# NTSB investigations: In flight collision with terrain/water

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 22 of 70 · 3,485 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB LAX97LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA155.md): Gordon Price Ultimate 10-300S · Yuma, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 12, 1997 · N325GP · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate vertical clearance from the runway, while flying inverted. Factors relating to the accident were: the light conditions at dusk, and the pilot's lack of visual ques due to the light conditions.
- [NTSB CHI97FA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA102.md): Cessna T210N · Vichy, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 12, 1997 · N5310A · Destroyed
  > failure of the pilot to properly follow the missed approach procedure and maintain the minimum descent altitude (MDA) during night/IFR flight. Factors relating to the accident included: darkness, low ceiling, fog, and failure of the pilot to properly…
- [NTSB ANC97MA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97MA161.md): Cessna 208B · Wainwright, AK · Accident · 5 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Apr 11, 1997 · N408GV · Destroyed
  > The pilot's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance from terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were the weather conditions.
- [NTSB ANC97LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA048.md): Piper PA-31-T3 · Stebbins, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 7, 1997 · N218CS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to continue VFR into IMC. Factors associated with the accident are fog/obscuration, and the pilot's failure to initiate a go-around earlier in the approach.
- [NTSB LAX97FA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA148.md): Cessna 152 · S. Lake Tahoe, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 6, 1997 · N64845 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's collision with mountainous terrain due to his failure to follow published high density altitude departure procedures during climb out, and route selection which exceeded the airplane's maximum climb performance specifications. Also causal was the…
- [NTSB LAX97LA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA141.md): Cessna 172N · Avalon, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 4, 1997 · N733CN · Destroyed
  > The pilot's misjudging the airplane's altitude and distance to the runway and an excessive descent rate, which led to an undershoot, and the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the approach. Contributing factors were the pilot's delay in…
- [NTSB LAX97FA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA142.md): Cessna P210N · Corona, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 31, 1997 · N3894P · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a nighttime flight at low altitude through a mountainous area. Factors in the accident were the conditions of low clouds and dark light conditions.
- [NTSB MIA97FA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97FA097.md): Piper PA-24-260 · Andrews, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 15, 1997 · N8857P · Destroyed
  > The pilot's poor in-flight planning in attempting to maintain VFR conditions at night over mountainous terrain, and his failure to maintain clearance from the mountain. Contributing to the accident was: the pilot's inadequate preflight planning for not…
- [NTSB FTW97TA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97TA115.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Laredo, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Mar 3, 1997 · N2320P · Substantial damage
  > the pilot allowed the airplane to get into an excessive rate of descent, during approach for an off-airport landing.
- [NTSB ANC97LA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA078.md): Cessna 185F · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 23, 1997 · N4471R · Substantial damage
  > the pilot allowed an excessive rate of descent to develope during an approach to land, and delayed in initiating a go-around.
- [NTSB SEA97LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA062.md): Hall Kitfox · Billings, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 1997 · N87TJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain flying airspeed while executing a downwind turn at low altitude immediately following takeoff.
- [NTSB SEA97LA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA065.md): Hughes 269C · Hood River, OR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 21, 1997 · N5160N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot-in-command's misjudgment of altitude and airspeed during a turn.
- [NTSB MIA97FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97FA082.md): Cessna 402C · St. Thomas · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 8, 1997 · N318AB · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain altitude while making a visual approach at night over water in black hole conditions resulting in the aircraft descending and crashing into the sea. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the pilot and operator to…
- [NTSB CHI97FA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA067.md): Cessna 150 · Larchwood, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 7, 1997 · N714EE · Destroyed
  > the noninstrument-rated pilot's takeoff into instrument meteorological conditions. The weather was a factor.
- [NTSB FTW97FA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA100.md): Piper PA-28-200 · Lone Wolf, OK · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 3, 1997 · N33322 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs, his resultant improper planning/decision, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude (clearance above a lake), while performing aerobatic flight. Factors relating to the accident were: the…
- [NTSB NYC97LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA050.md): Berry Vans RV-4 · York, PA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 2, 1997 · N42BN · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's delay in initiating a go-around, and his failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush and contact with the terrain.
