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 NYC00LA022Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGodbout Exec 162F · Milan, NHThe pilot's failure to maintain proper rotor rpm while maneuvering, which resulted in main rotor blade flapping, and its subsequent impact with the tail boom. A factor was the pilot's lack of experience in maneuvering flight.NTSB NYC00FA020Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Medina, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude during the final approach segment of the visual approach. A factor was the diminishing light conditions of a deepening dusk.NTSB LAX00GA025Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas 500N · San Jose, CAThe pilot's in-flight loss of control due to the failure and separation of the forward thruster control cable telescoping sleeve ball swivel fitting, which resulted in a stuck thruster and the entry into an uncontrollable yaw/spin. Also causal was the…NTSB DCA00MA005Accident · 6 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportLearjet 35 · Aberdeen, SDIncapacitation of the flight crewmembers as a result of their failure to receive supplemental oxygen following a loss of cabin pressurization, for undetermined reasons.NTSB FTW00LA015Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSturges Spezio Sport · Mathis, TXthe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power lines while maneuvering.NTSB DEN00FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Aspen, COthe pilot's improper decision to fly directly up the center of the valley and not circle climb to gain sufficient terrain clearance altitude. A factor was inadequate route performance planning by the pilot.NTSB LAX00LA023Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLuhnau BD-5B · Boulder City, NVThe pilot's failure to secure an electrical wire terminal in the propeller pitch control circuit following a maintenance adjustment, which resulted in the propeller malfunctioning and going to a flat pitch. The flat pitch of the propeller produced a high drag…NTSB CHI00LA014Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHowlett KR-2 · Denison, IAthe pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance from rising terrain and the intentional low altitude flight. Factors were the known turbulence, rising terrain, and the inadequate in-flight decision to fly at low altitudes.NTSB NYC00WA015Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-46-350P · Cranbrook, CanadaNTSB FTW00WA020Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182P · Coban, GuatemalaNTSB DEN00FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGardner Varieze · Quemado, NMThe pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area on which to make a precautionary landing, and his excessive airspeed during landing touchdown. Factors were the ingestion of the foam air filter into the throat of the injector, and the pilot's failure to…NTSB MIA00LA008Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEddie A. Smith KR-2 · Bell Buckle, TNThe poor in-flight planning decision by the pilot-in-command for continuing the flight with inadequate fuel supply and the inadvertent stall by the pilot-in-command following total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Findings in the accident were the…NTSB LAX00LA018Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSikorsky CH-54A · Elko, NVthe flight engineer's decision to climb a step ladder that put him in close proximity to the still turning main rotor blades. The gusting wind was a factor in the accident.NTSB LAX00FA017Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Ventura, CAthe pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC. Contributing factors were the pilot's self induced pressure to depart the airport before the weather worsened and the airport closed, and the mountain obscurement and foggy weather conditions, and the night light…NTSB LAX00FA014Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · North Las Vegas, NVThe failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain separation from terrain while operating under visual flight rules. Contributing factors were the improper issuance of a suggested heading by air traffic control personnel, inadequate flight progress monitoring…NTSB FTW00RA156Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 206L-1 · Quetzaltenango, GuatemalaNTSB MIA00WA014Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 207 · Puerto Ayacucho, VenezuelaNTSB DEN00FA005Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportWatkins Christen Eagle · Brigham City, UTThe pilot's inability to maintain aircraft control due to an unknown physical impairment.NTSB NYC00FA006Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon Corporate Jets BE-200 · Williamstown, MAThe pilot-in-command's failure comply with an air traffic control clearance which resulted in a collision with terrain. A factor in this accident was clouds.NTSB MIA00FA003Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Centreville, ALThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the helicopter's fuel system resulting in an in-flight loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of overboard porting of fuel when the airframe fuel filter was left in the 'drain and locked'…NTSB FTW00LA006Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWSK PZL Mielec M18 · Weldon, ARThe cause of the accident was undetermined.NTSB FTW00LA005Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-36-285 · Brownfield, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with power wires while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. A factor was the sunglare.NTSB NYC00FA004Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182R · Killingworth, CTThe pilot's failure follow the published instrument approach procedure. A factor in the accident was the low cloud ceiling.NTSB CHI00LA004Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDraper Rans S-10 · Benton, KSthe pilot inadvertently stalled the airplane. Factors relating to the accident was the undetermined loss of power and the pilot's lack of recent experience in the airplane.NTSB FTW00RA003Accident · 12 fatalForeign investigationBell 214ST · Dhahran, Saudi ArabiaNTSB FTW00FA001Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Spicewood, TXThe