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 FTW02LA020Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Morton, TXThe pilot's loss of control of the airplane during an aerial application maneuver.NTSB ATL02FA003Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · N. Wilkesboro, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain visual lookout and clearance above obstacles, which resulted in a collision with power lines and subsequent loss of control and collision with terrain.NTSB LAX02LA010Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRhoades Jodel D-9 · Waialua, HILoss of engine power for unknown reasons. A factor was the inadvertent stall the pilot encountered while maneuvering to make a forced landing in an open taro field.NTSB CHI02LA007Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWoodrow Stolp-Adams Starduster SA-100 · Millstadt, ILThe pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance from the tree line. Factors to the accident were the pilot attempting the low altitude flight/maneuver and the presence of the tree line.NTSB CHI02FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Union, ILThe pilot not maintaining appropriate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB LAX02FA008Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBrock Thorp T-18 · El Mirage, CAthe corrosion and fatigue failure of the tail wheel fork.NTSB FTW02FA017Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS350B2 · Roswell, NMThe seizing of the cyclic control for an undetermined reason. A contributing factor was the lack of altitude for the pilot to regain control of the helicopter.NTSB SEA02FA008Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L · Anchorage, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the surface of an open body of water while intentionally attempting to maintain a very low altitude while in cruise flight. Factors include falling snow, low ceilings, whiteout/greyout conditions, and flat/glassy…NTSB NYC02FA012Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · South Hero, VTThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff. Factors in this accident were wind gusts and the airplane's high gross weight condition.NTSB SEA02FA007Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Dixie, IDThe pilot's failure to refuel en route resulting in fuel exhaustion, and his inadvertent entry into a stall condition during the emergency descent. Contributing factors were dark night conditions and mountainous/hilly terrain.NTSB SEA02FA005Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Sandy, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees while attempting to land in a field after entering an area of instrument meteorological conditions. Factors include low ceilings, rain, fog, strong winds, mountainous/hilly terrain, the pilot's…NTSB NYC02FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Middlefield, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude while maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Factors in the accident were the dark night, rising terrain, and clouds.NTSB DCA02WA005Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationFairchild Swearingen SA-226-TC · Shamattawa, Man, CanadaNTSB LAX02FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEdge 540 · San Juan Capist, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate terrain/object altitude clearance while intentionally performing low level aerobatics, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control.NTSB DCA02WA004Accident · 10 fatalForeign investigationSwearingen Metroliner · Mediterranean, SpainNTSB DCA02MA003Accident · 10 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 208 · Dillingham, AKan in-flight loss of control resulting from upper surface ice contamination that the pilot-in-command failed to detect during his preflight inspection of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a preflight inspection requirement for CE-208…NTSB DCA02RA002Accident · 118 fatalForeign investigationCessna CitationJet 2 · Milan, ItalyNTSB WAS02WA001Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBell 412HP · Los Cabos, MexicoNTSB MIA02FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7AC/BCM · Woodstock, ALThe failure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering at a low altitude, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and inflight collision with the terrain.NTSB IAD02FA002Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210M · Pittsfield, PAThe pilot's loss of control in flight due to spatial disorientation, and his subsequent overstress of the airplane during a recovery attempt. A factor in the accident was the pilot's use of inappropriate medications.NTSB FTW02FA005Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Sargent, TXthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Contributing factors were the pilot's flight into known adverse weather, his self-induced pressure to complete the flight and the thunderstorm.NTSB FTW02FA004Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Alvarado, TXThe inadvertent flat spin of the airplane by the flightcrew resulting from the flight instructor's inadequate supervision. A contributing factor was the impairment (drugs) of the private pilot.NTSB SEA02FA002Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Decatur Island, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a low altitude turn, resulting in a stall. The pilot exceeding the aircraft's maximum gross takeoff weight was a factor.NTSB CHI02FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEnstrom F-28A · Attica, MIThe reported loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion during cruise flight, the pilot not performing an autorotation, the pilot not maintaining rotor RPM during his emergency descent, and the pilot not maintaining control of the helicopter. A factor was…NTSB MIA02FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportAyres S2RHG-T65The airplane and pilot are missing.NTSB SEA01FA175Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · McCall, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a loss of power