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 MIA99WA024Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationAerospatiale Alouette 3 · Santa Cruz, BoliviaNTSB LAX99LA019Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Fresno, CAThe pilot's decision to allow unescorted passengers to approach the aircraft with the engine running, and, the passenger's failure to see and avoid the rotating propeller. A factor in the accident was the low ambient lighting conditions, which would have made…NTSB LAX99FA020Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Nixon, NVThe noninstrument rated pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during an attempted flight into adverse weather which resulted in inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors in the accident were the pilot's failure to…NTSB CHI99LA013Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportC.B. Withun T-BIRD II · New Haven, MIthe improper installation of the propeller by the owner/pilot- mechanic and the pilot not maintaining the airplane's airspeed while approaching the trees along the airplane's flight path. A factor in this accident was the stall encountered by the pilot.NTSB DEN99FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Hayden, COThe pilot not following instrument procedures and subsequently descended to minimums prematurely. Factors were the mountainous terrain and the falling snow.NTSB ATL99FA011Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Roswell, GAA loss of engine power due to the failure of the number five connecting rod assembly as a result of fatigue cracks that were initiated in areas of galling. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB NYC99FA015Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Linden, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines. A factor was sunglare.NTSB SEA99GA007Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 182P · Deming, WATerrain clearance was not maintained for undetermined reasons. Mountainous terrain was a factor.NTSB FTW99FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportKolb Twinstar TA-2 · Bryan, TXThe pilot's loss of control as result of the partial separation of the elevator trim tab resulting in the inability to maintain aircraft control. A factor was the improper design and installation of the elevator trim tab.NTSB DEN99FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Buffalo, WYThe non-instrument rated pilot's initiated flight into adverse weather conditions and inadvertently flew into IMC weather conditions. Factors were the low ceiling weather conditions, the dark night light conditions, and a non operating VOR navigational aid.NTSB LAX99LA011Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Shelter Cove, CAThe pilot's excessive airspeed, failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and the delayed decision to initiate a go-around.NTSB MIA99LA008Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRyan ST3KR · Rossville, TNThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed (VSO) while maneuvering in a recovery from a spin.NTSB IAD99FA005Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R172K · Bowie, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Also causal was the pilot's poor in-flight planning/decision, and his continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. A related factor was the fog.NTSB NYC99WA009Accident · 9 fatalForeign investigationCessna 402 · Sorstukken, NorwayNTSB NYC99FA007Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172G · Bennington, VTThe pilot's VFR flight into IMC. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of recent experience, mountainous/hilly terrain, and clouds.NTSB FTW99FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Oklahoma City, OKSuicide.NTSB FTW99LA007Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPainton Loehle Aviation 5151 · Osceola, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to incapacitation as a result of hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.NTSB DEN99FA009Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Montrose, COThe pilot's improper inflight planning/decision. Factors were a reduction in the airplane's climb and turn capabilities, the aft c.g. limit being exceeded, and the pilot's lack of familiarity with the geographic area and his lack of experience in the airplane…NTSB ATL99WA010Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172M · Freeport, BahamasNTSB ATL99LA007Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportW.S. Bowers, Jr. RV-4 · Apopka, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while performing aerobatics which resulted in the lost of control and a stall/spin. A contributing factor was the low altitude at which the maneuver was performed.NTSB NYC99FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5 · Provincetown, MAThe failure of the pilot to follow the published instrument approach procedure, which resulted in inadvertent collision with water. Factors in the accident were the dark night and low ceiling.NTSB CHI99LA007Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Superior, WIthe pilot not maintaining clearance with the terrain, and his improper decision to enter maneuvers too close to the terrain. Factors contributing to this accident were the aerobatic maneuvers, the trees and the berm.NTSB CHI99FA003Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · Howell, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain/exceed the Vmc airspeed during a go-around maneuver. Contributing factors were the shutting down of the left engine and the lack of recent experience in the type operation.NTSB FTW99FA004Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-401 · Newellton, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during an inadvertent entry into adverse weather conditions. A related factor was the fog.NTSB LAX99GA005Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGrumman TS-2A · Banning, CAThe pilot misjudged his maneuvering altitude. Factors to this accident were the mountainous terrain, tailwind conditions, and turbulence in the area.NTSB LAX99FA006Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Lowerlake, CAThe flight instructor's failure to adequately