NTSB investigations
3,567 cases where the first occurrence was “In flight encounter with weather”.
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\" = 240) 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" = 240) 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 SEA87FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38 · Port Townsend, WAThe plt had flown this acft over the same route many times. While en route, the acft collided with tall trees on rising terrain about 3 miles south of a direct course to the destination. The wx in the vicinity was characterized by low clouds, fog & haze. Aprx…NTSB DEN87FA008Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20B · Buffalo, WYAt aprx 1720 MDT, tower psnl at the dep arpt received a phone call from the plt. He said he wished to depart with an inop 2-WAY radio. He was advised that IMC prevailed & that a radio would be required to depart with an IFR or special VFR clnc. At 1907 (after…NTSB ATL87FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Nashville, TNThe flight was cleared for the localizer approach to rwy 31. The pilot reported the airport in sight. The flight descended into the cloud layer and crashed about 1000 feet short of the middle marker. The pilot did not report any aircraft problem. The approach…NTSB NYC87FA021Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Jamestown, NYThe non-inst rated plt had received a telephone wx briefing prior to the planned flt. Marginal VFR wx was forecast for the route with vis 1/8 mile and fog. The acft was located aprx 24 hrs later in a heavily wooded area about 200 yds east of and parallel to…NTSB NYC87FA015Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Greenville, METh plt stated that the acft encountered crosswinds of 20 KTS gusting to 30 KTS as the acft was coming off the step during liftoff in the open lake. The acft's right wing was forced down, the right float struck the water which resulted in the right wing…NTSB NYC87FA011Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Croton On Hud., NYStudent pilot advised by millville fss that VFR flight not recommended due to current and forecast IFR conditions throughout route of flight. Acft observed flying near base of low clouds and in and out of clouds prior to crashing in a residential area.NTSB ATL87FA042Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Pell City, ALThe aircraft departed albany Georgia for fenton Missouri without a flight plan. VFR not recommended had been given to the commercial, CFI, instrument rated pilot twice during the day. The wreckage was found two months later on the side of a mountain in…NTSB LAX87FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Happy Jack, AZThe non-instrument rated private plt was informed that MVFR weather conditions existed along his planned route of flight. The plt took off & headed into the deteriorating wx. While cruising beneath clouds the acft collided with rapidly rising terrain. The plt…NTSB NYC87LA009Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEiriavion PIK-20E · Erwinna, PAFlight encountered turbulence on descent below tree top level and when about 150 feet from the threshold a downdraft was encountered causing the aircraft to collide with the ground. The aircraft groundlooped when the left wing caught in the tall grass.NTSB FTW87LA002Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Minden, LAThe non-instrument rated plt entered IMC conditions while in cruise flt on a dark night at an altitude of 500 ft. he then entered a descent to reach VMC. During the descent, the helicopter collided with a tree at aprx 75 to 100 feet AGL,then crashed to the…NTSB SEA87LA002Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Roseburg, ORThe plt initiated the takeoff from a taxiway with a 100 ft obscured sky and 1/4 visibility in fog. The non-instrument rated plt was unable to maintain the rwy heading during initial climb. The acft drifted to the right of the taxiway and struck trees located…NTSB SEA87LA001Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185-F II · Juneau, AKPilot attempted overwater approach to VFR airport through fog bank in conditions decreasing to 200 ft clg and one mi viz. On encountering total IMC, climbing turn took acft over land. Acft collided with trees at 800 ft level.NTSB LAX86FUG05Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportSchweizer SGS-1-35C · Palm Springs, CADuring a pleasure flight, the acft was not getting the lift required to maintain alt. The plt decided to return to the arpt, however, enroute the plt realized that he would not make it back to the rwy. The plt decided to land in an east west direction on a…NTSB DEN86FA259Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Crawford, COThe plt took off on a VFR flt with no flt plan filed or wx briefing. He encountered a wx squall line en route with low ceilings, fog, mixed rain and snow. While he was attempting to maneuver VFR through the wx at a low altitude above the ground, the acft…NTSB ATL86FA265Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A-37A · Yantley, ALThe plt had just purchased the acft which had an experimental airworthiness certificate. During a preflt wx briefing, he was advised of towering cumulus clouds along his route. After takeoff, he initiated a climb to FL 240 & leveled off aprx 10 min later.