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 CEN09FA135Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream Aerospace Commander · Wray, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during the approach resulting in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper preflight planning and conditions conducive for structural icing.NTSB CEN09LA128Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportProbst Baby Ace D · Kilgore, TXA loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's improper fuel planning. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain situational awareness, resulting in him being lost.NTSB CEN09FA126Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPilatus PC-12/45 · Hayden, COThe pilot's loss of control due to snow/ice contamination on the airplane's lifting surfaces as a result of his decision not to deice the airplane before departure.NTSB ERA09LA132Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Hardin, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and his impairment from illegal drug use.NTSB ERA09LA131Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Pensacola, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed following a total loss of engine power during a low-level approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was fuel exhaustion due to the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.NTSB ERA09LA124Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Indiana, PAThe pilot's decision to attempt VFR flight in IMC conditions, resulting in a collision with trees during a go-around.NTSB CEN09MA117Accident · 8 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-76C · Morgan City, LA(1) the sudden loss of power to both engines that resulted from impact with a bird (red-tailed hawk), which fractured the windshield and interfered with engine fuel controls, and (2) the subsequent disorientation of the flight crewmembers, which left them…NTSB ERA09LA123Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Powder Springs, TNThe non-instrument rated pilot's decision to continue under visual flight rules into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB CEN09FA115Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNanchang China CJ-6 · Justin, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering on approach, which resulted in an accelerated stall and subsequent loss of control.NTSB ERA09LA128Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Philadelphia, MSThe pilot's improper preflight weather planning and his continued VFR flight into IMC conditions resulting in an in-flight collision with trees.NTSB CEN09WA129Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationEurocopter Deutsch EC 135 T2 · Molesmes, FranceUnder the jurisdiction and control of the French government.NTSB CEN09FA111Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLantzair Flyers Lancair 360 · Joliet, ILThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate flying speed during the night takeoff for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of controlNTSB ERA09FA116Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Pittstown, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from trees during the night landing approach and the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action.NTSB ERA09WA206Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBeech V35 · Valenca, BrazilOn December 30, 2008, about 1240 UTC, or 1040 local, a Beech V35B, Brazilian registration PT-JKU, registered to and operated by Unibase Engenharia e Pavimentacao Ltda, collided with mountainous terrain near Valenca, RJ, Brazil. Instrument meteorological…NTSB WPR09LA069Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369 · Honiara, Solomon IslandsThe pilot's failure to remove the tail rotor pedal lock before attempting flight, resulting in a loss of control.NTSB ERA09LA106Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportReamer RV7A · Wadesboro, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while on approach for a precautionary landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN09FA098Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46 · Hayden, COThe pilot's loss of situational awareness while maneuvering in adverse weather conditions, resulting in spatial disorientation.NTSB CEN09FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHawker Beechcraft 58P · Stonewall, COThe pilot's inadvertent flight into mountain wave activity resulting in a loss of control and subsequent impact with mountainous terrain.NTSB WPR09FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDiamond DA 20-C1 · Alamo Lake State Park, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain control during the performance of a maneuver and his failure to recover from the subsequent aerodynamic stall and spin.NTSB WPR09FA061Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Warner Springs, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from terrain during a low altitude maneuver.NTSB CEN09WA103Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210 · Saltillo, MexicoOn December 19, 2008 at approximately 1940 central standard time a Cessna 210, registration XB-AWZ crashed approximately 600 meters short of landing while on approach to Saltillo Airport (MMNIO) after striking wires. Two onoard sustained fatal injuries and…NTSB CEN09FA099Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R · North Canton, OHThe pilot’s inappropriate control inputs as a result of spatial disorientation, which led to an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's decision to conduct flight into known icing conditions, ice accumulation that…NTSB ERA09WA094Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31T · Buenos Aires, ArgentinaOn December 18, 2008, at 0810 universal time coordinated, a Piper Aircraft, PA-31T, LV-MYX, operated by Aviacenter SA, impacted the ground a few minutes after takeoff from San Fernando Airport (SADF), Buenos Aires, Argentina. Visual flight rules prevailed.