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 MIA08FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeroFab Lake LA-250 · Skaneateles, NYThe certified flight instructor's failure to maintain airspeed during a steep turn.NTSB LAX08FA115Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Sonora, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident were rising mountainous terrain and a high density altitude.NTSB MIA08LA090Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEmory B. Wood Phantom X1 · Warrenton, VAA loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.NTSB DEN08GA076Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Fort Carson, COThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control following the jettison of the load during an aerial fire flighting mission, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident were the improperly configured aircraft…NTSB DCA08RA050Accident · 40 fatalClass 5 · ForeignMcDonnell Douglas DC-9-51 · Goma, Congo - KinshasaOn April 15, 2008, a Hewa Bora DC-9-51, registration 9Q-CHN, overran runway 18 and crashed into a residential area after aborting the takeoff. The aircraft was destroyed along with several residential buildings. Of the 86 passengers and 8 crewmembers onboard,…NTSB ANC08FA053Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B2 · Chickaloon, AKAn in-flight overtorque of the engine-to-transmission driveshaft resulting in disconnection of the main transmission from the engine. The overtorque likely occurred due to an in-flight main rotor blade contact with snow-covered terrain, precluding significant…NTSB MIA08LA089Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDayon Lancair Legacy · Lakeland, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction with the canopy during takeoff.NTSB CHI08LA101Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Roseglen, NDThe pilot failed to maintain obstacle clearance from the TV antenna during a low altitude maneuver. Contributing factors were the antenna, the night conditions, and pilot impairment due to alcohol.NTSB DFW08LA097Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRaytheon B200 · Taylor, TXThe failure of the pilot and mechanic to ensure that the airplane was depressurized prior to actuating the door. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the vacuum system.NTSB SEA08FA108Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Big Bear City, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident were the mountainous terrain, the dark night condition, the turbulent wind condition, and the low clouds.NTSB NYC08WA160Accident · 5 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna U206C · Nazca, PeruOn April 9, 2008, about 1530 Peruvian local time, a Cessna U206C, Peruvian registration OB-1266, operated by Aero Ica S.A.C., was destroyed when it impacted terrain while returning to land at Maria Reiche Airport (SPZA), Nazca, Ica Province, Peru. The…NTSB SEA08LA105Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGlasair Glasair III · Cheyenne, WYThe pilot's improper decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions. Contributing to the accident were low ceilings, snow and whiteout conditions.NTSB NYC08FA158Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChech Aircraft Works Spol Sro CH 601 XL RTF · Polk City, FLThe in-flight failure of the left wing for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC08FA157Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCartwright H Jr/Cottrell M RV-10 · Seale, ALThe pilot-in-command's in-flight loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the weather conditions and the pilot-in-command's lack of flight experience in the accident airplane.NTSB NYC08FA155Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSIAI-Marchetti SF-260 · Belfast, METhe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation during an aerobatic maneuver.NTSB LAX08FA092Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Benson, AZThe pilot's misjudged speed and altitude during approach that led to a long landing and his subsequent failure to maintain control during an attempted go-around. Contributing to the accident were the dark night, the pilot's low total night flight experience,…NTSB DCA08WA060Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignNeiva NE-821 · Lencois, Bahia, BrazilOn March 31, 2008, a Neiva NE-821, Brazilian manufactured Piper PA31T/T1040, registration PT-VCI, operated by Abaeté Táxi Aéreo as a domestic cargo flight, crashed on approach to Lencois, Brazil. There were 2 fatalities and the airplane was destroyed. The…NTSB NYC08RA149Accident · 5 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 500 · Farnborough, Ke, United KingdomOn March 30, 2008, at 1338 universal coordinated time, a Cessna Citation 500, Bermudian registration VP-BGE, was destroyed when it impacted a residence shortly after takeoff from the Biggin Hill Airport, Farnborough, Kent, United Kingdom. The two flight crew…NTSB ANC08WA045Accident · 5 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA-46-350P · Wainwright, CanadaOn March 28, 2008, about 0815, mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-46-350P airplane, Canadian registration C-FKKH, operated by A.D. Williams Holdings Inc., broke up in-flight, and crashed about 12 kilometers northeast of Wainwright, Alberta, Canada. The…NTSB NYC08FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-161 · Venice, FLThe pilot's inflight loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC08FA143Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-76 · Rome, GAThe flight instructor's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering during a simulated engine failure. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's lack of total experience as a multiengine flight instructor.NTSB MIA08FA081Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Waxhaw, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to land, resulting in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the tailwind.NTSB LAX08LA078Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJenkins RV-7A · Winslow, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed that resulted in a stall/spin.NTSB NYC08FA139Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Atkins, VAThe pilot's improper decision to take off in conditions conducive to icing, and his inability to maintain control of the airplane during an in-flight accumulation of structural ice.NTSB MIA08FA080Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182B · Wildwood, FLThe noninstrument rated pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance at night in marginal visual flight conditions. Contributing to the accident was the dark night, and low cloud ceilings.NTSB NYC08FA138Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Front Royal, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from rising mountainous terrain, and his failure to turn toward his assigned course during initial climb. Contributing to the accident were the low ceiling, reduced visibility, dark night conditions, and rising…NTSB NYC08FA134Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta II · Wilmington, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain proper rotor rpm after a partial loss of engine power.NTSB NYC08FA133Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Indiantown, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the overweight condition of the airplane and the inoperative stall warning horn.NTSB NYC08WA131Accident · 10 fatalForeign investigationBell 412EP · Santa Cruz, PeruNTSB DFW08FA080Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Abbeville, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident were the prevailing clouds, rain, and turbulence.NTSB DFW08LA081Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRitter RV-10 · Ledbetter, TXThe pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB DFW08FA078Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Gun Barrel City, TXThe pilot's failure to avoid the transmission line. A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to perform a low-level maneuver.NTSB DFW08MA076Accident · 5 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportCessna 500 · Oklahoma City, OKAirplane wing-structure damage sustained during impact with one or more large birds (American white pelicans), which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane.NTSB NYC08WA266Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R-44 II · Nizhnevartovsk, RussiaOn March 2, 2008, about 1320 universal time coordinated, a Robinson R-44 II, Russian registration RA-04223, was destroyed when it impacted trees and terrain near Nizhnevartovsk, Russia. The pilot and the passenger were fatally injured. The flight was…NTSB NYC08WA117Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCirrus Design SR-22 · Rio de Janiero, BrazilOn March 2, 2008, at 1443 coordinated universal time, a Cirrus Design Corporation SR-22, Brazilian registration PR-AIO, was destroyed when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Jacarepagua Airport (SBJT), Rio de Janiero, Brazil. The pilot and the…NTSB MIA08FA070Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportUlrich Christen Velocity XL RG · Titusville, FLThe pilot of the Velocity’s failure to see and avoid the flight of four RV-8s that had landed and were in the process of clearing the runway.NTSB LAX08FA068Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Riverside, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and aircraft control, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB NYC08WA114Accident · 11 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 210M · Santiago, ChileOn February 27, 2008, at 0948 Chilean standard time, a Cessna 210M, Chilean registration CC-KKU, operated by Club Aereo de Personal de Carabineros, was destroyed during a forced landing in the Penalolen Municipal Stadium, in the southeast quadrant of…NTSB ANC08FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Tyonek, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed to prevent a stall while maneuvering, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.NTSB NYC08FA109Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Cumberland, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper approach course for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI08FAMS2Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Vik, IcelandThe pilot's decision to fly into an area of forecast weather suitable for structural icing. Contributing to the accident was the effect of the structural icing encountered.NTSB DEN08WA060Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBeech 95-55 · Auxerre, FranceOn February 20, 2008, approximately 1852 UTC, a French registered Beech 95-55, F-BPJF, serial number TC-1143, piloted by a French private pilot, impacted terrain, following a loss engine power, near Auxerre Airfield (LFAQ) France. The pilot was killed and one…NTSB NYC08WA104Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 650 · Caico Seco, VenezuelaOn February 18, 2008, about 1815 Venezuelan local time, a Cessna 650, N385EM, was destroyed when it impacted the savanna near Caico Seco, Anzoategui, Venezuela. The two pilots and one passenger, all Venezuelan citizens, were fatally injured. Visual…NTSB LAX08LA063Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWilson RV-7 · Nevada City, CAThe improper installation of the fuel pump, leading to a fatigue failure of the pump's lever arm and subsequent loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB DEN08FA059Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414A · Benton, KSThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's flight into known adverse weather conditions and the low clouds and visibility.NTSB SEA08FA078Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLancair LC41 · Portland, ORThe pilot's failure to follow the missed approach procedure. Contributing to the accident were the fog and below landing minimums visibility conditions.NTSB LAX08LA059Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMunson RV-6A · Stanwood, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed above stall (Vs) during an emergency landing that lead to a stall and uncontrolled descent. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX08WA071Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA-18 · Gascoyne Junc, AustraliaOn February 13, 2008, about 1015 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Piper PA-18 Super Cub, Australian registration VH-OUS, and a Robinson helicopter R44, Australian registration VH-ZDP, collided in mid-air 54 kilometers northwest of Gascoyne Junction,…NTSB DEN08FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Sterling, KSThe loss of pitch control during cruise flight resulting from the separation of the stabilator trim actuator due to inadequate maintenenace.NTSB CHI08WA077Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA-28R-200 · Empingham, United KingdomOn February 13, 2008, at 1540 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-28R-200, G-BKFZ, registered to a private owner collided with terrain in a wooded area near Rutland Water, United Kingdom. The airplane was destroyed and the private pilot was fatally…