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 ERA10WA043Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationAerospatiale AS350 · Loreto, PeruOn October 29, 2009, about 1305 UTC, a Eurocopter AS350-B2, Peruvian registration OB-1909-P, operated by Helinka, had a total loss of engine power while descending to a remote landing zone. The helicopter collided with trees during a forced landing. Visual…NTSB ERA10FA037Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · ChristianstedThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to ensure proper loading of the airplane.NTSB CEN10LA031Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Gaylord, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low altitude turn resulting in an aerodynamic stall/spin and loss of control.NTSB CEN10FA029Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Kalamazoo, MIThe loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.NTSB ERA10WA060Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22B · Verona, ItalyOn October 26, 2009, at 1300 coordinated universal time, a Robinson R22B helicopter, Italian registration I-ANSO, was substantially damaged when it impacted water in Lake Garda, near Verona, Italy. The pilot and a passenger were fatally injured. Visual…NTSB ERA10WA035Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationHawker BAe-125-800B · Minsk, BelarusOn October 26, 2009, at 1934 universal coordinated time (2134 local standard time), a Hawker-Beech BAe-125-800, Russian registration RA-02807, operated by S-Air, was destroyed when it impacted forested terrain during a go-around attempt at Minsk-2…NTSB CEN10FA028Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B100 · Benavides, TXThe pilot's failure to avoid severe weather, and the air traffic controller's failure to provide adverse weather avoidance assistance, as required by Federal Aviation Administration directives, both of which led to the airplane's encounter with a severe…NTSB ERA10FA029Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Bennington, VTThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a night approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s non-standard traffic pattern over higher terrain.NTSB ERA10FA028Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 46-350P · Zephyrhills, FLA total loss of engine power during a night approach for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN10FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCommander 114-B · Adrian, MIThe pilot did not maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation while on an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA10WA044Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBritten Norman BN2A · Kralendijk, Bonaire, NTOn October 22, 2009, about 1417 universal coordinated time, a Britten Norman BN-2A/26, PJ-SUN, experienced a right engine failure during cruise flight, and subsequently ditched in the Caribbean Sea, near Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles. The airplane…NTSB ERA10LA026Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFuji LM1 · Athens, GAAn aerodynamic stall shortly after takeoff for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA10FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206G · Elizabethton, TNThe pilot’s failure to remain clear of rising terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB WPR10FA027Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210G · Provo, UTA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection.NTSB ERA10FA024Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Summerville, SCFlight into terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB DCA10RA010Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 707 · Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesOn October 21, 2009, a Sudan Airways, B-707, registration ST-AKW, crashed shortly after takeoff from runway 30 at Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah, UAE. The six crewmembers on board were fatally injured and the airplane was destroyed. The intended…NTSB ERA10FA020Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Oliver Springs, TNThe pilot's loss of directional control while landing on a wet turf runway, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a tree.NTSB CEN10WA058Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPilatus PC12 · Weert, NetherlandsOn October 16, 2009, at 0730 universal coordinated time, a Pilatus PC-12/47 airplane, Dutch registered PH-RUL, registered to E.S. Management BV, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Weert, The Netherlands. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at…NTSB CEN10WA016Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationEurocopter EC120B · San José de Ocoa, Dominican RepublicNTSB CEN10FA019Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Tahlequah, OKThe pilot's impairment due to recent heavy use of methamphetamine, recent use of a narcotic pain reliever, and fatigue. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of instrument experience and training.NTSB ANC10FA004Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185E · Healy, AKThe pilot's decision to maneuver at a low altitude over rising terrain in conditions conducive to turbulence/downdrafts, resulting in a loss of control and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR10FA018Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Pryor, MTThe pilot’s decision to continue flight into an area of low ceilings and low visibility and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain.NTSB WPR10FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas Heli 369FF · Fossil, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a power pole to which he was connecting wire-pulling ropes.NTSB WPR10FA223Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D1 · Skokomish, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while flying over hilly, forested terrain.NTSB CEN10FA011Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Alexandria, LAFailure of the wingman to maintain proper separation from the lead airplane during formation maneuvers. Contributing to the accident was lead's abrupt right bank and both pilots' lack of formation training.NTSB WPR10LA010Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCruz SE5A Replica · Phoenix, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in a stall/spin and impact with the ground.NTSB