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 NYC99FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Counts, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB CHI99FA105Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C-45G · Romulus, MIthe aircraft control not maintained and the inadvertent stall by the pilot while maneuvering to the landing area. The open door was a contributing factor.NTSB SEA99FA041Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · North Bend, ORA delayed aborted takeoff for an undetermined reason.NTSB CHI99FA101Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Cabool, MOThe pilot not maintaining an appropriate airspeed during the turn from base to final resulting in a stall.NTSB SEA99LA038Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-64E · Shelton, WAThe failure of the victim to follow the procedure that required him to make sure that all choker lines had separated from the helicopter's release mechanism prior to entering the landing (collection area).NTSB LAX99LA113Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)A loss of engine oil pressure and ensuing loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB FTW99LA086Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKeil Jaeger D-IX · Santa Fe, TXThe separation of the right upper aileron for an undetermined reason.NTSB MIA99FA095Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech AT11/18 · Tampa, FLthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane resulting in an inadvertent stall at too low an altitude to allow for recovery.NTSB IAD99RA032Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 407 · Belo Horizonte, BrazilNTSB NYC99LA063Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32R-301 · Dulles, VAThe FBO employee's diverted attention, resulting in an inadvertent encounter with a rotating propeller.NTSB LAX99LA108Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell UH-1H · Glenn, CAAn inflight loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI99FA094Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172C · Grenola, KSloss of control in flight due to incapacitation.NTSB LAX99LA107Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWeatherly 620B · Yuma, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from the power lines during an aerial application flight. A factor in the accident was the dark night lighting conditions.NTSB LAX99FA104Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Coalinga, CAthe pilot's inadvertant visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ATL99FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300 · Cartersville, GAIn flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX99FA096Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C99 · Bishop, CAthe pilot's failure to follow procedures and directives and his failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain.NTSB NYC99FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170A · Leominster, MAThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper altitude during the approach.NTSB MIA99WA086Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210N · Trinidad, BoliviaNTSB MIA99FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210J · Naples, FLIn-flight collision with water while on base turn to final at night for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX99FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Mariposa, CAThe pilot's premature descent into terrain during a dark nighttime approach. Also causal was his physiological impairment due to alcohol. A contributing factor was his psychological condition.NTSB FTW99FA075Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182B · Ozona, TXthe pilot's failure to obtain/maintain clearance from terrain during initial climb after take off. A contributing factor was the dark night.NTSB CHI99FA089Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Belle Fourche, SDinadequate preflight planning/preparation, refueling not performed, and aircraft control not maintained by the pilot. The inadvertent stall by the pilot was an additional cause. Fuel exhaustion was a contributing factor.NTSB LAX99FA102Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T-28B · Joshua Tree, CAThe pilot's decision to attempt flight into an area of known adverse weather and the subsequent inadvertent VFR flight into IFR conditions resulting in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.NTSB LAX99FA090Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T-28C · Joshua Tree, CAThe pilot's decision to attempt flight into an area of known adverse weather and the subsequent inadvertent VFR flight into IFR conditions resulting in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.NTSB CHI99FA079Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U-206G · Salem, MOthe spatial disorientation and loss of control by the pilot after a reported vacuum failure. Factors were instrument flight conditions and icing conditions.NTSB ATL99FA046Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 560A · Belleview, FLThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning of the fuel required for the flight that resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent total loss of engine power to both engines.NTSB FTW99FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Pearcy, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain the minimum descent altitude during the instrument approach. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to follow the instrument approach procedure, trees, mountainous terrain, low ceilings and foggy weather conditions.NTSB ATL99FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Brevard, NCThe pilot's inadequate inflight planning that resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power.NTSB LAX99FA080Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T-6G-NA · New River, AZThe pilot's delayed recovery after an intentional stall/spin of 3 to 4 rotations. A factor was the pilot's inadequate entry altitude for the intended maneuver.NTSB CHI99FA075Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-55 · Elkhart, INthe pilot failed to maintain a proper glidepath and obstacle clearance. Factors were the fog and dark night.NTSB CHI99FA072Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-C55 · Pellston, MIthe pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude/clearance on the approach and his flight into known icing conditions. Factors relating to this accident were the pilot flying with known equipment deficiencies, the pilot's physical impairment (alcohol), the…NTSB LAX99FA078Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Danville, CAThe pilot's disregard for the preflight weather briefing, and his intentional continuation into adverse weather conditions.NTSB DEN99FA034Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Albuquerque, NMTotal failure of the vacuum system, and failure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control, resulting in wing spar failure. Factors were the pilot's spatial disorientation, and his exceeding the design stress limits of the airplane.NTSB LAX99FA077Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F35 · Chino, CAThe pilot's intentional flight into known instrument meteorological conditions in hilly terrain and his failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation. Factors were the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions, dark night…NTSB FTW99FA067Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182B · Honobia, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for an undetermined reason.NTSB DCA99RA033Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna CE-208 · Jumla, NepalNTSB ATL99FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 300 · Cullman, ALThe pilot's failure to adhere to the missed approach procedure resulting in a collision with terrain. Contributing factors were fog and the rotorcraft rated pilot's lack of fixed wing certification/experience.NTSB NYC99FA047Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Kearny, NJa loss of elevator control for undetermined reasons.NTSB SEA99FA028Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPacific Aviation Composites LC 40-550FG · Portland, ORAircraft control was not maintained and the pilot's lack of total experience in type operation. Weather conditions reported ceilings below approach/landing minimums and a dark night condition were factors.NTSB SEA99FA027Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Yamhill, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from hilly terrain while maneuvering below a low ceiling. Factors include a dark night, a low ceiling, fog, and hilly terrain.NTSB IAD99FA025Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLake LA-4-250 · Laconia, NHA loss of engine power during initial climb due to oil starvation. Contributing to the accident was the failure to perform an engine overhaul.NTSB FTW99FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300R · Smackover, ARThe pilot's spatial disorientation resulting in a loss of control of the airplane and the ensuing stall/spin. Factors were the low ceilings and the night condition.NTSB DEN99FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · West Jordan, UTThe pilot's poor judgement by intentionally flying into instrument meteorological conditions without proper certification. Factors were the resulting spatial disorientation, the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft, the in-flight wing…NTSB NYC99FA041Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Randolph, NHThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions which led to spatial disorientation and loss of aircraft control. Also causal was the pilot exceeded the design limits of the aircraft which resulted in an in-flight separation.…NTSB FTW99FA055Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Midland, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, resulting in an inadvertent stall.NTSB LAX99LA068Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Thermal, CAThe occurrence of an in-flight incapacitating heart rhythm to the pilot. A factor was the pilot's ingestion of over-the-counter medications that made him more susceptible to an abnormal heart rhythm.NTSB CHI99FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C-172R · Angola, INThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX99FA058Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Yucaipa, CAThe flight instructor's failure to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB LAX99FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell UH-1H · Quincy, CAAn inaccurate exhaust gas temperature gauge, that allowed the engine to be run over-temperature unknowingly by the pilot, which resulted in the subsequent failure of the turbine sections. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM during the…NTSB NYC99WA039Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206G · St John'S, Canada