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 WPR09LA449Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-34 · Lake Elsinore, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the glider after the tow line released during the initial climb.NTSB ERA09FA515Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus SR-22 · Rock Hill, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and altitude while maneuvering after takeoff.NTSB ERA09FA514Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Flat Rock, NCThe pilot’s attempt to maintain visual flight during instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in controlled flight into mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to advise the controller of the weather conditions…NTSB WPR09FA437Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Coolidge, AZThe failure of both safety/spotter pilots to see and avoid the other airplane.NTSB CEN09WA582Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationReims F172 · Commune de Brethencourt, FranceUnder the jurisdiction and control of the French government.NTSB ERA09LA503Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-11 · Quincy, FLThe pilot’s improper use of flight controls following a partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from the use of an over-the-counter sedating antihistamine.NTSB ERA09LA501Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKeithley Thomas E Starduster Too · St. Matthews, SCA loss of airplane control during approach for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA09LA500Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBlum Matthew Aventura II · Boca Raton, FLThe improper assembly of both carburetors, resulting in an excessively rich fuel to air ratio and subsequent partial loss of engine power.NTSB ERA09LA502Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportM-Squared Sprint 1000 · Madeira Beach, FLA loss of torque to the gearbox engine-side coupling flange bolts, which resulted in separation of the gearbox and propeller from the engine and the subsequent severing of the airplane's tail structure.NTSB CEN09FA562Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Tulsa, OKThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to attempt flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and an in-flight collision with a radio tower guy wire.NTSB DCA09WA076Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationBell 430 · Kurnoon, IndiaOn September 2, 2009, at approximately 0343 UTC, a Government of Andhra Pradesh Gad (Poll "c") Bell 430 helicopter crashed enroute to Chitoor, India from Hyderabad, India. There were 2 crew members and 3 passengers, including the Secretariat of Hyderabad on…NTSB ERA09FA497Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Jackson, MSThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm, for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN10WA072Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 414 · Simeprodeso, MexicoNTSB WPR09FA428Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Canyonville, ORThe non-instrument-rated and non-certificated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions in mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA09LA492Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBond Neal O S-9 · Saylorsburg, PAThe pilot’s excessive flight control inputs that resulted in an overload failure of the right elevator and horizontal stabilizer.NTSB WPR09LA419Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJames B. Taplin RV-6 · Orland, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB ERA09FA487Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TB20 · Pavo, GAThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, with embedded intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, and severe to extreme turbulence, resulting in an in-flight separation of the left wing due to overstress.NTSB ERA09LA483Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech C24R · Sylva, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during an aborted landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN09LA549Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-15 · Lakeview, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB CEN09LA555Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDestiny Powered Parachutes Destiny 2000 · Arcanum, OHThe failure of pilot to maintain an adequate visual lookout in order to avoid the collision with an aircraft on final approach to land.NTSB CEN09LA543Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSportflight International Astra HKS · Bloomfield, INThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering.NTSB WPR09FA414Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25 · Creswell, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff for a glider tow operation. Contributing to the accident were the tow pilot's impairment due to marijuana use and the low altitude of the flight that reduced the time available to recover from an…NTSB CEN09LA538Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBrown Joseph B JR RV-6 · Ama, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.NTSB CEN10WA486Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna T206 · Hamburg Harbour, GermanyOn August 22, 2009, at 1252 coordinated universal time, a Cessna T206H, was substantially damaged when it nosed over during a water landing at Hamburg Harbour, Hamburg, Germany. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot…NTSB CEN09LA536Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBrown Steen Skybolt · Harrison, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA09LA469Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRaytheon 58 · Teterboro, NJThe complete loss of thrust due to the second-in-command’s (SIC) inadvertent feathering of both propellers during a high-speed, low-altitude approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-in-command’s inadequate monitoring of the SIC’s performance.