…NTSB MKC86FA195Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Harvard, NEThe plt received a wx briefing for a night, business flt. At the time of the briefing a reporting station 22 NM nw of the acdt site had a broken ceiling at 2300 ft with good vis. The acdt occurred about 2 hrs after the briefing less than 2 mi from the…NTSB CHI86FA230Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · East Tawas, MIAircraft collided with trees while in low level flight following a predawn departure. An airport 10 miles to the north was reporting very low ceilings with visibilities lower than 1/2 mile in fog and drizzle. The proximity to the departure airport and the…NTSB ATL86FA264Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 222UT · Galax, VAThe helicopter was dispatched on an emerg med svc (ems/med-evac) flt to transport a patient with subcranial bleeding back to a hospital in winston-salem. Bfr takeoff, the plt received a wx briefing. At that time, widespread IMC prevailedthru-out the area &…NTSB NYC86FA237Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337D · Lapeer, NYThe acft collided with the terrain during the plts attempt to complete a night x-country in IMC wx conditions. The flt had progressed aprx 4 hrs & 34 min from SC to NY prior to the crash. The plt was not currently rated to fly IFR. The plt reported by radio…NTSB LAX86FUJ06Accident · No injuriesFinal reportForbes-Wolfram Special DSA-1M · St. Johns, AZThe plt reported that persons over 5 ft 9 in tall experience limited right aileron control authority due to the small cockpit of the homebuilt experimental acft, which is used exclusively for air racing. The plt said the right knee of tall persons limits the…NTSB SEA86LA247Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGreat Lakes 2T-1A-2 · Tillamook, ORA precautionary landing was made on a field due to low fuel, lowering ceiling and visibility, ensuing darkness, and the pilot not knowing his exact position. Landing was made on an uphill field with a slight tail wind. The aircraft struck a swale and then…NTSB DEN86FA254Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Ovid, COThe plt and his pax had flown to ogallala, NE, for boating and water skiing. The next day the plt called his wife who reminded him of an engagement that evening. The plt called the fss 5 different times and each time was told VFR flt was not recommended. He…NTSB CHI86LA224Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182M · Quincy, ILAccording to the ATC report, N71650 indicated he would use the ILS rwy 04 and circle to rwy 18. The plt stated that he was in and out of fog while on downwind for rwy 18 and that he then encountered a 'bank of ground fog' as he turned short final. According…NTSB MKC86FA189Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-151 · Foristell, MORadar signal data recorded the subj acft moving northwest in a shallow climb. The track data terminated abt 0538 c.d.t. or abt 12 minutes into the flt. A witness near the VOR station stated he heard an acft flying overhead, abt the time the FAA reported…NTSB ANC86LA157Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMaule M-5-235C · Redoubt Bay, AKThe non-instrument rated pvt plt became caught on top of a cloud layer during flt and was given ATC assitance. After getting below the clouds the plt encountered fog covered land and water. The plt landed the floatplane in shallow water in an inlet. The…NTSB DEN86FA249Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182G · Brighton, COAt approximately 0415 hours when it was still night time, the non instrument rated private plt took off on an extended cross country flt to Kentucky. About 15 minutes later he was observed flying in a left turn, at an attitude of 50 to 75 feet in heavy fog…NTSB SEA86LA244Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 M · Red'S Horse Ran, ORThe pilot was attempting to depart an airstrip with a strong tail wind. 10 to 20 feet AGL the aircraft descended back onto the ground to the right of the airstrip, bounced, rolled through a wire fence and onto soft muddy terrain. The nose wheel dug into the…NTSB DEN86LA250Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18A-150 · Casper, WYWhile in normal cruise flt, after crossing a ridgeline, the plt encountered downdraft wind currents. The acft entered a descent from which the plt could not recover. He attempted to make an emergency forced landing in rough desert terrain. The acft impacted…NTSB DEN86FA246Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182D · Las Vegas, NMThe acft departed the albuquerque, new Mexico, coronado arpt, at 2248 MDT, September 1, 1986, en route to Las Vegas, new Mexico. When the acft failed to arrive as scheduled, a search was initiated. The flight was lost on radar at 2353 MDT, 15 nautical miles…NTSB ATL86FA239Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P206-B · Wht Sulphur Spr, WVAfter completing the revenue producing portion of this trip the company president called his company operations and told his secretary to send everyone home since it was a holiday. He was going to return the acft to its home base himself. The plt departed…NTSB FTW86LA159Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing A75N1 · Laporte, TXDuring a landing, the acft encountered turbulence, so the plt initiated a go-around. However, the acft would not climb, even with full power. The flt path was toward power lines & a road, so the plt elected to land in a grass area. During the landing, the…NTSB ATL86LA238Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportJoe Almon Falcon XP · Mt Olive, ALWhile apchg to land, the registered ultralight acft encountered a downdraft which exceeded its climb performance. The acft was headed twd power lines, so the plt elected to fly under the lines. As the ultralight was crossing under the power lines, one of its…NTSB SEA86LA230Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 100 · Priest River, IDThe pilot was attempting to land while a thunderstorm was within two miles of the airport. Strong turbulence was present during the approach but the pilot elected to continue the approach. A strong downdraft occurred when the aircraft was about 50 feet AGL.