Fatal NTSB investigations
180,641 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,620 accidents, the rest incidents and other occurrences. Each has NTSB’s narrative and, once the investigation is done, its probable cause; since 2008, its findings and sequence of events.
Cases, newest first
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' 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' 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 CEN12LA109Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Denton, TXThe pilot's controlled flight into terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to perform a circling maneuver in weather below circling minimums instead of flying…NTSB CEN12FA108Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Bryan, TXThe pilot’s inadvertent encounter with severe weather, which resulted in the airplane’s left wing failing in positive overload. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s reliance on outdated weather information that he received on his in-cockpit…NTSB WPR12FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Phoenix, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate separation behind a corporate jet, which resulted in an encounter with wake turbulence and a subsequent loss of control.NTSB CEN12WA105Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 177A · Ottawa, CanadaOn December 14, 2011, at 1920 eastern standard time, a Cessna model 177A, Canadian registration C-FEFQ, collided with terrain 2 nautical miles west of Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (CYOW), Ottawa, Canada. The flight had been cleared for the…NTSB ERA12FA107Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportShaw Douglas Wayne Rans S 7 · Somerville, TNThe pilot's incapacitation due to a ruptured berry aneurysm during takeoff.NTSB WPR12FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCrosley Vans RV-8 · Armistead, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while performing low altitude aerobatic maneuvers.NTSB WPR12FA059Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportVans RV7 - A · Surprise, AZAn electrical or engine electronic problem, which resulted in a loss of engine power, followed by a low-altitude stall.NTSB CEN12FA101Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235D · Chickasha, OKThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to continue flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of instrument…NTSB ERA12WA113Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Sao Bento do Sul, BrazilOn December 9, 2011 at 1630 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R44, Brazilian registration PR-KLA, operated by SASH Locacao de Veiculos LTDA, as a personal flight, impacted terrain in the vicinity of Fazenda Coqueiros, Sao Bento do Sul, Santa Catarina,…NTSB CEN12FA100Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Sioux Falls, SDThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed after shutting down one engine, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow the guidance contained in the pilot’s…NTSB WPR12FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Coupeville, WAThe total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal evidence of preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB DCA12MA020Accident · 5 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportEurocopter France AS350B2 · Las Vegas, NVSundance Helicopters’ inadequate maintenance of the helicopter, including (1) the improper reuse of a degraded self-locking nut, (2) the improper or lack of installation of a split pin, and (3) inadequate postmaintenance inspections, which resulted in the…NTSB WPR12WA063Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210 · Roma, Australia, AustraliaOn December 7, 2011, at 0530 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 210M, VH-WBZ, collided with terrain near Roma, Australia. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The flight was operated under the…NTSB CEN12FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · St. Ignace, MIThe pilot’s decision to initiate visual flight in instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent failure to maintain adequate altitude.NTSB CEN12FA098Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TB21 · Silverton, COThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to embark on a flight through forecasted instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his subsequent flight into IMC, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent maneuvering of the airplane…NTSB ERA12WA103Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna TU206 · Cerro Escalera, PeruOn December 1, 2011, about 2048 UTC, a Cessna TU206G, Peruvian registration OB-1299, registered to and operated by Palmas del Espino S.A., collided with mountainous terrain near Cerro Escalera, Peru. Weather conditions at the altitude, location, and time of…NTSB ERA12FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportWing John R Wittman Tailwind · Fulton, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was a partial loss of engine power due to the formation of carburetor ice.NTSB CEN12FA088Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31 · New Orleans, LAThe pilot's fatal cardiac event, which resulted in the inflight loss of control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of impairing medications and operation of the airplane with disqualifying medical conditions.NTSB CEN12FA086Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Riverwoods, ILThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion during approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate an airplane after using illicit drugs.NTSB ANC12FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · Chuathbaluk, AKThe pilot’s loss of situational awareness after an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with tree-covered terrain.NTSB ERA12WA105Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCirrus SR20 · Minas Gerias, BrazilOn November 26, 2011, about 1300 universal coordinated time, a Cirrus SR20, Brazilian registration PR-LJL, operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain in Carmo do Cajuri Municipality, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The pilot…NTSB ERA12FA084Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Tallapoosa, GAThe failure of the No. 2 rod end cap bolt, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.NTSB CEN12FA090Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182R · Mescalero, NMThe pilot's intentional attempt to fly into adverse weather, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of instrument experience.NTSB CEN12FA083Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · Crystal Lake, ILThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to continue flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control of the airplane.NTSB CEN12FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Hackensack, MNThe helicopter's sudden yaw and subsequent impact with the water