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 MIA08LA134Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDouglas A. Pohl Lancair IV-P · Hollywood, FLA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB DCA08RA078Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 747-200FM · Madrid, ColombiaOn July 7, 2008, at 0357 local time, a Boeing 747-200FM, N714CK, operated by Kalitta Air as Centurion Airlines flight 164, was destroyed during a forced landing in Madrid, Cundinamarca, Colombia, shortly after taking off from El Dorado International Airport…NTSB DEN08LA119Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportShannon Kevin RV-8 · Valera, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a forced landing, which led to an aerodynamic stall, following a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's mismanagement of fuel and the low altitude at…NTSB DCA08RA077Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationMcdonnell Douglas DC-9-15 · Saltillo, MexicoimportNTSB NYC08FA239Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportJahns Vans RV-7 · Neptune, NJAn in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC08FA238Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Rossville, TNUndetermined.NTSB LAX08LA213Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269 C-1 · Sunol, CAThe pilots' failure to maintain adequate clearance from transmission wires during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident were the dark night and low fog.NTSB NYC08FA237Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Middletown, RIThe flight instructor's failure to initiate a go-around during a high approach, and his inadequate remedial action during an attempted touch-and-go.NTSB SEA08LA158Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMauck RV-6A · Sierraville, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with trees and terrain while maneuvering Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility in the area due to smoke.NTSB NYC08LA235Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLanier James A Talon XP · Cleveland, GAAn inadvertent stall during the initial climb.NTSB LAX08LA211Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Piru, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ANC08FA079Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Wasilla, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in a gusty crosswind.NTSB NYC08FA231Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Jasper, ALThe pilot's intentional visual flight into known instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of control in flight. Contributing to the accident was the overweight and aft-center-of-gravity condition of the…NTSB DFW08FA170Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206F · Santa Rosa, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain safe flying airspeed for undetermined reasons resulting in an inadvertent stall.NTSB DEN08MA116Accident · 7 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Flagstaff, AZBoth helicopter pilots’ failure to see and avoid the other helicopter on approach to the helipad. Contributing to the accident were the failure of N407GA’s pilot to follow flight arrival route guidelines, and the failure of N407MJ’s pilot to follow…NTSB MIA08LA131Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAMS Flight APIS-M · Modena, NYThe pilot's improper use of wing spoilers on final approach and his misjudged distance/altitude resulting in the glider colliding with trees short of the runway.NTSB LAX08FA203Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Mount Charleston, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain and his selection of a cruise altitude that provided inadequate terrain clearance. Contributing to the accident were the high density altitude and the rapidly rising terrain.NTSB LAX08LA193Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSnow S2C · Glenn's Ferry, IDFailure of the pilot to maintain an adequate airspeed resulting in an aerodynamic stall/spin while maneuvering.NTSB DEN08FA114Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 500S · Linwood, KSThe pilot-in-training inadvertently shutting off both engine fuel control valves causing a loss of power in both engines, and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane resulting in a stall. Contributing to the accident was the chief pilot's…NTSB LAX08LA191Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Oceanside, CAFailure of the pilot to regain airplane control during an intentional stall/spin maneuver.NTSB NYC08LA225Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRans Rans S-6ES · Lajas, PRThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB NYC08LA224Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Vodochody Aero. Works L-29 Delfin · Millville, NJA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a clogged fuel filter that was not identified due to the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.NTSB NYC08LA223Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Rockland, METhe non-instrument rated pilot becoming spatially disorientated after inadvertently entering instrument flight conditions.NTSB DFW08LA166Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 99 · Bowling Green, MOThe parachutist's failure to follow procedures/directives by not waiting to jump until the green jump light was illuminated, resulting in his collision with the airplane's tail. Contributing to the accident was the parachutist's impairment by the use of…NTSB NYC08LA222Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDennis P. McGurk F1 Rocket · Woodbine, NJA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's failure to select the proper tank prior to performing aerobatics.NTSB NYC08LA221Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Lake Placid, FLThe pilot’s performance of a nonstandard abrupt maneuver at low altitude, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control.NTSB NYC08FA218Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDehavilland DHC6 · Hyannis, MAThe pilot's failure to remove the flight control lock prior to takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the Federal Aviation Administration's failure to issue an airworthiness directive making the manufacturer's previously-issued flight control lock service…NTSB MIA08FA122Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportYates Lancair IV-P · Springfield, KYA total loss of engine power due to a loss of engine oil as a result of the installation of the wrong oil adapter O-ring seal.NTSB LAX08FA190Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Pahala, HIThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to remain clear of rising terrain while deviating from his planned route of flight. Contributing to the accident were clouds and mountainous terrain.NTSB CHI08LA166Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHelton Lark 95 · West Carrollton, OHThe improper installation of spark plugs during the annual inspection which resulted in a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain during the forced landing.NTSB MIA08LA121Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMckeehan James F Acroduster II SA750 · Panama City, FLThe pilot's inability to recover from an intentional aerobatic maneuver due to loss of aileron control. Contributing to the accident was the installation of an inadequate aileron secondary stop block against the main spar of both lower wings.NTSB NYC08FA215Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P337H · Cape Elizabeth, METhe pilot's improper decision to continue the flight in instrument meteorological conditions after experiencing an attitude indicator malfunction.NTSB LAX08LA181Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAirborne Edge · Dunn, NCThe student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around.NTSB DCA08WA073Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210 · Nairegi Enkera, KenyaOn June 10, 2008, about 1200 UTC, a Cessna 210, registration 5Y-BE, a chartered flight, was en route when it collided with high terrain near Nairegi Enkera, Kenya. The airplane was on a visual flight; instrument meteorological conditions prevailed due to low…NTSB DCA08WA072Accident · 30 fatalForeign investigationAirbus Industrie A310-324 · Khartoum, SudanOn June 10, 2008, about 1126 UTC, Sudan Airways Flight 109, an Airbus A310-324, registration ST-ATN, crashed during landing on runway 26 at Khartoum International Airport, Khartoum, Sudan. Thunderstorms were reported in the area. Of the 12 crew and 202…NTSB DEN08FA101Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Huntsville, TXThe pilot's failure to identify and arrest the helicopter's descent, which resulted in its impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the limited outside visual reference due to the dark night conditions.NTSB CHI08FA156Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206C · Fremont, OHThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control for an undetermined reason, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's poor judgment in continuing to fly with his severe visual deficiency. Also contributing to the…NTSB NYC08WA209Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 208B · La Junta, ChileOn June 7, 2008, about 1350 Chilean local time, a Cessna 208B, Chilean registry CC-CTR, operated by Patagonia Airlines, was substantially damaged when it impacted mountainous terrain about 18 kilometers west of La Junta, Aysen Region, Chile. The Chilean…NTSB MIA08FA115Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T206H · Cedar Key, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the water during a dark night approach to a coastal airport.NTSB DFW08LA161Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Forrest City, ARThe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, resulting in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall.NTSB ANC08FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Quinhagak, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude in high winds, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and uncontrolled descent to the ground. Contributing to the accident were the high winds.NTSB CHI08LA158Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMaggs Lancair 4P · Alhambra, ILThe pilot's decision to continue the flight into an area of known thunderstorm activity and the in-flight structural failure of the airplane.NTSB DEN08FA100Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportExtra Flugzeugbau EA 300/L · Gothenburg, NEThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after encountering instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's recent usage of Marihuana, his impaired judgement and decision making, and the low visibility weather…NTSB CHI08FA150Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TBM 700 (850) · Iowa City, IAThe pilot's improper decision to depart with a preexisting tailwind and failure to abort takeoff. Contributing to the severity of the injuries was the failure to properly restrain (FAA-required) the child passenger.NTSB DEN08LA098Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHarms Robert M KIT FOX SE · La Porte, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and uncontrolled descent.NTSB SEA08LA149Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVan Heeswyk Lightning · Marana, AZThe insufficient clamping force resulting in a fatigue fracture of the propeller extension attachment bolts and subsequent separation of the propeller assembly in flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to…NTSB DFW08LA157Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLucas D E/ Lucas K A AcroSport II · St Charles, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain control during an attempted low pass maneuver.NTSB LAX08LA160Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuad City Ultralight Challenger LSS · Moses Lake, WAThe pilot's inability to maintain control due to an in-flight separation of the vertical fin as a result of the failure of the airplane's builder to properly secure the vertical fin to the fuselage.NTSB SEA08LA145Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPoulin L/Cullen D Lancair Legacy · Murrieta, CAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and the subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB SEA08FA146Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Monticello, UTThe in-flight collision with mountainous terrain for undetermined reasons. *This report was modified on December 10, 2009.