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 SEA05WA171Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationAinsworth Lancair 4P Turbine · Sundre, Alberta, CanadaNTSB LAX05FA264Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSan Joaquin Helicopters OH-58A+ · Lancaster, CAThe pinion to turbine shaft coupling failed in fatigue due to a misaligned turbine shaft, which resulted in a loss of engine power.NTSB DCA05RA089Accident · 14 fatalForeign investigationSikorsky S-76C+ · Tallinn, EstoniaNTSB CHI05LA226Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Culver, INThe loss of engine power while maneuvering due to partial failure of the left magneto, and the flight instructor's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall. An additional cause was improper maintenance by company maintenance personnel,…NTSB DEN05FA125Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177B · Centennial, WYthe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, in that he failed to maintain a steady state climb rate to a safe altitude and continued flight towards visible weather that obstructed his chosen route of flight, and his failure to maintain terrain…NTSB LAX05FA262Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Big Bear City, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and adequate airspeed while executing an evasive maneuver during an aborted landing, which resulted in a cross-controlled accelerated stall and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the probable…NTSB ATL05FA142Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Ellijay, GAThe pilot's continued cruise flight under visual flight rules into known adverse weather, which resulted in his loss of control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation, and an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain. A factor associated with the…NTSB SEA05LA165Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Chiloquin, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and a loss of control during a pull-up maneuver. A factor contributing to the accident was the inadvertent stall/spin, which resulted in the subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB IAD05WA119Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationReims FR172E · West Sussex, United KingdomNTSB DEN05LA121Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSheel Vans RV-8 · Fort Collins, COthe pilot inadvertently stalling the airplane and descending into the ground. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and his failure to refuel the airplane, resulting in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB ATL05LA140Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAllegro 2000 · Supply, NCThe instructor pilot's failure to maintain airspeed for unknown reasons, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent collision with the ground.NTSB MIA05LA146Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGustafson Easy Eagle · Milton, FLA loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent in-flight collision with tree-covered terrain.NTSB DFW05FA204Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGlobe GC-1B · Cypress, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB DCA05RA094Accident · 16 fatalForeign investigationATR ATR-72-202 · Palermo, ItalyNTSB CHI05WA216Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna A185F · Lake Simcoe, CanadaNTSB ATL05FA139Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-D35 · Decatur, ALThe pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, and subsequent inadvertent stall/spin during the forced landing.NTSB SEA05LA162Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHarmon/Lance RV-4 · Coolin, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering to base leg for landing. Trees and inadequate in-flight planning were factors.NTSB SEA05FA158Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Renton, WAThe failure of the DHC-2 Beaver pilot to understand air traffic advisory information and the failure of the Cessna pilot to maintain visual separation, resulting in a midair collision. A factor contributing to the accident was the inadequate traffic advisory…NTSB DFW05WA221Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R-44 · Col de Menee, FranceNTSB ANC05FA121Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Denali Park, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from mountainous terrain while climbing, and his improper in-flight decision making by electing to fly at a low altitude toward rising terrain. A factor associated with the accident was mountainous terrain.NTSB SEA05LA164Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBurkhart Grob G103 Twin Astir · Driggs, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering in the traffic pattern for landing. The pilot's failure to maintain a proper altitude was a factor.NTSB DFW05FA202Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-60 · Parker, COThe pilot’s failure to fly a stabilized instrument approach at night which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing factors were; the dark night, low clouds, the inadequate design and function of the airport facility’s Minimum Safe Altitude…NTSB IAD05LA114Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportConvair BT-13A · Lyme, NHThe pilot's improper fuel management which resulted in an incorrect fuel selector position, fuel starvation, and subsequent loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and inadvertent stall.NTSB LAX05FA255Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · San Luis Obispo, CAThe pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from the rising hilly terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's inexperience regarding flying during the dark, nighttime condition, and the low…NTSB MIA05FA140Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Key West, FLThe failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain directional control of the airplane during the dark, night flight over water, resulting in the uncontrolled descent and in-flight collision with the water. A contributing factor in the accident was the pilot's…NTSB WAS05RA013Accident · 13 fatalForeign investigationMil Design Bureau Mi-172 · Zuria Mountains, UgandaNTSB MIA05FA139Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Natchez, MSThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent uncontrolled descent to ground impact. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of experience in complex…NTSB DFW05LA193Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportZivko Aeronautics Edge 540-T · Denison, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while performing aerobatics. A contributing factor was the low altitude.NTSB DEN05LA117Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 14-19-3 · Grand Junction, COA loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the improper fuel selector position. Factors contributing to the accident were the inadvertent stall, the ravine, and the steep drop off embankment.NTSB ANC05FA116Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Fairbanks, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from objects and terrain during cruise flight, which resulted in an in-flight collision with tree-covered terrain.NTSB ATL05LA137Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210 · Muscle Shoals, ALThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout, and failure to maintain clearance, which resulted in an in flight collision with a transmission wire.NTSB DFW05FA192Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 112 · Junction, TXThe pilot's failure to attain the proper climb rate resulting in the airplane's wing colliding with a tree and subsequent impact with the ground. Contributing factors were the pilot's improper use of the airplane's flaps, and the rising terrain.NTSB CHI05FA199Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGlasair GS-2 · Wautoma, WIthe abrupt maneuver that was performed while failing to maintain airpeed, resulting in a stall, and uncontrolled impact with the ground without sufficient altitude to recover.NTSB MIA05WA138Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208B · Cuilco, GuatemalaNTSB IAD05FA110Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Georgetown, DEThe pilot's misjudged distance/altitude while on final approach to land, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a vehicle. Factors associated with the accident are the pilot's improper use of the flaps, and the state of Delaware's insufficient…NTSB CHI05FA197Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American F-51D · Malone, WIThe pilot not maintaining aircraft control and clearance from terrain for undetermined reasons during a low level maneuver.NTSB SEA05WA155Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 L4 · Balaga, Sarawak, MalaysiaNTSB DFW05FA188Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · Ada, OKThe loss of engine power as a result of a fatigue fracture in one of the crankshaft gear teeth for undetermined reasons. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain control of the twin-engine airplane after the power loss, which resulted in an inadvertent…NTSB DEN05FA114Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech N35 · West Jordan, UTthe pilot's improper preflight planning, his attempted flight into adverse weather conditions, and the stall resulting in the loss of control and subsequent crash. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather…NTSB ATL05FA135Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Rock Hill, SCThe pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply , which resulted in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power.NTSB DFW05LA187Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportYakovlev Yak 52 · Claremore, OKThe pilot's failure to obtain adequate airspeed while executing a low altitude aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall while inverted. A factor was the low altitude.NTSB LAX05LA242Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuicksilver Mxlii 101 Sport · Galt, CAloss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing that resulted in a stall and uncontrolled descent into terrain.NTSB DFW05FA185Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Saginaw, TXThe pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons while maneuvering.NTSB CHI05FA194Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Jackson, WIThe pilot not maintaining aircraft control for undetermined reasons while maneuvering.NTSB NYC05LA121Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRatliff Hummel Bird · Pittsville, MDA loss of control for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain.NTSB LAX05LA239Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAs+ AC4 · Sparks, NVthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while performing S-turns on final approach, which resulted in a stall and uncontrolled descent into terrain. A contributing factor in the accident was the pilot's impairment due to ingestion of an…NTSB DFW05WA184Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 412 · Ciudad Carmen, MexicoNTSB CHI05FA189Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Aurora, MOThe pilot not maintaining adequate airspeed and aircraft control during initial climb, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin at a low altitude. A factor to the accident was the pilot operating the airplane over its certified maximum gross weight.NTSB IAD05RA102Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationPilatus PC-6 · Brasilito, Costa RicaNTSB CHI05LA188Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Langdon, NDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain while attempting an abrupt turning maneuver at a low altitude.