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 SEA96LA212Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrazier Quickie 2 · Superior, MTloss of engine power after takeoff for undetermined reason(s), and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to return to the departure airport, which resulted in a stall and collision with wooded terrain.NTSB MIA96FA229Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 680E · Lakeland, FLfailure of the pilot to maintain minimum control speed, while returning to the airport for a precautionary landing, following a reported loss of power in one engine, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and an uncontrolled collision with the terrain.…NTSB CHI96FA332Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC-12D · Bellaire, MIthe pilot's improper remedial action, while recovering from an intentional stall, which resulted in an inadvertent spin and collision with the terrain. The lack of altitude for recovery was a related factor.NTSB ANC96FA149Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7GCBC · Glennallen, AKfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering a low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and an uncontrolled collision with the terrain. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's use of a medication with sedative…NTSB NYC96FA182Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Frankford Twnsp, NJthe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation by not obtaining a preflight weather briefing, his VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft after becoming spatial disoriented.…NTSB SEA96FA209Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Wise River, MTThe pilot's attempt to fly in adverse meteorological conditions which led a loss of aircraft control. Factors contributing to the accident include: the pilot's failure to obtain the most current information of the meteorological conditions prior to departure,…NTSB FTW96FA373Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D55 · Corsicana, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain minimum control airspeed which resulted in the loss of control. Factors were the bent collar of the left main fuel tank refueling neck which resulted in fuel siphoning from the tank in flight, the pilot's failure to follow…NTSB CHI96FA327Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 23 · Tomahawk, WIthe student pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol which led to his initiation of VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and loss of control. Factors were: the dark night and the weather conditions.NTSB CHI96FA330Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGreen Castle Avid Flyer Aerobat · Oxford, IAfailure of the private pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed after takeoff, during the initial climb and turn to the crosswind leg; and a delay by the flight instructor (CFI) in taking remedial action to avoid a stall.NTSB ANC96FA141Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Eagle River, AKThe first pilot's failure to maintain sufficient distance/altitude from terrain. A box canyon and mountainous terrain are factors in the accident.NTSB FTW96FA368Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Jones, LAVFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (VMC), and failure of the pilot (PIC) to maintain control of the airplane after becoming spatially disorientation. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, the adverse weather condition (fog and…NTSB CHI96FA324Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Grosse Ile, MIthe pilot exceeding the critical angle of bank required to maintain altitude.NTSB CHI96LA325Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKarr Titan Tornado · Union Pier, MIthe pilot not obtaining/maintaining altitude/clearance. Factors were the pilot not maintaining aircraft control and intentional aerobatics.NTSB NYC96FA178Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Youngstown, OHthe pilot's delay in aborting the landing, and his failure to attain adequate airspeed to fly out of ground effect, which resulted in a stall/mush and collision with the ground. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's improper recovery from a…NTSB FTW96GA365Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Jennings, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance. Factors were the pilot's lack of recent experience in the make and model of airplane, the dark night, and fog.NTSB CHI96FA323Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGlobe GC-1B · Hampshire, ILimproper use of the mini-bike by the driver. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, the unlighted mini-bike, and insufficient standards required by the residents of the airstrip concerning use of the taxiways at night.NTSB ANC96FA139Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 206 · Yakutat, AKThe pilot's landing on the water with the landing gear inadvertently extended.NTSB CHI96FA322Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMankovich Sonerai · Jeffersonville, INinadequate maintenance and inspection of the airplane by the pilot/owner and other airframe and powerplant mechanics, which failed to assure adequate sealing of the engine firewall, and led to the pilot's incapacitation due to carbon monoxide.NTSB CHI96FA318Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35-33 · Brownsburg, INfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact on a roadway. Buzzing by the pilot was a contributing factor.NTSB MIA96FA218Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300 · Lagrange, GAthe pilot's improper procedure by not placing the fuel selector on the tank with the most fuel, which resulted in fuel starvation and a forced landing in a pasture. Contributing factors in this accident were the pilot's inadequate pre-flight and in-flight…NTSB LAX96LA315Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47-G4A · Guamloss of tail rotor control due to improper maintenance.NTSB CHI96FA314Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Medford, MNfailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane, due to spatial disorientation. Factors relating to the accident were: failure of the (primary) vacuum system and a restriction in the (standby) vacuum system.NTSB SEA96FA201Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D50 · Seattle, WAfailure of the pilot to follow proper emergency procedures (properly configure the airplane and feather the appropriate propeller) after loosing power in one engine, which resulted in his inability to maintain altitude until reaching an airport. Factors…NTSB ATL96FA123Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBurkhart Grob G-115D · Indiantown, FLfailure of maintenance personnel to rebalance the flight controls after the airplane had been repainted, which resulted in rudder flutter and in-flight breakup of the airplane.NTSB ANC96FA131Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-7 · Barrow, AKthe pilot's inadequate weather evaluation and resultant flight into adverse weather conditions. Factors associated with the accident were: high winds and terrain induced turbulence.NTSB CHI96LA312Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Urbana, ILthe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. A factor was the diverted attention of the pilot.NTSB LAX96FA310Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell/Tsirah 209AH-1FT · Palmdale, CAthe first pilot misjudged the distance from the rock outcropping. The pilot's ostentatious display was a factor in this accident.NTSB IAD96FA138Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Whitefield, NHthe pilot's failure to adequately preflight the aircraft which led to the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's attempt to return to the airport by executing a steep left turn which led to a stall and subsequent loss of control of the…NTSB FTW96FA352Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-1B · Boulder, COThe pilot's poor judgment in attempting low altitude flight in mountainous terrain without adequate mountain flying training which led to low altitude maneuvering exceeding the climb capability of the airplane. Factors in the accident were: the pilot's…NTSB CHI96FA316Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Hartford, MIinaccurate fuel consumption calculations by the pilot before takeoff, and his improper decision not to land before his airplane ran out of fuel.NTSB CHI96FA301Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCAA · Hinckley, ILthe instructor pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the aircraft which resulted in the overload failure of the wing. A factor was that the weight and balance of the aircraft was exceeded by the instructor pilot.NTSB LAX96FA308Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210E · Big Bear City, CAan inadequate annual inspection conducted by other maintenance personnel.NTSB FTW96LA349Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAyres S2R-T34 · W. Helena, ARThe inadequate visual lookout of the vehicle driver and his inadvertent driving of the vehicle onto the runway resulting in the pilot of the departing aircraft performing an evasive maneuver in an attempt to avoid the collision.NTSB ATL96FA119Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · St. Petersburg, FLAn engine malfunction for undetermined reasons. A factor was the pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site.NTSB MIA96WA230Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationBell UH-1B · Concepcion, ArgentinaNTSB IAD96FA136Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Elkton, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and control of the airplane while performing aerobatic maneuvers.NTSB NYC96FA163Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Roanoke, VAthe pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedures, and his delayed missed approach, which resulted in an inflight collision with mountainous terrain.NTSB FTW96LA344Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Port Isabel, TXpilot impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol and drugs, and failure of the pilot(s) to maintain obstacle clearance, during an intentional low altitude flight manueuver (low pass under a bridge).NTSB ANC96FAMS1Accident · 2 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportGrumman G21-G · Dutch Harbor, AKUndetermined.NTSB SEA96FA186Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLet L-13 · Shelton, WAfailure of the operator to provide its pilots with information essential for an accurate determination of the glider's weight and balance, the resultant operation of the glider with a center-or-gravity that exceeded the aft limit, and the pilot's inadvertent…NTSB SEA96FA185Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7CCM · Marsing, IDloss 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 terrain.NTSB MIA96LA210Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-4A · Adel, GAthe pilot's misjudgment of clearance between the helicopter and the antenna. A factor relating to the accident was the pilot's use of a drug (medication) that had sedative effects.NTSB IAD96FA132Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Summersville, WVThe pilot's improper flare, his delay in aborting a landing, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a bounced landing and a stall during climb out in an attempt to avoid collision with trees.NTSB FTW96FA339Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 23 · Wimberley, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. Factors were the high density altitude, the tail wind, and the pilot's failure to adhere to the limitations prescribed by his flight instructor.NTSB MIA96LA208Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)an inflight collision with the terrain (water) for undetermined reason(s). Factors relating to the accident were: failure of the pilot to obtain a preflight weather briefing, his failure to obtain in-flight weather avoidance assistance, and his resultant…NTSB CHI96FA290Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 11AC · Charlotte, MIthe pilot's improper use of engine controls (carburetor heat and/or throttle), while making a relatively high speed approach, low pass, and pull-up, which resulted in partial loss of engine power; and failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed after…NTSB SEA96FA182Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · St. Anthony, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a landing attempt. Factors included: probable dusk lighting conditions and no lights on the airstrip. Conributing to the pilot's injury severity was his failure to fasten his seat belt and shoulder…NTSB CHI96FA284Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Muncie, INthe inadvertent flight of the airplane by the pilot-in-command into a thunderstorm. The weather was a factor.NTSB CHI96FA278Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLancair 320 · Fond Du Lac, WIthe fatigue in the propeller flange with soft material and oversized lightening holes. A factor was the pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft due to the exceeded weight and balance which led to a stall/spin.NTSB FTW96FA337Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCulbertson Thorp T-18 · Albuquerque, NMthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering. Factors were the high winds and the high density altitude.