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 ANC09FAMS1Accident · 2 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportBeech V35A · Northway, AKThe cause of this accident is unknown; the airplane is missing.NTSB CEN09FA369Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · Dougherty, TXThe pilot’s improper decision to continue flight into known adverse weather conditions resulting in his inability to maintain aircraft control after penetrating the thunderstorm gust front. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of preflight…NTSB ERA09LA356Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChris Mitchell Titan Tornado · Chadbourn, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during initial climb following a loss of engine power. The reason for the power loss was not determined.NTSB WPR09LA293Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Lake Elsinore, CAA loss of airplane control for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN09FA364Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Rockwall, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control following a loss of engine power due to contamination in the carburetor. Contributing the severity of the accident was the pilot’s failure to utilize his shoulder harness.NTSB CEN09FA363Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Crystal, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in a loss of aircraft control during a go-around. Factors associated with the accident were the dark night lighting conditions, moderate to heavy rain, and fatigue.NTSB ERA09WA353Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 150 · Urmantany, RussiaOn June 15, 2009, at approximately 0605 universal time coordinated, a Cessna 150L, Russian registration RA-0848G, impacted terrain during a force landing shortly after takeoff. The accident location was approximately 1 kilometer east of Urmantany, in the…NTSB ERA09FA345Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Scotia, NYThe flight instructor's failure to ensure that the airplane was properly configured for a short field takeoff, and his decision to not abort the takeoff.NTSB CEN09LA353Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBurkhart Grob G103C Twin III Acro · Gregory, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the turn to return for landing, which resulted an inadvertent stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the ground winch tow cable shortly after takeoff.NTSB ERA09FA343Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 RG · Gilford, NHA loss of engine power due to oil exhaustion from the fracture of the nipple for the engine oil cooler return line. Contributing to the accident was the mechanic's signoff and release of the airplane without performing the required engine run-up following an…NTSB CEN09LA355Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander S2R · Cordova, ILThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with terrain after clearing an obstacle during an agricultural application pass.NTSB WPR09FA284Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Morristown, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power line.NTSB CEN09LA350Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPeterson Allen L Dragonfly II · Arthur, NEThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to the use of a over-the-counter medication with sedative effects and spatial disorientation.NTSB CEN09PA348Accident · 2 fatalClass 1Final reportAgusta A109E · Santa Fe, NMThe pilot's decision to take off from a remote, mountainous landing site in dark (moonless) night, windy, instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were an organizational culture that prioritized mission execution over aviation safety…NTSB ANC09FA052Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHarden RV-7 · Elim, AKThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB ERA09WA335Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper Aerostar 6 · Minga Guazu, ParaguayOn June 9, 2009, at 1903 local time, a Piper PA-60, N601RP, was destroyed during collision with terrain and a post crash fire on approach to Guarani International Airport (SGES), Minga Guazu, Paraguay. The pilot was fatally injured. Instrument meteorological…NTSB ERA09LA329Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSorenson Lightning · Brevard, NCBoth pilots failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering after a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN09FA340Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream American AA-5B · Humbird, WIThe pilot's decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight into an area of known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB ERA09LA325Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSmith Bret B Searey · Knoxville, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and uncontrolled descent.NTSB ERA09LA323Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportYork Ronald J Rotorway 162F · Berlin, VTA loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR09FA282Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182M · Atlanta, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during cruise flight.NTSB ERA09LA316Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRick Campbell Zenith-STOL CH801 · Gallman, MSA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the flightcrew's improper fuel management.NTSB DCA09RA052Accident · 228 fatalForeign investigationAirbus A330 · Atlantic, France.NTSB CEN09WA333Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172H · Uddevalla, SwedenUnder the jurisdiction and control of the Swedish government.NTSB CEN09WA617Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationAtec 321 Faeta · Strovíkion, GreeceNTSB WPR09LA269Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStorch Aviation Australia PTY SS-MK4 · Boulder, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low altitude maneuvering.NTSB ERA09FA311Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20D · Clintwood, VAThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN09LA331Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGentry John K Chinook PL · Bridgeport, TXThe flight instructor and pilot's decision to take off with known control deficiencies with the aircraft which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB CEN09WA390Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationEnstrom Helicopter 480B · Dominican Republic, Dominican RepublicNTSB ERA09FA303Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 500 S · Daytona Beach, FLA total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection.NTSB CEN09LA312Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorthwing Design Apache Sport · Fredericksburg, TXThe loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR09LA264Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPolit Kitfox Ser 5 Outback · Apple Valley, CAThe pilot's loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB WPR09LA263Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLanham Lancair IV · Seligman, AZThe pilot's loss of airplane control during en route descent while operating in known icing conditions.NTSB WPR09FA258Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320D · Fallon, NVThe pilot’s inadequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA09WA305Accident · 14 fatalForeign investigationRaytheon B-350 · Porto Segura, BrazilOn May 23, 2009, at 0030 universal time coordinated, a Raytheon B-350, Brazil registration PR-MOZ, operated by Metered Holdings LTDA, impacted the ground 200 meters from the threshold to runway 15 at the Terra Vista/Porto Seguro (SBTV), Porto Segura, Brazil.…NTSB ERA09LA302Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHazelwood Michael S RV-8 · Decatur, ALThe RV-8 pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the CJ-6A while maneuvering. This report was modified on September 10, 2010.NTSB WPR09LA253Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGauchat Safari · Rock Springs, AZThe separation of the main rotor head during cruise flight as a result of cyclic fatigue of the main rotor head spindle. The fatigue crack was due to an inadequate manufacturing process.NTSB ERA09WA354Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R-44 · Vitoria da Conquista, BrazilOn May 22, 2009, at 2139 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), a Brazilian registered Robinson R-44, PR-NDF, was destroyed when it impacted the ground during approach to land at the Vitoria da Conquista Airport (SBQV), Vitoria da Conquista, Brazil. The pilot and…NTSB CEN09LA311Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportThornton RV-6A · Plainwell, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR09FA248Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Long Beach, CAThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other's aircraft.NTSB ERA09FA289Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Beauregard, ALThe pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB CEN09WA306Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-23-250 · Guatemala City, GuatemalaThe accident investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the Government of the Republic of Guatemala. Further information may be obtained from: Republica de Guatemala Direccion General de Aviacion Civil (DGAC) Aeropuerto Internacional "La Aurora"…NTSB ERA09WA288Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 RG · Santa Cruz, BoliviaOn May 11, 2008, about 1930 Atlantic standard time, a Cessna 172 RG, Bolivian registration CP-2492, , registered to and operated by a private individual, impacted a tree with its left’s wing and then the ground, where a fire ensued. The accident sight was…NTSB ERA09WA291Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-30 · Port Sudan, SudanOn May 10, 2009, at 0530 universal coordinated time (0830 local time), a Piper PA-30, N502TC, was destroyed when it impacted mountainous terrain about 26 nautical miles northwest of Port Sudan, Sudan. The two Yemani pilots onboard were fatally injured. The…NTSB ERA09WA286Accident · 9 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBell 407 · Malyshkino, RussiaOn May 10, 2009, approximately 1001 universal time coordinated, a Bell 407 helicopter, Russian registration RA-01895AO, impacted terrain in the Irkutsk region approximately 3 kilometers from Malyshkino, Cheremshanka. The helicopter was substantially damaged.…NTSB WPR09FA235Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95 · Minden, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering during a low altitude maneuver that resulted in a stall.NTSB WPR09FA234Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportUpton Bakeng Duce · Ramona, CAAn in-flight separation of the right wing, which resulted from the pilot's performance of a maneuver that produced aerodynamic loads that exceeded the wing spar’s degraded strength. The wing spar strength degradation was due to the builder's failure to comply…NTSB CEN09LA288Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSmysor Kevin Velocity · Katy, TXThe pilot's loss of control following an in-flight failure of the propeller.NTSB CEN09WA286Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 340 · Veracruz, MexicoOn May 5, 2009 at about 0900 central daylight time a Cessna 340, Mexican Registration XB-CUC crashed while returning to land after takeoff at General Heriberto Jara Corona International Airport, Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico. The pilot requested to return to the…NTSB ERA09FA283Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech K35 · Lantana, FLA total loss of engine power due to disengagement of the idler gear support pin as a result of improper maintenance.