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 MIA04FA064Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Fernandina Bch, FLThe failure of the pilot to feather the left propeller and his failure to maintain control of the airplane following a loss of engine power from the left engine resulting in the in-flight collision with terrain. A factor in the accident was the loss of power…NTSB LAX04FA177Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Ukiah, CAThe non-instrument rated pilot's flight intentional flight into instrument meteorological conditions during takeoff-initial climb, which resulted in spatial disorientation, a subsequent loss of aircraft control, and an uncontrolled descent into terrain. A…NTSB NYC04FA100Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Harrietstown, NYThe pilot's failure to follow instrument flight rules procedures resulting in a collision with a tree. Factors related to the accident were the dark night conditions, low visibility, and low cloud ceiling.NTSB SEA04LA063Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGlasflugel STD Libelle 201B · Oso, WAThe pilot of the Glaser-Dirks (lead glider) failure to maintain clearance from the Glasflugel (trailing glider) resulting in a mid-air collision while maneuvering.NTSB SEA04LA062Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDavenport RV-8F · College Place, WAA loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s) and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate flying airspeed during the forced landing. A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to attempt a turn at low altitude.NTSB NYC04WA098Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna T310R · Lancashire, United KingdomNTSB SEA04FA060Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Santiam Junc., ORThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall while attempting a low-level crossing of a ridge from the leeward to the windward side. Factors include low-level maneuvering, strong gusty winds, and downdrafts.NTSB NYC04WA095Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-32-301T · Annemasse, FranceNTSB NYC04FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-36 · Pittsfield, MAThe pilot's loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and subsequent impact with the ground.NTSB DEN04LA055Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMikoyan MiG Mig-17 · Truth or Conseq, NMthe loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons resulting in impact with desert terrain.NTSB DCA04MA030Accident · 10 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportSikorsky S76A++ · Gulf of Mexicothe flight crew's failure to identify and arrest the helicopter's descent for undetermined reasons, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB NYC04FA092Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Harlan, KYThe pilot's improper decision to continue VFR flight into IMC conditions and his failure to maintain terrain clearance, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Factors were night, snow and a low ceiling.NTSB LAX04FA168Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAlon A2 · Cameron Park, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in a stall/spin. Also causal was the partial loss of engine power due to improperly secured magnetos.NTSB FTW04FA097Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Pyote, TXThe pilot's inadvertent encounter with adverse weather, which resulted in the pilot failing to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the dark night conditions, the pilot's inadequate preflight preparation and planning, and the pressure to…NTSB LAX04FA167Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Jean, NVThe student pilot's failure to regain control of the aircraft following an upset due to the disconnected primary right aileron control cable. The failure of the company maintenance personnel to detect and correct the improperly secured turnbuckle fitting at…NTSB LAX04FA162Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Los Angeles, CAThe pilot's loss of airplane control while maneuvering due to spatial disorientation. Contributing factors were the low ceiling, reduced visibility (fog), and the pilot's lack of instrument flying currency. An additional factor was the failure of air traffic…NTSB ANC04FA042Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150C · DeLand, FLThe pilot's failure to detect water in the fuel system during the preflight inspection, which precipitated a loss of engine power during initial climb, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in a stall.NTSB MIA04FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Spring Hill, FLThe non instrument rated pilot's decision to attempt VFR flight into IMC conditions resulting in an in-flight loss of control.NTSB LAX04TA161Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportWSK PZL Mielec M-18A · Safford, AZA loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and at least one ensuing engine power surge, which caused the airplane to pitch up abruptly into a stall at an altitude too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's mismanagement of the fuel…NTSB MIA04LA058Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportOrtmayer/Parson none · Bunnell, FLThe owner/pilot mechanic's failure to comply with a manufacture notice to replace the rotor blades and hub bar assembly, resulting in a failure of the hub bar to hub bar wing attaching bolt and separation of a main rotor blade.NTSB LAX04FA165Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-40 · Napa, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane following a shutdown of the left engine during a night visual approach. A factor contributing to the accident was the dark night.NTSB LAX04FA150Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Oakdale, CAthe in-flight separation of the main spar due to corrosion in the wing center section not detectable by inspection methods described in manufacturer's service bulletins and FAA Airworthiness Directives.NTSB MIA04LA068Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuad City Challenger II · Labelle, FLThe pilot in command's abrupt pull up, which resulted in an overload of the right wing, right wing separation, an uncontrolled descent, and impact with terrain.NTSB FTW04WA089Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182 · San Luis Potosi, MexicoNTSB SEA04LA050Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170 · Herron, WAThe failure of the left muffler while maneuvering, resulting in a carbon monoxide leak into the cabin rendering the pilot incapacitated, and the subsequent uncontrolled descent and impact with water.NTSB LAX04WA144Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R-22 · Yakom Landing, IsraelNTSB ATL04FA079Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Blountville, TNThe pilot's improper flare, and improper recovery which resulted in a bounced landing, collapse of the left main landing gear, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering resulting in a stall, uncontrolled descent, and collision with the…NTSB NYC04LA078Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRaven Industries Rally RX7 · Nicholasville, KYThe pilot's improper decision to continue the inadvertent flight in variable wind conditions, which resulted in an impact with power lines. Factors were the variable wind conditions and the unsuitable takeoff area.NTSB LAX04FA139Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Pine Mtn Club, CAThe pilot's continued visual flight into adverse weather conditions at night, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain. The pilot's failure to obtain preflight weather information for the route of flight was also causal.NTSB NYC04FA077Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Corry, PAThe loss of partial engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's lost of control after performing an evasive maneuver to avoid trees during a forced landing at night. Factors related to the accident were a rough running engine and the pilot's…NTSB FTW04FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Wrightsville, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed sufficient for flight resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern.NTSB DCA04RA024Accident · 9 fatalForeign investigationBeech 200 · Bosnia, Bosnia & HerzegovinaNTSB FTW04LA080Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164C · Hazen, ARThe pilot's loss of control while maneuvering during an aerial application flight for undetermined reasons.NTSB ATL04FA077Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Arlington, ALThe pilots inadequate in-flight planning/decision and his failure to maintain aircraft control, resulting in an in-flight encounter with a thunderstorm and exceeding the design limits of the aircraft.NTSB FTW04FA079Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210N · Valley Spring, TXThe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather and failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions, due to spatial disorientation.NTSB LAX04LA132Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGillespie Sport Copter Vortex · Yuba City, CAa loss of engine power due to the incorrect installation of the fuel line, which resulted in fuel starvation, and the pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM, which resulted in an inflight loss of control. A factor to the accident was the pilot's lack of…NTSB LAX04WA164Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22M · Kumealon Inlet, CanadaNTSB LAX04WA129Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAero Commander 500 · Hobart Tasmania, AustraliaNTSB LAX04LA125Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKnapple/Wray Lancair IV-P · Apache Junction, AZthe pilot/builder's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering that resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB CHI04FA069Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Rich Hill, MOSpatial disorientation experienced by the non-instrument rated pilot due to a lack of visual references and his subsequent failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Contributing factors were the pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather conditions,…NTSB CHI04FA066Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B90 · Dodge City, KSThe pilot failed to maintain clearance with terrain due to pilot fatigue (lack of sleep).NTSB NYC04FA223Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 112 · Vieques, PRThe pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight planning and decision making which resulted in the airplane entering instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of instrument experience, a vacuum pump failure, and…NTSB LAX04FA137Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Jean, NV!!This case was modified January 31, 2006!! the pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the rising terrain, while maneuvering at low altitude in a mountainous area.NTSB CHI04FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Rozel, KSThe inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions, the spatial disorientation, and aircraft control not maintained by the pilot during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident were the night instrument meteorological conditions due to low…NTSB ANC04LA022Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBertrand/Warner Thorp T-18 · Crescent City, FLThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Factors associated with the accident were fog and low ceilings.NTSB ATL04FA075Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Alma, GAThe pilot's inadequate in-flight decision, and his failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in continued VFR flight into IMC and the subsequent collision with trees during approach.NTSB ANC04FA021Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech J35 · Pensacola, FLThe pilot's improper decision to conduct flight that exceeded his demonstrated skills/ability. Also causal was his failure to properly execute the instrument approach. Contributing factors were low ceiling, fog, and the pilot's lack of the appropriate…NTSB DCA04WA026Accident · 46 fatalForeign investigationFokker 50 · Sharjah AirportNTSB LAX04WA120Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28R-200 · Lake Eildon, AustraliaNTSB DEN04FA043Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T206H · Walcott, WYThe pilot not following proper IFR procedures for tracking a VOR radial while on an IFR flight plan in IMC conditions, and not maintaining clearance with terrain during cruise flight. Contributing factors were the mountain, and the cloudy weather condition.