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 FTW02FA106Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D35 · Nacogdoches, TXThe failure of the engine driven fuel pump drive pin resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing factors were inadequate maintenance, the pilot's inadequate use of the manual auxillary fuel pump (wobble pump), and the night conditions.NTSB WAS02WA030Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-32R-301T · Ramstein, GermanyNTSB LAX02FA116Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-61A · Lakehead, CAA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the flight crew's failure to maintain rotor rpm following a loss of engine power while maneuvering.NTSB DEN02FA034Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340 · Englewood, COthe pilot not following procedures/directives (flying a landing approach with the left fuel selector in the auxiliary position). Contributing factors were the loss of the left engine power due to fuel starvation, the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft…NTSB FTW02FA099Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-4 · Eugene Isld 188The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff. A contributing factor was the pilot's inadequate preflight which resulted in his failure to remove the left front tie down.NTSB ANC02FA025Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Manokotak, AKThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and subsequent collision with terrain during cruise flight. Factors in the accident were low ceilings, snow, and mountainous snow-covered terrain.NTSB FTW02WA140Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 152 · Tegucigalpa, HondurasNTSB LAX02FA114Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS-350B · Susanville, CAFailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above the water while performing a low altitude flight. Factors relating to the accident were the glassy water condition, and a lack of visual cues concerning perception of altitude.NTSB WAS02WA028Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 B III · Anaco, VenezuelaNTSB CHI02FA094Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31P · Daleville, INThe pilots failure to maintain control of the airplane during the instrument approach. The low overcast ceiling and the pilot's in-flight decision to execute the instrument approach in below minimum weather conditions were factors.NTSB IAD02FA037Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Ocean City, MDThe pilot's spatial disorientation, which resulted in his subsequent loss of control of the airplane. A factor was the dark night, over water visual conditions.NTSB ATL02LA064Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKopp Robert E GYRO-KOPP-TER · Citra, FLThe pilots failure to maintain flight control, followed by a subsequent collision with the terrain.NTSB LAX02LA109Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTrenti RV-4 · Jacumba, CAin-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX02FA110Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPilatus UV-20A · Marana, AZthe failure of both pilots to maintain an adequate visual lookout. The failure of the Pilatus pilot to report his proper position was a factor.NTSB CHI02FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Alma, WIThe pilot not removing the ice contamination from the airplane prior to departure and the pilot intentionally flying into known severe icing conditions, resulting in the aircraft not being able to maintain altitude/clearance from the terrain. Factors to the…NTSB MIA02FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32R-300 · Broadway, NCThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance.NTSB FTW02FA095Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201T · Marianna, ARThe pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions and his failure to maintain clearance with terrain while maneuvering. Factors were, the low cloud and mist weather conditions, and the dark night light conditions.NTSB SEA02GA053Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-31 · Atlanta, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while in cruise flight which resulted in the in-flight separation due to overload of the spar at the right wing root. Hypoxia was a factor.NTSB DEN02FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Glenwood Sprngs, COthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation, resulting in a collision with terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of an instrument rating and the dark night conditions.NTSB NYC02FA068Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Teterboro, NJImproper maintenance by other maintenance personnel, which resulted in the air filter element being sucked into and blocking the turbocharger inlet, and a subsequent power loss. Factors in the accident were the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and the…NTSB ATL02FA063Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Laurens, SCThe pilot experienced spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of control and the subsequent collision with terrain. Factors were low clouds and dark-night.NTSB ATL02FA062Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter France AS355 F1 · Savannah, GAThe pilot's failure to follow operating procedures and, experienced spatial disorientation while attempting a night landing to an offshore platform. A factor was a dark night.NTSB CHI02FA088Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Niles, MIFlight into known adverse weather conditions by the pilot and the spatial disorientation of pilot. Contributing factors were the lack of certification by the pilot and the weather conditions.NTSB ATL02LA061Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMoore Sammie M-Breezy · Pell City, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain flying speed, followed by an inadvertent