Final NTSB investigations

101 cases where the phase of flight was Prior to flight.

Cases per year

19622026
Final NTSB investigations per year, 1962–2026: 101 cases
20082
20094
20109
20113
20124
20139
20146
20156
20165
201712
20187
20196
20204
20216
20222
20234
20246
20254
20262

Latest cases

Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "WITH phase_names(main, name) AS (VALUES (100, 'Prior to flight'), (150, 'Standing'), (200, 'Pushback/towing'), (250, 'Taxi'), (300, 'Takeoff'), (350, 'Initial climb'), (400, 'Enroute'), (450, 'Maneuvering'), (500, 'Approach'), (550, 'Landing'), (600, 'Emergency descent'), (650, 'Uncontrolled descent'), (700, 'Post-impact'), (750, 'After landing'), (800, 'Other'), (990, 'Unknown')),
    crosswalk(code, main, name) AS (VALUES (500, 150, 'Standing'), (501, 150, 'Standing - pre-flight'), (502, 150, 'Standing - starting engine(s)'), (503, 150, 'Standing - engine(s) operating'), (504, 150, 'Standing - engine(s) not operating'), (505, 150, 'Standing - idling rotors'), (510, 250, 'Taxi'), (511, 200, 'Taxi - pushback/tow'), (512, 250, 'Taxi - to takeoff'), (513, 250, 'Taxi - from landing'), (514, 250, 'Taxi - aerial'), (520, 300, 'Takeoff'), (521, 300, 'Takeoff - roll/run'), (522, 350, 'Takeoff - initial climb'), (523, 300, 'Takeoff - aborted'), (530, 400, 'Climb'), (531, 400, 'Climb - to cruise'), (540, 400, 'Cruise'), (541, 400, 'Cruise - normal'), (542, 400, 'Maneuvering - holding (IFR)'), (550, 400, 'Descent'), (551, 400, 'Descent - normal'), (552, 600, 'Descent - emergency'), (553, 650, 'Descent - uncontrolled'), (560, 500, 'Approach'), (561, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - downwind'), (562, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - base turn'), (563, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - base leg/base to final'), (564, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - final approach'), (565, 500, 'Go-around (VFR)'), (566, 500, 'Approach - IAF to FAF/outer marker (IFR)'), (567, 500, 'Approach - FAF/outer marker to threshold (IFR)'), (568, 500, 'Circling (IFR)'), (569, 500, 'Missed approach (IFR)'), (570, 550, 'Landing'), (571, 550, 'Landing - flare/touchdown'), (572, 550, 'Landing - roll'), (573, 550, 'Landing - aborted'), (574, 550, 'Emergency landing'), (575, 550, 'Emergency landing after takeoff'), (576, 600, 'Emergency descent/landing'), (580, 450, 'Maneuvering'), (581, 450, 'Maneuvering - aerial application'), (582, 450, 'Maneuvering - turn to reverse direction'), (583, 450, 'Maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)'), (590, 450, 'Hover'), (591, 450, 'Hover - in ground effect'), (592, 450, 'Hover - out of ground effect'), (600, 800, 'Other'), (610, 990, 'Unknown')),
    current_codes AS (
      SELECT e.case_mkey, TRY_CAST(e.\"tier1Number\" AS INTEGER) AS code,
        row_number() OVER (PARTITION BY e.case_mkey ORDER BY coalesce(e.\"isDefiningEvent\", false) DESC, e.position) AS n
      FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e
      WHERE e.aircrafts_position = 1 AND e.\"tier1Number\" GLOB '[1-9][0-9]*'
        AND (e.\"isDefiningEvent\" OR e.case_mkey IN (SELECT \"mKey\" FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' WHERE \"isPre1982\"))
    ),
    phases AS (
      SELECT case_mkey, 'current' AS scheme, code, CASE WHEN code >= 990 THEN 990 ELSE code // 50 * 50 END AS main
      FROM current_codes WHERE n = 1
      UNION ALL
      SELECT o.case_mkey, 'older', o.\"phaseOfFlightCode\", w.main
      FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o JOIN crosswalk w ON w.code = o.\"phaseOfFlightCode\"
      WHERE o.aircrafts_position = 1 AND o.\"occurrenceNumber\" = 1 AND o.case_mkey NOT IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM current_codes)
    ),
    case_phases AS (
      SELECT p.*, c.\"eventDate\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal' AS fatal, a.aircraft_model_code
      FROM phases p JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c ON c.\"mKey\" = p.case_mkey
      LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = p.case_mkey AND a.position = 1
      WHERE c.\"eventDate\" >= DATE '1962-01-01' AND p.main IN (SELECT main FROM phase_names)
    )
  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.\"completionStatus\" = 'Completed'
    AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM case_phases WHERE main = 100)
