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 ERA11FA493Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Greenville, METhe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while manuevering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR11MA454Accident · 11 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportNorth American/Aero Classics P-51D · Reno, NVThe reduced stiffness of the elevator trim tab system that allowed aerodynamic flutter to occur at racing speeds. The reduced stiffness was a result of deteriorated locknut inserts that allowed the trim tab attachment screws to become loose and to initiate…NTSB WPR11FA450Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCone James A RV-6A · West Jordan, UTThe pilot’s execution of an abrupt maneuver, likely to avoid birds, which resulted in a stall and spin.NTSB CEN11FA645Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRemos Aircraft Gmbh Flugzeugba GX · Noblesville, INThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing was the pilot's decision to maneuver at an altitude below that required for congested areas, which did not afford an adequate margin for stall recovery.NTSB WPR11FA448Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182H · Stanley, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control due to spatial disorientation while executing a turn to reverse his course in dark night and low-visibility conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to initiate the flight into an area…NTSB ERA11WA498Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBeech G-58 · Parana, BrazilOn September 13, 2011, about 1135, Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Hawker Beechcraft G-58, Brazilian registration PR-KST, operated by a private owner, lost control during a climb while enroute to Fortaleza do Guapore` Farm, State of Mato Grosso (SSDP),…NTSB CEN11WA639Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31P · Ciudad Apodaca, MexicoNTSB ERA11WA509Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Rio de Janeriro, BrazilOn September 10, 2011, about 2330 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R44 II, Brazilian registration PR-CEC, was substantially damaged when it impacted wooded terrain during an aerial photography flight, near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The foreign…NTSB WPR11WA475Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208B · Wamean, West Papua, IndonesiaOn September 9, 2011, at 1223 local time (0323 UTC) a Cessna 208B, Indonesia registry PK-VVE, collided with mountainous terrain 8 nautical miles north east of Wamena Airport, Wamena, West Papau, Indonesia. The aircraft was operated by Susi Air under the…NTSB CEN11FA629Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · West Liberty, OHThe pilot’s improper decision to fly aerobatic maneuvers at low altitude, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to his recent use of multiple impairing drugs.NTSB CEN11FA634Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRiffel Jerris L RV-7A · Winfield, KSThe pilot’s in-flight loss of control. Contributing to the pilot’s fatal injury was his failure to use the available restraint systems, which resulted in him falling through the open canopy when the airplane inverted.NTSB DCA11RA098Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationM7Aero SW3 · Trinidad, BoliviaOn September 6, 2011, an Aerocon Swearingen SA-227 Metroliner, registration CP-2548 performing flight A4-238 from Santa Cruz to Trinidad (Bolivia) with 7 passengers and 2 crew, was on approach to Trinidad when radio contact was lost. The airplane was located…NTSB CEN11LA623Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHoffmann HK36R Super Dimona · Winsted, MNThe pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN11FA625Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TBM 700 · Mt. Pleasant, WIThe pilot’s failure to properly trim the airplane’s rudder during cruise flight, which resulted in a prolonged uncoordinated flight condition, unporting of the fuel tank feed line, and subsequent fuel starvation and engine power loss. Contributing to the…NTSB WPR11FA430Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210 · Tehachapi, CAThe pilot’s intentional low-altitude maneuvering and failure to maintain clearance from terrain due to distraction.NTSB WPR11FA429Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBrewster LONG-EZ · Kanab, UTThe pilot's loss of airplane control during cruise flight.NTSB WPR11FA428Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportVeatch Kitfox · Caldwell, IDThe pilot’s failure to prevent a low-altitude stall and spin following a complete loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff.NTSB CEN11FA616Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLarson Ken W Christen EAGLE-II · Seward, NEThe pilot’s inadvertent pulling of the mixture control lever on takeoff, which shut down the engine.NTSB WPR11WA438Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Plutonic Aero., Australia, AustraliaOn September 3, 2011, at 0330 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R44, Australia registry VH-HCA, collided with terrain while maneuvering near Plutonic Aerodrome, Australia. The helicopter was operated by Wieland Helicopter Company under the pertinent…NTSB ANC11FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Nightmute, AKThe failure of the pilot of the other airplane to maintain adequate clearance while performing an unexpected and unannounced abrupt maneuver, resulting in a midair collision between the two airplanes.NTSB ERA11FA480Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Provincetown, MAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees and terrain during the initial climb. Contributing was spatial disorientation due to a vestibular illusion and the pilot’s likely impairment due to alcohol consumption.NTSB ERA11WA508Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Sao Sebastiao, BrazilOn August 30, 2011, about 1158 Universal Coordinated time (UTC), a Robinson R44 II, Brazilian registration PP-CLE, registered to Old Ducan S.A., and operated by Seisa Clerman EMP. Imobiliarios LTDA, crashed near Sao Sebastiao Municipality, State of Sao Paulo,…NTSB CEN11WA603Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna TU206G · Sioux Lookout, CanadaNTSB WPR11WA421Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationHughes 369D · South Malekula, Vanuatu, VanuatuOn August 28, 2011, at 1500 universal coordinated time, a Hughes 369D, Vanuatu registration YJ-HEL, collided with the ground after the attached long-line became entangled in the rotor system near Malekula, Vanuatu. The helicopter was operated by Vanuatu…NTSB CEN11WA626Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna F150 · Zell am See, AustriaOn August 28, 2011, at 1343 coordinated universal time, a German registered Cessna 150, D-EEAW, and a German registered Diamond HK-36R, D-KILL, collided