# NTSB investigations, 2003: 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 · 87 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB LAX04FA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04FA077.md): Piper PA-34-200T · Avalon, CA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 2003 · N3747U · Destroyed
  > The failure of both pilots to properly execute the published missed approach procedure.
- [NTSB SEA04LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA029.md): Beech 58P · Missoula, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 23, 2003 · N181AM · Destroyed
  > The second pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering after takeoff. Proper climb rate not verified by the flight crew, fog, freezing fog, dark night conditions and inadequate supervision by the pilot-in-command were factors.
- [NTSB CHI04FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04FA045.md): Mooney 20E · Webster, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 20, 2003 · N1275X · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate decision to conduct a low altitude flight maneuver without sufficient altitude to maintain clearance from the terrain. Low altitude flight and ostentatious display are contributing factors.
- [NTSB FTW04FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04FA044.md): Beech H-35 · Mena, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 2003 · N7929D · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude and clearance from terrain. Contributing factors were the mountainous terrain, fog, clouds, and turbulence.
- [NTSB LAX04LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA054.md): Cessna 172S · Wikieup, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 29, 2003 · N518ER · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an en route altitude that did not provide adequate terrain clearance, and resulted in the in-flight collision with terrain. The rising terrain and the blind/box canyon were contributing factors.
- [NTSB LAX04LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA053.md): Cessna 172P · Fountain Hills, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 24, 2003 · N97056 · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's delayed remedial action and inadequate altitude during a go-around following a simulated forced landing, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.
- [NTSB SEA04FA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04FA020.md): Cessna T210N · Bellevue, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 20, 2003 · N5244A · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude above mountainous terrain while maneuvering during descent. Factors included the mountainous terrain, the high wind condition, and dark night light conditions.
- [NTSB CHI04LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04LA030.md): Hughes 269B · Louisville, KY · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 10, 2003 · N1093D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper in-flight decision to allow the passenger to manipulate the aircraft flight controls, his failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the river, and his inadequate remedial action. A related factor was the low altitude.
- [NTSB NYC04LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04LA021.md): Fleet 16B · Fishers Island, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 2, 2003 · N80656 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance while maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with water.
- [NTSB LAX04LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA034.md): Canadair T33 · Santa Clarita, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 2, 2003 · N99192 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during low altitude maneuvers.
- [NTSB DEN04LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN04LA017.md): Cessna 172R · Cloudcroft, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 1, 2003 · N9864F · Destroyed
  > the dual student's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Also causal was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision. Low altitude flight and rising terrain are contributing factors.
- [NTSB CHI04LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04LA017.md): Hughes 369HS · Evansville, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 21, 2003 · N49TJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudgment of clearance from the surface of the lake during the aerial application pass. The low altitude operation, glassy water, and his visual perception were contributing factors.
- [NTSB CHI04LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04LA015.md): Schweizer 269C · Fenton, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 18, 2003 · N456JP · Substantial damage
  > The intentional low altitude flight maneuvering and the ostentatious display by the pilot. The water was a factor to the accident.
- [NTSB NYC04CA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04CA009.md): Cessna 182C · Clarence Center, NY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 10, 2003 · N8511T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed go-around decision. A factor in this accident was the night light condition.
- [NTSB CHI04LA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04LA007.md): Aviat Pitts S-2B · Cromwell, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 2003 · N68PS · Destroyed
  > The altitude/clearance not maintained by the pilot while performing aerobatic maneuvers. Contributing factors were the planning/decision to perform an aerobatic maneuver at a low altitude.
- [NTSB DEN04FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN04FA003.md): Mooney M20J · Grantsville, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 2003 · N201KM · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual outlook during low level flight maneuvers that resulted in a collision with terrain. A contributing factor was the pilot's attention being diverted.
- [NTSB NYC03CA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03CA207.md): Robinson R-22A · Bedford, MA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 28, 2003 · N56MU · Substantial damage
  > The certified flight instructor's failure to maintain ground clearance and his delayed remedial action, which resulted in a rollover.
- [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 LAX03MA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03MA292.md): Aerospatiale AS350BA · GrandCanyonWest, AZ · Accident · 7 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Sep 20, 2003 · N270SH · Destroyed
  > The pilot's disregard of safe flying procedures and misjudgment of the helicopter's proximity to terrain, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a canyon wall. Contributing to the accident was the failure of Sundance Helicopters and the Federal…
- [NTSB ATL03FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03FA140.md): Beechcraft A36 · Stone Mountain, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 2003 · N1980K · Destroyed
  > The pilot's intentional flight into the ground for the purpose of suicide while impaired by alcohol.
- [NTSB LAX03CA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03CA287.md): Aviat Pitts S-2C · Mountain View, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 13, 2003 · N57BC · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance with the runway during a low altitude aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB ANC03LA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA113.md): Cessna 206 · Chalkyitsik, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 2003 · N710MH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an in-flight collision with brush, and subsequent stall of the airplane. Factors associated with the accident were a…
- [NTSB LAX03CA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03CA264.md): Hughes 269C · Columbia, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 25, 2003 · N58363 · Substantial damage
  > the student pilot's improper execution of the autorotation. Also causal, was the CFI's delayed remedial action and supervision of the flight.
- [NTSB CHI03LA272](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA272.md): Piper PA-25 · Brandon, WI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 2003 · N4346Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to maintain clearance from the corn crop during an aerial application maneuver. Additional factors were the terrain induced turbulence and the corn crop.
- [NTSB CHI03LA268](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA268.md): Piper J3C-65 · Tocsin, IN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 2003 · N37923 · Destroyed
  > The pilot attempting the low altitude turn and his failure to maintain clearance from the corn crop. A factor to the accident was the corn crop.
