Fatal NTSB investigations
391 cases where NTSB found Aircraft systems.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 25 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 17 |
| 2010 | 19 |
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2012 | 26 |
| 2013 | 29 |
| 2014 | 26 |
| 2015 | 30 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2019 | 25 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 25 |
| 2022 | 18 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 3 |
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 f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f.\"findingCode\", '0102'))
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", '0102')) 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 WPR25FA146Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 177RG · Grass Valley, CAAn improperly tightened B-nut fitting at the fuel flow divider, which resulted in a fuel leak and loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, and the inadequate maintenance inspection, which failed to detect and correct the discrepancy.NTSB ERA25FA185Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMX Aircraft Tech PTY MXS · Hampton, VAA counterweight plug that loosened during the accident flight, jammed the elevator, and resulted in loss of control during landing.NTSB DCA25MA108Accident · 67 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBombardier CL-600-2C10 · Washington, DCThe Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) placement of a helicopter route in close proximity to a runway approach path; their failure to regularly review and evaluate helicopter routes and available data, and their failure to act on recommendations to…NTSB ERA25FA082Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Cintrona, PRMaintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the airplane, which resulted in inflight the failure of the right aileron carry through cable due to wear, reduced effectiveness of the airplane’s ailerons, and a subsequent loss of control.NTSB ERA25FA076Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCostruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam P2008 · Greenwich, CTA total loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel, and the pilots’ inadequate preflight inspection. Contributing to the water contamination were the missing o-ring or packing and damage to the left fuel cap, and the undetected improperly sealed…NTSB ERA25FA020Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGeisz Gilbert A Lancair 360 · Cross City, FLThe pilot’s exceedance of the critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low to recover. Contributing to the accident was the total electrical failure, which likely resulted in a loss of airspeed indication.NTSB ERA25FA008Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 336 · Savannah, GAThe pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power to both engines.NTSB ERA24FA371Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28R · Vergennes, VTThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and entering an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to properly…NTSB WPR24FA285Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna A185F · Kent, WAThe pilot’s failure to properly configure the amphibious landing gear for a water landing, which resulted in a touchdown on the water with the wheels extended, noseover, and airplane submersion.NTSB CEN24FA312Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportEngineering & Research Ercoupe 415-C · Elkhart, ILAn off-airport landing in a soybean field for reasons that could not be determined. Contributing to the severity of the pilot’s injuries and airplane damage was a fire that occurred at an unknown time.NTSB WPR24FA257Accident · 7 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPilatus PC-12/47E · Recluse, WYThe pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation while operating in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction from the autopilot disconnecting due to an…NTSB ERA24FA308Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech B-60 · Vienna Center, OHThe pilot’s loss of airplane control during a single-engine go-around. Also contributing to the accident was fuel system contamination, which resulted in detonation and a total loss of left engine power.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 WPR24FA196Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLockheed 12A · Chino, CAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude insufficient for recovery. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to ensure that the airplane was…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 WPR24FA182Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV-12 · Auburn, WAThe pilot’s improper installation of the control stick pushrod assemblies, which resulted in separation of the left pushrod and a total loss of roll control during flight. Contributing to the accident was the failure to detect the installation error during…NTSB ANC24FA029Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportDouglas C54D · Fairbanks, AKA loss of power of the No. 1 engine for reasons that could not be determined, and the incorrect installation of a B-nut fitting in the propeller feathering system, which allowed engine oil to spray onto the exhaust system when the propeller was feathered…NTSB CEN24FA164Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLancair Legacy FG · Spicewood, TXThe pilot’s failure to properly configure the airplane during a go-around in gusting wind conditions, and his subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery.NTSB WPR24FA124Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGulfstream 695A · San Bernardino, CAThe pilot’s continued use of the airplane’s autopilot after flight into moderate to severe icing conditions, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA24FA157Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · Fort Pierce North, FLThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the multiengine airplane after a partial loss of