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 CHI97LA233Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAlbrecht SEA REY · Brighton, MILoss of engine power due to a failed exhaust valve oil seal, and fouled spark plugs.NTSB SEA97FA178Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Clackamas, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed in a steep turn and his concurrent failure to maintain adequate altitude, resulting in an accelerated stall at an altitude insufficient for recovery. Factors include the pilot's intentional low altitude flight…NTSB MIA97WA220Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172K · Normans Cay, BahamasNTSB LAX97FA259Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-85 · Bullhead City, AZimproper judgement of the pilot by intentionally performing low level maneuvers, and his misjudgment of a level-off over water.NTSB FTW97FA292Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F35 · Richards, MOThe pilot's continued flight into adverse weather and the loss of aircraft control which resulted in the aircraft exceeding its design stress limits. Factors were the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing and the adverse weather.NTSB FTW97FA286Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDurbin Glasair R · Chama, NMflight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude and/or clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the low ceiling, rain, fog, and high/mountainous terrain.NTSB FTW97FA285Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAyres S2R-T15 · Oakridge, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI97LA231Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStratton Challenger II · Bellaire, MIfailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff. The gusty wind condition was a related factor.NTSB SEA97WA180Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28 · Nelson, CanadaNTSB SEA97LA177Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182G · Big Creek, IDThe flightcrew's failure to maintain clearance from trees. A factor was trees north of the departure end of the airstrip.NTSB MIA97FA219Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Gainesville, GAloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). Factors relating to the accident were: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing, and obstructions (trees and building) that were encountered during the emergency landing.NTSB MIA97FA217Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream American AA-5B · Naples, FLleaking fuel cap(s), due to inadequate maintenance/repair, which resulted in water contamination of the fuel; inadequate preflight by the flight crew; and improper planning/decision by the flight crew. Factors relating to the accident were: high obstructions…NTSB LAX97FA334Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNavion G · Gabbs, NVThe pilot's attempted visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in his spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. A contributing factor was his overconfidence in his personal ability.NTSB CHI97LA221Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGoble RV-4 · Rosemount, MNthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff, which resulted in a stall/spin and collision with the terrain. His excessive climb rate after takeoff was a related factor.NTSB IAD97LA102Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLardas Renegade Spirit · Boonsboro, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain control of his homebuilt airplane during a low level maneuver after a loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons. A factor in the accident was the pilot's alcohol impairment.NTSB SEA97LA172Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Pingree, IDThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the power lines. A contributing factor was the unmarked power lines.NTSB FTW97LA275Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEichman Aerobat III · Brownsville, TXinadequate design by the pilot/builder/designer. Related factors were: the porpoise that was encountered by the pilot during the takeoff, and the subsequent jammed rudder.NTSB FTW97FA274Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHillam Rans S-9 · Mckinney, TXloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in a stall and collision with the terrain.NTSB CHI97FA220Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B-60 · Springfield, MOThe pilot's fuel mismanagement and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in fuel exhaustion followed by the loss of power in one engine and the loss of aircraft control. Contributing was the pilot's failure to refuel the aircraft, the…NTSB CHI97FA218Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Chicago, ILthe pilots not maintaining visual separation between their airplanes. A factor in this accident was the pilot of the southbound airplane not reporting her position abeam the airport as directed by the ATC controller.NTSB LAX97FA253Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Placerville, CAA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX97FA241Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Panamint Spring, CAfailure of the pilot to attain a proper touchdown point for landing, and his delay in initiating a go-around. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's attempt to land at the wrong airport, uphill slope of the runway, high density altitude, and…NTSB FTW97FA269Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Sarepta, LAThe pilot's impairment (drugs) resulting in his becoming disoriented and the ensuing loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Factors were the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing and the inaccurate navigation chart.NTSB NYC97FA144Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Seaside Heights, NJfailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above water, while maneuvering over the ocean during a dark moonless night. Related factors were: darkness, the pilot's probable illusion of altitude, spatial disorientation, and lack of…NTSB CHI97FA208Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Gary, INthe pilot's not obtaining/maintaining airspeed which resulted in a stall.NTSB FTW97FA262Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportRyan Navion B · Garfield, COfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, during a turn to reverse direction, which resulted in a stall and collision with