Fatal NTSB investigations
49 cases where NTSB found Aircraft handling/service.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 3 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
Where
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 f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f.\"findingCode\", '0101'))
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 f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '0101')) 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 ERA24FA301Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 402B · Aguadilla, PRThe pilot’s decision to operate the airplane with known maintenance discrepancies, which resulted in a total loss of right engine power. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed while returning to the airport with a single…NTSB WPR24FA215Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Big Creek, IDThe pilot’s delayed decision to go around after descending below the recommended abort altitude with a slight tailwind and an over-gross-weight airplane, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to…NTSB CEN23FA314Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-31P · Kearney, MOThe pilot’s decision to operate an airplane with known fuel leaks, his failure to conduct an engine run-up before takeoff, his subsequent failure to abort the takeoff, and the mechanic’s inadequate maintenance, which resulted in a partial loss of right engine…NTSB WPR23FA188Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna T182T · Albany, WYThe pilot’s decision to conduct flight into an area of icing in an airplane that was prohibited from such conditions, which resulted in exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, an aerodynamic stall/spin, and the pilot’s spatial disorientation…NTSB ERA22FA024Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · Holly Ridge, NCThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in a stall/mush during takeoff and initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s loading the airplane near its maximum allowable gross weight and near its aft cg…NTSB CEN21LA030Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 210 · Lubbock, TXThe pilot’s improper decision to fly into icing conditions with an airplane that was not equipped for icing, which led to structural icing and a subsequent loss of airplane control, and the pilot’s impairment from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a cracked…NTSB ERA20LA271Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican AA 5 · Dunnellon, FLA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of improper installation and inspection of the airplane’s fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of certification and knowledge in aircraft maintenance.NTSB ERA20LA207Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportQuad City Challenger · Wurtsboro, NYA loss of control after takeoff due to the pilot’s improper use of ballast weight. Contributing was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane above its maximum gross weight.NTSB WPR19FA266Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAmerican AA5 · Cowles, NMThe pilot's decision to fly into terrain that exceeded the performance capabilities of the airplane, which resulted in failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain.NTSB CEN19FA279Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAero Commander 200 · Howell, MIThe improper installation of the engine’s metal intake screen, which allowed the filter element to become displaced and subsequently lodge in the intake, blocking intake air and causing the total loss of engine power, at low altitude and low airspeed…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 WPR19FA115Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 60 · Fullerton, CAThe pilot’s use of an unapproved elevator control lock device, and his failure to remove that device and correctly position the elevator before flight, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was his failure to perform…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 CEN17LA368Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEris E. Ervin Quicksilver · Cleburne, TXAn engine loss of power due to fuel starvation from a broken fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine; the loss of engine power prevented the pilot from reaching a suitable landing area. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance of 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 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 CEN16FA013Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Hammond, LAThe loss of right engine power on takeoff due to maintenance personnel's failure to properly tighten the crankcase through-studs during cylinder replacement, which resulted in crankshaft fracture. Also causal were the pilot's failure to feather the propeller…NTSB CEN15LA329Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportO'Dell Aeromaster · Sulphur Springs, TXA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postimpact damage precluded a thorough examination of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain control following the loss of engine power,…NTSB DCA15MA029Accident · 6 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportEmbraer EMB-500 · Gaithersburg, MDthe pilot's conduct of an approach in structural icing conditions without turning on the airplane's wing and horizontal stabilizer deice system, leading to ice accumulation on those surfaces, and without using the appropriate landing performance speeds for…NTSB CEN14LA485Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCismowski Tierra II · Montevideo, MNThe pilot's impaired judgment due to the use of marijuana, which led to his improper decision to fly the airplane over its maximum gross weight and his subsequent loss of airplane control during takeoff with gusting wind conditions.NTSB CEN14LA415Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G 2 · Jeanerette, LAThe pilot’s improper decision to operate an unairworthy helicopter, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR14FA068Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Kalaupapa, HIThe loss of engine power due to the fracture of multiple blades on the compressor turbine wheel, which resulted in a ditching. The reason for the blade failures could not be determined due to secondary thermal damage to the blades.NTSB ERA14FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-160 · Graniteville, SCThe pilot's improper maintenance of the airplane's fuel system, which resulted a loss of power in the left engine due to fuel starvation. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain minimum controllable airspeed following the loss of engine power, which…NTSB DCA13MA121Accident · 10 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportDehavilland DHC-3 · Soldotna, AKThe operator's failure to determine the actual cargo weight, leading to the loading and operation of the airplane outside of the weight and center of gravity limits contained in the airplane flight manual, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing…NTSB CEN13FA137Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 (T42A) · Mangum, OKThe airplane's aerodynamic stall/spin at low altitude and subsequent impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examinations. