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 ERA11FA332Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Vero Beach, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin.NTSB CEN11WA380Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182 · Asturias, SpainNTSB WPR11FA248Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Astoria, ORThe student pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in a stall/spin. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's distraction and anxiety from a reported failure of the airplane's electrical system.NTSB ERA11LA326Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBuckeye Dream Machine · Russellville, TNThe pilot’s failure to switch fuel tanks when the fuel was exhausted, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.NTSB WPR11FA242Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Wendover, UTThe pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed during the downwind turn resulting in an aerodynamic stall, in-flight loss of control, and spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and exceedance of the approved weight and…NTSB ERA11FA321Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Ellijay, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain while maneuvering in a mountainous area.NTSB WPR11FA241Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R172K · Cold Springs, NVThe pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a controlled collision with terrain.NTSB CEN11FA358Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell 112 · Bryan, TXThe pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and his improper control inputs following the loss of engine power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to…NTSB WPR11FA239Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBrantly B-2B · Weaverville, CAThe student pilot's decision to fly in windy conditions that exceeded his capabilities, which resulted in his subsequent loss of helicopter control. Contributing to the accident was his lack of flight experience in the accident helicopter.NTSB ANC11FA037Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Chugiak, AKThe pilot's loss of control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in make and model, his lack of currency in FAA required takeoffs and landings, and his…NTSB ERA11FA312Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Murphy, NCAn in-flight fire that mostly likely occurred in the right front cockpit area behind the instrument panel and below the glare shield; the origin of the fire could not be determined because of the extensive fire damage.NTSB CEN11RA687Accident · 12 fatalForeign investigationPilatus PC-12 · Faridabad Parvatiya Colony, IndiaOn May 25, 2011, an Indian registered Pilatus PC-12/45 airplane, VT-ACF, operated by Air Chartered Services Pvt, as an emergency medical services (EMS) flight, sustained substantial damage when the airplane impacted terrain near Faridabad Parvatiya Colony,…NTSB DCA11WA113Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech C90 · Kaduna, NigeriaOn May 24, 2011 about 1300 UTC, N346UZ, a Beechcraft C90, collided with the ground during approach to Kaduna Airport (KAD), Kaduna, Nigeria. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The local flight originated at…NTSB ERA11WA308Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 206L-3 · Norte de Santander, ColombiaOn May 23, 2011, about 2105 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Bell 206L-3, Columbian registration HK4448, operated by Aviheco S.A., was destroyed following a collision with terrain near Norte de Santander, Columbia. The local flight originated in Bogota.…NTSB CEN11FA346Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHansen IB C Cassutt III M · Erie, COThe pilot's incapacitation due to a cardiac event.NTSB CEN11FA347Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Taos, NMThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of situational awareness, and a possible encounter with icing conditions.NTSB WPR11FA230Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCameron Lancair Legacy · Pioneer, CAThe pilot’s continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions at an insufficient altitude to clear terrain.NTSB WPR11FA228Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Rock Springs, WYThe pilot’s decision to continue flight into an area of known adverse weather, which resulted in an accumulation of structural ice that led to a loss of control and in-flight breakup. Also causal was the pilot’s inadequate preflight weather planning.NTSB DCA11RA059Accident · 21 fatalForeign investigationSaab 340 · Los Menucos, ArgentinaOn May 18, 2011, at about 23:47 UTC, a Sol Lineas Aereas Saab 340A, registration LV-CEJ, was enroute from Neuquén, Argentina, to Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina when the flight crew declared an emergency then disappeared from radar. The aircraft was later…NTSB WPR11FA225Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportP&M Pegasus Quik 912S · Hanalei, HIThe pilot's continued operation of the aircraft with deteriorated wing fabric and his aggressive maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in the right wing fabric’s failure during flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's loading of the aircraft…NTSB ERA11WA310Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34-200 · Sao Pedro, BrazilOn May 16, 2011, about 0130 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-34-200, Brazilian registration PT-IFS, was destroyed when it impacted hilly terrain under unknown circumstances near Sao Pedro, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Brazilian certificated pilot and three…NTSB WPR11LA223Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCzech Aircraft Works Spol Sro Sportcruiser · Arlington, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain control during the takeoff climb, which resulted in a stall at low altitude and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impaired performance from over-the-counter medications.NTSB ERA11WA305Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210M · Breu Branco, BrazilOn May 14, 2011, about 1430 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 210M, Brazilian registration PR-HSM, was substantially damaged when it impacted wooded terrain under unknown circumstances, in a remote, dense forest near Breu Branco, Brazil. The foreign…NTSB ERA11FA299Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Benezette, PAThe pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined from the available evidence.NTSB CEN11FA337Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell OH-58C · New