Fatal NTSB investigations

60 cases where the first occurrence was “Fire”.

Cases per year

19822026
Fatal NTSB investigations per year, 1982–2026: 60 cases
19826
19833
19852
19863
19876
19881
19895
19903
19924
19946
19952
19966
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19991
20001
20024
20031
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20073

Latest 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\" = 171)
  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 DEN07LA148Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportElliott Cirrus VK30 · Watrous, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a forced landing that resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the ruptured pressurized oil line.Aug 27, 2007 · N60GE · DestroyedNTSB NYC07MA162Accident · 5 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportCessna 310R · Sanford, FLActions and decisions by National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing's corporate aviation division's management and maintenance personnel to allow the accident airplane to be released for flight with a known and unresolved discrepancy, and the accident…Jul 10, 2007 · N501N · DestroyedNTSB SEA07FA124Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Spanish Fork, UTAn engine oil line leak and subsequent engine compartment fire while in cruise flight.May 7, 2007 · N7343P · Substantial damageNTSB ATL04LA153Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportConvair Div. of Gen. Dynamics 440 · Beef IslandThe in-flight fire on the number two engine, for undetermined reasons.Jul 12, 2004 · N4826C · Substantial damageNTSB LAX04FA001Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Corona, CAfailure of the turbocharger exhaust clamp due to a pre-existing weld crack, which allowed the release of high temperature exhaust gasses in the engine compartment, causing an in-flight fire.Oct 1, 2003 · N481CA · DestroyedNTSB IAD03FA024Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Woodbury, CTAn engine fire for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the pilot's loss of control, and the airplane's subsequent impact with terrain.Dec 21, 2002 · N8168G · DestroyedNTSB MIA03FA024Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAaa Aircraft Leasing 192 · Miami, FLThe inflight fire of undetermined origin, which resulted in pilot incapacitation, loss of aircraft control and an inflight collision with a building.Dec 6, 2002 · N192FW · DestroyedNTSB ATL03LA016Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChance Vought F4U-4 · Columbia, SCAn in-flight engine fire for undetermined reasonsNov 10, 2002 · N713JT · DestroyedNTSB IAD02FA086Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Plainville, CTAn in-flight engine compartment fire of unknown origin, and a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Also causal, was the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a turn back to the airfield, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent…Aug 17, 2002 · N35073 · DestroyedNTSB FTW01FA015Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-76 · Tulsa, OKthe instructor pilot's failure to maintain the airplane's minimum controllable airspeed during a single-engine go-around, which resulted in his loss of control of the airplane. Contributory factors were the engine fire, the pilot's failure to follow the…Oct 31, 2000 · N23823 · DestroyedNTSB CHI99FA164Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201T · Great Bend, KSthe chafed through turbocharger oil supply hose, the failure of maintenance personnel to install a clamp on the turbocharger oil supply hose, and the inability of the pilot to maintain aircraft control.May 23, 1999 · N8252S · DestroyedNTSB ATL99FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Daytona Beach, FLAn interior cabin fire of undetermined origin. A factor was the power lines impacted during the emergency descent.Nov 14, 1998 · N48882 · Substantial damageNTSB FTW98FA156Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206-A · Rio Hondo, TXThe engine compartment fire due to undetermined reasons, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the tailboom.Mar 24, 1998 · TGJET · DestroyedNTSB SEA97FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportDouglas DC-3C · Boise, IDA fire within the right engine compartment of undetermined cause and the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed above the aircraft's minimum control speed. A factor contributing to the accident was the dark night environmental conditions.Dec 10, 1996 · N75142 · DestroyedNTSB LAX96FA284Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210M · Corning, CAimproper installation of an electrical component, during an alteration of the aircraft electrical system; and subsequent electrical insulation failure, which resulted in electrical shorting, arcing, and an electrical fire. Factors relating to the accident…Jul 22, 1996 · N6002N · DestroyedNTSB LAX96LA233Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVan Horn Velocity · Goodyear, AZan engine compartment fire, which originated in flight from loose fuel and/or oil lines near the engine's firewall.Jun 15, 1996 · N444BG · DestroyedNTSB