on the left engine, resulting in loss of aircraft control. Factors included a loss of power on the left engine for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to properly configure…NTSB CHI01FA329Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 Riley Super-8 · Marshfield, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed (Vmc) which resulted in a loss of control. Contributing factors were the improper in-flight planning/decision not to land at a closer airport and the lack of recent experience in multiengine airplanes by the…NTSB FTW01LA211Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWSK PZL Mielec PZL M18B · Plainview, TXthe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the stand pipe while maneuvering during aerial application.NTSB SEA01LA173Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKaman HH-43 · Bonners Ferry, IDThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout which lead to his failure to maintain clearance from the nearby trees while in a high-hover. Factors include mountainous/hilly terrain, and tall trees in the area where the helicopter was hovering.NTSB DEN01FA162Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337B · St. George, UTtotal loss of engine power on both engines due to fuel starvation and the pilot's inability to access the available fuel supply. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate supervision of the refueling operation, and his intentional operation of the…NTSB DEN01FA161Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Pagosa Springs, COthe flight crews' intentional low altitude flight, and failure to maintain obstacle clearance.NTSB LAX01LA304Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS350BA · Chico, CAthe pilot's inadequate in-flight decision and delay in initiating a go-around during an encounter with brown out conditions, which led to his failure to maintain alignment of the helicopter with the intended go-around flight path and a resulting collision…NTSB WAS01RA026Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationLet 410 UVP-E · Guatemala City, GuatemalaNTSB LAX01LA286Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Tucson, AZthe pilot's controlled descent into a residence for undetermined reasons.NTSB ENG01RA010Incident · 1 fatalForeign investigationFokker F28 Mk 100 · Belo Horizonte, BrazilNTSB ATL01FA109Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T-210F · Hendersonville, NCThe pilot's failure to follow the air traffic controllers verbal instructions pertaining to heading and minimum safe vectoring altitude while being vectored for an ILS approach to his destination airport. This resulted in an in-flight collision with trees and…NTSB WAS01RA025Accident · 19 fatalForeign investigationLet 410 UVP-E · Chichen Itza, MexicoNTSB NYC01LA224Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportYakovlev YAK-52 · Washington, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors in the accident were the dark night, reduced visibility, and the pilot's decision to conduct VFR operations at night in adverse weather conditions.NTSB DCA01MA065Accident · 44 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBoeing 757 · Shanksville, PAThe Safety Board did not determine the probable cause and does not plan to issue a report or open a public docket. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Safety Board provided…NTSB DCA01MA064Accident · 64 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBoeing 757-200 · Arlington, VAThe Safety Board did not determine the probable cause and does not plan to issue a report or open a public docket. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Safety Board provided…NTSB DCA01MA063Accident · 65 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBoeing 767-200ER · New York City, NYThe Safety Board did not determine the probable cause and does not plan to issue a report or open a public docket. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Safety Board provided…NTSB DCA01MA060Accident · 92 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBoeing 767-200ER · New York City, NYThe Safety Board did not determine the probable cause and does not plan to issue a report or open a public docket. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Safety Board provided…NTSB LAX01FA302Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-150 · Chico, CAThe loss of right engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to his improper single engine emergency procedures.NTSB SEA01LA170Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182J · Gold Beach, ORThe pilot's failure to attain proper alignment while on final approach and clearance from trees. The pilot's lack of total experience in this type of mountain flying operation was a factor.NTSB LAX01LA303Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna P206B · Willits, CAthe failure of the pilot to reset the elevator trim tab during the go-around, which resulted in his failure to maintain airspeed and an inadvertent stall.NTSB WAS01WA028Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationCessna TU206G · Baborigame, MexicoNTSB ATL01FA105Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Byhalia, MSThe pilot's improper evaluation of weather conditions which lead to an inflight encounter with turbulent weather resulting in an in flight break up of the airframe, and subsequent uncontrolled descent into terrain. A factor was the pilot's drug impairment.NTSB SEA01FA167Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Ashland, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain after inadvertently entering an area of instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) during a visual flight rules (VFR) flight. Factors include mountainous/hilly terrain and low ceilings in the area…NTSB NYC01FA223Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Bern Township, PAThe pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a high speed dive to the ground.NTSB FTW01LA203Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164B · Lydia, LAthe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a marked tower while maneuvering.