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 LAX05GA231Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportEurocopter France EC120B · Fair Oaks, CAThe failure of the constant delta P diaphragm in the fuel control unit, which resulted in an increased fuel flow and subsequent catastrophic failure of the engine. The diaphragm's failure was the result of improper installation by the engine manufacturer. A…NTSB NYC05FA117Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCarlstrom Long EZ · Lewes, DEThe Long EZ pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the RV-8 airplane, which resulted in a mid-air collision during a formation flight.NTSB CHI05WA182Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationWaco UPF-7 · Moose Jaw, CanadaNTSB ATL05FA128Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Penrose, NCA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to use the full length of the runway for takeoff, and the inadvertent stall.NTSB LAX05WA234Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Derrybrien, IrelandNTSB ATL05LA126Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEllsworth Sky Bolt · Cumming, GAThe pilot's improper fuel management while maneuvering resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB LAX05WA228Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31-350 · Mount Hotham, AustraliaNTSB ANC05FA098Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-7-235 · Seward, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain minimum airspeed during final approach, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and impact with the surface of the lake.NTSB SEA05RA139Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationErickson Air-Crane S-64F · Rome, ItalyNTSB DFW05FA178Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-220T · Norman, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. A contributing factor was the pilot's attempted aborted landing following a hard landing and propeller strike.NTSB CHI05LA164Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell S-2R · Bristol, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the static lines between the transmission towers. A factor associated with the accident were the static lines.NTSB CHI05LA163Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBecker RAF 2000 · Gladwin, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the gyrocopter while in the traffic pattern. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's lack of gyrocopter experience.NTSB CHI05FA162Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Grand Rapids, MNAn observed loss of engine power due to the bound/jammed turbocharger wastegate during takeoff, the pilot not maintaining airplane control, and the stall he inadvertently encountered. A factor was the maintenance personnel not replacing the turbocharger…NTSB MIA05FA130Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · De Funiak Sprgs, FLThe loss of engine power during cruise flight for an undetermined reason, which resulted in an emergency descent and an in-flight collision with tress and terrain.NTSB LAX05LA224Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchleicher ASW-20 · Big Pine, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude and his decision to turn toward higher terrain.NTSB ATL05LA121Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDenmark Mini-Max · Covington, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, uncontrolled descent, and subsequent collision with the ground.NTSB SEA05FA136Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E-55 · Lopez, WAThe pilot's failure to refuel the airplane which resulted in a dual loss of engine power during normal descent due to fuel exhaustion. A contributing factor was the incorrect installation of the left and right wing fuel sight gage/float assemblies by unknown…NTSB LAX05LA222Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuiksilver MX LII Sport · Palmdale, CAan in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB IAD05LA089Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLongtin Kitfox Model III · New London, NHThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. A factor in the accident was the tail wind condition.NTSB MIA05LA126Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJSH Air LLC II Comp Air 7SLX · Winter Haven, FLThe abrupt steep pitch-up during the initial climb for undetermined reasons resulting in an inadvertent stall, uncontrolled descent, and in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB ANC05FA090Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T207 · Nanwalek, AKThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with an island cliff during cruise flight. A factor contributing to the accident was fog in the area of the accident.NTSB DEN05FA103Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAgusta A119 · Mancos, COa loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot's inability to get into autorotation prior to impacting the ground. A factor contributing to the accident was the helicopter's low altitude when power was lost.NTSB DEN05FA101Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Marble, COthe pilot's improper decision to perform a go-around, and failure to maintain clearance from terrain and obstacles during a go-around. Factors contributing to the accident include the pilot's lack of recency of experience and lack of mountain flying…NTSB SEA05LA134Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJones Long EZ · Marsing, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during landing, and his subsequent delay in attempting a recovery from a bounced landing. A contributing factor was the taxiway berm.NTSB NYC05FA109Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Groton, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while executing an ILS (Instrument Landing System) approach to minimums.NTSB DEN05FA100Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCGS Hawk Two Place Arrow · Jackson, WYThe loss of airplane pitch control resulting from