NTSB investigations
36 cases where NTSB found Low light.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 7 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 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\", '03036015')) 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", '03036015')) 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 ERA25FA119Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 208 · Pierson, FLThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of control.NTSB ANC25LA011Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRaytheon C90A · Honolulu, HIA temporary reduction in the airplane’s braking effectiveness during engine start following an exterior wash, which resulted in its uncommanded forward movement and collision with a parked airplane. Contributing to the accident was the flight crew’s delayed…NTSB WPR25LA032Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportTextron 172S · Prescott, AZThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain clearance from a fence during taxi. Contributing to the accident was the low light conditions and obstacles adjacent to the deice bay.NTSB WPR24LA265Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 407 · Raft River, IDThe pilot’s misdiagnosis of an erroneous engine instrument indication and his subsequent decision to enter an autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing due to degraded visual cues and low ambient light conditions. Contributing to the accident were the…NTSB CEN24LA276Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Cornland, ILThe pilot was unable to see a wire due to the setting sun and the helicopter subsequently struck the wire.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 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 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 CEN22LA120Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Murphysboro, ILThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during approach for landing.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 ANC20CA006Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA18 · Moose Pass, AKThe pilot's improper approach, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from a tree while landing in dusk conditions, and his subsequent loss of directional control, which resulted in a runway excursion.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 GAA17CA160Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 152 · Madill, OKThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a hangar while taxiing at night.NTSB GAA16CA494Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech B23 · Raleigh, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.NTSB GAA16CA312Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 28 · Gilmer, TXThe student pilot's failure to see and avoid powerlines during landing, and the flight instructor's delayed remediation when the student cut the base to final turn short, resulting in a wire strike and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB GAA16LA135Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPinkston Randy T RV-7 · Tavernier, FLThe pilot's misidentification of a parallel roadway for the runway and the airplane's subsequent collision with numerous objects during landing.NTSB CEN16LA097Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-140 · Sturtevant, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath during a landing at dusk, which resulted in impact with a moving ground vehicle. Contributing to the accident was the inoperative precision approach path indicator.NTSB GAA16CA097Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 175 · Seeley Lake, MTThe pilot' failure to identify the plowed runway width in dusk and flat light conditions, which resulted in a touchdown left of the runway center, an impact with a snow berm, and a ground loop.NTSB WPR12FA091Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T206H · Show Low, AZThe pilot’s encounter with low clouds/low visibility conditions during the initial climb, which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control.NTSB ANC11CA097Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Anchorage, AKThe pilot's misidentification of the runway environment in dusk light conditions.NTSB WPR11FA304Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180D · Santa Paula, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a telephone line while flying at a low altitude in dusk lighting conditions.NTSB CEN11FA247Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportStinson 108 · Dickens, TXThe non-instrument rated pilot's decision to fly in night instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA11FA146Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · New Smyrna Beach, FLThe flight instructor's failure to recognize or implement adequate remedial action to counter the effects of spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the spatial disorientation experienced by one or both pilots.NTSB ERA11FA102Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310F · Orange, MAThe pilot did not maintain separation from trees during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and lack of recent night flight experience.NTSB WPR10FA055Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS350BA · Doyle, CAThe pilot became spatially disoriented while maneuvering on a dark night, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control.NTSB CEN10LA047Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T182T · Loveland, COThe pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point during dusk light conditions, and his failure to execute a go-around.NTSB ERA10FA028Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 46-350P · Zephyrhills, FLA total loss of engine power during a night approach for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN09LA555Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDestiny Powered Parachutes Destiny 2000 · Arcanum, OHThe failure of pilot to maintain an adequate visual lookout in order to avoid the collision with an aircraft on final approach to land.NTSB ANC09CA020Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech 65-A90-1 · Soldotna, AKThe pilot's misidentification of the runway surface during landing. Contributing to the accident were the snow-covered terrain, and low-light conditions.NTSB CEN09CA026Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportHolland Rotorway 162F · Rutland, SDThe loss of torque due to a failure of a transmission drivebelt and the pilot's delayed landing flare during the autorotation. Contributing to the accident was the dusk light condition and the corn crop.NTSB CHI08CA261Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportNtbk Wag Aero Sport · Oxford, IAThe pilot misjudged his approach path which resulted in insufficient altitude and the subsequent failure to maintain clearance with the trees. Contributing to the accident were the trees and the dusk lighting conditions.NTSB ANC08LA088Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Manley Hot Spgs, AKThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a ditch during the takeoff roll. Factors contributing to the accident were low light conditions at dusk, and soft terrain.NTSB LAX08CA223Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportGrumman Acft Eng G-164B · Patterson, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles while maneuvering.NTSB CHI08CA178Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMooney M20K · Howell, MIThe collision with a deer during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the dusk light condition.NTSB LAX08CA186Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAlon A2 · Sandpoint, IDThe airplane struck a deer on the runway while performing touch-and-go landings. Contributing to the accident was the dusk light condition.NTSB LAX08CA085Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAyres S2R-600 · Blythe, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the dusk light condition and the pressure the pilot felt to accomplish the flight.