburetor icing.Sep 27, 2020 · N33859 · DestroyedNTSB ERA20LA314Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportZenair CH750 Cruzer · Boaz, ALThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with trees and terrain. Contributing was the pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into an area of low clouds.Sep 10, 2020 · N656BN · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20LA367Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Lawrenceville, ILThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain as a result of his failure to properly execute an instrument approach and maintain clearance from trees in night instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s unfamiliarity with a…Aug 29, 2020 · N607SR · DestroyedNTSB ERA20LA262Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech F33 · Malbis, ALThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart in deteriorating weather conditions, which led to restricted visibility and the pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the pilot’s poor decision-making was…Jul 29, 2020 · N3156W · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA169Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 175 · Redlands, CAThe noncertificated pilot’s visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent impact with terrain.Jun 5, 2020 · N9217B · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20FA108Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20K · Sylmar, CAThe pilot’s spatial disorientation during an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of control of the airplane.Mar 13, 2020 · N777WP · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20LA118Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32R · Rensselaer, INThe non-instrument rated pilot’s failure to establish a climb while initiating a missed approach after conducting an instrument approach below weather minimums.Mar 11, 2020 · N599ST · DestroyedNTSB ANC20CA023Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from snow covered terrain during an en route descent in flat light conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.Feb 21, 2020 · N716JL · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20CA089Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 208 · Eureka, CAThe pilot's delayed response to initiate a go-around during a night visual approach over water after the airplane entered instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of forward visibility and subsequent impact with the water.Feb 6, 2020 · N24MG · DestroyedNTSB ANC20LA020Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 208 · Hooper Bay, AKThe pilot’s decision to depart from a contaminated runway, and his failure to make a timely decision to abort the takeoff when the airplane was not accelerating as expected. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to depart in limited visibility…Feb 5, 2020 · N454SF · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20MA044Accident · 5 fatalClass 2 · MajorFinal reportPiper PA 31T · Lafayette, LAThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during the initial climb in instrument meteorological conditions.Dec 28, 2019 · N42CV · DestroyedNTSB CEN20FA032Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 208 · Victoria, TXThe pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the inoperative attitude indicator and horizontal situation indicator on the pilot’s side of the cockpit, and the pilot’s failure to reference the flight instruments…Dec 10, 2019 · N4602B · DestroyedNTSB CEN20FA022Accident · 9 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPilatus PC12 · Chamberlain, SDThe pilot’s loss of control shortly after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent, low-altitude aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper loading of the airplane, which resulted in reduced static longitudinal stability and his…Nov 30, 2019 · N56KJ · DestroyedNTSB ANC20FA007Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Cooper Landing, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during gusty wind and reduced visibility night conditions.Nov 30, 2019 · N4087G · DestroyedNTSB CEN20FA019Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRaytheon A36 · San Marcos, TXThe pilot’s loss of control shortly after takeoff in instrument meteorological conditions for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Nov 20, 2019 · N88855 · DestroyedNTSB ERA20FA020Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 414 · Colonia, NJThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during a circling instrument approach procedure, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall and spin.Oct 29, 2019 · N959MJ · DestroyedNTSB CEN20FA003Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLancair Legacy · Bixby, MOThe pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.Oct 6, 2019 · N10LG · Substantial damageNTSB WPR19FA256Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32 · La Grande, ORThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.Sep 8, 2019 · N6300Z · DestroyedNTSB GAA19CA401Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Vineyard Haven, MAThe pilot's failure to maintain lateral position in relation to the instrument approach course at night in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in collision with a tree.Jul 11, 2019 · N677DM · Substantial damage