Fatal NTSB investigations

204 cases where the phase of flight was Standing.

Cases per year

19622026
Fatal NTSB investigations per year, 1962–2026: 204 cases
19644
19652
19665
19671
19685
19691
19702
19718
19727
19734
19744
19753
19765
19775
19783
19794
19806
19812
19826
19838
19842
19855
19865
19876
19881
19892
19903
19917
19926
19937
19945
19952
19962
19973
19983
19994
20002
20015
20035
20043
20052
20066
20073
20086
20091
20102
20111
20121
20131
20142
20151
20164
20182
20191
20223
20232
20241
20251
20261

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.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal'
    AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM case_phases WHERE main = 150)
  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 WPR26LA219Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · LimitedInvestigation openCessna 208B · Marana, AZJun 13, 2026 · N593EX · No damageNTSB GAA25WA171Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 188 · Trinidad Casanare, ColombiaMay 29, 2025 · HK1817 · Minor damageNTSB CEN25LA028Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportCessna 182Q · Rose Hill, KSOn October 26, 2024, about 1440 central daylight time, a Cessna 182Q airplane was not damaged when it was involved in an accident near Rose Hill, Kansas. The pilot was not injured, and a passenger sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title…Oct 26, 2024 · N8883X · No damageNTSB CEN24FA046Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSocata TBM 700 · Ludington, MIThe pilot’s decision to take off with ice/snow contamination on the airplane’s wings, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.Nov 26, 2023 · N850JH · DestroyedNTSB CEN23FA183Incident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Brady, TXThe non-certificated pilot’s failure to ensure the collective friction control was adequately engaged during an on-ground engine run, which resulted in the helicopter inadvertently becoming airborne. Contributing to the crash were the pilot’s various physical…May 14, 2023 · N40506 · 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 ERA23LA022Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172S · Statesboro, GAThe pilot’s failure to include deplaning procedures as part of a passenger safety briefing and failure to have the passengers remain onboard until the engine was shut down, which resulted in a passenger subsequently being struck by the rotating propeller.Oct 17, 2022 · N2476Y · No damageNTSB ERA22LA362Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportDiamond DA-40 · Bardstown, KYThe pilot’s failure to provide adequate instructions to remain seated until the engine was shut down, which resulted in the passenger’s decision to exit the cockpit while the engine was operating and subsequently being struck by the rotating propeller.Aug 7, 2022 · N723AG · Minor damageNTSB GAA20WA098Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Los Andes/San Raphael, ChileThe government of Chile has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 172 airplane that occurred on November 17, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Chile's investigation under the provisions of…Nov 17, 2019 · CC-AMQ · No damageNTSB ERA18LA199Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Cleveland, TNThe undetected wear of the ignition switch and key, which allowed removal of the key from an intermediate position and subsequently led to an unintended engine start-up. Contributing to the undetected wear of the 42-year-old ignition switch was the lack of…Jul 26, 2018 · N1311S · No damageNTSB CEN18LA245Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKubicek BB30 · Ashland, OHThe pilot's failure to ensure that he was secure in the balloon's basket after landing, which resulted in him falling and striking his head on the burners when the wind caught the envelope and tipped the basket over. Contributing to the accident was the…Jun 30, 2018 · N717FN · Minor damageNTSB ERA17LA042Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American Navion · Blairstown, NJThe pilot's improper engine start procedure, which resulted in a loss of control on the ground and collision with a tree.Nov 10, 2016 · N8849H · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16WA180Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172RG · Parafield Aerodrome, Australia, AustraliaOn September 11, 2016, at 1606 local time, Cessna 172RG, VH-MKG, while hand-starting the engine at Parafield Aerodrome, Australia, the pilot was fatally injured and the damage to the airplane is unknown. The flight was under the pertinent civil regulations of…Sep 11, 2016 · VH-MKGNTSB ERA16LA210Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCameron A-225 · Nunda, NYThe ground crewmember's failure to let go of the balloon's basket when the balloon began to ascend. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain control of the balloon after landing, which resulted in an inadvertent takeoff.Jun 11, 2016 · N69515 · No damageNTSB ERA16WA129Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationEnstrom F28 · Globitsy, RussiaOn February 24, 2016, about 1754 hours local, an Enstrom F-28A, RA-2348G, registered to the City of Saint-Petersburg, Russia, operated by a private individual, impacted terrain near Globitsy Township, Lomonosov District, Leningrad Region, Russia. Visual…Feb 24, 2016 · RA-2348G · Substantial damageNTSB ANC15LA035Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 18-150 · McCarthy, AKThe pilot's failure to ensure adequate clearance from the spinning propeller while traversing the area between the leading edge of the wing and the nose of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the decision to leave the cockpits of the airplanes…Jun 4, 2015 · N985W · Minor damageNTSB CEN14LA272Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDehavilland DHC 6 200 · Middletown, OHThe skydiving operator employee’s failure to see and avoid the rotating propeller blades when she walked toward the cockpit while the airplane’s engines were running.Jun 1, 2014 · N223AL · Minor damageNTSB WPR14FA195Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican Eurocopter AS350B3 · Peach Springs, AZThe pilot’s decision to exit the helicopter while it was running and his failure to properly secure the flight controls with the engine operating at flight idle before exiting the helicopter.May 18, 2014 · N840PA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13LA433Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom F-28C · Bloomsburg, PAThe relieved pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the rotating main rotor blades after he exited the helicopter.Sep 27, 2013 · N631DP · Minor damageNTSB WPR12LA085Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · San Diego, CAThe pilot's failure to turn the magneto switch to the off position before moving the propeller to start the engine by hand.Jan 30, 2012 · N746R · No damageNTSB WPR11LA416Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8 · Lincoln, CAThe passenger's accidental fall while turning the propeller by hand to start the engine.Aug 18, 2011 · N45725 · No damageNTSB WPR10LA462Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCosmos Phase II · El Mirage, CAThe pilot's improper preflight and starting procedures, which resulted in an inadvertent takeoff with the gust lock still installed.Sep 20, 2010 · N56078 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10LA446Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Beverly, MAThe flight instructor's decision to exit the airplane on the taxiway with the engine still operating, and his failure to avoid the rotating propeller.Aug 27, 2010 · N9184Y · Minor damageNTSB WPR09LA130Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportToland S/Thornburgh J Twin 503SL · Torrance, CAThe passenger’s inadvertent activation of the engine throttle.Feb 27, 2009 · N426MT · Substantial damageNTSB WPR09LA057Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKaman K-1200 · Santa Clarita, CAThe helicopter's encounter with a gusty crosswind condition during engine start that exceeded the helicopter's demonstrated wind envelope.Dec 17, 2008 · N267KA · Substantial damageNTSB WPR09LA040Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Atwater, CAThe second pilot's failure to see and avoid the rotating propeller after exiting the airplane.Nov 16, 2008 · N45994 · No damageNTSB WPR09TA012Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell 407 · Sedona, AZThe paramedic's failure to monitor and maintain clearance from the rotating main rotor blades after exiting the helicopter.Oct 13, 2008 · N42AZ · No damageNTSB CHI08LA211Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-4A · Mayville, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the rotating rotor blades after he exited the helicopter after landing.Jul 24, 2008 · N24HM · Minor damageNTSB DFW08LA097Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRaytheon B200 · Taylor, TXThe failure of the pilot and mechanic to ensure that the airplane was depressurized prior to actuating the door. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the vacuum system.Apr 10, 2008 · N300FL · Minor damageNTSB DFW08LA055Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPilatus PC-12/45 · Oklahoma City, OKThe line technician's failure to remain clear of the propeller. A factor was the night lighting conditions.Jan 3, 2008 · N398J · No damageNTSB NYC08LA028Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Morristown, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the idling main rotor blade. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to comply with the manufacturer's procedure for securing the helicopter.Nov 9, 2007 · N555BH · No damageNTSB DFW07IA193Incident · 1 fatalIncident investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Colorado City, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clear of the rotating propeller.Aug 25, 2007 · N9561G · No damageNTSB DFW07LA155Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing 737-232 · Tunica, MSGorund service personal's removal of the portable stairway prior to the main cabin door being secured. Factors were the high winds and heavy rain.Jul 10, 2007 · N332DL · No damageNTSB SEA06FA146Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSpectrum Aeronautical 33 · Spanish Fork, UTIncorrect installation by company maintenance personnel of the aft upper torque tube bell crank resulting in roll control that was opposite to that commanded in the cockpit. Contributing factors were the lack of maintenance documentation detailing the…Jul 25, 2006 · N322LA · DestroyedNTSB DEN06LA103Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAyres S2R-G10 · Dexter, NMThe pilot's failure to remain clear of the airplane's propeller resulting in the propeller contacting the pilot and causing fatal injuries to the pilot.Jul 22, 2006 · N3298Y · No damageNTSB LAX06LA213Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Hayward, CAThe passenger's failure to see and avoid the rotating propeller.Jun 25, 2006 · N761GW · No damageNTSB DFW06IA145Incident · 1 fatalIncident investigationFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Grand Isle 43AAThe pilot's incapacitation and death due to pre-existing cardiac disease.May 30, 2006 · N92MT · No damageNTSB DFW06LA074Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Forrest City, ARThe pilot's failure to follow proper procedures while attempting to start the engine by hand-proping the engine.Feb 24, 2006 · N9007L · Substantial damageNTSB DFW06FA056Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing 737-524 · El Paso, TXthe mechanic's failure to maintain proper clearance with the engine intake during a jet engine run, and the failure of contract maintenance personnel to follow written procedures and directives contained in the airline's general maintenance manual. Factors…Jan 16, 2006 · N32626 · Minor damageNTSB DCA05MA070Accident · 1 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportEmbraer 170 · Washington, DCThe inexperience of the driver (fleet service agent) in the operation of a belt loader, which resulted in the belt loader being driven under, and colliding with, the airplane.Jun 7, 2005 · N803MD · Minor damageNTSB LAX05LA073Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172SP · Casa Grande, AZthe pilot's inadvertent encounter with a rotating propeller. Contributing factors were the dark night conditions and the pilot's fatigued condition.Jan 19, 2005 · N2157H · No damageNTSB CHI05FA038Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHamburger Flugzeugbau HFB 320 Hansa · Chesterfield, MOThe maintenance facility failed to properly install and inspect the elevator trim system resulting in the reversed elevator trim condition and the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the terrain. Contributing factors included the dark night and low…Dec 1, 2004 · N604GA · DestroyedNTSB FTW04IA147Incident · 1 fatalIncident investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Smi-28Incapacitation of the pilot due to a heart attack.May 11, 2004 · N83MT · No damageNTSB ATL04LA094Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFirefly F8B · Eatonton, GAThe overload failure of the windline quick release tiedown eyebolt.Apr 7, 2004 · N2200D · Minor damageNTSB LAX04LA089Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Vacaville, CAthe pilot's inadequate hand prop starting procedure.Dec 26, 2003 · N7668G · No damageNTSB NYC03LA199Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas DC-9-51 · Norfolk, VAthe airline ground person's failure to properly control the pushback tug, and her subsequent failure to maintain adequate clearance between the tug and the airplane. Factors contributing to the accident were the airline ground person's operation of the tug…Sep 12, 2003 · N776NC · Minor damageNTSB IAD03LA036Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna R172K · Richmond, VAThe passenger's failure to remain clear of the propeller. Factors included the passenger's recent use of marijuana, the pilot's inadequate pre-flight inspection, and the night lighting conditions.Mar 15, 2003 · N1444V · No damageNTSB FTW03LA101Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 407 · High Island 443The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter during the hot refueling operation which resulted in the main rotor blades striking the passenger. A contributing factor was the high wind conditions.Feb 22, 2003 · N740PH · Minor damageNTSB NYC03LA046Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-60 · Cleveland, OHthe bank couriers inadequate visual lookout, as he approached an airplane with operating engines. A factor was the lack of guidance and training from the bank, for working around airplanes with operating engines.Jan 28, 2003 · N941MA · Minor damageNTSB DEN01FA157Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing 777-236 · Denver, COthe overstress fracture of the airplane's refueling adapter ring that resulted from the abnormal angular force applied to it. The applied angular force occurred due to the ground refueler inadequately positioning the hydrant fuel truck (in relation to the…Sep 5, 2001 · G-VIIK · Substantial damage