the pilot/owner's improper reinstallation of the rear locking collar on the elevator control torque tube, which allowed the torque tube to move rearward during flight and loosen the elevator control cable…NTSB IAD05LA085Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMartel Air Command 532Elite · Highgate, VTThe pilot's improper cyclic input, which resulted in a retreating rotor blade stall, and its subsequent impact with the propeller. Also causal, was the pilot's failure to acquire proper training. A factor was the pilot's decision not to have a stability…NTSB SEA05LA128Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEllsberg One Design · Madras, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from terrain while performing aerobatics which resulted in a collision with the ground.NTSB NYC05FA105Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Fairview, PAA partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a forced landing after takeoff and subsequent collision with a residence.NTSB SEA05FA125Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Yamhill, ORThe flight instructor's excessive climb and failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an attempted go-around, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with the ground. Contributing factors were the flight instructor's improper…NTSB DFW05FA170Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E90 · New Roads, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and subsequent loss of control during a go-around maneuver.NTSB ATL05LA113Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMize Donald Kolb MK III X · Dickson, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance during climb out which resulted in the in-flight collision with a tree.NTSB IAD05LA083Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTitan Tornado · Bath, PAThe pilot/owner's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a loss of engine power, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Factors in the accident were the stripped spark plug threads, and an inadequate preflight inspection by the pilot/owner.NTSB DFW05LA171Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Piggott, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall.NTSB ATL05LA111Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Yadkinville, NCThe pilots failure to maintain adequate clearance from object and inadequate visual look-out while maneuvering resulted in an in-flight collision with power lines.NTSB ATL05LA110Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCasten Rans S-10 · Perry, SCA loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot mismanagement. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in a stall during the forced landing.NTSB ATL05LA105Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T182T · Naples, FLThe pilot continued flight into known thunderstorm activity that resulted in the loss of control and the subsequent collision with water. A factor was the controller's failure to provide the pilot with convective intensity.NTSB ATL05FAMS1Accident · 3 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-23 · Ft Pierce, FLThe pilot's continued flight into known thunderstorm activity that resulted in the loss of control and the subsequent collision with water. A factor was the controller's failure to provide the pilot with convective intensity.NTSB SEA05WA130Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 RG · Dittingen, SwitzerlandNTSB NYC05FA100Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Stockholm, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with the ground. Factors in this accident were clouds, and the pilot's spatial disorientation.NTSB IAD05LA080Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNavickas Load Runner 2000 · Hammonton, NJThe pilot's inadequate in-flight decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was the wooded area, into which, the pilot had to autorotate.NTSB CHI05LA149Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 188 · Senath, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the tower guy wires. A factor was the extra antenna guy wire.NTSB LAX05FA213Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Mt. Shasta, CAThe pilot's continued cruise flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot's controlled flight into high mountainous terrain (CFIT).NTSB ATL05LA103Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRutherford Seawind 3000 · Sarasota, FLMaintenance personnel failure to secure throttle linkage on the carburetor which resulted in loss of engine power and a collision with a building.NTSB DFW05LA162Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWsk-Pzl Mielec M18B · Eudora, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the tree.NTSB CHI05LA148Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportReay Titan Tornado II · Winsted, MNThe pilot performed an unauthorized aerobatic loop and failed to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB ATL05FA098Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFairchild M-62A-3 · Williamson, GAThe pilot's failure to follow the before takeoff checklist and attempted a takeoff with flaps extended, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.NTSB DFW05LA159Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269A · Rusk, TXA loss of engine power for undermined reasons, and the subsequent collision with power lines and the ground. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB LAX05LA204Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Woodfords, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while turning in strong wind conditions, which resulted in a stall/spin. A factor in the accident was the high density altitude.NTSB NYC05LA098Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorcutt Hornet · Shelby, OHThe pilot's failure to obtain\maintain the proper climb airspeed during departure, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of flight experience in the accident airplane make and model.