# NTSB investigations, NV: 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 1 of 2 · 73 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB SEA08FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08FA023.md): Cessna T182T · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 9, 2007 · N881CP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance/altitude during climb to cruise. Contributing to the accident were rising mountainous terrain, the dark nighttime lighting condition, the pilot's loss of situational awareness, and the Federal…
- [NTSB LAX07TA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07TA222.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Winnemucca, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Jul 18, 2007 · N806MA · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain while maneuvering.
- [NTSB SEA07LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07LA060.md): Brown Pitts S-1 · Incline Vlg, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 6, 2007 · N20164 · Substantial damage
  > The airplane collided with a frozen lake for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's intentional operation of the airplane while impaired by alcohol and the FAA's failure to obtain additional information about the pilot's…
- [NTSB LAX05LA318](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05LA318.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Pioche, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 2005 · N5031T · Substantial damage
  > controlled flight into mountainous terrain due to the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation and his inadequate in-flight decisions, which created a low fuel state emergency situation that led directly to the CFIT during flight assist efforts…
- [NTSB LAX05TA277](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05TA277.md): WSK PZL Mielec M-18A · Elko, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Aug 23, 2005 · N7077N · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to adequately plan for the wind direction and speed during a fire retardant delivery flight, which led to a loss of true airspeed, failure to attain a proper climb rate, and the in-flight collision with mountainous terrain. Contributing…
- [NTSB LAX05CA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05CA263.md): Hughes 369D · North Las Vegas, NV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 8, 2005 · N58431 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper use of the cyclic flight control and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.
- [NTSB LAX04FA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04FA137.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Jean, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 16, 2004 · N9199Z · Destroyed
  > !!This case was modified January 31, 2006!! the pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the rising terrain, while maneuvering at low altitude in a mountainous area.
- [NTSB LAX03LA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA294.md): Cessna 172N · Pahrump, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 2003 · N6548D · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the mountainous terrain while maneuvering, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.
- [NTSB LAX03FA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA161.md): Cessna 177RG · Ely, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 22, 2003 · N8034G · Substantial damage
  > the airplane collided with terrain for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX03FA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA100.md): Cessna 172N · Ely, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 23, 2003 · N9885J · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance while flying in a box canyon.
- [NTSB LAX02LA268](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA268.md): Breezy RLU-1A · North Las Vegas, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 2002 · N3184 · Substantial damage
  > the failure of both pilots to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude while maneuvering in a canyon.
- [NTSB LAX02LA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA215.md): Rolladen-Schneider LS8-18 · Incline Village, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 6, 2002 · N818JF · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning and failure to maintain an adequate clearance from terrain.
- [NTSB LAX02LA190](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA190.md): Bellanca 17-30A · Fallon, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 2002 · N8249R · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to attain an adequate takeoff airspeed, which resulted in a stall/mush. The high gross weight and density altitude were contributing factors.
- [NTSB LAX01LA298](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA298.md): Sparke Air Command 582 Dual · Gerlach, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 2001 · N301CS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inability to maintain altitude because of the gyrocopter's inadequatly designed performance capability.
- [NTSB LAX01LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA087.md): Sutton Tailwind W-8L · Reno, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 4, 2001 · N12079 · Destroyed
  > The pilot performed aerobatics at low altitude and failed to maintain clearance from the gound resulting in a collision with the terrain.
- [NTSB LAX00FA320](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00FA320.md): Cessna 182N · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 2000 · N92596 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions into rising terrain and the air traffic controller's failure to issue a Safety Advisory.
- [NTSB LAX00FA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00FA283.md): Mooney M20E · Jackpot, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 30, 2000 · N5853Q · Destroyed
  > The pilot inadvertently became lost/disoriented during initial climb and collided with terrain. A related factor was the dark night.
- [NTSB LAX00TA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00TA212.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Austin, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Jun 1, 2000 · N4872A · Substantial damage
  > Loss of engine power caused by a fuel soaked float pontoon causing an over rich fuel/air mixture, in a critical phase of flight.
- [NTSB LAX00FA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00FA171.md): Cessna 152 · Austin, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 25, 2000 · N67435 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to attempt flight in an area of high rising mountainous terrain at an inadequate altitude, which resulted in an impact during a turn to reverse direction. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of total experience in mountain flying…
- [NTSB LAX00LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA080.md): Cessna 310F · Boulder City, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 23, 2000 · N5801X · Substantial damage
  > The dual student's improper use of the throttles; the flight instructor's inadequate supervision; and the delayed remedial action by the flight instructor. Factors in the accident were the directional control and proper alignment not maintained by the dual…
- [NTSB LAX00FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00FA014.md): Piper PA-31-350 · North Las Vegas, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 1999 · N1024B · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain separation from terrain while operating under visual flight rules. Contributing factors were the improper issuance of a suggested heading by air traffic control personnel, inadequate flight progress monitoring…
- [NTSB LAX00LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA005.md): Cessna 210B · Tonopah, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 6, 1999 · N9609X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to monitor his altitude and maintain an adequate terrain clearance during the approach. The dark night lighting conditions and the visual illusion created by the lack of ground reference lights were factors in the accident.
- [NTSB LAX99TA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99TA105.md): Christen Industries A-1 · Battle Mountain, NV · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Feb 19, 1999 · N2UJ · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from terrain. A factor was the dust devil encountered by the airplane.
- [NTSB LAX99LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA014.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Reno, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 1998 · N2164T · Destroyed
  > The pilot's disregard for five weather briefings and his attempted flight into known adverse weather conditions.
- [NTSB LAX99FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99FA003.md): Bell 222 · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 1998 · N213ML · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to ensure that both throttles were in the takeoff position. Factors were the pilot's decision to takeoff with a tailwind, and his lack of recurrent emergency procedure training in this helicopter.
