Fatal NTSB investigations
300 cases where NTSB found Light condition.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 26 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 20 |
| 2010 | 14 |
| 2011 | 21 |
| 2012 | 24 |
| 2013 | 20 |
| 2014 | 21 |
| 2015 | 21 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 16 |
| 2018 | 24 |
| 2019 | 19 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 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\", '030360'))
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", '030360')) 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 ERA25LA144Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Mogadore, OHThe pilot’s decision to fly at low altitude, at night, and over water, which resulted in the helicopter’s collision with power lines.NTSB ERA25FA119Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 208 · Pierson, FLThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of control.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 ERA25FA037Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150F · Wilder, TNThe student pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions at night, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.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 ERA24FA096Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Weston, FLThe pilots’ spatial disorientation in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in their failure to maintain altitude and a subsequent descent and impact with a swamp.NTSB CEN24FA094Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206 · Hydro, OKThe helicopter’s inflight collision with cackling geese, resulting in an inflight breakup.NTSB ERA24FA077Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportZenith Stol CH701 · Marienville, PAThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into deteriorating visibility conditions at night, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent descent that continued to ground contact.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 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 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 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 ERA23FA358Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus SR20 · Toms River, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff due to spatial disorientation (somatogravic illusion), which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.NTSB ERA23LA328Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Charlotte Amalie, CBThe pilots’ loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was both pilots’ lack of experience in operating in actual instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CEN23FA315Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150 · Houston, TXThe student pilot’s loss of airplane control in dark night conditions.NTSB ERA23FA270Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Ebensburg, PAThe pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.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 WPR23FA172Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172S · Los Angeles, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with the hilly terrain resulting from his loss of situational awareness due to the deteriorating weather conditions as he descended to approach his destination airport.NTSB WPR23FA153Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMullins David J JR Glastar · Cal-Nev-Ari, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude for undetermined reasons while maneuvering to land in dark night conditions, which resulted in collision with terrain.NTSB ERA23FA181Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32R · Venice, FLThe pilot’s decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into dark night conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation during the initial climb and subsequent steep banking descent into water.NTSB CEN23FA095Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Hooker, OKThe pilot’s decision to depart and continue the visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA23FA109Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Dawsonville, GAThe pilot’s decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a loss of control in-flight due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of qualifications and…NTSB CEN23FA077Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150H · Auburn, NEThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain control after a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing while maneuvering for forced landing in dark night visual meteorological conditions.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 ANC23FA008Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRaytheon C90A · Kaupo, HIGuardian Flight’s inadequate pilot training and performance tracking, which failed to identify and correct the pilot’s consistent lack of skill, and which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain his position inflight using secondary instruments to…NTSB CEN23FA057Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 210-5(205) · Cleburne, TXAn in-flight loss of control as a result of spatial disorientation in night instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA23FA079Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Venice, FLThe pilot’s spatial disorientation during takeoff in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain a positive rate of climb and a subsequent descent into the water.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 CEN23FA046Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportExtra EA300 · Wonder Lake, ILThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent path to the runway after he became disorientated by sun glare while on final approach, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN22FA317Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell UH-1H · Chapelle, NMThe total loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the starter-generator input (zerol) gear which failed due to poor maintenance. Contributing to the accident was the unsuccessful autorotation complicated by the setting sun and high density altitude.NTSB ERA22FA149Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182Q · Panama City, FLThe pilot’s deviation from the final approach course during a night instrument approach with low instrument meterological conditions, which resulted in an impact with heavily wooded terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue…NTSB CEN22FA096Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 58 · Defiance, MOThe pilot’s loss of airplane control while flying in night instrument conditions due to spatial disorientation and the flight crew’s inability to recover from an unusual airplane attitude.NTSB CEN22FA067Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA 28-140 · Houston, TXThe student pilot’s decision to depart into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA22FA083Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Statesboro, GAThe pilot’s decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into dark night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control shortly after takeoff.NTSB WPR22FA054Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35 · Visalia, CAThe pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to depart into night instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA22LA043Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-236 · Orleans, MAThe pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control while maneuvering over water in dark night conditions.NTSB ERA22LA031Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV-12 · Folkston, GAThe pilot’s low altitude maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with a utility pole.NTSB WPR22FA011Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 175 · Reserve, NMThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s reduced forward visibility due to the sun.NTSB ERA22FA004Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportDassault Falcon 20 · Thomson, GAThe flight crew’s continuation of an unstable dark night visual approach and the captain’s instruction to use air brakes during the approach contrary to airplane operating limitations, which resulted in a descent below the glide path, and a collision with…NTSB ERA22FA001Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech S35 · Andrews, NCThe pilot’s decision to fly toward rapidly rising, obscured mountainous terrain after departing under visual flight rules at night.NTSB ERA21FA362Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R66 · Monticello, GAThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into deteriorating weather conditions during a dark night and over unlit terrain, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of helicopter control.NTSB CEN21FA297Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportEarthstar Gull 2000 · Curtiss, WIThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions with dense fog and low clouds, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-imposed…NTSB ERA21LA191Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Forkston, PAThe pilot’s inadequate preflight weather planning, which resulted in an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions at night, spatial disorientation, and collision with terrain.NTSB ERA21FA189Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201T · Brownsville, TNThe student pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a rapid uncontrolled descent into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the self-induced and external…NTSB WPR21LA166Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 140 · Williams, AZThe pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff in night visual meteorological conditions.NTSB CEN21FA150Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAviat A-1B · Berwyn, NEA loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain as a result of spatial disorientation during cruise in dark night conditions.NTSB CEN21LA089Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Bossier City, LAThe student pilot’s decision to conduct a flight during night instrument meteorological conditions and his loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot’s use of an amphetamine and his attention…NTSB ERA21LA020Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAero Commander 100 · Citra, FLThe student pilot’s inadequate preflight planning likely due to impairment from ethanol, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing was his improper decision to depart from an unlit airstrip in dark night conditions.NTSB WPR20LA315Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Emmett, IDThe pilot’s descent below surrounding terrain and his delayed decision to initiate a climb which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident were terrain and lighting conditions that affected the pilot’s ability to accurately assess terrain…NTSB ERA20LA330Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA25 · Floral City, FLThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid a tree while flying towards the rising sun during an aerial application flight, which resulted in a collision with the tree and a subsequent loss of airplane control.