# NTSB investigations: Altitude deviation,uncontrolled

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.

Page 1 of 2 · 96 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB NYC06CA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06CA148.md): Taylorcraft DC-65 · Parma, NY · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 17, 2006 · N50VS · Substantial damage
  > An uncontrolled descent into trees and terrain after takeoff for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CHI04CA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04CA191.md): Aerostar RX-7 · Wausau, WI · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 25, 2004 · N7144Y · No damage
  > The pilot's inability to compensation for the turbulence and wind conditions. Contributing factors were the variable winds and the turbulence.
- [NTSB CHI04LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04LA127.md): McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82 (MD-82) · Near St. Louis, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 26, 2004 · N573AA · No damage
  > The unexpected encounter with convective turbulence which resulted in a flight attendant being injured.
- [NTSB CHI04LA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04LA084.md): Boeing 757-200 · Janesville, WI · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 1, 2004 · N516UA · No damage
  > The unexpected encounter with convective turbulence.
- [NTSB SEA03LA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA160.md): Hughes 269C-1 · Scappoose, OR · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 2003 · N61442 · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter encountering a ground resonance condition following a failure to maintain hovering flight. Contributing factors to the accident included the pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM and the high pressure state of the landing gear shock absorbing…
- [NTSB ANC01FA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC01FA100.md): Cessna 172S · Cooper Landing, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 2001 · N813SP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate remedial action to disconnect the autopilot during an uncommanded altitude deviation while in cruise flight. Factors in the accident were activation of the autopilot; the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane's autopilot system;…
- [NTSB DCA01MA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA01MA031.md): Embraer EMB-120 · West Palm Beach, FL · Accident · No injuries · Major investigation · Final report · Mar 19, 2001 · N266CA · Substantial damage
  > the failure of the flight crew to maintain airspeed during an encounter with severe icing conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, loss of control, and structural damage to the airplane.
- [NTSB NYC00LA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC00LA270.md): Beech A36 · Sloatsburg, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 2000 · N100XH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor was the pilot's diverted attention.
- [NTSB CHI99LA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA184.md): Boeing 777-222 · Madison, WI · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 1999 · N781UA · No damage
  > the pilot-in-command's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions. Factors associated with the accident were the turbulence encountered and the seat belt sign was not illuminated.
- [NTSB NYC99LA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99LA122.md): Boeing 737 · Newark, NJ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 25, 1999 · N16703 · No damage
  > In flight encounter with turbulence which caused a flight attendant to fall and break two bones in his right leg.
- [NTSB SEA99FA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99FA037.md): Hiller UH-12E · Yellow Pine, ID · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 28, 1999 · N2239 · Substantial damage
  > Altitude deviation during aerial taxi for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB DEN99LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99LA003.md): Cameron N-120 · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 1998 · N1607G · No damage
  > The balloon's encounter with unforecasted wind shear and the subsequent inadvertent collision with terrain. A factor was the pilot's inability to control the balloon's descent.
- [NTSB CHI98LA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA269.md): Boeing 767-223 · Peotone, IL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 1998 · N335AA · No damage
  > In-flight encounter with turbulence.
- [NTSB LAX98FA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA169.md): McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10 · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · May 21, 1998 · N68043 · No damage
  > The contaminated strain gage, which resulted in shorting of the strain gage's terminal lugs which lead to excessive autopilot initiated elevator movement, and excessive elevator actuation during recovery by the captain. Contributing factors were the failure…
- [NTSB CHI98LA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA154.md): Fokker F-28 MK100 · Ft. Wayne, IN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 13, 1998 · N1400H · No damage
  > In-flight encounter with turbulence.
- [NTSB DCA98MA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA98MA023.md): Boeing 727-223 · Chicago, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Feb 9, 1998 · N845AA · Substantial damage
  > the failure of the flight crew to maintain a proper pitch attitude for a successful landing or go-around. Contributing to the accident were the divergent pitch oscillations of the airplane, which occurred during the final approach and were the result of an…
- [NTSB IAD98LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98LA014.md): Jones Mini 500 · Bluefield, WV · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 27, 1997 · N8015E · Substantial damage
  > Pilot's unfamiliarity with reciprocating engine powered helicopter lead to a reduction in main rotor rpm and subsequent uncontrolled rate of descent with insufficient altitude to recover.
