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 ATL98LA067Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportUnknown Freebird Sport · Englewood, FLThe inadvertent aerodynamic stall, and subsequent loss of control in-flight by the non-certificated pilot. A factor was the use of over the counter drugs which are known to cause drowsiness.NTSB LAX98FA141Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Ramona, CAThe loss of control of the aircraft on final approach for undetermined reasons.NTSB IAD98FA047Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Columbus, OHThe pilot's inadequate planned approach and his failure to follow wake turbulence avoidance procedures by not staying above the glide-path of the preceding Boeing 757, which resulted in a vortex turbulence encounter. Contributing to the accident was the wake…NTSB FTW98FA191Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Del Rio, TXthe pilot's loss of control during a go-around after impacting approach light poles on initial approach. A contributing factor was the prevailing dark night light condition.NTSB FTW98FA190Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Parowan, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed and the subsequent inadvertent stall/spin. Factors were the high density altitude, the high, gusty wind condition, and the diverted attention of the pilot.NTSB MIA98LA141Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStar-Lite Engineering Warp 1A · Lakeland, FLthe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, while maneuvering on crosswind in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and an in-flight collision with a building and the terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's decision to…NTSB FTW98FA189Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Muskogee, OKThe inadvertent stall as result of the pilot's failure to retract the flaps from the fully extended position prior to takeoff. Factors were the gusting winds and the pilot's failure to follow the before takeoff checklist.NTSB NYC98FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Bridgeport, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during night instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors were dark night conditions, low ceilings, rain, and his decision to divert to an airport under instrument meteorological conditions…NTSB DCA98RA036Accident · 52 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 727-200 · Bogota, ColombiaNTSB CHI98FA130Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Kalamazoo, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate flying airspeed resulting in a stall condition. Contributing factors were the tailwind condition and the pilot's exceeding the gross weight of the airplane on takeoff.NTSB MIA98FA135Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing A-75N1 · Kissimmee, FLFailure of the number 2 pilot to maintain visual contact and/or proper position/clearance from other aircraft.NTSB FTW98FA186Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFoster/Hilsman Q2 · Siloam Springs, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the forced landing. Factors were the failure of the #4 cylinder head which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and the co-owners/builders' failure to perform a condition inspection of the…NTSB CHI98LA129Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGood Velocity · Romulus, MIimproper planning/decision by the pilot, by using the airplane in an illegal activity and allowing the fuel to be exhausted before landing. Factors relating to this accident were: the pilot being under pressure to reach his destination with his illegal cargo,…NTSB FTW98FA185Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportYoung Glasair III · St. Martinville, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft as a result of VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and flight into known adverse weather conditions. Contributing factors were turbulence, clouds, dark night and lack of an instrument…NTSB ATL98FA063Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportWilliam Sargent Lancair 235 · Newport, TNThe pilot's attempt to operate in instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain clearance with the surrounding terrain. Contributing factors were clouds and the mountainous/hilly terrain.NTSB CHI98FA123Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180J · Ashland, WIthe pilot failing to maintain separation from the trees. Factors contributing to this accident were the trees and the pilot being too low in altitude.NTSB IAD98FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-20 · Beaver Falls, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, and his failure to attain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall. Contributing was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane, and his misjudgment of wind information which resulted in a tailwind…NTSB SEA98FA101Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-350P · Bigfork, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors were the mountainous terrain, trees, dark night conditions, clouds and pilot fatigue.NTSB MIA98LA130Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStarck Auriga · Collegedale, TNA leak in the electric fuel boost pump caused by an improperly sized 'O' ring installation and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during an approach to a forced landing resulting in a stall.NTSB CHI98LA120Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRodgers Raven · Brandt, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A factor contributing to this accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the airplane.NTSB SEA98LA063Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269A · Emmett, IDThe instructor pilot's failure to maintain the proper rate of descent on landing. Factors were a sudden wind shift, the instructor pilot's lack of recent experience, and terrain drop-off.NTSB NYC98FA092Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerostar 600A · Mapleton, MEthe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA98LA128Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchleicher ASW-19B · Hamptonville, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (VSO) while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB ANC98GA036Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 185F · Nightmute, AKThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of aircraft control. Factors in the accident were meteorological conditions consisting of low ceilings, and blowing snow,…NTSB CHI98FA119Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Bismarck, NDthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach which resulted in an inadvertant stall. Factors associated with the accident were the icing conditions and the pilot's low level experience in this make and model of airplane.NTSB SEA98FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Lodgepole, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain after flying into an area of known adverse weather. Factors include low ceilings, fog, snow showers, drizzle, and trees along his intended route.NTSB NYC98FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 195 · Cape May, NJUndetermined.NTSB IAD98FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Mcmechen, WVThe pilot's inadequate pre-flight planning and preparation which resulted in fuel exhaustion during takeoff.NTSB MIA98FA121Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell GA-112TC · Allendale, SCthe pilot inadvertently entered instrument meteorological conditions, failed to maintain control of the airplane, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground. Factors in this accident were fog, low ceilings and a dark night. An additional factor was the…NTSB ATL98FA060Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Marietta, GAThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid conflicting traffic, and the failure of the 172 pilot to operate the transponder as required by current regulations. Factors were the controller's failure to observe the traffic conflict, the lack of radar conflict…NTSB FTW98FA170Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · New Orleans, LAThe pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane after experiencing spatial disorientation. Factors were the total failure of the vacuum pump, fog, drizzle, and night conditions.NTSB MIA98LA115Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Bainbridge, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack experience in this category of aircraft. An additional factor was the inadequate upgrade training provided by the company that owned the…NTSB FTW98FA167Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Round Top, TXThe pilot's attempted VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors were fog, low ceilings, and trees.NTSB SEA98FA056Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Royal City, WAAttempted VFR flight into IMC and terrain clearance was not maintained. A low ceiling was a factor.NTSB MIA98FAMS2Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 182H · MissingUndetermined.NTSB FTW98FA165Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportVelocity 173 RG Elite · N. Little Rock, ARInadequate fusion between the valve stem and head due to inadequate quality control during construction of the exhaust valve for the number three cylinder. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landingNTSB FTW98FA156Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206-A · Rio Hondo, TXThe engine compartment fire due to undetermined reasons, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the tailboom.NTSB MIA98WA106Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna T207A · Toqui, VenezuelaNTSB LAX98GA127Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportBell 205A-1 · Los Angeles, CAAn excessive bending load applied to the tail rotor blade assembly of an undetermined origin which produced a fatigue crack, the separation of the assembly, and a forced landing. Factors were the lack of suitable terrain to perform a forced landing, the…NTSB MIA98WA102Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationBeech 95-B55 · North Eleuthera, BahamasNTSB CHI98FA107Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A-36 · New Lebanon, INThe pilot's flight into known icing conditions. Contributing factors were the degraded aircraft performance, the pilot's inability to maintain the proper descent rate, trees, and the dark night condition.NTSB CHI98FA106Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206G · Grain Valley, MOPilot's inadequate preflight, the partial loss of oil and the resulting rod failure. A factor was the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed.NTSB LAX98FA118Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310H · Corona, CAThe failure of both pilots to maintain an adequate visual lookout and to see and avoid the other airplane.NTSB FTW98FA151Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502 · Mcgehee, ARThe pilot's inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions resulting in the loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Factors were the fog and low ceiling, and the inadequate flight instruments available to the pilot.NTSB DCA98RA030Accident · 13 fatalForeign investigationSaab-Scania 340 · Taipai, TaiwanNTSB LAX98FA113Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B95A · Little River, CAthe pilot's inadvertent visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper weather evaluation.NTSB IAD98LA038Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Castlewood, VAThe pilot's failure to achieve the proper touchdown point and the delayed execution of the go around. A contributing factor was the fence.NTSB IAD98FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · West Mifflin, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. A related factor was the pilot's impairment due to the use of drugs.NTSB LAX98FA112Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGough-Herrman Christen Eagle II · Lake Berryessa, CAwas the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Contributing to the accident was the improper altitude.NTSB ATL98FA056Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportJohn S. Hickey Swearingen SX 300 · Thomson, GAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning of the fuel supply required for the flight that resulted in fuel exhaustion and the loss of engine power.