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 CHI03FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Sparta, ILThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision by his flight into known icing conditions which resulted in airframe icing and degraded aircraft performance until the onset of a stall.NTSB SEA03FA042Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-220T · Rexburg, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while on final approach. High and gusting winds were a factor.NTSB MIA03FA071Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201T · Cedar Key, FLThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision by his continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological condition after receiving an in-flight weather advisory. Also causal was his failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in flight that…NTSB NYC03FA061Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Monterey, MAThe pilot's improper decision to attempt a visual flight rules (VFR) flight in marginal VFR weather conditions over mountainous terrain, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. Factors in this accident were clouds and night light conditions.NTSB ATL03FA052Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-36A · Mount Airy, NCThe pilots failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to spatial disorientation. A factor was low clouds.NTSB IAD03FA035Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TBM 700 · Leesburg, VAThe pilot's failure to fly a stabilized, published instrument approach procedure, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which led to an aerodynamic stall.NTSB NYC03FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182G · Renfrew, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering to land. Factors in the accident were the pilot's decision to fly into forecasted\known icing conditions, and the accumulation of structural ice.NTSB MIA03FA068Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 36 · Captiva Island, FLThe pilot's VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his ensuing failure to maintain altitude/clearance resulting in an in-flight collision with the ocean. A factor was the fog.NTSB LAX03FA102Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitchell CH-801 · Nicholas, CAan in-flight structural failure due to the pilot exceeding the design limitations of the airplane. Drug impairment was a factor.NTSB FTW03WA103Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 411 · Colchani, BoliviaNTSB ATL03FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Sylvania, GAThe pilot's decision to conduct VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. Related factors were the guy wire and the fog.NTSB MIA03FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Osteen, FLThe intentional suicidal act by the pilot-in-command resulting in the in-flight collision with trees then the ground.NTSB LAX03LA097Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFirefly 11B · Yountville, CAA bystander was impaired by drugs and did not follow the pilot's directive to release the balloon as it began its ascent.NTSB SEA03FA041Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrubert KIS TRI-R TR-1 · Puyallup, WAThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate flying airspeed during the turn from crosswind to downwind resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin and subsequent collision with terrain (ground).NTSB LAX03FA100Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Ely, NVthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance while flying in a box canyon.NTSB NYC03LA054Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · So. Charleston, WVThe pilot's failure to perform a go-around prior to touchdown. Factors in the accident were the rising terrain and tail wind.NTSB LAX03LA092Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEverett BD-10 · Dana Point, CAin-flight breakup of the experimental airplane for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX03FA093Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Nipomo, CAthe flying pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed that resulted in a stall/spin.NTSB FTW03LA101Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 407 · High Island 443The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter during the hot refueling operation which resulted in the main rotor blades striking the passenger. A contributing factor was the high wind conditions.NTSB SEA03LA040Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Garryowen, MTThe pilot in command's allowing the aircraft to inadvertently enter into a stall condition at low altitude while maneuvering. A contributing factor was the pilot's intentional low altitude maneuvering.NTSB MIA03FA065Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerofab Lake 250 · Weirsdale, FLThe inadequate flare by the pilot-in-command on the calm water resulting in the in-flight collision with the water and subsequent nose over.NTSB CHI03LA074Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American/Aero Classics P-51D · Urbana, INThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in a spin.NTSB MIA03LA061Accident · 4 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Miami, FLThe non instrument-rated pilot-in-command's improper inflight planning/decision, and continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control during descent, and impact with water.NTSB IAD03FA032Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421 · Ferguson, KYThe pilot's failure to follow the instrument approach procedure, which resulted in an early descent into trees and terrain. Factors included the low ceiling and the night lighting conditions.NTSB FTW03FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Mi 700The catastrophic failure of the engine resulting from 1st stage turbine wheel blade failure due to type 1 hot corrosion (sulfidation). Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to brief the passengers on emergency safety equipment (life raft), the pilot's…NTSB CHI03FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Wellington, KSSpatial disorientation experienced by the pilot and his subsequent failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to obtain an updated preflight weather briefing prior to the return flight, his attempted flight into…NTSB MIA03WA059Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-60 · Cajamarca, ColombiaNTSB ATL03FA041Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Florence, SCThe pilot experienced spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of control and the subsequent collision with the ground. A factors was dark night and clouds.NTSB FTW03FA093Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Mission, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in his exceeding the airplane's design limitation. Contributing factors were the pilot's decision to fly the airplane with known deficiencies with the attitude indicator, and the failure of the…NTSB MIA03FA050Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportExtra Flugzeugbau EA300/L · Golden Gate, FLThe airplane's entry into a near vertical descent for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a collision with terrain during the resultant descent.NTSB LAX03FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D95A · Lancaster, CAa loss of aircraft control due to the instructor pilot's incapacitation by seizure activity as a result of his undiagnosed cancer, and his use of a medication that can increase seizure risk.NTSB DEN03FA040Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Rock Springs, WYthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in a stall. Factors contributing to the accident were the icing conditions, low altitude, and the high gusting winds.NTSB CHI03FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAgusta A109C · West Chicago, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while maneuvering, resulting in the excessive descent rate and impact with terrain. Factors to the accident included the dark night, low ceiling and reduced visibility at the time of the accident.NTSB NYC03LA046Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-60 · Cleveland, OHthe bank couriers inadequate visual lookout, as he approached an airplane with operating engines. A factor was the lack of guidance and training from the bank, for working around airplanes with operating engines.NTSB LAX03FA076Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-601P · Scottsdale, AZthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate altitude clearance from mountainous terrain. Contributing factors were dark night conditions, mountainous terrain, and the pilot's diverted attention.NTSB NYC03FA043Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Delaware City, DEThe mechanic's improper engine overhaul. A factor was the night condition.NTSB MIA03FA046Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna M337B (O-2A) · Fernandina Bch, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with the ocean.NTSB LAX03FA077Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Kalaupapa, HIthe student pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into IMC, which resulted in his in-flight collision with mountainous terrain while maneuvering. A contributing factor was the low ceiling weather condition.NTSB LAX03FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95 · Rancho Cucamong, CAThe fracture and separation of a propeller blade during cruise flight due to fatigue and corrosion pits in the blade pilot bore, and an improper overhaul of the separated propeller by repair station personnel. Factors contributing to the accident were the…NTSB DEN03MA035Accident · 5 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Denver, COBoth pilots' inadequate visual lookout. A contributing factor was the Cheyenne pilot operating the airplane with a known transponder deficiency.NTSB WAS03RA006Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationGulfstream Aerospace G-159 · Busia, KenyaNTSB MIA03LA045Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBornhofen Twinjet 1500 · Melbourne, FLthe pilot-in-command failed to obtain sufficient altitude to clear obstacles at the approach end of the airport which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.NTSB LAX03FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR 20 · San Jose, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain the course for the published approach procedure due to his diverted attention. The distraction responsible for the pilot's diverted attention was the erroneous frequency assignment provided by ATC and the resultant task…NTSB DEN03FA038Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · La Sal, UTthe loss of engine power (total) due to fuel starvation, the pilot not following procedures/directives (fuel management procedures), and the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation for the flight. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequately…NTSB ATL03LA037Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLong 2000 · Brewton, ALThe pilot's improper use of flight controls (cyclic and collective) and failure to maintain rotor RPM while maneuvering that resulted in the separation of the tailboom assembly.NTSB FTW03FA086Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Norman, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering, resulting in an inadvertent stall . Factors contributing to the accident were the low altitude and the prevailing high winds.NTSB SEA03FA028Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Eastsound, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water and his failure to reset the altimeter to the local barometric pressure. Contributing factors were fog and night conditions.NTSB MIA03FA043Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Edgewater, FLThe pilot's inflight loss of control and the pilot's failure to recover from the resultant dive for unknown reasons which resulted in flight beyond the design stress limits of the airplane and subsequent in flight airframe breakup.NTSB CHI03FA057Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR-22 · Hill City, MNSpatial disorientation experienced by the pilot, due to a lack of visual references, and a failure to maintain altitude. Contributing factors were the pilot's improper decision to attempt flight into marginal VFR conditions, his inadvertent flight into…NTSB DEN03FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportYakovlev YAK 52 · Midway, UTThe malfunction of the elevator control as a result of a jammed elevator control bell crank, rendering control of the airplane impossible. A contributing factor was the foreign object (nut) damage.