NTSB investigations
184 cases where NTSB found Below VFR minima.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 17 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 12 |
| 2012 | 8 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 23 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 16 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 1 |
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\", '03035075')) 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", '03035075')) 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 ERA25LA130Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Manchester, VTThe pilot’s improper decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the accumulation of airframe icing and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB 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.NTSB CEN24FA327Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Wayne, NEThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB CEN24FA295Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Irene, SDThe pilot’s poor decision to continue the flight into deteriorating weather conditions and his failure to maintain a safe altitude, which resulted in controlled flight into trees and terrain.NTSB WPR24FA257Accident · 7 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPilatus PC-12/47E · Recluse, WYThe pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation while operating in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction from the autopilot disconnecting due to an…NTSB 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.NTSB CEN24LA144Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Muncie, INThe pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control while maneuvering outside established instrument approach procedures in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB ERA24FA120Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32 · Jackson, OHThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain while maneuvering.NTSB ERA24FA077Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportZenith Stol CH701 · Marienville, PAThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into deteriorating visibility conditions at night, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent descent that continued to ground contact.NTSB ERA24FA036Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Micanopy, FLThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s improper inflight decision making and his flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s…NTSB CEN24FA024Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLancair 320 · Manitowoc, WIThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain during an unapproved instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…NTSB CEN23FA125Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Port O'Connor, TXThe pilot’s initiation of the visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of helicopter control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s flicker vertigo during the flight.NTSB ERA23FA131Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150G · Hillsville, VAThe pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN23FA084Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46 · Yoakum, TXThe pilot’s spatial disorientation during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which led to an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR23FA083Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-34-220T · New Harmony, UTThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR22FA347Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSkiles Kenneth C RV-6A · Preston, IDThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR22FA298Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Blyn, WAThe pilot’s continued operation of the airplane with known mechanical malfunctions with the flight displays, and his continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain while maneuvering.NTSB ERA22LA180Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 269A · Fort White, FLThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to fly a visual flight rules only helicopter in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN22FA082Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Hardy, ARThe non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was a loss of engine power due to fuel…NTSB ERA22FA085Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35 · Crab Orchard, KYThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB CEN22FA067Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA 28-140 · Houston, TXThe student pilot’s decision to depart into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR22FA054Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35 · Visalia, CAThe pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to depart into night instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CEN22FA058Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182L · Bonnerdale, ARThe noninstrument rated pilot’s improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ANC21FA069Accident · 6 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportDehavilland DHC-2 MK.I · Ketchikan, AKThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules (VFR) flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the FAA’s reliance on voluntary compliance with the Ketchikan…NTSB WPR21FA270Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 421C · Monterey, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control due to spatial disorientation during an instrument departure procedure in instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of…NTSB CEN21FA297Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportEarthstar Gull 2000 · Curtiss, WIThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions with dense fog and low clouds, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-imposed…NTSB ERA21LA101Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech F33 · Columbia, SCThe pilot's in-flight loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA21LA028Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Point Lookout, NYThe pilot’s decision to depart on a visual flight rules flight, and to continue that flight into forecasted and deteriorating instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) in a helicopter that was not equipped for flight in IMC, which resulted in the pilot’s…NTSB WPR20LA304Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Seeley Lake, MTThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s encounter with instrument meteorological conditions during a night visual approach due to wildfire smoke, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN20LA354Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportLancair Lancair Super ES · Ely, MNThe non-instrument rated pilot’s improper decision to attempt flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB 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…NTSB ERA20FA096Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 501 · Fairmount, GAThe pilots’ loss of control in flight in freezing instrument meteorological conditions due to spatial disorientation and the cumulative effects of task saturation.NTSB ANC20MA010Accident · 7 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportAirbus AS350B2 · Kekaha, HIThe pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules (VFR) into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in the collision into terrain. Contributing to the accident was Safari Aviation Inc.’s lack of safety management processes…NTSB ERA20FA021Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28R · Atlanta, GAThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while flying in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the vacuum pump and its associated instruments.NTSB WPR19FA263Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Nixon, NVA loss of airplane control while maneuvering due to spatial disorientation after inadvertently entering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inexperience in IMC conditions.NTSB CEN19FA247Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Ontonagon, MIThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions with thunderstorm activity, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN19FA177Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Elida, OHThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight rules flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing was the pilot not obtaining a weather…NTSB WPR19FA175Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Two Harbors, CAThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA19FA191Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAgusta A109 · New York, NYThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to initiate the flight into marginal visual flight rules and instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of control.NTSB CEN19FA140Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT502 · Eagle Lake, TXThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to fly into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation, a loss of control, and a subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ERA19FA163Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportGuimbal Cabri · Kent Island, MDThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent descent into the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to conduct the flight at a low altitude without…NTSB ERA19FA113Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Louisburg, NCThe pilot's spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control following takeoff in night instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CEN19FA088Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA46 · Shreveport, LAThe pilot's conduct of a departure into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's poor instrument flying skills and his decision…NTSB WPR19FA084Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Ely, NVThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and icing conditions which resulted in a high rate of descent and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the inaccurate weather reporting…NTSB WPR19FA075Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Oceanside, CAThe pilot’s improper decision to depart on the night visual flight rules flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in an in-flight encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and collision with rising terrain.NTSB CEN19FA072Accident · 3 fatalClass 1 · FieldFinal reportBell 407 · Zaleski, OHThe NTSB determines that the probable cause of this accident was Survival Flight's inadequate management of safety, which normalized pilots' and operations control specialists' noncompliance with risk analysis procedures and resulted in the initiation of the…NTSB WPR19LA066Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA23 · Ellensburg, WAThe instrument rated pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR19LA058Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · LimitedFinal reportBeech A36 · Colusa, CAThe pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA19FA071Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 560 · Atlanta, GAThe pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during initial climb in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB WPR19FA025Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Redding, CAThe pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control after takeoff in dark night instrument meteorological conditions.