- [NTSB ANC03FA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03FA096.md): Reims 406 · Barrow, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 2003 · N6591L · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight collision with ocean waters while maneuvering for an undetermined reason.
- [NTSB ANC03CA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03CA114.md): Cessna 206 · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 14, 2003 · N59352 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area, which resulted in an in-flight collision with ocean waves. A factor associated with the accident was large waves/swells.
- [NTSB SEA03LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA168.md): Nolen Kitfox Lite Squared · Homedale, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 2003 · N222JN · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for winds and his failure to maintain an airspeed above stalling speed (Vs) just as the aircraft was becoming airborne during the takeoff roll. Factors include a gusty quartering tailwind, and the pilot's preflight decision…
- [NTSB NYC03FA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03FA176.md): Grumman AA-5B · Pleasantville, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 2003 · N28788 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper IFR procedure by his failure to maintain published altitudes, which resulted in the in-flight collision with terrain. A factor was his impairment due to prescription medication.
- [NTSB CHI03LA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA247.md): Texas Helicopter OH-13E · Byron, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 2003 · N38096 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot not attaining translational lift during the takeoff. A factor was the high gross weight.
- [NTSB ANC03CA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03CA089.md): Cessna 185 · Iliamna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 6, 2003 · N185TB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance during takeoff, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.
- [NTSB NYC03LA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA175.md): Stinson 108 · White Post, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 31, 2003 · N97168 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot/ mechanic's improper annual inspection including his rigging of the elevator flight control, and his subsequent inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane prior to flight, when he failed to detect the improperly rigged elevator flight control,…
- [NTSB SEA03LA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA151.md): Hughes 269C · Snohomish, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 2003 · N53KF · Substantial damage
  > The dual students failure to maintain clearance from the terrain during the go-around from a simulated autorotational flare, and the instructor pilot's failure to take adequate remedial action to keep the dual student from allowing the aircraft to impact the…
- [NTSB CHI03FA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA219.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Jackson, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 2003 · N33774 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's intentional flight into terrain as an act of suicide.
- [NTSB SEA03LA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA137.md): Cirrus Design SR-20 · Fish Haven, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 2003 · N27SJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering. Rising terrain, an inadvertent raising of the flaps for unknown reasons, and low altitude were factors.
- [NTSB CHI03LA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA204.md): Continental Copters MK6B · Ft. Yates, ND · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 9, 2003 · N9080T · Substantial damage
  > The inadvertent settling with power and unsuccessful remedial action by the pilot. A factor to the accident was the potato crop.
- [NTSB LAX03FA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA224.md): Cessna 182Q · Saugus, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 2003 · N129JB · Destroyed
  > in-flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ANC03LA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA067.md): Cessna 180 · Anchor Point, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 2003 · N91303 · Destroyed
  > An in-flight collision with water for an undetermined reason.
- [NTSB CHI03LA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA175.md): Cessna 210M · Carlisle, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 23, 2003 · N9TK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper in-flight decision to descend for landing, at night, without the runway environment insight. Contributing factors were the pilot's disorientation, the embankment and the dark night condition.
- [NTSB LAX03FA206](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA206.md): Schleicher ASW-27B · Valyermo, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 19, 2003 · N271EC · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance altitude and his delayed remedial action by not turning away from the ridge when a lack of lift became apparent..
- [NTSB SEA03CA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03CA102.md): Piper PA-18 · Silver City, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 14, 2003 · N82946 · Substantial damage
  > Proper descent rate not maintained while on final approach. A wind gust is a factor in the accident.
- [NTSB CHI03LA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA164.md): McCulloch J-2 · Magnolia, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 14, 2003 · N4381G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate weight a balance calculations and inadequate preflight planning.
- [NTSB CHI03LA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA160.md): Piper PA-24 · Harvey, ND · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 13, 2003 · N21533 · Substantial damage
  > The aborted takeoff not performed by the pilot. The inadequate short field takeoff procedure by the pilot and the short grass runway were contributing factors.
- [NTSB LAX03LA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA188.md): Ayres S2R-G10 · Maricopa, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 2003 · N6117X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance/altitude from terrain during an aerial application, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. A factor associated with the accident is the pilot's diverted attention while resetting a circuit breaker.
- [NTSB SEA03FA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03FA096.md): Aviat A-1A · Sandpoint, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 2003 · N141F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low pass maneuver which resulted in a stall. A related factor was the trees.
- [NTSB LAX03LA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA173.md): Aero Vodochody L-39 · Tracy, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 31, 2003 · N139RH · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance while performing low level aerobatics.
- [NTSB FTW03LA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA163.md): Robinson R44 · Brazos Blk 532 · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 29, 2003 · N7188K · Destroyed
  > undetermined, aircraft not recovered.
- [NTSB ATL03LA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA098.md): Cessna 172N · Hampton, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 29, 2003 · N140PF · Substantial damage
  > The certified flight instructor's failure to maintain clearance from the runway during a low pass. A factor was gusty wind conditions.
- [NTSB MIA03LA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03LA114.md): Cessna 172E · Hastings, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 26, 2003 · N817T · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane resulting in in-flight collision with terrain.
- [NTSB LAX03FA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA166.md): Rockwell 114 · Bishop, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 26, 2003 · N4730W · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering close to the ground over mountainous terrain in a high density altitude environment near the upper performance capability of the airplane, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush into…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?year=2003&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 year(c."eventDate") = 2003
  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&year=2003

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