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 LAX98WA316Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 206 · Arusha, TanzaniaNTSB LAX98LA295Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes Cassutt 111M2 · Reno, NVthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed margin while maneuvering in gusty wind conditions, which led to an inadvertent stall/spin at low altitude.NTSB ANC98FA152Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · Kotzebue, AKThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors associated with the accident were low ceilings, mountainous/hilly terrain features, rain, and fog.NTSB SEA98FA179Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Concrete, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for undetermined reasons. Night conditions were a factor.NTSB CHI98FA349Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Oakdale, WIThe installation of the door seal inflation system by company personnel. An additional cause was the emergency procedures not followed by the pilot-in-command. A contributing factor was the trees.NTSB LAX98RA310Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 177 · Mt Cook, New ZealandNTSB FTW98FA399Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Montezuma Crk, UTThe pilot's attempted aerobatic maneuver and the subsequent inadvertent stall/spin. A factor was his intentional low altitude flight.NTSB NYC98FA185Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170A · Lagrangeville, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB FTW98FA394Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-1B · Yoder, COThe pilot's loss of aircraft control due to not maintaining adequate airspeed and the subsequent inadvertent stall. Factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight and the engine's power failure due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB ANC98FA145Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 · Port Alsworth, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors associated with this accident were the pilot's unfamiliarity with the geographic area, the low clouds, his becoming disoriented, and the blind canyon into which…NTSB NYC98FA180Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A23-24 · Shunk, PAThe pilot-in-command's attempted flight into known adverse weather conditions, his failure to maintain control of the aircraft, and his exceeding the airframe design limits resulting in separation of the outboard left wing. Contributing factors were clouds,…NTSB MIA98FA239Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · Daytona Beach, FLThe pilot's use of the aircraft to commit suicide.NTSB IAD98FA106Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-350P · Centerville, NYThe pilot's inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions. Factors related to the accident were the pilot's failure to use weather detection equipment and use of airspeeds in excess of limitations.NTSB NYC98FA179Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSmith, Ted Aerostar TS-600 · Marietta, PAThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed during a precautionary landing which resulted in a loss of control while operating with one engine shutdown. An additional cause was the improper maintenance procedures that resulted in the #5 cylinder not being…NTSB MIA98FA237Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGlasair SH-2R · Panama City, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate during a precautionary landing following a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX98FA282Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSimons Lancair 235 · Llano, CAPilot's inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions , which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of aircraft control.NTSB FTW98FA384Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · West Jordan, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain proper airport traffic pattern altitude. Factors were night lighting conditions and the unseen static line.NTSB DCA98RA085Accident · 229 fatalForeign investigationDouglas MD-11 · Nova Scotia, CanadaNTSB CHI98FA356Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Seymour Twp., WIthe pilots of both airplanes not maintaining visual separation from the other airplane.NTSB IAD98FA103Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech T-34B · Quantico, VAThe failure of the flight instructor to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB FTW98FA378Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Fort Collins, COThe pilot's inadvertent stall/mush due to his excessive angle of bank during his traffic pattern turn to base. Factors were the pilot's improper downwind altitude, the pilot not properly setting his Kollsman Window in his altimeter, and the high density…NTSB FTW98FA377Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportJodel F11-3 · Beeville, TXThe failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain obstacle clearance during an intentional low altitude maneuver.NTSB CHI98FA343Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Beaver Dam, WIThe continued flight into adverse weather conditions and aircraft control not maintained by the pilot-in-command. Contributing factors were the improper preflight planning/preparation and lack of certification by the pilot-in-command in addition to the…NTSB SEA98FA170Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Anacortes, WATerrain clearance was not maintained. A low ceiling and the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision were factors.NTSB ATL98RA119Accident · 11 fatalForeign investigationCessna 402C · Melville Hall, DominicaNTSB FTW98FA372Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 175A · Erie, COThe pilot's failure to maintain flying speed (above stall speed) and the subsequent