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 ANC06WA042Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationMD Helicopter MD 600 · Zama City, CanadaNTSB ANC06LA026Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportExtra Flugzeugbau 300S · Greenfield, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the base leg to final approach phase of a VFR landing pattern, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and an uncontrolled descent. A factor contributing to the accident was the inadvertent stall/mush.NTSB LAX06FA130Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Kingman, AZThe noninstrument rated pilot's cruise flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent, and an in-flight collision with terrain. Factors associated with the…NTSB CHI06FA094Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA34-200T · Branson, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin while maneuvering to return to the departure airport for landing after declaring an emergency for unspecified reasons. Additional factors were the low cloud…NTSB DEN06WA052Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28-180 · Bonndorf, GermanyNTSB SEA06FA068Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C99 · Butte, MTThe second pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedure and the captain/PIC's inadequate supervision. Snow and mountain obscuration were factors.NTSB NYC06FA079Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 56TC · Winfield, WVThe pilot's inadequate preflight preparation to ensure an adequate supply of supplemental oxygen, and his inadequate in-flight planning and decision making, which resulted in exhaustion of his oxygen supply, and incapacitation from hypoxia during cruise…NTSB SEA06FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportKaman K-1200 · Dayville, ORThe improper overhaul of the reduction gear box assembly and improper installation of the N1 seal and nut assembly lockcup by maintenance personnel, which resulted in failure of the reduction gear box and a total loss of engine power. A contributing factor…NTSB DFW06FA083Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Patterson, LAThe improper installation of an engine fuel line fitting by other maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loose fitting and a loss of engine power during cruise flight. Factors associated with the accident are a tailwind, and the lack of a suitable site…NTSB NYC06FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Old Bridge, NJThe pilot's improper decision to conduct visual approach and landing in instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees and terrain during the go-around. Factors in the accident were the low cloud ceiling and…NTSB LAX06FA129Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Santa Monica, CAThe failure of an aviation maintenance technician to properly torque and cotter pin the number 2 connecting rod bolts at their attach point to the crankshaft, which resulted in the separation of the connecting rod in flight, and complete power loss.NTSB LAX06FA126Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414A · Kahului, HIThe failure of the pilot to execute the published emergency procedures pertaining to configuring the airplane for single engine flight, which would have allowed him to maintain minimum controllable airspeed (Vmc) and level flight. The pilot's failure to…NTSB SEA06WA063Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBeech C24R · Ribe, DenmarkNTSB DFW06WA080Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 421C · Labiano, SpainNTSB CHI06FA090Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech J35 · Holland, MIA lossof engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper fuel system management and failure to select a tank containing fuel. A factor was the dark night conditions.NTSB DFW06LA078Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna C-37 · Fittstown, OKThe loss of engine power due to a cracked cylinder head. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain available to the pilot for the forced landing.NTSB CHI06WA097Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationMooney M-20K · Sachsen, GermanyNTSB DFW06FA076Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182N · Georgetown, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during takeoff which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB LAX06FA124Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Vodochody L39 · California City, CAThe flight crew's failure to maintain terrain clearance during an intentionally performed course reversal turn at low altitude.NTSB LAX06LA123Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C-1 · Valencia, CAThe certified flight instructor's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from objects.NTSB NYC06LA073Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182D · Weyers Cave, VAThe pilot's improper decision to maneuver at a low altitude at night, and his failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance, which resulted in a collision with power lines. A factor in this accident was the night light conditions.NTSB DFW06WA075Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBell 206B3 · Mutata, ColombiaNTSB DFW06LA074Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Forrest City, ARThe pilot's failure to follow proper procedures while attempting to start the engine by hand-proping the engine.NTSB SEA06FA055Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Goldendale, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during descent. Factors contributing to the accident were the high mountains, mountain obscuration, the dark night condition, and the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision making.NTSB SEA06FA054Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Bow, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the climb to cruise. Contributing factors included a loss of engine power to the right engine folowing a turbocharger failure, instrument meteorological and dark night conditions.NTSB NYC06FA072Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportLancair LC41-550FG · Stafford, VAThe pilot's failure to execute the published missed approach. Factors included the night lighting conditions, low ceilings and fog.NTSB DEN06FA043Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182E · Austin, COthe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the transmission wire resulting in the airplane's outboard wing portion to be severed, and the subsequent loss of control and ground impact. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's impairment from…NTSB NYC06FA071Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Mitchellville, MDThe pilot's improper inflight planning/decision to attempt a landing in weather conditions below landing minimums, and his failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering. Factors in the accident were the fog and snow.NTSB ANC06FA020Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Scottsdale, AZA loss of engine power during cruise flight for an undetermined reason, and the pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.NTSB LAX06WA121Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Gunpowder, AustraliaNTSB DEN06LA039Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSpane RV-4 · Wichita, KSThe pilot's inadequate preparation prior to takeoff, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane resulting in a stall and subsequent crash. Factors contributing to the accident were the unsecured canopy latch, the pilot's diverted attention, and the…NTSB SEA06WA058Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationCessna 501 · Sulaimaniya, IraqNTSB LAX06LA110Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCarpenter BJ/Carpenter Glasair II-S FT · Roseville, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while performing low level aerobatics that led to a stall/spin.NTSB DFW06WA069Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172P · Samana, Dominican RepublicNTSB LAX06FA106Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · El Cajon, CAThe pilots of both airplanes failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout due to their relative flight paths, which limited the available visual cues. Factors were the failure of the air traffic controller(s) to issue a conflict alert to the Cessna 172RG…NTSB LAX06LA105Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHooker Zodiac 601XL · Oakdale, CAthe structural failure of the wings for undetermined reasons.NTSB ATL06FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSwearingen SA-226-TC · Paris, TNThe pilot's inflight loss of control following a reported fuel asymmetry condition for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX06FA104Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 II · Minden, NVThe divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason, which resulted in main rotor/tail boom contact and loss of control.NTSB SEA06LA052Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Helena, MTThe pilot's intentional suicide. The unauthorized use of a helicopter and impairment by alcohol were factors.NTSB CHI06FA077Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportShort Brothers SD-360-300 · Watertown, WIThe other airplane's flight crew failure to maintain clearance while maneuvering during formation flight. Contributing to the accident was the decision of both flight crews to fly in formation.NTSB MIA06FA050Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR-22 · Stuart, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with the water. Contributing to the accident were a reported instrument failure, pilot disorientation, and instrument meteorological conditions. A factor in…NTSB ATL06FA044Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · N Myrtle Beach, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain control during landing approach for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX06WA100Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBell 206B III · Parkes, AustraliaNTSB LAX06FA099Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeechcraft F33A · Buckeye, AZThe student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC06LA066Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Henderson, WVThe pilot's improper decision to attempt the off-airport takeoff; and his improper decision to continue the takeoff after striking a pole during the takeoff roll.NTSB CHI06FA076Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Wheeling, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the landing approach which led to an inadvertent stall and subsequent uncontrolled descent and impact with the ground.NTSB LAX06LA096Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportReichel Lancair 360 · Santa Ynez, CALoss of airplane control for undetermined reasons.NTSB ATL06FA038Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Camden, ALThe pilots failure to maintain altitude and clearance during a visual descent which resulting in an in-flight collision with trees and the ground for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX06WA095Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R-44 · Lorca, Murcia, SpainNTSB CHI06LA073Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 7ECA · Pontiac, MIThe excessive bank angle executed by the flight crew and their failure to maintain airspeed during the turn, which led to the inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with the ground. A factor was the low altitude.