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 CEN12RA052Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBell 206L · Kapuskasing, CanadaOn November 2, 2011, about 0958 eastern daylight time (EDT), a Bell 206L helicopter, Canadian registration C-GDQH, was substantially damaged during an in-flight collision with terrain in Kapuskasing, Ontario, Canada. The pilot and 2 passengers sustained fatal…NTSB ERA12FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEckenrode Carl J Vans RV-6 · Taylorsville, GAThe airplane's entry into an uncontrolled descent for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airplane and the pilot’s medical history did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB ANC12FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B2 · Iliamna, AKThe pilot's loss of control due to sudden medical impairment or incapacitation.NTSB ERA12FA052Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportInterplane S R O Skyboy · Miami, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while flying at low speed, which resulted in a subsequent aerodynamic stall, spin, and impact with terrain. Contributing to the outcome of the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane…NTSB CEN12WA046Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31T · Toulouse, FranceUnder the jurisdiction and control of the French government.NTSB WPR12FA021Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182R · Lexington, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain situational awareness and terrain clearance on a dark night during the approach to landing.NTSB WPR12FA020Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · St. Paul, ORThe pilot was unable to see the other aircraft to avoid a collision.NTSB CEN12FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22T · Carrollton, TXThe pilot's failure to adequately preflight the airplane prior to departure, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB ERA12FA021Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportElkind Bruce Cozy MK IV · Lexington, NCThe pilot's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB CEN12WA040Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210G · Veracruz, MexicoNTSB ERA12FA018Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBerger Michael A Waiex · Washington, GAThe in-flight failure of the aircraft’s Y-tail attachment structure during maneuvering flight due to overload. Contributing to the accident was, the kit manufacturer’s use of 14 CFR Part 23, Appendix A design guidelines intended for a conventional tail…NTSB ERA12FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Danbury, CTThe pilot did not maintain clearance from a lighted tower during final approach in night visual conditions.NTSB WPR12FA012Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E33 · Daggett, CAA loss of engine power due to the separation of a connecting rod, and the pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during a sudden maneuver to avoid power lines during the descent, which resulted in an unrecoverable aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin.…NTSB CEN12FA021Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Guthrie, OKThe pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB ENG12WA002Accident · 28 fatalForeign investigationDe Havilland DHC8 · Madang, Papua New Guinea, Papua New GuineaOn 13 Oct 2011, at about 1715, at about 10,000 feet during the descent for landing, the overspeed warning horn of a PNG Airlines DHC-8-102 aircraft, Papua New Guinea registration P2-MCJ sounded. At 1717, the crew made a MAYDAY call to ATC, indicating that…NTSB DCA12RA003Accident · 9 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208B · Xakanaka, BotswanaOn October 14, 2011, about 1350 local time, A2-AKD, a Cessna 208B chartered flight, crashed shortly after takeoff from an airstrip near Xakanaka, Botswana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. Of the 12 persons on board, the pilot and 8 passengers were…NTSB CEN12WA686Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28-140 · Petit-Beauregard, SwitzerlandOn October 14, 2011, at 0857 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-28-140 airplane, G-BBEF, impacted terrain near Petit-Beauregard, Fontaines-sur-Grandson, Switzerland. The pilot and passenger were both fatally injured. The airplane was destroyed. The…NTSB CEN12WA033Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationDiamond DA20 · Amurrio, SpainOn October 14, 2011, at 1040 universal coordinated time, a Diamond DA20-C1 airplane, EC-KDS, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain near Amurrio, Spain. The two crewmembers sustained fatal injuries. The accident investigation is under the…NTSB WPR12FA010Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDG Flugzeugbau DG 1000S · Cle Elum, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and control after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA12FA051Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Moncks Corner, SCThe debilitating effects of ethylene glycol poisoning, which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB ERA12FA017Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Dixie, GAMaintenance personnel’s improper installation of the No. 2 cylinder’s connecting rod, which resulted in the disconnection of the rod and a subsequent loss of engine power.NTSB ERA12LA011Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRivers William J KR-2 · Wytheville, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain control, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the airplane make and model.NTSB CEN12FA010Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBrinkerhuff Gerald G Q200 · Holland, MIThe pilot failed to maintain sufficient altitude during the landing approach, which resulted in the airplane contacting an approach light. Contributing to the accident was the setting sun, which most likely obscured the pilot’s vision.NTSB ERA12FA008Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAviat A-1 · Moyock, NCThe operation of the airplane by a non-certificated pilot, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA12FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207A · Matinicus Island, METhe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during the approach after encountering a gusty crosswind, which resulted in an accelerated stall and uncontrolled descent.NTSB ERA12FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHarry L. Weber Arion LI · Hedgesville, WVAn aerodynamic stall at low altitude due to the pilot’s acute cardiac event.NTSB WPR12FA001Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportVaughn Pulsar · West Jordan, UTThe pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed and airplane control while initiating a turn during