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 MIA00FA129Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportLearjet 35A · Marianna, FLthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while on final approach resulting in the airplane striking trees. Factors in this accident were: improper planning of the approach, and not obtaining the proper alignment with the runway.NTSB FTW00LA117Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJohnson Zodiac CH-601-HDS · Orange, TXthe inadvertent stall while maneuvering. A contributing factor was the loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.NTSB MIA00FA126Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Chipley, FLThe failure of the pilot to maintain runway alignment during the initial climb from the grass airstrip. Also, the excessive pull-up by the pilot and inadvertent stall. Findings in the investigation were 1) in-flight collision with the tops of trees and 2) the…NTSB FTW00FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportBeech M35 · Gulf Of Mexicothe pilot's continued flight of the airplane into known adverse weather conditions resulting in the pilot's loss of control of the aircraft. Contributing factors were the severe turbulence and windshear.NTSB SEA00FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G-3B-1 · Stanwood, WAThe disengagement of the oil jet fitting from its threaded receptacle at the forward end of the engine crankshaft. This resulted in excessive oil within the clutch assembly, the subsequent slipping of the clutch, and ultimately the disengagement of the rotor…NTSB FTW00FA113Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportVans RV-6T · Pettigrew, ARthe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. Contributing factors were adverse weather conditions, and the pilot's disregard for the forecasted adverse weather.NTSB CHI00LA101Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAerotek Pitts S-2A · Shelbyville, ILthe proper touchdown point and proper alignment not attained by the pilot. Contributing factors were the unmarked golf cart, color, and lack of a radio. Additional factors were the runway maintenance performed by the driver of the golf cart and the NOTAM(s)…NTSB NYC00FA106Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Ballston Spa, NYa loss of control for undetermined reason(s).NTSB LAX00FA144Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCommander 114 · Hanford, CAundetermined. The pilot's failure to reject the takeoff and his failure to retract the landing gear following liftoff were factors.NTSB LAX00WA138Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationMcDonnell Douglas 369FF · Manapouri, New ZealandNTSB MIA00GA121Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportHughes 269C · Del Rio, TXAn in-flight loss of control while maneuvering for undetermined reasons resulting in an in-flight collision with terrain. A factor in the accident was the in-flight loss of engine power and rotor rpm.NTSB MIA00FA118Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Panama City, FLThe pilot experiencing spatial disorientation while reversing course during a dark night while over water which resul;ted in an in-flight collision with water. A factor was the dark night lighting conditions.NTSB LAX00LA141Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBirx Vans RV-6 · Taft, CAThe in-flight collision with the ground for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX00LA140Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStuart RAF 2000 GTX SE · Overton, NVFailure of the pilot to obtain/maintain aircraft control. A factor in the accident was the pilot's inexperience in rotorcraft.NTSB FTW00FA103Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Buda, TXthe pilot's inadequate in-flight decision to continue a visual approach in instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the fog, drizzle, and low ceilings.NTSB DEN00FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Roswell, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and the subsequent inadvertent stall/spin. A factor was the pilot's diverted attention to over flying her residence.NTSB LAX00FA134Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Rialto, CAThe pilot's in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA00FA117Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Columbia, SCThe PIC's inadequate planning and preparation resulting in refueling not being performed and the subsequent fuel exhaustion and forced landing into trees. A factor in the accident was the erratic operation of the right fuel tank quantity indicating system.NTSB NYC00WA096Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRaytheon Corporate Jets C90 · Bursa, TürkiyeNTSB FTW00RA102Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationBell 206L4 · Toluca, MexicoNTSB NYC00FA094Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A23 · Akron, OHThe pilot's improper decision to operate the airplane with known deficiencies. A factor in this accident was the inability of the engine to attain full power for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX00FA130Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 212 · Snelling, CAthe in-flight separation of the main rotor mast while in cruise flight following a mast bumping event. The reason for the mast bumping event was not determined.NTSB CHI00FA090Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Dighton, KSthe inadvertent stall. Factors relating to this accident were the pilot's inadvertent flight into known adverse weather conditions, the icing conditions, and improper in-flight planning by the pilot.NTSB SEA00WA056Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationDouglas DC-3C · Ennadai Lake, CanadaNTSB MIA00WA122Accident · 10 fatalForeign investigationde Havilland DHC-6 · Carreto, PanamaNTSB SEA00LA051Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWeatherly 620B · Odell, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude over, or clearance with, a tree. Factors contributing to the occurrence of the accident were the tree and sharply rising terrain. A factor contributing to the