Fatal NTSB investigations
93 cases where the sequence of events included Preflight or dispatch event.
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.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal'
AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s.\"tier2Number\" = '030' AND s.case_mkey IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' WHERE \"isDefiningEvent\"))
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."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '030' AND s.case_mkey IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' WHERE "isDefiningEvent")) 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 ERA14FA260Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA1B · Chester, SCThe pilot's inadequate inflight fuel monitoring, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the loose fuel cap, which allowed fuel to syphon out in flight.NTSB ERA14FA120Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Clay, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while being vectored to intercept the localizer during night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Contributing to the accident was the operator's inadequate dispatch procedures, which did not…NTSB WPR14LA100Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415 C · Poulsbo, WAThe pilot's failure to confirm that the engine oil filler cap was secured before flight, which resulted in oil exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power during cruise flight.NTSB ERA13FA402Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T-50 · Lenox Twp., PAThe pilot's intentional visual flight into night instrument meteorological conditions and thunderstorms and his improper decision to takeoff without getting updated weather information after a briefer cautioned him during a previous flight that visual flight…NTSB ERA13FA372Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Taunton, MAThe pilot/owner’s inadequate preflight inspection and inadequate pretakeoff check of the flight controls, which resulted in a takeoff with the rudder gust lock installed. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-rated passenger’s failure to detect that the…NTSB DCA13MA121Accident · 10 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportDehavilland DHC-3 · Soldotna, AKThe operator's failure to determine the actual cargo weight, leading to the loading and operation of the airplane outside of the weight and center of gravity limits contained in the airplane flight manual, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing…NTSB ERA13FA259Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 20-C1 · Linden, NJThe flight instructor's inadequate preflight planning and his decision to take off with the airplane at a high gross weight in high temperature conditions that degraded the engine’s available power and his subsequent failure to maintain airspeed while…NTSB CEN13FA214Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Hawley, MNThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to conduct a flight into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB ERA13FA096Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Leesburg, FLThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of power in both engines during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of prescription and illicit drugs, which likely impaired…NTSB ERA13LA019Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Charlotte AmalieThe pilot's attempted visual flight rules (VFR) flight into marginal VFR conditions on a dark night over water and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude, which resulted in the airplane’s controlled flight into water. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB ERA12FA409Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon C90GT · Morgantown, WVThe pilot's inadequate preflight route planning and in-flight route and altitude selection, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a communications tower in possible instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's…NTSB DCA12FA076Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHawker Hawker Hunter MK.58A · Point Mugu, CAthe pilot's decision to continue the flight with a known fuel imbalance condition that resulted in a loss of lateral control when the imbalance exceeded the known capabilities of the airplane. The fuel imbalance was due to incomplete refueling and an…NTSB ERA12FA193Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Key West, FLThe non-night-qualified pilot's improper decision to depart in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in his subsequent spatial disorientation, loss of control, and impact with water.NTSB ERA12WA113Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Sao Bento do Sul, BrazilOn December 9, 2011 at 1630 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R44, Brazilian registration PR-KLA, operated by SASH Locacao de Veiculos LTDA, as a personal flight, impacted terrain in the vicinity of Fazenda Coqueiros, Sao Bento do Sul, Santa Catarina,…NTSB ERA12FA012Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Peru, WVThe non-instrument rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA11FA467Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Titusville, PAThe flight instructor's improper decision to attempt a visual descent into instrument meteorological conditions while approaching the destination airport, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees and terrain.NTSB ERA11LA424Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Drew, MSThe pilot's improper decision to conduct a visual flight rules aerial application flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in flight collision with the ground while maneuvering.NTSB ERA11FA414Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Palm Bay, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing, resulting in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s failure to secure the oil gauge rod and cap assembly before flight and his…NTSB WPR11FA242Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Wendover, UTThe pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed during the downwind turn resulting in an aerodynamic stall, in-flight loss of control, and spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and exceedance of the