Fatal NTSB investigations
478 cases where NTSB found Altitude.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 29 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 31 |
| 2010 | 24 |
| 2011 | 41 |
| 2012 | 43 |
| 2013 | 27 |
| 2014 | 41 |
| 2015 | 25 |
| 2016 | 27 |
| 2017 | 34 |
| 2018 | 30 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 18 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2024 | 18 |
| 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\", '01062012'))
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", '01062012')) 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 CEN25FA281Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Thibodaux, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance to powerlines during an agricultural application pass.NTSB WPR25FA100Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 505 · Ririe, IDThe pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and decision to maneuver the helicopter at a low altitude, and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from power lines.NTSB CEN25LA075Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Batesville, ARThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while flying at low altitude.NTSB CEN25FA019Accident · 4 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Houston, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a lighted radio tower during a visual night flight. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller’s failure to issue a safety alert notifying the pilot of the flight’s unsafe proximity to the tower.NTSB WPR25FA020Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportExtra Flugzeugbau EA 300/L · Las Cruces, NMThe pilot’s entry into an aerobatic maneuver at an altitude that was insufficient to complete a successful recovery, which resulted in an accelerated stall and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR24FA298Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBoeing A75L3 · Yacolt, WAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at a low altitude in mountainous terrain in moderately high density altitude conditions, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR24FA270Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182K · Augusta, MTThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into a rugged mountain area in deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB CEN24FA295Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Irene, SDThe pilot’s poor decision to continue the flight into deteriorating weather conditions and his failure to maintain a safe altitude, which resulted in controlled flight into trees and terrain.NTSB WPR24FA255Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Izee, ORThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while maneuvering through an area of low visibility due to wildfire smoke and haze.NTSB WPR24FA225Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGame Composites GB1 Gamebird · Irwin, IDThe pilot’s decision to perform a spin maneuver at an altitude that was insufficient to complete a successful recovery and subsequent failure to properly arrest the spin, which resulted in a secondary stall and an impact with terrain.NTSB ERA24FA292Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172N · Lock Haven, PAThe student pilot’s premature turn to the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern at low airspeed and altitude, resulting in a collision with trees and terrain.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 WPR24FA202Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Capitan, NMThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight through an apparent visual corridor that rapidly narrowed due to rising terrain and mountain obscuration, resulting in momentary instrument meteorological conditions and the pilot’s subsequent…NTSB WPR24FA190Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 177B · Elk River, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while climbing in mountainous terrain during moderately high density altitude conditions, and conditions conducive to severe carburetor icing.NTSB WPR24FA184Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A45 · Deer Harbor, WAThe pilot’s decision to perform an aerobatic maneuver at low level, and his misjudged entry altitude for the maneuver, which resulted in impact with water.NTSB ERA24LA227Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBrallier Scott Glasair I · Gulf of Mexico, FLThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while flying over water in dark night conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to conduct the overwater flight in conditions conducive to the…NTSB WPR24FA132Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206-L4 · Anaconda, MTA total loss of engine power due to a loss of cooling oil to the turbine-to-compressor coupling shaft and subsequent fracture of the shaft at an altitude too low for the pilot to complete a successful autorotation. Contributing to the accident was carbon…NTSB ERA24FA136Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportIsrael Aircraft Industries 1125 Westwind Astra · Hot Springs, VAThe PIC’s continuation of an unstabilized approach in gusting wind conditions and his failure to monitor the airplane’s altitude during the approach, which led to a descent into terrain short of the runway. Contributing was the flight crew’s failure to set…NTSB ERA24FA120Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32 · Jackson, OHThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain while maneuvering.NTSB CEN24FA101Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLockwood AIR CAM · Ranchitos Las Lomas, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a meteorological evaluation tower.NTSB CEN24FA089Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 310R · Poolville, TXPilot incapacitation for undetermined reasons which resulted into controlled descent into terrain.NTSB CEN24FA073Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Canton, TXThe pilot’s failure to attain the runway while landing at night, which resulted in an impact with trees.NTSB ERA24FA069Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAmerican Eurocopter AS350B2 · Hammonton, NJThe helicopter’s gradual descent and impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB ERA24FA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C23 · Midland, VAThe pilot’s decision to descend below the minimum decision altitude of the instrument approach without having the appropriate runway visual references distinctively identified and with the visibility and ceiling below the minimum that was prescribed for the…NTSB CEN24FA024Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLancair 320 · Manitowoc, WIThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain during an unapproved instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…NTSB CEN24FA021Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502B · Vidalia, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s cell phone use and the position of the sun, which reduced the pilot’s ability to perceive the location of the power…NTSB CEN24LA006Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGyro Technic GT-VX2 · Saint Peter, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level maneuvering through a river valley.NTSB WPR24FA002Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Moab, UTThe pilot’s loss of visual reference to the horizon while departing during dark night, which resulted in the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation and subsequent controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR23FA302Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 407 · Cabazon, CAThe Skycrane flight crew’s decision to enter the Fire Traffic Area’s 7-nm NOCOM ring at an altitude significantly above their maximum cleared altitude, which resulted in their need for an aggressive descent into congested airspace and subsequent failure to…NTSB ERA23FA317Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206-L4 · Springfield, OHThe pilot’s failure to remain clear of powerlines during an agricultural spraying operation.NTSB CEN23LA324Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402B · Clara City, MNThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a transmission line during an aerial application flight.NTSB CEN23FA257Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAvid Magnum · Beaver Island, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water while maneuvering in low visibility conditions due to smoke and haze.NTSB ERA23FA266Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportWonder Michael S Harmon Rocket · Porter, NYThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while initiating a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s high-risk behavior.NTSB WPR23FA223Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCompagnie Daher TB 30 Epsilon · Apache Junction, AZThe pilot’s controlled flight into the mountainous terrain due to diminished depth perception as a result of the shadowing effect from the sun’s position. Contributing to the accident was the decision by all three pilots to fly low altitude around the…NTSB WPR23FA208Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-31-325 · Tupelo, MSThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.NTSB CEN23FA220Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV7 · Gibbon, NEThe pilot’s improper decision to fly the airplane into known adverse weather and icing conditions which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB ANC23FA031Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 407 · Nuevo, CAThe pilot’s decision to maneuver in a steep bank at a low altitude, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance with terrain.NTSB WPR23FA137Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182S · Alcova, WYThe airplane’s encounter with low level wind shear associated with moderate turbulence, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN23FA125Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Port O'Connor, TXThe pilot’s initiation of the visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of helicopter control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s flicker vertigo during the flight.NTSB CEN23FA084Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46 · Yoakum, TXThe pilot’s spatial disorientation during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which led to an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA23FA108Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Dayton, VAThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while descending over mountainous terrain at night.NTSB ERA23FA077Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · Falmouth, MAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the landing approach. Contributing to the accident was the sun glare, which impaired the pilot's visibility and situational awareness.NTSB ERA23FA006Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Arundel, METhe pilot’s loss of situational awareness, which resulted in an unstabilized approach, descent below published minimum altitudes, and collision with terrain.NTSB WPR22FA348Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTrom Wayne Vans RV6A · Aztec, AZThe total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to turn away from a suitable emergency landing surface, his failure to maintain adequate airspeed as the…NTSB ERA22FA397Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRotorway Jetexec · Arthur, KYThe pilot’s decision to attempt the cross-country flight in thunderstorm conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a weather briefing.NTSB ERA22FA383Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206B · Whiteside, TNThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the powerlines.NTSB WPR22FA312Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportJackson Dennis RV-8 · Scio, ORThe pilot’s decision to perform a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver and his improper execution of the maneuver, which resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB ANC22FA066Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Arctic Village, AKThe pilot’s decision to depart in turbulent and gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN22FA375Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSonex Waiex · Maxwell, CAA loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons that resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB CEN22FA347Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT502 · Ute, IAThe pilot’s inflight collision with a power line during aerial application.