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 CHI97FA058Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Cottage Grove, MNfailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during an ILS approach. Factors relating to the accident were: the IFR weather conditions, the pilot's lack of recent instrument experience, and the pilot's lack of familiarity in flying the accident…NTSB CHI97FA056Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210N · Highland, MIin-flight breakup of the airplane for undetermined reason(s).NTSB SEA97FA049Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7-GCBC · Creswell, ORthe pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the aircraft, while recovering from a spin, which resulted in failure and separation of the right wing tip and adjacent wing fabric (skin).NTSB IAD97FA043Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-236 · Alton, NHAn exhaust gas leak, due to inadequate maintenance, which resulted in carbon monoxide poisoning, and incapacitation of the pilot.NTSB MIA97FA063Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Okeechobee, FLthe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct a VFR flight into instrument meteorological flight conditions. The weather was a factor.NTSB LAX97FA089Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Mt San Jacinto, CAcontinued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain proper altitude or clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the high/mountainous terrain, and the adverse weather…NTSB NYC97FA043Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Collegeville, PAThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing, which resulted in a stall and collision with the ground. A contributing factor was wind gusts.NTSB LAX97FA086Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEnstrom F28A · Saipan Island, Sarkloss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, resulting from improper planning/decision; and the pilot's abrupt handling of the flight controls, while maneuvering to avoid swimmers, which resulted in main rotor blade contact with the tail boom. A related…NTSB DCA97MA017Accident · 29 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportEmbraer EMB-120RT · Monroe, MIThe Federal Aviation Adminstration's (FAA) failure to establish adequate aircraft certification standards for flight in icing conditions, the FAA's failure to ensure that at Centro Tecnico Aeroespacial/FAA-approved procedure for the accident airplane's deice…NTSB SEA97FA044Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Winston, MTPilot incapacitation due to hypoxia. Failure of the pilot to use available oxygen is a factor.NTSB MIA97GA059Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAyres S2RHG-T65 · Guaviare, Colombiathe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB SEA97FA043Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R · Fort Smith, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Factors include the pilot inadvertently becoming lost/disoriented, the dark night (minimum ambient light), and mountainous/hilly terrain.NTSB IAD97FA039Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerostar 601P · Chesapeake, VAfailure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude/clearance above the ground after takeoff. A related factor was the pilot's self-induced pressure to depart before the arrival of bad weather.NTSB SEA97FA041Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Cambridge, IDthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Flight into adverse weather and turbulence were factors.NTSB MIA97FA057Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Edenton, NCthe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors in this accident were: fog, the low ceiling, and the dark night.NTSB IAD97FA038Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Bittinger, MDVFR flight by the noninstrumented-rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which lead to spatial disorientation of the pilot, his loss of aircraft control, and an uncontrolled collision with the terrain. Factors relating to the accident…NTSB MIA97LA052Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSirocco Flying Club MJ 5 · Sanford, FLfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering in the traffic pattern (crosswind) after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, uncontrolled descent, and collision with terrain.NTSB MIA97FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Goldsboro, NCThe pilot's failure to follow instrument approach procedures during numerous instrument approaches and missed approaches which resuled in a total loss of engine power on both engines due to fuel exhaustion. Factors contributing to the accident were: the…NTSB ATL97FA030Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Pensacola, FLThe pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply that resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was low ceilings.NTSB ATL97FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Roxboro, NCfailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane, due to spatial disorientation. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's use of an unapproved drug, low ceiling, restricted visibility (fog), and an undetermined anomaly with the vacuum system.NTSB MIA97FA047Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7GCBC · Fort Lauderdale, FLIntentional aerobatics at too low an altitude that did not allow for recovery from an intentional maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the operation of the airplane at an overgross weight condition.NTSB FTW97FA073Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Brackettville, TXfailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude and/or clearance from terrain, while on a cross-country flight at night. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, the prevailing low ceilings, and mountainous/hilly terrain.NTSB NYC97LA037Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRichardson Kitfox 4 · Trenton, MEfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering after takeoff, which resulted in a stall/spin and an uncontrolled descent into terrain. The airplane's excessive gross weight was a related factor.NTSB NYC97FA194Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLearjet 35A · Dorchester, NHThe captain's failure to maintain situational awareness, which resulted in the airplane being outside the confines of the instrument approach; and the crew's misinterpretation of a step-down fix passage, which resulted in an early descent into rising terrain.