# 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 6 of 70 · 3,485 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB CHI04LA278](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04LA278.md): Cessna 208B · Gwinner, ND · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 2004 · N7392B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude during the circling maneuver. Contributing factors were the pilot's improper decision to execute the approach when weather conditions were below minimums and the low light (dark night) conditions.
- [NTSB SEA04FA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04FA191.md): Cessna 172D · Mountain Home, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 2004 · N2650U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from high terrain while maneuvering. High terrain was a factor.
- [NTSB FTW04TA237](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04TA237.md): Bell OH-58C · Beaumont, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Sep 16, 2004 · N9273T · Destroyed
  > **This probable cause was modified on 2/22/2016. Please see the public docket for this accident for additional details.** The pilot's failure to maintain a safe altitude, resulting in collision with the water. A factor was the dark night.
- [NTSB SEA04CA186](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04CA186.md): Grumman American AA-5A · Brooks, OR · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 12, 2004 · N26327 · Destroyed
  > The flight instructor's failure to maintain altitude/clearance on final approach to land resulting in an in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing factors were the student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach and the flight…
- [NTSB ANC04LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC04LA112.md): Cessna 170 · Teller, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 2004 · N3492C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and his inadequate evaluation of the wind conditions, which resulted in a collision with an embankment during takeoff-initial climb. Factors contributing to the accident was the presence of a sand…
- [NTSB SEA04LA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA183.md): Piper PA-18 · Blaine, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 2004 · N2415P · Substantial damage
  > The instructor pilot's inadequate remedial action during his student's final approach for a simulated engine out water landing.
- [NTSB LAX04LA313](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA313.md): Redgate Europa Classic · Marble Canyon, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 2004 · N912EE · Destroyed
  > an in-flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CHI04CA250](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04CA250.md): Piper PA-32-301 · Crivitz, WI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 2, 2004 · N8173J · Substantial damage
  > The proper touchdown point not attained by the pilot during landing. The road and tailwind were contributing factors.
- [NTSB NYC04CA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04CA200.md): Cessna 177 · Warrenton, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 29, 2004 · N2975X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's incorrect aborted landing procedure, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
- [NTSB FTW04CA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04CA224.md): Cessna 172S · Leakey, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 28, 2004 · N2477E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain. A contributing factor was the high density altitude.
- [NTSB SEA04LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA168.md): Cessna 150L · Angela, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 2004 · N17062 · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance while maneuvering. A factor contributing to the accident was the physical impairment of the pilot due to an elevated blood alcohol level.
- [NTSB SEA04FA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04FA166.md): Beech BE-99 · Neihart, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2004 · N199GL · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance during cruise, which resulted in the in-flight collision with mountainous terrain. Dark night conditions and mountainous terrain were contributing factors.
- [NTSB CHI04FA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04FA223.md): Cessna 172L · Webster, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 2004 · N3599F · Destroyed
  > The high velocity impact with terrain for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ANC04CA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC04CA089.md): Aeronca 15AC · Big lake, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 7, 2004 · N4433N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions and subsequent collision with high vegetation during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in a collision with the ground. Factors contributing to the accident were the presence of a…
- [NTSB SEA04CA149](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04CA149.md): Robinson R-22 · Boise, ID · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 29, 2004 · N8356R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to initiate a flare prior to contacting the ground while attempting to land the helicopter on a dark night. Factors include a distraction created by the flicker of a low rotor rpm light, the glare of nearby flood lights, and the lack of…
- [NTSB ATL04CA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL04CA163.md): Cessna 172 · Inman, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 29, 2004 · N3967F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the ground while maneuvering for a visual approach to land.
- [NTSB LAX04CA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04CA282.md): Cessna 172P · Big Bear City, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 27, 2004 · N65615 · Substantial damage
  > the instructor's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and delayed decision to perform a go-around. Contributing factors were wind gusts, windshear, and an excessive descent rate.
