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 SEA01FA015Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Corvallis, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Factors include a dark night, densely forested, hilly terrain near the planned route of flight, and low ceilings in the area of the accident.NTSB LAX01FA032Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Selma, CAThe pilot's improper decision to attempt a visual approach and landing in instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to follow instrument flight rules procedures.NTSB LAX01FA036Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-200 · Teec Nos Pos, AZIn-flight loss of control resulting in airframe structural failure. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadvertant visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CHI01FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Des Moines, IAThe pilot not maintaining aircraft control during the final turn, and the pilot's improper decision to fly the tight pattern to the closer runway. Factors relating to the accident were the pilot's inadequate distance/altitude in the traffic pattern and the…NTSB MIA01FA021Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Zolfo Springs, FLThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the pilot executing a forced landing to an open field, and the aircraft subsequently impacting a tree during the landing rollout.NTSB FTW01FA015Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-76 · Tulsa, OKthe instructor pilot's failure to maintain the airplane's minimum controllable airspeed during a single-engine go-around, which resulted in his loss of control of the airplane. Contributory factors were the engine fire, the pilot's failure to follow the…NTSB DCA01RA002Accident · 83 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 747-400 · Taipei, TaiwanNTSB LAX01LA029Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Gorman, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A contributing factor was the pilot's use of impairing medications.NTSB FTW01FA017Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-350BA · E. Cameron 200the loss of engine power due to an internal engine oil leak that started an internal engine fire and the pilot's inadequate autorotation which resulted in a hard landing. A contributing factor to the accident was the rough water condition.NTSB MIA01FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 150 · Missing, FLundetermined.NTSB LAX01FA026Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Julian, CATotal blockage of the instrument static system due to ice.NTSB FTW01FA014Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Rockport, TXthe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's subsequent failure to maintain control of the airplane during the ensuing forced landing.NTSB FTW01FA013Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Oklahoma City, OKthe pilot's loss of control of the aircraft during initial/takeoff climb. Contributing factors were the night conditions, low ceilings, and the pilot's lack of flight experience in actual instrument meteorological conditions at night.NTSB ANC01FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18A · Akhiok, AKThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, and inadequate evaluation of weather conditions. Factors in the accident were a tailwind, and a short runway/landing area.NTSB CHI01FA025Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Gaylord, MIThe pilot not maintaining proper glideslope and localizer alignment during the precision instrument approach, the pilot continuing flight below the decision height, the pilot not performing a missed approach, and the pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance…NTSB CHI01FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-140 · Sparta, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment on departure and his failure to maintain clearance from the trees. The pilot's attempted flight into known adverse weather, his lack of instrument experience, the fog, and the trees were contributing…NTSB LAX01FA024Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Alpine, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall and collision with terrain.NTSB IAD01WA012Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna P210N · Kampala, UgandaNTSB SEA01LA008Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWildman Adventurer · Yelm, WAA main rotor blade strike (impact) with both a pusher propeller blade and the rudder during an unknown phase of operation resulting in a loss of control and uncontrolled descent to terrain.NTSB LAX01FA023Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M-20J · Wheaton Springs, CAThe pilot's inadequate weather evaluation and attempted VFR flight into IMC, which resulted in the in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.NTSB MIA01WA015Accident · 11 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34 · Chacabuco, ArgentinaNTSB NYC01FA021Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-23-24 · Kingston, OHThe pilot's failure to check both fuel tanks visually during the preflight inspection. A factor in the accident was the dark night.NTSB LAX01LA020Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRyan ST3KR · Georgetown, CAThe airplane's encounter with a strong updraft at the end of the runway that induced an increase in the wing's angle of attack to the critical point, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and spin.NTSB NYC01WA051Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna T303 · Dossenheim, GermanyNTSB CHI01FA017Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-C55 · Homer, NEThe inadequate remedial action the flightcrew had during the stall recovery maneuver and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision. A factor was the intentional stall the flightcrew was performing.NTSB FTW01LA011Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Littlefield, TXthe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a guy wire while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.NTSB MIA01FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-355-F2 · Burlington, NCThe mechanics failure to