SEA96FA094Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320A · Provo, UTA fuel leak most probably ignited by hot exhaust gases from the leaking right engine manifold exhaust system, the decision by the pilots to operate the aircraft with knowledge of the fuel leak, and the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate clearance…May 15, 1996 · N600JR · DestroyedNTSB DCA96MA054Accident · 110 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportDouglas DC-9-32 · Miami, FLwhich resulted from a fire in the airplane's class D cargo compartment that was initiated by the actuation of one or more oxygen generators being improperly carried as cargo, were (1) the failure of SabreTech to properly prepare, package, and identify…May 11, 1996 · N904VJ · DestroyedNTSB FTW96FA183Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Vera, OKimproper installation by unknown person(s) of incorrect exhaust system clamps, which led to an exhaust system disconnect and a subsequent engine compartment fire.Apr 27, 1996 · N7845C · DestroyedNTSB MIA95LA215Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech E-18S · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)Undetermined.Aug 28, 1995 · N171LG · DestroyedNTSB ATL95FA099Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchlagenhauf Lancair IV · Gastonia, NCAn in-flight fire of undetermined origin that resulted in a loss of control and impact with the ground.May 25, 1995 · N453A · DestroyedNTSB NYC95FA027Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 195A · Broadview Hts, OHthe improper installation of a cabin heater system, resulting in an in-flight fire and subsequent loss of control and collision with trees.Nov 17, 1994 · N1527D · DestroyedNTSB ATL95FA007Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Newville, ALFailure of maintenance personnel to properly install the marmon clamp on the discharge side of the turbocharger.Oct 23, 1994 · N999BW · DestroyedNTSB LAX94LA268Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell S2-R · Firebaugh, CAThe pilot's loss of aircraft control as a result of incapacitation from an in-flight sulfur fire.Jun 29, 1994 · N4230X · DestroyedNTSB BFO94FA121Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58TC · St Marys, WVAn in-flight fire of undetermined origin, prior to the in-flight breakup.Jun 29, 1994 · N333TK · DestroyedNTSB SEA94FA124Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRyan Navion L-17B · Olympia, WAAn inflight fire for an undetermined reason.May 21, 1994 · N1669Z · DestroyedNTSB ATL94FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNord 1101 · Spartanburg, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for an emergency landing. A factor in the accident was an inflight fire from an undetermined source.May 7, 1994 · N1101A · DestroyedNTSB LAX92LA274Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Tulare, CAAn inflight hopper compartment fire due to the incompatibility of the chemical loads, and, the failure of the operator follow the cautionary directives of the chemical manufacturer.Jul 1, 1992 · N8636H · DestroyedNTSB MIA92LA143Accident · 4 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · St. ThomasIn-flight fire for undetermined reasons, and in-flight collision with the water.Jun 28, 1992 · N59LD · DestroyedNTSB MIA92FA114Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 401 · New Port Richey, FLThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed (vs) while maneuvering for a forced landing following an in flight left engine fire for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot in command's inadvertent shutdown of the wrong engine.Apr 23, 1992 · N3271Q · DestroyedNTSB FTW92GA111Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Albuquerque, NMFuel line failure due to vibratory fatigue. Factors were improper maintenance, manufacturer information for fuel line not available, and the pilots' failure to follow emergency procedures.Apr 9, 1992 · N8194X · Substantial damageNTSB LAX91FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Flagstaff, AZThe pilot's decision to operate the aircraft with a known discrepancy; inadequate maintenance procedures; and the pilot's inflight loss of control due to smoke and fumes in the cockpit.Oct 3, 1990 · N231AX · DestroyedNTSB MIA90FA101Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLockheed L-1049F · Levittown, PRFire of an undetermined origin that resulted in a loss of power in two engines during a three engine ferry flight. Factors related to the accident were: failure of the pilot to obtain the required authorization for the three engine ferry flight, and his…Apr 5, 1990 · HI515 · DestroyedNTSB LAX90LA109Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCameron O-105 · Phoenix, AZImproper modification of the balloon's fuel/heater system by the owner/operator and failure of the fuel line connection, which resulted in a fuel system leak and gondola (basket) fire.Mar 3, 1990 · N364CB · DestroyedNTSB CHI90FA029Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Monroe Center, ILIn-flight fire initiated by an inadequately installed wiring harness and propagated by an existing fuel leak which was not repaired.Nov 22, 1989 · N9465W · DestroyedNTSB MKC90FA020Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Little