- [NTSB LAX04LA281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA281.md): Bell 206B · Little Valley, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 2004 · N549W · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from objects and terrain while maneuvering at low altitude. Factors in the accident were the high, rising terrain, and the high density altitude.
- [NTSB CHI04CA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04CA189.md): Luscombe 8A · Merrill, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 21, 2004 · N45628 · Substantial damage
  > The dual student's failure to maintain directional control during the initial climb after takeoff and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action. A contributing factor was that all available runway was not used for takeoff due to the touch-and-go…
- [NTSB LAX04LA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA260.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Bridgeport, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2004 · N6106H · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to attain an adequate altitude to clear mountainous terrain during a high density altitude condition.
- [NTSB ATL04LA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL04LA198.md): Thunder & Colt 210A · Huntersville, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2004 · N91101 · No damage
  > Gusty weather conditions which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain during touchdown.
- [NTSB SEA04FA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04FA127.md): Extra Flugzeugrau EA 300/L · Boise, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 9, 2004 · N609JW · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with terrain during descent while conducting an aerobatic maneuver. Low altitude flight was a factor.
- [NTSB FTW04CA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04CA181.md): Cessna 180E · Weiner, AR · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 8, 2004 · N8676X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's poor preflight preparation/planning which resulted in the pilot landing at a wrong airport. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the off airport landing.
- [NTSB CHI04LA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04LA173.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Waubun, MN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2004 · N248ND · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to get the proper rest prior to the night cross country flight and the pilot's failure to maintain altitude. Contributing factors to the accident were fatigue as a result of inadequate sleep, conditions conducive to fatigue, and night.
- [NTSB FTW04FA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04FA172.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Hot Springs, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 2004 · N4123R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to fly a stabilized, published instrument approach procedure, which resulted in a collision with mountainous terrain. Factors were the clouds and the air traffic controllers' failure to provide known information that may have assisted the…
- [NTSB ANC04FA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC04FA070.md): Beech 36 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 2004 · N7673N · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during cruise flight, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC04LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC04LA071.md): Christen Industries Husky A-1 · Bethel, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 2004 · N9591C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain during the ensuing aborted landing. A factor associated with the accident is the pilot's misjudgment of the airplane's speed and distance.
- [NTSB CHI04LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04LA158.md): Monocoupe 90AL-115 · St. Paul, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 19, 2004 · N1161 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the terrain while maneuvering.
- [NTSB SEA04CA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04CA109.md): Balloon Works Fire Fly 9 · Aurora, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 17, 2004 · N3097R · Minor damage
  > Pilot's failure to compensate for wind conditions. Wind was a contributing factor.
- [NTSB CHI04FA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04FA157.md): Piper PA-24-180 · Great Bend, KS · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2004 · N6698P · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning due to his failure to obtain a weather briefing prior to takeoff. Additional causes were the pilot's inadvertent flight into adverse weather and his failure to maintain clearance with the terrain during his attempt to…
- [NTSB SEA04FA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04FA106.md): North American SNJ 5 · Oroville, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 2004 · C-GKGE · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance, which resulted in the in-flight collision with terrain. Rising terrain was a factor.
- [NTSB NYC04FA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04FA139.md): Beech 200 · Rupert, WV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 13, 2004 · N200BE · Destroyed
  > The pilot-in-command's improper decision to continue VFR flight into IMC conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Factors were the FAA Principle Operations Inspector's inadequate surveillance of the operator, and a low ceiling.
- [NTSB LAX04CA238](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04CA238.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Anza, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 13, 2004 · N9009J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudged altitude and speed, which resulted in an undershoot and a collision with a berm. Also causal was the control interference from the passenger.
