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 LAX00LA245Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGarlick HH-1K · Live Oak, CAThe inadequate lubrication of the tail rotor drive shaft coupling by unknown maintenance personnel that resulted in the in-flight failure and separation of the helicopter's tail boom.NTSB LAX00LA242Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWorldwide Aero AEROS-40B · San Bernadino, CAThe ground crew's diverted attention toward the landing airship while trying to catch a mooring rope, which resulted in their failure to detect an immenient collision with each other.NTSB DEN00FA118Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Karval, COthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadvertent flight into the clouds, and his becoming spatially disorientated.NTSB DEN00FA119Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Angel Fire, NMThe pilot's improper inflight decision to prematurely attempt a climb towards rising terrain before sufficient altitude had been attained that would assure adequate obstacle clearance. Factors were high density altitude and trees.NTSB CHI00FA171Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210J · Sumner, IAfailure of the pilot to maintain clearance with the terrain after flight into adverse weather. Contributing factors were the thunderstorms and lack of instrument certification by the pilot.NTSB CHI00WA175Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBeech V35B · Stromsnasbruk, SwedenNTSB CHI00FA170Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Lakeville, MNthe pilot not maintaining aircraft control and the stall/spin she encountered during the approach on base to final. A factor was the pilot passenger not detecting the remedial action needed to correct the aircraft's nose up attitude during the approach.NTSB MIA00FA190Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportLearjet 55 · Boca Raton, FLThe failure of the pilot's of both airplanes to maintain a visual lookout (while climbing and maneuvering) resulting in an in-flight collision and subsequent collision with residences and terrain.NTSB LAX00LA240Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-26C · Tehachapi, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft speed and control while maneuvering to land.NTSB LAX00LA239Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell UH-1B · Arbuckle, CAthe partial failure of the tail rotor pitch change control rod that resulted in an attempted run-on landing in dark night conditions.NTSB IAD00FA053Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Bealeton, VAthe flight instructor's improper pre-flight plan and decision to land and depart an airport with insufficient runway. A factor in the accident was the short grass runway with a 100-foot obstruction at the end.NTSB ANC00FA076Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Tuntutuliak, AKThe pilot's disregard of the existing wind conditions, and an inadvertent stall. Factors associated with the accident are a tailwind, and wind gusts.NTSB SEA00LA110Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHoye Kolb Twinstar MK III · Bigfork, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Inadequate altitude for recovery was a factor.NTSB ANC00GA071Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportCessna 185E · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions and subsequent in-flight break-up. Factors in the accident were weather conditions consisting of low ceilings, turbulence, and an occluded front with convective activity, and inadequate…NTSB LAX00LA234Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · Byron, CAin-flight loss of control and inadvertent stall.NTSB CHI00FA165Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7ECA · Westfield, INThe pilot's improper in-flight decison to maneuver back to the departure airport following the loss of engine power on initial climb, the pilot's loss of aircraft control and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane. Contributing factors to…NTSB SEA00LA107Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHaessler Cosmo Phase II · Banks, ORThe pilot's improper installation, i.e., reversed connection, of the rudder control cables resulting in reverse rudder operation and a subsequent stall/spin. A contributing factor was the pilot's intentional design change/addition of a rudder to the aircraft.NTSB LAX00FA230Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M4-210C · Willows, CAFailure of the pilot to maintain an adequate airspeed margin while maneuvering in steep turns at low altitude in gusty and strong tailwind conditions, which lead to a wind shear encounter and a stall/spin. A contributing factor in the accident was the pilot's…NTSB LAX00FA231Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · San Jose, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane for undetermined reasons while intentionally performing an aerobatic maneuver.NTSB SEA00LA104Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLunn RV-6A · Hammett, IDThe pilot's entering an inadvertent stall condition, and the lack of adequate altitude in which to successfully recover before ground impact.NTSB CHI00WA163Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31-350 · Liverpool, United KingdomNTSB FTW00LA179Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAyres S2R-T34 · Helena, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power lines.NTSB CHI00GA160Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Topeka, KSthe pilot's failure to maintain translational lift while maneuvering, and the loss of tail rotor effectiveness. Factors relating to this accident were the tailwind, low airspeed, low rotor rpm, and the pilot's lack of overall experience in helicopters.NTSB DCA00WA064Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBeech King Air C90B · Inshas, EgyptNTSB ATL00FA061Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Oxford, MSThe