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 ERA10LA164Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Savannah, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and inadvertent stall after takeoff.NTSB CEN10FA141Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEvektor-Aerotechnik Sportstar Plus · Marysville, OHThe pilot's improper decision to initiate and continue a flight into instrument meteorological conditions that led to spatial disorientation and a loss of control during cruise flight.NTSB ERA10FA161Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T303 · Louisa, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and secure the right engine during a loss of engine power after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine power on the right engine for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA10LA158Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMonroig Pedro J Rans S-6S · Mayaguez, PRThe sport pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during landing in crosswind conditions resulting in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN10WA134Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 150 · Waldzell, AustriaThis accident is under the jurisdiction and control of the Austrian government.NTSB CEN10FA130Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C24R · Bristow, OKThe pilot’s loss of control for undetermined reasons while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB ERA10FA154Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech P35 · Edgewater, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while on approach, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's likely impairment due to back pain, symptoms of opiate withdrawal, or both.NTSB CEN10LA129Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Gatesville, TXThe pilot’s incapacitation as a result of one or more pre-existing medical conditions.NTSB ERA10WA160Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 310R · Nova Lima, BrazilOn Feburary 26, 2010, about 1119 UTC, a Cessna 310R, Brazilian registration PT-OID, was destroyed when it collided with mountainous terrain near Nova Lima, Brazil. The pilot and one passenger were killed. The flight originated from Leopoldina, Brazil (SNDN)…NTSB CEN10RA133Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna 206 · San Pedro, BelizeNTSB ERA10WA153Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206F · Nazca, PeruOn February 25, 2010, about 1630 universal coordinated time (1130 local time), a Cessna U206F, Peruvian registration OB-1117, operated by Nazca Airlines, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Nazca, Ica Province, Peru. The Peruvian commercial pilot and…NTSB ERA10FA150Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Winter Haven, FLThe pilot’s improper placement of the fuel selector valve during takeoff, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a total loss of engine power resulting in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was the failure of maintenance…NTSB ERA10FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Springfield, KYThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's impairment due to alcohol. Contributing to the accident was the Federal Aviation Administration's failure to adequately oversee…NTSB CEN10FA125Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 46-350P · Belleville, ILThe pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent failure to maintain airplane control during the instrument approach.NTSB WPR10FA142Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Groveland, CAThe pilot's continued flight into night instrument meteorological conditions during the landing approach, which resulted in an in-flight loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB ERA10WA157Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · Carayaca, VenezuelaOn February 19, 2010, about 1950 Universal Coordinated Time, a Bell 206B helicopter, Venezuelan registration YV2191, operated by Aeromedic 2005, was lost from contact with Maiquetia approach control. The helicopter departed from Generalisimo Francisco de…NTSB CEN10FA124Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-236 · Austin, TXThe pilot’s intentional flight into a building.NTSB WPR10FA136Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Palo Alto, CAThe pilot’s failure follow the standard instrument departure as instructed, and his failure to attain a sufficient altitude to maintain clearance from power lines during takeoff in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CEN10FA122Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Amarillo, TXThe pilot’s failure to detect water contaminated fuel, which resulted in a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident were the worn and loose fuel caps, which allowed water to enter the fuel tanks.NTSB ERA10FA140Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T337G · Farmingdale, NJThe pilots’ failure to adhere to the airplane’s operating limitations, which resulted in overload failure of the right wing. Findings of the investigation were the adverse effects of multiple supplemental type certificates (STC) to the airframe wing structure…NTSB WPR10FA133Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter EC135 · Cave Creek, AZThe sudden and inadvertent lowering of the collective to near the lower stop, followed by a simultaneous movement of the collective back up and the cyclic control to a nearly full-aft position, which resulted in the main rotor disc diverging from its normal…NTSB CEN10WA121Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 550B · Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna, GermanyThis investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the German Government.NTSB CEN10FA119Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Forest City, IAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during final approach.NTSB WPR10FA131Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportYakovlev YAK 52 · Redlands, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and altitude sufficient to recover from a low-level aerobatic maneuver.NTSB ERA10FA138Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 65 · Lawrenceville, GAThe failure of both engines for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN10FA115Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Boulder, COThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other resulting in a midair collision. Contributing to the accident was the lack of perceived visual relative motion of the Piper and the Cirrus