…NTSB ERA09FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 36 · Louisville, KYThe pilot’s continued operation of the aircraft with known deficiencies. Contributing to this accident was the improper sealing of the engine case during overhaul.NTSB ERA09FA092Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Goodland, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the night light conditions.NTSB WPR09LA057Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKaman K-1200 · Santa Clarita, CAThe helicopter's encounter with a gusty crosswind condition during engine start that exceeded the helicopter's demonstrated wind envelope.NTSB ERA09WA113Accident · 12 fatalForeign investigationBritten Norman BN-2A MK III · Turks and Caicos, Turks & Caicos IslandsNTSB CEN09WA091Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA46 · Baden, AustriaNTSB CEN09FA087Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C90 · Rocksprings, TXThe pilot's failure to properly configure the pressurization controls, resulting in his impairment and subsequent incapacitation due to hypoxia.NTSB ERA09FA087Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-D · Sebring, FLThe pilot's exceedance of the design stress limitations of the airplane.NTSB CEN09FA086Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-4 · Sabine Pass, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water. Contributing to the accident was the inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB WPR09LA056Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Lompoc, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power line. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent experience.NTSB CEN09WA082Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLearjet Lear 23 · Tlaxcala, MexicoOn December 7, 2008 at approximately 1815 central standard time (CST) a twin-engine turbo fan, Learjet 23, Mexican Registration XC-LGD, was destroyed when it impacted a lake while on final approach to an unlit day visual flight rules airport near Tlaxcala,…NTSB ERA09WA085Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationMaule M7 · Cobra River, Manaus, BrazilOn December 7, 2008, about 1115 universal coordinated time, a Maule M-7-235, Brazilian registration PT-ONN, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees while departing from the Taruma River, Manaus, Brazil. The floatplane subsequently came to rest in the…NTSB ERA09FA080Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · Ft. Lauderdale, FLThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other aircraft.NTSB CEN09FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 206H · Kalkaska, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain during the instrument-flight-rules flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to comply with instrument flight procedures and his lack of recent instrument flight experience.NTSB ERA09WA084Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationAero Commander 500 · Cordoba, Colombia, ColombiaOn December 03, 2008 about 1835 eastern standard time, an Aero Commander 500, of Colombian registration, HK1697, registered to an individual and operated by Taxi Aero Caribeno LTDA, crashed in an open field, near Cordoba, Colombia. Visual meteorological…NTSB ERA09FA078Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell International 690B · Rio Grande, PRThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB WPR09LA050Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Coalinga, CAThe loss of engine power while in climb to cruise flight for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA09FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35-B33 · Homosassa Spgs., FLThe pilot’s continued flight into known adverse weather conditions.NTSB ERA09WA076Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBeech 58 · Anapolis, BrazilOn November 28, 2008, at 1835 Atlantic standard time, a Beech 58, N400SA, was destroyed during a local personal flight when it impacted the ground after a low pass at Anapolis JK Airport (SWNS), Anapolis, Goias, Brazil. The pilot and 3 of the 5 passengers…NTSB DCA09RA013Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationAirbus A320 · Perpignan, FranceOn November 27, 2008 at 16:46 local time (15:46 UTC), an Airbus A320, equipped with International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500 engines, German registration D-AXLA, serial number 2500, impacted the Mediterranean sea during approach to runway 33 at Perpignan…NTSB ERA09WA075Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · Vetas, ColombiaNone.NTSB ERA09FA068Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 (T4 · Whites Creek, TNThe pilot's failure to feather the left propeller and secure the left engine following the total loss of left engine power, and his subsequent failure to maintain airspeed, lateral, and directional control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB CEN09FA070Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA46-500TP · Marshfield, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during final approach for landing in night, visual meteorological conditions for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR09LA043Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Hanna, UTThe flight's encounter with adverse tailwinds and downdrafts in mountainous terrain that exceeded the airplane's climb capability.NTSB WPR09WA250Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationMcdonnell Douglas 369 · Murray Bridge, AustraliaOn November 19, 2008, about 1115 Australian central daylight-saving time, a pilot and two linesmen were operating a McDonnell Douglas 369D helicopter, Australian registry VH-PLJ, to test a high-voltage power line between Mannum and Mobilong, SA. While…NTSB CEN09WA074Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Saint-Marc, HaitiNTSB ERA09FA060Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Smithfield, RIThe pilot's improper descent below the published minimum descent altitude during the approach, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR09LA040Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Atwater, CAThe second pilot's failure to see and avoid the rotating propeller after exiting the airplane.