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 ANC22LA019Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportDehavilland DHC-3 · Deadhorse, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach path in flat light conditions, which resulted in landing short of the runway and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN22LA120Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Murphysboro, ILThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during approach for landing.NTSB CEN22LA118Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20J · Katy, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper glidepath while on the final approach segment of the traffic pattern in dark night conditions.NTSB CEN22FA096Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 58 · Defiance, MOThe pilot’s loss of airplane control while flying in night instrument conditions due to spatial disorientation and the flight crew’s inability to recover from an unusual airplane attitude.NTSB ERA22LA103Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150G · Knoxville, TNThe pilot of the Cessna 150’s failure to avoid the taxiing Cessna 172.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 ERA22FA083Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Statesboro, GAThe pilot’s decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into dark night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control shortly after takeoff.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 ERA22LA043Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-236 · Orleans, MAThe pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control while maneuvering over water in dark night conditions.NTSB WPR22LA030Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Newdale, IDThe flight instructor’s failure to monitor the flight to ensure terrain clearance during the dark night conditions.NTSB ERA22LA031Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV-12 · Folkston, GAThe pilot’s low altitude maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with a utility pole.NTSB WPR22FA011Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 175 · Reserve, NMThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s reduced forward visibility due to the sun.NTSB ERA22LA006Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172K · Williston, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain on approach which resulted in controlled flight into trees. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the approach path, the dark night conditions and the landing…NTSB ERA22FA004Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportDassault Falcon 20 · Thomson, GAThe flight crew’s continuation of an unstable dark night visual approach and the captain’s instruction to use air brakes during the approach contrary to airplane operating limitations, which resulted in a descent below the glide path, and a collision with…NTSB ERA22FA001Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech S35 · Andrews, NCThe pilot’s decision to fly toward rapidly rising, obscured mountainous terrain after departing under visual flight rules at night.NTSB 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.NTSB WPR21LA338Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Tillamook, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a powerline during a low reconnaissance, with sun glare.NTSB CEN21LA373Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20F · New Albany, MSThe pilot’s delayed decision to abort the landing that resulted in a collision with a fence post. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the alternator drive belt during cruise flight for unknown reasons and the subsequent inoperative electrical…NTSB ERA21LA281Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 402A · Fort Lauderdale, FLThe pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff with a fogged wind screen and sun glare, which resulted in a runway excursion and a collision with a taxiway sign.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 WPR21LA240Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T206 · Apple Valley, CAThe pilot's distraction due to adjusting the radio while taxing at night, which resulted in a taxiway excursion and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ERA21LA264Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 407 · Tampa, FLThe pilot’s improper landing flare while making a power off practice autorotative landing. Contributing was the decreased visual cues provided by the recently paved runway during the night landing conducted with the aid of night vision goggles.NTSB WPR21LA193Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172R · Chandler, AZThe pilot’s failure to locate the airport which resulted in an approach to a road and subsequent collision with powerlines during a go-around in low light conditions.NTSB ERA21LA191Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Forkston, PAThe pilot’s inadequate preflight weather planning, which resulted in an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions at night, spatial disorientation, and collision with terrain.NTSB ERA21FA189Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201T · Brownsville, TNThe student pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a rapid uncontrolled descent into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the self-induced and external…NTSB WPR21LA166Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 140 · Williams, AZThe pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff in night visual meteorological conditions.NTSB WPR21LA174Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Silver City, NMThe pilot’s loss of situational awareness and failure to touchdown on the runway which resulted in a collision with the airport’s perimeter fence.NTSB ANC21LA029Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 170A · Lime Village, AKThe pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a landing gear collapse.NTSB CEN21FA150Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAviat A-1B · Berwyn, NEA loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain as a result of spatial disorientation during cruise in dark night conditions.NTSB CEN21LA123Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3F-50 · Weidman, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a low approach over a snow-covered runway. Contributing to the accident was the loss of depth perception due to the bright sunlight and snow.NTSB WPR21LA092Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCreek Michel W Bearhawk · Elko, NVThe pilot’s unstable approach to land, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent nose over. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue an approach in sun glare conditions.NTSB CEN21LA089Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Bossier City, LAThe student pilot’s decision to conduct a flight during night instrument meteorological conditions and his loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot’s use of an amphetamine and his attention…NTSB ERA21LA079Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Nantucket, MAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from obstacles during the attempted go around following an approach to landing in sun glare.NTSB ERA21LA050Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Cynthiana, KYThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper glide path during a visual approach that was conducted at night, resulting in a collision with trees and terrain.NTSB ERA21LA041Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20C · Laconia, NHThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during an approach in sun glare and hazy conditions.NTSB WPR21LA021Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Pahrump, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control while hovering low over a body a water while facing into the sun, which resulted in a loss of visual reference and subsequent impact with the lake surface.NTSB ERA21LA020Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAero Commander 100 · Citra, FLThe student pilot’s inadequate preflight planning likely due to impairment from ethanol, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing was his improper decision to depart from an unlit airstrip in dark night conditions.NTSB WPR21LA005Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150 · Rimrock, AZThe pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and runway excursion.NTSB WPR20LA322Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32-300 · Silver Springs, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a nighttime landing with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a sign.NTSB WPR20LA315Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Emmett, IDThe pilot’s descent below surrounding terrain and his delayed decision to initiate a climb which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident were terrain and lighting conditions that affected the pilot’s ability to accurately assess terrain…NTSB ERA20LA330Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA25 · Floral City, FLThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid a tree while flying towards the rising sun during an aerial application flight, which resulted in a collision with the tree and a subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN20LA399Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV9 · Zeeland, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during a visual approach in dark night conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent flight experience at night.NTSB CEN20CA405Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportPiper PA28 · Huntley, ILThe pilot’s decision to land at night without runway lighting, which resulted in a collision with an object.NTSB CEN20LA379Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Chester, ARThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into dark night instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA20LA306Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportThrush S2R-H80 · Hawkinsville, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from an antenna tower while maneuvering during an agricultural application flight while flying directly toward the sun.NTSB WPR20CA312Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportBeechcraft C90A · Fortuna, CAA collision with a deer while landing at night.NTSB 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…NTSB ANC20LA046Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna A185 · Nuiqsut, AKThe pilot’s controlled flight into flat snow-covered terrain in weather conditions that were conducive to flat light conditions.NTSB ERA20CA184Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportBell OH-58C · Livingston, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance while maneuvering at low altitude at night, which resulted in the helicopter striking a tree.NTSB ERA20CA191Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportBell UH 1N · Baghdad, IraqThe flight crew's inadequate situational awareness and failure to maintain adequate clearance from a security barrier during a night takeoff.