- [NTSB DEN04TA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN04TA088.md): Cessna C172P · Las Cruces, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Jun 10, 2004 · N9474L · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain and the improper go-around procedure. Contributing factors include the pilot's diverted attention, improper in-flight planning and decision making, pilot fatigue, the night conditions and the mesquite…
- [NTSB CHI04CA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04CA152.md): Cessna 172N · Hillsboro, ND · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 10, 2004 · N737SV · Substantial damage
  > Directional control not obtained/maintained by the pilot during landing roll.
- [NTSB FTW04LA156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04LA156.md): Air Tractor AT-502 · Joiner, AR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 2004 · N9151C · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance and altitude from terrain while maneuvering during an aerial application.
- [NTSB DEN04CA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN04CA085.md): Let Blanik L-13 · Durango, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 3, 2004 · N99860 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision and his failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain, and the low approach.
- [NTSB SEA04LA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA097.md): Piper PA-28-151 · Easton, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 1, 2004 · N6245J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering in mountainous terrain. Mountain terrain was a factor.
- [NTSB MIA04CA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA04CA090.md): Caproni Vizzola Cos. Aero. A-21 · Starkville, MS · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 28, 2004 · N40171 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation and his delayed decision to return to the airport leading to an off airport landing as a result of deteriorating weather conditions. A finding in the investigation was the windshield that fogged up.
- [NTSB NYC04CA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04CA132.md): Aviat A-1B · Halifax, MA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 12, 2004 · N17MR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate flare during landing, which resulted in an in-flight collision with water. A factor was the glassy water conditions.
- [NTSB LAX04FA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04FA205.md): Piper PA-44-180 · Julian, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 11, 2004 · N304PA · Destroyed
  > The incorrect use of an abbreviated callsign by the TRACON sector radar controller to issue a descent clearance to N434PA and the sector controllers failure to detect that the clearance had been read back with the full callsign by the pilot of N304PA. Also…
- [NTSB SEA04LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA077.md): Piper PA-18-105 · Laurel, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 1, 2004 · N5483H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance/altitude while maneuvering resulting in the inadvertent in-flight collision with water/terrain.
- [NTSB CHI04LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04LA112.md): Grumman American AA-1B · Dodge Center, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 28, 2004 · N9919L · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure maintain climb and his failure to maintain clearance from the terrain during initial climb out after takeoff. The aircraft's low altitude, high gusty winds and low level turbulence were contributing factors.
- [NTSB SEA04LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA074.md): Schramm Helicycle · Montour, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 27, 2004 · N3275Q · Destroyed
  > In flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CHI04CA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04CA111.md): Robinson R22 Beta · Rochester, MN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 27, 2004 · N40725 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during landing. Contributing factors were the aircraft's low altitude and the pilot's limited flight experience.
- [NTSB CHI04FA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04FA107.md): Bell 206L-1 · Boonville, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 21, 2004 · N137AE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate planning/decision which resulted in his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight planning, his diverted attention, and the dark night conditions.
- [NTSB DEN04CA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN04CA058.md): Eurocopter France EC 130 B4 · Watkins, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 8, 2004 · N151AC · Substantial damage
  > the dual student pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter. Factors contributing to the accident were inadequate supervision by the instructor pilot, the high wind, the gusts, and the crosswinds.
- [NTSB CHI04LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04LA100.md): Christen A-1 · Curtis, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 5, 2004 · N9599B · Destroyed
  > The pilot's ostentatious display of a "hammerhead stall" during intial climb and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain. A factor was the post impact fire.
- [NTSB SEA04LA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA057.md): Cessna A188B · Palouse, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 25, 2004 · N731YZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to takeoff downwind resulting in his inability to achieve a positive climb rate and an in-flight collision with terrain. Factors contributing to the accident included the rising terrain and the tailwind condition.
- [NTSB DCA04MA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA04MA030.md): Sikorsky S76A++ · Gulf of Mexico · Accident · 10 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Mar 23, 2004 · N579EH · Destroyed
  > the flight crew's failure to identify and arrest the helicopter's descent for undetermined reasons, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?occurrence=230&page=7

## 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=6

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