…NTSB WPR09GA407Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Austin, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain a stabilized approach prior to the retardant drop and his subsequent failure to release the retardant load, resulting in a stall/mush and collision with terrain.NTSB WPR09FA409Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportStemme S10-VT · Mackay, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering in terrain-induced turbulent wind conditions, resulting in an inadvertent entry into a stall/spin.NTSB WPR09FA400Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24 · Prescott, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering to return to the runway at a high density altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR09FA398Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Hesperia, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin. Also causal was the failure of the left magneto due to improper assembly of the drive gear during installation on the…NTSB CEN09LA523Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFrom Here To There PDQ RV-8 · Tea, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during recovery from an aerobatic maneuver.NTSB CEN09LA527Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Corning, IAThe in-flight loss of control due to the pilot's impairment as a result of hypoxia. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate the unpressurized airplane at an altitude requiring supplemental oxygen without having any oxygen available.NTSB CEN09WA524Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech 99 · Évora, PortugalUnder the jurisdiction and control of the Portuguese government.NTSB CEN09FA518Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Eden Prairie, MNThe pilot’s lack of experience flying the accident make and model of airplane, which led to a loss of control while maneuvering to return to the airport. Contributing to the accident was a partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA09LA454Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPongracz John M Nieuport 1 · Brasstown, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during climb after takeoff, resulting in an inadvertent stall.NTSB ERA09LA452Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMaxair Drifter · Bumpass, VAThe accelerated stall induced by the pilot in a steep turn to avoid obstacles during takeoff. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s chosen takeoff path and the density altitude.NTSB ERA09MA447Accident · 9 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Hoboken, NJ(1) the inherent limitations of the see-and-avoid concept, which made it difficult for the airplane pilot to see the helicopter until the final seconds before the collision, and (2) the Teterboro Airport local controller’s nonpertinent telephone conversation,…NTSB ERA09LA450Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStump Bradley Kolb · Calhoun, TNThe pilot’s decision to perform aerobatics at a low altitude and his failure to maintain control of the airplane while performing aerobatics.NTSB ERA09LA448Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKociemba Robert H T-Bird II · Keymar, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.NTSB WPR09FA391Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportNavion Navion A · Adrian, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control while in cruise flight due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an exceedence of the design stress limits of the aircraft and led to an in-flight structural failure.NTSB WPR09FA379Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Saint Charles, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering.NTSB CEN09WA529Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 412 · Manzanillo, MexicoOn August 7, 2009 a Bell Helicopter model 212 was destroyed when it impacted the ground in low visibility mountainous terrain. The pilot and on board mechanic were killed. The helicopter is located near a mountain top and is not accessible. When to helicopter…NTSB CEN09LA512Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHooper James A Bushby MUS · Gladwin, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR09FA385Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182S · Napa, CAThe instrument-rated pilot’s loss of situational awareness and failure to follow the prescribed instrument departure clearance/procedure, which resulted in an in-flight collision with the terrain.NTSB CEN09WA506Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationEnstrom F28 · Mont Laurier, CanadaOn August 5, 2009, at 1000 eastern daylight time, an Enstrom F28C helicopter, Canadian registered C-GVQQ, registered to a private individual and piloted by the accident pilot, was destroyed when it impacted wires and terrain near Mont-Laurier Airport (CSD4),…NTSB WPR09LA384Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing E75 · Happy Jack, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the high density altitude.NTSB CEN09WA499Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationTorrance, CanadaOn August 3, 2009, 1545 eastern daylight time, a Cessna TU-206, C-GGMG impacted trees during takeoff from Lake Muskoka, near Torrance, Ontario, Canada. The airplane was destroyed. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The flight was originating at…NTSB WPR09LA378Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGray RV-6 · Caldwell, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed that led to a stall/spin while maneuvering in the traffic pattern.NTSB ERA09LA435Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech B90 · West Point, VAThe inadvertent deployment of the instructor's reserve parachute.NTSB DCA09WA070Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206 · Nairobi, KenyaOn August 1, 2009, about 1130 UTC, 5Y-LMB, Cessna U206, owned and operated by the African Inland Mission, collided with the ground at Nairobi, Kenya. The airplane was conducting low flight while the passengers were filming the underlying area. During the…