  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 ERA26LA314Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 421 · Fulton, KYThe misfuelling of the airplane by the refueler. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to verify that the airplane had been properly fueled prior to departing on the accident flight.Aug 21, 2026 · N28RH · Substantial damageNTSB CEN26LA205Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV4 · Conroe, TXThe pilot’s failure to properly latch the canopy before flight, which led to the canopy opening shortly after takeoff.May 13, 2026 · N292M · Substantial damageNTSB ERA26LA085Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBurkhart Grob Luft UND Raumfah G103 Twin Astir Trai · Brownsboro, ALThe flight instructor’s failure to properly lock the rear canopy prior to flight, which led to the canopy opening during aerotow at low altitude, and a subsequent off-airport landing in a corn field.Nov 26, 2025 · N103T · Substantial damageNTSB CEN25LA332Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Air Force Academy, COThe student pilot’s failure to perform an adequate preflight inspection.Aug 21, 2025 · N1401E · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA315Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPatriot CX1900A · Centreville, ALThe pilot’s failure to detect and remove water contamination from the airplane’s fuel system before the flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb.Aug 20, 2025 · N150SP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA199Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182A · Ocala, FLThe pilot’s decision to depart on the flight with known electrical issues and his subsequent loss of situational awareness (geographic position), which resulted in his eventual decision to perform an off-airport landing.May 8, 2025 · N174A · Substantial damageNTSB CEN24LA358Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 369 · Canton, MIFatigue cracking of the main rotor blade that occurred at an undetermined time.Sep 11, 2024 · N8969F · Substantial damageNTSB ANC24LA077Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Honolulu, HIA failure of the flex plate yoke flange assembly due to incorrectly torqued bolts. Contributing was the maintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the tail rotor flex plate assembly.Aug 19, 2024 · N740RH · Substantial damageNTSB ERA24LA250Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28R · Vero Beach, FLExcessive side loading of the vertical stabilizer.Jun 7, 2024 · N287ND · Substantial damageNTSB ERA24LA194Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20E · Hornell, NYA cabin fire as a result of a damaged lithium-ion battery pack.Apr 26, 2024 · N5632Q · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24LA099Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-18A 150 · Dallesport, WAThe pilot’s failure to disengage the ignition prior to moving the propeller by hand resulting in the inadvertent starting of the engine.Feb 27, 2024 · N518SW · Minor damageNTSB WPR24LA068Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 421C · Carson City, NVAirport personnel’s failure to properly prioritize their response actions, including updating the airport’s automated weather observation system recording in a timely manner to notify incoming pilots of a runway closure, which resulted in an airplane striking…Jan 8, 2024 · N421TP · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24LA030Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportArrow Falcon Exporters UH-1H · Firebaugh, CAAn on-ground fuel fire for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive thermal damage.Nov 4, 2023 · N3053Q · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23LA326Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Charles City, IAThe pilot’s improper preflight of the helicopter to ensure that it was within the loading and performance limitations that resulted in settling and impact with terrain during initial climb.Jul 26, 2023 · N4174L · Substantial damageNTSB WPR23LA183Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAero Vodochody L-39ZA · Barnhart, TXA total loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel from an undetermined source.May 2, 2023 · N343WT · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23LA099Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Eau Claire, WIThe engine fire that began for undetermined reasons following numerous engine start attempts.Feb 5, 2023 · N9770J · DestroyedNTSB WPR23LA072Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 441 · Liberal, KSThe pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, failure to set the parking brake, and his decision to exit the airplane with engines running to remove a wheel chock, resulting in the airplane’s unintended movement and subsequent collision with a hangar.Dec 13, 2022 · N253SB · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA154Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Deer