for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination of the helicopter and its systems.NTSB WPR12MA046Accident · 6 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportRockwell 690 · Apache Junction, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain a safe ground track and altitude combination for the moonless night visual flight rules flight, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's complacency and lack of situational…NTSB CEN12FA082Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 23 · West Milton, OHThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to attempt a flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control of the airplane.NTSB CEN12FA080Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 20-C1 · Bern, WIThe non-instrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent impact with the terrain.NTSB ERA12WA102Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210 · Alto Alegre, BrazilOn November 22, 2011, at 1740 universal time coordinated, a Cessna Aircraft, Model 210L, Brazilian registration PT-IOT, impacted the ground after reporting an engine failure near Aldeia Hali Katu, in the Alto Alegre Municipality, Roraima, Brazil. The airplane…NTSB ERA12WA089Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28-236 · Mercedes, ArgentinaOn November 21, 2011, about 1320 coordinated universal time, a Piper PA-28-236, Argentine Air Force designation PF-449, and a Cessna 152, Argentine registration LV-OOF, collided while on approach to Mercedes Airfield (MRD), Mercedes, Buenos Aires Province,…NTSB CEN12FA073Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSkykits Savannah VGW · Plato Center, ILThe noncertificated pilot’s decision to fly the airplane without receiving any flight instruction in the airplane, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during takeoff and the subsequent aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR12FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20M · Pomona, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear obstructions while maneuvering on the base leg of the traffic pattern for landing.NTSB WPR12FA040Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T337 · Casper, WYThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and airplane control while maneuvering in low visibility and icing conditions.NTSB CEN12FA072Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Perryville, ARThe pilot's loss of control in flight.NTSB ERA12WA073Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 150 · Santa Rosa, EcuadorOn November 14, 2011, about 2020 coordinated universal time (1520 local time), a Cessna 150M, Ecuadorian registration HC-BJA, was substantially damaged when it impacted rising terrain in the Girón Alto mountains near Santa Rosa, Ecuador. The Ecuadorian pilot…NTSB ERA12WA072Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210 · Cayman Brac, Cayman IslandsOn November 14, 2011, at 0525 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 210, registered in Mexico as XB-LLD, was substantially damaged when it struck wires and trees under unknown circumstances at Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands. The pilot and his passenger were…NTSB CEN12WA069Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCirrus Design SR22 · Gleisweiler, GermanyNTSB ERA12FA068Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Boynton Beach, FLThe right seat pilot's decision to attempt a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver in a non-aerobatic airplane.NTSB CEN12WA068Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCirrus SR22 · Katowice, PolandOn November 13, 2011, about 1821 UTC, SP-IKP, a Polish registered Cirrus SR22 airplane, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when the airplane impacted trees and terrain near the Katowice-Pyrzowice airport, near Katowice, Poland. The…NTSB ERA12WA099Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210 · Cuiaba, BrazilOn November 12, 2011, about 2000 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 210N, Brazilian registration PT-VMG, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff in Cuiaba Municipality, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The Brazilian…NTSB CEN12WA067Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28 · Alderney, United KingdomOn November 12, 2011, about 1540 universal coordinated time (UTC), G-BXRG, a United Kingdom registered Piper PA-28-181, owned by Alderney Flying Training LTD, sustained presumed substantial damage when the airplane ditched and sunk in the English Channel…NTSB CEN12WA063Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationHughes 500 · Andratx, SpainOn November 12, 2011, approximately 1020 coordinated universal time, a Hughes 500E, British registration G-WOOW, impacted terrain under unknown circumstances near Andratx, Mallorca, Spain. The pilot and passenger were both fatally injured. A post crash fire…NTSB DCA12RA012Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationEurocopter AS332L · Mexico City, MexicoOn November 11, 2011, a Eurocopter AS 332L Super Puma, registration XC-UHM, operated by Fuerza Aerea Mexicana (Presidential Use), crashed in a rural area south of Mexico City, enroute from Camp Marte, Mexico to Cuernavaca, Mexico. The eight passengers and…NTSB CEN12LA059Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Sturgis, SDThe student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff with extended flaps.NTSB WPR12MA034Accident · 5 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportEurocopter EC 130 B4 · Pukoo, HIThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain while operating in marginal weather conditions, which resulted in the impact of the horizontal stabilizer and lower forward portion of the fenestron with ground and/or vegetation and led to…NTSB CEN12WA223Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31 · Cottens, SwitzerlandThe accident investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the Swiss government. This report is for informational purposes only and contains only information released by or obtained from the Swiss government or the Swiss Accident Investigation Board.…NTSB CEN12FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337G · Alamosa, COThe loss of power to the rear engine due to fuel starvation during takeoff, which resulted from the fuel selector valve being inadvertently moved to the “off” position, and resulted in the airplane’s inability to climb.NTSB CEN12WA092Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationSocata TBM 700 · Lyon, FranceNTSB WPR12FA031Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Lake Havasu City, AZThe pilot's continued cruise flight into cloudy conditions at night, which resulted in a loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB ERA12FA062Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D-45 · Williston, FLThe flight instructor's failure to maintain airspeed in changing wind conditions during a steep climb after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s ostentatious display close to the ground.