NTSB investigations

67 cases where NTSB found Illicit drug.

Cases per year

20082026
NTSB investigations per year, 2008–2026: 67 cases
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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.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f.\"findingCode\", '02012020'))
  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.

NTSB CEN24LA332Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportApex CROSS-5X · Columbus, NEThe non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain control of the aircraft after takeoff.Sep 2, 2024 · N223CL · Substantial damageNTSB ERA24LA297Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBuckeye Dream Machine · Bainbridge, GAThe non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to alcohol and methamphetamine use.Jul 4, 2024 · UNREG · DestroyedNTSB 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…Jun 10, 2024 · N1039X · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24FA080Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSwanson R/Swanson S RV-6 · Concord, CAA total loss of engine power during takeoff due to a separated fuel line and the pilot’s subsequent failure to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's medical condition and the effects of multiple impairing substances.Jan 30, 2024 · N30AK · Substantial damageNTSB DCA23LA109Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEmbraer S A ERJ 170-200 LR · Montgomery, ALThe ramp agent’s cognitive impairment, which resulted in her (1) inconsistent behavior with trained procedures and pre landing briefings, (2) presence on the left side of the airplane while the left engine was still operating, and (3) subsequent ingestion…Dec 31, 2022 · N264NN · Minor damageNTSB ERA22FA422Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportWren Ronnie D Titan II · Citra, FLThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and failure to maintain airspeed while recovering from an aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of…Sep 17, 2022 · N709RD · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22FA240Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportExtra Flugzeugbau EA 300/L · Boulder City, NVThe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane by exceeding the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering in a turning climb at a low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin from which the pilot was unable to…Jul 3, 2022 · N343BH · DestroyedNTSB WPR22FA073Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20C · Marana, AZThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation after entering instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to use of methamphetamine before the flight.Dec 31, 2021 · N6796N · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA283Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBailey N Moyes Dragonfly · Charlestown, NHThe passenger’s decision to continue an unstable approach while at low altitude and in proximity to a known obstacle, which resulted in a collision with power lines.Jul 10, 2021 · N346FL · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21FA242Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCameron Balloons US O-120 · Albuquerque, NMThe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate clearance from power lines while maneuvering for landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of impairing, illicit drugs.Jun 26, 2021 · N158NM · DestroyedNTSB CEN21LA107Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHawker Beechcraft G58 · Credit, ARA loss of left engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an emergency descent with one engine inoperative and inadvertent collision with transmission lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inability to respond appropriately to the…Jan 4, 2021 · N325GC · DestroyedNTSB CEN21LA084Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Colorado City, TXThe pilot’s loss of control and exceedance of performance and/or structural limitations during low-altitude operations, which resulted in an inflight breakup.. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol.Dec 10, 2020 · N7085Z · DestroyedNTSB WPR20FA049Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Goodyear, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines due to his impairment from cannabis.Dec 22, 2019 · N3371U · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20FA018Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150 · Brawley, CAThe pilot’s decision to perform a flight while impaired by the effects of alcohol and cocaine, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance during the flight.Oct 31, 2019 · N7158X · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20FA015Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · American Falls, IDThe pilot’s failure to ensure adequate fuel onboard and his subsequent failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering which resulted in an aerodynamic stall following a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the…Oct 25, 2019 · N201BJ · Substantial damageNTSB WPR19FA148Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Alpine, UTThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was hypoxia due to the high altitude at which…May 17, 2019 · N744TW · Substantial damageNTSB WPR19FA143Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTop Dog TopDog Ultralight · Creswell, ORThe non-certificated pilot's loss of control while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was his lack of training in the aircraft and his impairment from illicit drugs.May 12, 2019 · UNREG · Substantial damageNTSB ERA19FA155Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportBellanca 1730 · Henderson, KYThe student pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack at a low altitude, in the airport traffic pattern, following a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing…Apr 23, 2019 · N9693E · Substantial damageNTSB 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.…Apr 13, 2019 · N4890L · DestroyedNTSB WPR18FA244Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Redding, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to properly configure the wing flaps for…Aug 29, 2018 · N7990F · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17FA232Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMorrisey 2150A · Honesdale, PAA total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of two psychoactive substances, which led to his impaired decision to attempt to takeoff after engine issues became evident.Jul 6, 2017 · N917JL · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17LA126Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHy-Tek Hurricane · Redcrest, CAThe noncertificated pilot's impairment from methamphetamine and alcohol use, which precluded the pilot from maintaining control of the airplane after a loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.May 4, 2017 · UNREG · Substantial damageNTSB CEN17FA164Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17 31ATC · Boonville, MOThe pilot's impairment, due to his use of a combination of psychoactive drugs and a vision deficiency in his left eye, which resulted in a failure to maintain adequate altitude during final approach to landing and subsequent collision with power lines.Apr 24, 2017 · N787TV · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportQuicksilver MXL II · Hesperia, CAThe pilot's failure to identify and correct his construction error of a critical structural component, which resulted in a loss of airplane control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to his combined use of multiple…Mar 7, 2017 · UNREG · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17FA057Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 300 · Tucson, AZThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment by the effects of a combination of psychoactive substances.Jan 23, 2017 · N385KA · DestroyedNTSB CEN16FA370Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 11 · Arcanum, OHThe student pilot's reckless flying attitude and use of multiple psychoactive drugs, which likely impaired his ability to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.Sep 14, 2016 · N4910M · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16FA114Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportOhlgren RV 6A · Abilene, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to his combined use of central…Mar 1, 2016 · N419B · DestroyedNTSB ERA16FA064Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Farmington, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after a cabin door came open in flight, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's misuse of…Dec 11, 2015 · N72054 · DestroyedNTSB CEN16FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Keytesville, MOThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to operate in dark night conditions with low clouds, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of methamphetamine, which impaired his…Dec 7, 2015 · N90123 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15LA306Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Creation Clipper 582 · Clark, SDThe pilot's inability to maintain control of the weight-shift control aircraft during initial climb due to his impairment from ethanol, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana.Jul 14, 2015 · UNREG · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15FA291Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7BCM · Portland, TXThe pilot’s ostentatious low-altitude aerobatic display, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin when he exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to alcohol and drugs.Jul 4, 2015 · N10497 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR15LA193Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G 5 · Salinas, CAThe non-instrument-rated pilot's visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and loss of helicopter control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment by high-dose opioid use.Jun 20, 2015 · N4427F · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15FA232Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 24-260 · Spring Branch, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain control during takeoff due to his impairment from marijuana. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impaired decision to fly after using a disqualifying drug.May 16, 2015 · N9032P · DestroyedNTSB WPR15FA010Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Yerington, NVThe failure of the Savannah pilot to maintain awareness of the position of the Cessna while attempting a join up maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the impaired decision-making of the Savannah's pilot due to the combined effects of licit and illicit…Oct 12, 2014 · N3558C · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB 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.Sep 7, 2014 · N622MC · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14FA348Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCliff Starduster II SA300 · Placerville, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around in gusting wind conditions following a partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal…Aug 17, 2014 · N411TM · Substantial damageNTSB CEN14FA339Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American/Aero Classics P 51D · Durango, COThe pilot's failure to compensate for the high-performance airplane's tendency to enter a torque roll during the initial climb, which resulted in the airplane entering a torque roll and the subsequent loss of control at too low of an altitude to recover.…Jul 4, 2014 · N1451D · Substantial damageNTSB CEN14LA316Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrazhopper Trike · Ottawa, ILThe noncertificated pilot’s improper decision to operate the powered-parachute at low altitude through mist in a confined area while he was impaired by multiple sedating medications, which resulted in his loss of control of the parachute and subsequent impact…Jun 24, 2014 · UNREG · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14FA162Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Safety Harbor, FLThe pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to cocaine use.Mar 22, 2014 · N8309L · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14FA073Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon 390 · Atlanta, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering the airplane in the traffic pattern at night. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from the use of illicit drugs.Dec 18, 2013 · N50PM · DestroyedNTSB ANC13FA090Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Sutton, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of marijuana, which likely degraded his psychomotor…Aug 29, 2013 · N9624S · Substantial damageNTSB CEN13FA420Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7KCAB · Oak Ridge, LAThe private pilot’s and the flight instructor’s failure to maintain airplane control while performing agricultural operations turns low to the ground, which resulted in a stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the private pilot’s impairment due to his…Jul 18, 2013 · N2978G · Substantial damageNTSB WPR13FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Oceano, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control and his improper decision to begin a low-level maneuver at an altitude that was not sufficient for recovery before ground impact. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from marijuana use.Jan 3, 2013 · N45923 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13FA096Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Leesburg, FLThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of power in both engines during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of prescription and illicit drugs, which likely impaired…Dec 24, 2012 · N78WM · Substantial damageNTSB WPR13FA022Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBehne Glasair III · Byron, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, which resulted in a stall and subsequent spin.Oct 23, 2012 · N655DB · DestroyedNTSB WPR12LA442Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Creation Tanarg · Safford, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering in high wind conditions and his failure to adjust the trim appropriately. Contributing to the accident was the airplane’s nonstandard modified wing configuration.Sep 30, 2012 · N2751N · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12FA571Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Milner, COThe student pilot's impairment from alcohol, marijuana, and hypoxia, which adversely affected his ability to maintain control of the airplane.Aug 24, 2012 · N7774P · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12LA466Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportToman Jack JR Skystar Kitfox 4 · Cross Lake, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to marijuana.Jul 22, 2012 · N602JT · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12LA368Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Hooker, OKThe pilot’s loss of airplane control after a partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures, which resulted in an…Jun 12, 2012 · N6455Q · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12FA130Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Jacksonville, FLThe pilot's in-flight loss of control during climb after a banner pickup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to marijuana.Dec 31, 2011 · N7408Z · Substantial damage