Fatal NTSB investigations
209 cases where NTSB found Aircraft structures.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 17 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 13 |
| 2011 | 13 |
| 2012 | 21 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 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 f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f.\"findingCode\", '0103'))
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", '0103')) 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 ERA25FA201Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32RT · Yulee, FLThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in a stall/spin at an altitude too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident was the opening of the nose baggage door and subsequent distraction of the pilot…NTSB ERA24FA395Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportEvolution Revo · Zephyrhills, FLThe flight instructor’s failure to ensure the haul back cable was securely connected to the “J” hook prior to departing on the accident flight, which resulted in the cable becoming disconnected and the wings folding up during flight.NTSB ERA24FA283Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46 · Trout Creek, NYThe pilot’s loss of airplane control in flight due to spatial disorientation during a climb to cruise altitude in instrument meteorological conditions and turbulence, which resulted in the in-flight breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB ERA24FA217Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35 · Franklin, TNThe pilot’s flight into convective weather, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation and a subsequent inflight breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the lack of accurate weather intensity depiction on the…NTSB CEN24FA179Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46-500TP · Marianna, ARThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s design limitations, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.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 ERA24LA185Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBailey-Moyes Dragonfly · Groveland, FLThe pilot’s improper installation and inspection of the right lower wing strut attachment bolt, which resulted in the inflight failure of the right wing.NTSB CEN24FA160Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA 46-350P · Hartsburg, MOThe pilot’s encounter with convective weather conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control, the exceedance of the airplane’s never exceed speed, and the resulting overload failure of the horizontal stabilizer and subsequent failure of the…NTSB ERA24FA154Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20K · St. Augustine, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed of the airplane while in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing was the pilot’s distraction due to the in-flight opening of the main cabin door, which resulted from the…NTSB ANC24FA008Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Anchor Point, AKAn impact to the left wing, at an undetermined time, for reasons that could not be determined, which partially separated the left wing and rendered the airplane uncontrollable.NTSB 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 ERA23FA380Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Whitesville, KYThe flight instructor’s improper decision to continue flight into a known area of thunderstorms, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.NTSB WPR23FA351Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGolden Circle T Bird · Arlington, WAA failure of the forward left wing spar due to an improper repair, which resulted in an inflight separation of the left wing. Contributing to the accident was improper maintenance by splicing the wing spar.NTSB WPR23FA323Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportHensler Howard Cassutt · West Jordan, UTA loss of control during the initial climb for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB ERA23FA340Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Fort Pierce, FLThe left seat instructor’s intentional maneuvering of the airplane in an aerobatic steep turn for which it was not approved, which resulted in an exceedance of the structural limitations of the airplane and an inflight breakup.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 ERA23FA330Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna P210 · Junction City, GAThe pilot’s continued flight into a known area of adverse weather, which resulted in the penetration of a severe thunderstorm, the pilot’s loss of airplane control, and the airplane’s subsequent in-flight breakup.NTSB CEN23FA204Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLuce Buttercup · Lyndonville, NYAn in-flight breakup due to structural overload of the airplane for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA23FA209Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 177B · Watkinsville, GAThe pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control, which resulted in an in-flight overload separation of the right wing during the uncontrolled descent.NTSB WPR23LA112Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportStar Lite SL1 · Corning, CAThe student pilot’s loss of airplane control during an intentional aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an inflight separation of the left wing and subsequent impact with the terrain.NTSB WPR23FA080Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportEmbraer Executive EMB-505 · Provo, UTThe pilot’s failure to deice the airplane before takeoff in weather conditions conducive to ice accumulation, which resulted in an ice-contaminated wing and subsequent stall during takeoff.NTSB ANC23FA003Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAirborne Windsports Edge XT-912L · Mokuleia, HIStructural failure of the wing for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB ERA23FA045Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBearhawk Patrol · Hanover Township, PAThe pilot’s decision to unlatch his seatbelt during flight, which allowed him to exit the airplane and impact the tail, resulting in a loss of control and impact with terrain.NTSB ERA23FA007Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSeamax M-22 · East Hampton, NYAn inflight separation of the right wing as a result of the manufacturer’s application of a bolt and nut in the upper wing strut attachment point that was inconsistent with the nut design intent and usage limitations.