# 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 43 of 70 · 3,485 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB FTW89DRA07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89DRA07.md): Lowe/Bensen KB-2 · Wharton, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Jul 14, 1989 · N7037K · Destroyed
  > Poor judgement by the student pilot by performing excessive/low altitude maneuvers, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient clearance (altitude) above the open field. His lack of familiarity with the aircraft was a contributing factor.
- [NTSB ANC89LA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA123.md): De Havilland DHC-2 · Kodiak, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 13, 1989 · N5354G · Substantial damage
  > Pilot-in-command's continued VFR flight into know IFR flt conditions, resulting in a collision with rising terrain.
- [NTSB ANC89LA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA121.md): Piper J-3 · Parker Lake, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 13, 1989 · N27024 · Substantial damage
  > Improper preflight planning by the pilot and his failure to attain and/or maintain adequate speed, which resulted in a stall/mush after lift-off.
- [NTSB NYC89LA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA161.md): Cessna 150L · Doylestown, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 1989 · N10659 · Substantial damage
  > Improper preflight preparation by the pilot by taking off with the flaps extended, which resulted in an inadequate rate of climb to clear obstructions beyond the end of the runway, and the pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff and his failure in maintaining…
- [NTSB DEN89LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA168.md): Cessna 172H · Hatton, ND · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 1989 · N3269L · Destroyed
  > Improper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot and his failure to maintain sufficient clearance above the ground. The tailwind, high obstruction (shelter belt), and downdraft were contributing factors.
- [NTSB DEN89LA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA167.md): Piper PA-25 · Wh Sulphur Spgs, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 1989 · N6663Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed during an aerial application maneuver and inadvertently allowed the aircraft to mush into the ground. Unfavorable wind and turbulence were considered to be contributing factors.
- [NTSB LAX89LA335](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA335.md): Luscombe 8A · Napa, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 1989 · N77969 · Destroyed
  > Suicide.
- [NTSB ATL89DLT04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89DLT04.md): Pitts S-1 · Butler, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Jul 9, 1989 · N8336 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from the surface during an impromptu acrobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB ATL89FA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA175.md): Beech A45 · Troy, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 1989 · N7973A · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper use of the airplane flight controls during a aerobatic maneuver at low altitude due to his lack of aerobatic experience. A contributing factor was the pilot's overconfidence in his ability to perform the maneuver.
- [NTSB FTW89LA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA125.md): Piper PA-28 · Bulverde, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 1989 · N15558 · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot to obtain and/or maintain sufficient airspeed to climb after takeoff and his delay in aborting the takeoff. A contributing factor was the rough/uneven terrain.
- [NTSB ANC89LA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA113.md): Cessna 150 · Duffys Tavern, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 1989 · N3200X · Substantial damage
  > The selection of the soft sandy strip for takeoff by the pilot and his premature liftoff combined to make it impossible to attain climb airspeed before colliding with bushes at the end of the runway.
- [NTSB LAX89FA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA229.md): Cessna 152 · Cordes, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 1989 · N5199Q · Destroyed
  > The pilot misjudged his altitude, while maneuvering at low altitude over mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident were: high density altitude, mountainous terrain, and diversion of the pilot's attention.
- [NTSB CHI89LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89LA126.md): Luscombe 8A · Sebewaing, MI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 1989 · N2154K · Substantial damage
  > Pilot's inattentive aircraft handling which resulted in his failure to detect and prevent the aircraft's descent into the wheat field.
- [NTSB DEN89FA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA154.md): Cessna 310Q · Crestone, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 1989 · N7509Q · Destroyed
  > Improper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot and his failure to attain sufficient altitude to safely clear the mountains. Contributing factors were: mountainous terrain, box canyon, and high density altitude.
- [NTSB ANC89LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA104.md): Interstate S-1A · Iliamna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 27, 1989 · N37209 · Substantial damage
  > Pilot failed to maintain directional control during the attempted go-around. Factors in the accident were the rough/uneven terrain and the brush beside the runway.
- [NTSB MKC89LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA140.md): Cessna 188B · Grygla, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 24, 1989 · N4724R · Substantial damage
  > Inadequate preflight planning and preparation by the pilot. Tall grass (high vegetation) at the end of the strip was a contributing factor.
