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 ATL06LA079Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTaylor Skybolt · Sharpsburg, GAThe pilot's loss of control while conducting aerobatic flight. Factors in the accident were the pilot's ostentatious display, and lack of recent and total experience in type of operation.NTSB ATL06FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Cumming, GAThe pilot's failure to consider the appropriate aircraft performance data prior to takeoff, and his improper use of the wing flaps during takeoff, which resulted in reduced climb performance and an in-flight collision with a residence. A factor associated…NTSB NYC06LA112Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBulmer Lancair IV-P · Somerset, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed after takeoff to preclude a stall, which resulted in a loss of control and an inadvertent stall. Factors associated with the accident are the inadvertent stall, the loss of engine power due to the pilot's…NTSB MIA06LA106Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Caribbean SeaThe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane. A contributing factor in the accident was the spatial disorientation of the pilot, resulting in the in-flight loss of control.NTSB ATL06FA076Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA60-602P · Camp Hill, ALThe pilot's continued flight into known thunderstorms resulting in an in-flight break up. A factor in the accident was air traffic controller's failure to issue extreme weather radar echo intensity information displayed on the controller's radar to the pilot.NTSB LAX06LA158Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-26D · Aguila, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the glider during takeoff-initial climb, which resulted in a broken tow rope, a spiral, and an in-flight collision with terrain. A factor associated with the accident is the pilot's failure to correct the spiral.NTSB ENG07WA003Accident · 113 fatalForeign investigationAirbus A320 · Sochi, RussiaNTSB DEN06WA072Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech C 24R · Albshausen, GermanyNTSB LAX06FA156Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 Raven II · Desert Center, CAa loss of control and the divergence of the main rotor blade system from its normal rotational path for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX06LA153Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRonald R Russell RV-6 · Death Valley, CAa fuel starvation induced loss of engine power due to a likely vapor lock condition in the fuel lines.NTSB ATL06WA074Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34-220T · San Javier, SpainNTSB WAS06WA009Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208B · Kasese, UgandaNTSB MIA06FA098Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A24R · Okeechobee, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control as a result of spatial disorientation and an in-flight break up. Contributing to the accident were the dark night and thunderstorms.NTSB NYC06FA104Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Montgomery Twp, PAAn impact with mountainous terrain for an undetermined reason.NTSB CHI06LA119Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWoods Skyboy Quick Kit · Huntington, INThe flight's impact with terrain while maneuvering due to undetermined reasons.NTSB ATL06LA070Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLancair Lancair 360 · Charleston, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during a climb to preclude a stall, which resulted in a loss of control and an in-flight collision with terrain. A factor associated with the accident was an inadvertent stall.NTSB ATL06LA069Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182B · Gainesville, GAThe pilots improper preflight planning and preparation which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB LAX06FA148Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T337C · Wrightwood, CAThe pilot's improper decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain.NTSB ANC06FA048Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Chugiak, AKThe inadequate visual lookout by the pilots of both airplanes during cruise flight, which resulted in their failure to see-and-avoid each other, and a subsequent midair collision.NTSB DFW06FA110Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Columbus, MSThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the pilot's improper decision to forgo suitable forced landing opportunities in an attempt to return to the airport.NTSB CHI06FA117Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206G · Bloomington, INThe pilot's continued descent below decision height and not maintaining adequate altitude/clearance from the trees while on approach. Factors were the the night lighting conditions, and the mist.NTSB NYC06FA100Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G-3B-1 · East Hanover Tw, PAThe pilot's improper decision to hover out-of-ground-effect in a tailwind, and his failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor in the accident was the tailwind.NTSB CHI06MA115Accident · 1 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 210A · Ludville, GAThe pilot's failure to obtain updated en route weather information, which resulted in his continued instrument flight into a widespread area of severe convective activity, and the air traffic controller's failure to provide adverse weather avoidance…NTSB ATL06WA067Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172M · Toledo, SpainNTSB DEN06FA065Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T310R · Heber City, UTthe pilot's loss of aircraft control due to the loss of engine power due to induction icing. Contributing factors include the in-flight encounter with structural icing, the severe turbulence, and the pilot's increased workload.NTSB NYC06LA097Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Avondale, PASeparation of the propeller blade due to fatigue.NTSB MIA06FA090Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B-60 · Gainesville, FLThe loss of control for an undetermined reason.NTSB DFW06LA103Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Meridian, MSThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees. Contributing factors were the drug impairment and low maneuvering altitude.NTSB DFW06FA102Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 II · Fredericksburg, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power lines. Contributing factors were the dusk light condition and the pilot's non-compliance with standard taxi and takeoff procedures.NTSB CHI06FA110Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMesserschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BO 105LS A-3 · Green Bay, WIThe pilot's inadequate preflight check of the flight controls prior to takeoff and the directional contol not possible by the pilot. Additional causes were the improper installation of the anti-torque pedal cover by company personnel which blocked the flight…NTSB CHI06FA109Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Chelsea, MIThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the helicopter that failed to discover water in the fuel, resulting in a loss of engine power while maneuvering, and an in-flight collision with trees and terrain. Factors associated with the accident were…NTSB MIA06WA087Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34-200T · Antioquia, ColombiaNTSB LAX06LA141Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVelocity XL-RG · Pearce, AZa departure from controlled flight for undetermined reasons, resulting in a collision with terrain.NTSB CHI06LA105Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Blackburn, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance from the power line during low altitude maneuvering. A factor was the power line.NTSB DFW06FA095Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper/Stevens PA18A-150 · Hollandale, MSThe pilots failure to maintain control of the airplane. A contributing factor was the pilots impairment.NTSB DEN06WA057Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationHerde Lancair 360 · Bankstown, AustraliaNTSB MIA06LA077Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMarvin T Eiland SparrowHawk · Ona, FLThe in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons during a normal descent, resulting in an uncontrolled descent, and in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB LAX06FA133Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell 112 TCA · La Canada, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and an adequate airspeed during climb to cruise that led to a stall/spin. Contributing to the accident were the clouds and the pilot's physiological state.NTSB MIA06WA076Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna R172K · Cambita Garabit, Dominican RepublicNTSB LAX06FA131Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Oak Glen, CAThe pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering, that led to a stall/spin.NTSB DFW06WA091Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationCessna 206 · Medellin, ColombiaNTSB LAX06WA132Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna A188B · Narrandera, AustraliaNTSB DFW06WA090Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 150 · San Luis Potosi, MexicoNTSB ANC06LA030Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M-10 · Salinas, CAThe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather, and his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed, which resulted in a loss of control and an inadvertent stall/spin during cruise flight. Factors associated with the accident are a low ceiling with…NTSB ANC06LA029Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCooper Harmon Rocket ll · McKittrick, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance while performing intentional low altitude aerobatic flight maneuvers. Factors associated with the accident are the low altitude aerobatic flight maneuvers.NTSB MIA06RA070Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208B · Cuenca, EcuadorNTSB MIA06FA069Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Melbourne, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed to avoid a stall during the final approach to land. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to the use of a sedating antihistamine.NTSB DEN06WA053Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationMooney M-20K · San Bartelome, SpainNTSB DFW06LA088Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Mena, ARThe pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors were the mountainous terrain and the low ceilings.NTSB DFW06LA087Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWeatherly 201B · Hondo, TXA loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.