Fatal NTSB investigations
75 cases where the sequence of events included Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power).
Cases per year
| 2008 | 11 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 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\" = '330' 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" = '330' 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 CEN26LA231Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportBailey-Moyes Dragonfly · Whitewater, WIOn June 22, 2026, about 1915 central daylight time, a Bailey-Moyes Dragonfly, N3849A, was involved in an accident near Whitewater, Wisconsin. The pilot of the Dragonfly was not injured. The pilot of the hang glider in tow was fatally injured. The tow…NTSB GAA25WA266Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · ForeignLearjet 55 · La Guaira, VenezuelaNTSB CEN25FA178Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportBeech 95-B55 (T42A) · Broomfield, COOn May 17, 2025, about 1003 mountain daylight time, a Beechcraft 95-B55, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Broomfield, Colorado. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger sustained fatal injuries. The flight was being operated as a Title 14…NTSB GAA24WA200Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · ForeignBell 212 · Fort Good Hope, CanadaNTSB ERA23FA382Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSmith William S Smith Cozy Mark IV · Cullman, ALThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/owner’s improper installation of engine…NTSB ERA23FA346Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C-99 · Litchfield, MEA horizontal stabilizer pitch trim anomaly that was not identified in the available evidence.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 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.NTSB ERA23LA135Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · LimitedFinal reportBombardier BD-100-1A10 · Windsor Locks, CTThe flight crew’s failure to remove the right side pitot probe cover before flight, their decision to depart with a No-Go advisory message following an aborted takeoff, and their selection of the incorrect non-normal checklist in flight, which resulted in an…NTSB ANC23FA008Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRaytheon C90A · Kaupo, HIGuardian Flight’s inadequate pilot training and performance tracking, which failed to identify and correct the pilot’s consistent lack of skill, and which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain his position inflight using secondary instruments to…NTSB ERA23FA070Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Charlotte, NCThe inadequate inspections of the forward left control rod end attachment hardware to the stationary swashplate by the pilot and by maintenance personnel, resulting in an eventual loosening and backing out of the hardware and subsequent loss of helicopter…NTSB ANC22LA080Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 180A · Skwentna, AKThe failure of the landing gear float due to inadequate maintenance of the floats and corrosion.NTSB ERA22LA427Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportNorthwing Design Apache Sport · Southern Shores, NCA loss of aircraft control due to movement of the outer portion of the right wing fabric and displacement of wing ribs for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB CEN22FA298Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · St. Jacob, ILThe inadequate maintenance of the airplane fuel system that resulted in fuel exhaustion and a loss of engine power.NTSB WPR22FA229Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · Kerrville, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during a base leg turn in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flight training experience.NTSB WPR22FA048Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportZenith Zodiac CH601XL · Temecula, CAThe failure of the airplane’s canopy latch system, which resulted in the canopy opening in flight and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a secondary canopy latch as recommended by the kit manufacturer.NTSB ERA22FA047Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA30 · Rock Hill, SCThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while troubleshooting a landing gear indication, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude.NTSB CEN21LA395Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportKlapp Peter A Klapp KR-2S · Wadsworth, OHA loss of airplane control for a reason that could not be determined based on available information.NTSB ERA21FA233Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBhi H60 Helicopters UH-60A · Leesburg, FLThe failure of the water tank snorkel support structure, which allowed the snorkel to contact the main rotor blades. Contributing to the accident was insufficient Federal Aviation Administration oversight of the supplemental type certificate process for the…NTSB WPR21FA203Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportDassault Mirage F-1 · Las Vegas, NVThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack on approach and failure to fly a traffic pattern track consistent with a no-flap configuration. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the airplane’s flaps to extend while in the…NTSB ERA21FA224Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-31P · Myrtle Beach, SCThe mechanic’s inadvertent installation of the elevator trim tabs in reverse, which resulted in the pitch trim system operating opposite of the pilot’s input and the pilot’s subsequent loss of control.NTSB ERA21LA068Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech V35A · Attalla, ALA loss of control inflight and the failure of a component of the up elevator flight control system due to fatigue, which rendered recovery from a right descending turn improbable.NTSB CEN21LA070Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA38 · Franklin, ARThe impairment of both pilots from carbon monoxide exposure due to a degraded muffler. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance inspection, which failed to detect the degraded muffler.NTSB WPR20LA301Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportLake LA4 · Rawlins, WYThe pilot’s decision to depart despite a known mechanical trim malfunction and with a high-density altitude and the airplane at or above its maximum gross weight.NTSB CEN20LA179Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna P210 · Burlington, WIThe pilot did not maintain a safe altitude during the visual approach, and subsequently lost control which resulted an impact with trees and terrain.NTSB ERA20FA068Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Newborn, GAThe pilot’s impairment/incapacitation from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a degraded muffler. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to properly maintain the airplane.NTSB ERA19FA201Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportBeech E55 · Hope Mills, NCThe pilot's failure to disengage an uncommanded nose-down pitch input. Contributing to the accident was improper maintenance of the pitch trim servo, which would have precluded a physical override of the pitch servo.NTSB WPR19WA156Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna T210 · Mount Isa, AustraliaOn May 26, 2019, at 0547 coordinated universal time, a Cessna T210M, registration VH-SUX, collided with terrain during a surveying flight near Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia. The two crew were fatally injured, and the airplane sustained substantial…NTSB CEN19FA100Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna 421 · Plain City, OHA loss of airspeed indication due to icing of the airplane's pitot probe, and the pilot's loss of control while maneuvering.NTSB ERA19FA118Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportHughes 369 · Talking Rock, GAA fatigue failure of the overrunning clutch subassembly due to abnormal bending loads due to cracks on the center engine mount, which resulted in an inflight loss of power. Contributing to the accident was the helicopter's low altitude and airspeed when the…NTSB ERA18FA264Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportDassault Falcon 50 · Greenville, SCThe operator's decision to allow a flight in an airplane with known, unresolved maintenance discrepancies, and the flight crew's failure to properly configure the airplane in a way that would have allowed the emergency or parking brake systems to stop the…NTSB CEN18FA107Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 441 · Rossville, INAn in-flight loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.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 CEN17FA196Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · Chetek, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while flying at a low altitude, which resulted in the airplane exceeding the critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.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 ERA17WA303Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationSchempp Hirth VENTUS2C · San Carlos de Bolivar, ArgentinaOn December 3, 2016, about 1750 coordinated universal time, a Schempp Hirth Ventus-2C motorized glider, Argentine registration LV-EDB, operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain after the left wing detached from the…NTSB ERA16LA266Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRepublic RC 3 · Winter Haven, FLImproper installation of a fuel line by unknown personnel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation.NTSB ERA16FA194Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportJihlavan Airplanes Sro KP 5 ASA · Rhoadesville, VAThe pilots' loss of control that necessitated the activation of the parachute system and the airplane manufacturer's inadequate design of the front parachute anchor attachment structure, which resulted in a failure of the parachute after it was deployed in…NTSB 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.NTSB ERA16FA176Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Syosset, NYThe pilot's loss of airplane control while operating in instrument meteorological conditions with only a partial instrument panel due to a failure of the airplane's vacuum pump. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's spatial disorientation and the…NTSB WPR16FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Honolulu, HIThe in-flight failure of the engine-to-transmission drive shaft due to improper maintenance, which resulted in low main rotor rpm and a subsequent hard landing to water.NTSB CEN15FA386Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBarrow Ted A ONE Easy · Battle Creek, MIThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to his diverted attention to the canopy opening in flight.NTSB WPR15FA205Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Newberg, ORThe loss of translation/rotational power between the engine and the transmission due to the severe wear of the forward spline portion of the lower coupling drive shaft. The reason for the severe wear of the forward spline could not be definitively determined…NTSB WPR15FA158Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 46 350P · Spokane, WAThe mechanic's incorrect installation of two aileron cables and the subsequent inadequate functional checks of the aileron system before flight by both the mechanic and the pilot, which prevented proper roll control from the cockpit, resulting in the pilot's…NTSB ERA14FA327Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Parma, NYThe pilot's decision to land with a quartering tailwind and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the severity of the pilot's injuries was the failure of the aluminum center safety belt bracket.NTSB ERA14FA144Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRogers George T Lancair IVP · Hartsville, SCFailure of the flying pilot to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident were the…NTSB ERA14WA114Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 140 · Cachoeira do Sul, BrazilOn January 29, 2014, about 1340 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 140, Brazilian registration PP-DFW, was substantially damaged during impact with terrain, following a loss of control on approach to Cachoeira do Sul Airport (SSKS), Cachoeira do Sul, Rio…NTSB ERA13FA088Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Parkton, NCThe failure of the instrument-rated pilot to maintain control of the airplane while in instrument meteorological conditions after reporting a gyro malfunction. Contributing to the accident was the loss of primary gyro flight instruments due to the failure of…NTSB CEN13FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369 · Childress, TXThe improper maintenance of the helicopter fuel system that resulted in erroneous fuel gauge indications and the pilot’s inadequate fuel management, both of which resulted in fuel exhaustion during a long-line hover. Also causal was the lack of company…NTSB ERA12FA563Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS 355F1 · West Windsor, NJDisconnection of the upper rod end from the fore/aft servo due to severely worn threads, which resulted in a loss of control and separation of a main rotor blade during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident were incorrect maintenance procedures and…