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 MIA01WA184Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Sonnblick, AustriaNTSB ANC01GA075Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · King Salmon, AKThe pilot's selection of the incorrect fuel tank, subsequent fuel starvation, and inadvertent stall during initial climb. Factors associated with the accident were inadequate transition training, and insufficient training standards of the operator/management.NTSB MIA01WA177Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationCessna 206 · Baborigame, MexicoNTSB LAX01FA222Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35-B33 · Lakeside, CALoss of control in flight due to cardiovascular incapacitation.NTSB FTW01LA152Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMottier RV-6 · Hammond, LAthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control following a loss of engine power. A factor was the loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA01LA175Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBucker-Jungmann Aero Z-131 · Rupert, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall.NTSB FTW01FA151Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-CD · McAlester, OKthe inadvertent stall by the pilot-in-command.NTSB MIA01LA170Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportUnknown DragonFly B · LaBelle, FLThe inadvertent stall/spin by the pilot resulting in an uncontrolled descent and impact with the ground.NTSB NYC01WA162Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28-161 · Yverdon, SwitzerlandNTSB IAD01FA070Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Greenwich, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions, due to spatial disorientation. Factors in the accident were the fog, and the pilot's use of a sedating medication.NTSB CHI01LA182Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Columbia, MOThe loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB CHI01LA181Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMasko Mustang MII · Ann Arbor, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane resulting in the inadvertent stall/spin. A factor was the pilot's unfamiliarity with the airplane.NTSB NYC01WA159Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 170B · Uxbridge, CanadaNTSB MIA01LA166Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Finley, TNThe failure of the pilot to maintain aircraft altitude control while on downwind leg of the landing pattern, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and in-flight collision with the terrain.NTSB IAD01WA073Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210 · Petawa, Ontario, CanadaNTSB NYC01LA148Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Oswego, NYThe pilot's inadequate altitude clearance above water while conducting low level flight maneuvers. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's impairment of judgment due to alcohol consumption.NTSB NYC01FA147Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Newfane, VTThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff. A factor was the pilot's impairment due to a narcotic painkiller and antihistamine.NTSB MIA01LA164Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBroyles P51 · Conestee, SCPartial loss of engine power due to an engine cylinder experiencing detonation resulting in a forced landing to none suitable terrain.NTSB MIA01FA165Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Manteo, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering after releasing a banner resulting in an inadvertent stall and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB LAX01FA212Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchultz Lancair IV-P · Flagstaff, AZthe builder's failure to install a fuel compartment vent in the right wing, affecting the total available fuel capacity, and resulting in the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. A contributing factor was the pilot's intentional flight with a known…NTSB IAD01LA078Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPatalivo Dominator · Laconia, NHThe non-certificated pilot's inability to maintain control of the gyrocopter after inadvertently allowing it to become airborne. A factor was the pilot's lack of flight experience.NTSB CHI01FA180Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPotez-Air Fouga CM 170 · La Crosse, WIThe fatigue failure of the aircraft's left wing tip fuel tank rear attachment, while the aircraft was being maneuvered in a low approach, leading to the tank's in-flight separation and subsequent in-flight break up of the airplane and the aircraft's control…NTSB NYC01FA145Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7DC · Fulton, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin to the ground. A factor was the pilot's decision to fly from the rear seat, which reduced his visibility of critical flight instruments, including the…NTSB MIA01FA163Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Waveland, MSThe incapacitation of the pilot (cardiovascular) resulting in his inability to fly the airplane and subsequent in-flight collision with trees then a house.NTSB LAX01FA208Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Lanai City, HIthe CFI's inadequate in-flight planning/decision making, inadequate supervision, and his delayed remedial action, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB MIA01FA162Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C90 · Fort Lauderdale, FLthe pilot's failure to properly plan fuel consumption and to perform an en route refueling, resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion while on downwind leg for landing at eventual destination, causing an emergency descent and collision…NTSB NYC01FA141Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Honesdale, PAAn improperly manufactured torquemeter gearshaft assembly, which resulted in gearshaft assembly failure, an N2 overspeed, and a subsequent uncontained engine failure.NTSB SEA01LA116Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportYakovlev YAK 52 · Custer, WAThe first pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering. Factors include an inadvertent stall.NTSB DEN01FA113Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-20 · Cerrillos, NMthe pilot's loss of aircraft control inflight for reasons undetermined. