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 IAD99FA041Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 305A · Hilltown, PAThe inadequate lookout of both pilots, and the pilot of the other aircraft.NTSB CHI99LA137Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBerrick GP-4 · Plattsmouth, NEaircraft control and airspeed not maintained by the pilot-in-command. A factor to the accident was the inadvertent stall.NTSB NYC99FA098Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Watertown, NYThe pilot-in-command misjudged altitude, which resulted in an in-flight collision with utility wires at the approach end of the airstrip. A factor was the pilot's failure to wear his corrective lenses.NTSB MIA99FA142Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Vero Beach, FLA loss of engine power due to a disconnected throttle/power lever, cable. Also causal was the failure of the mechanic to install a cotter pin in the throttle control cable attach hardware at the throttle control arm, and failure of the company quality control…NTSB FTW99FA123Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402C · Goldsby, OKThe fatigue failure of the right wing spar as a result of inadequate quality control during manufacture of the spar. A factor was the inadequate inspection of the right wing by maintenance personnel, which failed to detect the crack.NTSB NYC99FA097Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportIves Sonerai II-L · Eastford, CTInadequate welding of the airplane's spar-box by the owner/builder, which resulted in a total spar-box failure in-flight. A factor in the accident was the pilot's decision to perform aerobatics.NTSB LAX99FA162Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGlobe GC-1B · Trona, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude while performing intentional low altitude passes over a campground.NTSB LAX99FA161Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Hayward, CAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his failure to verify fuel consumption during flight that resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent collision with obstacles and the ground.NTSB ATL99FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Savannah, GAThe pilot's selection of the wrong runway for landing and his delayed go-around, which resulted in the collision with trees. A factor was the tailwind on landing.NTSB MIA99FA140Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B95A · Fountain, FLThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane that resulted in a loss of engine power because of fuel vent blockage and his selection of unsuitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB DEN99FA066Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSmith, Ted Aerostar 601P · Ruidoso, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for undetermined reason. A factor was the low ceiling IMC weather condition.NTSB SEA99LA054Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWells Baby Lakes · Monroe, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor was attempting to fly the airplane outside of its weight and balance limits.NTSB NYC99FA096Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSellors Searey · Selby Beach, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing sequence, which resulted in the airplane contacting the water in a nose low attitude.NTSB LAX99FA160Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Gorman, CAThe pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather conditions beneath a low ceiling in mountainous terrain.NTSB FTW99FA121Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182G · Blanco, TXThe pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions and his failure to maintain clearance with terrain. Factors were, the low cloud and drizzle weather conditions, and the dark night light conditions.NTSB FTW99RA122Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationKawasaki BK-117B-1 · Keelung, TaiwanNTSB ATL99FA072Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech T-34A · Rydal, GAFracture of the wing spar as a result of fatigue cracking that occurred over an unknown number of flights and flight hours with a wing loading spectrum not anticipated during design of the airplane. This report was modified on November 2, 2005.NTSB NYC99LA093Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Brooksville, KYContaminated fuel which resulted in the forced landing, and a heart attack from an adrenaline rush that interacted with preexisting coronary disease which resulted in the pilot's death.NTSB MIA99LA131Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3C · Jackson, MSThe failure of the airshow aerial performer to maintain a grip on the airplane's externally mounted rope ladder for unknown reasons and his failure to install and use a safety line resulting in his fall to earth. A factor in the accident was the sudden…NTSB LAX99FA150Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 36 · San Diego, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath during an ILS approach. A factor in the accident was the pilot's disregard for the weather reports, which showed the airport as being below landing minimums.NTSB DCA99RA056Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationMcDonnell Douglas MD-11 · Shanghai, ChinaNTSB LAX99RA151Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBell 206B · 60 N. Jakarta, IndonesiaNTSB CHI99FA129Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Superior, WIthe Certified Flight Instructor failed to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB ANC99FA047Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207A · Kotzebue, AKThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, spatial disorientation, and an inadvertent stall. Factors in the accident were weather conditions consisting of snow and mist, and flat lighting conditions.NTSB MIA99FA125Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-16 · Hardeeville, SCAn inflight loss of control for undetermined reasons while in a descent and the subsequent collision with the terrain.NTSB IAD99FA038Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-95A · Shawsville, VAthe pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in intentional flight into known severe turbulence and the subsequent loss of control. Factors in the accident were the turbulence in instrument meteorological conditions and an