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 ATL07FA069Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Andrews, NCThe pilot's misjudgment of distance and altitude during a night approach for landing, resulting in an in flight collision with wires and the ground.NTSB LAX07LA122Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportScottish Bulldog 120 · So Lake Tahoe, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from objects and the mountainous terrain.NTSB SEA07LA090Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBurton Fly Baby · Arlington, AZThe pilot exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft while maneuvering in intentional aerobatics.NTSB NYC07FA091Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Trappe, MDThe pilot's improper decision to fly into an area of thunderstorms, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and subsequent in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the thunderstorm.NTSB DFW07LA090Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchilleci RV-6 · Sinton, TXThe pilot's loss of control while performing an instrument approach. A contributing factor was the prevailing fog.NTSB ATL07LA067Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-181 · New Tazewell, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the non-instrument rated pilot's continued flight from visual meteorological conditions into instrument meteorological conditions, and a low cloud ceiling.NTSB DEN07WA081Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34-200T · Klagenfurt, AustriaNTSB ATL07LA066Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSzybowcowy Zaklad Do SZD-36A · Sylacauga, ALThe pilot's improper installation of the left wing attachment pin, which allowed it to disengage during cruise flight, resulting in wing separation.NTSB LAX07LA118Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRyan Navion A · Los Banos, CAthe pilot's intentional performance of aerobatic maneuvers that exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane structure. Also causal was the pilot's impairment due to the effects of alcohol consumption. Contributory was the pilot's impairment due to the…NTSB NYC07FA088Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Howell, NJThe pilot's improper decision to attempt a flight with known serious medical conditions, which resulted in impairment during cruise flight, likely due to a stroke or transient ischemic attack. A factor was the pilot providing false information on his medical…NTSB DEN07FA079Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 II · Ponte Vedra Bch, FLthe mechanic's improper installation of the attachment hardware for the servo to swashplate push-pull tube joint which resulted in a disconnection, subsequent loss of control, and impact with terrain. Contributing factors were the company management's…NTSB NYC07FA083Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Jacksonville, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane which was a result of spatial disorientation after takeoff into instrument conditions with an operationally degraded electronic primary flight display. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s…NTSB DEN07WA075Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBeech 24R · Rendsburg-Schac, GermanyNTSB ATL07LA054Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJames Walter Hornet · Talbotton, GAThe failure of the right main fuel line, resulting in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power.NTSB LAX07LA113Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Lincoln City, ORIn-flight collision with water for undetermined reasons.NTSB DFW07FA084Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Marietta, OKThe pilot's improper landing flare. A contributing factor was the premature touchdown in an area of rising terrain.NTSB MIA07FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Vodochody Aero. Works L-39C · Titusville, FLThe pilot’s failure to ensure sufficient altitude while maneuvering in close proximity to the ground during an airshow, which resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB DEN07FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A23A · Holman, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain a safe altitude and clearance, and his improper inflight planning/decision to postpone initiating a climbing turn to avoid obstructions.NTSB CHI07MA083Accident · 1 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas 369FF · Haena, HIThe fatigue failure of the tail rotor blade root fitting due to a manufacturing defect which resulted in the separation of the tail rotor system and loss of tail rotor control. A contributing factor to the accident were the trees that the helicopter struck…NTSB CHI07FA084Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Munster, INThe fuel starvation for an undetermined reason which led to the loss of power on the left engine. Additional causes were the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which led to his loss of control of the airplane. Factors in the accident were the flight…NTSB WAS07WA009Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34-200T · Lilongwe, MalawiNTSB NYC07MA073Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS350BA · Princeville, HIThe failure of maintenance personnel to properly tighten (torque) the flight control servo lower attachment clevis, and reinstall a functioning lock washer, which resulted in a flight control disconnect and a complete loss of helicopter control. Contributing…NTSB LAX07FA103Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Tooele, UTThe pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the wings and horizontal stabilizers. Contributing to the accident were