- [NTSB LAX98LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA020.md): Cessna 170B · Fernley, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 1997 · N3155A · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during a delayed go-around after an improper decision to continue an approach to an unlighted runway without adequate visual references. Ground fog was a factor in this accident.
- [NTSB LAX97LA244](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA244.md): Smith, Ted Aerostar Aerostar 601 · Boulder City, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 1997 · N7435S · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision, his failure to obtain the current wind information, his selection of the wrong runway, and his delay in aborting landing.
- [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 LAX96LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA019.md): Eaa Chapter 163 Breezy RLU-1A · Henderson, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 21, 1995 · N3184 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain a proper cruise altitude and his inadequate in-flight planning. Contributing factors were encountering rising terrain and a downdraft.
- [NTSB LAX95LA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA215.md): Issoire-Aviation PIK-30 · Dayton, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 1995 · N30PK · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's delayed decision to extend and use the engine to maintain adequate terrain clearance after encountering downdrafts.
- [NTSB LAX95FA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95FA141.md): Cessna 208B · Reno, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 22, 1995 · N9417B · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to comply with published instrument approach procedures by a premature descent below the minimum altitude specified for the approach.
- [NTSB LAX95LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA060.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Searchlight, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 1994 · N3836T · Destroyed
  > the pilot's intentional continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions in mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB LAX94FA372](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94FA372.md): Hughes 369D · Genoa, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 1994 · N58352 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot/operator's operation of the helicopter with a disconnected throttle on the right collective; the FAA inspector's inadequate preflight/pretakeoff checks of the flight control/throttle systems; and the pilot/operator's failure to adequately inform the…
- [NTSB FTW94FA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94FA183.md): Cessna 320E · Battle Mountain, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 28, 1994 · N3472Q · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering during a low level aerial mapping flight. A factor was the box canyon.
- [NTSB LAX94LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA062.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Fallon, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 30, 1993 · N4081W · Destroyed
  > the pilot's intentional continued flight into known adverse weather conditions.
- [NTSB LAX93LA309](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA309.md): Cessna 182P · Dayton, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 30, 1993 · N8185M · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an altitude sufficient to clear terrain due to alcohol and drug impairment.
- [NTSB LAX93FA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93FA260.md): Hughes 269A · Henderson, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 19, 1993 · N9048R · Destroyed
  > the pilot's improper use of the collective control and his failure to maintain adequate RPM during an autorotative descent during a practice power off landing. A factor which contributed to the accident related to the pilot's lack of recent experience…
- [NTSB LAX93LA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA243.md): Cessna 172 · Montgomery Pass, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 5, 1993 · N6185E · Destroyed
  > The pilot's poor preflight planning/preparation and intentional flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors relating to this accident were the downdraft, low ceiling, rain, obscuration, and the mountainous terrain
- [NTSB LAX93LA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA047.md): North American F-51D · Wellington, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 21, 1992 · N117E · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper handling of his airplane during the performance of an aerobatic maneuver with inadequate altitude.
- [NTSB LAX93LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA030.md): Bellanca 8KCAB · Pahrump, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 5, 1992 · N57644 · Destroyed
  > The pilot misjudged the pull up altitude.
- [NTSB LAX92LA357](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA357.md): Cessna T210L · Jackpot, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 1992 · N93336 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot allowing himself to become distracted while searching for a landing light switch during a critical phase of flight and the resultant failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors in the accident were the dark night light conditions and the…
- [NTSB LAX91LA412](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA412.md): Christian Ind. Eagle II · Incline Village, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 28, 1991 · N432EC · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to recover from the maneuver in a timely manner which resulted in the airplane striking the water.
- [NTSB LAX91LA321](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA321.md): Piper PA 18-135 · Gerlach, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 1991 · N9977Q · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain adequate terrain clearance by the selection of an inappropriate cruise altitude resulting in an in flight collision with terrain.
- [NTSB LAX91LA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA205.md): Bell 206 · Searchlight, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 6, 1991 · N49720 · Destroyed
  > Cannot be determined in that the helicopter was stolen and the certainty of the resulting damage to the helicopter may have been intentional or accidental.
- [NTSB LAX91LA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA197.md): Cessna 150 · Fernley, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 5, 1991 · N45301 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to adequately assess the climb performance of the accident airplane due to being under the influence of alcohol.
- [NTSB LAX91LA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA057.md): Cessna 172L · Mcdermitt, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 1990 · N4319Q · Substantial damage
  > Intentional buzzing conducted by the pilot. His poor judgement was a factor in the accident.
- [NTSB LAX90LA315](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA315.md): Cessna U206F · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 1990 · N51299 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of visual references during a night approach and his failure to detect and correct a descent. A factor in the accident was the dark night lighting conditions.
- [NTSB DEN90FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90FA042.md): Fairchild SA227-AC · Elko, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 15, 1990 · N2721M · Substantial damage
  > Improper IFR procedure by the captain, and inadequate monitoring of the approach by the first officer, which resulted in a failure to maintain proper altitude during the approach. Factors related to the accident were: the terrain and weather conditions at the…
- [NTSB SEA88LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA076.md): Cessna 172M · Lake Mead, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 12, 1988 · N91555 · Destroyed
  > The pilot was flying very close to the water for the purpose of dropping beer to friends. The pilot allowed the aircraft to inadvertently descend and strike the water.
- [NTSB SEA88LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA022.md): Hughes 269B · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 24, 1987 · N22730 · Destroyed
  > During practice autorotation the pilot flared excessively high and the tail boom struck the ground. The pilot then lost control of the aircraft. The density alt was 2616 feet. A rt quartering tailwind was present.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?state=NV&occurrence=230&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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'NV' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND 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&state=NV

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