Fatal NTSB investigations
126 cases where the sequence of events included Part(s) separation from AC.
Cases, newest first
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\" = '338' 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" = '338' 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 WPR18FA143Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportI.C.A.-Brasov IS 29D · Avenal, CAThe pilot's improper installation of the wings onto the glider, which resulted in an in-flight wing separation. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's limited familiarity with the design and a lack of reliable assembly guidance.NTSB WPR18FA088Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportHastings Thomas G Cirrus VK 30 · Agua Dulce, CAThe driveshaft fracture due to overstress loading and rotational bending as a result of the under-torqued nuts on the elastomeric couplings backing off and the subsequent in-flight separation of the horizontal fairing due to contact with the separated end of…NTSB CEN18FA023Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Alva, OKThe flight instructor's and pilot's failure to recognize that a high descent rate had developed on short final, likely due to their distraction by an open engine cowling, and the unexpected strong pitch-down force during flap extension due to the installation…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 ERA17FA274Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Charlottesville, VAThe pilot's loss of helicopter control after entry into vortex ring state, leading to a high rate of descent to the ground with a right spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent and recurrent training in vortex ring state recognition…NTSB WPR17FA151Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 44-180 · Marineland, FLA loss of control in flight for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.NTSB CEN17FA248Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Catawba, WIA loss of control and subsequent in-flight breakup for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB WPR17FA134Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportJordan John RV7 · Arlington, AZThe inflight overstress separation of the vertical stabilizer and rudder during flight which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain airplane control. Contributing to the accident was an inflight collision with a bird.NTSB WPR17FA128Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPrescot E. Wilkie RV-3 · Payette, IDThe in-flight failure of the left wing due to the owner's use of improper hardware and his improper assembly of the airplane, which reduced the strength of the left wing and resulted in its subsequent failure following a sharp pullup maneuver.NTSB CEN17LA181Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAS+ AC 4 · Blair, NEThe pilot's loss of control due to his diverted attention as he attempted to close the canopy that opened during initial climb.NTSB ERA17FA136Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210 · Hayden, ALThe pilot's decision to continue the flight into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control and in-flight breakup.NTSB ERA17FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFairchild SA227 · Camilla, GAThe pilot's decision to initiate and continue the flight into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted spatial disorientation, a loss of airplane control, and a subsequent in-flight breakup.NTSB 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…NTSB CEN17FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportStamper RV-10 · Dubois, WYThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after becoming distracted by the opening of the gull-wing cabin door during takeoff, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall at a low…NTSB CEN16FA290Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFlight Design Ctls · Fond du Lac, WICarburetor contamination following exposure to water in the fuel, which resulted in a carburetor malfunction and a partial loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's loss of airplane control that resulted in a stall.NTSB 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…NTSB ERA16LA209Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWSK PZL Mielec M 18A · Brunswick, NCThe failure of the right wing due to a fatigue fracture of the right outboard wing forward spar lower fitting. Contributing to the accident was the routine operation of the airplane over its certificated maximum gross weight and the operator's improper or…NTSB WPR16FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Cedar Fort, UTThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while operating in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's design stress limitations, and a subsequent in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident…NTSB CEN16FA086Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Meeker, COThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to fly the airplane in instrument meteorological conditions at high altitude for greater than 30 minutes without the use of supplemental oxygen which resulted in hypoxia, and a subsequent loss of control. Contributing…NTSB WPR16FA036Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBarnett Allen S RV7 · Hurricane, UTThe pilot’s aerobatic maneuver leading to airspeeds above the airplane’s never exceed speed, which resulted in rudder flutter and an in-flight breakup.NTSB CEN15FA422Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPierce, Henry Bushby Mustang II · Granbury, TXThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack resulting in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.NTSB CEN15LA399Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWeatherly 620B · Hancock, WIThe in-flight failure of the left wing lower forward attach point under normal loading conditions due to corrosion and fatigue cracking in the center section hinge brackets. Contributing to the accident was the operator's inadequate maintenance and overweight…NTSB CEN15WA193Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRans S6 - ES · Tan Rouge, RéunionOn March 30, 2015, about 0630 universal coordinated time (UTC), a Rans S6-ES airplane, French registration 974-GQ, impacted terrain near Tan Rouge, Reunion. The pilot and passenger on board were fatally injured. The airplane was destroyed. The local flight…NTSB CEN15FA171Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B2 · Eufaula, OKThe flight's inadvertent encounter with night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot turning the helicopter and subsequently descending into trees and terrain due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR15LA092Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAlexander RV-7 · Seabeck, WAA loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane impacted water, and the majority of the wreckage was not recovered.NTSB ERA15FA109Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23 · Lakeland, FLAn in-flight loss of control for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident