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 DEN02LA103Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAdler SA-1 · Mead, COthe pilot's failure to maintain main rotor rpm, resulting in blade flapping, subsequent blade contact with the airframe, and loss of control.NTSB NYC02LA184Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGraham Mini-500 · Renfrew, PAFailure of the main transmission.NTSB LAX02LA277Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Ventus-B · Peoria, AZThe pilot's abrupt maneuver, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB LAX02FA276Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 222U · Nipton, CAThe main rotor blade separation while maneuvering for unknown reasons. A factor was the dark night condition.NTSB NYC02LA183Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRoyse Glasair · Flemingsburg, KYThe pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of control on the ground. A factor was the pilot's lack of experience in the type of aircraft.NTSB MIA02FAMS3Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-36-300 · MissingThe falure of the pilot to arrive at the intended destination for undetermined reasons. A finding in the investigation was the fact that clouds with tops to 44,000 feet were noted 38 miles south of the airplane's last position.NTSB LAX02LA273Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPetrik Questair Venture · Crescent City, CAThe pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was low ceiling.NTSB DEN02GA102Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna A185F · Howard, COthe pilot's failure to maintain clearance of the terrain. Contributing factors were the clear air turbulent weather condition, and the high density altitude condition.NTSB CHI02LA268Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRebholz Rans S-10 · Cottage Grove, WIThe pilot's decision to turn back to the airport following the loss of engine power during initial climb, the pilot not maintaining airspeed and aircraft control, which resulted in the stall at a low altitude. An additional cause was the seizure of the engine…NTSB CHI02FA269Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Tappen, NDThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout and his failure to maintain clearance of the transmission wires. Also causal was inadequate preflight planning. Factors associated with the accident were the low altitude and airspeed when the abrupt maneuver was made and…NTSB NYC02FA178Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeechcraft 58P · Swanzey, NH**This report was modified on 2/24/2016. Refer to the public docket for this accident for additional information.** the pilot's improper preflight planning and his decision to depart with known landing gear system mechanical deficiencies, which resulted in a…NTSB FTW02FA243Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-34 · Decatur, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall. A contributing factor was lack of total experience in the make and model of the accident aircraft.NTSB MIA02FA162Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream American AA-5A · Greeneville, TNA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot's decision to continue flight with a known equipment deficiency. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall.NTSB ATL02FA162Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican General AA-5B · Zephyrhills, FLThe pilots continued visual flight into instrument conditions (fog), and subsequent collision with a tree and a residence.NTSB NYC02FA177Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGates Learjet 25C · Lexington, KYThe captain's addition of forward thrust during the landing rollout, which resulted in a lack of braking effectiveness and a subsequent runway overrun. A factor was the captain's inability to deploy the thrust reversers for undetermined reasons.NTSB ANC02FA108Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-44 · Ketchikan, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter in-flight due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with the surface of a lake. Factors contributing to the accident were the high terrain surrounding the…NTSB ANC02FA106Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 MK3 · Aleknagik, AKThe pilot's failure to use a checklist to ensure the airplane was in the proper landing configuration, which precipitated an inadvertent water landing on amphibious floats with the wheels extended. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure…NTSB CHI02FA262Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Newaygo, MIThe altitude/clearance disregarded by the pilot and his ostentatious display. The wire and low altitude flight were a contributing factor.NTSB ANC02FA107Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Kodiak, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his operation of the airplane in an over gross condition. A contributing factor was noncompliance with written company weight and balance procedures.NTSB IAD02LA089Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPuhl Genesis · Petersburg, WVThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed after a loss of engine power, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Factors included the pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and the transmission wires in the pilot's glide…NTSB NYC02FA173Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-108 · Mayville, NYThe student pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during the landing approach and the private pilot's inadequate supervision, which resulted in a collision with a marked utility pole. A factor in this accident was the student pilot's lack of…NTSB FTW02LA238Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502B · Rosenburg, TXthe failure of the pedestrian to perform a visual lookout while walking on the runway which resulted in a on-ground collision with the airplane.NTSB ATL02FA160Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-55 · Jacksboro, TNPilot incapacitation due to a heart attack resulting in a loss of control and the subsequent in-flight collision with a lake.NTSB LAX02FA255Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Echo Summit, CAThe pilot's decision to continue the flight into the rising mountainous terrain, and subsequent failure to maintain clearance with the trees. Contributing factors were the rising mountainous terrain, and the high density altitude,NTSB IAD02FA088Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Stanardsville, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance while descending over mountainous terrain. A factor was the night lighting conditions.NTSB NYC02FA166Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Deerfield, VAThe pilot's improper preflight decision to takeoff on an up-sloping runway with a tailwind, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with a tree. Factors were the pilot's lack of familiarity with the geographic area, and a tailwind.NTSB MIA02LA153Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportReviere Vans RV6A · Tampa, FLthe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin, while maneuvering, and subsequent impact with a concrete wall. A factor in this accident was the impairment of the pilot in command due to the use of prescription…NTSB IAD02FA086Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Plainville, CTAn in-flight engine compartment fire of unknown origin, and a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Also causal, was the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a turn back to the airfield, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent…NTSB WAS02WA051Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationHughes 269C · Dannevirke, New ZealandNTSB NYC02FA168Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Sanderson, WVPhysiological impairment or incapacitation likely related to the pilot's recent exacerbation of Crohn's disease. A factor in the accident was the pilot's decision to conduct the flight in his current medical condition.NTSB DEN02GA097Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportArctic S-1B2 · Meeteetse, WYthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. A contributing factor was the intentional low pass/slow flight maneuver.NTSB MIA02FA152Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Brunswick, GAthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to takeoff in an over gross weight condition.NTSB NYC02WA164Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-44-180 · Lake Vossemeer, NetherlandsNTSB CHI02FA247Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Shell Lake, WIThe pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to departure leading to fuel exhaustion during the flight, the inadequate preflight/inflight planning, and the unsuitable terrain encountered by the pilot during the forced landing attempt. Contributing factors…NTSB ANC02FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Skwentna, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while on approach to land, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and subsequent collision with trees.NTSB FTW02FA233Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Ithaca, NEThe pilot's intentional flight of the airplane into terrain in an act of suicide.NTSB CHI02LA244Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Hillman, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance.NTSB MIA02FA148Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Centerville, TNthe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall shortly after takeoff. A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to takeoff in an over gross weight condition and his lack of familiarity with the aircraft.NTSB LAX02FA251Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 690A · Bishop, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate terrain clearance altitude while maneuvering in the traffic pattern due to the sensory and visual illusions created by a lack of ground reference lights and/or terrain conspicuity, and the dark nighttime…NTSB NYC02FA159Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Standard Cirrus · Hilltown, PAThe pilot's improper pre-flight, and failure to follow procedures in the flight manual to determine that the stabilator was properly connected prior to flight, and which resulted in a loss of control while under tow, and uncontrolled impact with the ground.NTSB ATL02FA156Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182R · Lake City, TNThe pilot's failure to follow procedures pertaining to mountain flying, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed that resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent in-flight collision with trees and terrain. A factor was the certified flight instructor…NTSB DEN02FA089Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20A · Marysvale, UTthe pilot's poor in-flight decision to fly so close to the ridge (looking for animals). Contributing factors were the mountainous terrain condition, the downdraft weather conditions in high mountains, and the high density altitude weather condition.NTSB CHI02FA237Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-A55 · Festus, MOThe pilot's lack of recent experience and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall and collision with the ground. The pilot's failure to execute a go-around was a factor.NTSB FTW02LA230Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportYakovlev YAK 52 · Aledo, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while performing aerobatics. A contributing factor was the performance of aerobatic maneuvers with low altitude.NTSB SEA02FA146Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-35 · Idaho Falls, IDThe flying pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in a stall/spin. An additional cause was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.NTSB SEA02FA145Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Emmett, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power transmission lines while maneuvering.NTSB CHI02FA231Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-350P · Benton Harbor, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed above stall speed resulting in a stall/spin. Additional causes were the pilot not maintaining best glide airspeed and optimal glidepath following the loss of engine power. A factor to the accident was the engine…NTSB MIA02FA144Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Cheraw, SCThe misrouting of the fuel lines to the fuel selector, which resulted in the use of a fuel tank with inadequate fuel supply, fuel starvation, and the loss of engine power. Contributing was the pilot's inadequate remedial action for conducting an emergency…NTSB IAD02TA081Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCrawford Widebody Long EZ · Martha's Vineyard, MAPilot incapacitation from a massive subarachnoid hemorrhage (stroke.)NTSB CHI02LA232Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 412 · Rantoul, ILThe congested takeoff and landing area and the low altitude flight maneuver performed by the pilot.