airplane loaded over the…NTSB DCA99RA053Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 737-400 · Ceyhan Adana, TürkiyeNTSB LAX99FA138Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Warner Springs, CAThe pilot disregarded his weather briefing and attempted flight into areas of forecast and reported icing and moderate to severe turbulence. The airplane encountered mountain wave activity resulting in an overload condition and in-flight separation of the…NTSB LAX99FA137Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMbb B0-105CBS-4 · Indian Springs, NVthe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight in deteriorating IFR conditions resulting in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control.NTSB FTW99FA104Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-350P · Waldron, ARThe pilot's encounter with adverse weather and loss of aircraft control, which resulted in exceeding the aircraft's design stress limits. Factors were the pilot's lack of total experience in the make and model of airplane, and the icing and thunderstorm…NTSB NYC99FA085Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310N · Cecilia, KYThe flight instructor's failure to maintain control of the airplane. A factor was the flight instructor's inexperience instructing in the accident airplane.NTSB LAX99WA141Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationBell 412 · Santan, IndonesiaNTSB LAX99FA136Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Grand Canyon, AZThe failure of the flight crew to properly preflight the helicopter and to detect and remove accumulated snow from the engine inlets and plenum chamber. Factors in the accident were the clouded plenum chamber inspection window and the failure of preceding…NTSB CHI99FA227Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSmith, Ted Aerostar Aerostar 601P · St. Clair Shore, MIUndetermined as the aircraft was not recovered.NTSB ATL99FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200 · Tallahassee, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain flying speed during initial climb which resulted in a stall and uncontrolled collision with terrain.NTSB DEN99FA064Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Pagosa Springs, COThe pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC conditions. Related factors were flight into known adverse weather, the adverse weather, mountain obscuration, snow, icing, and high density altitude.NTSB FTW99FA100Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Houston, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while maneuvering. A factor was the pilot's impairment due to his use of a prescription narcotic.NTSB MIA99FA114Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman G-21A · Lauderdale Lake, FLThe pilots failure to correctly identify an in-flight emergency (fluctuating manifold pressure and rpm due to a disconnected spark plug lead / unscrewed ignition lead shroud) and failure to complete the engine shutdown procedure once it was initiated…NTSB CHI99FA112Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · Duluth, MNthe lack of sufficient aileron-to-wing gap clearance design. Contributing factors were the inadequate oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration of the design and manufacturing and flight test process of Cirrus Design Corporation, the location of the…NTSB LAX99FA129Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Rancho Cucamong, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from mountainous terrain for unknown reasons.NTSB CHI99LA111Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Atwood, KSThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles.NTSB NYC99FA078Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDeleeuw Sprint 1000 · Lakewood, NJThe pilot's loss of control, which resulted in an unintentional stall/spin after an engine failure. A factor in the accident was the engine failure, which occurred when the magneto piston seized within the cylinder sleeve during an overtemp event.NTSB MIA99FA108Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPushkar Hornet · Fort Lauderdale, FLthe pilot's (owner/builder) inadvertent aerodynamic stall of the airplane after a total loss of engine power. Factors were the pilot's improper maintenance action and his lack of total experience in the airplane type.NTSB LAX99FA128Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415E · Kingman, AZThe in-flight loss of airplane control due to rear wing spar attachment fitting failure. The failure resulted from severe corrosion that was undetected during performance of an inspection specified by an airworthiness directive. The airworthiness directive…NTSB LAX99FA125Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Lytle Creek, CAthe pilot's inadvertent visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions resulting in impact with high terrain.NTSB FTW99FA094Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS-350-B2 · Eugene Is. 193the loss of control as a result of the spring-steel extension becoming entangled with the hatch door handle during takeoff. A contributing factor was the flat design of the spring-steel extension.NTSB NYC99FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Chesapeake, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a single engine emergency landing, after experiencing a failure of the left engine. A factor in this accident was the failure of the left engine's camshaft due to a fatigue crack.NTSB IAD99GA036Accident · 13 fatalFinal reportMil MI-8MTV-1 · Hinche, HaitiThe flightcrew's inability to maintain visual contact with mountainous terrain in night, instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was a lack of preparation and support for difficult flight conditions, including lack of coordination…NTSB IAD99FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-76 · Dravosburg, PAThe pilot's failure to accurately calculate fuel required for the flight, and his decision not to divert for fuel prior to his intended destination. A factor in the accident was the pilot's over confidence in his ability to operate the airplane with minimal…NTSB DEN99FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Gill, COThe pilot's intentional maneuvering at an unwarranted low altitude resulting in a collision with the ground. Factors were the pilot's ostentatious behavioral display and reduced lighting (dusk) conditions.