- [NTSB ANC97LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA021.md): Hefty Polar CUB · Anchorage, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 15, 1997 · N62905 · Substantial damage
  > failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from a snow berm during the landing. The snow berm and flat light conditions were related factors.
- [NTSB ANC97LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA019.md): Piper PA-34 · Dillingham, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 13, 1997 · N2491U · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from terrain during a go-around. A factor related to the accident was: the dark, night condition.
- [NTSB SEA97LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA046.md): Cessna TU-206 · Cascade, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 7, 1997 · N717CM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from the terrain while reversing course in mountainous terrain. Factors include the mountainous terrain and tall trees in the area where he was maneuvering.
- [NTSB SEA97FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97FA043.md): Piper PA-28R · Fort Smith, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 6, 1997 · N3347Q · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Factors include the pilot inadvertently becoming lost/disoriented, the dark night (minimum ambient light), and mountainous/hilly terrain.
- [NTSB IAD97FA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97FA039.md): Aerostar 601P · Chesapeake, VA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 3, 1997 · N3CD · Destroyed
  > failure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude/clearance above the ground after takeoff. A related factor was the pilot's self-induced pressure to depart before the arrival of bad weather.
- [NTSB MIA97FA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97FA047.md): Champion 7GCBC · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 26, 1996 · N7596F · Substantial damage
  > Intentional aerobatics at too low an altitude that did not allow for recovery from an intentional maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the operation of the airplane at an overgross weight condition.
- [NTSB FTW97FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA073.md): Cessna 210L · Brackettville, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 26, 1996 · N30891 · Destroyed
  > failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude and/or clearance from terrain, while on a cross-country flight at night. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, the prevailing low ceilings, and mountainous/hilly terrain.
- [NTSB NYC97FA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97FA194.md): Learjet 35A · Dorchester, NH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 1996 · N388LS · Destroyed
  > The captain's failure to maintain situational awareness, which resulted in the airplane being outside the confines of the instrument approach; and the crew's misinterpretation of a step-down fix passage, which resulted in an early descent into rising terrain.…
- [NTSB FTW97FA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA067.md): Beech A36 · Chacon, NM · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 1996 · N3869A · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude and clearance from the high, mountainous terrain. Factors were; high wind, turbulence, and mountain wave conditions.
- [NTSB NYC97FA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97FA030.md): Cessna 425 · Bohemia, NY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 16, 1996 · N425EW · Destroyed
  > the pilot's early descent to decision height and his failure to perform the missed approach procedure. A factor was the failure of air traffic control to issue a safety advisory.
- [NTSB LAX97LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA068.md): Robinson R22 Beta · Lakeport, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 1996 · N8311A · Substantial damage
  > inadequate supervision by the flight instructor (CFI), and his delayed corrective action to the student pilot's abrupt control inputs, thereby allowing the main rotor blades to strike the ground. Factors relating to the accident were: the CFI's lack of…
- [NTSB IAD97FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97FA032.md): Mbb BO-105CBS · Penn Yan, NY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 13, 1996 · N90750 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's diverted attention to the GPS, darkness, low ceiling, rising terrain, and high wind condition.
- [NTSB FTW97LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA059.md): Cessna 340 · El Dorado, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 11, 1996 · N999JW · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. The gusty wind was a related factor.
- [NTSB SEA97LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA036.md): Piper PA18-135 · Cohagen, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 5, 1996 · N62100 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. Factors were the intentional flight at a low altitude and the over gross condition of the airplane.
- [NTSB LAX97FA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA065.md): Opperman Lancair IV-P · Suisun City, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 5, 1996 · N444LP · Destroyed
  > In-flight loss of control for an undetermined reason.
- [NTSB ANC97LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA010.md): Cessna 172M · Bethel, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 4, 1996 · N20024 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper planning/decision, and resultant failure to obtain/maintain sufficient airspeed during takeoff. A factor related the accident was: taking off with a tailwind.
- [NTSB IAD97FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97FA023.md): Beech 65-A90 · Orange, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 1996 · N814SW · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and his failure to complete the pretakeoff checklist which resulted in a takeoff roll with the control lock in place.