in-flight near Zell am See, Austria. The two persons on board the Cessna and the two persons on board the…NTSB CEN11WA622Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna F172 · Mugeln, GermanyOn August 28, 2011, a Reims Aviation, Cessna F172N, German registration D-EOEM, operated by Flaming Air GmbH, was substantially damaged when it crashed near Oehna Airfield (EDBO), Megeln, Germany, under unknown circumstances. The pilot, the sole person on…NTSB CEN11WA617Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · St. Ferdinand, CanadaOn August 27, 2011, at 2115 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, C-GEBY, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff near St. Ferdinand, Quebec, Canada. The pilot and three passengers sustained fatal injuries. The…NTSB CEN11FA599Accident · 4 fatalClass 1 · FieldFinal reportEurocopter AS-350-B2 · Mosby, MOThe pilot's failure to confirm that the helicopter had adequate fuel on board to complete the mission before making the first departure, his improper decision to continue the mission and make a second departure after he became aware of a critically low fuel…NTSB CEN11FA597Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNichols Lancair 235 · Heath, OHThe pilot's failure to obtain adequate familiarization with the accident airplane type before the accident flight, which resulted in his failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff.NTSB WPR11FA395Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-7-235C · Brookings, ORThe pilot’s improper decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees while on approach for landing.NTSB CEN11WA587Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationGardan GY80-160 · Mauterndorf, AustriaUnder the jurisdiction and control of the Austrian Government.NTSB CEN11LA606Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing A75N1(PT17) · Mt. Clemens, MIThe wing walker’s decision to release his grip of the airplane during an attempted aerial transfer from airplane to helicopter before both aircraft achieved the proper relative positioning for the transfer.NTSB CEN11LA585Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander Callair A-9B · Marshall, MIThe towplane pilot's loss of control during an aerotow operation due to the glider pilot's inability to maintain a proper position behind the towplane while encountering turbulence on initial climb.NTSB ERA11WA470Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA30 · Region del Bio Bio, ChileOn August 20, 2011, at 1650 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-30, Chilean registration CC-CTT, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain, after its right wing separated in-flight while maneuvering, over Region del Bio Bio, Chile. The pilot and…NTSB ERA11FA468Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitchell David N Lancair IV P · Hammonton, NJThe Lancair pilot's failure to see and avoid the aerobatic airplane. Contributing to the accident was the Lancair pilot's inadequate use of collision avoidance strategies while inbound to an area of known potential aerobatic activity.NTSB ERA11FA467Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Titusville, PAThe flight instructor's improper decision to attempt a visual descent into instrument meteorological conditions while approaching the destination airport, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN11LA582Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVertical Unlimited 12 · Kansas City, MOThe pilot's impairment during an aerobatic airshow performance for reasons that could not be determined based on available information, which resulted in an in-flight loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN11LA581Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Whitewood, SDThe pilot's collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA11WA472Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationAgusta AW139 · BrazilOn August 19, 2011, at 1948 coordinated universal time (16:48 local time), an Agusta, AW139, helicopter, Brazilian registration PT-SEK, impacted into the Atlantic Ocean, near an oil rig, identifier P-65, the helicopter sank in waters with a recorded floor…NTSB CEN11WA695Accident · 6 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 210K · (Atlantic Ocean)NTSB WPR11WA393Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationAerospatiale AS355 · Marree, Australia, AustraliaOn August 18, 2011, at 1008 universal coordinated time, an Aerospatiale AS 355F2, VH-NTV, operated by Australian Broadcasting Corporation, collided with terrain shortly after takeoff near Marree, Australia. The helicopter was substantially damaged and…NTSB WPR11LA416Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8 · Lincoln, CAThe passenger's accidental fall while turning the propeller by hand to start the engine.NTSB WPR11FA392Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBriegleb BG-12B · Moore, IDThe pilot’s decision to perform a low pass over the runway in the opposite direction of his intended landing, and his subsequent failure to maintain airspeed and glider control during the reverse-course maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the effect of…NTSB WPR11FA390Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Forsyth, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in a stall/mush, loss of control, and impact with terrain.NTSB ERA11WA464Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 152 · Finca Arrayanes, ColombiaOn August 17, 2011, about 1930 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Cessna 152, Columbian registration HK2597G, operated by Academia de Pilotos de Aviacion, was destroyed following a collision with terrain in Finca Arrayanes, Colombia. The flight instructor…NTSB ERA11FA463Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportQuad City Ultralight Challenger II · Ransom Township, PAThe non-certificated pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of overall flight experience and lack of experience in the same make…NTSB ERA11FA458Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · Tupelo, MSThe pilot’s delayed reaction in performing the engine failure procedures and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s improper torquing of the B-nut…NTSB ANC11LA080Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Cape Yakataga, AKA collision into water during initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR11WA385Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28-180 · Horsham, Victoria, AustraliaOn August 15, 2011, about 0850 UTC (1850 local time), a Piper PA-28-180, Australian registry VH-POJ, collided with terrain near the Horsham aerodrome, Horsham, Victoria, Australia. The airplane was operated by a private owner under the auspices of the…NTSB WPR11FA383Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Silver Bow, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering.