Fatal NTSB investigations
656 cases where the first occurrence was “Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction”.
Cases per year
| 1982 | 22 |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 57 |
| 1984 | 38 |
| 1985 | 25 |
| 1986 | 25 |
| 1987 | 30 |
| 1988 | 36 |
| 1989 | 34 |
| 1990 | 22 |
| 1991 | 29 |
| 1992 | 27 |
| 1993 | 28 |
| 1994 | 27 |
| 1995 | 17 |
| 1996 | 30 |
| 1997 | 24 |
| 1998 | 16 |
| 1999 | 22 |
| 2000 | 24 |
| 2001 | 17 |
| 2002 | 22 |
| 2003 | 19 |
| 2004 | 21 |
| 2005 | 8 |
| 2006 | 13 |
| 2007 | 23 |
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 o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o.\"occurrenceNumber\" = 1 AND o.\"occurrenceCode\" = 130)
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 o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 130) 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 NYC08FA051Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 60 · New Castle, DEThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a split flap takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident were the failure of the right flap drive mechanism and the pilot's failure to verify that both flaps were…NTSB DFW08FA038Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Tulsa, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power transmission line(s). Contributing to the accident were the loss of aircraft electrical power, diverted attention, and the night conditions.NTSB DFW08FA031Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Ranger, TXThe pilot's intentional performance of aerobatic maneuvers that exceeded the design limits of the airplane structure.NTSB LAX08LA024Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth Wing Mustang II 17.5 · Tracy, CAFailure or disconnection of a wing support/brace assembly for undetermined reasons during an undetermined phase of flight.NTSB MIA08FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Newton, GAThe failure of the right wing wooden spar due while the airplane was in cruise flight, due to the mechanic's inadequate annual inspection and his failure to comply with an airworthiness directive.NTSB ANC07FA109Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportHelio H-295 · King Salmon, AKA corrosion-induced fatigue fracture of the airplane's left wing to fuselage attachment cap fitting, which resulted in a partial separation of the left wing, and an uncontrolled descent.NTSB SEA07LA259Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRose Peregrine · Reno, NVThe overspeed of the modified racing engine during takeoff that created an oil mist on the exhaust and smoke, and the pilot's failure to maintain a speed above stall speed (Vs) during his attempted emergency landing. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB DFW07FA198Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFairchild Hiller FH-1100 · Hosston, LAThe in-flight separation of the main rotor mast while in cruise flight following a mast bumping event. The reason for the mast bumping event was not determined.NTSB CHI07LA273Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTerpstra Exec 162F · Winamac, INThe inadequate installation of the horizontal stabilizer bracket by the pilot, the fatigue fracture seperation of vertical stabilizer bracket during cruise flight, and the aircraft control not possible by the pilot.NTSB SEA07LA217Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BF12 · West Linn, ORThe corrosion, fatigue fracture, and subsequent separation of the left wing lift strut attachment fitting. Also causal was the inadequate maintenance and annual inspection by the owner/pilot/mechanic.NTSB CHI07LA191Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Johnson, NEThe failure of the left wing's lift strut, which resulted in the separation of the left wing, and the subsequent airplane control not being possible. Factors were the overdue annual inspection, the overdue compliance with an Airworthiness Directive on the…NTSB CHI07MA160Accident · 6 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportCessna 550 · Milwaukee, WIThe National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the pilots’ mismanagement of an abnormal flight control situation through improper actions, including failing to control airspeed and to prioritize control of the…NTSB MIA07FA098Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369A · Moulton, ALThe separation of a main rotor blade from its tension torsion bar for an undetermined reason.NTSB ATL07FA083Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Asheville, NCThe failure of the directional gyro and attitude indicator due to a vacuum system leak caused by a loose fitting. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to execute a partial panel, no-gyro approach.NTSB ATL07FA077Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Hamilton, GAThe pilot's exceeding the design stress limits of the airplane while performing aerobatics in a nonaerobatic airplane, which resulted in an in-flight overload failure of the airframe. A factor in the accident was the pilot's decision to perform aerobatics.NTSB CHI07LA104Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-108 · Ava, MOThe failure of the aileron cable eye splice during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident were improper installation and service of the crimped cable sleeve, which rendered the airplane uncontrollable.NTSB SEA07LA090Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBurton Fly Baby · Arlington, AZThe pilot exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft while maneuvering in intentional aerobatics.NTSB ATL07LA066Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSzybowcowy Zaklad Do SZD-36A · Sylacauga, ALThe pilot's improper installation of the left wing attachment pin, which allowed it to disengage during cruise flight, resulting in wing separation.NTSB LAX07LA118Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRyan Navion A · Los Banos, CAthe pilot's intentional performance of aerobatic maneuvers that exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane structure. Also causal was the pilot's impairment due to the effects of alcohol consumption. Contributory was the pilot's impairment due to the…NTSB DEN07FA079Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 II · Ponte Vedra Bch, FLthe mechanic's improper installation of the attachment hardware for the servo to swashplate push-pull tube joint which resulted in a disconnection, subsequent loss of control, and impact with terrain. Contributing factors were the company management's…NTSB ATL07LA054Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJames Walter Hornet · Talbotton, GAThe failure of the right main fuel line, resulting in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power.NTSB CHI07MA083Accident · 1 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas 369FF · Haena, HIThe fatigue failure of the tail rotor blade root fitting due to a manufacturing defect which resulted in the separation of the tail rotor system and loss of tail rotor control. A contributing factor to the accident were the trees that the helicopter struck…NTSB CHI07LA080Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWood Quickie Q-2 · Edwardsville, ILThe loss of engine power during cruise due to loose cylinder head bolts/loose cylinders.NTSB LAX07FA026Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAircraft Mfg & Dev. CH601XL Slsa · Yuba City, CAIn-flight structural failure of the horizontal stabilizer and wings for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI07FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 175 · Battle Creek, MIA loss of engine power while in cruise flight due to an oil leak from the nose seal of the reduction gear case. Contributing to the accident were the oil leak, the pilot's reduced visibility out the windscreen, and rising terrain.NTSB LAX07FA012Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-42 · Prescott, AZThe failure of the pilot following a jet aircraft to maintain adequate separation from the high velocity jet core exhaust. The separation of the T-tail upper section vertical stabilizer of the following aircraft due to contact with the high velocity jet core…NTSB DFW07FA004Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 690A · Antlers, OKThe pilot's failure to reduce airspeed while operating in an area of moderate turbulence, resulting in an in-flight break up. Contributing factors were the pilot's decision to exceed the maximum takeoff weight, and the prevailing turbulence.NTSB CHI06LA268Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWindler Tri Q2 · Branson, MOFatigue failure, originating in an area of surface corrosion, of the right elevator mid span hinge pin and the subsequent failure of the elevator torque tube. Additional causes are the separation of the elevator from the airframe due to the hinge pin and…NTSB DEN06LA116Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBaker RV-3AB · Laramie, WYThe in-flight failure of the right wing spar during aerobatic flight. Contributing to the accident was the owner/operator's failure to comply with the service bulletin issued by the kit manufacturer.NTSB LAX06GA254Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportAviation International Rotors CH-54A · Happy Camp, CAThe fatigue failure of tail rotor blade spindle, which resulted in the separation of the blade and tail rotor gearbox.NTSB 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…NTSB CHI06LA190Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportArmpriest Breezy · South Haven, MIThe inadvertent stall by pilot during climb following propeller blade damage from the compartment door separation after takeoff. The low altitude and airspeed not maintained by the pilot were additional causes. Contributing factors were the compartment door…NTSB MIA06FA120Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-60 · Fort Pierce, FLthe pilot’s loss of aircraft control during the initial climb which was precipitated by the