investigation; the loss of control likely occurred during a simulated loss of power in the right engine during an instructional flight.NTSB CEN14LA508Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBrupbacher Chris CB2000 · Reserve, LAThe failure of the flight control rod bearing due to an undetected preexisting corrosion-induced crack, which resulted in the main rotor blades going to full pitch and the rotor mast folding; this allowed the pusher propeller to strike and sever the tail.NTSB ERA14FA421Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportKlaas Development Lancair IV P · Ooltewah, TNThe inadequate torque of the propeller mounting bolts and inspection of the propeller, which resulted in the fatigue fracture of the bolts and a subsequent in-flight separation of the propeller assembly.NTSB CEN14FA468Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchafer Rick W Foxtrot 4 · Abilene, TXThe pilot's decision to attempt a steep turn to return to the airport after reporting an emergency. The reason for the emergency could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any mechanical anomalies that…NTSB CEN14FA462Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Las Cruces, NMThe misfueling of the airplane with jet fuel instead of the required aviation fuel, and the resultant detonation and a total loss of engine power during initial climb. Contributing to the accident were the line service technician's inadvertent misfueling of…NTSB CEN14LA376Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT 401B · Ellis, KSThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s inadequate preflight weather planning and subsequent inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and the loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB CEN14LA305Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBollinger Robert L BD 4 · Fairfield, IAThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to the in-flight separation of the propeller blades for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB ERA14FA168Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · Brunswick, GAAn inflight failure of the airplane's only operating vacuum pump, which resulted in the loss of attitude information provided by vacuum-driven flight instruments. Also causal was the pilots' failure to maintain control of the airplane while operating in…NTSB CEN14FA143Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHawker SEA Fury ISS 25 · Breckenridge, TXThe pilot’s inadequate emergency response to a runaway propeller and his failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and stalling. The cause of the runaway propeller was undetermined.NTSB WPR14LA096Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMorrisey 2150 · Pismo Beach, CAThe in-flight separation of a wing for reasons that could not be determined because the wreckage was not recovered from the ocean.NTSB CEN14FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBiesemeier David I Smyth Sidewinder · Boulder, COThe pilot’s abrupt maneuver, which exceeded the structural limits of the left wing and resulted in its in-flight separation.NTSB CEN14FA009Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 500 · Derby, KSThe airplane's encounter with severe icing conditions, which resulted in structural icing, and the pilot's increased workload and subsequent disorientation while maneuvering in instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions with malfunctioning flight instruments,…NTSB WPR13FA417Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell UH-1V · Cordes Lakes, AZThe pilot's improper maintenance on the helicopter’s main rotor blade pitch control system, which resulted in an in-flight loss of main rotor blade pitch control, mast bumping, and mast failure.NTSB ERA13FA424Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBrown Robert K RV7A · Hamilton Township, NJThe pilot's improper aerobatic maneuver that resulted in a loss of control, exceedance of the airplane's design limitations, and a subsequent in-flight breakup of the airplane.NTSB WPR13FA411Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell UH 1B · Detroit, ORThe fatigue failure of the upper two tailboom attachment points, which resulted in the tailboom separating from the fuselage during logging operations. Contributing to the accident was poor maintenance throughout the helicopter’s operational life.NTSB CEN13LA409Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFlight Design Ctsw · Taos, NMThe airplane's unexpected encounter with a dust devil, which resulted in the loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN13FA344Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS350B2 · Talihina, OKThe helicopter pilot's failure to see and avoid the 40-ft-tall lamp post during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight evaluation of the obstructions in the takeoff path.NTSB ERA13FA186Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Miami, FLThe mechanic's failure to properly secure the pitch link hardware of one main rotor blade to the rotating swash plate, which resulted in the pitch link separating in flight and the pilot's subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB ERA13FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGreen Gary E Thorp T-18 · Pahokee, FLThe descent and overstress of the airplane during the descent, which resulted in the in-flight breakup of the airplane.NTSB ERA13FA070Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta II · Apollo Beach, FLMast bumping for reasons that could not be determined because one main rotor blade was not recovered.NTSB WPR13FA056Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcdaniel RV-6-CH · Scio, ORThe pilot's decision to perform aerobatics in an airplane that was prohibited from aerobatics as stated in its operating limitations document, which resulted in the failure of the right wing spar.NTSB CEN12FA196Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35 · Glencoe, MNThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the design limits of the airplane being exceeded and an in-flight breakup.NTSB DCA12MA020Accident · 5 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportEurocopter France AS350B2 · Las Vegas, NVSundance Helicopters’ inadequate maintenance of the helicopter, including (1) the improper reuse of a degraded self-locking nut, (2) the improper or lack of installation of a split pin, and (3) inadequate postmaintenance inspections, which resulted in the…NTSB CEN12FA098Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TB21 · Silverton, COThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to embark on a flight through forecasted instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his subsequent flight into IMC, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent maneuvering of the airplane…NTSB CEN12FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R66 · Philip, SDThe in-flight separation of the main rotor mast following a mast bumping event. The reason for the mast bumping event could not be determined due to postaccident damage.