Fatal NTSB investigations
89 cases where the sequence of events included Fuel starvation.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 3 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 5 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Where
Open the mapLatest 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\" = '191' 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" = '191' 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 CEN25FA364Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportBeech K35 · Cambridge, MNOn September 4, 2025, about 1105 central daylight time, a Beech K35 airplane, N6021E, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Cambridge, Minnesota. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code…NTSB ERA24FA326Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportSchweizer 269C · West Carthage, NYOn July 27, 2024, about 1242 eastern daylight time, a Schweizer 269C-1, N61486, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near West Carthage, New York. The private pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code…NTSB ERA24FA305Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 402 · Easton, MDOn July 16, 2024, about 0932 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 402B, N7875E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Easton, Maryland. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of…NTSB CEN24FA240Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 414A · McKinney, TXThe pilot's improper decision to attempt continued flight after a loss of left engine power with usable runway remaining and his subsequent failure to follow the emergency procedures and maintain air minimum control speed, which resulted in a loss of control.…NTSB ERA24FA265Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV6 · Methuen, MAThe pilot’s failure to manage the available fuel supply, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB CEN24FA215Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Clinton, MIThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering for a forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot’s or flight instructor’s inadvertent positioning of the fuel selector valve between the Left Tank and Off…NTSB ERA24FA127Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32RT · Nashville, TNThe pilot’s failure to ensure the proper placement of the fuel selector during the approach and landing, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent total loss of engine power.NTSB ERA24FA102Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-24 · Eufaula, ALA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s inadequate fuel planning/management.NTSB CEN24LA020Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 46-350P · Pierre, SDThe total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s improper configuration of the automatic fuel transfer system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the header tank’s fuel quantity.NTSB CEN23FA401Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150K · Huntsville, TXA partial loss of engine power due to fuel starvation caused by a fuel system blockage, and the flight instructor’s subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed after the loss of engine power, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of…NTSB ERA23FA274Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Claxton, GAThe flight crew’s improper fuel management, which resulted in the airplane’s right engine being starved of fuel and its subsequent total loss of power.NTSB WPR23LA192Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportViking Air DHC-6-400 · Half Moon Bay, CAThe failure of the ferry fuel tank system to transfer fuel during a trans-Pacific flight for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent ditching into the water.NTSB CEN23FA173Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 310D · Ennis, TXThe partial loss of right engine power due to reduced fuel flow as a result of the contamination of the fuel screen.NTSB CEN23FA139Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 58P · Lubbock, TXThe pilot’s failure to ensure a proper fuel selector position before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of left engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after the loss of left engine…NTSB ERA23FA136Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Blue Ridge, GAA loss of engine power due to fuel starvation due to the improper positioning of the fuel selector.NTSB CEN23FA074Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech M35 · Fayetteville, ARThe pilot’s mismanagement of the airplane’s fuel system, which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power.NTSB ERA23FA087Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20B · Kellyton, ALA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB WPR22FA265Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportNorth American T-28B · Fallbrook, CAA loss of power due to an unmaintained carburetor diaphragm and inoperative electric fuel pump that resulted in fuel starvation to the engine.NTSB DCA22FA157Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A35 · Centralia, ILThe pilot’s unsuccessful attempt to switch fuel tanks, which resulted in fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the uninstalled fuel selector handle warning device.NTSB WPR22FA198Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 77 · Hemet, CAThe student pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a cinderblock wall while performing a go-around.NTSB WPR22LA061Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMoul Willis RV-3 · Bermuda Dunes, CAThe pilot’s improper positioning of the fuel shutoff valve, which resulted in a loss of engine power, and the pilot’s subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.NTSB CEN22FA021Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech B36TC · Lena, WIImpairment and subsequent incapacitation of the pilot for reasons that could not be determined. The incapacitation resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Likely contributing was pilot hypoxia due to altitude exposure, possibly worsened by…NTSB ERA22FA026Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Walterboro, SCThe pilot’s inadequate fuel planning and fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB CEN21LA151Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 35 · Palestine, TXA total loss of engine power due to the flight crew incorrectly placing the fuel selector between fuel tank detents, which resulted in fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a placard on the fuel selector, the lack of obvious fuel tank…NTSB WPR21FA044Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA38 · Grass Valley, CAA