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 ATL98FA002Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Kennesaw, GAthe pilot's improper emergency procedures and subsequent loss of aircraft control, while attempting to maneuver for a precautionary landing. A factor relating to the accident was: partial loss of power in one or both engines for undetermined reason(s).NTSB FTW98FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Morton, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.NTSB LAX98FA008Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAdrian Davis LONG-EZ · Pacific Grove, CAthe pilot's diversion of attention from the operation of the airplane and his inadvertent application of right rudder that resulted in the loss of airplane control while attempting to manipulate the fuel selector handle. Also, the Board determined that the…NTSB MIA98FA010Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Knoxville, TNfailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane, while climbing after takeoff, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with the water.NTSB LAX98FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7ECA · Tracy, CAThe pilot's low operating altitude and his failure to maintain appropriate clearance during low level maneuvering flight. Contributing factors were transmission wires and the physical impairment that resulted from the effects of the over-the-counter…NTSB IAD98FA005Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Sago, WVThe improper overhaul of the turbine governor by the manufacturer, which resulted in the loss of power.NTSB CHI98LA014Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Terre Haute, INThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around attempt which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB SEA98FA001Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Leadore, IDthe pilot's inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from wooded terrain in the area where he was maneuvering. Factors relating to the accident include: darkness, low ceiling, and high/mountainous…NTSB NYC98FA009Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Morganville, NJThe inadequate maintenance by the flying club and maintenance facility, which resulted in a takeoff with a partially blocked fuel injector nozzle and the failure of the landing gear to retract after takeoff. This resulted in the pilot's diverted attention and…NTSB LAX98FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchweizer 2-32 · Warner Springs, CAthe pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions after inadvertently encountering mountain wave and associated downdraft conditions. The obscuration and high/mountainous terrain were related factors.NTSB LAX98FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Julian, CAThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning which resulted in VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and the loss of aircraft control. Contributing was the pilot's overconfidence in his ability, clouds, and rain.NTSB DCA98RA003Accident · 75 fatalForeign investigationMcDonnell Douglas DC-9-32 · Nuevo Berlin, UruguayNTSB DCA98WA004Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationBeech BE-200 · Banjul, GambiaNTSB DCA98MA002Accident · 9 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Montrose, COthe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed for undetermined reasons while maneuvering the airplane near the maximum gross weight and aft cg in or near instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in the loss of control and entry into a stall/spin.…NTSB MIA98FA007Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35-C33A · Robbins, NCfailure of the pilots in both aircraft to see-and-avoid each other's airplane (inadequate visual lookout), and failure of the Beech pilot to operate his airplane at a correct Visual Flight Rules (VFR) cruising altitude for his route of flight.NTSB CHI98FA010Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 100-180 · Auburn, NEthe pilot misjudged distance/altitude to the runway, while on final approach to land, allowing the airplane to get too low and collide with a truck. A related factor was: the proximity of the truck (and highway) to the runway.NTSB DCA98WA001Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationZhuhai Helicopter S-76A · Wenzho, ChinaNTSB ANC98LA001Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-160 · Sterling, AKUndetermined.NTSB ANC97FA159Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 · Ketchikan, AKThe pilot's excessive climb and turning maneuver at low altitude, the pilot's inadvertent stall, and the intentional operation of the airplane with the required stall warning system disabled. Factors associated with this accident were the pilot's…NTSB IAD97FA123Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFairchild Hiller FH-1100 · Pittsfield, MAThe first pilot's improper procedures for an autorotation, and improper flare which resulted in a hard landing. Also causal was the second pilot's inadequate remedial action.NTSB CHI97LA304Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Brooklyn, MIfailure of the pilot to see-and-avoid the transmission wires (inadequate visual lookout, and failing to maintain sufficient altitude and clearance from the obstruction).NTSB LAX97FA331Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Sandy Valley, NVthe pilot's intentional VFR flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from mountainous/hilly terrain. Related factors were: the high/mountainous/hilly terrain, and the adverse weather condition (low…NTSB LAX97FA330Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRyan Navion B · Pacoima, CAthe dual student's improper positioning of the fuel selector and the CFI's inadequate supervision, which led to a takeoff with the auxiliary fuel tank selected and resulted in fuel starvation. A contributing factor was the position of the nomenclature on the…NTSB