Fatal NTSB investigations

34 cases where the defining event was Fire/smoke (non-impact).

Cases per year

20082026
Fatal NTSB investigations per year, 2008–2026: 34 cases
20082
20092
20102
20113
20122
20131
20142
20151
20162
20171
20185
20191
20201
20221
20234
20243
20251

Latest cases

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 e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e.\"isDefiningEvent\" AND e.\"tier2Number\" = '150')
  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.

NTSB GAA25WA234Accident · 6 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 560 · Mwihoko, KenyaAug 7, 2025 · 5Y-FDN · Substantial damageNTSB DCA25WA079Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · ForeignAirbus Canada A220 · Graz, AustriaDec 23, 2024 · HB-JCD · Minor damageNTSB CEN24FA353Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportHawker Beechcraft G36 · Lafayette, LAOn September 12, 2024, about 1137 central daylight time, a Hawker Beechcraft G36 airplane, N643RS, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Lafayette, Louisiana. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of…Sep 12, 2024 · N643RS · DestroyedNTSB ERA24FA104Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35 · Clearwater, FLAn in-flight engine compartment fire due to a partially loose flexible fuel hose b-nut at the fuel metering unit. Contributing to the severity of the accident was the pilot’s inability to visually identify the destination airport at night, which prolonged the…Feb 2, 2024 · N6659L · DestroyedNTSB ERA23FA352Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportEurocopter EC135 · Pompano Beach, FLAn inflight fire outside of the engine firewalls, likely from overheating of the No. 1 engine for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a partial tailboom separation.Aug 28, 2023 · N109BC · DestroyedNTSB WPR23FA185Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGates Lear Jet 36A · San Clemente Island, CAThe pilots’ loss of airplane control following a catastrophic fire that started on the left side of the aft equipment bay (tail cone). The fire likely initiated from a leak from the left fuel motive flow line due to a b-nut that loosened for reasons that…May 10, 2023 · N56PA · DestroyedNTSB ERA23FA137Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Lindenhurst, NYAn in-flight fire due to a compromised oil pressure line fitting, which resulted in a collision with terrain during a subsequent emergency landing.Mar 5, 2023 · N8149R · DestroyedNTSB CEN23FA079Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-301T · Kingfisher, OKAn oil leak of undetermined origin that resulted in an in-flight engine compartment fire and subsequent loss of airplane control.Jan 16, 2023 · N8266D · DestroyedNTSB WPR23FA044Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGallagher XLT-RG · Banning, CAAn inflight engine fire for reasons that could not be determined that resulted in impact with terrain.Nov 23, 2022 · N101BH · DestroyedNTSB CEN20LA336Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Osage Beach, MOAn in-flight fire and subsequent loss of airplane control shortly after takeoff. The source of the in-flight fire or the reason for the loss of airplane control could not be determined based on the available information.Aug 16, 2020 · N949CG · DestroyedNTSB DCA19WA148Accident · 41 fatalForeign investigationSukhoi RRJ95 · Moscow, RussiaThe MAK of Russia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Sukhoi RRJ95 airplane that occurred on May 05, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the MAK's investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13 as State of…May 5, 2019 · RA89098 · DestroyedNTSB ERA19FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310 · Walton, NYAn in-flight fire of undetermined origin. Contributing to the accident were the severe icing conditions encountered during the final minutes of the flight, which led to a loss of airplane control.Nov 9, 2018 · N5044J · DestroyedNTSB ERA18WA159Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 421B · Rock Sound, BahamasJun 5, 2018 · N421MM · DestroyedNTSB ERA18FA146Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35A33 · Jacksonville, ALThe pilot/mechanic's inadequate inspection of the exhaust system, including the left muffler and heat exchanger, which precluded his detection of preexisting cracks and led to a missed opportunity to replace the components. The inadequate inspection allowed…May 13, 2018 · N486T · DestroyedNTSB ERA18FA138Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32 · West Milford, NJAn in-flight fire and total loss of engine power after takeoff due to a loose fuel line. Contributing to the accident was the installation of an unapproved fuel line by unknown personnel.May 2, 2018 · N4153R · DestroyedNTSB CEN18FA139Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportWittman W10 · San Antonio, TXAn in-flight fire and subsequent total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive impact and fire damage, followed by a loss of airplane control.Apr 15, 2018 · N625JS · DestroyedNTSB ERA17FA117Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLavender Alan P Sonex · Methuen, MAThe pilot's failure to properly secure oil and fuel line fittings during maintenance, which resulted in an inflight engine fire, and his subsequent loss of control while maneuvering for landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention…Feb 28, 2017 · N315AL · Substantial damageNTSB CEN17FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340 · Fargo, NDThe loose fuel fitting on the combustion heater that leaked a lean fuel-air mixture into the nose baggage compartment. The mixture was most likely ignited by the combustion heater, blowing off the nose baggage compartment doors and starting an in-flight fire.Dec 1, 2016 · N123KK · DestroyedNTSB WPR16FA153Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · McKinleyville, CAAn inflight fire in the floor area near the main bus tie circuit breaker panel that resulted from chafing between an electrical wire and a hydraulic line and/or airplane structure.Jul 29, 2016 · N661TC · DestroyedNTSB ERA15FA181Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T1 · Fort Lauderdale, FLA rapid onset of smoke and/or fire inflight for reasons that could not be determined due to the postimpact fire and the condition of the wreckage.Apr 12, 2015 · N119RL · DestroyedNTSB CEN14LA504Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSaccio Thomas A Seawind 3000 · Bloomington, INAn in-flight fire for reasons that could not be determined because the examination of the airplane did not reveal the source of the fire.Sep 18, 2014 · N516SW · DestroyedNTSB CEN14FA389Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFedersen Walter Lancair IVP · Findlay, OHAn in-flight fire for reasons that could not be determined due to the extent of impact and fire damage.Jul 27, 2014 · N40941 · DestroyedNTSB WPR13FA294Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Birdseye, UT***This report was modified on August 18, 2015. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report.*** The operator's improper installation of a supplemental electrical power supply, which caused a short circuit due to inadequate vibration…Jun 27, 2013 · N4459R · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12FA395Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNappi Tito C Lancair 235M · Monroe Center, ILThe in-flight fire for a reason that could not be determined due to extensive damage from the fire.Jun 26, 2012 · N18TN · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12FA412Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TB21 · Gold Hill, NCAn inflight fire, the origin of which could not be determined because of postaccident fire damage. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper modifications to the airplane.Jun 25, 2012 · N2528N · Substantial damageNTSB DCA11RA087Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 747 · Jeju Island, South KoreaJul 27, 2011 · HL-7604 · DestroyedNTSB ERA11FA312Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Murphy, NCAn in-flight fire that mostly likely occurred in the right front cockpit area behind the instrument panel and below the glare shield; the origin of the fire could not be determined because of the extensive fire damage.May 25, 2011 · N77AR · Substantial damageNTSB CEN11FA324Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportWoodward Harold L Ravin 500 · Conroe, TXAn in-flight smoke event on takeoff and the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.May 7, 2011 · N913RA · DestroyedNTSB DCA10RA092Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 747-44AF · Dubai, United Arab EmiratesSep 3, 2010 · N571UP · DestroyedNTSB ERA10WA371Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Novo Horizonte, BrazilOn July 16, 2010, about 1645 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Robinson R-44 helicopter, Brazilian registration PR-TNB, operated by Pereira Alvim Participacoes e Empreendimentos Ltda, was destroyed by fire after landing in a cane field at Novo Horizonte,…Jul 16, 2010 · PR-TNB · DestroyedNTSB ERA09FA526Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Fort Lauderdale, FLFatigue failure of the No. 5 engine cylinder fuel supply line, which resulted in an engine compartment fire. Also causal was the pilot's failure to immediately secure the engine/perform a forced landing after discovery of the fire, which resulted in the…Sep 20, 2009 · N2467Y · Substantial damageNTSB ERA09LA231Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHoward William C KR-2 · Valdosta, GAAn in-flight fire for undetermined reasons.Apr 4, 2009 · N456CH · DestroyedNTSB DFW08LA206Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 7-15 · Mountain Grove, MOAn on-board fire following a propane leak. Contributing to the accident was the lack of training/experience of the non-certificated pilot.Aug 17, 2008 · N90897 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI08FA146Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Hillsboro, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to an in-flight fire as a result of a corrosion hole in the muffler that was not identified by the mechanic. Contributing to the accident was the improper emergency procedure performed for an…May 30, 2008 · N9376W · Substantial damage