# NTSB investigations, 2004: 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 · 72 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB LAX05FA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05FA056.md): Eurocopter France AS350BA · Panamint Spring, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 2004 · N410JC · Destroyed
  > The pilot's misjudged lateral distance from a mountainside and failure to maintain an adequate clearance from terrain and obstacles while performing a low altitude filming maneuver.
- [NTSB DFW05LA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05LA041.md): American Champion 8KCAB · Texas City, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 2004 · N992RS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain while performing aerobatics at a low altitude.
- [NTSB DEN05LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN05LA036.md): Robinson R22 · Provo, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 2004 · N333UH · Substantial damage
  > the flight instructor's failure to maintain clearance from the water. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inability to detect a descent because of the obscuration between the water and the horizon due to the gray sky
- [NTSB IAD05FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD05FA023.md): CASA 212-200-CC · Bamiyan, Afghanistan · Accident · 6 fatal · Class 1 · Field · Final report · Nov 27, 2004 · N960BW · Destroyed
  > the captain's inappropriate decision to fly a nonstandard route and his failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance, which resulted in the inflight collision with mountainous terrain. Factors were the operator's failure to require its flight crews to file…
- [NTSB ATL05CA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL05CA030.md): Mooney M20J · Statesville, NC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 27, 2004 · N2201 · Substantial damage
  > the flight instructors improper use of the flight controls on rotation during a short field takeoff resulting in the airplane becoming airborne, stall, and collision with the ground. A factor in the accident was the instructors failure to brief procedures for…
- [NTSB NYC05FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC05FA021.md): Cessna 310R · Paeonian Spring, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 24, 2004 · N310DM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedure, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. A factor related to the accident was the low cloud ceiling.
- [NTSB SEA05LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05LA017.md): Trikes GTE 503 SL · Emmett, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 22, 2004 · UNREG · Destroyed
  > The pilot intentionally performing an aerobatic maneuver while not maintaining clearance of the terrain.
- [NTSB MIA05LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA05LA033.md): Taylorcraft BC12-D · Cocoa Beach, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 22, 2004 · N44263 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude resulting in flight collision with ground and subsequent collision with fence.
- [NTSB LAX05FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05FA032.md): Piper PA-32R-301T · Santa Barbara, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 2004 · N803ZG · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to select and maintain an adequate terrain avoidance cruise altitude. Contributing factors were the dark nighttime conditions, the rising mountainous terrain, and the Federal Aviation Administration controller's failure to issue a…
- [NTSB IAD05MA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD05MA006.md): Beech 200 · Stuart, VA · Accident · 10 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Oct 24, 2004 · N501RH · Destroyed
  > The flight crew's failure to properly execute the published instrument approach procedure, including the published missed approach procedure, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the cause of the accident was the flight crew's…
- [NTSB CHI05CA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05CA010.md): Beech B-55 · Chesterfield, MO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 19, 2004 · N558B · Substantial damage
  > The diverted attention and the inadequate flare by the pilot during landing.
- [NTSB LAX05FA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05FA011.md): Cessna 310K · Kula, HI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 18, 2004 · N7049L · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain adequate clearance from mountainous terrain during cruise flight. A factor in the accident was the dark night lighting conditions.
- [NTSB LAX05TA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05TA008.md): Hughes OH-6A · Jacumba, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Oct 15, 2004 · N6639R · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the mountainous terrain, which resulted in the helicopter's tail rotor blades impacting rocks. A factor in the accident was the pilot's complacency.
- [NTSB LAX05LA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05LA007.md): DeRosier DR-107 · San Diego, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 2004 · N31SH · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain while performing low-level aerobatic maneuvers.
- [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.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?year=2004&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") = 2004
  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=2004

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