the initial climb after takeoff in a high density altitude environment, above the airplane’s maximum allowable gross weight, and with an overly rich…NTSB ERA12MA005Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 206B · New York, NYThe pilot's failure to anticipate and correct for conditions (high gross weight, low indicated airspeed, and a right downwind turn) conducive to loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE), which resulted in LTE and an uncontrolled spin. Contributing to the…NTSB ANC12WA001Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208B · Utsigi Point, NT, CanadaOn October 4, 2011, about 1730 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 208B airplane registered to Air Tindi, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada sustained substantial when it impacted tree-covered terrain under unknown circumstances near Utsigi Point,…NTSB ERA12FA012Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Peru, WVThe non-instrument rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA12FA002Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTemco GC-1B · Ewell, MDThe pilot's improper fuel management in that he did not verify the fuel selector position before beginning the flight or after the power loss, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and subsequent ditching.NTSB ERA12WA026Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBeech V35 · Maraba Paulista, BrazilOn October 1, 2011, about 2345 coordinated universal time (2045 local time), a Beechcraft V35, Brazilian registration PT-CTL, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain between the cities of Maraba Paulista and Presidente Venceslau, Sao Paulo State,…NTSB CEN12FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R66 · Philip, SDThe in-flight separation of the main rotor mast following a mast bumping event. The reason for the mast bumping event could not be determined due to postaccident damage.NTSB WPR11FA474Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPoe G L/Poe S Y 540 · Chualar, CAThe pilot’s incapacitation due either to g-induced loss of consciousness alone or in combination with a cardiac arrhythmia. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of several medications.NTSB ERA11FA512Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHeronimus Kevin A Glasair III · Falls of Rough, KYThe failure of the propeller power speed reduction unit, which resulted in a loss of engine power at low altitude.NTSB CEN11WA683Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 212 · Bienservida, SpainNTSB ERA11WA520Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech D35 · Avare, BrazilOn September 29, 2011, about 1824 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Beech D35, Brazilian registration PT-AVK, operated by a private owner, was destroyed following a collision with terrain at Santarém Municipality, State of Pará, Brazil. The local flight…NTSB DCA11WA108Accident · 18 fatalForeign investigationAviocar CASA C212 · Aceh, IndonesiaThe National Transportation Safety Committee of Indonesia (KNKT) has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Aviocar CASA C212 that occurred on September 29, 2011. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the KNKT investigation…NTSB WPR11WA476Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 412SP · Mataram, West Nusa, IndonesiaOn September 25, 2011, at 1341 local time (0541 UTC) a Bell Helicopter 412SP, Indonesia registry PK-OVC, crashed in a jungle under unknown circumstances 150 kilometers east of Selaparang Airport, Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The Helicopter was…NTSB ERA11FA504Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHutchinson Kenneth A Velocity RG · Sanford, NCThe pilot/owner's intentional flight of his airplane with known mechanical discrepancies (frozen turbocharger waste gate), which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and subsequent collision with trees and terrain shortly after takeoff. Contributing to…NTSB DCA11WA103Accident · 19 fatalForeign investigationBeech 1900 · Bishankhunarayan, NepalOn September 25, 2011, at about 0734 local time (0149 UTC), a Hawker Beechcraft 1900D, registered in Nepal as 9N-AEK, crashed near the village of Bishankhunarayan, Nepal. Bishankhunarayan is approximately 15 km south of the capital, Kathmandu. The 3…NTSB ERA11LA503Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Cordele, GAThe pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB CEN11FA666Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Curren, MIThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into trees and the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from multiple drugs.NTSB ANC11FA107Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDehavilland DHC-3T · Kodiak, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree during a low altitude maneuver and his failure to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of over-the-counter sedating medications.NTSB CEN11FA663Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportThorp T-18 · Plainwell, MIThe pilot did not maintain clearance from a semitrailer along the approach path.NTSB ERA11WA499Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBeech 99 · Cap Haitien, HaitiOn September 20, 2011, at 2130 universal coordinated time, a Hawker Beechcraft BE-99A, registered in Haiti as HH-APA, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while on approach to the Cap Haitien International Airport (MTCH), Cap Haitien, Haiti. The…NTSB CEN11FA652Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportConcannon Milton Radial ROC · Socorro, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the visual approach to the runway, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s lack of experience in the airplane make and model and the possible sedating…NTSB ERA11WA515Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34-220T · Jatai Municipality, BrazilOn September 18, 2011, about 2330 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-34-220T, Brazilian registration PT-GCC, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Jatai Municipality, Goias, Brazil. The certificated pilot was fatally injured. The local…NTSB ERA11LA496Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Adventure Zephyr II · Sylacauga, ALThe pilot's incapacitation due to a heart attack during takeoff, which led to an in-flight loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA11FA495Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T-28C · Martinsburg, WVThe pilot's impairment or incapacitation that occurred during a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver due to complications from a recent heart attack, resulting in his inability to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the Federal…