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of currency/proficiency.NTSB CEN12FA616Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Kingsland, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a partial loss of engine power resulting from an engine intake valve that became stuck open. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane when a required maintenance…NTSB CEN12LA605Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBurkhart Grob G 103 Twin II · El Paso, TXThe pilot‘s failure to maintain glider control while attempting to take off using a ground winch, which resulted in an inadvertent stall low to the ground. Contributing to the accident was the ground winch, which was unable to produce enough speed for a…NTSB ERA12FA262Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Calhoun, KYThe failure of the pilot to maintain airplane control after experiencing a loss of power from the left engine due to water contamination of the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane and…NTSB WPR12FA012Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E33 · Daggett, CAA loss of engine power due to the separation of a connecting rod, and the pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during a sudden maneuver to avoid power lines during the descent, which resulted in an unrecoverable aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin.…NTSB WPR11FA256Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-31ATC · Ukiah, ORThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct a visual flight rules flight over mountainous terrain into a region covered by clouds, which likely resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR11FA242Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Wendover, UTThe pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed during the downwind turn resulting in an aerodynamic stall, in-flight loss of control, and spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and exceedance of the approved weight and…NTSB WPR11FA170Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T310R · Butte, MTThe pilot's loss of airplane control during the missed approach for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the rapid and unforecast deterioration of the weather conditions to below the landing minimum and the pilot's decision to attempt the…NTSB WPR11FA166Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Long Beach, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during a momentary interruption of power from the left engine during the initial takeoff climb. Contributing to the accident was the power interruption due to water contamination of the fuel,…NTSB WPR11FA059Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20R · Hollister, CAThe pilot did not ensure the airplane was loaded within its weight and balance envelope, which resulted in longitudinal instability and a loss of aircraft control during the initial climb.NTSB WPR10LA462Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCosmos Phase II · El Mirage, CAThe pilot's improper preflight and starting procedures, which resulted in an inadvertent takeoff with the gust lock still installed.NTSB WPR10LA366Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportClark RV-9A · Oregon City, ORThe pilot's decision to depart with known mechanical anomalies and the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ANC10FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206F · Anchorage, AKThe pilot’s decision to load the airplane well beyond its allowable weight and center of gravity limits, resulting in a loss of control during the initial climb. Contributing to the severity of the injuries was the pilot’s decision to allow two child…NTSB ERA10FA150Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Winter Haven, FLThe pilot’s improper placement of the fuel selector valve during takeoff, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a total loss of engine power resulting in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was the failure of maintenance…NTSB CEN10FA107Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCostruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2002 · Waxahachie, TXA loss of aircraft control while maneuvering for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA10FA037Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · ChristianstedThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to ensure proper loading of the airplane.NTSB ERA09FA526Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Fort Lauderdale, FLFatigue failure of the No. 5 engine cylinder fuel supply line, which resulted in an engine compartment fire. Also causal was the pilot's failure to immediately secure the engine/perform a forced landing after discovery of the fire, which resulted in the…NTSB CEN09LA444Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech TC-45J · Verdel, NEThe pilot's improper decision to fly an airplane that was not airworthy and for which he was not properly rated to operate, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane during a forced landing to a field following an engine failure. Contributing to the…NTSB CEN09LA440Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAntares MA-33 · Centerburg, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN09FA405Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Weslaco, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while operating with a fuel imbalance. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/owner's decision to fly the airplane outside of the operating limitations.NTSB ERA09FA343Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 RG · Gilford, NHA loss of engine power due to oil exhaustion from the fracture of the nipple for the engine oil cooler return line. Contributing to the accident was the mechanic's signoff and release of the airplane without performing the required engine run-up following an…NTSB WPR09MA159Accident · 14 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportPilatus PC-12/45 · Butte, MT(1) the pilot's failure to ensure that a fuel system icing inhibitor was added to the fuel before the flights on the day of the accident; (2) his failure to take appropriate remedial actions after a low fuel pressure state (resulting from icing within the…NTSB LAX08PA259Accident · 9 fatalClass 1Final reportSikorsky S-61N · Weaverville, CAThe following actions by Carson Helicopters: 1) the intentional understatement of the helicopter's empty weight, 2) the alteration of the power available chart to exaggerate the helicopter's lift capability, and 3) the practice of using unapproved…NTSB DFW08MA076Accident · 5 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportCessna 500 · Oklahoma City, OKAirplane wing-structure damage sustained during impact with one or more large birds (American white pelicans), which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane.NTSB DEN08FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Sterling, KSThe loss of pitch control during cruise flight resulting from the separation of the stabilator trim actuator due to inadequate maintenenace.