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 LAX98FA208Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFrandsen Midget Mustang MM-1 · Tracy, CAinadequate maintenance/inspection by the owner/pilot that resulted in an obstructed fuel vent system and a subsequent loss of engine power during takeoff.NTSB FTW98FA290Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Panhandle, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power transmission wires while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.NTSB FTW98FA289Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Weslaco, TXFailure to maintain adequate airspeed by one of the pilot's on board. A factor was the low altitude.NTSB DCA98WA061Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationBell 212 · NigeriaNTSB FTW98GA286Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportLockheed SP-2H · Reserve, NMFailure of the copilot to maintain both lateral and vertical clearance from the trees, and failure of the captain to provide adequate supervision of the flight.NTSB FTW98FA287Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 175 · Clovis, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance and the proper landing glide path. Also causal was his loss of aircraft control during an attempted go-around. Factors were the dark night light conditions, the pilot's recent lack of sleep, and the…NTSB CHI98LA224Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Liberal, KSthe inadvertent stall, the pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which led to performing a takeoff with insufficient distance to clear the utility pole. A factor which contributed to this accident was the utility pole.NTSB FTW98FA283Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMontgomery Quickie TRI-Q/200 · Fort Worth, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control when an excessive taxispeed resulted in an inadvertent lift-off of the airplane. A factor was the pilot's lack of total experience in the make and model of aircraft.NTSB DCA98WA058Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationBeech 200 · Côte d’IvoireNTSB LAX98FA211Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS-350-BA · Mt. Waialeale, HIThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into deteriorating weather conditions consisting of lowering ceilings and visibility in mountainous terrain, which resulted in the inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions and a collision with a…NTSB LAX98FA210Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Santa Ana, CAThe failure of the pilot-in-command to identify a proper touchdown point on the runway and maintain an appropriate glidepath so as to remain clear of vortex turbulence from the preceding large aircraft. A factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to…NTSB MIA99FA050Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Macclenny, FLThe student pilot's attempted VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a subsequent in-flight collision with trees and terrain. Contributing factors were, haze/smoke, the student pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather…NTSB MIA98FA187Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M-20E · Pickens, SCA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot not maintaining adequate clearance with objects (trees) during the emergency landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's impairment associated with the use of an antihistamine and the trees.NTSB IAD98FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Hebron, CTThe pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing which resulted in inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation. Factors in this accident were low ceilings and…NTSB IAD98FA070Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Ocean City, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to spatial disorientation. Contributing factors wer fog, dark night conditions, lack of recent experience, inadequate preflight planning, and flight into known adverse weather.NTSB FTW98FA276Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Nephi, UTThe improper installation of the turbocharger exhaust stack by unknown maintenance personnel and the subsequent fire in the engine compartment due to the exhaust gas leak from the turbocharger. Factors were the total loss of engine power due to fuel line…NTSB SEA98FA105Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340 · Lincoln, MTThe pilot's improper or inadequate use of the aircraft's weather avoidance equipment, resulting in penetration of a Level 4 thunderstorm and subsequent loss of aircraft control from which the pilot did not recover. Factors included a thunderstorm and the…NTSB CHI98LA209Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTillman Christen II · Howell, MIthe pilot not maintaining aircraft control during the go-around maneuver. A factor in this accident was the pilot s lack of recent experience in the accident airplane.NTSB CHI98LA208Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Winchester, MOThe pilot's low altitude flight and failure to maintain clearance, resulting in collision with trees. A factor was trees.NTSB NYC98FA129Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHawker Hunter T MK 8 · Manchester, NHFuel exhaustion, resulting from the pilot's reliance on an inaccurate fuel quantity indicating system. A factor in the pilot's death was his intentional delay of the ejection sequence in order to avoid people and property on the ground.NTSB FTW98FA272Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAyres S2R-R1340 · Humphrey, ARThe pilot's visual lookout was inadequate for undetermined reasons.NTSB DCA98RA056Accident · 13 fatalForeign investigationSwearingen Metro II · Montreal, CanadaNTSB ANC98FA079Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Big Lake, AKThe pilot's performance of a low level maneuver. Factors were the pilot's overconfidence in his personal ability, his lack of experience in the type of airplane, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain.NTSB SEA98FA100Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 680FL · Helena, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain the correct altitude while turning inbound during a procedure turn to the ILS final approach course. Factors include hilly/mountainous terrain and clouds in the area where the course reversal was performed.NTSB CHI98LA204Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Greenfield, INthe pilot's incapacitation due to a heart attack. A factor in the accident was the passenger's, a non-pilot, improper recovery from a bounced landing which resulted in an overload failure of the