stall/spin. Contributing factors were the tailwind, high density altitude, and aircraft overweight conditions.NTSB IAD98FA097Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182N · Painesville, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering back toward the runway resulting in an inadvertent stall. Also causal was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which resulted in his failure to secure the oil filler cap. A…NTSB CHI98FA323Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 222 · Spencer, IAThe below standard (loose) fit of the 'white' swashplate outer ring pin resulting in fatigue and subsequent separation of the pin, and ultimately the in-flight breakup of the rotorcraft. A factor was the manufacturer's dissemination of the pin which did not…NTSB FTW98FA365Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Wilton, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain minimum required airspeed for flight, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors were the pilot's improper use of flaps during the takeoff climb and the high density altitude.NTSB NYC98LA170Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKite Kitfox IV 1200 · Granby, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB ATL98FAMS1Accident · 4 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · MissingThe aircraft is missing.NTSB IAD98WA101Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 150J · JamaicaNTSB IAD98FA095Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Blue Ash, OHthe pilot's inaccurate calculation of the fuel which resulted in exhaustion of fuel and subsequent loss of engine power.NTSB LAX98FA264Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American Navion · Salinas, CAthe pilot's attempt to continue visual flight operations into an area of known instrument meteorological conditions resulting in controlled flight into rising terrain.NTSB IAD98FA094Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A-36 · Amelia, OHthe pilot's loss of control in flight due to spatial disorientation. A related factor was the fog.NTSB FTW98FA358Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Cord, ARThe pilot's performance of low altitude flight and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance.NTSB SEA98FA164Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American SNJ-5C · Winlock, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during attempted low-level aerobatics.NTSB CHI98FA313Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHiller FH-1100 · Dewitt, MIThe rotor failure/malfunction due to debonding of the tail rotor blade. Also causal was the inadequate maintenance inspection of the aircraft by the company and the improper maintenance procedure by other maintenance personnel.NTSB NYC98FA166Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7FC · Alliance, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance during the approach which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of recent experience and lack of experience in the make and model of the accident…NTSB MIA98LA222Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Bainbridge, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in a stall.NTSB IAD98FA092Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAustin Revolution Mini 500 · Northampton, PAthe improper maintenance adjustment and the failure to properly torque the pitch-change link barrel by the owner/builder which resulted in main rotor to tailboom contact and main rotor separation.NTSB CHI98FA309Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · New Hampton, IAThe pilot's inadequate preflight/planning inspection and his continued flight into known adverse weather conditions that led to spatial disorientation and loss of aircraft control. Also causal was the pilot exceeded the design limits of the airplane causing…NTSB NYC98FA164Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Towanda, PAThe pilot's failure to obtain adequate climb and his premature retraction of the flaps. A contributing factor was his inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.NTSB LAX98FA260Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-T1 · Baker, NVthe pilot's failure to comply with a 12,500-foot altitude restriction placed on the aircraft by an FAA approved maintenance facility due to unresolved oxygen system issues. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to divulge his true physical…NTSB FTW98FA344Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Creede, COThe pilot's failure to maintain flying airspeed and the subsequent stall/spin. A contributing factor was high density altitude.NTSB ANC98FA116Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Ketchikan, AKFuel starvation and the pilot's improper fuel tank selection. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's failure to follow the pre-takeoff checklist and trees.NTSB CHI98FA300Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Rosemount, MNThe loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall.NTSB MIA98FA219Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TBM-700 · Spearfish, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while turning to base leg. Contributing factors were low ceilings, clouds, and the pilot's failure to adhere to both the published approach procedures and the published minimum decent altitude.NTSB FTW98FA354Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Centennial, WYThe pilot's disregard of information provided in weather briefs, and his flight into known adverse weather in mountainous terrain which resulted in an in-flight collision with a mountain. Factors were rain and low ceiling/visibility.NTSB CHI98FA344Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Phillips, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance with trees. Contributing factors were fog, rain showers, and the trees.