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 NYC99FA199Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Worcester, VTThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision, his failure to follow the published instrument departure procedure for the particular runway, and his continued flight into known adverse weather. A factor was thunderstorms.NTSB CHI99FA296Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportJohannes-Robert Acrosport RJ-2 · Campbellsport, WIThe loss of control during initial climb for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC99FA198Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Mount Pocono, PAThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain aircraft control. A related factor was the fog.NTSB MIA99FA224Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Pembroke Pines, FLThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed and inadvertent stall of the airplane by the pilot-in-command resulting in the uncontrolled descent and in-flight collision with a house. Contributing factors in the accident were the loss of engine power due to…NTSB MIA99FA219Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B-58 · Panacea, FLThe pilot's excessive speed and extended touchdown point during landing resulting in an inability to stop the airplane within the length of the wet, grass runway, and the subsequent on-ground collision with the airport fence and trees.NTSB CHI99FA290Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Paw Paw, MIthe pilot flew into known adverse weather, the pilot's lack of total instrument flight experience, and the pilot exceeded the design limits of the airplane. Factors included the pilot's total lack of experience in the type of operation and the pilot's…NTSB MIA99LA223Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportArnet Pereyra Aero Aventura II · Rockledge, FLThe pilot's failure to attain directional control during his attempted takeoff due to his exceeding the airplane's gross weight limit for takeoff and the resultant inflight collision with a building.NTSB LAX99LA267Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Agana, TaiwanThe loss or partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX99FA266Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Boulder City, NVThe flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight and his failure to maintain an adequate airspeed and altitude margin while conducting low altitude maneuvers in an area of strong gusty winds and terrain-induced turbulence likely to contain wind…NTSB FTW99RA217Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationCessna 414 · Monrovia, LiberiaNTSB CHI99FA285Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Custer, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from the trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadvertent settling with power.NTSB ANC99FA108Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Juneau, AKThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors associated with the accident were mountainous/hilly terrain, low ceilings, the pilot's improper in-flight decision making, and the pilot's impairment from over-the-counter…NTSB SEA99FA168Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Westport, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Factors include low clouds and visibility and near-night light conditions.NTSB NYC99FA193Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28R-180 · Seven Springs, PAThe pilot's failure to obtain a rate of climb after takeoff due to spatial disorientation. Factors in this accident were low ceilings, fog, and the pilot's lack experience in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB FTW99FA212Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportStanton Pitts S-1S · Coushatta, LAThe pilot's poor in-flight decision to perform aerobatics at a low altitude and slow airspeed, resulting in the inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB CHI99FA284Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCAA · Titonka, IAThe low altitude maneuver attempted and altitude/clearance not being maintained by the pilot, which resulted in an impact with a pine tree. A factor to the accident was the pine tree.NTSB FTW99FA211Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Wagoner, OKThe pilot's inadvertent stall while performing an abrupt maneuver at low altitude.NTSB ANC99FA110Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Anaktuvuk Pass, AKThe inadvertent stall/spin by the pilot. A factor was the box canyon into which he had flown.NTSB MIA99FA215Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Maple, NCthe pilot's failure to follow the aircraft's operating checklist and retract the wing flaps for takeoff as specified, as well as the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (Vso) on initial takeoff climb, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, a spin, and…NTSB DEN99FA137Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Clovis, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during final approach to landing, resulting in an inadvertent stall. A factor was the high density altitude.NTSB CHI99FA278Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Grayslake, ILthe pilot not maintaining altitude and clearance. Factors were the light condition of night, the pilot's lack of recent experience in night operations, and the transmission wire.NTSB ANC99FA106Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180A · Kenai, AKThe pilot's intentional visual flight into known adverse weather. Factors associated with this accident were the reported low ceilings, obscuration, high winds, and turbulence.NTSB LAX99FA262Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177B · Tusayan, AZwas the pilot's failure to have available and consult the FAA approved flight manual for performance data and, the high density altitude. Contributing to the accident were the dual magneto and spark plug system issues affecting optimum engine performance.NTSB FTW99WA209Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-32-260 · Guayaquil, EcuadorNTSB DEN99FA142Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Grants, NMThe pilot's failure to fly the aircraft at an altitude sufficient to clear surrounding terrain. Factors were: The pilot's in-flight