# NTSB investigations: Flat light

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26LA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA095.md): American Champion 8KCAB · Alpine, WY · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 29, 2026 · N59SE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadvertent descent while operating in flat light conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ANC25LA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA092.md): Eurocopter AS 350 B2 · Juneau, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 22, 2025 · N149TH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance during takeoff from uneven, snow-covered terrain in flat light conditions.
- [NTSB ANC25LA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA064.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 30, 2025 · N531AT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s diverted attention during takeoff in flat light conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC24LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24LA040.md): Cessna 180H · Soldotna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 1, 2024 · N91224 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to recognize and avoid an obstacle on the runway environment during takeoff roll. Contributing was flat light conditions.
- [NTSB ANC24LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24LA019.md): Michael G Darby Dard 1 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 18, 2024 · N696AK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of directional control while landing in soft snow, resulting in a nose over.
- [NTSB WPR24LA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA090.md): Enstrom 280FX · Lewistown, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 15, 2024 · N899JS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s encounter with low light conditions and snow-covered terrain.
- [NTSB ANC24LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24LA009.md): Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 · Palmer, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 26, 2023 · N21FY · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from snow-covered terrain during the landing approach in flat light conditions.
- [NTSB ANC23LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23LA036.md): Piper PA31 · Point Thomson, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 17, 2023 · N34WM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadvertent descent below the published minimum descent altitude, while operating in flat light conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ANC23LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23LA022.md): Cessna U206F · Chugiak, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 14, 2023 · N9572G · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ANC23LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23LA011.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Kenai, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 2, 2023 · N94X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in flat light conditions, resulting in the airplane to nose over.
- [NTSB WPR23LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA053.md): Aviat A-1C-180 · Morgan, UT · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 3, 2022 · N60WY · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ANC22LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC22LA023.md): Eurocopter AS 350 BA · Valdez, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 15, 2022 · N99676 · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ANC22LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC22LA019.md): Dehavilland DHC-3 · Deadhorse, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 21, 2022 · N413JP · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ANC21LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA029.md): Cessna 170A · Lime Village, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 7, 2021 · N1291D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a landing gear collapse.
- [NTSB ANC20LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20LA046.md): Cessna A185 · Nuiqsut, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 15, 2020 · N5454E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s controlled flight into flat snow-covered terrain in weather conditions that were conducive to flat light conditions.
- [NTSB ANC20CA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20CA029.md): Champion 7GCAA · Sterling, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Mar 3, 2020 · N9632S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance during approach, which resulted in the airplane impacting an area of deep snow. A factor associated with the accident was flat light conditions.
- [NTSB ANC20CA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20CA023.md): Robinson R44 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Feb 21, 2020 · N716JL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from snow covered terrain during an en route descent in flat light conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ANC20CA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20CA022.md): Cessna 182 · Koyuk, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Feb 20, 2020 · N969KM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a landing in flat light conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.
- [NTSB ANC20FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20FA017.md): Piper PA32R · Tuntutuliak, AK · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 6, 2020 · N7632C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into reduced visibility, including likely flat light and/or white out conditions, which resulted in a controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the operator’s inadequate operational…
- [NTSB ANC20LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20LA020.md): Cessna 208 · Hooper Bay, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 5, 2020 · N454SF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to depart from a contaminated runway, and his failure to make a timely decision to abort the takeoff when the airplane was not accelerating as expected. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to depart in limited visibility…
- [NTSB GAA20CA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20CA071.md): Cessna 182 · San Luis, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 12, 2019 · N91846 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper pitch attitude during landing on rising terrain in flat light conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA18CA375](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA375.md): Taylorcraft F19 · Goose Bay, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 25, 2018 · N3570T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper approach path during landing in dusky, flat light conditions, which resulted in a tree strike.
- [NTSB CEN18FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA074.md): MD Helicopters 369HM · Perrysburg, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 15, 2018 · N4QX · Substantial damage
  > A 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 GAA17CA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA225.md): Weatherly 620B · Lewistown, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 10, 2017 · N9004M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during low-altitude maneuvers in flat light conditions.
- [NTSB GAA17CA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA187.md): Piper PA22 · Ruby, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 16, 2017 · N72999 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in flat light conditions on a hard-packed snow-covered landing area.
- [NTSB ANC16LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC16LA022.md): Airbus AS350 · Juneau, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 5, 2016 · N194EH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while on approach to land in flat light conditions. Contributing to the severity of the pilot's injuries was the inadequately restrained internal cargo, which shifted forward during the impact and struck the…
- [NTSB GAA16CA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA097.md): Cessna 175 · Seeley Lake, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 5, 2016 · N9493B · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR16FA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA046.md): Aerostar S A YAK 52 · Alpine, WY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 4, 2016 · N912EB · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from snow-covered terrain in flat light conditions.
- [NTSB ANC16LA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC16LA012.md): Cessna 208B · Anaktuvuk Pass, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 2, 2016 · N540ME · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s continued flight into deteriorating, flat light weather conditions, which resulted in impact with mountainous, snow-covered terrain.
- [NTSB ANC13CA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC13CA042.md): Cessna 207A · Newtok, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 4, 2013 · N9400M · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ANC13CA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC13CA041.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Anaktuvuk Pass, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 1, 2013 · N1171 · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ANC13FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC13FA027.md): Cessna 182B · Nikolai, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 4, 2013 · N2343G · Substantial damage
  > The 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 ANC13CA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC13CA020.md): Cessna A185E · Skwentna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 5, 2013 · N4538F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a main landing gear collapse.
- [NTSB ANC12CA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12CA036.md): Short Bros. & Harland SC7 Series 3 · Chefornak, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 3, 2012 · N1906 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misidentification of a nearby snow-covered road as the snow-covered runway in flat light conditions.
- [NTSB ANC12CA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12CA029.md): Cessna 180 · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 30, 2012 · N266V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during low-level maneuvering.
- [NTSB ANC12CA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12CA025.md): Hughes 369 · Trading Bay, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 11, 2012 · C-GVEB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site in flat-light conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB WPR11LA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA233.md): Palmer RV6A · Cody, WY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 21, 2011 · N52VC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude to avoid rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s visual illusion and disorientation due to the flat light conditions.
- [NTSB ANC11CA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11CA021.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Chicken Lake, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 27, 2011 · N91117 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain.
- [NTSB ANC10CA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10CA040.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Seward, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 15, 2010 · N81191 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from snow-covered terrain while hovering in flat light conditions, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB ANC09LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC09LA031.md): Aerospatiale AS350 B2 E · Haines, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 13, 2009 · N208CH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from snow-covered terrain during the landing approach in flat light conditions.
- [NTSB ANC09LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC09LA021.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Nome, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 19, 2009 · N41185 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain while on approach in flat light conditions.
- [NTSB ANC08LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08LA046.md): Piper PA-32 · Koliganek, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 2008 · N8327S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's VFR flight into adverse weather conditions that resulted in a collision with snow-covered terrain during a turn to reverse direction. Factors contributing to the accident were low ceilings, flat lighting conditions, and the snow-covered terrain.

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
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", '03036025'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036025/cases

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