- [NTSB DEN89FA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89FA146.md): Beech 35 · Glenrock, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 24, 1989 · N1887D · Substantial damage
  > Proper altitude not maintained by the pilot. The weather/night conditions and pilot fatigue were considered to be contributing factors.
- [NTSB MKC89LA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA137.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Clayton, KS · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 1989 · N8846L · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to compensate for the unfavorable wind conditions.
- [NTSB LAX89LA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA219.md): Cessna 177 · Banning, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 1989 · N29339 · Destroyed
  > Inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot.
- [NTSB CHI89LA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89LA110.md): Maule MX-7-235 · Indianapolis, IN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 1989 · N12VR · Substantial damage
  > Improper compensation for wind conditions by the pilot, his failure to maintain runway alignment, and his misjudgement of wingtip clearance above the ground as he was maneuvering to avoid the runway & VASI lights. The crosswind and runway/vasi lights were…
- [NTSB BFO89LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89LA045.md): Bell 47G-2 · Moundsville, WV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 1989 · N2487B · Destroyed
  > The pilot failed to maintian directional control and obstacle clearance while hovering at low altitude. A tail rotor blade struck an obstacle causing an overload separation failure of the blade.
- [NTSB DCA89MA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA89MA058.md): Beech H18 · Waipio Valley, HI · Accident · 11 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jun 11, 1989 · N34AP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision to maneuver with insufficient altitude over or in a a canyon area. Factors related to the accident were: the terrain conditions and scenic air tour's lack of specific direction to its pilots concerning safety…
- [NTSB ANC89FA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89FA090.md): Bellanca 17-30 · Near Fairbanks, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 1989 · CGLJM · Destroyed
  > Improper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude while entering a box canyon and/or crossing mountainous terrain in restricted weather condition. The terrain and weather were related factors.
- [NTSB MKC89LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA127.md): Cessna 172 · Pine Bluff, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 1989 · N63535 · Substantial damage
  > Improper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot by continuing the approach when the runway lights did not activate. Contributing factors were: dark night and soft terrain.
- [NTSB CHI89DEV06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89DEV06.md): Hughes 269C · Millersville, IL · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jun 6, 1989 · N7439F · Destroyed
  > Loss of rotor RPM for an undetermined reason during a turn to reverse direction while applying agricultural chemicals.
- [NTSB BFO89DIG01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89DIG01.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Preston, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Jun 2, 1989 · N4497Y · Substantial damage
  > Pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the wheat crop as he passed under the powerline during an aerial application swath run.
- [NTSB ANC89FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89FA075.md): Cessna 180J · Anchorage, AK · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · May 22, 1989 · N9949N · Substantial damage
  > Pilot-in-command's poor judgement, and his lack of initial training (none) in seaplane operations.
- [NTSB FTW89DRG06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89DRG06.md): Hughes 269C · Rocksprings, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · May 18, 1989 · N58228 · Destroyed
  > The pilot diverted his attention from operation of the helicopter, failed to maintian proper rotor RPM, and failed to maintain altitude (clearance) above the ground, while maneuvering at low altitude. A contributing factor was his impairment from use of a…
- [NTSB ANC89LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA073.md): Piper PA-18 · Harding Lake, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 18, 1989 · N7761D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the existing wind conditions. A factor related to the accident was: the gusty/variable wind condition.
- [NTSB DEN89DTM02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89DTM02.md): Hiller UH-12E · Mack, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · May 13, 1989 · N5594N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude during a swath run.
- [NTSB DEN89LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA118.md): Enstrom F-28C · Regina, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 9, 1989 · N88RA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's poorly planned approach and disregard of the helicopters performance data. Contributing to the accident was the high density altitude conditions which existed at the time of the accident.
- [NTSB ATL89DMG03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89DMG03.md): Smithgall Pitts Special S-1C · Fuquay-Varina, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · May 7, 1989 · N7VC · Destroyed
  > Pilot did not maintain sufficient altitude to insure recovery from an aerobatic maneuver and spin.
- [NTSB LAX89LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA168.md): Stinson 108 · Avalon, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 22, 1989 · N97169 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the downdrafts he encountered and the delay in his decision to perform a go-around.
