# 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 23 of 70 · 3,485 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB FTW96LA380](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA380.md): Bell UH-1H · Leadville, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 10, 1996 · N23Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper inflight planning/decision in that he used an inadequate airspeed or an inadequate altitude, or both, for the intentional autorotation.
- [NTSB MIA96LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA96LA228.md): Canadair T-33 · Punta Gorda, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 1996 · N99195 · Substantial damage
  > failure of the pilot to extend the wing flaps for takeoff, and his failure to attain sufficient airspeed for flight with the flaps retracted, which resulted in a stall/mush after lift-off.
- [NTSB FTW96LA378](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA378.md): Robinson R22 Beta · Loreauville, LA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 1996 · N80750 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation for the flight, resulting in exceeding the maximum gross weight and performance of the helicopter. A factor was the high density altitude.
- [NTSB ANC96FA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC96FA141.md): Cessna 172 · Eagle River, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 1996 · N8739B · Destroyed
  > The first pilot's failure to maintain sufficient distance/altitude from terrain. A box canyon and mountainous terrain are factors in the accident.
- [NTSB NYC96LA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96LA179.md): Piper J-3 · Wildwood, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 1996 · N92085 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude during a low altitude maneuver.
- [NTSB ANC96LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC96LA135.md): Cessna 206 · Port Alsworth, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 1996 · N733KD · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in intering a box canyon with insufficient altitude to either execute a turn to safety or outclimb rising terrain. A factor associated with the accident was: the pilot allowed the passenger to…
- [NTSB NYC96FA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96FA178.md): Cessna 177 · Youngstown, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 1996 · N2992X · Destroyed
  > the pilot's delay in aborting the landing, and his failure to attain adequate airspeed to fly out of ground effect, which resulted in a stall/mush and collision with the ground. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's improper recovery from a…
- [NTSB CHI96LA319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA319.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Pittsburg, KS · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 1996 · N47558 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot diverted his attention and failed to maintain sufficient altitude and clearance with the terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, and the pilot performing low altitude flight at night.
- [NTSB LAX96LA313](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA313.md): Piper PA-46-310P · Redlands, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 1996 · N9130N · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper weather evaluation. The uphill runway condition and weather associated with thunderstorm(s) were related factors.
- [NTSB ANC96LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC96LA127.md): Cessna 170B · Cantwell, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 1996 · N3546C · Substantial damage
  > A failure of the pilot to provide sufficient takeoff distance from the edge of the departure lake and his premature liftoff.
- [NTSB NYC96FA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96FA163.md): Beech A36 · Roanoke, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 1996 · N1795W · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedures, and his delayed missed approach, which resulted in an inflight collision with mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB LAX96LA305](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA305.md): American AA-1 · Rosamond, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1996 · N5616L · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his delayed decision to reverse the airplane's direction.
- [NTSB LAX96TA298](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96TA298.md): Bell UH-1H · Ukiah, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 7, 1996 · N499DF · Substantial damage
  > the commercial/student pilot's improper/abrupt use of aft cyclic during the flare, and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.
- [NTSB IAD96LA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD96LA129.md): Aerofab Lake 250 · Adirondack, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 1996 · N8428F · Destroyed
  > the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in his failure to ensure that he could maintain sufficient altitude and clearance from mountainous terrain after entering a blind canyon. Haze and the terrain were related factors.
- [NTSB ANC96FA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC96FA118.md): Cessna P206 · Nome, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 1996 · CFRVD · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. Factors include mountainous terrain, low ceilings and mountain obscuration.
- [NTSB ANC96LA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC96LA116.md): Piper PA-18 · Tyonek, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 4, 1996 · N8995D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper approach to landing, and his delay in initiating a go-around.
- [NTSB SEA96FA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96FA170.md): Piper PA-28R-200 · Libby, MT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 1996 · N3071R · Destroyed
  > collision with rising mountainous terrain for unknown reason(s).