Rock, ARA leak in the aircraft's fuel system which resulted in an in-flight fire. The origin of the fuel leak was not determined.Oct 29, 1989 · N6382X · Substantial damageNTSB BFO89FA059Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Glen Burnie, MDA fire that erupted in the cockpit of the aircraft (under a side panel). Related factors were: smoke and fumes in the cockpit which reduced the pilot's visual perception and ability to see.Jul 19, 1989 · N138JR · DestroyedNTSB ATL89FA166Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-601P · Lithia Springs, GAInflight engine/wing fire due to a failure of the right engine's left exhaust tailpipe. The exhaust tailpipe failed in fatigue as a result of fluctuating stresses induced by a deteriorated engine mount in conjunction with unevenly distributed clamping loads…Jun 21, 1989 · N83AT · DestroyedNTSB ATL89MA123Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Pensacola, FLAn in flight cabin fire of undetermined origin, and smoke (toxic condition) in the crew compartment, which resulted in physical impairment of the flight crew.Apr 10, 1989 · N30PC · DestroyedNTSB FTW89FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Longview, TXThe airplane was in cruise flight when the pilot transmitted that he had smoke in the cockpit. 53 seconds later contact was lost. The nose and left wing were slightly down when the acft struck trees and terrain at high speed. Fire started several minutes…Oct 22, 1988 · N79373 · DestroyedNTSB NYC88FA051Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Hector, NYThe pilot made a routine IFR position report 12 minutes prior to the accident. Witnesses observed an 'orange ball' before the crash. Evidence at the crash site showed inflight jettison of the pilot's emergency window, positive aerodydnamic overload separation…Dec 7, 1987 · N5052J · DestroyedNTSB FTW88FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Houston, TXThe acft developed a fire in the eng area during the initial climb after takeoff. When the eng lost power the plt attempted a lndg in a small park. The acft touched down just short of a drainage ditch and collided with the sloping embankment on the opposite…Oct 16, 1987 · N3903W · DestroyedNTSB MKC88FA005Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Lincoln, NEDuring climbout, smoke began filling the cabin and shortly thereafter the eng stopped. Ground witnesses observed smoke coming from the eng compartment just before the acft impacted a large woodpile behind a house located 1/2 mile east of the arpt. Examination…Oct 13, 1987 · N39922 · DestroyedNTSB MIA87FA205Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Palatka, FLWitnesses stated that they heard the acft's eng sounding rough just before it crashed into the trees. Another witness stated that he noticed that there were flames & smoke coming from the left side of the plane. A tail pipe assembly was found on the ramp at…Jul 13, 1987 · N93664 · DestroyedNTSB NYC87FA146Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Sayre, PADrg initial climb after takeoff, smoke was observed in the cockpit. When the smoke became hvy, the plt decided to land. He attempted a forced landing on rising terrain in foggy conds. Subsequently, the acft crashed into the side of the hill & began burning.…May 13, 1987 · N32774 · DestroyedNTSB ATL87MA057Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Pollockville, NCThe emerg med svc (ems/med-evac) helicopter (hel) was on a ngt flt with a 3 month old patient aboard. After rprtg lvl AT3000', the plt transmitted he was going to make an emerg lndg. This was flwd by svrl unreadable transmissions which apchctl psnl thought…Jan 9, 1987 · N5004Q · DestroyedNTSB MKC86FA151Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportWhittman WD (Bigx) · Sheldahl, IAWitnesses state that they saw two airplanes, one silver and one red, climbing northbound to cruise altitude in loose formation when the red aircraft's engine backfired and the antique fabric-covered aircraft started burning. Flames five to eight feet in…Jul 19, 1986 · N31637 · DestroyedNTSB FTW86FRG19Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportSoward Rutan Longeze · Georgetown, TXThe acft crashed after hitting trees on short final following an inflight fire and an eng failure. The acft was on it's first flt following an eng overhaul and had been airborne about 2 minutes when ground and air observers noticed smoke trailing from the eng…May 22, 1986 · N196MS · DestroyedNTSB FTW86FA076Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American SNJ-5 · Anadarko, OKThe pilot radioed that he had smoke in the cockpit. He immediately made an emergency landng, down wind, in a farmer's field. Witnesses saw the aircraft's right wing drop before the plane touched down. The resulting impact tore the wings and engine off,…May 4, 1986 · N43775 · DestroyedNTSB DCA86AA012Accident · 7 fatalFinal reportDouglas DC-3 · Dekalb, TXAt 1708:48, while cruising at 6000', a pilot of N711Y advised ATC, 'I think I'd like to turn around, head for texarkana here, I've got a little problem.' He was provided a vector & advised of closest airports. Shortly after, he stated he would be unable to…Dec 31, 1985 · N711Y · Destroyed