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 ATL98LA019Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSiggi's Airplane Works D-4 Fascination · Leesburg, FLstructural failure of the right wing, during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent to the ground.NTSB ATL98LA018Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJohn T. Simpson Challenger II · Rainbow City, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the ground. A related factor was the pilot's lack of flying experience.NTSB MIA98FAMS1Accident · 2 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportBeech G35 · Missingundetermined.NTSB LAX98FA050Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Sedona, AZthe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate terrain clearance during the climb. Contributing factors were dark night conditions, mountainous/hilly terrain, and mountain wave weather conditions.NTSB MIA98FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChristen Industries A-1 · Lansing, NCthe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a wire.NTSB SEA98LA018Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 112 · Kettle Falls, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering. Factors include the physiological impairment of the pilot's judgement due to alcohol.NTSB MIA98FA038Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C-182E · Townsend, TNthe pilot's failure to maintain VFR flight conditions in a mountainous area resulting in inflight collision with rising terrain.NTSB MIA98FA040Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCommander 114B · Cross City, FLVFR flight by the noninstrument-rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft, due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with the terrain (tree,…NTSB NYC98FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · St Mary'S, PAwas the pilot's descent below the minimum descent altitude and his failure to comply with published procedures.NTSB NYC98FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-S35 · Chatham, MAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact into trees. Related factors were high wind and turbulence.NTSB LAX98FA048Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Carson City, NVThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed after being distracted by the nose baggage door opening in-flight resulting in a stall/spin. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and lack of experience in the type…NTSB ATL98FA017Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMark Ewart Velocity Standard RG · Florence, SCimproper maintenance procedures used by the pilot/repairman, which resulted in the loosening and eventual failure of the propeller. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's self-imposed pressure to hurry to the destination, and trees in the forced…NTSB LAX98FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · El Cajon, CAThe solo student's failure to see and follow the other aircraft on the downwind as he had been instructed. Factors influencing this accident was the failure of the pilots in the other aircraft to see and avoid the aircraft encroaching on his flight path; the…NTSB DCA98RA009Accident · 9 fatalForeign investigationBell UH-1H · La Palma, PanamaNTSB CHI98FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172E · Topeka, KSthe pilot's improper use of carburetor heat. Contributing factors were carburetor icing conditions, dark night conditions, and the transmission wire.NTSB LAX98FA043Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · La Jolla, CAthe pilot's act of suicide by intentionally diving his aircraft into the ocean.NTSB IAD98FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · New Dover, OHThe pilot's attempted VFR flight into instrument conditions and the loss of aircraft ctontrol subsequent to the pilot's spatial disorientation. Contributing factors were low ceilings, snow and the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing, as…NTSB FTW98FA056Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Royse City, TXThe pilot's impairment due to drugs, and his ensuing failure to maintain minimum required airspeed for flight, which resulted in a stall/spin. A factors was the loss of power to both engines due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper use of…NTSB LAX98LA038Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAdams Sonerai II · Kingman, AZThe complete loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor in the accident was the rough nature of the landing site terrain.NTSB MIA98LA033Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Sparta, TNThe pilot's inadequate preflight and inflight decision and his inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors are self induced pressure, mountainous terrain, and low clouds.NTSB LAX98FA039Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20 · Big Bear, CAVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (VMC), which led to spatial disorientation, loss of aircraft control, and an uncontrolled descent into terrain. Related factors were: the adverse weather conditions, the pilot's lack of…NTSB FTW98FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Johnson City, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance. Factors were the low ceilings, dark night light conditions, and the pilot's lack of visible horizon in the unpopulated area.NTSB ATL98FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B100 · Madison, MSthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to spatial disorientation. A related factor was: the instrument weather conditions.NTSB MIA98LA031Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-6-6 · Elberta, ALa passenger's inadvertent encounter with a rotating propeller.NTSB ANC98MA008Accident · 8 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Barrow, AKThe pilot's disregard for lateral fuel loading limits, his improper removal of frost prior to takeoff, and the resulting inadvertent stall/spin. Factors involved in this accident were the improper asymmetrical fuel loading which