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 LAX07FA056Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 412SP · Hesperia, CAThe pilot's inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing to the accident were the dark night conditions, fog, and mountainous terrain.NTSB DFW07FA036Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · Waco, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall during the instrument landing approach, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with terrain. Also causal was the pilot's impairment due to prohibited drugs. Factors associated…NTSB NYC07FA043Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Charlottesville, VAA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ATL07LA025Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFagan Rans S-6S · Taylorsville, NCThe pilots failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering resulting in an inadvertent stall, uncontrolled decent, collision with the ground, and a post crash fire.NTSB NYC07FA042Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210K · Edgewater, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper altitude/clearance will on approach, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the night-light conditions, an obstruction light that was not illuminated, and trees that had…NTSB LAX07LA054Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJohn Lauer Harmon Rocket II · Bakersfield, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during an aerobatic maneuver.NTSB NYC07FA041Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20R · Summersville, WVThe airplane's encounter with in-flight icing, which resulted in a loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's improper weather evaluation, the in-flight icing conditions, the reduced visibility from a snow squall during the forced…NTSB SEA07LA025Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHolloway RV6A · North Bend, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water while performing low altitude maneuvering flight resulting in an in flight collision with the water.NTSB DEN07WA031Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigation107.5 Flying One Design DR 107 · Langenthal, SwitzerlandNTSB NYC07FA038Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSmith, Ted Aerostar 601P · West Dover, VTA loss of control during approach for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a collision with trees.NTSB DFW07LA032Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNoble Vans RV-7A · Norman, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A contributing factor was the pilot's attempt at formation flying.NTSB CHI07FA032Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Crookston, MNThe pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions which led to his spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control. Factors were the snow, the low ceiling, and the pilot's lack of instrument flight experience.NTSB NYC07FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Huntersville, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the night instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB LAX07WA057Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Nadi, FijiNTSB DEN07WA034Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationGrob G 180 · Mindelheim, GermanyNTSB NYC07WA044Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 412 · Cafasse, Torino, ItalyNTSB NYC07WA039Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R-44 · Venice, ItalyNTSB DEN07WA028Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationYoakley Glasair · Rieden, GermanyNTSB LAX07LA047Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportInteravia E-3 · San Pedro, CALoss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA07WA022Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationBeech B55 · Coyhaique, ChileNTSB DFW07LA026Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKeesler Pulsar · Alvarado, TXThe pilot's improper handling of the airplane while manuevering at a low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertant stall.NTSB SEA07LA021Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369E · Jensen, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the transmission wires due to an inadquate visual lookout while maneuvering during a search and rescue flight.NTSB CHI07FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Wellington, ILSpatial disorientation experienced by the pilot while attempting to visually locate traffic during cruise flight, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. Contributing factors were the inadvertent overload failure of the wing spar and stabilator, and the…NTSB LAX07LA037Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeechcraft J35 · Flagstaff, AZThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning while on approach which lead to a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB DEN07WA025Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBurton Christen Eagle II · Pfronten, GermanyNTSB CHI07LA024Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMaule MX-7-180B · Edenville, MIThe pilot's loss of control during landing on a lake resulting in the amphibian aircraft flipping over inverted.NTSB LAX07FA035Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Big Bear Lake, CAFailure of the turbine wheel shaft in the left turbocharger during the takeoff initial climb for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to attain and maintain safe single engine airspeed that led to a loss of control.NTSB CHI07FA022Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T303 · Mill Creek, INThe pilot became spatially disoriented and as a result failed to maintain control of the airplane. Factors associated with the accident were the instrument meteorological conditions aloft and the pilot being fatigued.NTSB LAX07LA032Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKolb MK III · Paulden, AZfailure of the pilot to maintain an adequate airspeed that led to a stall/spin.NTSB NYC07LA027Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Williamsburg, VAThe pilot's improper decision to depart into adverse weather conditions. Contributing was the gusty wind conditions.NTSB NYC07LA026Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVogel Glastar 41 · Snow Shoe, PAThe builder's improper installation of an additional alternator. Contributing to the accident were the night lighting conditions.NTSB NYC07FA025Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCzech Aircraft Works CH 601 XL RTF · Basye, VAThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB DFW07FA023Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcCutchan Glasair · Mineral Wells, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a forced landing, resulting in an inadvertent stall. A factor was the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB SEA07FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D35 · Shelton, WAThe pilot's failure to refuel the airplane, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall during the subsequent forced landing. A factor associated with the accident is the inadvertent stall.NTSB DEN07FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337C · Alamogordo, NMThe pilot's incapacitation due to a heart attack while landing, which resulted in a loss of control and an on ground collision with objects.NTSB DEN07LA020Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502A · Deming, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering resulting in an inadvertent stall and impact with terrain. A contributing factor was the low airspeed.NTSB ATL07LA014Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCarlson Lancair Propjet · Dalton, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a forced landing, resulting in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in loss of engine due to fuel starvation.NTSB NYC07LA022Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMonard RAF 2000 GTX · Ridgely, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm while maneuvering, which resulted in a loss of rotor blade rigidity.NTSB DFW07FA020Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Danville, ARFailure of the number 5 cylinder which resulted in oil starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power, and the pilot's inability to see the transmission line during the forced landing. Factors Contributing to the accident were the dark night and the…NTSB DFW07FA019Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Hominy, OKThe pilot's continued cruise flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Contributing factors were the dark night conditions, and the low ceilings.NTSB ANC07FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180E · Cordova, AKA loss of engine power for an undetermined reason during cruise flight, which resulted in a forced landing and collision with an embankment.NTSB LAX07FA026Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAircraft Mfg & Dev. CH601XL Slsa · Yuba City, CAIn-flight structural failure of the horizontal stabilizer and wings for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA07WA023Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 206L · Antioquia, ColombiaNTSB LAX07LA025Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportOlson Vans RV-6 · Rio Verde, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while intentionally flying at a low altitude.NTSB CHI07FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 175 · Battle Creek, MIA loss of engine power while in cruise flight due to an oil leak from the nose seal of the reduction gear case. Contributing to the accident were the oil leak, the pilot's reduced visibility out the windscreen, and rising terrain.NTSB MIA07FA011Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-76 · Port Orange, FLThe flight instructor's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion.NTSB LAX07LA027Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Creations Tanarg 912 · Bisbee, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the mountainous terrain.NTSB DEN07WA018Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R-44 · Katrineholm, SwedenNTSB WAS07RA004Accident · 96 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 737-200 · Abuja, NigeriaNTSB LAX07LA023Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMoyes Dragonfly · Brentwood, CAthe pilot's failure to obtain and maintain an adequate airspeed during the initial climb resulting in a stall and uncontrolled descent into terrain.