- [NTSB FTW98LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA033.md): Aerospatiale SA316B · Counselor, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 28, 1997 · CFPWH · Substantial damage
  > the pilot inadvertently allowing the helicopter to settle with power.
- [NTSB CHI97LA285](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA285.md): British Aerospace BAE-ATP · Peru, IL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 1997 · N855AW · No damage
  > sudden/unexpected encounter with clear air turbulence.
- [NTSB IAD97LA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97LA106.md): Robinson R22 Beta · Willimantic, CT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 1997 · N717GT · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot misunderstood the flight instructor's instructions and reduced the engine power to idle, and the Certificated Flight Instructor's delayed remedial action.
- [NTSB IAD97FA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97FA060.md): Cessna 337D · Hickory, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 1997 · N2685S · Destroyed
  > Servicing of the pilots portable oxygen system with compressed air, which resulted in pilot incapacitation due to Hypoxia.
- [NTSB LAX97LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA118.md): Balloon Works AX-8B · Parker, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 1, 1997 · N9033H · No damage
  > the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning, which resulted in an excessive descent and subsequent hard landing, due to a drop in fuel pressure along with shifting winds at low altitude.
- [NTSB CHI97FA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA058.md): Mooney M20J · Cottage Grove, MN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 21, 1997 · N1160G · Destroyed
  > failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during an ILS approach. Factors relating to the accident were: the IFR weather conditions, the pilot's lack of recent instrument experience, and the pilot's lack of familiarity in flying the accident…
- [NTSB LAX96LA318](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA318.md): Cessna 150H · Minden, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 1996 · N788JG · Destroyed
  > the pilot's delayed remedial action when encountering downdrafts while approaching high terrain in high density altitude conditions. The pilot's inadequate supervision of the second pilot was a factor in the accident.
- [NTSB FTW96LA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA090.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Collbran, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 12, 1996 · N2132J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's intentional flight at low altitude, which resulted in inadequate terrain clearance to compensate for a downdraft. The downdraft was a related factor.
- [NTSB CHI94LA277](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA277.md): Beech C90A · Janesville, WI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 1994 · N1553N · Substantial damage
  > the pilot-in-command's exceeding the design structural limits of the airplane. Factors were turbulence in clouds and the pilot- in-command;s continued flight into known adverse weather.
- [NTSB CHI94LA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA275.md): Thunder and Colt 120A · Bloomington, IL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 1994 · N416TC · Substantial damage
  > the unforcast, unanticipated adverse wind conditions and thermal activity. A factor was the powerlines.
- [NTSB MIA94FA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94FA169.md): Mcdonnell Douglas MD-11 · Caribbean · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 1994 · N1752K · Minor damage
  > The reserve first officer's unauthorized movement of the first officer's seat during flight which resulted in the first officer's legs being forced against the control column, pushing it forward, and disconnecting the autopilot. This resulted in the aircraft…
- [NTSB FTW94LA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA188.md): Cessna 182H · Telluride, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 3, 1994 · N1838X · Substantial damage
  > Was the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. Factors were gusty winds and runway downslope.
- [NTSB CHI93LA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA224.md): Boeing 757-222 · Baraboo, WI · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 24, 1993 · N579UA · No damage
  > an encounter with moderate turbulence in the clouds.
- [NTSB CHI93LA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA192.md): Aerospatiale ATR-72-212 · Chicago, IL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 4, 1993 · N345AT · No damage
  > The pilot in command's improper in-flight planning/decision.
- [NTSB SEA92LA210](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA210.md): Champion 7ECA · Arlington, WY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 1992 · N9662S · Destroyed
  > The pilot in command's failure to touch down at the proper landing point on the road. A factor contributing to the accident was high density altitude.
- [NTSB ANC92LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92LA087.md): Piper PA-12 · Klutina Lake, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 1992 · N4088M · Substantial damage
  > The pilo'ts poor inflight planning. Factors include downdrafts, and mountainous/ hilly terrain.