WPR10FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Burlington, WAThe pilot's in-flight loss of control due to his failure to correctly connect the elevator control cables during the restoration/rebuild of the airplane. Contributing to this accident was the pilot's decision to perform a high-speed taxi test prior to having…NTSB ERA10LA007Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCase Richard L VAN RV-6 · Magnolia, NCThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meterological conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight evaluation of the weather.NTSB WPR10FA005Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Black Canyon City, AZThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were low ceilings, reduced visibility, and mountainous terrain.NTSB WPR10WA036Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAir Tractor AT-502 · Narrogin, Australia, AustraliaOn October 3, 2009, at 1130 Western Standard Time, an Air Tractor AT-502, VH-ODP, operated by Agricair Pty Limited, as an agricultural flight collided with the ground while maneuvering 47 Km east northeast of Narrogin, Australia. Visual meteorological…NTSB CEN10WA009Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech A36 · Guanajuato, MexicoOn October 3, 2009, approximately 1030 central daylight time a Beech A36TC, XB-CGU, was substantially damaged upon impact with terrain near Guanajuato, Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot and one passenger…NTSB CEN10WA003Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna F172N · Sulzberg, GermanyUnder the jurisdiction and control of the German government.NTSB ERA10WA012Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationAerospatiale AS350 · Cusco, PeruOn October 1, 2009, about 2205 UTC, a Eurocopter AS350-B3, Peruvian registration OB-1911-P, operated by Coyotair S.A.C., was destroyed following an impact with terrain near Cusco, Peru. The helicopter impacted against a hill side at approximately 11,700 feet…NTSB CEN09LA611Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMckenna James E AVID-CATAL · Inks Lake, TXThe pilot’s decision to take off with a known airframe deficiency.NTSB CEN09FA610Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20M · Albany, INThe incapacitation of the pilot during high-altitude cruise flight for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA09FA537Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS-350 · Georgetown, SCThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and a loss of control of the helicopter. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate…NTSB ERA09WA546Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA18 · Barbones, Ecuador, EcuadorOn September 25, 2009, about 1330 central standard time, a Piper PA-18-150, Ecuadorian registration HC-AHD, registered to and operated by FumiPalma S.A., crashed following a loss of engine power, while on an approach for landing at the Pista Bardones, El Oro,…NTSB WPR09LA463Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFrazier Tangent · Nampa, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain pitch control of the airplane.NTSB ERA09LA536Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDuke Paul Challenger II · Lumberton, MSThe non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during a go-around procedure for unknown reasons.NTSB DCA09WA079Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBAE Jetstream 41 · Durban, South AfricaOn September 24, 2009 about 0557 UTC, a BAE Jetstream 4100, ZS-NRM, operated by South African Air Link on a positioning flight, crashed shortly after takeoff from runway 06 at Durban Airport, South Africa. The pilot reported a loss of power in one engine…NTSB CEN09FA603Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Houma, LAThe pilot’s decision to take off into instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CEN09FA601Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210 · Hilltop Lakes, TXThe loss of control of the airplane in dark night light conditions due to the pilot’s spatial disorientation.NTSB CEN09WA598Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationSchweizer 269C · Blackpool, United KingdomOn September 22, 2009, at 1104 universal coordinated time, a Schweizer 269C helicopter, United Kingdom registered G-LINX, registered to Heli-Lynx Limited, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Blackpool, Lancashire, England. Visual meteorological…NTSB CEN09LA597Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Columbia, MOThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which included low ceilings and fog, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of engine power as a result of water…NTSB WPR09FA459Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Forest Grove, ORThe flight crew’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor speed while maneuvering, which resulted in a main rotor blade stall and an uncontrolled descent into terrain.NTSB ERA09FA526Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Fort Lauderdale, FLFatigue failure of the No. 5 engine cylinder fuel supply line, which resulted in an engine compartment fire. Also causal was the pilot's failure to immediately secure the engine/perform a forced landing after discovery of the fire, which resulted in the…NTSB ERA09LA527Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Lowndesville, SCThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and improper decision to continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation after entering instrument flight conditions.NTSB WPR09LA453Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuad City Challenger II · Redlands, CAStructural failure of the right wing during the landing approach due to the separation of the wing's fabric covering.NTSB CEN09RA590Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA34 · Castro Verde, PortugalOn September 15, 2009, at 2055 Western European Summer Time, a Piper PA-34-220T, OO-TML, registered to Ben-Air Flight Academy was destroyed upon impact with terrain during a night navigation training flight. The airplane had disappeared from radar and no…NTSB ERA09WA519Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Perm, RussiaOn September 14, 2009, at 0700 Universal Time Coordinated, a Robinson R44-II, Russian registration RA-04289, operated by Geliks Airline, crashed 6.2 miles from the Perm Airport, Perm, Russia. The pilot and passenger were killed, and the helicopter sustained…