stall spin, and subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB MIA02FA066Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Bunnell, FLInadequate maintenance inspection of the airplane by comapny maintenance personnel which resulted in corrosion in an aileron control cable going undetected, failure of the aileron control cable, and impact with terrain following loss of control of the…NTSB LAX02FA101Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 425 · San Jose, CAthe pilot's loss of control and resulting exceedence of the design stress limits of the aircraft, which led to an in-flight structural failure. The pilot's loss of control was due in part to the loss of primary airspeed reference resulting from pitot tube…NTSB ATL02FA059Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Macon, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while maneuvering after takeoff.NTSB ATL02FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-60 · Mexia, TXThe pilot's failure to remove the control lock before the flight and his failure to follow the checklist.NTSB FTW02FA087Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Austin, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, resulting in a stall. Contributing factors were the low ceiling, fog, and the unforecast weather conditions..NTSB FTW02LA086Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502B · Extension, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor was the pilot's impairment due to drugs.NTSB ATL02FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Hamilton, GAThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX02FA097Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA1B · Pomona, CAa total loss of engine power due to an excessively rich mixture setting in the carburetor. The overly rich operation of the carburetor was due to the overhaul shop's failure to obtain the proper clearance between the float and chamber walls, which allowed the…NTSB ATL02LA055Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKrejci S-51D · Port St. Lucie, FLThe pilots failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in an attempt to return to landing area (Emergency/ departure airport.) This resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. Factor to the accident was a partial loss…NTSB WAS02WA026Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206G · San Antonio, PeruNTSB ATL02FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Vero Beach, FLThe flight's encounter with isolated severe to extreme turbulence that resulted in an in-flight breakup of the airplane and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB NYC02WA063Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R-44 · Verona, ItalyNTSB CHI02WA080Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 421B · Libourne, FranceNTSB NYC02FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell 500S · Exeter, RIThe pilot's failure to maintain control after encountering icing conditions while on approach for landing. Factors in this accident were the night light conditions and pilot's failure to select the airplane's propeller de-icing switches to the "on" position.NTSB ATL02FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · New Smyrna Bch., FLThe pilot continued visual flight into instrument conditions that resulted in the in-flight collision with trees. Factor were the pilot's alcohol impaired condition, and low cloud conditions.NTSB IAD02WA031Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech 300LW Super King Air · Zernez, SwitzerlandNTSB WAS02RA021Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206 · Cackchila, GuatemalaNTSB LAX02LA085Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEllenberger/Werner Glasair I TD · Minden, NVthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane resulting in the airplane entering a flat spin from which the pilot did not recover.NTSB SEA02LA040Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Scappoose, ORThe pilot's failure to tie down the aircraft prior to hand propping the engine. Factors were a fence, trees, and the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation.NTSB MIA02FA059Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Cedar Key, FLthe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation resulting in the airplane descending and colliding with water. A factor in the accident was a dark night .NTSB SEA02LA039Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBitton/Sport Flight Talon · Boring, ORLoss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB ATL02FA043Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Atlanta, GAThe pilot experienced spatial disorientation that resulted in the loss of control.NTSB ANC02FA014Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 206 · Bethel, AKThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate ground clearance, which resulted in an in flight collision with terrain. Factors associated with the accident were flat light conditions, and…NTSB MIA02LA058Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHarleman Tornado II · Molino, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance, resulting in the in-flight collision with a static wire and an uncontrolled descent and collision with the ground. A factor in the accident was the pilot's impairment resulting from the use of unapproved…NTSB NYC02FA055Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Chester, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the turn to final, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Factors included low ceilings and night lighting conditions.NTSB LAX02FA073Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper Aerostar 601P · Stonyford, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during cruise flight, which resulted in the in-flight collision with mountainous terrain. Factors in the accident were the mountainous terrain and the dark night light conditions.