NTSB investigations
3,485 cases where the first occurrence was “In flight collision with terrain/water”.
Cases, newest first
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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"
Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
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
Run it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB CHI04LA278Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Gwinner, NDThe 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 SEA04FA191Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172D · Mountain Home, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from high terrain while maneuvering. High terrain was a factor.NTSB FTW04TA237Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell OH-58C · Beaumont, TX**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 SEA04CA186Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportGrumman American AA-5A · Brooks, ORThe 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 ANC04LA112Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170 · Teller, AKThe 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 SEA04LA183Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Blaine, WAThe instructor pilot's inadequate remedial action during his student's final approach for a simulated engine out water landing.NTSB LAX04LA313Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRedgate Europa Classic · Marble Canyon, AZan in-flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI04CA250Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-32-301 · Crivitz, WIThe proper touchdown point not attained by the pilot during landing. The road and tailwind were contributing factors.NTSB NYC04CA200Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 177 · Warrenton, VAThe pilot's incorrect aborted landing procedure, which resulted in a collision with terrain.NTSB FTW04CA224Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172S · Leakey, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain. A contributing factor was the high density altitude.NTSB SEA04LA168Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Angela, MTThe 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 SEA04FA166Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-99 · Neihart, MTThe 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 CHI04FA223Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Webster, WIThe high velocity impact with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB ANC04CA089Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAeronca 15AC · Big lake, AKThe 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 SEA04CA149Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Boise, IDThe 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 ATL04CA163Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Inman, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the ground while maneuvering for a visual approach to land.NTSB LAX04CA282Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172P · Big Bear City, CAthe 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 LAX04LA281Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Little Valley, CAthe 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 CHI04CA189Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Merrill, WIThe 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 LAX04LA260Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Bridgeport, CAthe pilot's failure to attain an adequate altitude to clear mountainous terrain during a high density altitude condition.NTSB ATL04LA198Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportThunder & Colt 210A · Huntersville, NCGusty weather conditions which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain during touchdown.NTSB SEA04FA127Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportExtra Flugzeugrau EA 300/L · Boise, IDThe failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with terrain during descent while conducting an aerobatic maneuver. Low altitude flight was a factor.NTSB FTW04CA181Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 180E · Weiner, ARThe 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 CHI04LA173Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Waubun, MNThe 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 FTW04FA172Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Hot Springs, ARThe 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 ANC04FA070Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 36 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during cruise flight, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB ANC04LA071Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChristen Industries Husky A-1 · Bethel, AKThe 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 CHI04LA158Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMonocoupe 90AL-115 · St. Paul, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the terrain while maneuvering.NTSB SEA04CA109Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBalloon Works Fire Fly 9 · Aurora, ORPilot's failure to compensate for wind conditions. Wind was a contributing factor.NTSB CHI04FA157Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Great Bend, KSThe 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 SEA04FA106Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American SNJ 5 · Oroville, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance, which resulted in the in-flight collision with terrain. Rising terrain was a factor.NTSB NYC04FA139Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Rupert, WVThe 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 LAX04CA238Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Anza, CAThe 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 DEN04TA088Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportCessna C172P · Las Cruces, NMthe 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 CHI04CA152Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172N · Hillsboro, NDDirectional control not obtained/maintained by the pilot during landing roll.NTSB FTW04LA156Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502 · Joiner, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance and altitude from terrain while maneuvering during an aerial application.NTSB DEN04CA085Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportLet Blanik L-13 · Durango, COthe 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 SEA04LA097Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Easton, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering in mountainous terrain. Mountain terrain was a factor.NTSB MIA04CA090Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCaproni Vizzola Cos. Aero. A-21 · Starkville, MSThe 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 NYC04CA132Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAviat A-1B · Halifax, MAThe pilot's inadequate flare during landing, which resulted in an in-flight collision with water. A factor was the glassy water conditions.NTSB LAX04FA205Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · Julian, CAThe 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 SEA04LA077Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-105 · Laurel, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance/altitude while maneuvering resulting in the inadvertent in-flight collision with water/terrain.NTSB CHI04LA112Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-1B · Dodge Center, MNThe 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 SEA04LA074Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchramm Helicycle · Montour, IDIn flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI04CA111Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Rochester, MNThe 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 CHI04FA107Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Boonville, INThe 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 DEN04CA058Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEurocopter France EC 130 B4 · Watkins, COthe 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 CHI04LA100Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChristen A-1 · Curtis, NEThe 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 SEA04LA057Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Palouse, WAThe 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 DCA04MA030Accident · 10 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportSikorsky S76A++ · Gulf of Mexicothe flight crew's failure to identify and arrest the helicopter's descent for undetermined reasons, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.