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 CEN14FA198Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C24 · Denton, TXThe pilot mistakenly manipulated the airplane's mixture knob rather than the propeller control knob during the descent, reducing the airplane's mixture knob to where the fuel-air mixture to the engine was too lean, which caused the engine to fail, and the…NTSB ERA14CA175Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech S35 · Marathon, FLThe pilot's distraction in the cockpit while on a visual approach over water during a dark night resulting in the airplane descending until impact with the water.NTSB WPR14CA129Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPartenavia P 68 Observer · Molokai, HIThe pilot's inadequate decision to continue an unstable approach in dark night conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and hard landing.NTSB WPR14FA124Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA31 · Lanai City, HIThe pilot’s spatial disorientation while turning during flight in dark night conditions and terrain-induced turbulence, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from a sedating antihistamine.NTSB ERA14FA115Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Panacea, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during a takeoff at night. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent night flight experience.NTSB ERA14LA117Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Stuart, FLThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into dark night, instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation and subsequent impact with water.NTSB CEN14LA129Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Elk City, OKThe pilot’s descent below the published minimum descent altitude for the instrument approach procedure, which resulted in impact with a utility pole.NTSB WPR14LA102Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech C90 · Columbia, CAThe pilot’s unstabilized night visual approach, which resulted in a hard landing and the collapse of all three landing gear.NTSB CEN14FA122Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L 3 · Silt, COThe pilot’s inadequate preflight planning for a low-level aerial surveillance flight of power transmission lines, which led to his being unaware of the crossing power line while flying toward the sun and his subsequent failure to maintain sufficient clearance…NTSB CEN14FA102Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20R · Boyne City, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane as he attempted to return to the airport after encountering dark night conditions and heavy snow showers.NTSB WPR14FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Fresno, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees while on approach, which subsequently led to a loss of airplane control. Also causal was the pilot’s continued operation of the airplane at night with a diagnosed medical condition that degraded…NTSB ERA14FA073Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon 390 · Atlanta, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering the airplane in the traffic pattern at night. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from the use of illicit drugs.NTSB ERA14MA060Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportFairchild SA227-AC · La Alianza, PRThe flight crew's excessive elevator input during a rapid descent under night lighting conditions, which resulted in the overstress and breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was an initial loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be…NTSB ERA14FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Dawsonville, GAThe pilot’s in-flight loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while operating in dark night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s design stress limitations and a subsequent in-flight breakup.…NTSB CEN14FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210 · Cedaredge, COThe pilot's spatial disorientation while operating in dark night conditions in snow showers and his subsequent failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in overstress of the airplane and an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the loss of control was…NTSB CEN14FA047Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeechcraft B36TC · Amarillo, TXThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to fly a night instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control of the airplane during an attempted missed approach.NTSB ERA14FA010Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Somerville, TNThe pilot’s inadvertent encounter with night, instrument meteorological conditions while responding to an obstacle alert, resulting in an in-flight loss of helicopter control.NTSB WPR14CA019Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 - II · Sedro Woolley, WAThe non-instrument rated pilot's inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions during initial climb and his improper decision to continue flight, which resulted in an in-flight impact with a tree and an emergency descent that resulted in a…NTSB WPR14LA007Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA32 - 300 · Tinian IslandThe pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering at low altitude in dark night conditions.NTSB WPR14CA003Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT 402B · Wellton, AZThe pilot’s distracted attention and failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear terrain while maneuvering in dark night conditions.NTSB CEN13LA570Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-181 · Algona, IAFuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's failure to ensure he had sufficient fuel on board to complete the planned flight. Contributing to the accident was the incomplete information provided by the airport's AWOS.NTSB ERA13FA402Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T-50 · Lenox Twp., PAThe pilot's intentional visual flight into night instrument meteorological conditions and thunderstorms and his improper decision to takeoff without getting updated weather information after a briefer cautioned him during a previous flight that visual flight…NTSB CEN13FA465Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-400 · Balko, OKThe pilot's failure maintain clearance from a meteorological tower while en route at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the sun's glare.NTSB CEN13FA456Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Chesterfield, MOThe pilot’s failure to establish and maintain a positive climb rate during the initial climb in night instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA13FA336Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R66 · Noxen, PAThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB WPR13GA338Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell HH-1H · Mount Charleston, NVThe premature hoisting operation and the inadvertent disengagement of the hoist hook on the rescuer’s harness in dark night conditions. Contributing to the accident was a lack of direct audio communication between the rescuer and the hoist operator.NTSB CEN13LA424Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Huntingburg, INThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power line during an aerial application maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to identify potential obstructions in the area before beginning low-altitude maneuvers.NTSB WPR13CA326Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna A185F · Cascade, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during final approach due to the sun glare that obscured the pilot's vision.NTSB WPR13LA286Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182T · San Diego, CABoth pilots’ failure to maintain a proper visual lookout while taxiing during nighttime conditions, which resulted in an on-ground collision.NTSB WPR13CA235Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportSwanson Tiger Moth 80 · Lynden, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during final approach and his obscured vision due to the sun glare.NTSB WPR13LA215Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportArrow Falcon Exporters OH-58A+ · Somerton, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering at a low altitude in dark night conditions, which resulted in collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's fatigue due to his working at a time when he normally would…NTSB ANC13CA042Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 207A · Newtok, AKThe pilot's continued flight into adverse weather and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain while on approach in flat light conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's delayed decision to initiate a go-around.NTSB ANC13CA041Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Anaktuvuk Pass, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain lateral control while hovering over an area of snow-covered terrain, in flat light conditions, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.NTSB WPR13FA201Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182D · Wellington, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain during a night, visual descent to the destination airport, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN13LA211Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Plainview, TXThe student pilot's improper decision to fly in night visual meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain altitude and clearance from obstacles.NTSB ANC13FA027Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182B · Nikolai, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering inside a box canyon and the airplane’s subsequent aerodynamic stall, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s visual…NTSB CEN13FA174Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B2 · Oklahoma City, OKThe loss of engine power due to engine ice ingestion during initial climb after takeoff in dark night light conditions. Contributing to the accident were the lack of an installed engine air inlet cover while the helicopter was parked outside, exposed to…NTSB ERA13CA142Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportDombroski Frank Vans RV-10 · Lake Placid, NYThe pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision making, which resulted in attempted visual flight in night instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ERA13LA134Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland MBB-BK 117 C-2 · Danville, PAThe pilot’s decision to conduct a straight-in approach to the helipad, which resulted in the main rotor blade impacting a construction crane flag marker. Contributing to the accident was the erroneous information about the construction crane’s operation time…NTSB CEN13CA206Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna T206H · Sabinal, TXThe pilot’s failure to properly identify the airstrip, which resulted in him landing the airplane off of the airstrip in soft soil causing the nose over.NTSB WPR13FA119Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Acton, CAThe pilot's decision to conduct a flight in dark night conditions with an illuminated cockpit light that degraded his visibility and his ability to identify and arrest the helicopter's descent while maneuvering, which resulted in controlled flight into…NTSB ERA13CA122Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAmirkhanian Shahram Charl Commander · Westminster, MDImpact with power lines due to the pilot’s obscured vision due to the low angle of the sun, which prevented the pilot from seeing the lines.NTSB ERA13FA115Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPilatus PC-12/45 · Burlington, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control due to spatial disorientation during the initial climb after takeoff in night instrument flight rules conditions.NTSB CEN13FA135Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Pellston, MIThe pilot's inadvertent controlled descent into terrain due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was lack of visual reference due to night conditions.NTSB ANC13CA020Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna A185E · Skwentna, AKThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a main landing gear collapse.NTSB WPR13FA080Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Delano, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in low visibility, dark night conditions.NTSB WPR13FA073Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B100 · Libby, MTThe noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering to land in dark night conditions likely due to his geographic disorientation (lost). Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to fly at night with a…NTSB WPR13FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Payson, AZThe airplane’s inadvertent encounter, in night instrument meteorological conditions, with unforecast strong up- and downdrafts and possibly severe airframe icing conditions (which likely included supercooled large droplets that the airplane was not…NTSB ERA13FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 · Lake Park, GAThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to depart in dark, night marginal visual flight rules conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN13LA088Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Rochester, MNThe pilot’s spatial disorientation during the instrument approach in night, instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the airplane descending below decision height and impacting terrain outside the lateral limits of the localizer. Contributing…