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 ERA09FA429Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus SR-22 · Ravenswood, WVThe pilot's improper modification of the certified, on-board oxygen system, which resulted in incapacitation due to hypoxia, and the airplane's subsequent uncontrolled descent into terrain.NTSB CEN09LA466Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8C · Mount Carmel, ILThe reason for this accident was not determined.NTSB CEN09FA462Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Oklahoma City, OKThe pilot’s decision to operate an airplane with known deficiencies, and the loss of engine power during climb for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA09FA417Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Boonsboro, MDThe pilot’s improper decision to depart on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight at night in adverse weather conditions in close proximity to rising mountainous terrain in a helicopter that was only certified to be operated under VFR and his subsequent failure…NTSB WPR09LA362Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Elma, WAA total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to the fatigue failure of the number 4 cylinder connecting rod.NTSB ERA09FA414Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369 · Franklin, PAA loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's fuel mismanagement.NTSB WPR09TA356Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell 212 · Willow Creek, CAThe rappeller's failure to properly latch the rappelling harness to the rappelling assembly before exiting the helicopter.NTSB ANC09WA079Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Tajima, JapanOn July 20, 2009, about 0925 Japan standard time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, Japanese registration JA32CT, collided with mountainous terrain about 9 miles southeast of the Tajima Airport, Tajima, Japan. The helicopter sustained substantial damage due to…NTSB ANC09WA071Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-46-31P · Kamsack, CanadaOn July 19, 2009, about 2100 central standard time, a Piper PA-46-31P airplane, Canadian registration C-GUZZ, crashed on takeoff from Kamsack, Saskatchewan, Canada. Two people aboard received fatal injuries, and the remaining two people aboard received…NTSB ERA09LA413Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Ponce, PRThe airplane’s impact with water for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA09LA412Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJames O'Bert Vari-Eze · Columbus, GAThe pilots improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB CEN09LA444Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech TC-45J · Verdel, NEThe pilot's improper decision to fly an airplane that was not airworthy and for which he was not properly rated to operate, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane during a forced landing to a field following an engine failure. Contributing to the…NTSB WPR09LA357Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWeiss Lancair · Santa Clarita, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and control while maneuvering.NTSB CEN09WA454Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCirrus SR22 · Perrigny, FranceUnder the jurisdiction and control of the French government.NTSB ERA09FA419Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMD Helicopter 530 (369FF) · Camp Butler, IraqThe pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance during a low-level course reversal.NTSB ERA09FA411Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · Hayesville, NCFlight into terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR09FA347Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon G36 · Hawthorne, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the inadvertent activation of the fuel boost pump during the attempted go-around.NTSB CEN09LA440Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAntares MA-33 · Centerburg, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ANC09WA063Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationMaule M-5-235C · Whitehorse, CanadaOn July 13, 2009, about 2145 pacific daylight time, a float-equipped Maule M-5-235C airplane, N9138E, nosed over and partially sank while landing on Kluane Lake, about 127 miles northwest of Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. The airplane was being operated as a…NTSB ANC09FA062Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportZenair Stol CH 701 · Wasilla, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid an aerodynamic stall during takeoff and his decision to fly the airplane over its allowable gross weight. Contributing to the accident was the airplane's excessive gross weight.NTSB ERA09WA408Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech A36 · Masizo del Roraima, Venezuela, VenezuelaOn July 16, 2009, about 1640 Atlantic standard time, the wreckage of a Beechcraft A36 A, N354RA, was located on the “Ilu – Tepuy” mountain, within the sector of Masizo del Roraima, Bolivar, Venezuela. The pilot had filed a flight plan from the Maurice Bishop…NTSB ERA09LA398Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBarber John A Glasair · Switzerland, FLA loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's performance of aerobatic maneuvers at altitudes lower than those recommended by the kit manufacturer, resulting in insufficient terrain clearance to conduct a…NTSB ERA09LA394Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAyres S2R-T34 · Hertford, NCThe in-flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN09LA427Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportZivko Aeronautics Edge 540 · Tarkio, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the aerobatic flight.NTSB ANC09WA084Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationKawasaki BK117 · Kinmen, TaiwanOn July 10, 2009, about 0420 Taiwan standard time, a Kawasaki BK-117-B1 helicopter, Taiwanese registration B-77088, collided with ocean water about 1 mile south of the