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate transition/upgrade training and his total lack of experience in aircraft make/model.NTSB IAD01FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369A · Perry, WVThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. A contributing factor was mountainous terrain.NTSB MIA01FA151Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M-20J · Monroe, NCThe pilot in command’s failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering to avoid objects, resulting in a stall/mush and collision with the terrain during uncontrolled descent. Contributing to the accident was the improper approach to land and his failure to…NTSB FTW01LA136Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman-Schweizer G-164B · Powhatan, ARthe pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance while maneuvering after takeoff.NTSB IAD01WA064Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper 31-310 · Prince Edward, CanadaNTSB WAS01WA010Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBell UH-IH · Taumarunui, New ZealandNTSB LAX01FA308Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Lytle Creek, CAThe pilot's inadequate decision to fly into an area of rising terrain.NTSB LAX01FA199Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Big Bear City, CAthe student pilot's selection of a takeoff runway conducive to a tailwind weather condition and his failure to maintain airspeed and his inadvertent stall during takeoff initial climb. Factors in the accident were the partial loss engine power resulting from…NTSB MIA01FA152Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-T2 · Jackson, TNThe pilot's shutting down the left engine following loss of control of the left propeller resulting in an in-flight loss of control of the airplane due to the windmilling propeller. Factors in the accident were the failure of the propeller control bracket…NTSB LAX01FA198Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Tulare, CAThe student's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the crosswind climb that resulted in a stall/spin at low altitude and the airplane's subsequent ground impact. A factor was the student's failure to retract the wing flaps.NTSB IAD01WA065Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell P-63A-7BE · Biggin Hill, United KingdomNTSB DEN01FA110Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210G · Lyons, COThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and his continued flight into adverse weather condition resulting in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing factors were the fog, low ceilings and the pilot's lack of recent experience.NTSB CHI01LA151Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402B · Mount Vernon, SDthe pilot not maintaining aircraft control while maneuvering close to the ground.NTSB ATL01LA063Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor 502B · Anguilla, MSFailure of both pilots to maintain visual lookout, resulting in an in-flight collision. A factor was sun glare.NTSB DEN01FA111Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Meeker, COthe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance as a result of his drug induced impairment. A factor was his exceeding the airplane's gross weight limits.NTSB SEA01FA106Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Augusta, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff resulting in an inadvertent stall at low a altitude.NTSB LAX01FA194Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210A · Escondido, CAthe pilot's spatial disorientation and lack of instrument flight proficiency that resulted in a loss of directional control and the airplane's subsequent in-flight collision with the ground.NTSB CHI01FA146Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Osage Beach, MOAircraft control not being maintained by the pilot during the forced landing and inadequate preflight inspection performed by the pilot. Contributing factors to the accident were the fuel system contamination that resulted in the loss of engine power, the…NTSB FTW01LA132Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter · Fentress, TXthe King Air pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision in that he failed to remain in the agreed on formation position, resulting in one of his skydiver's contacting the propeller of the de Havilland airplane. A contributing factor was the lack of total…NTSB CHI01LA149Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGeertz Zenith CH 200 · Kankakee, ILThe loss of control on initial climbout for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI01LA147Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Protem, MOThe overload of the flap control cable for undetermined reasons resulting in aircraft control not being possible. The trees were a factor.NTSB FTW01FA129Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Pryor, OKthe failure of the glider pilot to maintain aircraft control and his delay in releasing the towrope. A contributing factor was the glider's worn elevator trim friction, which resulted in its disengagement.