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 CHI08WA258Accident · 5 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 402C · Covington, United KingdomOn August 17, 2008, at 1038 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 402C, registrations G-EYES, and a Rand KR-2, registration G-BOLZ, collided mid-air while on approach to land at the Coventry Airport (EGBE), Coventry, England. All four persons onboard the…NTSB SEA08LA179Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · St. Johns, AZThe failure of both pilots to abort the takeoff when a suitable climb rate could not be attained. Contributing to the accident was the reduction of available power due to the camshaft lobe and lifter corrosion/wear, the high density altitude, and the CFI’s…NTSB DEN08WA149Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA-28R-200 · Taipalsaari, FinlandOn August 15, 2008 at 1014 UTC, a Piper PA-28R-200, Finland registration OH-PDY, broke up in flight while maneuvering in clouds and subsequently crashed into Lake Saimaa in Taipalsaari, Finland. The airplane was destroyed and the three persons on board, a…NTSB DEN08FA141Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182T · Georgia Pass, COThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after inadvertantly encountering instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's failure to obtain a weather brief and the severe weather conditions.NTSB SEA08LA178Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKolb Mark III · Richland, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed above stall speed while executing a steeply banked turn in the traffic pattern.NTSB LAX08FA267Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Sahuarita, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain while maneuvering at low altitude for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI08FA248Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58TC · Marysville, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the base to final turn resulting in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB MIA08LA164Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Arcaida, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper climb rate after takeoff.NTSB MIA08FA163Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · South Easton, MAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while attempting to execute an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of instrument currency.NTSB LAX08LA266Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBowman Titan Tornado II · Needles, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a vehicle during a low-altitude flight over a highway.NTSB DEN08LA139Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDickey RV-6A · Muskogee, OKThe pilot's improper decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into an area of reduced visibility weather conditions, which resulted in the pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB ANC08FA104Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Sitka, AKA loss of engine power in flight due to fuel exhaustion resulting from the pilot's inadequate fuel planning and navigation.NTSB LAX08FA265Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R172K · Rock Springs, WYThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other's aircraft.NTSB DFW08FA204Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Cassville, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions resulting in the subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to conduct the…NTSB ANC08FA133Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Juneau, AKThe pilot's decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot experiencing a loss of visual reference and subsequent controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB SEA08FA175Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180K · Garden City, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which led to an aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB SEA08FA174Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Monticello, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was the low altitude.NTSB LAX08FA261Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Incline Village, NVThe pilot's decision to initiate a flight for which he was neither approved nor qualified and his failure to maintain terrain clearance during the flight. Contributing to the accident were the dark night, the mountainous terrain, and the pilot's medical…NTSB LAX08PA259Accident · 9 fatalClass 1Final reportSikorsky S-61N · Weaverville, CAThe following actions by Carson Helicopters: 1) the intentional understatement of the helicopter's empty weight, 2) the alteration of the power available chart to exaggerate the helicopter's lift capability, and 3) the practice of using unapproved…NTSB ANC08WA100Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignHughes 369D · Alice Arm, CanadaOn August 6, 2007, about 0700 pacific daylight time, a Hughes 369D helicopter, Canadian registration C-GZIO, crashed while maneuvering in the vicinity of Alice Arm, British Columbia, Canada. The flight was operated by Prism Helicopters Inc., Pitt Meadows,…NTSB NYC08LA270Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Brownsboro, ALThe pilot’s failure to ensure the fuel valve was on prior taxi and takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed following loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB MIA08LA161Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGT Ultralights Airborne Edge X · Franklin, METhe pilot's improper decision to perform low-altitude maneuvers and his failure to maintain clearance from the surface of the bay. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to alcohol.NTSB LAX08FA256Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Gearhart, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the initial climb after takeoff due to spatial disorientation.NTSB NYC08LA263Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportOsborne Challenger II · Fairdealing, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while climbing into rising terrain at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and uncontrolled descent.NTSB LAX08LA253Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLong Lancair ES · Cliffdell, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while in cruise flight due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was turbulence and clouds.NTSB CHI08WA244Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA-44-180 · Adriatic Sea, CroatiaOn August 1, 2008, at 1333 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-44-180 Seminole airplane, registration D-GZXB, serial no. 4496165, crashed into the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Zadar, Croatia. The two pilots on-board were fatally injured. The instructional…NTSB MIA08LA152Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMorris George Velocity 173RG · St. Augustine, FLA loss of control in flight due to undetermined reasons.NTSB DCA08MA085Accident · 8 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportRaytheon Corporate Jets BAE 125-800A · Owatonna, MNThe captain’s decision to attempt a go-around late in the landing roll with insufficient runway remaining. Contributing to the accident were (1) the pilots’ poor crew coordination and lack of cockpit discipline; (2) fatigue, which likely impaired both pilots’…NTSB CHI08FA224Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMoser Georg Lancair Legacy FG · Oshkosh, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.NTSB NYC08FA260Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23 · Highlands, NCThe pilot's improper decision to fly into an area of thunderstorms, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller's failure to comply with FAA directives regarding issuance of precipitation location and…NTSB LAX08FA246Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · McMurray, WAThe pilot's improper decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions. Contributing to the accident were low ceilings, reduced visibility, and mountainous terrain.NTSB LAX08FA244Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Shelton, WAThe pilot's failure to attain and maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB DFW08LA197Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMarshall James J Cozy MK IV · Midlothian, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wall of the rock quarry.NTSB CHI08LA211Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-4A · Mayville, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the rotating rotor blades after he exited the helicopter after landing.NTSB DEN08LA127Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Ventus A · Midlothian, TXThe pilot's inability to maintain aircraft control due to an incapacitating cardiac event. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's poor decision to fly with known serious medical issues.NTSB CHI08FA196Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCzech Aircraft Works Sport Cruiser · Newark, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane in the landing pattern. Contributing to the severity of injuries was the failure of the pilot's shoulder harness.NTSB LAX08FA233Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Price, UTThe pilot's inadequate preflight performance planning for the takeoff and the loading that exceeded the lift performance capability of the helicopter.NTSB DFW08FA190Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Kemp, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which led to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.NTSB DEN08LA124Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAerotek Pitts S-2A · Cleveland, TXthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during his attempted performance of aerobatic maneuvers shortly after takeoff.NTSB LAX08LA231Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNichols Rans S-14 · Benson, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from recent marijuana use.NTSB MIA08FA144Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A-36 · Tampa, FLThe pilot's improper decision to take off with a tailwind and his failure to maintain runway alignment during initial takeoff climb.NTSB SEA08FA161Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 441 · Sunriver, ORThe pilot's misjudged landing flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the go-around after one of the airplane's propellers struck the runway.NTSB MIA08FA141Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TBM700 · Kennesaw, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during final approach resulting in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB DEN08FA122Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269B · Salesville, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the crossing transmission line.NTSB CHI08LA191Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDrochak Aventura II · Flushing, MIA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC08LA245Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Pelham, GAA partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons which led to a forced landing in unsuitable terrain.NTSB ANC08FA087Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportIversen Glastar SH-4 · Kenai, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during maneuvering flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and uncontrolled descent to the ground. Contributing to the accident was the airplane's overgross weight condition.NTSB MIA08WA139Accident · 9 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRaytheon 99A · Puerto Montt, ChileOn July 10, 2008, about 1028 atlantic standard time, a Raytheon Aircraft Company 99A, Chilean registration CC-CFM, experienced an in-flight loss of control and crashed in an area of rising terrain approximately 1 mile north of La Paloma Airport (SCPF), Puerto…NTSB NYC08WA243Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA-28-235 · Parnu, EstoniaOn July 9, 2008, at 1219 universal time coordinated, a Piper PA-28-235, Swedish registration SE-KUY, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during approach to Parnu Airport (EEPU), Parnu, Estonia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the…NTSB MIA08LA138Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportColyaer SL Freedom S100 · Limestone, ALThe pilot's loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons while making a water landing.