Kinmen Island Airport, Kinmen, Taiwan. The helicopter sustained substantial damage due to…NTSB CEN09FA425Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American SNJ-5 · Simla, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while practicing aerobatic maneuvers and his subsequent failure to recover from an inadvertent spin.NTSB WPR09FA334Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Mammoth Lakes, CAThe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision to attempt to fly at a low altitude in a confined area of mountainous terrain in a high density altitude weather condition, and his failure to maintain clearance from the trees.NTSB ERA09LA392Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNoles Vance L Vans RV7A · Sanderson, FLThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions with convective activity and thunderstorms. Contributing to the accident was his failure to get an adequate weather briefing.NTSB ERA09FA389Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Gulf of MexicoThe pilot’s decision to operate into a known area of adverse weather, which resulted in the inadvertent penetration of a severe thunderstorm, a subsequent loss of control, and in-flight breakup of the airplane.NTSB ERA09LA385Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Brinson, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model airplane.NTSB WPR09FA326Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · South Lake Tahoe, CAA partial loss of engine power due to a malfunctioning carburetor and the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to return to the runway. Contributing to the accident was the high density altitude.NTSB ERA09FA377Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 400 · Huntington, WVThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation.NTSB ERA09FA376Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPilatus PC-12/45 · Raphine, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while in instrument meteorological conditions following a reported instrumentation failure for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR09LA325Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Vodochody L-29 · Tehachapi, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while performing a low altitude maneuver.NTSB CEN09LA409Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Latimer, IAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power line while flying at a low altitude.NTSB CEN09FA405Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Weslaco, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while operating with a fuel imbalance. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/owner's decision to fly the airplane outside of the operating limitations.NTSB WPR09FA320Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-350P · St George, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during descent for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR09LA318Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAlexander Schleicher ASW 27-18E · Ephrata, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the glider during flight and his exceedance of the glider’s design limits during an attempted recovery from a spin.NTSB WPR09LA317Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Ventus 2CM · Paragonah, UTThe glider departed controlled flight for undetermined reasons.NTSB DCA09WA063Accident · 152 fatalForeign investigationAirbus A310 · Moroni, ComorosOn June 29, 2009, about 2251 UTC, an Airbus A310-300, 7O-ADJ, operated as Yemenia flight 626, collided with the waters of the Indian Ocean, during an approach to land at Moroni, Comoros. Of the 153 aboard, one passenger was the sole survivor and the aircraft…NTSB WPR09FA316Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Rimrock, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during a go-around. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of flight experience, and his delayed initiation of a go-around.NTSB ERA09LA371Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLayson Stanley B Steen SKY Bolt · High Point, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during takeoff.NTSB CEN09FA393Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Lakeview, ARThe pilot's poor judgment/decision making in attempting the no-flap takeoff, his failure to comply with weight and balance limitations, and his failure to calculate the airplane's performance under exiting conditions.NTSB WPR09WA296Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Paraburdoo, AustraliaOn June 25, 2009 at 2230 local time, a Robinson R22 helicopter, Australia registry VH-HXO, collided with the ground near Paraburdoo, Western Australia. The helicopter was owned and operated by a private individual and was on a non-commercial cross country…NTSB WPR09FA309Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B95 · Holbrook, AZThe pilot’s decision to depart when ill and his failure to maintain control of the airplane during a return to the airport, likely because of his physical illness and drug impairment.NTSB ERA09LA369Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportP&M Quikr · Cedar Town, GAA loss of aircraft control for an undetermined reason.NTSB CEN09LA385Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchendl Mustang II · West Union, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at a low altitude.NTSB WPR09LA308Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMayo RV-6A · Cottonwood, AZThe partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB CEN09FA377Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Sanborn, IAA loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's improper fuel planning and failure to refuel.NTSB CEN09WA612Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationEurocopter AS350 · Barcelona, SpainOn June 22, 2009 a Eurocopter AS350B3, Spanish registration EC-IOJ was destroyed while filling the fire attack system with water during a fire extinguishing operation. The pilot and passenger both were killed. According to several witness statements, the…