- [NTSB NYC89FA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA121.md): Beech B19 · Augusta, ME · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 19, 1989 · N2231L · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain the proper altitude during the approach. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's psychological condition.
- [NTSB MKC89LA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA089.md): Grumman G-164A · Osceola, AR · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 13, 1989 · N7245 · Substantial damage
  > Improper planning/decision by the pilot, and his misjudgement of clearance between the airplane, wires, and the ground during the aerial application maneuver. Factors relating to the accident were: the dirty windshield, sunglare, transmission line (wires),…
- [NTSB DEN89LA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA103.md): Cessna P172D · Crested Butte, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 8, 1989 · N8562X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot selected a runway with unsuitable conditions for taking off. The unfavorable wind and terrain conditions were related factors.
- [NTSB BFO89FA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89FA081.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Stuarts Draft, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 7, 1989 · N44510 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance above the terrain after flying VFR into IMC. Contributing to the accident were the low ceiling and fog conditions and the mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB SEA89LA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA065.md): Cessna 150K · Seattle, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 6, 1989 · N6395G · Substantial damage
  > The decision of a student pilot to continue to land the aircraft with a crosswind that exceeded his ability level.
- [NTSB LAX89DUJ06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DUJ06.md): Murphy VARI-EZE · Parker, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Apr 5, 1989 · N8494J · Destroyed
  > Undetermined.
- [NTSB CHI89LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89LA068.md): Piper PA-22-150 · Chicago, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 4, 1989 · N2944P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to compensate for the crosswind condition which existed during the landing. Contributing to the accident was the gusty, crosswind which existed and the failure of the aircraft manufacturer to provide crosswind performance data for the…
- [NTSB LAX89LA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA139.md): Cessna 172 · Santa Barbara, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 28, 1989 · N20356 · Substantial damage
  > The improper inflight planning/decisions by the plt when he decided to intentionally fly low over rough water in the pacific ocean and the partial loss of power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB NYC89FA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA105.md): Aerospatiale TB-10 · Pittsfield, MA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 26, 1989 · N20NQ · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude. Factors related to the accident were: inadequate briefing provided by the flight service station (fss) specialist, dark night, low clouds, and terrain conditions.
- [NTSB CHI89FA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89FA061.md): Cessna 150M · Corunna, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 22, 1989 · N66688 · Destroyed
  > The failure of the student pilot to maintain sufficient altitude to recover from a practice stall maneuver. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's visual perception over snow covered terrain.
- [NTSB SEA89FA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89FA057.md): Cessna T210L · Longmire, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 19, 1989 · N8822C · Destroyed
  > Physical incapacitation of the pilot.
- [NTSB SEA89LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA075.md): Cessna 150E · Hillsboro, OR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 16, 1989 · N3015J · Substantial damage
  > The improper landing flare performed by an unqualified person at the controls who had no flight training.
- [NTSB FTW89FA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89FA065.md): Piper PA-28-161 · New Orleans, LA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 12, 1989 · N8369K · Destroyed
  > The pilot diverting his attention from flying the aircraft while complying with the departure control instructions, and allowing the aircraft to descend into the water.
- [NTSB MIA89FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89FA101.md): North American T-28C · Titusville, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 10, 1989 · N775CH · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper execution of an aerobatic maneuver resulting in inadequate airspeed and loss of control.
- [NTSB LAX89LA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA116.md): Cessna 177 · Yuba City, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 26, 1989 · N2377Y · Substantial damage
  > Inadequate supervision by the instructor (CFI) which resulted in a delayed go-around, inadequate airspeed, and a stall/mush into the ground. A poor approach by the student pilot was a contributing factor.
- [NTSB NYC89FA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA089.md): Aerospatiale AS-350D · Spring Valley, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 1989 · N5793P · Destroyed
  > Failure of the FAA flight examiner (f/e) to follow proper procedures concerning the autorotation, and improper remedial action by the pilot-in-command (PIC). Factors related to the accident were: lack of information in the flight manual concerning…
- [NTSB CHI89LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89LA052.md): Cessna 172M · Quincy, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 18, 1989 · N6894H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to achieve a proper touchdown point and to maintain adequate visual lookout during the landing.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?occurrence=230&page=44

## 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=43

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