total loss of engine power due to the pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation.NTSB ERA21FA010Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCzech Sport Cruiser · Waterloo, ALThe improper configuration of the airplane’s fuel system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation following the failure of the electric fuel pump.NTSB CEN20LA373Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA24 · Midland, MIThe loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB CEN20LA172Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T210L · Burleson, TXThe loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB ERA20LA132Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 310 · Charleston, SCThe pilot’s fuel mismanagement during flight, resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB ERA19FA250Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 95B55 · Wilmington, DEThe pilots’ failure to place the left fuel selector into the proper position, which resulted in a total loss of the left engine’s power due to fuel starvation. Contributing was their failure to properly secure the left engine and their failure to maintain…NTSB CEN19FA191Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper J3C · Elyria, OHA loss of engine power due to carburetor icing, and the pilot’s subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN19FA170Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Huntsville, TXA total loss of engine power as a result of the pilot's inadvertent placement of the fuel selector to the "off" position.NTSB ERA19FA193Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Maitland, FLThe pilot's inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB ANC19FA021Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportBradshaw / McCauley Giles G-202 · Wasilla, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain control after the partial loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was a contamination of the fuel system, which likely seized the electric fuel pump and restricted fuel flow to the engine.NTSB ERA19FA124Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA31 · Madeira, OHFuel starvation to the left engine and the resulting loss of engine power to that engine, and a loss of airplane control due to the pilot's failure to maintain the minimum controllable airspeed.NTSB CEN18FA371Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Port Huron, MIThe pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of right engine power due to fuel starvation; the pilot's inadequate flight planning; the pilot's failure to secure the right engine following the loss of power; and his failure to properly…NTSB CEN18FA336Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Rhome, TXThe pilot's inadequate maintenance of the airplane, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation when organic debris restricted available fuel to the carburetor, and the pilot's impairment due to the ingestion of alcohol, which…NTSB ERA18FA152Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Daytona Beach, FLThe pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation during the initial climb, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed while turning back to the runway, which resulted in an exceedance of the…NTSB ERA18MA099Accident · 5 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportAmerican Eurocopter AS350B2 · New York, NYLiberty Helicopters Inc.'s use of a NYONair-provided passenger harness/tether system, which caught on and activated the floor-mounted engine fuel shutoff lever and resulted in the in-flight loss of engine power and the subsequent ditching. Contributing to…NTSB ANC18FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35 A33 · Helenwood, TNThe pilot's mismanagement of the available fuel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to follow the air start checklist.NTSB CEN18FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon B36TC · Chesterfield, MOThe pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB CEN18FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTemco GC 1B · Pineville, LAThe loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from the unporting of the fuel during a right turn due to the auxiliary fuel tanks' improper configuration.NTSB ERA18FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35C33 · Whiteville, NCThe pilot's mismanagement of the available fuel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, and his delayed reaction to the loss of engine power, which led to impact with trees as he was attempting to switch fuel tanks.…NTSB CEN17FA364Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Camden, ARThe pilot's improper decision to return to the runway instead of landing straight ahead when the engine lost power and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for an emergency landing, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's…NTSB ERA17FA327Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · North Branford, CTA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as the result of foreign object debris in the fuel selector valve. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's selection of a low cruising altitude, which reduced the available time to troubleshoot the loss…NTSB WPR17FA152Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportJansen Pazmany PL 2 · El Monte, CAA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence. Also causal was the pilot's decision to return to the runway following the loss of engine power, and his failure to maintain airspeed…NTSB ERA17FA172Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA31 · Colton, NYThe pilot's incapacitation for unknown reasons, which resulted in an overflight of his destination, a subsequent loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, and collision with terrain.NTSB ERA17FA112Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA38 · East Haven, CTThe failure of the fuel selector valve in a position that restricted fuel flow to the engine, resulting in a total loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation. Also causal was the operator's failure to effectively detect and resolve the…NTSB CEN17FA085Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Jay, OKThe pilot's negligent maintenance of the airplane, which resulted in improper fuel management, fuel starvation, and a loss of engine power during takeoff due to a missing securing pin in the fuel selector handle, and a subsequent forced landing on unsuitable…NTSB WPR17LA054Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJohnson Harmon Rocket · Corona, CAA total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel starvation as a result of a failure of internal components of the fuel servo.