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 WPR11FA382Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Burley, IDThe pilot's failure to attain sufficient altitude and maintain aircraft control during a turn shortly after liftoff while operating at maximum gross weight, with a tailwind, and in high density altitude conditions.NTSB WPR11FA381Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Lander, WYThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain.NTSB ANC11FA077Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · McGrath, AKThe pilot's decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.NTSB CEN11LA573Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStevens R P/Mccright D W Vans RV-6 · Conroe, TXThe failure of the pilot of the RV-6 airplane to maintain clearance from the RV-8 airplane while practicing formation flight.NTSB CEN11LA569Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFairchild M-62 · Madrid, IAThe pilot's improper decision to conduct low-level flight along a river, which resulted in a collision with power lines.NTSB CEN11FA557Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23 · Millersburg, OHThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with terrain during the landing approach in night conditions and fog. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.NTSB ERA11FA443Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-7-235 · Warrenton, VAThe pilot's inadequate airspeed and excessive bank angle while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN11LA546Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportReinboldt Richard A Challenger II · Reedsburg, WIThe pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR11FA367Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Camas, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering in the traffic pattern.NTSB DCA11WA094Accident · 10 fatalForeign investigationBell 412 · Bitung, IndonesiaOn August 3, 2011, at about 1429 local time (0629 UTC), a Bell 412 helicopter, registration PK-FUG, operated by Nyaman Air, crashed in the jungle on the side of Dua Saudara Mountain in the North Sulawesi province of Indonesia, approximately 25 km from the…NTSB ERA11FA435Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRans S18 · Fayetteville, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flight experience.NTSB ERA11FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-28-140The non-instrumented rated pilot’s flight into instrument meteorological conditions for undetermined reasons, resulting in an in-flight loss of control, uncontrolled descent, and collision with the water.NTSB CEN11FA531Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEdwards Douglas L SKY Ranger · Wautoma, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed and attitude control of the airplane in the turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA11FA431Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · Byron, GAThe pilot’s sustained flight at airspeeds in excess of the airplane's never exceed speed during a steep descent, which resulted in a subsequent in-flight structural failure due to overstress.NTSB CEN11FA537Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMorrison E-RACER · Big Rock, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control after experiencing excessive engine cylinder head temperatures during the initial flight test of the experimental amateur-built airplane.NTSB WPR11FA354Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus SR20 · Fredonia, AZThe non-instrument-rated pilots’ loss of situational awareness during a dark night flight over a remote area, which resulted in their failure to maintain an altitude sufficient to ensure adequate terrain clearnance. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB CEN11WA592Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationSocata TB10 · Kufstein, AustriaUnder the jurisdiction and control of the Austrian government.NTSB CEN11FA528Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportWright B Flyer Wright B Flyer · Springfield, OHThe flight crew’s failure to maintain airplane control following a partial loss of engine thrust during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the failed weld as a result of incomplete welding on the left propeller shaft, which led to the partial…NTSB ANC11FA071Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206G · Talkeetna, AKThe inadequate visual lookout and failure to see and avoid by the pilots of both airplanes while maneuvering to land, which resulted in a midair collision. Contributing to the accident was the lack of standardized, unequivocal procedures concerning common…NTSB ERA11LA427Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTL Ultralight Sro Sting S3 · Sarasota, FLThe inability of the pilot-in-command (PIC) to recover from an inadvertent spin following a stall demonstration for reasons that could not be determined because aircraft and engine examinations did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded recovery…NTSB CEN11WA538Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA38 · Greater Manchester, United KingdomOn July 29, 2011, about 1123 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Piper PA-38-112 airplane, United Kingdom registration G-RVRF, was substantially damaged during an in-flight collision with terrain in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom. One occupant of the…NTSB ERA11FA426Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BL-65 · Winterville, NCA loss of airplane control for undetermined reasons as the autopsy was unable to reveal any definitive conditions that would have led to the loss of control.NTSB WPR11WA351Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Fitzroy Crossing, Australia, AustraliaOn July 27, 2011, at 0930 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R-22 Beta, VH-YOL, registered to and operated by a private owner, collided with terrain near Fitzoy Crossing, Australia. The helicopter was substantially damaged and the pilot, the sole…NTSB DCA11RA087Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 747 · Jeju Island, South KoreaNTSB ANC11WA070Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBeech · Hokkaido, JapanOn July 27, 2011, about 1728 Alaska daylight time, a Beechcraft A36 airplane, Japanese registration JA4215, crashed under unknown circumstances on Mt. Tsurugi, near Memuro Town, Kasai District, Hokkaido, Japan. Three people aboard received fatal injuries, and…NTSB ERA11LA424Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Drew, MSThe pilot's improper decision to conduct a visual flight rules aerial application flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in flight collision with the ground while maneuvering.NTSB CEN11FA508Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Williston, NDThe pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a partial loss of engine power while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB WPR11FA350Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-55B · Chelan, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB ERA11FA422Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Berne, NYThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and rising terrain while attempting to reverse course. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather…NTSB CEN11FA507Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSikorsky UH-34D · Wilton, IAThe inadequate performance planning by the pilot that resulted in reduced climb capability while transitioning to an out-of-ground effect hover with a left pedal turn.NTSB CEN11FA505Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3L-65 · Van Dyne, WIThe pilot’s inability to maintain airplane control while maneuvering for reasons that could not be determined from the available evidence.NTSB CEN11WA510Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 II · Cornwall, United KingdomOn July 24, 2011, about 1528 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Robinson R44 II helicopter, United Kingdom registration G-ROTG, was substantially damaged during an in-flight collision with terrain in Cornwall, United Kingdom. The pilot sustained fatal…NTSB CEN11FA500Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 46-350P · Rantoul, ILThe pilot did not maintain airplane control during takeoff with approaching thunderstorms. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to depart into adverse weather conditions.NTSB ANC11FA069Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Juneau, AKThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to reach his destination.NTSB WPR11FA344Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Corona, CAAn aggressive flight maneuver performed by the pilot during low altitude flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA11FA414Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Palm Bay, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing, resulting in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s failure to secure the oil gauge rod and cap assembly before flight and his…NTSB ERA11FA413Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMoyes Dragonfly · Ridgely, MDAn in-flight loss of control for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examinations.NTSB ERA11FA412Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182S · Erwin, NCThe pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in dark night conditions.NTSB ERA11LA415Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPolaris Polar Star · Dewees Island, SCThe non-certificated pilot’s operation of the unregistered airplane while impaired by alcohol. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s performance of aerobatic maneuvers that exceeded the structural limits of the aircraft, which resulted in failure of…NTSB WPR11FA335Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Grace, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR11FA333Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportDavidson Zenith Stol CH701 · Glendale, ORA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and the pilot’s subsequent failure to maintain airplane control during the forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to ensure that the fuel valves were in the correct position for…NTSB ERA11FA406Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Augusta, GAThe pilot’s decision to fly the airplane after maintenance personnel advised him that the airplane should not be flown because the pilot provided an incorrect propeller for installation and the subsequent failure of the propeller attachment bolts and the…NTSB CEN11WA489Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna A185E · La Tuque, CanadaOn July 18, 2011, at 1509 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 185E, Canadian registration C-FZNK, operated by Air Tamarac, crashed in the Bostonnais River, 15 kilometers north of La Tuque, Quebec, Canada, following a loss of engine power. The pilot and two…NTSB WPR11FA331Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Winslow, AZA loss of engine power due to fuel system contamination, and the pilot’s subsequent failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB ANC11FA065Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Delta, AKThe pilot's decision to make a low-altitude turn back to the airport following a loss of engine power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the severity of the pilot's injuries was the separation of the pilot's seat…NTSB CEN11FA480Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft DCO-65 · Boyne City, MIThe pilot failed to maintain airplane control while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a stall/spin and impact with the terrain.NTSB ERA11FA401Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSlingsby Capstan Type 49B · Hollywood, MDThe glider pilot’s improper response to the “check spoilers” signal from the tow pilot. Contributing to the accident was the glider pilot’s failure to confirm that the spoilers were closed and locked before takeoff, and the glider copilot’s improper crew…NTSB CEN11FA479Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Silverton, COThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while operating it at low levels above mountainous terrain and in excess of its maximum allowable gross weight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. The pilot's failure to maintain control resulted…NTSB ERA11RA398Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R66 · Girardot, ColombiaOn July 12, 2011, about 2041 UTC, or 1541 local, a Robinson Helicopter Company R66, N810AG, registered to Aircraft Guaranty Corporation Trustee, operated by a private individual, collided with terrain near Girardot, Colombia. Visual meteorological conditions…NTSB WPR11WA332Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationSikorsky S76 · Kanbauk, Myanmar (Burma)