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 DEN08WA097Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBeech A 36 · Westerland/Sylt, GermanyOn May 30, 2008, at 1655 coordinated universal time (1855 central European Summer Time), a Beech Aircraft Corporation A 36, German registered D-EMIB, owned and piloted by the accident pilot, was destroyed when it impacted terrain under unknown circumstances…NTSB DCA08RA068Accident · 5 fatalClass 5 · ForeignAirbus Industrie A320-233 · Tegucgalpa, HondurasOn May 30, 2008 at 1545Z, an Airbus A320-233, Irish registration EI-TAF, operated by Taca Airlines as flight No. 390, overran the end of runway 02, at the Toncontin International Airport (TGU), in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, during landing. The airplane was on a…NTSB CHI08FA146Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Hillsboro, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to an in-flight fire as a result of a corrosion hole in the muffler that was not identified by the mechanic. Contributing to the accident was the improper emergency procedure performed for an…NTSB NYC08RA197Accident · 11 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBell UH-1N · Panama City, PanamaOn May 29, 2008, at 1410 central daylight time, a Bell UH-1H, operated by the Panamanian Servicio Aereo Nacional (SAN) as SAN-100, was destroyed when it impacted buildings in Panama City, Panama. The Panamanian pilot in command, the Panamanian flight…NTSB DEN08FA092Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas Helicopter C MD 500E · Sunrise Beach, MOThe loss of tail rotor effectiveness and the pilot's failure to regain aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly in known adverse weather conditions and the gusty winds generated from convective outflow. Contributing to…NTSB SEA08LA138Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKolb Kolbra · Jordan Valley, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering that led to a stall/mush.NTSB SEA08LA137Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNolan RV-4 · Tolani Lake, AZAn in-flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB DFW08FA153Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · Steamboat, COThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain in day visual conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to marijuana and inadequate medical oversight of the pilot by the Federal Aviation Administration.NTSB DEN08WA094Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-46-350P · Léguillac-de-l'Auche, FranceNTSB SEA08MA136Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-350-D · Avalon, CALoss of engine power during approach for landing due to a fatigue fracture of a power turbine blade.NTSB SEA08FA135Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 1900C · Billings, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the initial climb for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA08LA105Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAviate Raptor · Bealeton, VAAn in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX08LA154Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMaule MX-7-235 · Boulder, MTThe pilot's decision to continue flight at low altitude in instrument weather conditions and his failure to maintain clearance from a power line. Contributing to the accident were low cloud and visibility conditions.NTSB LAX08FA152Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Fall River Mills, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for landing, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB NYC08FA189Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-1C · Philadelphia, PAThe flight instructor's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB NYC08FA184Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337A · West Creek, NJThe pilot's departure with insufficient fuel for the planned flight, and his improper in-flight fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of power in both engines due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's fatigue, which was…NTSB LAX08FA144Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 MK I · Stehekin, WAThe pilot's failure to retract the landing gear wheels prior to performing a water landing. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's disabling of the landing gear warning/advisory system and possible fatigue due to his work schedule.NTSB CHI08FA132Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFairchild Hiller FH-1100 · Comstock, MIA loss of engine power in flight due to fuel exhaustion resulting from the pilot's inadequate fuel management. Contributing to the accident was the unsuitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB DFW08LA143Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502B · Wheatley, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, resulting in an inadvertent low-altitude aerodynamic stall.NTSB NYC08FA180Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Cruso, NCThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions with moderate to severe turbulence prevailing. Contributing to the accident were the instrument meteorological conditions and turbulence.NTSB CHI08FA135Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Stevens Point, WIThe partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI08FA133Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Bristol, OHThe loss of control during cruise flight in instrument conditions due to spatial disorientation.NTSB DEN08WA088Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBeech BE-77 · Kilmovee, IrelandOn May 11, 2008, at 1547 UTC, a Beech BE-77, Ireland Registration EI-BHT, lost engine power on initial climb after takeoff and impacted terrain in a steep nose down attitude near Kilmovee, Ireland. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot on board…NTSB CHI08FA128Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland EC 135 T2+ · La Crosse, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees along the top of a ridgeline due to inadequate preflight planning, insufficient altitude, and the lack of a helicopter terrain awareness and warning system. Member Sumwalt did not approve this brief and…NTSB SEA08LA127Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportThorp T-18 · Kent, WAThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident were the lack of a suitable landing area and the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering in response to the loss of engine power.NTSB LAX08FA134Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportExtra Flugzeugproduktions-GMBH EA-300/L · Queen Creek, AZThe loss of aircraft control due to an undetermined rudder malfunction.NTSB DCA08WA059Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 L-1 · Muanda, Congo - KinshasaNTSB NYC08LA176Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDesalvatore Al Lancair IV-P · Snow Hill, NCAn inadvertent encounter with icing conditions, resulting in a loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight decision making.NTSB DFW08FA131Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Black Hawk, COThe loss of engine power due to induction icing. A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to continue flight in conditions favorable for structural and induction-system icing.NTSB CHI08LA124Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · New Lisbon, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during a course reversal at the completion of an agricultural spray run.NTSB CHI08LA123Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDickenson Bathtub · Broadhead, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB MIA08LA096Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGarrett Gerald P Cozy Mark IV · Jekyll Island, GAControlled flight into water for undetermined reasons.NTSB SEA08FA116Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · McCall, IDThe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate visual lookout and clearance from another airplane while attempting to land on the same runway. Contributing to the accident was the non-standard pattern entry of the pilot.NTSB NYC08FA174Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A35 · Americus, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain control during the initial climb for undetermined reasons.NTSB SEA08LA120Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportYakovlev Yak 52 · Vancouver, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain an airspeed sufficient to avoid a stall during a low altitude aerobatic maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the low altitude at which the pilot initiated the maneuver.NTSB NYC08WA175Accident · 6 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna C-310Q · Ilheua, BrazilOn May 2, 2008, about 2043 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 310Q, Brazilian registration PT-JGX, operated by Aero Star Airlines, disappeared off the coast of Brazil while approaching for landing at Ilheus, Brazil. The airplane was in communication with…NTSB DCA08RA053Accident · 20 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBeech 1900C · Rumbek, SudanOn May 2, 2008, about 0710 UTC, 5Y-FLE, Beech 1900C, a chartered flight, operated by Flex Air of Nairobi, Kenya, experienced a loss of power in both engines, and crashed near Rumbek, Southern Sudan. The 2 flightcrew and 18 passengers were fatally injured. The…NTSB DCA08WA061Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignAgusta/Westland A109S · Paraty, BrazilOn April 30, 2008, at approximately 22:59 UTC, an Agusta Westland A109S helicopter, Brazilian registration PR-IPO, crashed after departure from the Parati/Condomínio Laranjeiras heliport, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. There were 2 fatalities. The Brazil…NTSB NYC08WA173Accident · 8 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA-31-310 · Maiquetia, VenezuelaOn April 28, 2008, about 1425 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Piper PA-31-310, N6463L, was destroyed during impact with residences, shortly after takeoff from Aeropuerto Internacional Del Centro Simon Bolivar (SVMI), Maiquetia, Venezuela. The certificated…NTSB DFW08LA122Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Bartlett, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain tail rotor clearance from terrain (embankment) during takeoff.NTSB DFW08LA121Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTromsness Enterprises Turbine LE · Miami, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident included his extensive use of medications and/or his multiple medical conditions and the failure of the FAA to follow up on his reported medication…NTSB MIA08FA094Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20M · Midlothian, VAThe pilot’s improper control inputs resulting from spatial disorientation.NTSB DCA08WA091Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R-44 · Germiston, South AfricaOn April 26, 2008, about 0753 UTC, a Robinson R44, ZS-PWG, an aerial observation flight operated by National Airways Corporation, struck a hangar and collided with the ground during takeoff from Rand Aerodrome, Germiston, South Africa. The pilot and passenger…NTSB DFW08WA119Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna U206 · Ciudad Real, SpainOn April 25, 2008, at approximately 1010 Universal Time Coordinated (UTC), a single-engine Cessna U206, F-GSGT, collided with terrain during landing and was destroyed. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was landing at a private…NTSB NYC08WA171Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-46-350P · Parma, ItalyNTSB LAX08FA122Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCarlton M. Cadwell Lancair IV-P · Mesa, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during climb out resulting in an aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB DFW08FA111Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Hemphill, TXA loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC08LA165Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDragon Fly GT-500 · Paris, TNA fuel system configuration that was not in accordance with the engine manufacturer's published guidance, which resulted in a complete loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB DFW08LA105Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBlevens Gary Vortex · Berclair, TXLoss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB DEN08FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P206 · Mount Vernon, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin. Contributing factors in this accident were the entanglement of the parachute in the elevator control system, reducing the pilot's ability to regain control.