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 FTW98FA100Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor 502B · Eudora, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while attempting an aerobatic manueverNTSB CHI98FA082Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-55 · Pinckneyville, ILThe pilot descent below minimum descent altitude and his intentional operation with known deficiencies in equipment. Factors were the dark night, fog, rain, and the trees.NTSB FTW98LA098Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPoling Keleher Lark KR1B · Georgetown, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A contributing factor was the pilot's physical impairment due to drugs.NTSB FTW98GA097Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell 47G-3B-2 · Spanish Fork, UTA total loss of power due to repeated engine overspeeds. A related factor was unsuitable terrain.NTSB FTW98MA096Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportGates Learjet 25B · Houston, TXThe flight crew's continued descent of the airplane below the glideslope and through the published decision height without visual contact with the runway environment. Also, when the captain encountered difficulty tracking the localizer course, his improper…NTSB FTW98FA093Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 222UT · Sandy, UTflight by the pilot into known adverse weather conditions, and his failure (or inability) to maintain sufficient clearance or altitude from mountainous terrain. Related factors were: darkness, heavy snow, high winds, the pilot's perception of pressure that…NTSB LAX98FA068Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Salinas, CAA loss of engine power due to a missing valve keeper. Also causal was the failure by engine maintenance personnel during engine top overhaul to install the second valve keeper in the No. 3 cylinder exhaust valve and the failure of inspection personnel to…NTSB FTW98FA092Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 500-B · Ennis, TXfailure of the flight crew to maintain minimum control speed (Vmc) during go-around from a single-engine approach, which resulted in loss of control and collision with power lines and the ground. Related factors were: a ruptured diaphragm in the distributor…NTSB MIA98FA055Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Maiden, NCThe pilot's failure to remove the control lock prior to takeoff and his failure to abort the takeoff when he was unable to initiate a climb, resulting in the aircraft over running the runway and colliding with trees on the departure end of the runway.…NTSB FTW98FA088Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Vernon, TXthe loss of control during cruise flight for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI98FA080Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Decatur, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing factors were low ceiling and freezing drizzle.NTSB FTW98FA086Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Tremonton, UTThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, becoming spatially disoriented and his subsequent loss of aircraft control. Factors were the dark night and weather conditions that included obscuration and snow.NTSB FTW98RA119Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationLearjet 24 · Tampico, MexicoNTSB LAX98FA066Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Chandler, AZThe pilot's intentional flying at a low altitude and failure to see and avoid the power lines during dusk conditions.NTSB MIA98WA049Accident · 10 fatalForeign investigationBritten-Norman Islander · Rio Sidra, PanamaNTSB CHI98LA073Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Watertown, SDthe pilot's failure to perform an aircraft preflight and to remove the ice which had accumulated on the airframe. A factor involved in the accident was the icing weather conditions which existed and the ice which accumulated on the airplane.NTSB LAX98FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-11 · Willow Beach, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI98FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-30 · Wayne, ILthe pilot in command failed to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor was the lack of experience of the pilot and copilot in the type and model of aircraft. An additional factor was the pilot did not follow the proper procedure when the flaps were raised…NTSB MIA98FA047Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414A · Guyton, GAInadequate maintenance of the cabin pressurization system, which resulted in inadequate pressurization and incapacitation of the pilot due to the hypoxia. Also causal was the pilot's failure to adequately monitor the cabin pressurization system.NTSB CHI98LA126Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Ft. Leonardwood, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance and his inadequate inflight decision which resulted in VFR flight in to instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot's overconfidence in his ability is a contributing factor.NTSB DCA98MA015Accident · 1 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBoeing 747-122 · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)The pilot-in-command's inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions, and the difficulty of obtaining adequate weather forecasts of over-ocean turbulence. Factors contributing to the accident include the presence of clear air turbulence, and the failure…NTSB MIA98FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Raleigh-Durham, NCWas loss of control of the airplane on initial climb after entering instrument flight conditions resulting in a turn opposite in direction from that given by ATC, and eventual collision with terrain.NTSB FTW98LA075Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Monticello, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and clearance from obstacles. Also causal was the pilot becoming lost and disoriented. Contributing factors were his lack of familiarity with the geographical area, lack of experience, night conditions, and…NTSB CHI98LA072Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30/A · Hastings, NEThe pilot's improper IFR procedure, by which he failed to maintain minimum