severity of the accident was a post-crash fuel…NTSB LAX00FA126Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Fallbrook, CAthe loss of engine power resulting from fuel starvation due to the pilot's inadequate pre-flight inspection, inadequate performance of the pre-takeoff checklist, and failure to ensure that the fuel selector was properly positioned prior to takeoff. Also…NTSB FTW00FA091Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter BO105S-CBS-5 · Dalhart, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter as a result of his continued flight into known adverse weather conditions. Factors were the dark night light condition, fog, low ceiling, and the pilot's lack of total instrument flight time.NTSB MIA00FA103Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Sarasota, FLThe failure of the supervisor/ground controller and the local controller to provide effective separation between the accident airplanes on the runway, resulting in a collision during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the pilot and…NTSB IAD00WA029Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationSikorsky S-76A · Kakap, Isle of ManNTSB CHI00WA088Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationHughes 269C · Tysford, United KingdomNTSB LAX00FA122Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Cima, CAIn-flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB ATL00LA036Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTrike Unknown · Dalton, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain appropriate clearance with objects during final approach to landing. A factor was the tree.NTSB MIA00FA102Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas HU-600N · Miami, FLThe pilot's ostentatious display and in-flight decision to perform an abrupt low altitude pitch up maneuver (aerobatic flight). This resulted in the main rotor blades colliding with and separating the tail boom assembly while maneuvering, and the helicopters…NTSB ATL00LA031Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportunknown unknown · Manatee, FLThe pilot's impairment due to the use of unapproved medication which led to loss of control in flight.NTSB IAD00FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337 · Prnce Frederick, MDwas the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after a loss of engine power on one engine. Factors in the accident were the pilot/owner's failure to follow the published emergency procedure, his inadequate fuel management, and his intentional…NTSB MIA00WA096Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210 · Puerto Barrios, GuatemalaNTSB DEN00FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182E · El Prado, NMThe pilot's improper preflight planning/preparation in that he initiated flight into known adverse weather, and continued VFR flight into IMC to the point where remedial action was not possible. Factors were the weather conditions that included snow, low…NTSB CHI00LA082Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEllis Q2 · Shelbyville, INaircraft control not being maintained by the pilot during the attempted go-around. Factors to the accident were the inadequate preflight by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. An additional factor to the accident was the inadvertent stall/mush.NTSB CHI00FA080Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Moorhead, MNthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the missed approach. Factors to the accident were, the pilot's improper decision to attempt the approach in weather conditions below the approach/landing minimums, the weather, the pilot's lack of…NTSB IAD00FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerotechnik L-13 SEH Vivat · Plymouth, MAthe flight instructor's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. A factor was the flight instructor's improper use of speed brakes and the strong gusty winds with downdrafts.NTSB CHI00LA072Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Tower, MNthe passenger not maintaining clearance from the rotating propeller.NTSB DCA00MA026Accident · 3 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportDouglas DC-8-71F · Rancho Cordova, CAA loss of pitch control resulting from the disconnection of the right elevator control tab. The disconnection was caused by the failure to properly secure and inspect the attachment bolt.NTSB FTW00FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182M · Mcalester, OKThe failure of both pilots to maintain visual lookout while maneuvering in the traffic pattern.NTSB ATL00FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Chamblee, GAThe S76 helicopter pilot's failure to follow ATC landing sequence clearance, which resulted in the PA-28's encounter with the helicopters wake turbulence. A factor was the air traffic controllers clearance procedure.NTSB NYC00FA079Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Cynthiana, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a climb, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control.NTSB LAX00FA099Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182L · Coulterville, CAThe pilot's attempted flight into known adverse weather after receiving hazardous weather advisories, which resulted in inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions while attempting to maintain VFR conditions on top. The subsequent…NTSB MIA00FA090Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35-P35 · Dayton, TNthe non-instrumented rated pilot elected to takeoff into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted in impact with rising terrain. Factors in this accident were, clouds and low ceilings.NTSB IAD00LA021Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWood Seawind 3000 · Cumberland Gap, VAThe pilot's continued flight from visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB DEN00GA050Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBell OH-58A+ · Woods Cross, UTThe pilot's failure to roll throttle back on (return the power to the normal operating range) during an attempted power recovery from an autorotation, and his subsequent failure to maintain aircraft control.