reduced lateral aircraft…NTSB FTW98FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Myton, UTThe pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane which resulted in an in-flight airframe overload failure. A related factor was the dark night.NTSB ATL98FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Hamilton, GAVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from mountainous terrain. Related factors were: darkness, adverse weather conditions, and the pilot's self induced pressure…NTSB LAX98GA029Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 182R · Markleeville, CAthe pilot-passenger's failure to maintain sufficient altitude and airspeed to avoid collision with terrain, and the pilot-in-command's diverted attention and failure to recognize a deteriorating situation in time to effect a safe recovery.NTSB CHI98LA029Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Robinson, ILthe pilot's improper decision to continue flight into adverse weather conditions The low ceiling and the heavy rain were factors.NTSB CHI98FA031Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Lynn, INthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in the inflight separation of the wings, vertical stabilizer/rudder, and the stabilator. Factors associated with the accident the pilot continued the flight into known adverse weather and…NTSB MIA98LA018Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSaldairiaga Buccaneer II · Clermont, FLfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB NYC98FA024Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-150 · Fitchburg, MAThe flight instructor's inadequate in-flight decision and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a loss of control. Contributing was the flight instructor's failure to follow standard practices while simulating and practicing emergency…NTSB DCA98RA008Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 234 · Comox Lake, CanadaNTSB CHI98GA025Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportAerospatiale AS350B · Frankfort, ILthe pilot in command misjudged the clearance with the terrain during a dark night maneuvering approach to a runway. A related factor was the dark night conditions.NTSB CHI98FA028Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE 58 · New Berlin, ILA loss of engine power due to separation of the left engine's number 2 connecting rod as a result of fatigue failure. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB SEA98LA009Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Midvale, IDThe student pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the pole. A factor contributing to the accident was the pole.NTSB LAX98FA031Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206B · Markleeville, CAthe pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the excessive gross weight of the airplane, the high density altitude, and the…NTSB ATL98FA008Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Tampa, FLThe pilot's failure to follow the landing checklist and extend the landing gear for landing, and his failure to maintain VMC during a go-around. Factors were: the pilot's diverted attention due to a non-stabilized instrument approach and his lack of recent…NTSB SEA98LA008Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeckham RV-4 · Scio, ORThe pilot-in-command's loss of control of the aircraft for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC98FA020Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172E · Elkton, VAThe pilot's intention VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors were clouds and mountainous/hilly terrain..NTSB LAX98FA022Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportExtra Flugzeugbau EA-300 · Castaic, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during an aerobatic maneuver.NTSB FTW98FA031Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · Hazen, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors were the pilot's lack of total experience in the make and model of aircraft, the pilot's lack of total night flight experience, and the dark night conditions,NTSB MIA98FA015Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Rabun Gap, GAThe pilot's continued flight under visual flight rules into known instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain a safe altitude for terrain clearance resulting in the aircraft colliding with trees and the ground on the side of a mountain.NTSB CHI98FA022Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Emporia, KSThe pilot's failure to maintain an altitude above the minimum descent altitude for the approach. Factors contributing to this accident were the low ceiling, rain, and fog.NTSB SEA98LA007Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185A · Damascus, ORfailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from terrain. Factors relating to the accident included: darkness, and hilly/mountainous terrain.NTSB ANC98FA006Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Juneau, AKThe pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather. Related factors were the low ceilings, mountainous terrain, and self induced pressure by the pilot to complete the flight and return for the evening.NTSB FTW98FA028Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportWeatherly 620B · Cee Vee, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power lines during an aerial application flight.NTSB NYC98FA017Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportExtra Flugzeugbau EA-200 · Radnor, OHThe failure of the pilot to obtain the proper altitude/clearance above the terrain, to perform an aerobatic maneuver. A factor was the pilot's lack of total experience in make and model.NTSB NYC98FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Morgantown, WVThe loss of engine power due to carburetor ice and the pilot's failure to follow ATC instructions during the emergency descent.NTSB FTW98FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Deming, NMThe loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. Contributing was unsuitable terrain consisting of high vegetation and sand.