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 SEA98LA045Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402A · Moreland, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin. A factor was his lack of familiarity in the make/model.NTSB MIA98FA101Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180D · Advance, NCThe pilot's improper planned visual approach and glide path in diminished visual conditions due to sun-glare and his delayed go-around resulting in the aircraft colliding with trees on final approach.NTSB CHI98LA102Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Mc Cordsville, INThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and control of the airplane. Factors were his self-induced pressure.NTSB LAX98GA110Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportChristen Industries A-1 · Lebec, CAThe trainee-pilot's failure to maintain altitude during a low level turn. Contributing factors were the pilot-in-command's diverted attention inside the airplane, his failure to report the trainee's deficient airplane handling abilities, and the shoulder…NTSB DCA98WA028Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 707-336 · Mombosa, KenyaNTSB DCA99RA055Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22B · Amport, United KingdomNTSB FTW98FA145Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDuci'S Vans RV-3 · Elbert, COin-flight failure of the right wing spar (for an undetermined reason) as the pilot was performing aerobatic flight. The airplane's excessive gross weight (for aerobatics) was a related factor.NTSB MIA98LA094Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNickelson Martin Coot · New Port Richey, FLfailure of the pilot to obtain/maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with the terrain.NTSB LAX98FA106Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Novato, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance after initiating a descent over mountainous terrain at night and under marginal VFR conditions. The pilot's self-induced pressure to arrive at class with enough time remaining to take the final…NTSB MIA98FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Clarksville, TNthe pilot did not maintain control of the airplane due to undetected airframe ice, resulting in an inadvertent stall, and subsequent impact with the ground. Factors in this accident were; flight into clouds, below freezing temperatures, and the inability of…NTSB CHI98FA099Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Orleans, INThe pilot's attempted VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance with trees. Contributing factors were the pilot's impairment from prescription drugs, low ceilings, fog, trees, and hilly terrain.NTSB NYC98FA073Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-160 · Somerville, NJin-flight separation of the empennage for undetermined reasons. "This case was modified August 2, 2006."NTSB SEA98FA042Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T303 · Midvale, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.NTSB MIA98WA097Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna 401 · La Puntilla, ChileNTSB NYC98FA071Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-310 · Presque Isle, METhe pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedure and his descent below the minimum descent altitude. Contributing factors were the night conditions, low ceilings, and fog.NTSB IAD98FA032Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Langley Afb, VAThe pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into IMC conditions, and the subsequent loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation. A factor in the accident was the low ceiling.NTSB NYC98LA069Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28R-180 · Walbridge, OHthe pilot's failure to refuel the aircraft resulting in fuel exhaustion, and his unsuccessful attempt to clear the wires. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight, dark night conditions, and the wires.NTSB SEA98FA040Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFreije Lancair IV · Garwood, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after entering known adverse weather. Related factors were, the pilot's failure to follow the published IFR departure procedures, low ceilings and snow, and the pilot's lack of recent instrument experience.NTSB LAX98FA098Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Littlerock, CAThe pilot's improper use of the rotorcraft cyclic control in response to encountering terrain induced turbulence. A factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing which contained precautionary notices for turbulence.NTSB DCA98WA026Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 212 · Mexico City, MexicoNTSB MIA98LA084Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWalter J Collie Cumulus · Hillsboro, TNDebonding of the leading edge to spar cap joint, which resulted in inflight separation.NTSB LAX98FA095Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · San Gorgonio Mo, CAThe pilot's inability to maintain altitude due to an encounter with adverse winds and downdrafts on the lee side of a mountain. Also causal was the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, which precipitated his intentional flight into an area of known adverse…NTSB NYC98FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · York, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during final approach which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB LAX98FA091Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Sutter, CAThe pilot's in-flight decision(s) to attempt VFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions at an altitude which did not provide for adequate terrain clearance requirements. A factor that contributed to the accident was the pilot's decision to disregard…NTSB CHI98FA096Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportWasielak Sonerai II L · Malta, ILThe pilot's failed to maintain adequate clearance from the other aircraft.NTSB ATL98FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Clinton, MSThe pilot's lack of recent instrument flight experience that led to spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control; and his improper use of carburetor heat that resulted in a