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 LAX02RA045Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBeech 200C · Mount Gambier, AustraliaNTSB CHI02FAMS1Accident · 4 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna R182 · Lake Michigan, ILThe uncontrolled descent for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX02LA043Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRominger Zic Zac Bird · Marina, CAthe failure the right wing spar and the subsequent separation of the right wing. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate maintenance, and the weakened wing structure due to a preexisting fuel tank leak.NTSB FTW02FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210-M · Monticello, ARThe separation of the #2 connecting rod and subsequent catastrophic failure of the engine. A factor was the in-flight collision with a vehicle while maneuvering to a emergency landing area.NTSB MIA02LA042Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFerguson A 26 Vulcan SS · Newnan, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing and go-around, resulting in a collision with a runway perimeter fence pole and trees.NTSB LAX02FA041Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182E · Prescott, AZthe pilot's failure to adequately deice the airplane prior to takeoff, which resulted in the airplane's degraded aerodynamic and climb performance capability, failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, and a stall/spin. Contributing factors were the pilot's…NTSB MIA02FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-55-T42A · Johnson City, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude clearance above the tree resulting in a collision with the tree, subsequent collision with a building, and the ground.NTSB LAX02FA038Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · El Dorado, CAthe pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain aircraft control.NTSB MIA02FA037Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Bessemer, ALThe poor in-flight planning by the pilot-in-command for his initiation of the ILS approach to runway 05 with weather conditions below minimums for the approach contrary to the federal aviation regulations, and the failure of the pilot to maintain control of…NTSB WAS02RA006Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208 · Quepos, Costa RicaNTSB WAS02WA007Accident · 9 fatalForeign investigationBell UH-1H · El Limon, El SalvadorNTSB CHI02FA042Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20M · Evansville, INThe fatigue failure of the turbocharger exhaust band clamp and aircraft control not possible by the pilot due to the fire.NTSB DCA02WA009Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBeech BE-200 · Moulins, FranceNTSB DCA02WA008Accident · 24 fatalForeign investigationBritish Aerospace Avro RJ100 · Zurich, SwitzerlandNTSB MIA02LA027Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M-20-20 · Hilton Head, SCThe pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control, an uncontrolled descent, and an impact with the water.NTSB MIA02FA026Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEnstrom 280FX · Tallassee, ALThe failure of the pilot to maintain a safe altitude above terrain and maintain a visual lookout resulting in the helicopter colliding with power transmission lines and crashing into a river. A factor in the accident was the power transmission lines not being…NTSB IAD02FA018Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGates Learjet 25B · Pittsburgh, PAThe (undetermined) pilot-at-the-controls' early, and over rotation of the airplane's nose during the takeoff attempt, and his failure to maintain directional control. Also causal, was the captain's inadequate remedial action, both during the takeoff attempt…NTSB FTW02FA040Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Ben Wheeler, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC02FA032Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Falmouth, MAThe incapacitation of the pilot for undetermined reasons which resulted in an in-flight collision with water.NTSB LAX02FA031Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 500S · Eagleville, CAthe pilot's encounter with forecast mountain wave conditions, moderate or greater turbulence, and icing, with downdrafts that likely exceeded the climb capability of the airplane, which was encountered at an altitude that precluded recovery. Also causal in…NTSB FTW02FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-1B · Patterson, LAThe pilot's mismanagement of fuel with the positioning of the fuel selector in the off position and his failure to maintain airspeed resulting in fuel starvation, and the airplane entering into a stall.NTSB MIA02LA022Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobert N. Gilmore Rans S-10 · Oneonta, ALThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed following loss of engine power resulting in the airplane stalling and entering a spin from which it crashed. Factors in the accident was improper repair of the front cylinder intake manifold seal by the pilot…NTSB CHI02FA034Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Spearville, KSthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and his inadvertent flight into known adverse weather conditions. Factors relating to this accident were the pilot's limited ability to see at night, spatial disorientation, the dark night, and the fog.NTSB MIA02FA032Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Poplarville, MSThe pilot's becoming lost and disoriented and his failure to maintain control of the airplane while flying over an unpopulated area on a dark night, which was the result of spatial disorientation. Factors in the accident was the pilot's consuming alcoholic…NTSB CHI02FA033Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportZenair CH2000 · Wentzville, MOThe improper selection of the fuel selector which resulted in fuel starvation and subsequent engine failure. Factors were the unsuitable terrain for the forced landing encountered by the pilot and the