ANC97FA155Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207A · Twin Hills, AKImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude over mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident were downdraft conditions, mountainous/hilly terrain, and the use of over-the-counter medications.NTSB CHI97FA300Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech T34B · Fremont, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. Also causal was the pilot's ostentatious display.NTSB SEA97FA215Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Bremerton, WAThe pilot's misjudgment of distance and altitude from the runway, and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were dark night conditions, the pilot's improper decision to conduct the flight at night,…NTSB NYC97WA191Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBellanca 17-30A · BelgiumNTSB NYC97FA186Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Normalville, PAthe pilot's inadequate clearance above an unlighted ridgeline in clouds and fog at night, and his decision to not file an IFR flight plan and his VFR flight into IMC conditions.NTSB NYC97FA185Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Glastenbury, VTthe pilot's improper decision to disregard the weather briefing and continue into adverse weather which resulted in a loss of control. The weather was a factor.NTSB IAD97FA122Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Airville, PAThe student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall/mush and subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB ATL97FA135Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182G · Lexington, TNImproper planning/decision by the pilot, which led to the fuel exhaustion, loss of engine power, and a forced landing. Trees in the emergency landing area were a related factor.NTSB LAX97FA328Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Torrance, CAThe failure of the pilot to attain and maintain adequate airspeed during the initial takeoff climb, which resulted in a stall/spin and subsequent collision with a building.NTSB ATL97LA137Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJohn W. Culp KR-2 · Greenwood, SCThe collision with the ground for undetermined reasons.NTSB FTW97LA353Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAerotek Pitts S-2A · San Marcos, TXThe pilot's loss of control while performing aerobatics resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin. A factor was the lack of altitude available for recovery.NTSB MIA97FA249Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Sebring, FLcontinued flight by the pilot into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent until impact in a lake. The adverse weather condition (thunderstorm) was a related factor.NTSB MIA97FA248Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G · Saluda, SCin-flight collision with a tree, for undetermined reason(s).NTSB SEA97LA212Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 7KCAB · Oakridge, ORThe first pilot's decision to perform a low altitude maneuver, and his subsequent failure to maintain altitude and clearance from trees during a low altitude maneuver.NTSB FTW97GA350Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBell OH-58A · Newark, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm which resulted in a loss of aircraft control.NTSB FTW97FA348Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Telluride, COfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while climbing after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and collision with terrain. Factors relating to the accident included: the pilot allowing the maximum gross weight limit of the…NTSB CHI97FA308Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · St. Ignaces, MIThe noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to depart in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB FTW97LA346Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportReilly Thorp T-18 · Wagoner, OKthe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed.NTSB FTW97FA345Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Ethel, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance. Related factors were the pilot's impairment due to alcohol and night conditions.NTSB LAX97GA325Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportBell 205A-1 · Sequim, WAthe pilot's intentional flight into known adverse weather conditions in mountainous terrain.NTSB CHI97FA293Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportKeaggy-David Skybolt · Adeline, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI97FA290Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 76 · West Lafayette, INthe inadvertent stall. A related factor was the instructor pilot's failure to ensure the elevator trim was reset for takeoff.NTSB MIA97FA242Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Coral Springs, FLThe pilot's misjudging the distance vs. altitude resulting in the collision with the water short of the intended touchdown point of the rough field. Contributing to the accident was the total loss of engine power due to failure of the No. 3 cylinder…NTSB SEA97FA206Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Horseshoe Bend, IDthe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from transmission wires. The wires were a factor.NTSB FTW97LA339Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRoddie MINI-500 · Idabel, OKThe loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons. A factor was the pilot's lack of total experience in helicopters.NTSB FTW97FA340Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182N · Montrose, COInadequate preflight and in-flight planning, preparation and decision making. A related factor was the improper use of flaps.NTSB SEA97LA204Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Jordan, MTThe pilot's inadequate remedial action during an inadvertent stall/spin entry. Factors include buzzing, a rapid pull-up, and failure to maintain proper airspeed (Vs).