Valley, AZThe fuelers improper action during the refueling process.Apr 17, 2022 · N808LF · Substantial damageNTSB DCA21LA226Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBombardier CL-600-2B19 · Asheville, NCThe fuel truck driver backing up in the direction of the airplane without the use of marshallers.Sep 17, 2021 · N444ZW · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA342Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 58 · Palo Alto, CAThe fuelers addition of the incorrect fuel to the fuel tanks which resulted in a total loss of engine power.Sep 13, 2021 · N162DF · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA149Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Port Townsend, WAThe pilot’s inadequate engine hand propping procedure which resulted in the airplane’s unexpected movement and subsequent impact with a fueling station.Mar 29, 2021 · N28461 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21LA174Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 95-B55 (T42A) · Colby, KSThe pilot’s failure to remove the towbar from the nose landing gear before takeoff, which resulted in a sustained adverse yaw condition, and his failure to adequately monitor the fuel system while circling the airport, which resulted in fuel starvation and…Mar 10, 2021 · N568P · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21LA138Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182F · Millville, IAThe inadequate maintenance/inspection of the airplane, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to oil starvation.Feb 24, 2021 · N3209U · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21LA133Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAero Commander S2R · Alamo, TXThe partial loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel.Feb 9, 2021 · N5679X · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20CA337Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportEvektor Aerotechnik L13 · Frankenmuth, MIThe pilot's failure to stow the speed brake prior to attempting takeoff.Aug 16, 2020 · N334BA · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20CA231Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportDestiny XLT · Frankfort, OHThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the powered parachute, which resulted in his takeoff with twisted riser lines and impaired aircraft control.Jun 16, 2020 · UNREG · Minor damageNTSB ANC20LA050Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRockwell 500 · Aniak, AKA loss of engine power due to the use of improper fuel. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the pilot and ground personnel to ensure that the airplane was serviced with the proper fuel.May 29, 2020 · N909AK · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20CA087Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportVans RV8 · Columbus, MSThe inadvertent engine start of the unoccupied airplane, which resulted in it moving forward and impacting a hangar and an electrical box.Feb 15, 2020 · N7736T · DestroyedNTSB GAA20CA025Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Key West, FLThe pilot’s and the passenger's improper decision to have the passenger attempt to move a wheel chock while the propeller was turning, which resulted in a serious injury.Oct 13, 2019 · N5522S · No damageNTSB ERA20TA005Accident · No injuriesClass 3Final reportSilverlight AR-1 · Fort Meade, FLThe student pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection that failed to detect water contamination of the fuel and resulted in a total loss of engine power during cruise flight.Oct 3, 2019 · N463JW · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA549Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna L19 · Kennett, MOThe pilot's failure to install the engine oil filler cap before the first flight of the day; his subsequent failure to conduct a preflight check before the accident flight, which resulted in his failure to note that the cap was not installed; and his improper…Sep 15, 2019 · N4584N · Substantial damageNTSB WPR19LA259Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Marana, AZExcessive fuel pressure and temperature throughout the fuel system due to heat soaking, which resulted in an engine fire during engine start.Sep 14, 2019 · N4403Z · Substantial damageNTSB DCA19CA186Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportBoeing 757 · San Francisco, CAfailure of the ground crew to maintain clearance from the parked airplane during pushback.Jul 23, 2019 · N57852 · Substantial damageNTSB DCA19CA168Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportBoeing 737-8H4 · Pittsburgh, PAa provisioning truck that impacted