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 CEN09WA065Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCirrus SR-22 · Cherbourg, FranceNTSB CEN09WA063Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRotorway · Lingen, GermanyThis investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the German government. Any further information may be obtained from: German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bundesstelle fur Flugenfallensuchung (BFU) Herman-Blenk Strasse 16 38108…NTSB CEN09TA060Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell OH-58C · Quitman, ARThe pilot’s failure to execute a proper autorotation during a forced landing after a loss of rotor rpm for undetermined reasons.NTSB ANC09WA013Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationGrumman G-21A · Vancouver, CanadaOn November 16, 2008, about 1030 pacific standard time, a Grumman G-21A airplane, Canadian registration C-FPCK, collided with tree-covered terrain about 40 miles northwest of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Impact forces and a postimpact fire destroyed…NTSB ERA09FA053Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Tallahassee, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed on final approach, which resulted in a low-altitude aerodynamic stall and spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to fly the published instrument approach and his subsequent failure to…NTSB WPR09FA038Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Sedona, AZThe partial loss of engine power while maneuvering for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN09LA056Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182M · Basalt, COThe non-instrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his loss of control of the airplane in flight.NTSB CEN09LA054Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Mena, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's continued flight into deteriorating weather conditions.NTSB WPR09FA034Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32S-300 · Forest Falls, CAThe pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent impact with mountainous terrain.NTSB WPR09WA042Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA31-350 · Bathurst, Australia, AustraliaOn November 7, 2008, approximately 0930 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Piper PA-31-350, Australian registration VH-OPC, shortly after take-off, collided with terrain about three nautical miles north of the Bathurst Airport, New South Wales, Australia.…NTSB WPR09LA032Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportUniversal Globe · Wallace, CAThe pilot's incapacitation during cruise for unknown reasons that resulted in a loss of aircraft control.NTSB ERA09LA043Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMiller J Kirtley RV-6 · Martinsville, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the initial climb after an aborted landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from an over-the-counter sedating antihistamine.NTSB ERA09FA039Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPartenavia P.68C · Gainesville, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath during an instrument-landing-system (ILS) approach. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's decision to initiate the ILS approach with weather below the published minimums, and the pilot's…NTSB DCA09RA007Accident · 14 fatalForeign investigationLearjet 45 · Mexico City, MexicoOn November 4, 2008, at 1846 central standard time, a Learjet model 45, registration XC-VMC, impacted terrain and buildings while on approach to Benito Juárez Mexico City International Airport (MMMX), Mexico City, Mexico. The 9 passengers and crew onboard the…NTSB CEN09RA052Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBeech 200 · Punta Chivato, MexicoOn November 3, 2008 at approximately 1800 pacific standard time (PST) a twin-engine turbo prop, Beechcraft BE200, N200JL, was destroyed when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Punta Chivato Airstrip, located near Punto Chivato, Baja California…NTSB ERA09FA036Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-44 · Gallatin, TNThe pilot's inadvertent descent into water as a result of the dark night and limited outside visual references.NTSB CEN09WA090Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper 34-200T · Graz, AustriaThis investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the Austrian government. Any further information may be obtained from: Federal Office of Transport Accident investigation Branch, Department Aviation Postfach 207, 1000 Wien Lohnergasse 9, 1210 Wien…NTSB ERA09WA037Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBeech 65A90 · Timehri, GuyanaNTSB WPR09FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P206 · Estacada, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while on approach to land at night. Contributing to the accident was the electrical system failure and the pilot's diverted attention.NTSB CEN09FA043Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 175 · Mt. Dora, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR09LA026Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSilfvast Starduster TOO · Cedar Fort, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed and/or angle of attack to avoid a stall/spin during an aerobatic maneuver.NTSB ERA09WA069Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34 · Nuqui, ColombiaOn October 28, 2008, about 1040 local time, a Piper PA-34-200T, Columbian registration HK-2446, operated by Aeroexpreso Del Pacifico, impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Reyes Murillo Airport, Nuqui, Columbia. The accident site was located…NTSB ERA09WA030Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna 402C · Asuncion, ParaguayNTSB ERA09FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24 · Red Hill, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to an improper repair to the stabilator, which resulted in an in-flight failure of the stabilator. Contributing to the accident was the descent in turbulence, at airspeeds above the maximum structural…NTSB ERA09FA027Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Selmer, TNThe pilot's failure to avoid terrain during night instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB WPR09LA022Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-1 · Concrete, WAThe loss of engine power during initial climb due to the pilot's improper exhaust system maintenance, which resulted in restriction of the carburetor's air intake.NTSB CEN09WA033Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCirrus Design SR22 · Zurich, SwitzerlandUnder the jurisdiction and control of the Swiss Government.NTSB ERA09LA025Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMoses Tim C Quicksilver · Wingate, NCA loss of engine power due to a fractured crankshaft.NTSB CEN09RA030Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna 310 · Ciudad Victoria, MexicoOn October 21, 2008 at approximately 1710 central daylight time a Cessna 310, Mexican Registration XB-KPF experienced a loss of power on takeoff from Pedro J. Mendez Airport, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The pilot attempted to return to the airport…NTSB WPR09FA019Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Avalon, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff while sufficient runway remained to stop.NTSB WPR09LA016Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHeisler Lancair Legacy · Parowan, UTThe pilot failed to secure the canopy prior to takeoff, resulting in his inability to control the aircraft during the takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from prescription medications and possible obstructive sleep apnea.NTSB CEN09WA022Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 402 · Monterrey, MexicoOn October 17, 2008, a Cessna 402C with Mexican Registration XC-HAQ departed on Runway 02 from Del Norte Airport (MMAN), near Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico at 1308 central daylight time (CDT) and was on climb out to cruise when radar contact was lost at 1315.…NTSB WPR09FA015Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201T · Markleeville, CAA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to choose a suitable landing area.NTSB ERA09LA019Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHargett Sky Ranger II · Rock Hill, SCThe non-certificated pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and a subsequent impact with the ground. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of training and his impairment due to recent use of marijuana.NTSB ERA09FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Dryden, NYThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN09MA019Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 222 · Aurora, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the 734-foot-tall lighted tower during the visual night flight due to inadequate preflight planning, insufficient altitude, and a flight route too low to clear the tower. Contributing to the accident was the air…NTSB WPR09TA012Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell 407 · Sedona, AZThe paramedic's failure to monitor and maintain clearance from the rotating main rotor blades after exiting the helicopter.NTSB CEN09FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Conroe, TXA loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA09WA028Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignHawker-Beechcraft 100 · Bauru, BrazilNTSB ERA09LA013Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSabre Tukan · Mohawk, TNThe pilot's loss of control in flight due to a lack of flight experience or instruction. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to the recent use of marijuana and a prescription painkiller.NTSB CEN09FA015Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Cedar Lake, MIThe student pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's overall lack of flight experience.NTSB CEN09FA010Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule MXT-7-180A · Santa Teresa, NMThe pilot's decision to takeoff and fly into a thunderstorm.NTSB CEN09LA009Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSproul 72K-TET · Rio Rancho, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines and the failure of either pilot to take any corrective action to avoid the collision.NTSB WPR09FA005Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportIniziative Industriali Italian SKY Arrow 600 · Malibu, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a low-altitude maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to perform a maneuver at a low altitude that was insufficient to allow him to recover from the loss of control. Contributing…NTSB CEN09WA016Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 421 · Oaxaca, MexicoOn October 6, 008 at approximately 1332 central daylight time (CDT) a Cessna 421C, Mexican Registration XB-KWB was destroyed while attempting to return to Xoxocotlan International Airport (OAX,) Oaxaca, Mexico to land . Both aircraft occupants sustained fatal…NTSB WPR09LA004Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBonde TF-51D · Sandy Valley, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to land, resulting in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention while attempting to extend the landing gear.NTSB ANC09FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAntonovich Anton B Challenger II · Chugiak, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, resulting in an in-flight collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience.NTSB ANC09FA001Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206C · Anchorage, AKA loss of engine power during takeoff/initial climb for an undetermined reason, and the pilot's decision to make an abrupt and steep low altitude turn toward an intersecting runway, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and loss of aircraft control.NTSB DEN08FA162Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPilatus PC-12/47E · Santa Fe, NMThe pilot's incapacitation due to fatigue resulting in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB MIA08MA203Accident · 4 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportAerospatiale SA365N-1 D · District Heights, MDThe pilot's attempt to regain visual conditions by performing a rapid descent and his failure to arrest the descent at the minimum descent altitude during a nonprecision approach. Contributing to the accident were (1) the pilot’s limited recent instrument…