certified flight instructor's failure to maintain airspeed during climbout.NTSB DEN00FA104Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P206 · Howard, COThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor was a thunderstorm.NTSB DEN00FA102Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Kiowa, COthe flight instructor's failure to maintain aircraft control while practicing stall maneuvers, which resulted in an inadvertent spin.NTSB MIA00GA184Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell UH-1H · Fort Myers, FLthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter for undetermined reasons. Factors in this accident were self-induced pressure and fatigue due to lack of sleep and rest.NTSB MIA00WA185Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 401 · La Romana, Dominican RepublicNTSB FTW00LA168Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Garwood, TXthe loss of engine power in cruise flight as a result of the failure of the right magneto. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB NYC00WA154Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34-220T · Newmarket, United KingdomNTSB FTW00RA187Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31-350 · Whyalla, AustraliaNTSB FTW00LA166Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Pioneer, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with trees while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. A factor was the pilot's lack in experience with aerial application flight operations.NTSB SEA00FA095Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Monarch, MTThe failure of the pilot-in-command to ensure adequate airspeed for flight during a forced descent due to airframe icing, resulting in a stall. Factors included: freezing rain conditions, airframe icing, an improper decision by the pilot-in-command to turn…NTSB LAX00FA209Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Palm Springs, CAThe failure of the pilot/flight instructor to maintain sufficient airspeed to prevent the aircraft stalling and spinning. Factors in the accident were terrain induced windshear and sudden wind shift and the pilot/flight instructor's lack of total experience.NTSB MIA00FA177Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Smyrna, TNThe failure of the dual student to maintain airspeed following total loss of engine power resulting in an inadvertent stall and subsequent uncontrolled descent. Also, inadequate supervision by the CFI for her failure to note the position of the fuel selector…NTSB LAX00FA208Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Hawthorne, CAA partial loss of power due to water contamination in the fuel system and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect the water. The pilot's failure to perform an engine run-up before takeoff is also causal. Additional causes are the…NTSB MIA00FA172Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAvions Mudry ET Cie CAP 10B · Bunnell, FLA midair collision due to the failure of the wingman to maintain proper clearance between his aircraft and the lead aircraft while conducting formation aerobatics and the subsequent loss of control of both aircraft resulting in an uncontrolled descent and…NTSB LAX00FA207Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Prescott, AZThe flight instructor's delayed remedial action, and his failure to correct an inappropriate descent during maneuvering flight, while engaged in commercial flight training maneuvers.NTSB CHI00FA145Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Taylor, MOflight into known adverse weather conditions and the altitude/clearance not maintained by the pilot. An additional cause was the improper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot. Contributing factors were the weather below approach/landing minimums, night…NTSB LAX00FA206Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Columbia, CAThe pilot's failure to abort the downwind takeoff and his failure to attain flying speed.NTSB IAD00FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportKurzenburger Stuka JU-87 · Urbana, MDThe pilot's failure to obtain/maintain aircraft control after takeoff.NTSB DEN00FA095Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210K · Buena Vista, COthe pilot's disregard of the weather forecast, and his VFR flight into IMC. Contributing factors were snow showers, fog, and the mountainous terrain.NTSB FTW00FA154Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Noble, OKthe failure of both pilots to maintain visual lookout.NTSB NYC00LA141Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCarlson Criquet · East Palestine, OHThe failure of the powerplant to produce adequate power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's continued operation of the airplane with known deficiencies.NTSB FTW00LA169Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCecil Thorp T-18 · West, TXThe loss of control for an undetermined reason.NTSB MIA00FA166Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-A55 · Aliceville, ALThe in-flight collision with trees then terrain while descending for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX00LA201Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportIssoire-Aviation PIK-30 · Minden, NVThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision to attempt to make it back to the runway for landing after experiencing a loss of lift and not maintaining a proper descent rate.NTSB FTW00WA151Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBeech V35 · San Quintin, MexicoNTSB DCA00MA052Accident · 19 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBritish Aerospace J-3101 · Bear Creek Town, PAThe flight crew’s failure to ensure an adequate fuel supply for the flight, which led to the stoppage of the right engine due to fuel exhaustion and the intermittent stoppage of the left engine due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident were the…