the airplane resulting in substantial damage.Jun 17, 2019 · N8608N · Substantial damageNTSB DCA18CA294Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportAirbus A321 · Dallas, TXa passenger leaving a bag in the aisle that the flight attendant tripped over.Sep 26, 2018 · N994AN · No damageNTSB DCA18CA299Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBoeing 757 · Newark, NJthe catering cart striking the flight attendant's foot.Sep 24, 2018 · N13113 · No damageNTSB WPR18LA259Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Roche Harbor, WAThe pilot’s failure to secure his seat position prior to takeoff, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and subsequent hard landing.Sep 12, 2018 · N24ME · Substantial damageNTSB GAA18CA409Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 208 · Chicago, ILThe service truck driver’s evasive maneuver to avoid a bag cart tug, which resulted in the truck impacting a parked airplane.Jul 4, 2018 · N208EE · Substantial damageNTSB DCA18CA209Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBoeing 737-8H4 · Phoenix, AZa passenger bumping into a flight attendant who was holding a hot liquid.Jun 12, 2018 · N8693A · No damageNTSB ERA18MA099Accident · 5 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportAmerican Eurocopter AS350B2 · New York, NYLiberty Helicopters Inc.'s use of a NYONair-provided passenger harness/tether system, which caught on and activated the floor-mounted engine fuel shutoff lever and resulted in the in-flight loss of engine power and the subsequent ditching. Contributing to…Mar 11, 2018 · N350LH · Substantial damageNTSB CEN18LA113Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 100-180 · Deport, TXA total loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/owner's inadequate maintenance of the fuel caps.Mar 2, 2018 · N3733X · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18LA058Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · San Bernardino, CAThe fatigue failure of the left main landing gear (MLG) saddle, which resulted in the pilot's inability to extend the left MLG. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to fly the airplane before the annual inspection was completed and…Dec 30, 2017 · N222AT · Substantial damageNTSB DCA18CA074Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBoeing 737 7H4 · Los Angeles, CAThe provisioning agent's lack of situational awareness while stepping from the airplane to the provisioning van. Contributing to the accident was the provisioning vans failed switch.Nov 19, 2017 · N740SW · No damageNTSB DCA18CA001Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBoeing 737 7H4 · Chicago, ILthe mechanical failure of the tugs fuel governor, which made it difficult for the ramp agent to stop the tug. Contributing to the accident was the lack of guidance on how ground personnel were to handle vehicle malfunctions.Oct 2, 2017 · N930WN · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17LA333Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBuschmann/Vanzee Vari EZ · Ambler, PAWater contamination of the fuel that was not detected during a preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.Sep 24, 2017 · N830S · Substantial damageNTSB GAA17CA537Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBellanca 8GCBC · Foley, ALThe ground crew’s incorrect hook up of the banner, which resulted in a nose-over.Aug 23, 2017 · N181TM · Substantial damageNTSB CEN17LA234Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 65 CA · Mount Vernon, OHThe pilot's improper starting procedure before hand propping the engine, and his subsequent attempt to stop the moving airplane, which resulted in him being struck by the propeller.Jun 17, 2017 · N33778 · Minor damageNTSB GAA17CA347Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAeronca 11AC · Watervliet, MIThe flight instructor's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in a takeoff over maximum gross weight from a turf runway in high density altitude conditions and the airplane’s inability to attain a climb rate and subsequent collision with trees.Jun 16, 2017 · N9404E · Substantial damageNTSB CEN17LA135Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8F · Vicksburg, MIThe pilot's inadvertent contact with the propeller while hand propping the engine, which resulted in a fatal injury.Mar 20, 2017 · N2007B · No damageNTSB WPR17LA064Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Stevensville, MTThe pilot's decision to conduct a takeoff with a tailwind on an upsloping runway in an overweight airplane, which resulted in the airplane having insufficient energy to climb out of ground effect.Feb 23, 2017 · N3803J · Substantial damage