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 FTW00FA245Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Hunt, TXthe loss of left engine power as a result of the owner's failure to overhaul the engine before further flight after the lubrication system was found contaminated with metal. Contributing factors were the pilot's decision to fly the aircraft with a…NTSB ANC00LA108Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Pilot Point, AKThe commercial certificated pilot, an owner of a fishing lodge, departed a remote area of beach with three passengers to return to the lodge. The accident airplane was one of two airplanes transporting lodge guests. The beach was located along an area of…NTSB NYC00RA249Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R-22 · DenmarkNTSB MIA00WA246Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 207 · Marieta, VenezuelaNTSB LAX00FA324Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30 · Scottsdale, AZthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a cruise descent, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain during dark night conditions. Contributing factors were the rain, thuderstorm, and dust storm weather conditions,…NTSB DCA00RA083Accident · 143 fatalForeign investigationAirbus Industrie A320 · Manama, BahrainNTSB CHI00FA265Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Mission, SDthe aircraft control not maintained by the pilot. A contributing factor was pilot fatigue.NTSB NYC00WA237Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna 340 · Glarus, SwitzerlandNTSB LAX00FA306Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Watsonville, CAThe divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason, which resulted in mast bumping and rotor contact with the fuselage.NTSB FTW00FA236Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Collinsville, OKthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft while maneuvering after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and impact with terrain.NTSB FTW00FA235Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream American AA-5B · Barrett, TXthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A contributing factor was the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI00FA266Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFairchild Hiller FH-1100 · Valparaiso, INThe in-flight fracture of the main rotor mast and the separation of the main rotor. Factors to the accident were the corroded main rotor mast that resulted in fatigue.NTSB CHI00FA262Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell OH-58C · Watertown, WIThe spatial disorientation by the pilot during continued flight into instrument conditions and the inadequate surveillance by the operator. The inoperative attitude indicator and night conditions were contributing factors.NTSB ATL00FA082Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B60 · Austell, GAThe pilot's failure to preflight plan adequate fuel for the flight that resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power.NTSB MIA00LA241Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBurgess AIR Command · Punta Gorda, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while performing aerobatic flight resulting in an in-flight loss of control, inadvertent stall, and subsequent in-flight collision with power lines, fence, and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB IAD00FA076Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Kennebunkport, MEFracture of the #4 connecting rod for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a loss of engine power. A factor was the forced ocean ditching.NTSB NYC00FA229Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182RG · Princeton, KYThe pilot's failure to clear trees, for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX00FA302Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24 · Independence, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. Factors included night conditions, cockpit lighting, which compromised the pilot's night vision, and drug impairment.NTSB SEA00WA163Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208 · Teslin Lake, CanadaNTSB CHI00FA263Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Watertown, WIAircraft control not being maintained during initial climb resulting in a stall/mush. Factors to the accident were the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, the pilot operating over the airplane's certified maximum gross weight, and the pilot…NTSB ATL00FA081Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Lumber City, GAPilot's failure to follow instrument procedures and descended below approach minimums and collided with trees. A factor was low clouds.NTSB LAX00FA300Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech K35 · Newberry Spring, CAThe crankshaft's fatigue failure at the site of an electrical arc mark stress riser, during cruise flight. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, improper decision, and maintenance.NTSB CHI00MA256Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportNorth American NA-265-80 · Ironwood, MIthe pilot's improper in-flight decision, the pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather, the pilot's failure to turn on the continuous ignition in turbulence, and the pilot's failure to follow the procedures for an airstart. Factors included the…NTSB CHI00LA257Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAyres S2R-600 · Bad Axe, MIThe inadvertent stall/spin encountered by the pilot. A factor was the low altitude.NTSB LAX00GA297Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell 412 · Cold Springs, NVfailure of the compressor turbine disc due to cyclic fatigue brought about by repeated operation near or above the engines' temperature/power limits by company personnel over an extended period of time. Factors in the accident were: 1) the high density…NTSB DEN00FA149Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Kamas, UTThe pilot's improper inflight decision to enter a valley at low altitude and