descent altitude. Fog, a low ceiling, and night condition were a contributing factor.NTSB CHI98FA070Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-301 · Hampshire, ILthe pilot's intentional flight into known icing conditions, and the accumulation of ice on the leading edges of the airplane's empennage and wings leading to the inadvertent stall/mush. A factor contributing to this accident was the icing conditions.NTSB ATL98FA030Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Tallahassee, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath and adequate obstacle clearance which resulted in collision with a power transmission line.NTSB ATL98LA029Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLutz EAA Biplane P-2 · Wellington, FLfailure of the pilot to ensure the fuel selector was properly positioned to a tank with adequate fuel before takeoff, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power; failure of the pilot to accomplish the emergency procedure (restart the engine…NTSB NYC98FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Spring City, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB FTW98FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A100 · Colo Springs, COFailure of the pilot to follow IFR Procedures and maintain the minimum descent altitude (MDA). A related factor was fog.NTSB NYC98FA047Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCady LONG-EZ · West Milford, NJFailure of the pilot to use carburetor heat, which resulted in carburetor ice. Carburetor icing conditions and terrain conditions were contributing factors.NTSB IAD98FA018Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A 36 · Findlay, OHThe pilot-in-command's failure to obtain/maintain clearance with objects during the initial climb. Contributing factors were trees, fog, and the flying pilot's failure to maintain runway heading during the initial climb.NTSB FTW98FA073Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSwearingen SA226-T · Byers, COThe pilot inadvertently stalling the airplane and his subsequent spatial disorientation which prevented him from maintaining airplane control. Factors were excessive workload on the pilot and the dark night light conditions.NTSB NYC98LA049Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBihn Mini 500 · Gettysburg, OHA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, followed by the main rotor striking the tailboom, which resulted in the separation of a main rotor blade.NTSB DCA98RA013Accident · 97 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 737-300 · IndonesiaNTSB CHI98FA068Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Evansville, INImproper maintenance by the use of a loose fitting unapproved fuel line, which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power.NTSB ATL98FA025Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A150K · Jacksonville, FLthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate flying speed following a banner pick up, which resulted in a stall and an uncontrolled collision with the ground. A related factor was: the pilot allowed the maximum certificated gross weight of the airplane to be…NTSB NYC98LA043Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Belle Vernon, PAThe pilot's improper out-of-ground hover procedure, which resulted in a loss of tailrotor effectiveness.NTSB FTW98FA068Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Littleton, COThe pilot's inability to maintain adequate visual lookout due to the lighting conditions and his failure to follow company procedures for departure from a landing zone. Factors were dark night conditions, bright lights in the landing zone which prevented…NTSB SEA98FA023Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 690A · Yakima, WAA loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.NTSB DCA98RA011Accident · 10 fatalForeign investigationFairchild SA-226-TC · La Veriente, BoliviaNTSB CHI98LA061Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Sturtevant, WIThe pilot's misjudgment of altitude/distance and her failure to maintain adequate visual lookout. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance. A contributing factor was the pilot experiencing a visual illusion.NTSB NYC98FA041Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Pittsville, MDthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his resultant improper planning/decision and flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude while flying over wooded terrain. Factors…NTSB FTW98RA076Accident · 10 fatalForeign investigationFairchild SA-2226-TC · La Vertiente, BoliviaNTSB ATL98FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A100 · Charlotte, NCThe pilot's continued approach below decision height without reference to the runway environment, and his failure to execute a missed approach.NTSB IAD98FA015Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TB-20 Trinidad · Roanoke, VALoss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A related factor was the low ceiling.NTSB NYC98LA039Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · New Salem, MAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance above the water due to his impairment by drugs. A factor in this accident was the glassy water condition.NTSB CHI98LA059Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30 · Independence, KSthe pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather. Contributing factors were low ceilings, fog, and the guy wire.NTSB LAX98FA052Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Lytle Creek, CAthe non-instrument rated pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and subsequent loss of aircraft control, due to spatial disorientation. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions (low ceiling…NTSB FTW98FA063Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPitts S-2B · Bozeman, MTThe failure of both pilots to maintain visual lookout. Factors were the pilot of N693SB not following procedures and directives, and the pilot of N693SB using poor judgment.NTSB FTW98LA064Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAdams A55S · Gallup, NMfailure of the ground crewman to follow proper procedures. A factor relating to the accident was: the passenger failed to follow the pilot's verbal instructions.