Fatal NTSB investigations
180,630 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,609 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 ERA23FA188Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMiller Glenn F RV-12 · Climax, NCThe airplane owner/builder’s inappropriate use of a lower grade fuel than that required by the airplane and engine operations manual, which resulted in engine detonation and the degradation and eventual obliteration of the Nos. 1 and 2 cylinder spark plug…NTSB ERA23FA185Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Sebastian, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA23FA182Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Jesup, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in a loss of control while maneuvering for a visual landing in low ceiling and low visibility conditions. Contributing to the…NTSB ERA23FA181Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32R · Venice, FLThe pilot’s decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into dark night conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation during the initial climb and subsequent steep banking descent into water.NTSB GAA23WA141Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R44 · Middlemount, AustraliaNTSB WPR23FA141Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Oxbow, ORThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in airframe ice accretion and a subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB GAA23WA120Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA28 · Prosperpine, AustraliaNTSB ERA23FA175Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAirbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 · Chelsea, ALThe pilot’s delayed corrective inputs while maneuvering, which resulted in a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of multiple sedating medications.NTSB WPR23FA138Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAerotrike Cobra · Santa Teresa, NMThe pilot’s exceedance of the aircraft’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN23FA144Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportZenith Stol CH701 · Oxford, MSAn in-flight collision with trees and terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB GAA23WA108Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignGrumman G164 · Comercial, UruguayNTSB CEN23FA142Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Port Allen, LAThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and the loss of aircraft control.NTSB ERA23FA164Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Johns Island, SCThe pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s degraded judgement and…NTSB ERA23FA163Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLarry F Preiss AR-1 · Gainesville, GAThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and his failure to detect water-contaminated fuel that resulted in a loss of engine power and subsequent impact with a wire and terrain during an attempted forced landing.NTSB ANC23FA031Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 407 · Nuevo, CAThe pilot’s decision to maneuver in a steep bank at a low altitude, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance with terrain.NTSB WPR23FA137Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182S · Alcova, WYThe airplane’s encounter with low level wind shear associated with moderate turbulence, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.NTSB GAA23WA100Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignDiamond DA40 · Gondia, IndiaNTSB GAA23WA104Accident · 4 fatalClass 4 · ForeignRobinson R44 · Sao Paulo, BrazilNTSB CEN23FA139Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 58P · Lubbock, TXThe pilot’s failure to ensure a proper fuel selector position before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of left engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after the loss of left engine…NTSB GAA23WA093Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson 44 · Boro Area, Okavango Delta, BotswanaNTSB GAA23WA095Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · ForeignCessna 182 · Belo Horizonte, BrazilNTSB WPR23FA122Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRockwell International S-2R · Willows, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while flying under multiple conductors during a low-altitude aerial application flight, which resulted in propeller contact with a powerline and a subsequent loss of control.NTSB WPR23FA143Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna T182T · Queets, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA23FA142Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper J3C · Winter Haven, FLThe failure of both flight crews to see and avoid each other while operating in the airport environment.NTSB CEN23FA125Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Port O'Connor, TXThe pilot’s initiation of the visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of helicopter control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s flicker vertigo during the flight.NTSB ERA23FA138Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 · West Palm Beach, FLThe pilots’ exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack following a go-around/low pass over the runway, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.NTSB ERA23FA137Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Lindenhurst, NYAn in-flight fire due to a compromised oil pressure line fitting, which resulted in a collision with terrain during a subsequent emergency landing.NTSB ERA23FA136Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Blue Ridge, GAA loss of engine power due to fuel starvation due to the improper positioning of the fuel selector.NTSB GAA23WA096Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPitts S1S · Trenque Lauquen, ArgentinaNTSB GAA23WA090Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignAir Tractor AT402 · Fazenda Juína, Juína - MT, BrazilNTSB ERA23LA135Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · LimitedFinal reportBombardier BD-100-1A10 · Windsor Locks, CTThe flight crew’s failure to remove the right side pitot probe cover before flight, their decision to depart with a No-Go advisory message following an aborted takeoff, and their selection of the incorrect non-normal checklist in flight, which resulted in an…NTSB GAA23WA118Accident · 4 fatalClass 5 · ForeignSud Aviation/Eurocopter Alouette II SE313B · Mangsee Island, PhilippinesNTSB GAA23WA087Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 208 · Nakina, CanadaNTSB ERA23FA131Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150G · Hillsville, VAThe pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR23MA113Accident · 5 fatalClass 2 · MajorFinal reportPilatus PC-12/45 · Stagecoach, NVThe pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation while operating in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the disengagement of the autopilot for undetermined reasons, as…NTSB ERA23FA130Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Duluth, MNA rapid descent and subsequent collision with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB CEN23FA113Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech B200 · Little Rock, ARThe loss of control during initial climb for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident were the sudden wind shifts during the initial climb.NTSB WPR23FA110Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportWillman Loren LOREN'S Aircam · Grass Valley, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at an altitude too low for recovery.NTSB GAA23WA119Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R44 · Checkhov, RussiaNTSB GAA23WA082Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson 44 · Xian, ChinaNTSB WPR23LA112Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportStar Lite SL1 · Corning, CAThe student pilot’s loss of airplane control during an intentional aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an inflight separation of the left wing and subsequent impact with the terrain.NTSB GAA23WA071Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 172H · San Francisco, GuatemalaNTSB GAA23WA072Accident · 2 fatalClass 4 · ForeignRobinson R44 · Vargem Alta, BrazilNTSB CEN23FA095Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Hooker, OKThe pilot’s decision to depart and continue the visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.NTSB GAA23WA091Accident · 6 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 206 · Barangay Ditarum, PhilippinesNTSB CEN23LA093Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · Indianapolis, INThe pilot’s intentional flight into terrain as an act of suicide.NTSB ERA23FA113Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · North Castle, NYThe pre-ignition/detonation damage to the No. 4 piston for reasons that could not be determined, which allowed the crankcase to become pressurized and resulted in oil exhaustion and subsequent catastrophic internal engine failure.NTSB WPR23FA092Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 414 · Modesto, CAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and failure to maintain proper airspeed during a turn to final, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction…NTSB CEN23FA084Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46 · Yoakum, TXThe pilot’s spatial disorientation during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which led to an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN23FA079Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-301T · Kingfisher, OKAn oil leak of undetermined origin that resulted in an in-flight engine compartment fire and subsequent loss of airplane control.