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 SEA99FA113Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAlexander VAN'S RV-8 · Lafayette, ORFatigue of the number two connecting rod end resulting in a fracture at the rod end and release from the crankshaft, an ensuing in-flight fuel fed fire, followed by the pilot's abandoning the aircraft in flight. A contributing factor was pressure on the pilot…NTSB SEA99FA112Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A23 · Eatonville, WAImproper fuel management which led to fuel starvation.NTSB SEA99FA116Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182D · Big Creek, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during approach. Factors included high density altitude conditions and high terrain, which obstructed view of the runway and limited maneuvering space in the traffic pattern.NTSB CHI99FA223Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Fertile, MNthe inadvertent stall. Factors relating to this accident were the instructor pilot maneuvering the airplane at very low altitude and the trees.NTSB CHI99FA222Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182E · Menominee Falls, WIthe pilots failure to maintain adequate clearance. A factor was the static wire.NTSB SEA99FA105Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGadbury RV-6A · Arlington, WAThe pilot's excessive climb rate, which lead to his failure to maintain an airspeed above stalling speed (Vs). Factors include the pilot's lack of total experience in the aircraft make and model.NTSB DCA99WA068Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 727-243F · Kathmandu, NepalNTSB SEA99FA104Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHarry Tomlinson Coot A · Arlington, WAThe pilot's failure to attain adequate clearance from power transmission lines.NTSB DEN99FA114Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182J · La Veta, COThe pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors were low ceiling and the pilot's lack of instrument experience.NTSB NYC99LA165Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLakeland Ultralites Kolb Mark III · Clark, PAThe pilot's improper decision to perform an aerobatic maneuver with inadequate altitude for recovery/clearance.NTSB DEN99FA113Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPitts S-2B · Steamboat Sprgs, COIntentional aerobatics performed by the pilot at an altitude insufficient to make a safe recovery.NTSB LAX99FA242Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Hilo, HIThe pilot's improper fuel system modifications resulting in inadequate fuel flow to the left engine during a critical phase of flight. Factors in the accident were the operation at an over gross weight condition with a CG more than 2 inches aft of the rear…NTSB CHI99FA213Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLarson Smith Miniplane DSA-1 · Blackduck, MNAircraft control not being maintained by the pilot. Factors to the accident were the aerobatic maneuvers being flown by the pilot and the encountered spiral.NTSB DEN99FA119Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Coaldale, COThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane for reasons for reasons undetermined.NTSB FTW99FA177Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Baton Rouge, LAThe pilot's performance of an abrupt maneuver immediately after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB NYC99FA163Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Deerfield, VALoss of control of the airplane due to pilot incapacitation following a heart attack.NTSB DCA99WA075Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech 99 · Leige, BelgiumNTSB DEN99FA109Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing Stearman A75 · Carpenter, WYPilot incapacitation for unknown reasons.NTSB ATL99FA102Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-58 · Atlanta, GAThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to follow emergency procedures that resulted in the uncontrolled collision with trees.NTSB FTW99FA176Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Petersburg, TXThe failure of the pilot to maintain obstacle clearance.NTSB NYC99FA161Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-85 · Dawson, MDThe pilot's improper decision to turn toward rising terrain with inadequate terrain clearance. Factors were the density altitude, downdraft, and the pilot's decision to operate at a weight in excess of the maximum allowable gross weight.NTSB CHI99FA202Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRans S-10 Sakota · La Crosse, KSdirectional control not maintained by the pilot.NTSB CHI99FA196Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C-23 · Mandan, NDthe pilot failed to maintain aircraft control on approach to the airport after encountering high winds, gusts, rain, and thunderstorms in the area.NTSB MIA99WA198Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech T-34B Mentor · San Isidro, Dominican RepublicNTSB MIA99FA188Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C90 · Munson, FLThe poor in-flight weather evaluation by the pilot-in-command and his operation of the airplane at an indicated airspeed greater than the design maneuvering speed (Va) in a thunderstorm contrary to the pilot's operating handbook resulting in an in-flight…NTSB NYC99FA157Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Hurricane, WVA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm and the transmission wires.NTSB NYC99WA206Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Grossenhain, GermanyNTSB