…NTSB MKC86FA181Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Elkhart, KSThe student plt intended to fly from his home arpt to a nearby arpt where he was receiving flt instruction. No record of a wx briefing was found. Local authorities said there were low clouds and fog in the area at the time of the accident. No one saw the acft…NTSB SEA86FA232Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · John Day, ORThe non-instrument rated pilots departed hermiston en route to burns, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed; however, mountain tops along the route of flight were occasionally obstructed by local cloud layers. During the course of the flight the…NTSB MKC86LA182Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Hayes Center, NEWhile en route, the plt encountered deteriorating wx conditions. He stated that he found himself above an overcast with visibilities decreasing. He saw a hole in the cloud layer and descended thru it. He stated that wx conditions were bad below the cloud…NTSB LAX86FUM03Accident · No injuriesFinal reportEipper Quicksilver MX 2 · Pine Valley, CAJust after lift-off at an altitude of aprx 10 ft AGL, the ultralight acft began to settle back to the dirt runway. The plt turned the acft to the right to avoid colliding with trees, however, the nose gear caught in the brush and the acft nosed over. There…NTSB SEA86FA225Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Mesquite, NVWhile en route, the plt was cleared to deviate 20 deg left of course to avoid thunderstorm (tstm) activity that ARTCC radar showed was rgt of course. The plt rprtd turbc, but demurred descending to a lower alt despite a PIREP of clear wx below. He then rprtd…NTSB DEN86LA237Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38 · Santa Fe, NMWhile flying through a mountain pass at an alt of 1,000 ft AGL, the plt encountered downdraft wind currents. The acft entered an uncontrollable descent and impacted in an alpine meadow.NTSB ATL86FA223Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30 · West Green, GAThe plt took off at 1259 EDT, & at 1318, he reported level at 10,000'. There was no further comm with the acft. At about 1342, radar contact was lost. Subsequently, the acft wreckage was fnd scattered over a 425 yd area, along a sw azmith, aprx 1/2 mi from…NTSB SEA86LA201Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210F · Lages, NVThe plt was unable to divert around numerous thunderstorms along in his flight path. Subsequently, he made a precautionary landing on a soft, dry lake bed were the aircraft nosed over.NTSB BFO86FA042Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Bowleys Qrtrs, MDDrg arr, TRACON gave the plt the arpt wx & provided vectors for an ILS rwy 32 apch. The plt inquired about a cell that he understood was over the arpt & was advised to standby while the controller (ctlr) checked on it. The ctlr contacted twr psnl who adzd the…NTSB FTW86LQG18Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportCessna A188B · Mcadoo, TXThe pilot stated he encountered unfavorable wind conditions during a procedure turn which caused the aircraft to bank excessively. Subsequently, the aircraft descended and impacted the ground. The plt thought the aircraft may have encountered a 'whirlwind.' A…NTSB DEN86LA224Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Monument Valley, UTThe plt was on an approach for landing when the acft began to settle. He said that increasing power did not seem to have an effect. Subsequently, the acft landed hard, collapsing the nose gear. The plt believed that he had encountered wind shear during the…NTSB CHI86FA200Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Shelby, INThe non-instrument rated pilot initiated the VFR flight from wheeling, IL, to madison, IN, IN marginal weather conditions. The wreckage was found on the afternoon of the following day about 26 miles south of gary, IN. The aircraft sustained an in-flight…NTSB MIA86LA229Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing 727-224 · Gulf Of MexicoThe commercial air carrier domestic flight was operating in an aera of known thunderstorm activity and encountered a jolt of turbulence. The passenger who was injured disregarded the illuminated seat belt sign and two announcements to remain seated by the…NTSB SEA86LA160Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172G · Carson City, NVThe plt stated a dust devil was encountered during final approach. He then added full power, but neglected to lower the nose of the acft. A full stall occurred and recovery was not possible due to the low altitude. The acft then struck the ground, nose first,…NTSB NYC86FGM05Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportBomberger Vans RV-4 · Friedens, PADue to a low ceiling and poor visibility, the plt decided to make a precautionary landing at somerset arpt. Unable to locate the arpt, a landing was being made to a field when the acft stalled into trees during the approach.NTSB MKC86LA163Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-260 · Hershey, NEThe pilot stated he was spraying insecticides on corn and encountered a wind shear that pulled the airplane down into the corn. He was unable to recover and the airplane hit the ground.NTSB LAX86LA305Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNavion A · Grass Valley, CAA Navion a landed hard on rwy 01 after an attempted go-around. The plt indicated that he was landing to the north with full flaps and discovered he had a gusting tailwind. He initiated a go-around and at 50 ft AGL he brought the flaps up halfway. The acft…