nose gear.NTSB LAX98LA200Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369HS · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)The improper shimmying of the tail rotor driveshaft by maintenance personnel which induced fatigue in the tail rotor driveshaft coupling causing it to fail, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor control. A factor is the failure of the pilot to recognize the…NTSB LAX98FA199Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20R · Van Nuys, CAthe non-instrument rated pilot's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors were the low ceiling, drizzle, and fog.NTSB FTW98LA263Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMoore B-8MJ · Pauls Valley, OKThe non-certificated pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the hangar. A factor was the pilot's maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB LAX98LA195Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBlackmore RV-4 · Sedona, AZThe pilot's attempt to perform aerobatics with insufficient terrain clearance altitude available to complete the maneuver. A factor was high density altitude.NTSB SEA98LA093Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Amboy, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and/or clearance from terrain during a go-around attempt. Factors included a short landing area and trees in the landing area.NTSB NYC98FA127Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper 601P · Martinsburg, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with terrain. A factor in the accident was the low ceiling.NTSB IAD98FA068Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Delaplane, VAThe pilot's inadequate in-flight decision which led to VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance resulting in collision with mountainous terrain. Contributing factors were…NTSB SEA98LA091Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStephens Vortex · Chinook, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for an undetermined reason.NTSB SEA98FA092Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Hillsboro, ORImproper installation (bushing), mechanical binding (bushing), mechanical binding (connecting rod), and fatigue within the crankshaft. Contributing factors were inadequate major (engine) overhaul and trees.NTSB LAX98FA189Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Lytle Creek, CAthe pilot's intentional VFR descent into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a collision with mountainous terrain.NTSB LAX98FA188Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Bangor, CAThe pilot's attempted flight into instrument meteorological conditions, loss of spatial orientation, and the resultant loss of airplane control. Contributing factors were his improper preflight and in-flight decisions, overconfidence in his personal ability,…NTSB SEA98FA089Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20A · Canyon Creek, MTThe design stress limits of the aircraft was exceeded. The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, lack of an instrument rating, poor weather evaluation and low ceilings and mountain obscuration were factors.NTSB SEA98FA090Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-5-220C · Kettle Falls, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. A factor was an attempt to perform aerobatics at low altitude.NTSB MIA98FA182Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Statesville, NCThe pilot's attempted flight into adverse weather, resulting in a loss of control in flight. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to obtain updated weather information, rain, and fog.NTSB FTW98LA257Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander S2R · Hondo, TXThe inadvertent stall due to the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. Factors were the high winds and the wind induced turbulence.NTSB FTW98FA256Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS350BA · La Gloria, TXthe pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions resulting in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing factors were the dark night illumination, the lack of visual cues, the pilot's lack of total instrument time, and the…NTSB SEA98LA085Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Everett, WAThe pilot-in-command's exiting the aircraft with both engines running to remove a wheel chock. A factor was the inadequate preflight of the aircraft (not removing the chock) prior to engine start.NTSB SEA98FA088Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Prindle, WAThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during attempted flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors contributing to the accident were clouds, dark night conditions, spatial disorientation, and drug impairment.NTSB MIA98FA177Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182R · Bradenton, FLThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed during climb after a low level observation flight resulting in the aircraft entering into a stall and descending uncontrolled until it crashed into trees and a river.NTSB NYC98FA124Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Dalton, MAThe pilot's decision to continue the flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a loss of control, and airplane stress limits to be exceeded. Factors in the accident, the pilot's decision to disregard the preflight weather briefing, and…NTSB MIA98FA176Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M-20E · Winston-Salem, NCThe pilot's improper decision to conduct a maintenance test flight with a known unairworthy mechanical condition (unserviceable servo fuel injector), resulting in a partial loss of engine power on climb out, subsequent forced landing, and in-flight collision…NTSB LAX98LA180Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVickers MK XVI · Blue Canyon, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance and his VFR flight into instrument meteorological condition. Mountainous terran and obscurations are contributing factos. inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions in mountainous…NTSB SEA98FA084Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas 369FF · Shoshone, IDFailure to maintain clearance from wires. A transmission wire was a factor.NTSB MIA98FA172Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander Callair A-9 · Ocean Springs, MSan in-flight collision with a nylon rope (wire), resulting in a loss of engine power, an inadvertent stall, and subsequent impact with the ground.NTSB CHI98FA187Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421 · Little Falls, MNthe pilot's continued operation with a known deficiency in equipment.