CHI99WA194Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationMaule M-5-220C · Lake St. John, CanadaNTSB FTW99FA172Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportKeen Glasair I · Albany, TXThe pilot's inadvertent stall while performing an evasive maneuver to avoid colliding with powerlines. Factors were the night light condition and the pilot's decision to fly at low altitude.NTSB NYC99FA150Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCanadair F-86E · Mount Holly, NJA failure in the fuel transfer system which resulted in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power.NTSB LAX99FA220Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Paso Robles, CAthe pilot's failure to set the trim as prescribed by the published check list. This led to a steep climb angle which caused the airspeed to decay, resulting in a stall at an altitude too low to allow recovery.NTSB CHI99FA190Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182J · Satanta, KSthe preflight planning/preparation and the missed approach not performed by the pilot. The obstruction clearance not maintained by the pilot was an additional cause. Contributing factors were the low ceiling and the fog.NTSB MIA99WA187Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206F · Ciudad Bolivar, VenezuelaNTSB LAX99FA214Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Bass Lake, CAInadequate in-flight planning and decision making resulted in a failure to maintain clearance from terrain. A factor in the accident was the pilot's low total time and lack of experience in this make and model of airplane.NTSB FTW99FA171Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHeilig-Reading Emeraude CP 301A · Altus, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a wire, during an approach to a private airstrip.NTSB NYC99FA140Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-76A · Jackson, KYthe failure of the PIC to adequately supervise the SIC, and maintain a positive climb. Factors were the fog and dark night.NTSB MIA99FA180Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Charlotte, NCThe failure of the pilot to shutdown the right engine and feather the propeller after a reported loss of power in the engine shortly after takeoff resulting in the airplane descending, colliding with trees and then the ground.NTSB SEA99GA085Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 182R · Enterprise, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering in a canyon, and the mentor's failure to take adequate remedial action. Factors included box canyon terrain and high density altitude conditions.NTSB MIA99LA179Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Wimauma, FLa passenger deplaning the airplane while the engine was running struck the propeller.NTSB LAX99LA215Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAB Sportine Aviacija Genesis 2 · Minden, NVThe flight control stabilator becoming disconnected during the initial ground tow. Factors in the accident were the inadequate preflight by the pilot and communications with the pilot not possible.NTSB CHI99GA185Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Baudette, MNthe pilot inadvertently stalled the airplane. A factor was the low altitude.NTSB ANC99FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Tanana, AKUndetermined.NTSB MIA99FA172Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Cape Canaveral, FLThe pilot's VFR flight into Instrument meteorological conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain control of the aircraft resulting in overload and separation of both wings. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight and…NTSB ANC99FA073Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS-350BA · Juneau, AKThe pilot's continued VFR flight into adverse weather, spatial disorientation, and failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors associated with the accident were pressure by the company to continue flights in marginal weather, and the "flat" lighting leading…NTSB NYC99FA136Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican Eurocopter AS-350B · Ashcamp, KYThe pilot's inadequate visual look out which resulted in an in-flight collision with wires.NTSB CHI99FA177Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Phillipsburg, KSthe pilot not maintaining flying speed. Factors to the accident were the fuel transfer problem of unknown origin.NTSB CHI99FA174Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Drummond Island, MIthe altitude/clearance not obtained/maintained and the inadequate planning/decision by the pilot-in-command. The exceeded aircraft performance was an additional cause. The unfavorable wind and trees were contributing factors.NTSB SEA99LA081Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportD. Wayne Smith Wayncraft 14 · Libby, MTCollision with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX99LA209Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBlanco SEA Hawker · Yucca Valley, CAA loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons that resulted in an in flight collision with terrain. A factor was turbulent weather conditions in mountainous/hilly terrain.NTSB LAX99LA211Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Rimrock, AZThe pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point and to maintain airspeed during the aborted landing, resulting in an inadvertent stall. A factor was the pilot's failure to adjust the flaps for the attempted aborted landing in accordance with the…