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 SEA08FA042Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Salmon, IDAn in-flight loss of control due to the pilot's failure to remove ice and snow from the airplane prior to takeoff. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's improper preflight preparation/actions, falling snow, and a low ambient temperature.NTSB NYC08FA056Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech H35 · Warrenton, VAThe pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedure and his failure to maintain the minimum descent altitude which resulted in collision with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident were the night, instrument meteorological…NTSB NYC08WA057Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationBeech C90B · Kyiv, UkraineNTSB MIA08WA060Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna T210 · Guario, VenezuelaNTSB NYC08FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Parkland, FLBoth pilots' failure to see and avoid the other airplane. Contributing to the accident were the erroneous readouts from the Cessna's altitude encoder.NTSB MIA08FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Bloomfield, KYthe pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane, which resulted in the in-flight break up. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's loss of control in-flight due to spatial disorientation.NTSB MIA08FA026Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · Woodland, ALThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while attempting to conduct visual flight in reduced visibility conditions at night. Factors contributing to the accident include the flight instructor’s inadequate preflight planning, and…NTSB SEA08FA046Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-236 · Orting, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering. A contributing factor was the dark night.NTSB DFW08WA043Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210 · Arteaga, MexicoNTSB NYC08FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Augusta, GAA loss of engine power due to the fatigue fracture of the number 2 cylinder attach studs, and the subsequent separation of the number 2 cylinder.NTSB CHI08FA045Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Columbus, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and collision avoidance with terrain due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the low cloud ceiling and night conditions.NTSB NYC08FA051Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 60 · New Castle, DEThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a split flap takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident were the failure of the right flap drive mechanism and the pilot's failure to verify that both flaps were…NTSB ANC08FA025Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland BK117C1 · Whittier, AKThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into night instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the operator's failure to adhere to an FAA-approved and mandated safety risk management program, the FAA's failure to provide…NTSB DCA08RA015Accident · 57 fatalForeign investigationMcDonnell Douglas MD-83 · Isparta, TürkiyeNTSB CHI08LA046Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSwearingen T R/Masters W Rand KR 2 · Benton, ILThe reason for this accident is undetermined.NTSB MIA08FA021Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Fort Myers, FLThe reason for this occurrence was not determined.NTSB DFW08FA040Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Marlow, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident were the low altitude for recovery and the gusty tailwind.NTSB DFW08FA038Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Tulsa, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power transmission line(s). Contributing to the accident were the loss of aircraft electrical power, diverted attention, and the night conditions.NTSB DEN08WA037Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCirrus Design SR-20 · Jagel, GermanyNTSB DEN08FA036Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Farmerville, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to the effects of impairment from alcohol consumption resulting in the collision with the trees.. A contributing factor was the Federal Aviation Administration's failure to identify existing evidence of…NTSB CHI08LA041Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHerink H R/Herink R W Challenger · Apple River, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was the low altitude and the gusty wind conditions.NTSB NYC08FA046Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Owensboro, KYA loss of control during approach for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI08FA039Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Faribault, MNThe pilot not maintaining adequate airspeed for the gusty crosswind conditions and the stall/spin encountered during the go-around. Contributing to the accident were the crosswinds and wind gusts.NTSB DFW08FA036Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A150K · Mesquite, TXThe flight instructor's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall during takeoff-initial climb. Factors contributing to the accident are the instructor's decision to takeoff with excessive flaps, the improper maintenance replacement of the flap…NTSB SEA08FA036Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Auburn, CAThe pilot failed to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering in the traffic pattern for landing, which resulted in a stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment during the flight from the effects of over-the-counter medications.NTSB NYC08FA041Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · New Windsor, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath during an instrument-landing-system approach in fog. Contributing to the accident were pilot fatigue and air traffic control's failure to issue a minimum safe altitude warning.NTSB NYC08FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Maine, NYThe pilot's spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent collision with trees.NTSB LAX08WA131Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 337G · Inverloch, AustraliaNTSB CHI08LA037Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPadelt PG37-1 · Hampton, IAThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning which resulted in the failure to maintain clearance with the power lines. Contributing to the accident was the power line.NTSB DFW08FA031Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Ranger, TXThe pilot's intentional performance of aerobatic maneuvers that exceeded the design limits of the airplane structure.NTSB ANC08WA021Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 404 · Nakatsugawa, JapanNTSB SEA08FA023Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T182T · Las Vegas, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance/altitude during climb to cruise. Contributing to the accident were rising mountainous terrain, the dark nighttime lighting condition, the pilot's loss of situational awareness, and the Federal…NTSB NYC08LA028Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Morristown, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the idling main rotor blade. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to comply with the manufacturer's procedure for securing the helicopter.NTSB LAX08FA028Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-602P · McFarland, CAThe pilot's inadequate preflight preparation and improper fueling procedures that led to fuel exhaustion.NTSB SEA08FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Baker City, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain main rotor rpm while maneuvering.NTSB DEN08WA029Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-32R · Merrenberg, FranceNTSB SEA08LA021Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340 · Garberville, CAThe pilot's intentional visual flight rules (VFR) flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain clearance from the trees and terrain during climb. Contributing to the accident were the weather conditions of fog and a low…NTSB LAX08FA026Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A100 · Chino, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain a positive climb rate during an instrument takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the low visibility.NTSB NYC08FA026Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Jamestown, TNThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a known wire hazard during takeoff.NTSB NYC08LA024Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBlondin 601HDS · Farmington, DEThe reason for this occurrence could not be determined.NTSB MIA08RA013Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationLearjet 35A · Sao Paulo, BrazilNTSB CHI08FA033Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172I · Gladwin, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention while attempting to photograph ground objects.NTSB SEA08LA017Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKelly F1D · Reno, NVThe pilot's loss of airplane control while performing intentional approach to stall maneuvers. Contributing to the accident was the inadvertent entry of the airplane into a spin.NTSB NYC08FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDaniel R. Lloyd Trish's Ride Home · Greenville, PAThe pilot/builder's improper installation of the electrical system.NTSB MIA08WA020Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R-44 · San Paulo, BrazilNTSB MIA08FA010Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Panama City, FLThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which resulted in a loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel contamination. A factor was the pilot's impairment due to recent cocaine use.NTSB CHI08LA031Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWRB Associates Zodiac 601 XL · La Belle, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flight experience and his total lack of experience in the accident airplane model.NTSB LAX08FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Palm Springs, CAThe flight instructor's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall during takeoff-initial climb, and his impairment from alcohol.NTSB SEA08FA013Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5A · Sequim, WAThe pilot's misjudged distance and altitude that led to an undershoot; his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll; and his failure to maintain clearance from trees during an attempted aborted landing.NTSB NYC08FA020Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Boynton Beach, FLA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilots' improper in-flight fuel management.