the night lighting conditions, clouds, turbulence and icing conditions.NTSB CHI07LA086Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCamair 480 · East Liberty, OHThe uncontrolled descent for undetermined reasons.NTSB DCA07RA030Accident · 23 fatalForeign investigationBoeing B737-400 · Yogyakarta, IndonesiaNTSB CHI07LA080Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWood Quickie Q-2 · Edwardsville, ILThe loss of engine power during cruise due to loose cylinder head bolts/loose cylinders.NTSB CHI07FA079Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Bedford, INSuicide.NTSB MIA07FA056Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-C55 · Port Orange, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb resulting in inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper positioning of the left fuel selector which resulted in fuel starvation to the left engine.NTSB LAX07LA099Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMallian Rocket II · Arvin, CALoss of control during cruise for undetermined reasons.NTSB DFW07LA160Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportIngraham RV-6 · Carlsbad, NMThe pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA07LA058Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportUnknown Kolb Mark III · Panama City, FLThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall, uncontrolled descent, and in-flight collision with terrain. A factor in the accident was the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ATL07LA045Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHiller UH-12A · Bethlehem, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm, which resulted in an attempted autorotation and in-flight collision with trees. Contributing to the severity of the accident was the pilot exceeding the helicopters takeoff capability.NTSB LAX07WA095Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRV-4 · Officer South, AustraliaNTSB DFW07FA073Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210K · Lago Vista, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain. A factor was the pilot's diverted attention with a reported autopilot malfunction.NTSB DFW07FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportStevens KB-2 · Oklahoma City, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the gyroplane while in the traffic pattern. Contributing to the accident was the high wind with terrain induced turbulence and the absence of the gyroplane's horizontal stabilizer.NTSB CHI07FA073Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Council Bluffs, IAThe pilot's continued flight into adverse weather, and his failure to maintain altitude during the instrument approach. Contributing factors were the presence of severe icing, moderate turbulence, and low-level wind shear.NTSB DEN07WA062Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34-200T · Natal, BrazilNTSB DEN07WA060Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31T · Rieschweiler, GermanyNTSB CHI07FA069Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter France EC120B · Gulf of MexicoThe pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty wind conditions which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance with the structure extending from the offshore oil platform. Contributing to the accident was the gusty wind condition.NTSB LAX07CA087Accident · 1 fatalData collectionFinal reportWampole Mini-Max · Adelanto, CAa loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB DEN07WA061Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34-200T · Gresse-en-Verco, FranceNTSB DFW07FA067Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Rocksprings, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain. Contributing factors were the below approach/landing minimums weather and the drizzle/mist weather conditions.NTSB DEN07FA059Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech H-18 · Great Bend, KSThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the missed approach which resulted in an inadvertent stall and impact with terrain. A contributing factor was the icing conditions.NTSB ATL07FA040Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Hinesville, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in the in-flight breakup of the airplane due to aerodynamic overload. Contributing to the accident were airframe icing and the pilot's impairment by illegal drugs.NTSB SEA07FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210R · Rexburg, IDThe loss of engine power due to the contamination of the fuel manifold valve, and the pilot's continued operation of the airplane with known maintenance discrepancies.NTSB SEA07FA051Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Belgrade, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate altitude and descent rate during a night visual approach. Dark night conditions and mountainous terrain are factors in the accident.NTSB SEA07LA060Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBrown Pitts S-1 · Incline Vlg, NVThe airplane collided with a frozen lake for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's intentional operation of the airplane while impaired by alcohol and the FAA's failure to obtain additional information about the pilot's…NTSB LAX07FA080Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Ranchita, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during a cruise descent. Contributing to the accident were the dark night lighting conditions and the mountainous terrain.NTSB NYC07FA065Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TBM 700 · Dartmouth, MABoth pilots' failure to maintain aircraft control during a missed approach.NTSB CHI07WA065Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28-140 · Blackpool, United Kingdom