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 CEN19FA030Accident · 3 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna 441 · Harmon, NDThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane in dark night conditions that resulted in an in-flight positive overload failure of the wings and the subsequent in-flight breakup of the airplane.NTSB ERA19FA049Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportLancair Legacy RG · Gainesville, GAThe pilots’ failure to execute a go-around when the nighttime autopilot-coupled approach became unstable, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain. Also causal was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the pilot and…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.NTSB GAA19CA052Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA28 · Merced, CAThe pilot's improper glidepath during a landing at night, which resulted in a collision with approach lights.NTSB CEN19FA024Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Uvalde, TXThe pilot's controlled flight into terrain during night visual meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot improper decision to inhibit the helicopter's terrain warning systems and flight at low altitude.NTSB GAA19CA044Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportStoddard Hamilton Glasair II · Laramie, WYThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper pitch attitude during landing at night, which resulted in a porpoised landing.NTSB GAA19CA039Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell OH 58A · Carson City, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude in hilly terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inability to determine the airplane’s altitude due to sun glare.NTSB ERA19LA022Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA22 · Brownstown, INThe total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Contributing to the outcome was the student…NTSB ERA19FA010Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportVans RV8 · Culpeper, VAThe pilot's loss of attitude orientation while maneuvering at low altitude in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB CEN19FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT502 · Placedo, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the antenna tower, a known obstruction, during the agricultural application flight. Contributing to the accident was glare from the sun which hindered the pilot's ability to see and avoid the antenna tower.NTSB GAA19CA001Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 340 · Keokuk, IAThe pilot's failure to correctly identify the runway environment during an instrument approach at night in instrument meteorological conditions because he mistook building lights for runway lights, which resulted in landing short of the runway.NTSB CEN18FA384Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Festus, MOA total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and the pilot's subsequent exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to initiate and continue the…NTSB ANC18TA070Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportCessna U206 · Willow, AKThe pilot receiving instruction's failure to maintain control during a night landing pattern crosswind turn due to spatial disorientation and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action, which resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB WPR18FA253Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCommander 114 · Jean, NVThe pilot failed to maintain adequate speed while maneuvering at a low attitude during night and entered an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin.NTSB GAA18CA533Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12 · Cut Bank, MTThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid power wires while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inability to determine the airplane’s altitude due to sun glare.NTSB CEN18FA368Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32RT · St Ignace, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude after takeoff in dark night conditions which resulted in a collision with the water.NTSB WPR18FA245Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna P210 · Prescott, AZThe pilot's misjudgment of distance and altitude from the runway and his subsequent failure to maintain an approach path that provided clearance from the terrain due to a visual illusion in dark night conditions.NTSB CEN18FA259Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland EC135 P1 · Chicago, ILThe pilot's inadvertent disabling of the No. 1 and No. 2 engines' electronic engine control systems, which resulted in engine and rotor overspeed conditions, a subsequent autorotation, and a hard landing. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's…NTSB GAA18CA402Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA28 · Rolla, MOA collision with a deer on the runway during the takeoff roll at night.NTSB GAA18CA375Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportTaylorcraft F19 · Goose Bay, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper approach path during landing in dusky, flat light conditions, which resulted in a tree strike.NTSB CEN18LA226Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G 164B · Arrey, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a hillside during an agricultural application flight while facing the sun.NTSB WPR18LA144Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRyan Navion · Jasper, ALThe other pilot's failure to maintain clearance from another airplane in the formation flight due to sun glare.NTSB WPR18FA139Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 76 · Julian, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude above mountainous terrain while maneuvering during night conditions in an area prone to turbulence, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's…NTSB WPR18LA135Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 152 · Tamiami, FLThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s loss of control during an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions at night. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to depart on the flight without obtaining approval to fly at night in accordance…NTSB GAA18CA347Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA28 · Pine Spring, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate altitude while flying over mountainous terrain in turbulent wind conditions at night, which resulted in a tree strike.NTSB GAA18CA243Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 310 · Gainesville, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate approach path at night, which resulted in a tree strike.NTSB CEN18FA149Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B2 · Hazelhurst, WIThe pilot's loss of helicopter control as a result of fatigue during cruise flight at night.NTSB ERA18FA127Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Crozet, VAThe pilot's loss of control while operating in night instrument meteorological conditions as a result of spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate an airplane after consuming alcohol and his resulting…NTSB GAA18CA211Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna A185 · Sterling, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the approach to land due to the sun glare.NTSB ERA18FA114Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Hydro, OKThe pilot's decision to continue the night visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing was the pilot's lack of instrument/night currency, and his failure…NTSB CEN18LA123Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMills Michael S1L · Dewitt, MIThe pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines due to sun glare.NTSB GAA18CA170Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Vernon, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusty crosswind conditions.NTSB GAA18CA169Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCubcrafters CC11-160 · Mammoth Lakes, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in a gusting crosswind conditions, which exceeded the airplane’s maximum demonstrated crosswind and resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear.NTSB GAA18CA150Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Kent, OHA deer collided with aircraft during landing at night.NTSB ERA18LA094Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Ocean City, MDThe pilot's flight in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in an impact with water for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB ERA18FA092Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportQuest Kodiac 100 · Georgetown, FLThe pilots' spatial disorientation while maneuvering for landing in night conditions over unlighted terrain, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with water.NTSB ANC18FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20 · Chuckanut, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a visual approach in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR18CA085Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMooney M20J · Newport, ORThe pilot's improper approach and landing flare in dark night, which resulted in a bounced landing.NTSB CEN18FA088Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172F · Williamsport, INThe pilot's mismanagement of fuel, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and descent and collision with trees.NTSB GAA18CA111Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportMaule M 6 · Boerne, TXThe ground vehicle driver’s decision to drive on an active taxiway at night and failure to yield to taxiing aircraft, resulting in a collision with a taxiing aircraft.NTSB CEN18FA078Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell UH-1H · Raton, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude above mountainous terrain during cruise flight in dark night conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN18FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMD Helicopters 369HM · Perrysburg, OHA loss of engine power due to snow or ice ingestion at an altitude that was insufficient to allow for engine re-ignition. Contributing to the accident were conditions, including altitude and flat light conditions, that precluded a successful autorotation to…NTSB GAA18CA095Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 150 · Nampa, IDThe pilot’s geographic disoriention during a night flight, which resulted in an off-airport landing.NTSB GAA18CA087Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMaule MX7 · Willow, AKThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid another airplane stopped on the taxiway while taxiing in sun glare conditions.NTSB CEN18FA053Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Oldenburg, INA total loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 4 piston, which resulted in an attempted forced landing in dark night conditions and a subsequent in-flight collision with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's situational…NTSB GAA18CA088Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 32R · Kwigillingok, AKThe pilot’s decision to land with the sun in his eyes, which resulted in a short landing.NTSB GAA18CA075Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportJones Kent C Vans RV-10 · Limon, COThe pilot’s unstabilized approach and failure to go around at night, which resulted in the airplane impacting a power line and a subsequent hard landing.NTSB GAA18CA071Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 402 · Hyannis, MAEncounter with a flock of birds during takeoff at night, resulting in multiple bird strikes and structural damage.NTSB GAA18CA069Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportWeaver David A Pulsar 912XP · Plato Center, ILThe pilot’s decision to continue to land without visual reference to the airport in low light conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inability to activate the private airport’s pilot-controlled lighting system due to its configuration.NTSB WPR18FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Tehachapi, CAThe pilot's loss of situational awareness shortly after takeoff over a sparsely lit area in dark night conditions, which resulted in a rapid descent to ground impact.