planning and decision making in proceeding into known adverse weather. Low ceiling, rain, lack of total pilot experience, and…NTSB LAX99FA261Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPorterfield CP-65 · Johnson Valley, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed while attempting to make a precautionary landing, which resulted in a stall/spin and collision with the terrain. A factor in his failure to maintain an adequate airspeed is the pilot's likely diverted…NTSB NYC99FA187Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · North Lima, OHThe pilot's loss of control of the airplane during a turn. Factors include the pilot's failure maintain sufficient airspeed, and his failure to maintain the airplane in proper trim.NTSB MIA99FA208Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream American AA-1B · Hilliard, FLthe pilot's failure to obtain notams and his improper planning and decision to use a closed runway for takeoff with tall trees on the departure end, resulting in a subsequent collision with the trees.NTSB CHI99MA269Accident · 10 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 65-A90 · Marine City, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall, inflight loss of contol, and collision with the ground.NTSB CHI99FA267Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT502B · Giltner, NEThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout, and his failure to maintain clearance from the guy wire. A factor was the guy wire.NTSB CHI99FA264Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Detroit Lakes, MNAircraft control not obtained/maintained by the pilot. A factor to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to drugs.NTSB FTW99FA201Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale ATR-42-500 · Little Rock, ARThe station manager's inadvertent encounter with the rotating propeller due to his diverted attention.NTSB SEA99LA129Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVanek Sport Copter · Scappoose, ORThe failure of the ultralight operator to see and avoid the landing gyroplane, and the gyroplane pilot's inability to see the departing ultralight vehicle.NTSB NYC99FA181Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 22-135 · Palatine, NYThe pilot was impaired by an illegal drug, and entered an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB FTW99FA199Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSmith, Ted Aerostar Aerostar 601P · Bethany, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain the minimum controllable airspeed. A factor was the disconnected rubber interconnect boot, which resulted in the partial loss of left engine power.NTSB IAD99RA057Accident · 16 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208B · Bluefields, NicaraguaNTSB DEN99FA123Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Magdalena, NMThe pilot's inadvertent flight into adverse weather and the subsequent in-flight breakup. Factors were the pilot's lack of experience in high altitude flying and the thunderstorm.NTSB SEA99LA120Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAnderson Rans S-12 · Bowmont, IDAircraft control was not maintained while maneuvering at low altitude. An inadvertent stall was a factor.NTSB SEA99FA126Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T-337 G-P · Snoqualmie Pass, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain while maneuvering below low ceilings. Factors include low ceilings and inadequate in-flight planning.NTSB NYC99MA178Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Vineyard Haven, MAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a descent over water at night, which was a result of spatial disorientation. Factors in the accident were haze, and the dark night.NTSB FTW99FA192Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMBB BK-117-B2 · Fresno, TXthe loss of control during approach due to the corrosion of the T-T strap which resulted in fatigue cracking and subsequent separation of the strap and main rotor blade from the helicopter.NTSB CHI99FA238Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Yorkville, ILthe pilot continuing into known adverse weather conditions, attempting low altitude flight, and not maintaining terrain clearance. Factors to the accident were the thunderstorm and the improper weather evaluation by the pilot following pre-departure and…NTSB ATL99LA109Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBlackburn John D. Jr. Bushby M II · Daytona Beach, FLThe pilot's failure to securely reconnect the distributor coil wire during routine maintenance. Factors were the unsuitable terrain and trees.NTSB SEA99WA117Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-32-300 · Clinton, CanadaNTSB SEA99LA118Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Opheim, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain an airspeed above stall speed (Vs), resulting in a stall/mush into the terrain during a course reversal at the end of an aerial application run. Factors include hilly terrain and high density altitude.NTSB LAX99MA251Accident · 2 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Nimbus 4DM · Minden, NVThe pilot's excessive use of the elevator control during recovery from an inadvertently entered spin and/or spiral dive during which the glider exceeded the maximum permissible speed, which resulted in the overload failure of the wings at loadings beyond the…NTSB SEA99LA114Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502 · Shelley, IDThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate clearance with obstacles. A contributing factor were the trees.NTSB NYC99LA171Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGuy Pitts S-1S · Norwalk, OHThe pilot's improper decision to conduct a low level aerobatic maneuver, and his subsequent loss of awareness regarding the location of trees at that level.NTSB DEN99FA120Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Roy, UTThe pilot inadvertently allowing the aircraft to enter a stall during initial climb following takeoff. Factors were high density altitude and gross weight which exceeded the maximum.NTSB CHI99FA221Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Hubbard Lake, MIthe failure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control after executing the low pass and steep nose up climb.