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 CHI03FA056Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · B.S. 53, LAThe improper approach by the pilot and the settling with power encountered by the pilot.NTSB CHI03LA052Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHavir Avid Flyer · Cambridge, NEThe inadvertent stall by the pilot following a total loss of engine power and the seizure of the engine. A factor to the accident was the engine overhaul not performed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.NTSB LAX03FA066Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182H · Parker, AZfailure of both pilot's to see and avoid one another while maneuvering in the traffic pattern. A factor in the accident was the inability of the Cessna pilot to communicate on the CTAF frequency due to the limitations of his radios.NTSB FTW03FA082Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAgusta A-109-K2 · Salt Lake City, UTThe pilot's delayed remedial action and continued flight into known adverse weather conditions which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance with the ground. Contributing factors were the prevailing fog, and the pressure to complete the mission induced…NTSB FTW03RA083Accident · 46 fatalForeign investigationFokker F-28 MK 1000 · Chachapoyas, PeruNTSB CHI03LA236Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPolsgrove Bluegrass Express · Grafton, ILUndetermined.NTSB LAX03FA069Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Flagstaff, AZthe pilot's failure to comply with his instrument clearance route instruction and to maintain his assigned altitude. A factor in the accident was the poor quality of radio communications due to the severance of underground fiber optic voice and data lines for…NTSB LAX03FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Warner Springs, CAthe pilot's loss of control during flight as a result of incapacitation due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.NTSB DCA03WA023Accident · 75 fatalForeign investigationBritish Aerospace RJ-100 · Diyarbakir, TürkiyeNTSB DCA03MA022Accident · 21 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBeech 1900D · Charlotte, NCthe airplane's loss of pitch control during take-off. The loss of pitch control resulted from the incorrect rigging of the elevator system compounded by the airplane's aft center of gravity, which was substaintially aft of the certified aft limit.…NTSB DEN03FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSilvius Rans S-12XL · Laramie, WYthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush. Contributing factors include the pilot's use of an over-the-counter antihistamine, and the pilot's inadequate in-flight decision to fly at low altitude.NTSB LAX03FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Collinsville, CAA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain main rotor rpm during the subsequent autorotation. A factor in the accident was the unsuitable nature of the terrain for a forced landing.NTSB FTW03WA076Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBeech BE-60 · Santo Domingo, Dominican RepublicNTSB FTW03FA071Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-1A · Shreveport, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in a stall.NTSB LAX03FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95 · Tucson, AZa loss power in the right engine due to an excessively rich mixture that was the result of the pilot's failure to secure the priming control prior to takeoff. Also causal was the pilot's failure to follow the single engine procedures specified in the…NTSB CHI03LA048Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Command Commander Elite · Lansing, ILThe inadvertent pilot induced oscillation. Factor to the accident was the wind gusts.NTSB DEN03FA028Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Steamboat Spgs, COthe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision making resulting in insufficient altitude to fly over the mountain, and the subsequent inadvertent stall/mush into tree covered mountainous terrain. Contributing factors were the tail wind and high density…NTSB LAX03LA055Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLipscomb Lancair 235 · Payson, AZthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during an aborted landing that resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. A contributing factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane.NTSB FTW03LA068Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBarber Glasair · Conroe, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall and a subsequent loss of control.NTSB FTW03FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F-35 · Addison, TXThe pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply by his failure to switch fuel tank positions which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB MIA03FA034Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Manteo, NCThe pilot's continued descent below the minimum descent altitude, for undetermined reasons, while performing a NDB approach, resulting in the airplane crashing into water 1.5 miles from the airport. A factor in the accident was a cloud ceiling below the…NTSB DEN03FA025Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421 · Akron, COThe fractured connecting rods and the pilot not maintaining aircraft control following the engine failure. Factors contributing to the accident were the low altitude, the pilot not maintaining minimum controllable airspeed following the engine failure, the…NTSB FTW03FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-58 · Egypt, ARThe pilot's inadvertent flight into severe icing conditions. A contributing factor