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 FTW98FA248Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportJacob Tussel Everett B1 · Stanley, NMThe pilot's intentional performance of an aerobatic maneuver at an altitude insufficient for a safe recovery.NTSB ANC98FA061Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-350-B2 · Juneau, AKThe failure of both command pilots to maintain an adequate lookout to see and avoid each other's aircraft. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's failure to follow published advisory procedures to monitor/issue position reports on the…NTSB SEA98FA083Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPapa 51 Thunder Mustang · Marsing, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall.NTSB DCA98WA059Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRans Airaile S 12 · Sligo Airport, IrelandNTSB NYC98FA117Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMorelli Rans S9 · Taunton, MAThe pilot's operation of the aircraft in an unapproved configuration contrary to procedures resulting in diminished aircraft control, and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft resulting in a stall/spin event. Contributing factors were the…NTSB CHI98FA172Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J-3C · Morris, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during low altitude flight.NTSB NYC98GA113Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 182R · Middleborough, MAThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a VFR go-around. A factor was the impairment due to drugs.NTSB NYC98FA112Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Middletown, RIThe shift of the number 2 engine bearing, which in turn blocked oil lubrication, and resulted in crankshaft failure. Also causal, was the pilot's decision to continue toward the airport instead of performing a forced landing to an available field. Factors…NTSB ATL98FA080Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Indian Trail, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude while operating in adverse weather. A contributing factor was the incoming fog and high tension static wire.NTSB LAX98FA171Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportVans RV-8 · Ripley, CAthe intentional or unintentional sudden application of aft elevator control by an undetermined aircraft occupant that exceeded the design stress limits of the aircraft. The aircraft gross weight, which exceeded the maximum allowable for aerobatics, and…NTSB FTW98FA238Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G · Bixby, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.NTSB NYC98FA111Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · Lincoln, MAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed.NTSB LAX98LA172Accident · 4 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Half Moon Bay, CAThe non-instrument rated pilot's loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation in dark night conditions.NTSB SEA98FA081Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P206C · Dubois, IDAttempted VFR flight into IMC and a loss of aircraft control. An inadequate weather evaluation and drug impairment were factors.NTSB CHI98LA170Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKreatz Genesis · Maple Lake, MNthe pilot inadvertently stalled the airplane. A factor was the failed reduction drive belts.NTSB SEA98FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T1 · Great Falls, MTThe flight crew's failure to maintain aircraft control.NTSB IAD98FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSukhoi SU-29 · Manassas, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance during an aerobatic maneuver.NTSB FTW98FA229Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-160 · Guthrie, OKThe designated pilot examiner's decision to execute a single engine go-around which exceeded the airplane's engine out climb capability in the gear down configuration. Factors were the arcing of an electrical wire that grounded the engine starter and the high…NTSB CHI98FA159Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Arlington Hgts, ILLoss of helicopter control for unknown reasons.NTSB NYC98LA110Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 337B · Montgomery, NYthe pilot's improper decision to initiate a takeoff with the rear engine inoperative, which resulted in an airplane that could not climb sufficiently to clear obstacles (trees).NTSB IAD98FA059Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Fort Washington, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall and collision with trees.NTSB CHI98FA165Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · S. Sioux City, NEThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate flying airspeed during the climbing left turn resulting in a stall condition. Contributing factors were the gusty, crosswind conditions, and the pilot's excessively tight turn maneuver during the initial climb.NTSB NYC98FA107Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe ERCO-415C · New Lisbon, NYDetonation within the No. 2 cylinder resulting in melting and breaching of the piston, and the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. Contributing factors were the uphill terrain encountered during the landing and the visual perception…NTSB FTW98FA216Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeagle B-206 · Vernon, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain the airplane's minimum controllable airspeed following a loss of left engine power after takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control. Contributing factors were the fractured exhaust valve guide on the left engine's # 2…NTSB CHI98FA153Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCommander 114-B · Lagrange, WIthe pilot not maintaining aircraft control during cruise flight and exceeding the airplane's design stress limits. Factors in this accident was the pilot's lack of total experience in the airplane and the clouds.NTSB ANC98FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Palmer, AKThe pilot's intentional flight into known adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors were the terrain induced turbulence, clouds, the pilot's overconfidence in his abilities, and mountainous terrain conditions.NTSB MIA98FA162Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC-12D · Mccalla, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in a stall.NTSB MIA98LA160Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportM2 Sport 1000 · Semmes, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft after an encounter with turbulence during initial climb out. A related factor was the turbulence.NTSB LAX98LA156Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Gorman, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and an inadvertent stall while attempting to reverse direction in low cloud conditions in mountainous terrainNTSB IAD98FA054Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Davis, WVThe pilot's spatial disorientation, his subsequent loss of control of the airplane, and his overload of the horizontal stabilizer during a recovery attempt. Factors include the pilot's continued flight into icing conditions, his lack of airspeed control, and…NTSB FTW98FA215Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 76 · Frisco, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain control resulting in an inadvertent stall while performing simulated single engine maneuvers during a practical test for a multiengine rating.NTSB CHI98LA143Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAlon A-2 · Cedar Hills, MOthe failure of the pilot to maintain airplane control due to alcohol impairment.NTSB MIA98WA156Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-23-250 · Walker'S Cay, BahamasNTSB SEA98LA072Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-1 · Toledo, WAPartial loss of power for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA98FA155Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Fargo, GAthe left engine propeller blades struck the runway surface during takeoff, resulting in the pilot losing control of the airplane, and subsequently impacting with trees.NTSB LAX98FA152Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Avalon, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance in a Blind/Box Canyon. A related factor was the mountainous/hilly terrain.NTSB CHI98LA142Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBombardier Rans S-9 · Waukee, IAthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in a stall while performing intentional buzzing maneuvers.NTSB FTW98FA203Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Olustee, OKThe student pilot's improper decision to attempt an 180 degree turn to return to the takeoff runway.NTSB DCA98WA041Accident · 87 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 737-200 · Andoas, PeruNTSB LAX98FA154Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Bakersfield, CAThe pilot's operation of the airplane at a speed well in excess of it's designed never exceed speed that resulted in elevator flutter and in-flight failure of the airplane. Turbulence and icing conditions were factors in the accident.NTSB LAX98FA153Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech G33 · Crestline, CAthe pilot's intentional flight into known instrument weather conditions while operating VFR.NTSB ATL98LA073Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuad City Ultralight Challenger II · Savannah, GAIn flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the aircraft.NTSB LAX98FA149Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Irwindale, CAThe failure of the pilot to observe in a timely manner and maintain clearance from electrical power transmission wires and her improper maneuver to avoid the obstruction.NTSB NYC98LA104Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHispano Aviacion HA200B Saeta · Xenia, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude clearance with trees after an improper decision to perform low level aerobatics.NTSB ANC98FA043Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BL12 · Sitka, AKThe pilot's attempted VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors were clouds, the pilot's lack of instrument flight experience, obscuration and mountainous terrain.NTSB NYC98LA102Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · New Bedford, MAThe pilot's impairment due to alcohol, which resulted in an inadequate preflight examination and subsequent takeoff with a control lock installed.NTSB IAD98FA049Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFairchild Hiller FH-1100 · Stevensville, MDThe pilot's abrupt, low-g maneuver, which resulted in mast bumping and separation of the main rotor system.NTSB FTW98FA393Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T310R · Pie Town, NMThe pilot's continuing VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors were weather conditions, that included clouds, and mountainous terrain.NTSB FTW98FA192Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-58 · Kerrville, TXThe non-instrument rated pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation. Factors were the dark night conditions, overcast skies, and the pilot's inadequate preflight planning.NTSB DCA98WA053Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210 · Eucembune, Australia