comply with manufacturers instructions for correction of a illuminated main rotor gearbox oil pressure warning light resulting in the helicopter being dispatched on a ferry flight with a failed main rotor gearbox oil pump, failure of…NTSB CHI01MA011Accident · 3 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportCessna 335 · Hillsboro, MOThe pilot's failure to control the airplane while maneuvering because of spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the failure of the airplane's primary attitude indicator and the adverse weather conditions, including turbulence.NTSB LAX01FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35-33 · Monterey, CAThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision by which he conducted visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing factors were low ceiling, spatial disorientation and lack of…NTSB ATL01FA008Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT · Selmer, TNThe pilots inadequate preflight planning and preparation, that resulted in exceeding the designed weight and balance of the airplane. Factors were the pilot's use of inappropriate medications and the collision with trees.NTSB MIA01FA004Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Pembroke Pines, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm and the proper rate of descent during a forced landing/autorotation resulting in an in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was a loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 3 exhaust…NTSB FTW01RA008Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationCessna 320E · Ensenada, MexicoNTSB SEA01WA005Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA 24-250 · Kelowna, CanadaNTSB LAX01FA011Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNavion G · Henderson, NVthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering to return to the runway following a loss of engine power in the takeoff initial climb. The loss of power was probably due to the pilot's failure to ensure that an adequate fuel supply…NTSB FTW01FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B19 · Umbarger, TXThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing factors were the low ceilings, the dark night illumination, the lack of visual cues, and the pilot's lack of instrument flight qualification or experience.NTSB DEN01FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R-182 · Grants, NMthe pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC during cruise. Contributing factors were the dark night light conditions, and the cloudy weather conditions.NTSB NYC01FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Wash. Ct. House, OHAn undetermined event, which resulted in an off airport landing. A factor in this accident was the night light condition.NTSB FTW01FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-160 · Cotulla, TXThe pilot's failure to refuel the airplane which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. Also contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to feather the engine.NTSB CHI01MA006Accident · 2 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportCanadair CL600-2B16 · Wichita, KSthe pilot’s excessive takeoff rotation, during an aft center of gravity (c.g.) takeoff, a rearward migration of fuel during acceleration and takeoff and consequent shift in the airplane’s aft c.g. to aft of the aft c.g. limit, which caused the airplane to…NTSB SEA01FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Lummi Island, WAThe pilot's attempted flight into known adverse weather conditions, and his subsequent failure to maintain altitude above, or clearance with, trees. Factors contributing to the accident included low ceilings, fog, the pilot's low-altitude flight, rising…NTSB LAX01FA007Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Phoenix, AZThe failure of the pilot to operate the airplane according to the flight manual, resulting in fuel starvation and loss of engine power during a critical phase of flight. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing and the presence of…NTSB NYC01FA005Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-26A · Edgartown, MAThe pilot's failure to follow instrument flight procedures resulting in a collision with a tree. A factor related to the accident was the low cloud ceiling.NTSB LAX01FA004Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200 · San Dimas, CAThe pilots becoming lost and disoriented during an improperly conducted IFR approach, and subsequent missed approach, that led to a collision with rising mountainous terrain. Also causal was the local controller canceling the IFR approach when the pilot…NTSB FTW01RA006Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationDouglas DC-9-31 · Reynosa, MexicoNTSB LAX01FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182S · Santa Rosa, CAthe pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. A related factor was the low ceiling.NTSB FTW01LA005Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHolt Thorpe T-18C · Imperial, TXthe failure of the propeller blade due to fatigue, which originated from a corrosion crack. A contributory factor was the pilot/owner's failure to ensure that the propeller was overhauled at the manufacturer's recommended interval.NTSB CHI01LA002Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMoseler RAF 2000 GTX SE · Muskegon, MIThe main rotor contacting with the vertical stabilizer, the loss of the vertical stabilizer, and the aircraft control not possible by the pilot.NTSB CHI01FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · Rapid City, SDSuicideNTSB ATL01LA003Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportUniversity of Alabama MINI-500 · Tuscaloosa, ALThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's unapproved airframe modification that resulted in the loss of flight control during the emergency descent.NTSB LAX01FA001Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · San Juan Batist, CAthe pilot's in-flight decision to continue flight into instrument weather conditions at an altitude that did not maintain an adequate terrain clearance, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Factors were a dark night, clouds, fog, mountainous terrain,…