to the pilot of each airplane, the terrain background, and the…NTSB CEN10FA114Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Winslow, ARThe instrument-rated pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control during flight in instrument meteorological and conditions favorable for structural icing.NTSB CEN10FA113Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS350 · El Paso, TXThe pilot's loss of situational awareness resulting in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's unfamiliarity with the hazards of a low-contrast area while using night vision goggles.NTSB ERA10WA133Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Restauracion, Dominican Republic, Dominican RepublicOn February 4, 2010, about 1940 Atlantic standard time, a Robinson R44II helicopter, N7535F, impacted the side of Mount Jina Mocha, in the city of Restauracion, Dominican Republic, at night, while en route from Port Au Prince, Haiti to Cibao International…NTSB WPR10FA120Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Phoenix, AZThe student pilot’s decision to take off in marginal visual flight rules conditions, which resulted in an encounter with low clouds, and the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires while maneuvering in the traffic pattern for landing.NTSB ERA10WA130Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34 · Ipero, BrazilOn January 27, 2010, at 0918 EST, a Piper PA-34, PR-UGO, of Brazilian registration, registered to and operated by an individual, crashed 10 minutes after takeoff. The pilot and passenger were killed and the airplane was substantially damaged. The weather at…NTSB CEN10WA309Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationRobinson Helicopter R44 · Horten, Norway, NorwayOn January 27, 2010, at 1323 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Robinson Helicopter Company model R44, s/n 0024, Norwegian registration LN-OCV, was substantially damaged when it impacted Oslofjord, near Horten, Norway. The pilot and 3 passengers were fatally…NTSB DCA10RA023Accident · 90 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Beirut, LebanonOn January 25, 2010, about 0041 UTC, Ethiopian Airlines flight 409, Boeing 737-800, ET-ANB, crashed into the Mediterranean Sea shortly after takeoff from Beirut-Rafic Hairiri International Airport, Beirut, Lebanon. Night instrument meteorological conditions…NTSB CEN10FA108Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSmith Aerostar 601P · Sugar Grove, ILThe pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent failure to maintain airplane control.NTSB CEN10FA107Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCostruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2002 · Waxahachie, TXA loss of aircraft control while maneuvering for undetermined reasons.NTSB ANC10FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 1900C · Sand Point, AKAn in-flight loss of control for an undetermined reason, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent.NTSB WPR10GA113Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 182R · Corvallis, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while operating into a known area of mountain obscuration due to low clouds, precipitation, and mist.NTSB WPR10FA116Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340 · Lytle Creek, CAThe pilot’s loss of situational awareness while maneuvering under a cloud layer and failure to maintain sufficient clearance from mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA10FA115Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B-60 · Madison, ALThe pilot's failure to divert to the nearest suitable airport following a total loss of power in the right engine during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the total loss of power in the right engine due to separation of its No. 2 cylinder as a…NTSB CEN10FA097Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-60 · Elyria, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the instrument approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB ERA10WA116Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-32-300 · Bimini, Bahamas, BahamasOn January 17, 2010, at approximately 1545 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32-300, N4219R, crashed approximately 500 yards northwest of the Bimini Bay Resort, North Bimini, Bahamas. The flight departed Lynden Pindling International Airport, Nassau, Bahamas…NTSB CEN10LA099Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBuckeye DM · Sublette, KSThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other aircraft, which resulted in a midair collision while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN10FA101Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Holland, MIThe pilot's decision to take off in known instrument meteorological conditions without instrument currency or recent instrument experience, which led to spatial disorientation resulting in an inadvertent spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack…NTSB ERA10LA120Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSteele Samuel D RV-4 · Picayune, MSThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the overweight and aft-center-of-gravity condition of the airplane at takeoff.NTSB CEN10WA096Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31P · Kidlington, United KingdomNTSB ERA10LA119Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuad City Challenger · Palmetto, FLThe non-certificated pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with the ground. Contributing to the accident was his impairment due to the prescription narcotic medication he was taking.NTSB ERA10LA113Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFoster John Glasair III · Oxford, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach path during visual conditions at dusk, which resulted in an in-flight collision with power lines.NTSB WPR10FA107Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Honolulu, HIThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions at an altitude insufficient to ensure adequate terrain clearance. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller's failure to issue a safety alert after observing the…NTSB WPR10LA104Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAirborne Streak 2 · Lake Isabella, CAThe pilot’s performance of prohibited aerobatic flight maneuvers that exceeded the structural limits of the airplane, resulting in an in-flight breakup.NTSB WPR10LA103Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLarson RV8 · Sequim, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.