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 ANC04LA035Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180H · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a snow drift during takeoff/initial climb. Factors contributing to the accident were the snow-covered and uneven terrain.NTSB LAX04LA156Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1 · Selma, CAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which failed to assure adequate takeoff performance, and his failure to abort the takeoff. The aircraft inadequate weight and balance was a contributing factor.NTSB CHI04FA066Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B90 · Dodge City, KSThe pilot failed to maintain clearance with terrain due to pilot fatigue (lack of sleep).NTSB LAX04FA137Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Jean, NV!!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 CHI04CA067Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172N · Cahokia, ILThe inadequate supervision by the certified flight instructor which lead to the student pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the snowbank during the landing. The snowbank was a factor.NTSB DEN04FA043Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T206H · Walcott, WYThe pilot not following proper IFR procedures for tracking a VOR radial while on an IFR flight plan in IMC conditions, and not maintaining clearance with terrain during cruise flight. Contributing factors were the mountain, and the cloudy weather condition.NTSB MIA04CA048Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Vero Beach, FLThe failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with bushed resulting in in-flight contact and susequent dynamic roll-over.NTSB LAX04FA102Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Big Pine, CAfailure of the pilot to maintain clearance with mountainous terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX04FA077Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Avalon, CAThe failure of both pilots to properly execute the published missed approach procedure.NTSB SEA04LA029Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Missoula, MTThe 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 CHI04FA045Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney 20E · Webster, WIThe 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 FTW04FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech H-35 · Mena, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude and clearance from terrain. Contributing factors were the mountainous terrain, fog, clouds, and turbulence.NTSB LAX04LA054Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Wikieup, AZThe 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 LAX04LA053Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Fountain Hills, AZThe 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 SEA04FA020Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Bellevue, IDThe 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 CHI04LA030Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269B · Louisville, KYThe 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 NYC04LA021Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFleet 16B · Fishers Island, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance while maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with water.NTSB LAX04LA034Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCanadair T33 · Santa Clarita, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during low altitude maneuvers.NTSB DEN04LA017Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Cloudcroft, NMthe 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 CHI04LA017Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369HS · Evansville, MNThe 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 CHI04LA015Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Fenton, MIThe intentional low altitude flight maneuvering and the ostentatious display by the pilot. The water was a factor to the accident.NTSB NYC04CA009Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 182C · Clarence Center, NYThe pilot's delayed go-around decision. A factor in this accident was the night light condition.NTSB CHI04LA007Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAviat Pitts S-2B · Cromwell, MNThe 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 DEN04FA003Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Grantsville, UTthe 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 NYC03CA207Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R-22A · Bedford, MAThe certified flight instructor's failure to maintain ground clearance and his delayed remedial action, which resulted in a rollover.NTSB LAX03LA294Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Pahrump, NVthe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the mountainous terrain while maneuvering, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB LAX03MA292Accident · 7 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportAerospatiale AS350BA · GrandCanyonWest, AZThe 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 ATL03FA140Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeechcraft A36 · Stone Mountain, GAThe pilot's intentional flight into the ground for the purpose of suicide while impaired by alcohol.NTSB LAX03CA287Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAviat Pitts S-2C · Mountain View, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance with the runway during a low altitude aerobatic maneuver.NTSB ANC03LA113Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 206 · Chalkyitsik, AKThe 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 LAX03CA264Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHughes 269C · Columbia, CAthe student pilot's improper execution of the autorotation. Also causal, was the CFI's delayed remedial action and supervision of the flight.NTSB CHI03LA272Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25 · Brandon, WIThe 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 CHI03LA268Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Tocsin, INThe 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 ANC03FA096Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportReims 406 · Barrow, AKAn in-flight collision with ocean waters while maneuvering for an undetermined reason.NTSB ANC03CA114Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 206 · Ketchikan, AKThe 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 SEA03LA168Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNolen Kitfox Lite Squared · Homedale, IDThe 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 NYC03FA176Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-5B · Pleasantville, PAThe 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 CHI03LA247Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTexas Helicopter OH-13E · Byron, ILThe pilot not attaining translational lift during the takeoff. A factor was the high gross weight.NTSB ANC03CA089Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 185 · Iliamna, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance during takeoff, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB NYC03LA175Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108 · White Post, VAThe 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 SEA03LA151Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Snohomish, WAThe 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 CHI03FA219Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Jackson, MNThe pilot's intentional flight into terrain as an act of suicide.NTSB SEA03LA137Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR-20 · Fish Haven, IDThe 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 CHI03LA204Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportContinental Copters MK6B · Ft. Yates, NDThe inadvertent settling with power and unsuccessful remedial action by the pilot. A factor to the accident was the potato crop.NTSB LAX03FA224Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Saugus, CAin-flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB ANC03LA067Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Anchor Point, AKAn in-flight collision with water for an undetermined reason.NTSB CHI03LA175Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210M · Carlisle, ARThe 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 LAX03FA206Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchleicher ASW-27B · Valyermo, CAThe 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 SEA03CA102Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Silver City, MTProper descent rate not maintained while on final approach. A wind gust is a factor in the accident.NTSB CHI03LA164Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMcCulloch J-2 · Magnolia, ARThe pilot's inadequate weight a balance calculations and inadequate preflight planning.