approved weight and…NTSB DCA11MA076Accident · 4 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportGulfstream GVI · Roswell, NMThe National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: an aerodynamic stall and subsequent uncommanded roll during a one engine-inoperative takeoff flight test, which were the result of (1) Gulfstream’s failure…NTSB WPR11FA155Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMuse KR2 · Newberry Springs, CAThe airplane’s encounter with severe turbulence, which resulted in the in-flight breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.NTSB WPR11FA082Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 114B · Lander, WYThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight in instrument or marginal visual meteorological conditions in mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of…NTSB ERA10FA502Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Chatsworth, GAThe pilot's inadequate flight planning and in-flight fuel management resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the operator's failure to ensure aircraft records pertaining to engine modifications and…NTSB WPR10FA438Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182C · Belgrade, MTThe non-instrument rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR10FA287Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Eagar, AZThe pilot's operation of the aircraft outside of the manufacturer’s specified performance limitations, which resulted in the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from buildings and terrain during takeoff initial climb.NTSB ERA10FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Springfield, KYThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's impairment due to alcohol. Contributing to the accident was the Federal Aviation Administration's failure to adequately oversee…NTSB ERA10FA062Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Dennisville, NJThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to depart into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and overcontrol of the airplane and the subsequent in-flight structural failure. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB WPR10FA027Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210G · Provo, UTA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection.NTSB CEN09FA601Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210 · Hilltop Lakes, TXThe loss of control of the airplane in dark night light conditions due to the pilot’s spatial disorientation.NTSB CEN09FA562Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Tulsa, OKThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to attempt flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and an in-flight collision with a radio tower guy wire.NTSB ERA09LA392Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNoles Vance L Vans RV7A · Sanderson, FLThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions with convective activity and thunderstorms. Contributing to the accident was his failure to get an adequate weather briefing.NTSB CEN09FA178Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182M · Albany, LAThe pilot's loss of control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation after an encounter with marginal VMC and/or instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt the flight with the preflight…NTSB ERA09FA141Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRemos Remos GX · Sebring, FLThe pilot's inadequate preflight assembly and inspection which resulted in the pushrod connection to the left aileron not being connected, which led to a subsequent inflight loss of control and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR09LA069Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369 · Honiara, Solomon IslandsThe pilot's failure to remove the tail rotor pedal lock before attempting flight, resulting in a loss of control.NTSB MIA08MA203Accident · 4 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportAerospatiale SA365N-1 D · District Heights, MDThe pilot's attempt to regain visual conditions by performing a rapid descent and his failure to arrest the descent at the minimum descent altitude during a nonprecision approach. Contributing to the accident were (1) the pilot’s limited recent instrument…NTSB NYC08LA310Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDufault Mark V Pitts S-1D · Ridgely, MDThe pilot's inadequate preflight weather evaluation which resulted in an attempted landing in fog and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB DEN08FA141Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182T · Georgia Pass, COThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after inadvertantly encountering instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's failure to obtain a weather brief and the severe weather conditions.NTSB NYC08LA270Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Brownsboro, ALThe pilot’s failure to ensure the fuel valve was on prior taxi and takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed following loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB LAX08FA233Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Price, UTThe pilot's inadequate preflight performance planning for the takeoff and the loading that exceeded the lift performance capability of the helicopter.NTSB DEN08FA122Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269B · Salesville, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the crossing transmission line.NTSB NYC08LA224Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Vodochody Aero. Works L-29 Delfin · Millville, NJA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a clogged fuel filter that was not identified due to the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.NTSB NYC08FA139Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Atkins, VAThe pilot's improper decision to take off in conditions conducive to icing, and his inability to maintain control of the airplane during an in-flight accumulation of structural ice.NTSB CHI08LA080Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Grand Meadow, MNThe pilot's continued visual flight into an area of known instrument meteorological conditions in an airplane not equipped for instrument flight, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at low altitude.