sudden loss of thrust and increase in drag from the right engine, and the pilot’s failure to adhere to the published emergency procedures regarding the position of the…NTSB MIA06FA117Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 65-A90-1 · Tampa, FLThe poor in-flight planning decision by the captain for his failure to establish the airplane on a stabilized approach for a forced landing, resulting in the airplane landing on a taxiway near the departure end of the runway. Contributing to the accident were…NTSB DEN06LA039Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSpane RV-4 · Wichita, KSThe pilot's inadequate preparation prior to takeoff, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane resulting in a stall and subsequent crash. Factors contributing to the accident were the unsecured canopy latch, the pilot's diverted attention, and the…NTSB LAX06LA105Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHooker Zodiac 601XL · Oakdale, CAthe structural failure of the wings for undetermined reasons.NTSB DCA06MA010Accident · 20 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportGrumman G-73T · Miami, FLThe in-flight failure and separation of the right wing during normal flight, which resulted from (1) the failure of the Chalk's Ocean Airways maintenance program to identify and properly repair fatigue cracks in the right wing and (2) the failure of the…NTSB CHI05FA272Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-36 · West Memphis, ARThe pilot's improper in-flight decision not to land at the departure runway or other available airports during the emergency descent, and his failure to maintain clearance from a vehicle and terrain. Contributing factors were a false engine fire warning…NTSB DFW05FA242Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAkro Tech Aviation Inc. Giles G-300 · Yukon, OKThe catastrophic separation of the canopy as result of the failure of the forward canopy hinge while performing aerobatics and the subsequent incapacitation of the pilot.NTSB SEA05LA188Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKirner Fisher FP404 · Prineville, ORThe design stress limits of the aircraft were exceeded resulting in a wing separation while the pilot was accomplishing maneuvers of hard banking turns, spins and steep descents.NTSB CHI05LA243Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAllensworth Baby Belle · El Dara, ILThe manufacturer failed to specify a relief radius on the tail rotor spindle drawings, which resulted in the spindle being manufactured with an inadequate relief radius at the point of fatigue failure.NTSB NYC05LA096Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHall Maxair Drifter · Gloucester, VAThe in-flight separation of the empennage, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent impact with the ground.NTSB ATL05FA079Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American SNJ-6 · Kissimmee, FLThe failure of the outboard right-wing lower attachment bracket due to fatigue cracking and the subsequent in-flight separation of the right wing assembly.NTSB MIA05LA046Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Orlando, FLThe failure of the CFI to initiate a precautionary landing after noticing zero oil pressure with corresponding oil temperature increase, resulting in total loss of engine power due to oil exhaustion. A contributing factor in the accident was the failure of…NTSB DFW05LA043Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAkers Douglas RA40 Defiant · Slaton, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing factors were the opening of the canopy in-flight and the pilot's diverted attention.NTSB LAX05FA046Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T207A · Meadview, AZa loss of control due to the in-flight separation of the right elevator and elevator trim tab control surfaces. The precipitating reason for the elevator separation could not be resolved as related to the tab foam core issue with the available evidence.NTSB DEN05FA032Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A45 · Montgomery, TXthe in-flight separation of the left wing as a result of extensive fatigue cracking throughout the wing carry-through structure.NTSB SEA05FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185F · Renton, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control when the flaps became jammed/stuck in their full-down position during a takeoff from a touch-and-go landing. Factors include a worn/disconnected flap latch mechanism, and the flaps being unable to be retracted.NTSB SEA05LA133Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Vodochody Aero. Works L-39C · Hyak, WAThe loss of aircraft control during climb to cruise due to an undetermined flight control malfunction.NTSB NYC04FA197Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Northport, NYAn improper maneuver by the flightcrew while attempting to avoid a kite, which resulted in mast bumping, the separation of the main rotor system, and a subsequent uncontrolled descent into water.