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 NYC04WA147Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206F · Honiton, United KingdomNTSB FTW04FA167Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Cushing, OKthe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. Contributing factors were low altitude flight, sun glare, and the static wires.NTSB ATL04FA141Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Barnesville, GAThe certified flight instructor's in-flight decision to continue VFR flight into IMC, which resulted in spatial disorientation, and the subsequent in a loss of control. A factor was fog.NTSB ANC04FA070Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 36 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during cruise flight, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB LAX04LA249Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Mesa, AZthe pilot's failure to adequately clear the left skid of obstacles resulting in a dynamic rollover of the helicopter and collision with terrain. A factor in the accident was the dark nighttime lighting conditions.NTSB NYC04WA172Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 205A1 · Tschagguns, AustriaNTSB FTW04FA168Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206-L1 · Vermillion Bay, LAThe pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions resulting in a loss of control. Contributing factors were the prevailing thunderstorms and the pilot's inadequate in flight preparation and planning.NTSB ATL04FA139Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Fort Lauderdale, FLThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and the subsequent collision with a building.NTSB NYC04FA144Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Dunkirk, NYThe pilot's loss of aircraft control and the subsequent overstress and separation of the wing during an encounter with convection induced turbulence.NTSB SEA04FA111Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTeST TST-10 M · Enumclaw, WAAircraft control not maintained while maneuvering for landing. A proper glidepath was not maintained was a factor.NTSB MIA04FA100Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Baker, FLThe flight crew's inadvertent flight into thunderstorms resulting in the design limits of the airplane being exceeded, loss of aircraft control and subsequent in-flight breakup. A factor in the accident was the lack of required advisory by ATC about a radar…NTSB CHI04LA146Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Prosser, NEThe pilot's abrupt maneuver to avoid obstructions, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in a stall. The low altitude flight operation, and the transmission tower (antenna) were contributing factors.NTSB WAS06WA017Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationCessna 185 · Sukabumi, IndonesiaNTSB CHI04LA158Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMonocoupe 90AL-115 · St. Paul, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the terrain while maneuvering.NTSB SEA04LA110Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuicksilver MXL · Mountain Home, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during an undetermined in-flight operational phase resulting in an uncontrolled descent into the terrain. Factors include strong gusty winds in the area of the accident.NTSB IAD04FA025Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-44 · Killingly, CTThe pilot in command's intentional flight into instrument meteorological flight conditions, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance which resulted in a controlled descent into trees. Factors included the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, low cloud…NTSB LAX04GA243Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportWSK PZL Mielec M-18A · St. George, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed margin, resulting in a stall and loss of control.NTSB CHI04FA157Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Great Bend, KSThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning due to his failure to obtain a weather briefing prior to takeoff. Additional causes were the pilot's inadvertent flight into adverse weather and his failure to maintain clearance with the terrain during his attempt to…NTSB SEA04FA106Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American SNJ 5 · Oroville, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance, which resulted in the in-flight collision with terrain. Rising terrain was a factor.NTSB LAX04FA241Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337 · Carson City, NVthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering during a go-around that led to an inadvertent stall spin.NTSB MIA04WA098Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Trinidad, BoliviaNTSB ANC04FA063Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C-45H · Kodiak, AKThe pilot's failure to follow proper IFR procedures by not adhering to the published missed approach procedures, which resulted in an in-flight collision with tree-covered terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were a low ceiling, fog, rain, and the…NTSB NYC04FA139Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Rupert, WVThe pilot-in-command's improper decision to continue VFR flight into IMC conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Factors were the FAA Principle Operations Inspector's inadequate surveillance of the operator, and a low ceiling.NTSB LAX04LA240Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Peoria, AZthe pilot's failure to maintain a proper pitch attitude during tow operations and his failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB LAX04LA239Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7AC · La Porte, CAthe student pilot's failure to maintain clearance with trees while flying along a mountainous ravine.NTSB DEN04LA089Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHispano Aviacion HA-200 · Pueblo, COThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in an accelerated stall at an altitude too low for recovery. A factor was the pilot's lack of experience in the aircraft make and model.NTSB ATL04FA130Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172F · Madisonville, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering on a touch and go landing resulting in a stall and collision with the ground.NTSB LAX04LA235Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHarold W Bruce RV-6 · Cloverdale, CAthe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision and selection of the wrong runway, and his inadequate compensation for the gusting tail wind conditions, which resulted in a stall/mush.NTSB FTW04WA165Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper Pa-28 · Yamasa, Dominican RepublicNTSB ATL04LA128Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrover J3 Kitten · Mohawk, TNThe pilot's decision to perform aerobatic flight in an airplane with known deficiencies that resulted in the in-flight separation of the airframe and the uncontrolled collision with the ground.NTSB FTW04LA153Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402 · Tucker, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain control while manuevering during aerial application which resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB DEN04FA087Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon A36 · Gilcrest, COthe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision by his failure to switch fuel tank selector position which resulted in fuel starvation. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall.NTSB SEA04LA100Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGann Glasair II-S RG · Baker City, ORThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision and his failure to maintain an airspeed above stall speed (Vs) after encountering airframe icing during cruise flight. Factors include the pilot's intentional continuation of his flight along the planned…NTSB MIA04LA092Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American T-28B · Wesley Chapel, FLThe pilot's failure to verify security of the left engine cowling and its subsequent separation in-flight and collision with the vertical stabilizer resulting in the loss of aircraft control.NTSB NYC04FA137Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182C · Kutztown, PAThe towplane pilot's failure to maintain a climb while towing a glider for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the early release of the glider and the tow plane's subsequent impact with trees.NTSB NYC04FA136Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Leominster, MAThe pilot's failure to follow instrument flight procedures resulting in a collision with trees. A factor related to the accident was the low cloud ceiling, and dark night.NTSB CHI04FA133Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206F · Owatonna, MNThe altitude/clearance not maintained by the pilot-in-command during a precision instrument approach. A contributing factor was the instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB LAX04FA226Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Columbia, CAThe loss of engine power for undetermined reason during takeoff-initial climb, and the pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall/mush. Factors associated with the accident are an inadvertent stall/mush, and the pilot's failure to abort…NTSB LAX04FA223Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing B75N1 · Mesa, AZthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while performing aerobatics that resulted in an inadvertent stall and spin.NTSB CHI04LA129Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHall Lancair IV-P · Vermontville, MIThe failure of Air Route Traffic Control Center controllers to provide adverse weather avoidance assistance as required by FAA directives, which led to the airplane's encounter with a thunderstorm and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident…NTSB LAX04WA234Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 Mariner · Queensland, AustraliaNTSB ATL04LA123Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 310 · N. Myrtle Beach, SCThe pilot's inadequate preflight/planning and his in-flight decision which resulted in the loss of power in one engine due to fuel starvation.NTSB FTW04FA144Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAviat A-1 · Harwood, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed sufficient for flight resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin during takeoff.NTSB CHI04LA131Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportZorn EAA Sport Bi-Plane · Mazon, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering which resulted in a stall. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's unfamiliarity with the handling characteristics of the airplane.NTSB CHI04LA128Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American P-51C · Hager City, WIThe improper installation of the camshaft drive gear assembly which resulted in the retaining nut backing off allowing the drive gear to move up the shaft. A factor associated with the accident was the low altitude at which the power loss occurred and the…NTSB CHI04GA130Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna T206H · Homer Glen, ILThe seized turbocharger, the altitude/clearance not maintained/obtained during approach to a forced landing on an agricultural field, and the unsuitable landing area encountered by the pilot. Contributing factors were the inadequate emergency procedures by…NTSB MIA04WA089Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210B · Marsh Harbour, BahamasNTSB DEN04FA078Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Borne Windsports Pty. Edge Wing X · Carter, WYThe non-certificated pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in a stall. Factors contributing to the accident include the non-certificated pilot's improper judgment and the his lack of experience.NTSB NYC04FA127Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Oxford, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance during an instrument approach, which resulted in a collision with trees prior to the runway. Factors were nighttime conditions and cloud cover.NTSB DEN04FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Evanston, WYthe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors include snow, low ceiling, icing conditions, and the dark night.