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 DEN99FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35A · Nederland, COThe pilot's intentional and continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors were his failure to obtain a weather briefing, the existing weather conditions that included snow, hail, obscuration and lightning, and the mountainous terrain.NTSB ANC99FA070Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Soldotna, AKThe improper recovery from a bounced water landing by the pilot. Factors associated with this accident were the pilot's failure to release his seatbelt due to the obstructed location of the pilot's seatbelt buckle.NTSB SEA99FA080Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Ephrata, WAThe glider pilot's failure to maintain control of his aircraft during spoiler retraction, which led to the Piper pilot's inability to recover safe flying airspeed within the altitude constraints at the time of the event. Contributing factors were the failure…NTSB NYC99LA134Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSaliba Long EZ · Friendly, MDThe separation of the airplane canopy for undetermined reasons, the diminished controllability of the airplane, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in a stall/mush into trees short of the runway.NTSB DCA99MA060Accident · 11 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas MD-82 · Little Rock, ARThe flight crew's failure to discontinue the approach when severe thunderstorms and their associated hazards to flight operations had moved into the airport area and the crew's failure to ensure that the spoilers had extended after touchdown. Contributing to…NTSB CHI99LA169Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHornbeck Glassair · Johnson City, KSThe pilot's intentional low altitude performance of aerobatics.NTSB NYC99FA126Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D50C · Montgomery, NYThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB IAD99LA046Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPoskus Revelation · Latrobe, PAWas the pilot's failure to maintain directional control.NTSB NYC99LA124Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportToman Great Lakes 2T-1AJ · Painesville, OHThe pilot's improper decision to conduct low-level aerobatic flight, and his lack of adequate altitude for the maneuver attempted.NTSB NYC99FA125Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Hillsborough, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the accident airplane's make and model.NTSB NYC99FA123Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · West Dover, VTWas the failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during an aborted landing. Factors were the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane, the variable winds, and night conditions.NTSB FTW99FA153Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20B · Mesquite, TXThe failure by both pilots to maintain visual lookout. A factor was the inadequate radio communications maintained by both pilots while in the traffic pattern.NTSB CHI99FA167Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Comstock, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor contributing to this accident was the airplane's low altitude.NTSB SEA99FA176Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Coeur d'Alene, IDThe flight crew's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in a stall and uncontrolled collision with terrain. A factor was mountainous/hilly terrain.NTSB LAX99FA200Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMBB BO 105LS A-3 · Huntington Bch, CAThe pilot's in-flight loss of control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering to reverse direction after an inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB LAX99FA199Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180J · Wickenburg, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from ground obstacles. A factor was the pilot's diverted attention in this accident.NTSB CHI99FA163Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Jefferson City, MOthe pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane. A factor was the partial loss of power due to the exhaust valve fatigue failure.NTSB FTW99FA150Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman-Schweizer G164-B · Brinkley, ARThe pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors were the pilots failure to maintain control of the aircraft, spatial disorientation, and the fog.NTSB NYC99WA121Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationMitsubishi MU-2B-40 · Perry Sound, CanadaNTSB DEN99FA086Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPZL-Mielec M-18B · Altus, OKThe pilot's disregard of takeoff performance data and his failure to jettison the load. Contributing factors were high density altitude, exceeding the aircraft's maximum allowable gross weight, and the berm.NTSB CHI99FA165Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-400 · Elkhart, KSThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision and his inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the poor weather…NTSB FTW99FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C18S · Waldron, ARthe separation of a propeller blade in cruise flight as a result of fatigue cracking emanating from surface corrosion pitting.NTSB ANC99LA065Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108 · Anchorage, AKUndetermined.NTSB NYC99LA116Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNations Acro Sport II · Pence Springs, WVThe student pilot's improper decision to perform aerobatics, and his failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in an inadvertent spin. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of aerobatic experience.NTSB LAX99LA190Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech B90 · Mokuleia, HIThe pilot's incapacitation due to the effects of hypoxia from repeated flights to altitudes above 18,000 feet msl without supplemental oxygen.NTSB CHI99FA164Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201T · Great Bend, KSthe chafed through turbocharger oil supply hose, the failure of maintenance personnel to install a clamp on the turbocharger oil supply hose, and the inability of the pilot to maintain aircraft control.NTSB FTW99FA143Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Rose Bud, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain minimum required airspeed for flight, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB MIA99FA159Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportClassic S-51D · Tamarac, FLA complete loss of engine power caused by the malfunctioning landing gear, which blocked the radiator scoop, leading to increased fuel temperature and the subsequent vapor lock condition and fuel blockage. A secondary cause was the pilot's failure to maintain…NTSB MIA99FA158Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369E · Intercession, FLThe pilot's improper fuel management that resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.NTSB MIA99LA156Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChampion Glastar · Mableton, GAAn in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons, resulting in an in-flight collision with trees and the ground.NTSB DEN99FA081Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23E-250 · Tucumcari, NMThe pilot's inadvertent stall. A factor was the loss of power of one engine in the twin-engine airplane.NTSB CHI99GA155Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBell OH-58A · Poplar Bluff, MOThe tail rotor's impact with the blue warm-up jacket and the subsequent overload of the tail rotor drive shaft. A contributing factor was the absence of the helicopter's entry doors.NTSB MIA99LA155Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 500B · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)an in-flight collision with water for undetermined reasons, due to the wreckage never being recovered from the water.NTSB ATL99LA083Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMichael W. Campbell Lancair 320 · Tallessee, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain flying speed during the takeoff to initial climb that resulted in the a stall and the inflight collision with the trees.NTSB LAX99FA177Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerostar Rally RX-8 · Morgan Hill, CAThe pilot's selection of an inadequate takeoff site that did not allow sufficient horizontal clearance from obstacles in the takeoff path, and, his failure to ensure that all burners were connected to fuel sources, which reduced the available climb capability…NTSB IAD99FA043Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 205 · Celina, OHwas the pilot's failure to refuel the airplane which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a loss of engine power. Also causal to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after the power loss. A factor in the accident was a lack of…NTSB CHI99FA147Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC-12D · Newton, IAthe failure of the pilot to maintain flying speed resulting in a stall and spin into the ground.NTSB NYC99FA107Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Shirley, NYThe pilot's loss of control of the airplane due to intoxication. A factor was the pilot's self-induced pressure to conduct the flight.NTSB DEN99FA075Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-11 · Lander, WYThe pilot inadvertently stalling the airplane. Factors were his abrupt maneuvering of the airplane to avoid a powerline, and his attention being diverted.NTSB ATL99FA081Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Vicksburg, MSThe pilot's failure to obtain and maintain flying speed that resulted in an inadvertent stall, and the collision with trees. A factor is the dark night.NTSB NYC99FAMS3Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA28RT-201T · Plymouth, MAundetermined (missing airplane)NTSB MIA99FA150Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Fontana, NCthe pilot continued visual flight into know weather conditions which resulted in reduced visibility, and the subsequent in-flight collision with rising terrain. Factors in this accidents were clouds and low ceiling in the accident area.NTSB ANC99TA058Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell UH-1B · Wrangell, AKThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain sufficient distance from a transmission wire, arcing of the transmission wire, the failure of company personnel to utilize a nonconducting cable, and an inadequate procedure utilized by the construction project…NTSB MIA99LA149Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportR.O. and D.O Hewitt Kitfox IV-1200 · Kannapolis, NCThe failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain airspeed and the inadvertent stall resulting in the uncontrolled descent with terrain. A factor in the accident was the impairment of the pilot by drugs (tetrahydrocannabinol).NTSB SEA99WA057Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-60-602P · Tambon Tha Chal, IndiaNTSB DEN99FA071Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Cedar City, UTThe pilot's inadequate fuel consumption calculations. Factors were the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and the obscuring weather conditions.NTSB NYC99FA100Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportStock S-1S · Westtown, NYThe pilot's inability to recover from an intentional stall spin maneuver. A factor in the accident was the change in the airplane's center of gravity which made the airplane more difficult to recover from a spin.NTSB DEN99FA072Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182B · Pagosa Springs, COThe pilot's disregard of the adverse weather forecast, and his flight into known adverse weather by flying into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors were the existing weather conditions that included low ceilings, obscuration, and icing conditions,…NTSB CHI99FA140Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201 · Curran, MIthe inadvertent stall/mush. Factor which contributed to this accident were the pilot's inadequate preflight planning, the premature lift-off during the takeoff, the airplane's low airspeed following lift-off, and the trees.NTSB ANC99FAMS1Accident · 2 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Juneau, AKUndetermined. Missing aircraft.