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 LAX08FA300Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Carlsbad, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain control during the instrument approach and attempted go-around.NTSB DFW08FA237Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320D · Collinsville, OKThe crews' failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall close to the ground.NTSB NYC08FA324Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402 · Vineyard Haven, MAA loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB LAX08WA305Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · Douglas Camp, Papua New GuineaOn September 25, 2008, at 1012 local time, a Bell 206L3, Papua New Guinea (PNG) registry P2-HBC, crashed in a remote area near Douglas Camp (PNG) under unknown circumstances while reportedly performing long line operations. The helicopter was operated by Heli…NTSB SEA08WA209Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignLiberty Aerospace XL-2 · Hoxton Park, AustraliaOn September 24, 2008 at 0645 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Liberty XL-2, Australian registration VH-CZX, collided with the terrain near Hoxton Park, Australia. The pilot, the sole occupant, was killed. It is reported that the airplane collided in an…NTSB NYC08LA322Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNagel SAL 2/3 P51 · Schenectady, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb, which led to an aerodynamic stall.NTSB NYC08FA319Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32 · Atlanta, GAA loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI08FA293Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 II · Kenosha, WIThe pilots failure to maintain clearance from terrain resulting in an in-flight collision with a house. Contributing to the accident was the night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and the pilot's lack of experience of flying in IMC.NTSB DCA08MA098Accident · 4 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportLearjet LR60 · Columbia, SCThe operator’s inadequate maintenance of the airplane’s tires, which resulted in multiple tire failures during takeoff roll due to severe underinflation, and the captain’s execution of a rejected takeoff (RTO) after V1, which was inconsistent with her…NTSB DFW08FA233Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper Aerostar PA-60-602P · Kremmling, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and spin.NTSB DEN08FA155Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · York, NEThe student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, and the flight instructor's failure to take remedial action, for undetermined reasons.NTSB DFW08RA232Accident · 4 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 421B · Ojinaga, MexicoOn September 15, 2008, approximately 1318 central daylight time, a United States registered Cessna 421B, N7560Q, was substantially damaged after it collided with mountainous terrain approximately 28 miles northwest of Ojinaga, Mexico, near the border town of…NTSB DFW08FA228Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican Champion 7GCBC · Wichita Falls, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain safe flying airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall during the forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.NTSB DCA08RA097Accident · 88 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 737-500 · Perm, RussiaOn September 14, 2008, at 0510 local time, Aeroflot-Nord flight 821, a Boeing 737-500, Bermuda registered (VP-BKO) and Russian operated, equipped with CFM56 engines, crashed on approach to Perm airport in Perm, Russia. All on board, including 6 crew and 82…NTSB CHI08FA282Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Woodruff, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during a missed approach leading to the inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s lack of experience in the type of operation conducted, the certificate holder’s loss of operational control, and…NTSB ANC08LA122Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to preclude a stall while maneuvering at a low altitude, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.NTSB NYC08LA310Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDufault Mark V Pitts S-1D · Ridgely, MDThe pilot's inadequate preflight weather evaluation which resulted in an attempted landing in fog and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB NYC08FA307Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLindstrand Balloons 150A · Phoenixville, PAThe separation of a portion of a fuel fitting during a hard landing resulting in release of fuel and a fire in the balloons basket area. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to follow the manufacturer's published procedures to shut down the…NTSB DEN08FA152Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream American AA-5A · Baxter Pass, COThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a turn, resulting in an unrecoverable aerodynamic stall.NTSB SEA08FA196Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDebus J / Mountain S / Bowes E DEBUS-CASST-SNOSHOO · Reno, NVThe movement of the airplane’s modified horizontal stabilizer trim system during an intentional high speed aerobatic maneuver that resulted in exceedence of the design stress limits of the airplane and an in-flight structural failure. Contrubuting to the…NTSB NYC08WA308Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R-44 · Muzino Village, RussiaNTSB LAX08LA290Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAirborne XT-912 · Chelan, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB MIA08WA181Accident · 7 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBell 212 · Persian Gulf, United Arab EmiratesOn September 3, 2008, at 0023 universal time, a Bell 212, A6-AVL registered to and operated by Aerogulf Services Company LLC, collided with a crane during takeoff from an oil rig in the Persian Gulf. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual…NTSB CHI08LA272Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSocata TB-20 Trinidad · Cassville, WIThe left seat pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around and the inadvertent in-flight opening of the cabin door for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the distraction of the door opening.NTSB SEA08GA194Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportLockheed P2V-7 · Reno, NVThe failure of the flight crew to maintain airspeed above in-flight minimum control speed (Vmca) after losing power in the left jet engine during initial climb after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the crew's inadequate cockpit resource management…NTSB DCA08RA095Accident · 17 fatalForeign investigationBeech 1900 · Bukavu, Congo - KinshasaOn September 1, 2008 about 1510 UTC, ZS-OLD, Beech 1900C, operated by Air Serv International, collided with high terrain during approach to Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The pilot, copilot, and 15 passengers were fatally injured. The airplane…NTSB CHI08MA270Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportConvair CV-580 · Columbus, OHThe improper (reverse) rigging of the elevator trim cables by company maintenance personnel, and their subsequent failure to discover the misrigging during required post-maintenance checks. Contributing to the accident was the captain’s inadequate…NTSB SEA08LA192Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Camarillo, CAThe pilot's failure to fly the correct approach profile that resulted in the inadvertent pickup of a banner tow line with the airplane's main landing gear.NTSB MIA08FA177Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T310R · Latrobe, PAThe pilot's impairment/incapacitation (cardiovascular) resulting in the pilot being unable to control the airplane.NTSB DFW08LA220Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchleicher ASW-20B · Cleburne, TXLoss of control inflight for undetermined reason.NTSB CHI08FA269Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Greensburg, INThe in-flight separation of a main rotor blade due to a fatigue failure of the blade spar, rendering the helicopter uncontrollable, and the manufacturer's production of main rotor blades with latent manufacturing defects, which precipitated the fatigue…NTSB NYC08FA298Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Lawrenceburg, TNA loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB DCA08WA096Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBoeing B737-200 · Latacunga, Ecuador.NTSB SEA08LA190Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLien Zodiac 601 XL · Coeur d'Alene, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after the engine experienced a loss of power. Contributing to the accident was the mixture control arm separating from the fuel metering valve shaft.NTSB DFW08FA218Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 II · Ridgedale, MOAn in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX08FA286Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Las Vegas, NVA loss of power in the right engine due to an in-flight fuel-fed fire in the right engine compartment that, while the exact origin could not be determined, was likely related to the right engine-driven fuel pump, its fuel supply line, or fitting. Contributing…NTSB MIA08WA173Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBeech BE-55 · Curico, ChileOn August 25, 2008, about 1410 eastern daylight time, a Beech BE-55, CC-PBY, registered to and operated by Inversiones Aeronauticas Y Servicios Aereos Limitada, as a personal flight, collided with a private residence while maneuvering in the vicinity of…NTSB NYC08RA286Accident · 11 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 208 · Zacapa, GuatemalaOn August 24, 2008, about 1545 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 208, Guatemalan registry TG-JCS, was destroyed during a forced landing, following a loss of engine power while in cruise flight near Zacapa, Guatemala. The two Guatemalan certificated flight…NTSB DFW08FA212Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Yuma, COThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB DCA08WA092Accident · 65 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan;khNTSB LAX08MA277Accident · 10 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech A100 · Moab, UTThe pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance during takeoff for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX08LA274Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKillgore Velocity · North Las Vegas, NVA partial loss of engine power during initial climb due to the detachment of the engine supercharger drive belt. The detachment resulted from the owner/builder's inadequate installation of the supercharger system and belt-tensioning adjustment.NTSB LAX08LA272Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSocata Rallye 235E · San Martin, CAThe pilot's incapacitation due to severe unrecognized coronary artery disease that resulted in a loss of aircraft control.NTSB SEA08FA187Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Springerville, AZThe pilot's failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed during takeoff in high density altitude conditions that resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB DCA08RA090Accident · 154 fatalForeign investigationBoeing MD-82 · Madrid, SpainimportNTSB DFW08WA240Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 501 · Las Americas, Dominican RepublicNTSB SEA08FA185Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta II · Olalla, WAThe complete loss of engine power due to the accumulation of ice in the carburetor as a result of the pilot's failure to use carburetor heat.NTSB NYC08LA281Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRoberto P. Garcia Nieuport 24bis · Rhinebeck, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and spin.NTSB MIA08LA167Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAyres S2R-T15 · Morton, MSThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during low altitude maneuvering.NTSB DFW08LA206Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 7-15 · Mountain Grove, MOAn on-board fire following a propane leak. Contributing to the accident was the lack of training/experience of the non-certificated pilot.