Athens, ILThe pilot’s failure to attain sufficient altitude to clear terrain while maneuvering.NTSB WPR11WA482Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Julia Creek, Australia, AustraliaOn May 9, 2011, at 0440 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R-22, Australian registry VH-DSD, operated by Versatile Helicopter Services, impacted terrain during a mustering operation near Julia Creek, Australia. The helicopter was substantially damaged and…NTSB WPR11FA221Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Miles City, MTThe pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into deteriorating weather conditions in an airplane not equipped for instrument flight, which resulted in a collision with terrain.NTSB ERA11FA291Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · New Hampton, NYThe PA24 pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from the PA28, resulting in an in-flight collision. Contributing to the accident was the PA24 pilot's decision to overtake the PA28.NTSB ERA11FA287Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCzech Sport Piper Sport · Spring Hill, FLThe pilot's inadvertent application of control inputs that resulted in rapid, right-rolling, negative g-forces during night cruise flight and his subsequent ejection from the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly at night in…NTSB CEN11FA324Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportWoodward Harold L Ravin 500 · Conroe, TXAn in-flight smoke event on takeoff and the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA11FA285Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHebert Peter J Lancair Legacy · Richlands, NCThe pilot's improper in-flight fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB CEN11FA319Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportThomas Europa · Shreveport, LAThe loss of aircraft control and subsequent impact with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN11LA316Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorris Dominator · Blue Springs, NEThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines.NTSB ERA11FA274Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Miami Gardens, FLThe pilot’s improper response to a loss of power in the No. 2 engine and his failure to ensure that the airplane was airworthy. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate engine maintenance by the operator's maintenance personnel.NTSB ERA11FA272Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Indiana, PAThe pilot's operation of the helicopter at a low-forward airspeed out of ground effect, which resulted in the helicopter’s loss of translational lift and tail rotor authority and the pilot’s subsequent loss of helicopter control.NTSB CEN11FA312Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCombs Earl W Kitfox Speedster · Elephant Butte, NMThe pilot's loss of control of the airplane for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB CEN11FA310Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportJurmu Stol CH701 · Pulaski, WIThe pilot did not maintain control of the airplane during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent flight experience.NTSB ANC11WA028Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 195A · Campbell River, CanadaNTSB ERA11WA276Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Sulmona, ItalyOn April 26, 2011, at 1743 coordinated universal time (1843 local time), a Robinson R22, Italian registration I-ETEC, was destroyed when it impacted power lines near Sulmona, L'Aquila, Italy. The pilot and the observer were fatally injured. The flight, which…NTSB CEN11LA307Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 320 · Lake Heron, NMThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while conducting a flight at low altitude in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA11LA263Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSolo Wings Windlass Aquilla · Starke, FLThe pilot's loss of airplane control while taxiing, which resulted in the weight-shift-controlled airplane becoming inadvertently airborne and subsequently impacting the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the make and…NTSB ERA11FA258Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210D · Altavista, VAThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of experience in actual night instrument conditions.NTSB CEN11FA304Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCubcrafters CC11-160 · Parker, COThe pilot’s excessive and unsafe maneuvering during gusty wind conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent stall-spin.NTSB CEN11FA302Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Topeka, KSThe pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s minimal experience flying in actual instrument conditions.NTSB ERA11WA265Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationEmbraer EMB-810C · Manaus, BrazilOn April 21, 2011, about 1850 coordinated universal time, an Embraer EMB-810C, Brazilian registration PT-EFS, was destroyed when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Eduardo Gomes Airport (SBEG), Manaus, Brazil. The two flight crewmembers and five…NTSB CEN11FA300Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDahlman-Dower Tailwind W-8 · Elk City, OKThe pilot's decision to attempt flight into instrument meteorological conditions in an airplane that was equipped for flight in visual meteorological conditions only, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disoriented and loss of control of the airplane.NTSB CEN11WA297Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationReims FR172J · Rheindelden, GermanyOn April 18, 2011, approximately 1245 coordinated universal time, a Reims Cessna FR172J, D-EENT, departed the runway and nosed over while landing at Herten-Rheinfelden Aiport (EDTR), Rheinfelden, Germany. The two occupants on-board were both fatally injured.…NTSB CEN11FA299Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportClaus Rodney L Christen Eagle II · San Angelo, TXThe pilot did not maintain sufficient altitude to recover from a low-level aerobatic maneuver.NTSB CEN11FA285Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHawker-Beechcraft E-55 · De Queen, ARThe pilot’s loss of control during takeoff for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR11WA200Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 206B-III · Sibu, Malaysia, MalaysiaOn April 11, 2011, about 1350 coordinated universal time, a Bell 206B-III, 9M-AXH, collided with terrain during takeoff near Sibu, Malaysia. The pilot was fatally injured and the helicopter was substantially damaged. The helicopter was operated by Sabah Air…