a pole and a building. High density altiitude was a related factor.NTSB NYC97FA139Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5B · Jones Beach, NYVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain (water). Related factors were: the adverse weather…NTSB LAX97GA235Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell BHT-206L-1 · Highland, CALoss of engine power due to fuel contamination. Also causal was the ingestion of entrapped air that occurred during an abrupt maneuver and fuel-borne contamination that caused the fuel system check valves to leak, resulted in a lower than expected fuel level…NTSB CHI97LA197Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Middleville, MIfuel contamination, due to improper servicing of the aircraft; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to land, which resulted in a inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. The pilot's failure to ensure a proper…NTSB CHI97FA196Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20A · White Bear, MNpilot incapacitation due to a stroke.NTSB FTW97FA249Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth VENTUS-2B · Hobbs, NMThe pilot's failure to select an off-field landing site with sufficient time/altitude to perform the landing which led to his failure to maintain airspeed. A factor was the unfavorable wind.NTSB CHI97LA194Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Karlin, MIthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his resultant improper planning/decision, and his inadequate visual lookout while buzzing, which resulted in failure to see-and-avoid the top (ground/static) wires of an electrical power line.NTSB ANC97FA099Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 · Skwentna, AKa loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the no.1 exhaust push rod. Factors contributing to the accident were: insufficient information on pushrod inspection and overhaul from the manufacturer, unsuitable terrain available for landing, and the…NTSB ANC97FA097Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32 · Skagway, AKjamming/failure of the left magneto impulse coupling, which stopped rotation of the magneto gear, and resulted in subsequent shearing of the accessory intermediate idler gear. Factors relating to the accident were: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced…NTSB IAD97FA095Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Penobscot, METhe pilot's flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in the loss of control. Factors relating to the accident were the fog and the pilot's lack of an instrument rating.NTSB CHI97FA200Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · St. Paul, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. Related factors were the pilot's diverted attention and gusty wind conditions.NTSB ATL97FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing Stearman B75N1 · Locust Grove, GAThe inadvertent stall encountered by the pilot after experiencing an in-flight cylinder head separation.NTSB MIA97LA202Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDFL Holdings Tango · Keystone, FLan in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB ANC97FAMS1Accident · 4 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 182F · Talkeetna, AKUndetermined.NTSB LAX97FA225Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R172K · Moreno Valley, CAThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his attempt to climb through a low stratus cloud layer while in mountainous/hilly terrain. The pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing, the weather, and the terrain were…NTSB ATL97FA090Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35-C33A · Lugoff, SCimproper fuel management by the pilot by not positioning the fuel selector to the fullest tank for landing, which resulted in fuel starvation, loss of engine power, and a forced landing. Trees in the emergency landing area were a factor.NTSB ANC97FA092Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207A · Nome, AKThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from an obstruction (antenna tower). Factors in the accident were low ceilings and visibility, and the pilot's lack of familiarity with…NTSB NYC97LA125Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportShafer SONERAI-I · W.Hampton Beach, NYfailure of the number two pilot (N77TY) to follow race procedures, and failure of the number three pilot (N20CS) to turn and avoid the number two airplane, when it decelerated into the number three pilot's blind spot.NTSB LAX97FA286Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Cuyama, CAundetermined.NTSB SEA97FA148Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 77 · Cottage Grove, ORFuel exhaustion resulting from the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a forced landing approach, resulting in a stall. A related factor was the pilot's failure to refuel.NTSB MIA97LA192Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportUnknown Kolb Firestar II · Orlando, FLInadvertent stall by the pilot while turning from the upwind to the crosswind leg. Contributing to the accident was the pilots lack of total experience in the make and model airplane.NTSB MIA97FA188Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 77 · Fort Lauderdale, FLloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), and failure of the student pilot to remain clear of obstructions, while attempting to make a forced landing.NTSB SEA97LA147Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWolf Smith M/P DSA-1 · Bend, ORAn inflight propeller blade separation, and a subsequent evasive turn to avoid traffic by the pilot at an inadequate airspeed resulting in an accelerated stall. Factors were excessive power output of the installed engine, an aircraft taking off in the…NTSB LAX97LA218Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369HS · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)The unapproved field modification of the cyclic trim switch, including the use of non-standard parts, which resulted in a hard-over lateral trim failure, and the pilot's subsequent failure to maintain control of the helicopter during a landing approach. A…NTSB LAX97FA217Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 31-310 · San Diego, CAThe loss of power in the left engine for undetermined reasons and the pilot's subsequent failure to maintain minimum single-engine control airspeed. A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to fly with known deficiencies in the equipment.