NTSB investigations
671 cases where NTSB found Light condition.
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\", '030360')) 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", '030360')) 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 DCA24LA034Incident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing 717 · Kahului, HIThe captain did not verify that the tow tractor had exited the area in front of the airplane before taxiing for departure. Contributing factors were the dark conditions and the absence of an illuminated hazard beacon on the tow tractor, which reduced its…NTSB ERA24LA030Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Pembroke Pines, FLThe pilot’s loss of airplane control and descent into terrain due to spatial disorientation during a solo night cross country flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-reported fatigue.NTSB CEN24FA021Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502B · Vidalia, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s cell phone use and the position of the sun, which reduced the pilot’s ability to perceive the location of the power…NTSB ERA24FA003Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Croydon, NHThe pilot’s loss of control during the initial climb in dark night conditions due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a steep banking descent into trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent night flight experience,…NTSB WPR24FA002Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Moab, UTThe pilot’s loss of visual reference to the horizon while departing during dark night, which resulted in the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation and subsequent controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR23LA339Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter France AS350B2 · Silverton, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain visual reference and altitude while maneuvering over a lake during dusk conditions, which resulted in the helicopter impacting water.NTSB ERA23FA358Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus SR20 · Toms River, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff due to spatial disorientation (somatogravic illusion), which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN23LA350Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Carthage, ILA collision with a fence during landing due to the crew’s reduced distance estimation and depth perception while using night vision goggles. Contributing to the accident was the low moon angle, which made viewing the fence more challenging.NTSB 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.NTSB CEN23FA315Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150 · Houston, TXThe student pilot’s loss of airplane control in dark night conditions.NTSB ERA23LA368Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Culpeper, VAThe airplane’s impact with a deer while performing a takeoff at night.NTSB ERA23FA270Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Ebensburg, PAThe pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.NTSB CEN23LA427Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportQuad City Challenger · Indianola, MSThe non-certificated pilot’s loss of control during the night landing.NTSB WPR23FA223Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCompagnie Daher TB 30 Epsilon · Apache Junction, AZThe pilot’s controlled flight into the mountainous terrain due to diminished depth perception as a result of the shadowing effect from the sun’s position. Contributing to the accident was the decision by all three pilots to fly low altitude around the…NTSB WPR23LA207Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182Q · Kingman, AZThe failure of the passenger to adequately maintain a safe distance from the airplane’s propeller and the determination to let the passenger exit the airplane with the engine running.NTSB WPR23LA200Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · San Diego, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during a hover taxi due to distraction resulting from the unanticipated activation of strobing lights while using night vision googles.NTSB ANC23LA036Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA31 · Point Thomson, AKThe pilot’s inadvertent descent below the published minimum descent altitude, while operating in flat light conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA23LA222Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150M · Hernando, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from obstacles during takeoff at night.NTSB WPR23FA172Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172S · Los Angeles, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with the hilly terrain resulting from his loss of situational awareness due to the deteriorating weather conditions as he descended to approach his destination airport.NTSB WPR23FA153Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMullins David J JR Glastar · Cal-Nev-Ari, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude for undetermined reasons while maneuvering to land in dark night conditions, which resulted in collision with terrain.NTSB ERA23FA181Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32R · Venice, FLThe pilot’s decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into dark night conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation during the initial climb and subsequent steep banking descent into water.NTSB ANC23LA022Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna U206F · Chugiak, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in flat light conditions which resulted in a loss of control and impact with a snow berm.NTSB CEN23FA095Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Hooker, OKThe pilot’s decision to depart and continue the visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA23FA109Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Dawsonville, GAThe pilot’s decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a loss of control in-flight due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of qualifications and…NTSB CEN23FA077Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150H · Auburn, NEThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain control after a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing while maneuvering for forced landing in dark night visual meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA23FA108Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Dayton, VAThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while descending over mountainous terrain at night.NTSB DCA23LA114Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBombardier CL-600-2D24 · New York, NYITA Airways flight crew's incorrect evaluation of the clearance between their airplane and another airplane stopped on an adjoining taxiway.NTSB ANC23LA011Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Kenai, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in flat light conditions, resulting in the airplane to nose over.NTSB CEN23LA091Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150G · Pocahantas, IAThe pilot’s landing flare which resulted in a bounced landing and the nose landing gear collapsing. Contributing to the accident was the airplane's encounter with adverse weather conditions which led to structural icing that affected flight characteristics…NTSB ANC23FA008Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRaytheon C90A · Kaupo, HIGuardian Flight’s inadequate pilot training and performance tracking, which failed to identify and correct the pilot’s consistent lack of skill, and which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain his position inflight using secondary instruments to…NTSB 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.NTSB ERA23FA079Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Venice, FLThe pilot’s spatial disorientation during takeoff in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain a positive rate of climb and a subsequent descent into the water.NTSB WPR23LA053Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAviat A-1C-180 · Morgan, UTThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from snow covered terrain while maneuvering at low attitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s loss of visual reference due to snow and flat light conditions.NTSB ERA23FA077Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · Falmouth, MAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the landing approach. Contributing to the accident was the sun glare, which impaired the pilot's visibility and situational awareness.NTSB CEN23FA046Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportExtra EA300 · Wonder Lake, ILThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent path to the runway after he became disorientated by sun glare while on final approach, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.NTSB WPR23LA032Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportHonda HA-420 · Salt Lake City, UTThe pilot’s inadvertent attempt to takeoff on a left side of runway, rather than the centerline of runway, which resulted in a collision with runway edge lights during the night time takeoff.NTSB ERA23LA057Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 175 · Gilford, NHThe pilot’s decision to continue the approach to land in conditions where he was unable to see in front of the airplane due to sun glare, which resulted in in a collision a building.NTSB ERA23LA031Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172P · Elizabethtown, KYThe pilot's decision to continue the taxi without visual reference to the surface, due to his vision being impaired by darkness and glare, which resulted in the airplane’s departure from the paved surface and impact with a ditch. Contributing was the flight…NTSB CEN22LA441Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Shell Lake, WIA collision with a deer during landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.NTSB WPR22LA358Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · South Jordan, UTThe pilot’s inability to see and avoid a bird while landing in dark night conditions.NTSB ANC22LA070Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Fairbanks, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain centerline in dusk light conditions which resulted in impact with trees.NTSB ERA22LA377Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Lehighton, PAThe pilot failure to ensure the runway was clear before landing, resulting in a runway excursion and collision with runway lights.NTSB CEN22LA346Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMeschler Gary R RV-4 · Oshkosh, WIThe failure of the pilot of N694V (RV-8) to maintain clearance from the preceding airplane, N79KM (RV-4), while taxiing for takeoff, which resulted in an on-ground collision.NTSB ERA22LA334Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter AS365 · Hamilton, OHThe pilot’s decision to continue the landing without having visually identified wires that were known to be in the vicinity of the landing zone, which resulted in a collision with the wires while attempting an off-airport landing in dark night visual…NTSB CEN22FA317Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell UH-1H · Chapelle, NMThe total loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the starter-generator input (zerol) gear which failed due to poor maintenance. Contributing to the accident was the unsuccessful autorotation complicated by the setting sun and high density altitude.NTSB ERA22LA326Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-33A · Waynesville, OHThe pilot’s loss of situational awareness (geographic position), which resulted in his inability to locate the intended landing runway and his decision to perform an off-airport landing.NTSB ERA22LA206Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Lake Apopka, FLA collision with water following a loss of visual reference to the water surface due to sun glare.NTSB ANC22LA023Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 BA · Valdez, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach path in flat light conditions, which resulted in landing short of the intended landing spot and impact with terrain.NTSB ERA22FA149Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182Q · Panama City, FLThe pilot’s deviation from the final approach course during a night instrument approach with low instrument meterological conditions, which resulted in an impact with heavily wooded terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue…NTSB ERA22LA145Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAirbus Helicopters MBB-BK 117 C-2 · Abingdon, VAThe pilot’s misalignment of the helicopter skids while landing on a dolly at night, which resulted in the skids becoming entangled with the dolly and a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s fatigue as a result of the time the accident…