engine power on one engine during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the mechanic’s failure to check the…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 CEN24MA111Accident · 6 fatalClass 2 · MajorFinal reportAirbus Helicopters EC 130 · Halloran Springs, CAThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the company’s inadequate oversight of its…NTSB ERA24FA104Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35 · Clearwater, FLAn in-flight engine compartment fire due to a partially loose flexible fuel hose b-nut at the fuel metering unit. Contributing to the severity of the accident was the pilot’s inability to visually identify the destination airport at night, which prolonged the…NTSB WPR24FA072Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportKubicek BB85Z · Eloy, AZThe pilot’s decision to open the rapid deflation valve during flight as a means of descending, which resulted in the deflation of the envelope and hard impact with terrain.NTSB WPR24FA056Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV8 · Corona, CAFuel contamination from the pilot’s improper application of a sealant to the fuel tank, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power on takeoff.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 CEN24FA010Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 414 · Patterson, LAThe pilot’s failure to properly set the elevator trim before takeoff, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall during takeoff.NTSB ERA24FA003Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Croydon, NHThe pilot’s loss of control during the initial climb in dark night conditions due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a steep banking descent into trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent night flight experience,…NTSB WPR23FA344Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSeawind 3000 · Bellevue, WAThe pilot’s loss of airplane control after encountering a lake swell and skipping during takeoff.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 ERA23FA346Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C-99 · Litchfield, MEA horizontal stabilizer pitch trim anomaly that was not identified in the available evidence.NTSB CEN23FA359Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV14 · Virden, ILThe pilot/builder’s improper configuration of the canopy latch micro switch, which incorrectly signaled a closed canopy before flight that resulted in an inflight opening of the airplane’s canopy, an upset of the airplane, and a loss of control from which the…NTSB ERA23LA320Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMesnard Velocity Twin · Sandersville, GAA total loss of power in the right engine due to the right ECU injector wires being severed by the main landing gear actuator piston teeter bar as a result of a lack of clearance and protection of the wiring bundle.NTSB WPR23FA286Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRisen 915 iS · Glendive, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB CEN23FA304Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Osage Beach, MOThe pilot’s failure to properly set the stabilator trim before takeoff, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall during takeoff.NTSB CEN23FA284Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Sherman, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain control during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. Contributing was the pilot’s failure to feather the left propeller following the loss of engine power.NTSB CEN23FA285Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-60-601P · Burlington, COThe pilot’s visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control in flight and subsequent impact with terrain.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 ERA23FA258Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Jamestown, NYThe pilots’ failure to maintain airplane control following an anomalous engine indication during the initial climb, which resulted in a loss of control and parachute deployment at an altitude too low for the system to operate effectively. Contributing to the…NTSB ERA23FA256Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 560 · Montebello, VAPilot incapacitation due to loss of cabin pressure for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s and owner/operator’s decision to operate the airplane without supplemental oxygen.NTSB ERA23FA247Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Lake Worth, FLMaintenance personnel’s failure to detect the corroded aileron cable during recent inspections, which resulted in the separation of the aileron control cable and a subsequent loss of airplane control during takeoff.NTSB ERA23LA240Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna R182 · Macon, NCThe pilot’s failure to properly set the elevator trim before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff.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 CEN23FA190Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech E-90 · Winslow, ARThe pilot’s poor preflight decision to depart into known instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without a functional autopilot system, which resulted in spatial disorientation and his failure to maintain aircraft control while flying in IMC during the…NTSB WPR23FA185Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGates Lear Jet 36A · San Clemente Island, CAThe pilots’ loss of airplane control following a catastrophic fire that started on the left side of the aft equipment bay (tail cone). The fire likely initiated from a leak from the left fuel motive flow line due to a b-nut that loosened for reasons that…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 WPR23FA138Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAerotrike Cobra · Santa Teresa, NMThe pilot’s exceedance of the aircraft’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.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 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 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.