Fatal NTSB investigations
51 cases where the defining event was Abrupt maneuver.
Cases per year
| 2009 | 2 |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 |
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 e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e.\"isDefiningEvent\" AND e.\"tier2Number\" = '270')
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 e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e."isDefiningEvent" AND e."tier2Number" = '270') 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 ERA26FA010Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportBeech C90 · Fort Worth, TXOn October 12, 2025, about 1334 central daylight time, a Beech C90, N291CC, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Fort Worth, Texas. The private pilot and pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14…NTSB CEN25FA148Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportAnusiewicz Cassutt III M · Haskell, OKOn April 8, 2025, about 1459 central daylight time, a Cassutt III M airplane, N5RR, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Haskell, Oklahoma. The pilot was fatally injured. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…NTSB WPR24FA309Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportNanchang China CJ-6A · Lancaster, CAThe CJ-6A pilot’s failure to maintain separation and the Yak pilot’s failure to monitor the other airplane during a detachment, which resulted in a midair collision.NTSB WPR22FA338Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCzech Sport Piper Sport · Santa Monica, CAThe pilot’s inability to maintain control of the airplane during the landing flare due to the passenger’s excessive control inputs, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and entering an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR22FA169Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBearhawk LSA · Kalispell, MTAn excessive pitch control input for undetermined reasons while the airplane was operating above maneuvering speed, which led to a structural failure of the right wing during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the poor construction quality of the…NTSB ERA22FA207Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 429 · Elba, NYThe pilots’ inappropriate flight control inputs while in vortex ring state, which resulted in main rotor blade contact with the tail boom and a subsequent in-flight breakup. Also causal was the flight instructor’s inadequate monitoring of the flight.NTSB WPR22FA087Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech K35 · Salem, ORThe airplane’s excessive nose-up pitch attitude during landing for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN22LA008Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSea & Sky Krucker Cygnet · Point Venture, TXThe pilot’s abrupt pitch up maneuver in response to the localized wind conditions which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude and subsequent impact with water.NTSB ERA21FA317Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRotorway Exec 162F · Argyle, NYThe pilot’s abrupt control inputs, which resulted in a low G condition, main rotor mast bumping, and the subsequent severing of the tail boom by a main rotor blade.NTSB WPR21FA300Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R66 · Colusa, CAThe pilot’s abrupt flight control input that led to mast bumping and a subsequent in-flight breakup.NTSB ERA20FA101Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · Bartow, FLThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and subsequent aerodynamic stall and spin at low altitude due to a possible distraction in the cockpit for which the reason was undetermined.NTSB ERA20FA074Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R66 · Mechanicsburg, PAA severe left roll excursion after the onset of pitch and roll oscillations, which were not arrested by the pilot for undetermined reasons. This resulted in main rotor blade contact with the airframe and a subsequent inflight breakup of the helicopter.NTSB ERA20FA043Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBushby Bushby Mustang M II · Milton, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane on takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ANC19FA029Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M6 · Moose Pass, AKThe pilot's geographic disorientation and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering to avoid mountainous terrain, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR19MA177Accident · 11 fatalClass 2 · MajorFinal reportBeech 65-A90 · Mokuleia, HIThe pilot’s aggressive takeoff maneuver, which resulted in an accelerated stall and subsequent loss of control at an altitude that was too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident were (1) the operation of the airplane near its aft center of gravity…NTSB GAA19WA175Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 188 · Rio Pardo, State of Rio Grande do sul, Brazil, BrazilThe government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 188 airplane that occurred on March 11, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB WPR18FA171Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportBeech A35 · Hesperia, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted return to the airport following the separation of the spinner bulkhead during takeoff as a result of fatigue cracking. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to fly…NTSB WPR18FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22T · San Diego, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during an attempted return to the runway following a total loss of engine power after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the excessive amount of…NTSB ERA17FA339Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHickox Andy Andys Gyroplane · Umatilla, FLThe pilot's improper response to a total loss of engine power, which resulted in main rotor blade contact with the rudder and vertical stabilizer, and a subsequent uncontrolled descent. The loss of engine power was due to the separation of the electrical…NTSB WPR17FA120Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-180 · Santa Rosa Valley, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while intentionally maneuvering in a steep bank at low altitude, which resulted in an accelerated aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.NTSB CEN17WA193Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationQuicksilver GT500 · Barcelona, SpainOn May 20, 2017, at 1000 local time, a Quicksilver GT-500, EC-BQ3, impacted terrain after making a steep left turn during takeoff from Gurb Aerodrome in Barcelona, Spain. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot was fatally injured. The flight was being…NTSB WPR17FA101Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportIcon A5 · Lake Berryessa, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's mistaken entry into a canyon surrounded by steep rising terrain while at a low altitude for reasons that could not be…NTSB ERA17FA017Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Austin, PAThe pilot's loss of control while maneuvering in night instrument conditions that included light-to-heavy rain with severe turbulence, updrafts and downdrafts, and hail. Contributing to the accident was the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation, his lack…NTSB CEN16FA341Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Bentonville, ARThe pilot's failure to monitor and/or transmit his position over the uncontrolled airport's common traffic advisory frequency, and his decision to continue the takeoff when he observed conflicting traffic on the runway.NTSB ERA16FA279Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Destin, FLThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff, while maneuvering over water during dark night conditions.NTSB ERA16FA133Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340 · Tampa, FLThe intentional low altitude maneuvering during takeoff in response to a near-miss with an airplane departing from a converging runway, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA15FA348Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerofab Lake LA-4-250 · Somerset, NJThe pilot's attempted 180-degree return to the runway immediately after takeoff in dark night conditions, which resulted in collision with trees and terrain. Also causal was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a takeoff with…NTSB ERA15FA175Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBedecorp BD-22 · Fort Pierce, FLThe pilot's excessive pitch control inputs to the airplane’s sidestick control, which resulted in an overstress of the airframe and its subsequent in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate the airplane contrary to the…NTSB WPR15FA125Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBAE Systems MK-67 Hawk · Yuma, AZThe pilot’s initiation of an early rotation during takeoff, which led to an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's use of nose up pitch trim and the operator's policy to use nose-up pitch trim during…NTSB WPR15FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 18-150 · Ronan, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while performing an intentional, abrupt low-level maneuver.NTSB ERA14FA445Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T 28C · Alton, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude while performing low-level aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to attempt aerobatics at such a low altitude.NTSB ERA14LA346Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Elliott Key, FLThe airplane’s vertical descent into water for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident airplane examinations revealed no mechanical anomalies.NTSB CEN14FA339Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American/Aero Classics P 51D · Durango, COThe pilot's failure to compensate for the high-performance airplane's tendency to enter a torque roll during the initial climb, which resulted in the airplane entering a torque roll and the subsequent loss of control at too low of an altitude to recover.…NTSB WPR14LA233Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth Wing Apache Sport · Polson, MTThe pilot’s loss of airplane control during initial climb due to his experiencing an incapacitating medical event.NTSB WPR14FA183Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 - F · Santa Clara, UTThe flight instructor’s failure to arrest the airplane’s descent and maintain clearance from mountainous terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB WPR13WA415Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLancair 360 - NO Series · Shenyang, ChinaOn September 17, 2013 about 0523 Universal Time, an experimental amateur-built Lancair, Canadian registration C-FXCK, collided with terrain while maneuvering near Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. The airplane was participating in an aerobatic exhibition…NTSB WPR13FA399Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTyler Ives SD-1 TG · Spanish Fork, UTThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while performing prohibited aerobatic maneuvers and the deployment and separation of the ballistic parachute system from the airframe for reasons that could not be determined due to the severity of impact…NTSB WPR13FA300Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAllstar PZL Glider SZD-54-2 Perkoz · Jacumba, CAThe premature release of the towline from the glider and the glider’s subsequent right banking turn at low altitude for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident airframe examination did not reveal any evidence of a mechanical malfunction or…NTSB ANC13FA054Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDehavilland Beaver DHC-2 MK.1 · Petersburg, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate altitude above the trees, and his subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to avoid the trees, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall/spin and an uncontrolled descent.NTSB CEN12FA378Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportIar Brasov IS-28B2 · Wallis, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an emergency situation, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s acute coronary event, which resulted from his severe…NTSB WPR12FA230Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · St. George, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an aggressive pitch-up maneuver, which resulted in a low-altitude aerodynamic stall shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from alcohol consumption and an…NTSB WPR11FA450Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCone James A RV-6A · West Jordan, UTThe pilot’s execution of an abrupt maneuver, likely to avoid birds, which resulted in a stall and spin.NTSB WPR11FA392Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBriegleb BG-12B · Moore, IDThe pilot’s decision to perform a low pass over the runway in the opposite direction of his intended landing, and his subsequent failure to maintain airspeed and glider control during the reverse-course maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the effect of…NTSB WPR11FA344Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Corona, CAAn aggressive flight maneuver performed by the pilot during low altitude flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN11FA434Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchaffer Gary W Lancair · Yukon, OKThe pilot's use of an excessive bank angle while in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in an accelerated stall. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s lack of experience in the airplane and the pilot’s distracted attention to the rough running…NTSB WPR11FA225Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportP&M Pegasus Quik 912S · Hanalei, HIThe pilot's continued operation of the aircraft with deteriorated wing fabric and his aggressive maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in the right wing fabric’s failure during flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's loading of the aircraft…NTSB CEN10FA424Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B2 · Kingfisher, OKThe pilot’s impaired judgment, due to medications, which led to an abrupt low-level maneuver and subsequent impact with trees and terrain.NTSB WPR10FA217Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Merced, CAPilot incapacitation due to the combined effect of multiple unreported medical conditions.NTSB CEN10LA129Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Gatesville, TXThe pilot’s incapacitation as a result of one or more pre-existing medical conditions.NTSB WPR09GA407Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Austin, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain a stabilized approach prior to the retardant drop and his subsequent failure to release the retardant load, resulting in a stall/mush and collision with terrain.