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 SEA97FA075Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Dillon, MTflight by the pilot into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintaint altitude/clearance from terrain. The adverse weather condition was a related factor.NTSB LAX97LA131Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportZenair 601 · Penn Valley, CALoss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Factors in the accident were the pilot's lack of recent experience, lack of experience in the type aircraft, and physical impairment due to drugs.NTSB FTW97LA136Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Swifton, ARthe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision and failure to maintain positive control of the airplane, while performing an aerobatic maneuver.NTSB FTW97FA135Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTeschendorf Cassutt Sport · Stilwell, OKfailure of the right wing spar and/or debonding of the right wing skin, which resulted in separation of the wing skin and a portion of the right wing, during high speed flight. Factors related to the accident were: previous wing damage and inadequate…NTSB FTW97FA130Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421 · League City, TXThe pilot's failure to refuel the airplane which resulted in the loss of power to the right engine due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the single engine landing approach which resulted in a stall/spin.NTSB LAX97LA127Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPassadori Norman Breezy · Gilroy, CAThe pilot's delayed decision to reverse course while climbing into rising terrain, and his failure to maintain an adequate airspeed margin which resulted in a stall/mush into trees and terrain.NTSB LAX97FA126Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-160 · Bagdad, AZfailure of the pilot to obtain and/or maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff/initial climb, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. High density altitude was a related factor.NTSB FTW97LA127Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402 · Pine Bluff, ARfailure of the pilot to see-and-avoid the tower. The proximity of the tower was a related factor.NTSB FTW97WA133Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28-181 · Tejupilco, MexicoNTSB MIA97FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Andrews, NCThe pilot's poor in-flight planning in attempting to maintain VFR conditions at night over mountainous terrain, and his failure to maintain clearance from the mountain. Contributing to the accident was: the pilot's inadequate preflight planning for not…NTSB LAX97FA123Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-D · Pacoima, CAimproper maintenance/installation of electrical wiring, the lack of circuit protection, and subsequent in-flight electrical fire.NTSB FTW97RA126Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 205A1 · Lofssjon, SwedenNTSB FTW97FA122Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Westminster, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance during an intentional low altitude maneuver. A factor was the transmission line.NTSB CHI97FA084Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportDouglas DC-3C/BT-67R · Newton, WIfailure of the Beech A36 pilot to maintain clearance from the modified Douglas DC-3, while positioning the A36 for photography of the DC-3.NTSB FTW97FA121Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMBB BO-105S · Lena, LAThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his subsequent loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation. Factors were the pilot not following company procedures and directives, the low ceiling, and the dark night…NTSB ATL97LA048Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBill Parson Parson 2+2 · Bunnell, FLThe owner/pilot mechanic's improper bending of the front flight control stick that resulted in an fatigue failure, and the subsequent loss of flight control.NTSB SEA97FA070Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Boise, IDthe accumulation of airframe ice on the aircraft, and the pilot's delayed remedial action after intentionally flying into forecast adverse weather conditions. The adverse weather (icing) conditions were related factors.NTSB ANC97FA031Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBuesing SX-300 · Sitka, AKthe pilot's failure to properly evaluate the presence of icing conditions, and his failure to comply with procedures to use alternate engine air in icing conditions. Factors relating to the accident were: icing (weather) conditions, the pilot's improper…NTSB NYC97FA057Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E-18S · Mabie, WVThe pilot's disregard of the preflight weather briefing for severe weather along his route of flight, and his departure into the known and forecasted severe weather. A factor in the accident was the inadequate FAA oversight of the operator, which fostered an…NTSB MIA97FA095Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Meridianville, ALthe pilot's improper decision to takeoff downwind which resulted in his failure to maintain control of the airplane. The winds were a factor.NTSB SEA97FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Salt Lake City, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed on the ILS approach, resulting in a stall. Factors included: low visibility; the pilot's selection of the improper DME for the approach; his resulting failure to attain the proper descent profile for the…NTSB MIA97WA092Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationCessna 402A · Caracas, VenezuelaNTSB MIA97LA091Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHackett Windex 1200C · Wauchula, FLfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB FTW97LA110Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Plaquemine, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude and clearance from transmission wires. Factors were, the dark night, low cloud ceiling, and fog.NTSB FTW97FA109Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportKeating Quickie II · Houston, TXThe loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as result of the pilot's improper fuel management. Factors were the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane, the dark night, the lack of cockpit lights, and the lack of suitable terrain for the pilot to…NTSB CHI97FAMS1Accident · 2 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna T210N · Chicago, ILUndetermined.NTSB MIA97WA085Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationIsrael Aircraft Industries 1124A · Guatemala City, GuatemalaNTSB LAX97GA105Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas 369D · Santee, CASpatial disorientation and temporary visual impairment that led to a loss of aircraft control as result of difficulty to light adaptivity. Contributing was the crew coordination and inadequate night flight recurrency training.NTSB LAX97LA104Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18A · Livingston, CAthe pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines. A factor was the pilot's poor judgment in conducting unwarranted low altitude maneuvering.NTSB FTW97FA103Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Farmington, NMloss of aircraft control for undetermined reason(s).NTSB MIA97WA100Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna T210 · Challao, ArgentinaNTSB LAX97FAMS2Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Avalon, CAundetermined.NTSB NYC97LA051Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180T · Caldwell, NJThe pilot's incapacitation due to a heart attack.NTSB MIA97FA082Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402C · St. ThomasThe failure of the pilot to maintain altitude while making a visual approach at night over water in black hole conditions resulting in the aircraft descending and crashing into the sea. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the pilot and operator to…NTSB CHI97FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Larchwood, IAthe noninstrument-rated pilot's takeoff into instrument meteorological conditions. The weather was a factor.NTSB ANC97FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Circle, AKinadequate preflight by the pilot; and his subsequent loss of aircraft control, during the initial climb after takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot failed to ensure that the cargo was properly secured, and he allowed the aircraft's weight…NTSB FTW97RA101Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBeech 23 · Santa Catarina, MexicoNTSB FTW97FA100Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-200 · Lone Wolf, OKthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs, his resultant improper planning/decision, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude (clearance above a lake), while performing aerobatic flight. Factors relating to the accident were: the…NTSB FTW97FA099Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 65-TC · Moriarty, NMThe pilot's failure to maitain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin. Factors were gusty winds, turbulence, a high density altitude, and the pilot's lack of total experience in the make and model of aircraft.NTSB MIA97LA077Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Monroe, NCpilot incapacitation as result of Ischemic heart disease.NTSB ATL97FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A150L · Trinity, ALfailure of the pilot to maintain flying airspeed, while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with a tree, utility line, and the ground.NTSB ANC97LA025Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Skwentna, AKThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and subsequent failure to maintain control of the airplane. Factors associated with the accident are the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, his becoming lost/disoriented, and…NTSB FTW97FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Guthrie, OKThe flight instructor's failure to obtain/maintain clearance with the power line. A factor was the sunglare from the setting sun, which could have impaired the flight instructor's ability to see the power line.NTSB ANC97FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-4A · Sparrevohn, AKloss of the right engine propeller control oil, which led to an overspeed of the right engine and propeller, and necessitated a shut-down of the right engine; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate altitude/distance from terrain during visual approach…NTSB FTW97FA092Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Mayhill, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with trees and terrain. Factors were the mountainous terrain, the snow obscuring the visibility, the dark night illumination, and the pilot's fatigue.NTSB NYC97FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172F · Conrad, PAVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and spatial disorientation of the pilot, which led to loss of aircraft control, an uncontrolled descent, and subsequent collision with wooded terrain. Factors relating to the accident…NTSB LAX97LA092Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCrane Thorp T-18 · San Diego, CAInstallation by the pilot/owner of an unairworthy check valve in the fuel system of the amateur built aircraft, which resulted in inadequate fuel flow to the engine and subsequent engine failure. A factor in the accident was the owner's operation of the…NTSB MIA97LA073Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCress Cress B-8-M (Bensen) · Williston, FLfailure of the pilot to maintain rotor rpm, while maneuvering, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.NTSB MIA97FA070Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206-B3 · Fort Lauderdale, FLThe pilot's incapacitation by carbon monoxide from undetermined sources which led to his diminished ability to see and avoid a radio tower.NTSB LAX97FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R172K · Bagdad, AZcontinued flight by the pilot into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the high/mountainous terrain and adverse weather conditions.