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 ERA22LA348Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCASA C212 · Raeford, NCThe airplane’s encounter with windshear during landing, which resulted in a hard landing and separation of the right main landing gear, and the pilot’s subsequent decision to leave his seat in flight, which resulted in his fall from the airplane.NTSB WPR22FA264Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Seguin, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude after being distracted when the engine cowling opened during flight, which led to a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB ERA22FA320Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportKnight AA Nieuport 28 · Basehor, KSThe pilot’s incorrect installation of the left-wing strut, which resulted in a loss of airplane control during takeoff and a subsequent aerodynamic stall and spin from which the pilot could not recover.NTSB WPR22FA184Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBruce R Prouse M24 Orion Plus · Cape Girardeau, MOThe pilot’s failure to maintain controlled flight, which resulted in a hard left roll, excessive blade flapping and a subsequent in-flight separation of the right horizontal stabilizer.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 ERA22FA095Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · Jacksonville, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing was the pilot’s likely distraction due to the opening of the baggage door.NTSB CEN22FA070Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 310J · Inola, OKThe loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.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 ERA22FA036Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV4 · Chattahoochee, FLThe pilot’s failure to properly secure the canopy before takeoff, allowing the canopy to open and then separate in flight, which resulted in the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane for reasons that could not be determined based on the…NTSB ERA22FA009Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna P210 · Atlanta, GAThe pilot’s failure to ensure that his seat was properly secured before initiating the takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control during the initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the lack of an installed secondary seat stop, and the airplane’s aft…NTSB CEN21FA360Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20M · Victoria, MNThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during final approach, which led to a spiral dive that overstressed the airplane and resulted in an in-flight breakup.NTSB CEN21FA314Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPZL Mielec M18 · Seiling, OKThe pilot’s in-flight loss of control due to the structural failure of a wing fitting and separation of the outboard wing section. Also causal were the inadequate wing fitting inspections, which failed to detect the initial corrosion and crack before it…NTSB WPR21FA266Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C90 · Wikieup, AZThe failure and separation of the left wing’s outboard section due to a fatigue crack in the lower spar cap. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s decision to repair the wing spar instead of replacing it as recommended by the aircraft manufacturer.…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 CEN21FA199Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Port Aransas, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the go-around, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA21FA142Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLuscombe 8E · Jupiter, FLThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which led to an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane, resulting in an unsecured engine cowl that…NTSB ERA20LA315Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV9 · Steinhatchee, FLThe failure of the air traffic controller to provide hazardous weather information to the pilot, resulting in the flight’s encounter with strong updraft conditions, an inflight loss of airplane control, and an in-flight breakup. Contributing was the pilot’s…NTSB WPR20LA224Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHiller UH 12D · Mehama, ORAn in-flight separation of a tail rotor blade due to fatigue cracking and overstress, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent ground impact.NTSB CEN20LA201Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Carlinville, ILThe pilot’s attempted recovery from a steep descent which inadvertently exceeded the ultimate load factor of the airframe and resulted in a low-level inflight breakup.NTSB WPR20LA130Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell UH 1H · Mesa, AZAn in-flight separation of the tail rotor gearbox from the airframe due to fatigue failure of the gearbox attachment studs, resulting in a loss of directional control and subsequent ground impact. Contributing to the accident were 1) the improper application…NTSB ERA19FA265Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV-12 · Lady Lake, FLThe pilot's loss of pitch control due to the in-flight opening of the canopy for reasons that could not be determined.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 WPR19FA161Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportLockwood Aircam · Hemet, CAThe pilot/builder's improper installation of the left wing during the build process, which resulted in the wing failing during takeoff.NTSB ERA19FA170Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA 30 · Naples, FLIncapacitation of the pilot due to a birdstrike through the windshield in front of the pilot's position, while on approach to land.NTSB CEN19FA120Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Lake, MSThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s loss of control while flying in dark night instrument meteorological weather conditions with convective activity, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its structural limitations and experiencing an in-flight breakup.…