night light condition.NTSB LAX02FA028Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Santa Monica, CAThe pilot's failure to remove the control gust lock prior to takeoff and his failure to abort the takeoff with sufficient runway remaining to stop the airplane on the runway.NTSB FTW02LA034Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Benton, LAin-flight collision with trees while on final approach to land for an undetermined reason.NTSB FTW02FA036Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T1 · Graham, TXThe pilot's failure to discontinue the approach after encountering instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing factors were the dark night light condition, low ceiling, and reduced visibility due to fog.NTSB NYC02FA025Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Mansfield, OHthe pilot's improper use of carburetor heat, and subsequent forced landing. Factors were the carburetor icing condition, night conditions, trees, and the pilot's impairment from ingestion of an over-the-counter antihistamine.NTSB DCA02MA001Accident · 265 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportAirbus Industrie A300B4-605R · Belle Harbor, NYthe in-flight separation of the vertical stabilizer as a result of the loads beyond ultimate design that were created by the first officer's unnecessary and excessive rudder pedal inputs. Contributing to these rudder pedal inputs were characteristics of the…NTSB CHI02FA025Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Dyer, INThe failure of the flight crew to maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight, his impairment due to the use of over-the-counter medication is a contributing factor.NTSB CHI02LA037Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVermeys T-Bird II · Sherburn, MNThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB SEA02LA012Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportThurston Pitts S-1S · Eatonville, WAThe pilot's unsuccessful corrective action (recovery) from an inverted spin. A contributing factor was the pilot's encounter with the inverted spin maneuver.NTSB ATL02FA010Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · Winston Salem, NCImproper installation of the elevator trim tab control rod by maintenance personnel which allowed the control rod to disconnect and jam in the full up position (elevator full down) while in-flight. This resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent…NTSB SEA02FA011Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Lucile, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude above, and/or clearance with, mountainous terrain during night visual flight rules flight. Factors included mountainous terrain and dark night light conditions.NTSB SEA02FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 175C · Miles City, MTThe separation of the number four cylinder exhaust valve guide from the cylinder head, leading to the failure of the exhaust valve stem and the catastrophic failure of the engine while in cruise flight. Factors include the necessity of attempting a forced…NTSB LAX02FA020Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 Beta · Escondido, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from obstacles while approaching to land at his private helipad. Factors in the accident were night conditions, inadequate illumination of the landing pad, and a likely low visibility condition due to fog.NTSB FTW02FA028Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Seagoville, TXthe flight instructor's failure to maintain clearance with wires while maneuvering along a river.NTSB ATL02LA009Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBass Moni · Locust Grove, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and subsequent uncontrolled descent into terrain.NTSB ATL02FA008Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · McEwen, TNThe pilot initiated a VFR flight into known IMC conditions which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation. Factors were the low ceilings.NTSB LAX02FA019Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182S · Little River, CAthe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.NTSB NYC02LA019Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorton/Cloeren Titan Tornado II · New Windsor, MDLoss of power for an undetermined reason.NTSB LAX02FA018Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Mt. Charleston, NVthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed after continuing flight into forecast adverse meteorological conditions consisting of turbulence, icing, and downdrafts, which resulted in a stall/spin.NTSB MIA02LA014Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRans S-6 · Wyatte, MSthe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin, and subsequent impact with trees, while at a low altitude.NTSB DEN02FA004Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T337G · Palmer Lake, COthe pilot intentionally restricting his external vision (turning his cabin lights up bright to practice night instrument approaches), and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance of the mountain. A contributing factor was the Air Traffic Controller’s…NTSB IAD02WA008Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell Bell 47-G2 · Fabregues, FranceNTSB WAS02WA003Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R-22 · San Salvador, El SalvadorNTSB CHI02FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Dubuque, IAThe pilot continued flight into known adverse weather and disregarded the minimum descent altitude. Additional factors were the conditions conducive to pilot fatigue, fog, and night.NTSB NYC02LA014Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNicolosi Challenger II · Midland, VALoss of engine power for an undetermined reason.NTSB MIA02GA011Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBell OH-58A · Bartow, FLThe pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC, and his failure to maintain altitude, resulting in an in-flight collision with the ground. Factors in this accident were fog, and dark night.