- [NTSB SEA97FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97FA027.md): Cessna P210N · Boring, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 1996 · N7823K · Destroyed
  > The pilot's attempt to conduct visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions. A factor contributing to the accident was the presence of thick fog.
- [NTSB CHI97FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA027.md): Cessna T210N · Springfield, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 1996 · N5083C · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to set the altimeter to the current setting given by the controller resulting in the aircraft altimeter reading 260 feet higher than the actual aircraft altitude. Factors involved were pilot fatigue, weather conditions at approach…
- [NTSB LAX97LA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA041.md): Beech F33A · Marana, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 14, 1996 · N1567P · Substantial damage
  > improper planning/decision by the flight instructor (CFI), which resulted in his failure to recover from a descent during demonstration of a simulated (engine-out) emergency procedure.
- [NTSB FTW97LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA040.md): Piper PA-23-250 · Plainview, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 13, 1996 · N5443 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's continued descent below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, the adverse weather conditions.
- [NTSB ATL97FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97FA014.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Avon Park, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 31, 1996 · N8353P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper use of the elevator trim, which resulted in runway contact by the propeller during the takeoff roll and subsequent loss of aircraft control.
- [NTSB CHI97LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA008.md): Hughes 369E · Hesston, KS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 1996 · N504AP · Substantial damage
  > the pilot selected unsuitable terrain for landing. The factors involved were: an inoperative landing light, dusk light conditions, and the terrain condition.
- [NTSB SEA97LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA010.md): Piper PA-36-300 · Prosser, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 1996 · N2331Y · Substantial damage
  > failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from the terrain, while en route to an apple orchard that he intended to spray. A factor relating to the accident was: the turbulent wind condition over the hills.
- [NTSB FTW97FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA014.md): Mbb BO-105 CBS-4 · Cameron, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 1996 · N299EH · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors were the dark night and pilot fatigue.
- [NTSB LAX97LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA009.md): Bellanca 17-30A · Jackpot, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 1996 · N28172 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's inadvertent disorientation in dark night time conditions and failure to maintain a proper climbing attitude.
- [NTSB FTW97LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA023.md): Aerostar RX 8 · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 1996 · N3581D · No damage
  > A sudden increase in wind velocity.
- [NTSB LAX97FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA003.md): Cessna 172RG · Grand Canyon, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 1996 · N6267R · Destroyed
  > the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, which resulted in an inability to outclimb rising/wooded terrain after takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were: failure of the pilot to ensure that the aircraft's gross weight was not exceed…
- [NTSB IAD97FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97FA001.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Brandywine, MD · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 2, 1996 · N2881W · Destroyed
  > The pilots failure to maintain his assigned altitude in IFR conditions. A related factor was the failure of the radar controller to prevent the descent of N2881W to an altitude below the minimum vectoring altitude. Additionally, the controller's failure to…
- [NTSB FTW97FA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA002.md): Bell EAA Biplane P · Manzanola, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 2, 1996 · N145DB · Destroyed
  > failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above the terrain, while performing a low altitude maneuver. A factor relating to the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with this make and model of aircraft.
- [NTSB FTW96LA403](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA403.md): Piper PA-30 · Watkins, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 28, 1996 · N37P · Substantial damage
  > the pilot-in-command's failure to use proper procedures and engage the turbochargers for takeoff from a high altitude airport. A factor was the high density altitude.
- [NTSB LAX96FA339](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96FA339.md): Cessna T207A · Littlefield, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 1996 · N6468H · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain during descent for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors were the dark night and mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB NYC96LA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96LA184.md): Cessna 172N · Shirley, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 1996 · N737GJ · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's prematurely retraction of flaps during the go-around, which resulted in settling (mushing) of the airplane and a collision with the ground.
- [NTSB FTW96TA383](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96TA383.md): Bell 47G-3B-1 · Rangely, CO · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Sep 10, 1996 · N1335X · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's excessive cyclic control input during a low altitude operation, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance from high vegetation (sage brush). The proximity of high vegetation was a related factor.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?occurrence=230&page=23

## 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" = 230)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?occurrence=230&page=22

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