- [NTSB IAD96LA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD96LA120.md): Cessna 172 · Stowe, VT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 1996 · N5091G · Destroyed
  > failure of the pilot to follow proper IFR procedures and to maintain proper terrain clearance (altitude) during an NDB approach. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's lack of instrument experience, low ceiling, and mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB ANC96FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC96FA101.md): de Havilland DHC-2 · Elfin Cove, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 1996 · N54LA · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from rising terrain. Factors associated with the accident were the rising terrain and clouds.
- [NTSB NYC96FA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96FA152.md): Champion 7GCBC · Farmingdale, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 1996 · N7557F · Destroyed
  > the pilot's improper handling of the airplane during a banner pickup maneuver, which resulted in a stall/mush and collision with the ground. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's lack of experience in the type of operation.
- [NTSB SEA96LA159](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA159.md): Cessna A188B · Pullman, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 16, 1996 · N9336R · Substantial damage
  > failure of the pilot to maintain terrain clearance during a swath run. Factors relating to the accident were: unfavorable (variable) wind conditions, low airspeed, and uneven terrain.
- [NTSB FTW96LA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA307.md): Wsk Pzl Mielec M-18A · Beedeville, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 16, 1996 · N163RA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance.
- [NTSB CHI96LA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA242.md): Bellanca 7ECA · Belle Plaine, MN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 15, 1996 · N5026K · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's misjudgment of the distance and speed during the landing, and his delay in initiating a go-around. Factors relating to the accident were: the tall grass and ravine at the end of the runway.
- [NTSB CHI96LA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA234.md): Cessna 172L · Vicksburg, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 1996 · N7545G · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's premature raising of the flaps during a go-around. The presence of birds was a factor.
- [NTSB CHI96LA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA232.md): Cessna 188 · Independence, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 1996 · N9542J · Substantial damage
  > the delayed jettison of the dry chemicals by the pilot. The inability of the airplane to climb was a related factor.
- [NTSB LAX96LA265](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA265.md): Cessna 150L · California City, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 1996 · N332CS · Destroyed
  > The pilot's selection of an inadequate cruise altitude in an area of rising terrain and his failure to consider the effect of the high density altitude on the climb capability of the aircraft.
- [NTSB LAX96LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA263.md): Bell 47G3 · Wasco, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 6, 1996 · N154PG · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate engine rpm during an aerial application flight.
- [NTSB IAD96LA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD96LA113.md): Boeing Stearman E75N1 · Goshen, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 6, 1996 · N55PR · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during short final approach/landing flare. The hot temperature was a related factor.
- [NTSB SEA96LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA143.md): Taylorcraft BC12-D · Sun Valley, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 1996 · N95658 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to obtain/maintain adequate airspeed for the go-around. The crosswind, downdraft, and high density altitude were related factors.
- [NTSB LAX96LA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA247.md): Cessna R172K · Oroville, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 1996 · N1133V · Substantial damage
  > undetermined.
- [NTSB CHI96LA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA220.md): Grumman AA5B · Fryburg, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 1996 · N6249L · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors were the fog, low ceiling, and rising terrain.
- [NTSB CHI96LA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA214.md): Schweizer 2-33 · Union, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 23, 1996 · N12195 · Substantial damage
  > The pilots misjudgment of the altitude and distance to the runway.
- [NTSB SEA96FA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96FA133.md): Bellanca 8KCAB · Pomeroy, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 1996 · N57514 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the surrounding terrain while maneuvering to land. A factor was the rising terrain conditions.
- [NTSB CHI96FA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96FA211.md): McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C · Bethalto, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 19, 1996 · N16518 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to follow the preflight crew briefing and attain a proper altitude during an aerobatic maneuver. Factors in the accident were: the pilot's previous experience of flying similar airshow routines in a different airplane with substantially…
- [NTSB FTW96TA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96TA261.md): Bell 212 · Pagosa Springs, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Jun 18, 1996 · N91AL · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to comply with performance data for hover out of ground effect. A factor was not attaining load jettison.