supervise the conduct of the flight and the failure of the flying pilot to ensure that adequate ground clearance existed between the stinger/tail rotor and the ground during a deceleration while the aircraft was…NTSB IAD99FA004Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 305A · Warren, VTThe glider pilot's failure to perform the emergency tow release and abort the takeoff. A factor in the accident was the glider pilot's improper decision to make repeated attempts to close the canopy in flight.NTSB FTW99FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Vermilion 331the failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other's aircraft during cruise flight. Factors were the failure of both pilots to use a known safety advisory recommendation and the failure of both operators to implement the recommendation as a company…NTSB DEN99FA004Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCameron A-250 · Albuquerque, NMThe pilot not planning his approach to a landing so as to fly over the transmission wires (on the approach edge of the landing field) in level flight or ascending flight, and the pilot not pulling out the rip panel for emanate contact with transmission wires…NTSB CHI99LA001Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Bad Axe, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from the wires.NTSB LAX99LA004Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBurson Revolution Mini 500 · Moorpark, CAThe improper use of the cyclic flight control by the pilot, which resulted in low g flight load condition, which resulted in rotor disk divergence (mast bumping), and the main rotor blade striking and severing the tail boom.NTSB ANC99LA005Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech G-35 · Neah Bay, WAUndetermined. Missing Aircraft.NTSB NYC99LA002Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportForeit Super CAT · Middlebury, CTThe pilot's failure to utilize his seat belt and shoulder harness.NTSB LAX99FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 680 FPL · Palm Springs, CAThe pilot's failure to properly use the manual turbocharger wastegates and to monitor the manifold pressure during takeoff.NTSB LAX98FA312Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Avalon, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance. Contributing to the accident were the hilly and mountainous terrain and glare from the setting sun.NTSB MIA98WA259Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22B · Buenos Aires, ArgentinaNTSB ANC98FA168Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TU-206G · Ketchikan, AKThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors were low ceilings and mountainous/hilly terrain.NTSB MIA98WA258Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206G · Missing, BoliviaNTSB LAX98FA306Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Hawthorne, NVThe pilot's disregard of the weather briefing information and his decision to attempt flight into forecast adverse weather conditions, which led to an encounter with icing conditions beyond the performance capability of the aircraft. The pilot's disregard for…NTSB LAX98FA305Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportO'Neil VAN'S RV-3 · Arbuckle, CAThe pilot's attempt to continue VFR flight in instrument conditions, which led to his spatial disorientation and in-flight loss of aircraft control, and, resulted in a pilot-induced overload failure of the airframe. The pilot's use of quinine may have been a…NTSB FTW98FA411Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Weatherford, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance.NTSB CHI98LA361Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChampion BL-7-GCBC · Upham, NDThe pilot's steep pull and failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall/spin. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane's handling qualities, and a lack of recent experience in the airplane.NTSB IAD98GA110Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHughes OH-6A · Newark, TXFailure of the Instructor Pilot to control the helicopter's rate of descent during a demonstrated autorotation. Contributing to the accident were the Operator's lack of: a. Instructor Pilot standardization procedures, and b. Specific or adequate flight…NTSB FTW98LA406Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNicks PW-5 · Waller, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance.NTSB LAX98FA296Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310K · Saugus, CAthe pilot's in-flight loss of control which led to a subsequent structural airframe failure as the pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane during an attempted recovery.NTSB MIA98FA250Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper Aerostar 600 · N. Myrtle Beach, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (Vs) during a single engine approach resulting in an inadvertent stall. Factors contributing to the accident were a fatigue crack in the exhaust pipe in the right engine, the aircraft weight and balance was exceeded,…NTSB LAX98FA297Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35-B33 · San Jose, CAthe pilot's loss of aircraft control and entry into a spiral dive for undetermined reasons. The dark night lighting conditions and the pilot's probable low recent flight experience were factors in this accident.NTSB CHI98FA353Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBarklage Revolution Mini 500 · Cahokia, ILA loss of engine power due to cold seizure of the power-takeoff cylinder. A factor contributing to the accident was the power lines.NTSB SEA98LA182Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCora Allegro · Cresent Lake, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees located off the departure end of the runway. Factors include strong, variable, gusty winds, terrain-induced turbulence, a high density altitude, and trees off the departure end of the runway.NTSB ATL98GA127Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGovernment Aircraft Fact N22S · Caribbean SeaThe failure of the pilot-in-command of the other aircraft (N6305U) to maintain physical clearance from N6302W. Contributing factors were the inadequate visual lookout of all four pilots involved.