was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning.NTSB LAX03FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Dolan Springs, AZthe pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from power lines. A factor was the pilot's decision to conduct cruise flight at a low altitude.NTSB IAD03FA024Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Woodbury, CTAn engine fire for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the pilot's loss of control, and the airplane's subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ATL03FA025Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Macon, GAThe loss of engine power due to oil starvation.NTSB SEA03WA030Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLancair IV · Geelong, AustraliaNTSB FTW03LA061Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCreekmore Team Rocket F-1 · Rosenberg, TXThe in-flight separation of the vertical stabilizer as a result of the builder's failure to install the upper attachment fitting for the vertical fin aft spar.NTSB MIA03WA032Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-46-500TP · Badearic Island, SpainNTSB ANC03GA020Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAviat A-1B · King Salmon, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB CHI03FA041Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Rockford, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the ILS approach. Factors associated with the accident were the low ceilings, high winds, crosswind, and wind shear conditions that existed.NTSB LAX03WA221Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31-325 · Fielding, New ZealandNTSB LAX03FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Anaheim Hills, CAthe pilot's encounter with forecast severe turbulence during an inadvertent penetration of an intense weather cell, which resulted in the pilot exceeding the design structural limits of the airplane. A factor in the accident was the pilot's inadequate…NTSB MIA03WA042Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 206 · El Carmen, ColombiaNTSB LAX03FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)undetermined, missing aircraft.NTSB MIA03WA031Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-23-250 · Freeport, BahamasNTSB ANC03LA022Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Petersburg, AKAn in flight collision with ocean water for an undetermined reason.NTSB CHI03LA037Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-1 · Frankenmuth, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB CHI03LA036Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American T-28B · Glenwood, MNThe altitude/clearance not maintained by the pilot-in-command. The low altitude maneuvering by the pilot-in-command was a contributing factor.NTSB FTW03FA059Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 1900C · Eagleton, ARIn-flight collision with terrain due to the pilot's failure to maintain clearance and altitude above rapidly rising terrain while on a VFR approach. Contributing factors were the obscuration of the terrain due to clouds.NTSB MIA03WA027Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206G · Pucallpa, PeruNTSB MIA03FA025Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon 58 · Fort Myers, FLthe pilot's spatial disorientation during instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing factors included the pilot's distraction to the low fuel status and the low cloud conditions.NTSB MIA03FA024Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAaa Aircraft Leasing 192 · Miami, FLThe inflight fire of undetermined origin, which resulted in pilot incapacitation, loss of aircraft control and an inflight collision with a building.NTSB DEN03FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell Commander 114 · Hot Springs, ARthe loss of engine power due to the failure of the engine ignition system's single-drive dual-magneto, and the magneto's improper installation by unknown maintenance personnel. Contributing factors were the improper installation of the magneto by unknown…NTSB ATL03FA023Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Arecibo, PRThe pilots failure to follow the normal takeoff checklist (Wing Flaps-Up) and failure to maintain airspeed after takeoff that resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB LAX03FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Phelan, CAthe student pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering that lead to a stall spin and impact with flat desert terrain.NTSB FTW03FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Harrison, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft and the exceedance of the manufactured limits, which resulted in an in flight break-up. Contributing factors were the dark night conditions and the clouds.NTSB FTW03FA055Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Tajique, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. Factors contributing to the accident were the high mountains, mountain obscuration, the dark night condition, and the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision making.NTSB FTW03FA054Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402C · Lewisville, TXThe failure of the attitude indicator, and the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control as a result of spatial disorientation following the failure of the attitude indicator. Contributing factors were a low ceiling, clouds, and dark night conditions.NTSB SEA03FA015Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCaron Seawind · Bryant, WAA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the failure of the flying pilot to maintain flying speed resulting in an inadvertent stall, loss of control and subsequent collision with terrain.