Fatal NTSB investigations

61 cases where the sequence of events included Fire/smoke (non-impact).

Cases per year

20082026
Fatal NTSB investigations per year, 2008–2026: 61 cases
20083
20095
20102
20114
20124
20132
20143
20153
20165
20171
20187
20193
20204
20211
20223
20234
20246
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 s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s.\"tier2Number\" = '150' 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.

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 ERA25LA002Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportFokker D Viii Replica · Rhinebeck, NYOn October 5, 2024, about 1456 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Coughlin Fokker D-VIII Replica, N94100, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Old Rhinebeck Airport (NY94), Rhinebeck, New York. The commercial pilot was…Oct 5, 2024 · N94100 · DestroyedNTSB 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 WPR24FA291Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAmerican Champion 8GCBC · Meeteetse, WYThe pilot’s decision to continue the flight over rising terrain at a low altitude in a high-elevation, high-density-altitude environment.Sep 1, 2024 · N23BD · DestroyedNTSB ANC24FA029Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportDouglas C54D · Fairbanks, AKA loss of power of the No. 1 engine for reasons that could not be determined, and the incorrect installation of a B-nut fitting in the propeller feathering system, which allowed engine oil to spray onto the exhaust system when the propeller was feathered…Apr 23, 2024 · N3054V · 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 CEN22FA433Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAirgyro AG915 · Yankton, SDA loss of control while an in-flight fire occurred, which resulted in an impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/builder’s improper engine build procedures.Sep 27, 2022 · N499AG · DestroyedNTSB CEN22FA216Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportExpress 2000RG · Cheyenne, WYThe pilot's inability to maintain proper airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while managing a loss of engine power and inflight fire, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing factors to the accident were the loss…May 30, 2022 · N44508 · DestroyedNTSB ERA21FA253Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV6 · Buckingham, PAAn exhaust system leak that resulted in failure of the oil quick drain, a loss of oil lubrication, an in-flight fire, and the pilot’s subsequent loss of airplane control.Jun 15, 2021 · N74MS · Substantial damageNTSB ERA20LA324Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV 8 · Hilliard, FLA total loss of engine power due to oil starvation.Sep 21, 2020 · N800PB · 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 CEN20LA256Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 320 · Round Rock, TXImproper maintenance that led to a loss of engine power due to a failed left engine magneto, the pilot’s improper application of single engine emergency procedures, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in a collision with trees.Jul 1, 2020 · N19AS · DestroyedNTSB ERA20LA212Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32RT · Selma, ALThe mechanic’s failure to clean the oil suction screen during the most recent maintenance, which resulted in oil starvation and subsequent total loss of engine power.Jun 10, 2020 · N543GS · DestroyedNTSB CEN19FA143Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 60 · Loveland, COA loss of control due to an inflight right engine fire due to the loose fuel hose between the engine-driven fuel pump and the flow transducer.May 15, 2019 · N60RK · 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 CEN19LA055Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 36 · Fredericksburg, TXThe loss of engine power due to fatigue failure of the crankshaft.Jan 17, 2019 · N2021T · DestroyedNTSB ERA19FA060Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna 335 · Fort Lauderdale, FLThe pilot's improper decision to fly the unairworthy airplane and his failure to feather the left propeller following a partial loss of power from the left engine after takeoff. Also causal was the partial loss of power to the left engine due to detonation.Dec 1, 2018 · N79HP · 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 CEN18FA116Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 31P · Laredo, TXAn engine malfunction for undetermined reasons and the subsequent loss of control, due to the pilot's improper decision to maneuver the airplane below minimum controllable airspeed and his improper response to the loss of engine power.Mar 8, 2018 · N82605 · 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 ERA17FA050Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCurtiss JN4 · Williamson, GAThe in-flight failure of the propeller due to excessive engine vibration loads and the use of an incorrectly-sized propeller, which resulted in a fatigue crack of the leading edge strip. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate repair of the propeller…Nov 17, 2016 · N1662 · 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 ERA16FA269Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportYakovlev YAK11 · West Mifflin, PAA malfunction of the electrical system, which resulted in an electrical fire in the right wing root of the airplane, which compromised the fuel system and resulted in ignition of fuel. Contributing to the accident was the routing of the electrical wiring near…Jul 25, 2016 · N5940 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16FA185Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Tupelo, MSA preexisting stress rupture that initiated at a spot weld in the turbocharger v-band exhaust clamp, which resulted in the failure of the clamp and separation of the exhaust tailpipe, an in-flight fire, and subsequent impact with terrain.May 16, 2016 · N60RW · DestroyedNTSB WPR15FA236Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182F · Montecito, CAOil starvation that led to the failure of the No. 5 connecting rod and a subsequent loss of engine power.Aug 7, 2015 · N5738F · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15FA277Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · Lake Wales, FLA partial loss of engine power due to oil starvation. Contributing was the flight instructor's failure to maintain control of the airplane during an aborted emergency landing, and his delayed decision to deploy the airplane's parachute system.Jul 22, 2015 · N610DA · 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 WPR14FA258Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportParker Loehle Mustang T5151 · Livermore, CAAn in-flight fire of unknown origin for reasons that could not be determined because of impact damage and postimpact fire damage.Jun 22, 2014 · N518BC · 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 CEN13WA307Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28RT-201T · Tallard, FranceMay 29, 2013 · N68XM · DestroyedNTSB 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 CEN12FA290Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 401 · Chanute, KSThe malfunction of the cabin heater, which resulted in an inflight fire and smoke in the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of understanding concerning the status of the airplane's heater system following and earlier overheat event…May 11, 2012 · N9DM · Substantial damageNTSB DCA12FA051Accident · 2 fatalClass 1 · FieldFinal reportConvair 440 - NO Series · San Juan, PRthe flight crew's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after shutting down the right engine due to an in-flight fire in one of the right augmentors. The failure to maintain airspeed resulted in either an aerodynamic stall or a loss of directional control.Mar 15, 2012 · N153JR · DestroyedNTSB CEN12FA100Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Sioux Falls, SDThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed after shutting down one engine, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow the guidance contained in the pilot’s…Dec 9, 2011 · N421SY · 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 damage