attempt a climb towards rising terrain. A factor was exceeding the airplane's climb performance.NTSB NYC00FA226Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Davis, WVThe pilot-in-command's inadequate weather evaluation, which resulted in a takeoff with a tailwind, and a subsequent inadvertent stall. Factors were a high gross weight, a high density altitude, and a tailwind.NTSB NYC00FA225Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5 · Cherry Valley, NYThe pilot's improper decision to continue the flight into deteriorating weather, which resulted in his failure to maintain control of the airplane. Factors in the accident were the dark night, fog, low ceiling, and the pilot's inadequate preflight planning.NTSB LAX00LA293Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBarclay/Vincent Murphy SR 2500 · Bakersfield, CAAdjustment by other maintenance personnel of the idle speed stop screw. The idle speed stop screw was backed off from the throttle shaft arm, not allowing the butterfly valve to operate properly, which resulted in the butterfly valve remaining closed during a…NTSB ATL00FA079Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Peachtree City, GAThe pilot's improper use of takeoff checklist procedures, and his failure to maintain flying speed, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with the ground. Factors: A factor was the landing flaps were not retracted.NTSB DCA00MA080Accident · 11 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31 Navajo · Burlington Twp., NJthe failure of the pilots of the two airplanes to see and avoid each other and maintain proper airspace separation during visual flight rules flight.NTSB CHI00WA251Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 340X · Hessen, GermanyNTSB MIA00LA234Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEachon Time Warp Spitfire 9 · Lakeland, FLa loss of control which resulted in an inadvertent stall at too low an altitude to allow recovery. Factors in this accident were, the pilot/owner did not verify that the airplane was balanced before the flight, and he did not perform any weight or balance…NTSB NYC00WA222Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210L · Reykjavik, IcelandNTSB CHI00LA243Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-36-285 · Osborne, KSThe unsuitable terrain for landing encountered by the pilot during the forced landing. Factors were the failure of the number four piston and cylinder, the soft terrain, and the main landing gear overload and subsequent collapse.NTSB LAX00GA286Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Montello, NVThe loss of control in hovering flight and impact with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB IAD00RA078Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 206B · Burgersfort, South AfricaNTSB ATL00LA078Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSolo Wings Aquilla · Chatsworth, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering that resulted in the collision with trees and the ground.NTSB ATL00FA075Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-350P · Augusta, GAImproper preflight planning/preparation by the pilot, which resulted in taking off with the airplane exceeding the weight and balance limitations. Factors to the accident were the improper loading of the airplane, taking off from a short, up sloping runway…NTSB CHI00FA237Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J-5A · Belton, MOThe student pilot not maintaining directional control during the takeoff roll resulting in the inadvertent ground loop.NTSB IAD00WA069Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationSikorsky S-76A · Navegantes, BrazilNTSB CHI00FA234Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201 · Beloit, KSthe inadvertent stall. Factors relating to the accident were the pilot's low altitude, his abrupt pull up, the power lines, and his lack of recent flying experience.NTSB LAX00LA285Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164B · Tracy, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from obstacles while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.NTSB MIA00FA229Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-6-200 · Raleigh, NCthe pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC conditions, by failing to maintain altitude, and descending from VFR conditions into IMC, which resulted in him subsequently impacting with trees. Factors in this accident were: reduced visibility due to dark night…NTSB LAX00FA283Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Jackpot, NVThe pilot inadvertently became lost/disoriented during initial climb and collided with terrain. A related factor was the dark night.NTSB IAD00FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Bluffton, OHPilot's improper fuel calculations, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Also causal, was his abrupt maneuver during the forced landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB ATL00LA070Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLeslie Briggs Glasair III · Smithfield, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain flying speed during an emergency landing which lead to an inadvertent stall/spin. A factor was the pilot's failure to secure the cockpit canopy prior to takeoff.NTSB NYC00LA213Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchwarz Zodiac CH 601 · Wooster, OHThe pilot's loss of control of the airplane while turning from base onto final, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. A factor was the pilot's improper loading of the airplane, outside the weight and balance limitations.NTSB FTW00LA219Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLet L-23 Super Blankit · Waller, TXthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the glider while maneuvering. Contributory factors were the in-flight separation of the tow rope and the pilot's physical impairment from his use of diphenhyrdramine.NTSB CHI00FAMS2Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPeters RAF 2000 · Manistique, MIundetermined.