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 CHI97FA283Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177B · Crump, MIContinued flight by the non-instrument rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and her failure to maintain control of the airplane, due to spatial disorientation. Related factors were the low ceiling, and the pilot's lack of instrument…NTSB SEA97LA203Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Harrah, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a transmission wire while on final approach. A factor was a 40-foot high transmission wire located approximately 20 feet from the end of the airstrip.NTSB NYC97FA178Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206B · Gilbertsville, KYThe improper repair of a float by maintenance personnel which resulted in the total failure of the float.NTSB IAD97FA117Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182E · Smithfield, RIA loss of engine power for undetermined reason, and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB CHI97LA284Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American-Aero Classics P-51D · Monroe, MIthe pilot operating the airplane with a known coolant leak, coolant exhaustion, overheating of the engine, and subsequent failure of a connecting rod, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power; and failure of the pilot to see the powerline. The…NTSB ATL97FA134Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T-6-SNJ5 · Camden, SCThe pilot's failure to take remedial action after a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, leading to a spin. Factors were the pilot's use of unapproved medication, and the FAA's inadequate certification and standards for airman.NTSB ANC97FA143Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander AC-500A · Ketchikan, AKThe rupture of the right engine fuel supply line as a result of inadequate inspection by the pilot/mechanic, and the pilot's excessive pull up which resulted in exceeding the design stress limits of the airplane. Factors were the improper emergency procedures…NTSB ATL97WA145Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna A188B · Trinidad, WNNTSB CHI97LA278Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer G-164B · Larimore, NDthe pilot delaying the swath run turnaround maneuver at the end of the field boundary, and his failure to maintain clearance between the airplane and the high tension wires. A factor was the pilot's inattentiveness regarding the time to begin the swath run…NTSB SEA97FA201Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182C · Bremerton, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed in a climbing turn at low altitude, resulting in a stall and impact with terrain. A factor was the pilot exceeding the aircraft's maximum takeoff gross weight limitation.NTSB NYC97FA173Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Hancock, MAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance and the proper altitude. Contributing was mountainous terrain.NTSB NYC97FA172Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Baptistown, NJfailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane for undetermined reason(s), while operating it at low altitude.NTSB SEA97FA196Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSouthern Aero UH-1B · Skykomish, WAA fatigue fracture in the main rotor mast, which resulted in an in flight separation of the main rotor from the helicopter. Contributing to the accident was insufficient Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness standards and requirements for the aircraft.NTSB NYC97LA171Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLorello Genesis · Columbia Statn, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed.NTSB FTW97FA330Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSouthwest Florida SW204 · Manila, ARFatigue failure of the main rotor blade resulting in the in-flight separation of the main rotor system due to the use of an unairworthy blade, and failure of the maintenance personnel who modified the rotor blade and the mechanic who complied with the…NTSB CHI97FA272Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportKellums Sonerai 1 · Scottsburg, INa loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the student pilot's failure to maintain airspeed greater than the stalling speed for the airplane. A factor relating to this accident was the student pilot's lack of total experience.NTSB NYC97FA170Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337B · Warren Township, NJthe pilot's loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons and the subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB IAD97FA112Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportClassic YMF-5 · Ocean City, MDThe pilot performed an aerobatic maneuver at a low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB ATL97LA123Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJurka P51D Mustang · Fort Pierce, FLloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s); and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while starting to maneuver for an emergency landing, which resulted in loss of aircraft control (stall) and collision with terrain.NTSB MIA97FA239Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Brownsville, TNthe pilot's inadequate preflight, and his improper in-flight planning/decision, which led to fuel exhaustion and a forced landing at night on unprepared terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, and the lack of a suitable area for an emergency…NTSB FTW97RA323Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBell 206L-1 · Arica, PeruNTSB ANC97GA126Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell BH-206B · Dillingham, AKThe pilot's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Factors associated with the accident are the pilot's failure to activate the cabin heating system, the lack of an operable windshield defogger, the pilot's overconfidence in…NTSB FTW97FA313Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B24R · Albany, TXThe flight instructor's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff/initial climb. A factor was the flight instructor's lack of experience in the make and model of aircraft.NTSB LAX97FA291Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHefner Pitts S1S · Van Nuys, CAthe operation of the propeller beyond the design rpm limitations and the resultant gyroscopic loads from aerobatics. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a required instrument panel rpm restriction for the propeller mandated by an airworthiness…NTSB LAX97FA288Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Corcoran, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain separation from ground obstacles.NTSB FTW97RA314Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationBell 412HP · Cuernavaca, MexicoNTSB MIA97FA232Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Dalton, GAthe pilot's improper IFR procedure, by failing to maintain the minimum descent altitude (MDA) during the ILS localizer approach, until the runway environment was in sight, which resulted in a collision with terrain short of the runway. Factors relating to the…NTSB CHI97FA256Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-65-A90 · Alice, TXloss of control due to the pilot's improper in-flight decision. A factor was the improper installation of the secondary low pitch stop system by the mechanic.NTSB ANC97FA121Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206G · Halibut Cove, AKThe pilot's improper evaluation of the weather conditions which led the pilot to maneuver within the confines of the lake to avoid surrounding terrain and a subsequent inadvertent stall. Factors were the terrain-induced turbulence and gusts.NTSB FTW97FA304Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164 · Wilmot, ARThe loss of engine power due to a fractured throttle cable because the cable housing prevents an inspection of the cable by maintenance personnel. Factors were the pilot's impairment due to a heart attack, the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing,…NTSB ATL97FA118Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Palm Bch Garden, FLloss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed.NTSB ATL97FA115Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Tallahassee, FLfatigue failure of the crankshaft for undetermined reasons. Related factors were: darkness, and obstructions (trees) in the emergency landing area.NTSB CHI97FAMS3Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportGrumman American AA-5 · Lower Brule, SDundetermined due to the accident airplane not being available for examination.NTSB NYC97LA163Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportElliot Monnett Moni · Hollis, NHThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall spin and collision with terrain.NTSB IAD97LA108Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRiekkenen Ryelong LE · Wurtsboro, NYThe pilot performed an aerobatic maneuver and misjudged the altitude.NTSB LAX97LA275Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5 · Monterey, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from surrounding terrain.NTSB FTW97FA302Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · Alpine, TXThe pilot's performance of aerobatics at low altitude and his failure to maintain aircraft control.NTSB DCA97MA059Accident · 5 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportDouglas DC-8-61 · Miami, FLThe airplane being misloaded to produce a more aft center of gravity and a correspondingly incorrect stabilizer trim setting that precipitated an extreme pitch-up at rotation, was (1) the failure of Fine Air to exercise operational control over the cargo…NTSB DCA97MA058Accident · 228 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBoeing 747-300 · Nimitz Hillthe captain's failure to adequately brief and execute the nonprecision approach and the first officer's and flight engineer's failure to effectively monitor and cross-check the captain's execution of the approach. Contributing to these failures were the…NTSB LAX97FA272Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · Hesperia, CAfailure of the pilot to see-and-avoid high voltage power lines, while coping with a lack of engine power during a go-around in a high density altitude condition. Factors relating to the accident were: high density altitude that resulted in a normal reduction…NTSB FTW97FA299Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Colorado Spring, COfailure of the pilot to follow IFR procedures; and his failure to maintain proper altitude, while executing a missed approach from an attempted ILS approach. Related factors included: low ceiling, rain, fog, the pilot's overconfidence in his personal ability,…NTSB CHI97FA248Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportValley Adventurers Adventurer 333 · Fond Du Lac, WIThe kit manufacturer's use of inadequate material in construction of the airplane, his inadequate application of quality controls resulting in the debonding of the horizontal stabilizer. Factors were the total loss of the horizontal stabilizer, the elevator,…NTSB SEA97LA182Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Vancouver, WAAircraft control was not maintained. Continued operation with known deficiencies in equipment and movement restrictions to an exhaust valve were factors.NTSB NYC97FA159Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Danbury, CTThe pilot's failure to takeoff with the fuel selector in the full on position, which resulted in fuel starvation. Also causal was the pilot's improper in-flight decision to attempt a 180 degree turn back to the runway, which resulted in the inadvertent…NTSB CHI97FA252Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 76 · New Richmond, WIThe certified flight instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action and the flight crew's lack of aircraft control. A factor was loss of control while maneuvering downwind by one of the pilot's.NTSB CHI97FA245Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPeck Osprey 2 · Poygen, WIA loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons.NTSB SEA97FA181Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAvian Magnum IX · Donald, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree that was located on the edge of the field in which he was attempting to land.NTSB MIA97WA226Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 757-200 · Lima, PeruNTSB CHI97LA239Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBriegleb BG-12A · Superior, WIthe separation of the wing from the glider for undetermined reasons.NTSB FTW97FA295Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLancair 320 · Dillon, COthe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) conditions, and failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: low ceiling, rain, and…