- [NTSB LAX96FA244](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96FA244.md): Cessna 152 · Carmel, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 1996 · N6198P · Destroyed
  > The pilot becoming lost and disoriented during a night VFR flight in marginal weather conditions. Factors in the accident were: the pilot's lack of night flying experience, his failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing, low ceilings, and his failure to…
- [NTSB ANC96LA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC96LA089.md): Piper PA-18 · Nikiski, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 1996 · N8796D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's premature lift-off during the takeoff roll. The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff was a factor in the accident.
- [NTSB SEA96GA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96GA129.md): Cessna 182R · Grand View, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Jun 15, 1996 · N6356N · Substantial damage
  > failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain in a box canyon. The mountainous terrain and box canyon, limiting the pilot's ability to climb or maneuver and maintain sufficient altitude in the canyon, were related factors.
- [NTSB NYC96FA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96FA126.md): Piper PA-23-150 · Cortland, NY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 14, 1996 · N2189P · Destroyed
  > the pilot failure to maintain directional control of the airplane which resulted in the airplane striking trees. Contributing factors were the pilot's spatial disorientation, dark night conditions, fog, and the pilot's self induced pressure to reach the…
- [NTSB LAX96LA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA230.md): Ayres S2R · Oracle, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 14, 1996 · N4006K · Destroyed
  > the pilot's improper decision to turn toward rising terrain, without releasing or jettisoning the load of fire retardant, while maneuvering at slow airspeed, which resulted in a stall/mush and collision with the terrain. Factors relating to the accident were:…
- [NTSB LAX96LA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA220.md): Cessna 150F · Placerville, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 1996 · N7880F · Destroyed
  > the pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol which led to his failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear surrounding terrain. A factor was the pilot's intentional buzzing.
- [NTSB SEA96LA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA115.md): Cessna 172M · Tooele, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 1996 · N9594V · Substantial damage
  > failure of the flight instructor (CFI) to ensure that adequate airspeed was maintained during initial climb after lift-off, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush. High density altitude was a related factor.
- [NTSB SEA96LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA112.md): Grumman-Schweizer G-164A · Prescott, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 6, 1996 · N9793 · Substantial damage
  > failure of the pilot to visually clear his flight path, after allowing his attention to be diverted, and his resultant failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from a hill. The hilly terrain was a related factor.
- [NTSB CHI96LA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA188.md): Gray Miniplane DSA-1-G · Astoria, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 31, 1996 · N611SU · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the terrain while performing an aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB CHI96LA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA180.md): Cessna 152 · Eau Claire, WI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 30, 1996 · N94647 · Destroyed
  > the flight instructor's inadequate supervision. A factor relating to the accident was: the student pilot's improper flare.
- [NTSB SEA96LA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA097.md): Powers Bede BD-4 · Pacific City, OR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 25, 1996 · N239CP · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during the landing flare, and his failure to maintain runway alignment, which resulted in an encounter with tall grass beside the intended landing area. Factors relating to the accident were: the…
- [NTSB ANC96FA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC96FA079.md): Republic RC-3 Seabee · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 25, 1996 · N99FJ · Destroyed
  > the airplane crashed for undetermined reason(s).
- [NTSB SEA96LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA093.md): Crescenzi Kitfox · Terrebonne, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 13, 1996 · N2094J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain altitude/clearance above terrain, while maneuvering to land. The unfavorable wind was a related factor.
- [NTSB FTW96FA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96FA200.md): North American Harvard MK II · Lafayette, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 4, 1996 · N2755Z · Destroyed
  > failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed and/or altitude, while performing aerobatic flight.
- [NTSB ANC96LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC96LA066.md): Swearingen SW-4 · St George, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 4, 1996 · N670PA · Substantial damage
  > failure of the captain to maintain proper altitude and wingtip clearance, while aligning the airplane with the runway before landing. His delay in aligning the aircraft with the runway was a related factor.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?occurrence=230&page=24

## 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=23

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.