pilot's delayed application of full throttle during a go-around, which resulted in a slow airspeed and inadvertent stall/spin. A factor was the pilot's habit of only applying partial power during takeoff.NTSB FTW99LA272Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Poteau, OKThe instructor pilot's inadequate in-flight decision making, which resulted in the continued flight with a disabled generator and subsequent total failure of the electrical system. Factors were the installation of the inadequate generator fuse by unknown…NTSB CHI00FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D-45 · Oswego, ILthe visual lookout not obtained by the pilot of the Beech T-34 and the inadequate procedure by the Lima Lima Flying Squadron. The delayed entry into the maneuver by the pilot of the Beech D-45 was a contributing factor.NTSB CHI99FA356Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Clinton, IAthe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions and not maintaining altitude/clearance. Factors were the low clouds, rain, and dark night conditions.NTSB MIA99FA269Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31P · Louisville, MSThe pilot's disregard for the published minimum descent altitude resulting in tree contact and separation of 51 inches of the left wing. Findings in the investigation were the pilot's two failures of the ATP checkride in a multiengine airplane.NTSB DCA99MA088Accident · 10 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Volcano, HIthe pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) in an area of cloud-covered mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's failure to properly navigate and his disregard for standard operating…NTSB NYC99FA236Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 22-150 · Goshen, KYA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent collision with terrain. A factor in this accident was the down-sloping terrain.NTSB LAX99FA317Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportKaman HH-43F · Phoenix, AZFailure of the horizontal stabilizer left outboard forward attach point because of a previously existing crack that resulted from inadequate maintenance inspection by the operator. A factor was the use of automotive parts.NTSB FTW99FA265Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCarter Spacewalker II · Conroe, TXThe in-flight separation of the left wing due to the failure of the wing spars resulting from the builder's improper design change utilizing basswood for the spars instead of the specified spruce.NTSB ATL99FA135Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T-6-SNJ-5 · Nashville, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in a stall and the loss of control. A factor was pilot impairment due to the use of drugs.NTSB MIA99FA263Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Moreland, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain the minimum descent altitude while executing a localizer approach. Contributing factors were low ceilings and dark night conditions as well as the trees.NTSB CHI99FA346Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Fort Scott, KSthe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors were the pilot's lack of total experience, his lack of familiarity with the airplane, and the stall/spin encountered.NTSB MIA99LA258Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech BE-200 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)undetermined.NTSB FTW99FA262Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Franklinton, LAThe pilot's inadvertent stall while attempting to clear trees during a go-around. Factors were the pilot's misjudgment of the airplane's distance and speed during the precautionary landing and the partial loss of engine power due to a perforated piston.NTSB CHI99LA344Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Atlanta, KSthe pilots failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors were the aerobatic maneuvers performed by the pilot and the low altitude.NTSB ATL99FA134Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-35-J35 · Bartow, FLThe pilot's inadequate fuel management that resulted in the complete loss of engine power.NTSB SEA99LA166Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPitts 11 · Iona, IDThe pilot-in-command's delayed recovery from a snap roll. A contributing factor was the low altitude at which the maneuver was initiated.NTSB LAX99FA316Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · June Lake, CAThe pilot's continued VFR flight into known instrument meteorological conditions, including icing, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.NTSB LAX99FA311Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNo American/Rogers B L P-51R · Reno, NVThe onset of a flutter event and the resultant separation of the rudder and empennage from the aircraft. The precipitating cause for the flutter could not be determined.NTSB FTW99FA261Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Bryan, TXthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in an inadvertent stall. A factor was the loss of engine power as a result of fatigue cracking and separation of the #6 cylinder head.NTSB MIA99WA260Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationAero Commander 500S · La Tinta, GuatemalaNTSB CHI99FA342Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Warrensburg, ILAircraft control not being maintained by the private pilot candidate and the inadequate supervision by the FAA Designated Examiner. Factors relating to the accident were the inadvertent spin, the unsuccessful remedial action attempted by the flightcrew, and…NTSB CHI99FA343Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Brookville, OHthe stall/spin encountered by the pilot. A factor was the intentional slow flight.NTSB CHI99FA341Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Plattsburg, MOthe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the initial climb. A factor relating to this accident was the inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB ATL99FA132Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportContinental Copters Tomcat MK5A · Heflin, ALThe pilot of N9010T's failure to maintain visual lookout while maneuvering, resulting in a midair collision with N30899. A factor was the sun glare.