…NTSB LAX97FA075Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · San Diego, CAThe failure of the pilot-in-command of the Piper PA-28, N943R, to maintain an adequate visual lookout to see and avoid the Cessna 150, N63137. A factor in the accident was the failure of the air traffic controller to issue a traffic advisory to the pilot…NTSB MIA97FA043Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportForney F-1 · Middleburg, FLVFR flight by the noninstrument-rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in spatial disorientation and an uncontrolled descent into a wooded area. Factors relating to the accident were: failure of the pilot to obtain a…NTSB LAX97LA071Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFarhat RV6A · Julian, CAflight by the pilot into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted in the accumulation of airframe ice and an inability to maintain clearance (proper altitude) from mountainous terrain. Moderate to severe icing conditions in clouds, turbulence, and…NTSB LAX97FA070Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Lucerne Valley, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed after encountering turbulence, low level wind shear, and an open door.NTSB DCA97MA016Accident · 6 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportDouglas DC-8-63F · Narrows, VAthe inappropriate control inputs applied by the flying pilot during a stall recovery attempt, the failure of the nonflying pilot-in-command to recognize, address, and correct these inappropriate control inputs, and the failure of ABX to establish a formal…NTSB IAD97LA034Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Beverly, MAloss 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 subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB FTW97FA067Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Chacon, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude and clearance from the high, mountainous terrain. Factors were; high wind, turbulence, and mountain wave conditions.NTSB NYC97FA030Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 425 · Bohemia, NYthe pilot's early descent to decision height and his failure to perform the missed approach procedure. A factor was the failure of air traffic control to issue a safety advisory.NTSB MIA97FA040Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Birmingham, ALfailure of the pilot to follow emergency procedures and feather the malfunctioning engine, which led to a forced landing and subsequent collision with a chimney (residence) and the terrain. His lack of recent experience in make/model of aircraft was a related…NTSB DCA97WA014Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBell 206B · Madrid, SpainNTSB SEA97FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Eagle Point, ORThe failure of the first pilot (flight instructor) to initiate proper aircraft control, and his failure to perform the adequate remedial action to recover from an intentional inverted spin.NTSB IAD97FA032Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMbb BO-105CBS · Penn Yan, NYthe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's diverted attention to the GPS, darkness, low ceiling, rising terrain, and high wind condition.NTSB DCA97WA068Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationSikorsky S-76B · Omeath Ireland, IrelandNTSB ANC97LA014Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 · Ketchikan, AKthe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with terrain (water). A factor associated with the accident was the gusty wind condition.NTSB MIA97LA036Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 18G · Roosevelt Roads, PRThe pilot's improper planning/decision concerning separation of the left engine cowling. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's failure to perform weight and balance calculations, and/or to ensure the airplane was loaded in accordance with company…NTSB IAD97LA031Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Wellsville, NYDescent below the published minimum descent altitude followed by collision with the surrounding terrain.NTSB SEA97LA035Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G · Pendleton, ORThe pilot-in-command's attempt to conduct visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance with hilly terrain. A contributing factor in the accident was the presence of fog.NTSB SEA97FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportDouglas DC-3C · Boise, IDA fire within the right engine compartment of undetermined cause and the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed above the aircraft's minimum control speed. A factor contributing to the accident was the dark night environmental conditions.NTSB SEA97FA033Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B36TC · Jackson, WYfailure of the pilot to follow IFR procedures. High terrain, low ceiling, icing conditions, and a possible anomaly with the VOR were related factors.NTSB NYC97LA026Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportParker Mustang · Port Norris, NJThe student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed.NTSB MIA97FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D-45 · Poplarville, MSthe noninstrument-rated pilot's intentional operation of the airplane with known deficiencies in equipment (inoperative attitude indicator and directional gyro) with an estimated time of arrival after official twilight. Also, poor in-flight planning decision…NTSB LAX97FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Lake Tahoe, CAthe pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather and improper in-flight planning and decision making.NTSB ATL97FA092Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Charleston, SCThe noninstrument-rated pilot's failure to remain clear of instrument meteorological conditions which led to spatial disorientation and loss of aircraft control. A factor was the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing.NTSB MIA97FA031Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32-300D · Reform, ALa complete loss of engine power due to a total failure of both magnetos, and the failure of the pilot-in-command to insure that the airplane was airworthy. The dark night and unsuitable terrain were factors.NTSB CHI97WA039Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLearjet 36 · Stephenville, IrelandNTSB SEA97LA036Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA18-135 · Cohagen, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. Factors were the intentional flight at a low altitude and the over gross condition of the airplane.