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Fatal NTSB investigations: Piper PA-31T

28 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Piper PA-31T. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.

Defining event

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Aircraft model

Cases per year

19772026

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Latest cases

Query with SQL

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 x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7103124')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

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 x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7103124'))
  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 x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7103124'))
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 ERA20LA206Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 31T · Eatonton, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions, which placed the airplane in an unusual attitude from which the pilot could not recover. Contributing to the accident was the convective and…Jun 5, 2020 · N135VE · Destroyed NTSB CEN20MA044Accident · 5 fatalClass 2 · MajorFinal reportPiper PA 31T · Lafayette, LAThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during the initial climb in instrument meteorological conditions.Dec 28, 2019 · N42CV · Destroyed NTSB ERA19LA026Accident · 5 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA31T · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)An in-flight loss of control, which resulted in an impact with water, for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not recovered.Oct 25, 2018 · N555PM · Destroyed NTSB WPR17FA024Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 31T · Elko, NVA loss of engine power to the left engine for reasons that could not be determined due to the extensive fire and impact damage to the airplane.Nov 19, 2016 · N779MF · Destroyed NTSB WPR16FA153Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · McKinleyville, CAAn inflight fire in the floor area near the main bus tie circuit breaker panel that resulted from chafing between an electrical wire and a hydraulic line and/or airplane structure.Jul 29, 2016 · N661TC · Destroyed NTSB ERA13FA168Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Fort Lauderdale, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control following an emergency, the nature of which could not be determined because of crash and fire damage, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.Mar 15, 2013 · N63CA · Destroyed NTSB CEN10FA119Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Forest City, IAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during final approach.Feb 12, 2010 · N250TT · Substantial damage NTSB DEN07WA060Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31T · Rieschweiler, GermanyFeb 12, 2007 · N160TR · Destroyed NTSB DEN03MA035Accident · 5 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Denver, COBoth pilots' inadequate visual lookout. A contributing factor was the Cheyenne pilot operating the airplane with a known transponder deficiency.Jan 25, 2003 · N360LL · 2 aircraft · Destroyed NTSB FTW03FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Hobbs, NMThe pilot's loss of control while in instrument meteorological conditions during initial takeoff climb. Contributing factors were the prevailing clouds and fog.Oct 30, 2002 · N3998Y · Destroyed NTSB NYC99FA163Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Deerfield, VALoss of control of the airplane due to pilot incapacitation following a heart attack.Jul 1, 1999 · N602RM · Destroyed NTSB FTW96FA230Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Malvern, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after takeoff.May 29, 1996 · N333LM · Destroyed NTSB NYC94FA028Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Norwich, OHThe pilot's loss of aircraft control for an unknown reason, and subsequent flight that exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane, which resulted in an in-flight airframe breakup.Dec 2, 1993 · N515WB · Destroyed NTSB LAX92FA120Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T-II · Big Bear, CAThe pilot's poor judgement in continuing visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, in mountainous terrain obscured by clouds. Factors in the accident were: the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing, the weather conditions, and…Feb 17, 1992 · N60AW · Destroyed NTSB CHI92FA084Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Swanton, OHLoss of aircraft control for an undetermined reason.Jan 31, 1992 · N6038A · Destroyed NTSB NYC90FA199Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T2 · Mattapan, MAThe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in his failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors related to the accident were: failure of the left fuel control unit, and the adverse weather conditions.Aug 24, 1990 · N85HB · Destroyed NTSB MKC88FA041Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T-620 · Hazelwood, MOProper glide path not maintained by p.I.c., decision height not identified by the p.I.c., missed approach not performed by the p.I.c. turning on lights in overcast.Jan 19, 1988 · N200RS · Destroyed NTSB DEN87FA130Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T-620II · Cody, WYN2336X was on a business flt to Cody, WY. The pilot executed a missed approach on the first attempt of the vor-a approach. A pilot who landed at Cody minutes before the accident said the visibility had decreased to 3/4 of a mi when N2336X made the first…May 20, 1987 · N2336X · Destroyed NTSB CHI87FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Merrillville, INThe acft was enroute to the chicago midway arpt. While letting down to 16000 ft the pilot reported he was shutting down the right eng. ARTCC cleared the acft to 5000 ft. ten minutes later ARTCC lost radio transponder and mode c contact. 15 minutes later the…Dec 30, 1986 · N74NL · Destroyed NTSB MIA86MA057Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Jacksonville, FLWhile being vectored for an ILS rwy 7 apch, the plt was told to maint 3000' & advised he was flwg a Boeing 727. The min apch alt bfr intercepting the ILS glide slope (g/s) at the final apch fix/outer marker (om) was 1900'. As the acft was apchg the om, the…Jan 10, 1986 · N700CM · Destroyed NTSB ATL85FA256Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Flat Rock, NCAcft hit northwest side of ridge in level attitude,cruise speed,heading southeast. Conditions were dark night and the cloud ceiling was about 40 feet above the ridge. Pilot received wx brief before take off and en route which reported a ceiling of 10,000 feet…Aug 24, 1985 · N600CM · Destroyed NTSB CHI85FA120Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Utica, MIThe pilot attempted a VOR approach and missed. He advised ATC he was going to attempt the NDB & if he could not see the rwy he would go to metro at detroit or pontiac. On the NDB approach the aircraft struck trees 960 ft below the moa. The aircraft flipped…Feb 23, 1985 · N100RN · Destroyed NTSB ATL81FA103Accident · 3 fatalClosedPiper PA-31T · Richlands, VAJul 29, 1981 · N47CC · Destroyed NTSB CHI79FA048Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-31T · Elyria, OHApr 27, 1979 · N82282 · Destroyed NTSB DEN78FA046Accident · 4 fatalClosedPiper PA-31T · Lamar, COJun 5, 1978 · N176CC · Destroyed NTSB CHI78FA039Accident · 3 fatalClosedPiper PA-31T · Pellston, MIMay 13, 1978 · N82271 · Destroyed NTSB IAD78FA014Accident · 6 fatalClosedPiper PA-31T · Beckley, WVNov 24, 1977 · N801HD · Destroyed NTSB DCA77AA012Accident · 8 fatalClosedPiper PA-31T · Bressler, PAFeb 24, 1977 · N631PT · Destroyed