loss of engine power and subsequent collision with the ground during an…NTSB CHI98LA094Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Wood Lake, NEthe pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather conditions, the wing ice, and the inadvertent stall. Factors contributing to this accident were the rain, freezing rain and low ceilings.NTSB ATL98FA047Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchweizer SA 2-37A · Green Cove Sprg, FLloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s); and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering the airplane for a forced landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, uncontrolled descent, and collision with a house boat…NTSB IAD98FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C-90 · Newton, WVThe pilot inadequate management of the fuel system which resulted in fuel starvation to both engines. Factors in the accident were the pilot's concern about maintenance being completed prior to executing a scheduled flight later in the day, and operating the…NTSB MIA98FA079Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Fort Pierce, FLThe pilot's continued visual flight rules into instrument flight rules conditions and his failure to maintain altitude after encountering instrument flight rules conditions resulting in the aircraft colliding with powerlines and crashing. A factor in the…NTSB FTW98FA127Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportIreneusz Rans S-12 · Rockwall, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance while performing low altitude flight over the water.NTSB LAX98FA086Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech J35 · Morgan Hill, CAThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain visual separation from N8343D approaching from his right. The controller's failure to provide a traffic advisory and the copilot's and flight engineer's inadequate visual lookout were factors.NTSB ANC98FA019Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · Homer, AKA fatigue failure, and partial separation of the number 6 engine cylinder head assembly, the operator's inadequate progressive inspection performed by company maintenance personnel, and the pilot's inadvertent stall during a maneuvering turn toward an…NTSB FTW98FA121Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Angel Fire, NMThe pilot attempting VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his lack of an instrument rating. Factors were weather conditions that included mountain wave activity conducive to turbulence, and clouds obscuring the mountainous terrain.NTSB FTW98FA117Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200 · Graford, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the ground. Factors were the dark night, the rising terrain, and the ground fog obscuring the ground.NTSB MIA98GA069Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportBell UH-1H · Savannah, TNfailure of the flight crew to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from the pole and workman. Related factors were: the gusty wind condition, inadequate communication/coordination between the flight crew and ground personnel, and an improper external system…NTSB NYC98FA063Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Boxborough, MAThe failure of the pilot to remove the frost on the wings before departure, which resulted in a stallNTSB DCA98RA021Accident · 104 fatalForeign investigationMcDonnell Douglas DC-9-32 · Philippine Isla, PhilippinesNTSB SEA98LA033Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSherman Executive · Stayton, ORMain rotor strike and separation of the tail boom for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA98FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170A · Miami, FLfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during a banner pickup, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. The lack of altitude for a stall recovery was a related factor.NTSB SEA98LA031Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Havre, MTThe student pilot's loss of control after his failure to maintain airspeed. Factors include his lack of total flight experience and incapacitation due to alcohol.NTSB MIA98FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFairchild 24G · Andalusia, ALA loss of engine power while in cruise flight caused by a contaminated fuel supply and the subsequent inflight collision with trees and unsuitable terrain during the emergency descent and landing.NTSB CHI98FA086Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Faribault, MNwas the pilot's patial incapacitation due to carbon monoxide poisoning. A factor associated with this accident was the mechanic's inadequate inspection of the airplane's muffler and inadequate preflight planning and preparation by the pilot.NTSB LAX98LA079Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind condition and failure to maintain a proper rate of descent which resulted in the inadvertent loss of tail rotor effectiveness during a downwind turn.NTSB IAD98WA029Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAir Tractor AT-501W · Santa Maria, PortugalNTSB ATL98FA036Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportTwin Commander Acft. 695A · Delray Beach, FLThe pilot flew into known convective meterological conditions and lost control of the airplane. Factors were low clouds, and moderate to heavy rain.NTSB ATL98LA033Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Guntersville, ALThe pilot's intentional shut down of the engine in flight that resulted in the total loss of engine power. A factor was the failure of both magnetos.NTSB LAX98FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402C · Walker, CAThe pilot's encounter with a downdraft while approaching high terrain at an altitude insufficient to ensure adequate terrain or obstacle clearance.NTSB ATL98LA032Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVia Aero Comp AC6 · Rockledge, FLThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the trees in the emergency landing area.NTSB FTW98FA101Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-135 · Wooster, ARthe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with trees during an aborted landing. A contributing factor was the pilot's delayed decision to abort the long landing.