- [NTSB BFO92LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO92LA056.md): Cessna 150 · Warren, VT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 10, 1992 · N27395 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to select a safe altitude for flight in mountainous terrain. The downdraft was a factor.
- [NTSB ANC92LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92LA017.md): Cessna 172 · Moose Pass, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 1991 · N6742A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's premature lift-off, causing the airplane to settle back to the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's loss of directional control after settling back on the runway, due to his visibility being restricted by frost on the windshield.
- [NTSB DEN92IA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN92IA005.md): Boeing 747-122 · Denver, CO · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 1991 · N4719U · No damage
  > A malfunction in the stabilizer trim control module.
- [NTSB ANC92LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92LA008.md): Cessna A185E · Dog Salmon Riv, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 1991 · N2756J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. Contributing to the accident was the downdraft.
- [NTSB ANC91LA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91LA051.md): Aeronca 11AC · Kahiltna Glac., AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 9, 1991 · N3436E · Substantial damage
  > A downdraft and the pilot's inadequate remedial action.
- [NTSB CHI91LA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA115.md): Boeing 727-222 · Buffalo, NY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 23, 1991 · N7449U · No damage
  > A clear air turbulence encounter.
- [NTSB MKC90LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90LA131.md): Eugene M. Veras Polliwagon 150 · St. Charles, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 1990 · N21EV · Substantial damage
  > The flight control system-stick was loose resulting in an stall.
- [NTSB CHI90IA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90IA106.md): Nihon YS-11A-600F · West Lafayette, IN · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Apr 3, 1990 · N112MP · No damage
  > An undetected accumulation of ice on the horizontal stabilizer. Relating factors were the manufacturer's lack of information and aircraft manuals relative to the understanding of, and appropriate procedures to prevent the loss of control.
- [NTSB MKC90LA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90LA001.md): Alon Aircoupe · Greers Ferry, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 1, 1989 · CGODM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudgement of performance data which resulted in the inability to gain sufficient airspeed for takeoff.
- [NTSB ANC89LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA112.md): Cessna 185F · Dillingham, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 1989 · N6305E · Substantial damage
  > Improper planning/decision by the pilot & a strong downdraft.
- [NTSB SEA89LA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA110.md): Cessna 172 · Chemult, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 1989 · N1365E · Destroyed
  > Improper inflight planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in a sudden altitude deviation, and his delay in initiating remedial action to maintain clearance from the trees. Contributing factors were the downdrafts, high density altitude, the pilot…
- [NTSB SEA89LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA105.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Skagway, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 1989 · N7994F · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to use proper inflight planning to identify wind conditions (downdrafts) during the flight. As a result, the pilot was unable to maintain altitude and the airplane collided with mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB ANC89LA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA085.md): Cessna 180-J · Glennallen, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 5, 1989 · N52010 · Substantial damage
  > Pilot used poor judgement and planning for his takeoff.
- [NTSB ANC89FA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89FA049.md): Cessna A-185-F · Puntilla Lake, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 6, 1989 · N1292F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to obtain an adequate airspeed, the turn to reverse course maneuver performed at the reduced airspeed and poor preflight planning. Contributing to the accident were the mountainous terrain and the downdraft conditions.
- [NTSB NYC89FA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA093.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Toms River, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 2, 1989 · N40978 · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed and control of the aircraft, and his exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft. Factors related to the accident were: autoplt malfunction due to improper installation by maintenance personnel and the pilot's…
- [NTSB NYC89FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA032.md): Mooney M20K · Holden, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 1988 · N1170Z · Destroyed
  > Inflight loss of control due to spatial disorientation and contact with trees prior to regaining control after the pilot experienced an unknown problem with the autopilot. Contributing was the lack of recent night experience.
- [NTSB NYC88IA246](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88IA246.md): Boeing 747-100 · Georgetown, Guyana · Incident · Minor injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 1988 · N9674 · No damage
  > Incident that led to the death of the passenger in row #6 was apparently not related to turbulence, because the passenger died of choking two hours after the turbulence encounter.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?occurrence=110&page=2

## 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 o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 110)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?occurrence=110

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