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 ANC96FA118Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P206 · Nome, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. Factors include mountainous terrain, low ceilings and mountain obscuration.NTSB MIA96LA200Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B III · Barton, ALfailure of the pilot to see-and/or-avoid the obstruction (unmarked power line), while en route between the area that was being treated and the refueling location. The power line and lack of visual cues at dusk were related factors.NTSB IAD96FA126Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerotek Pitts Special S-1S · Pittsburgh, PAThe pilot's utilization of airspeeds greater than the manufacturer recommended maneuvering airspeeds which exceed the design limits of the airplane and resulted in the subsequent failure of the wing spar.NTSB SEA96FA175Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Purdy, WAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continuation of VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions which led to pilot spatial disorientation and loss of control of the aircraft. Factors were: pilot self-induced pressure, night conditions, low ceilings, and…NTSB LAX96FA294Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Grand Canyon, AZdue to an in-flight loss of control resulting from a probable incapacitation for unknown reasons. The loss of control occurred while the aircraft was being flown in close proximity to a level 6 thunderstorm. The failure of the pilot to obtain current weather…NTSB ATL96FA114Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TU206A · Greer, SCThe disintegration of the number 3 piston, and the pilot's inadequate selection of terrain for the landing.NTSB CHI96FA264Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHoffman, Wolf, Flugzeugbau H-36 · Waukegan, ILfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to land, which resulted in an inadvertent stalled and collision with the terrain. A factor relating to the accident was: the loose engine cowling.NTSB CHI96LA269Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVanwinkle Kitfox · Mt Vernon, ILfailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB FTW96FA324Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSlaybaugh Mustang II · Crested Butte, COThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor was the inadequatete altitude in which to effect a safe recovery.NTSB SEA96FA171Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Richland, WAThe pilot-in-command's allowing the aircraft's airspeed to decrease below the single-engine minimum control speed (Vmc) resulting in a stall/spin condition. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot-in-command's allowing the left engine to be shut…NTSB FTW96LA320Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQualline Hatz CB-1 · Pipe Creek, TXloss of aircraft control in flight for undetermined reason(s).NTSB ANC96FA109Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180B · Iliamna, AKVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude and/or clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather condition (low ceiling and…NTSB SEA96FA170Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Libby, MTcollision with rising mountainous terrain for unknown reason(s).NTSB LAX96FA290Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Mound House, NVthe flight instructor's improper in-flight planning/decision by allowing the student pilot to get too low during a simulated emergency landing before initiating a go-around.NTSB IAD96LA122Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Philippi, WVthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his resultant improper planning/decision, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from trees, while maneuvering at low altitude. Intentional maneuvering at low altitude was a…NTSB FTW96LA316Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKraft AIR Master · Katy, TXthe pilot's improper positioning of the fuel tank selector, which resulted in fuel starvation, loss of engine power, and a forced landing. The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a related factor.NTSB SEA96LA165Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Warren, IDthe pilot's improper remedial action after helicopter's right skid became snagged by a log that was used in the construction of a temporary landing site. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area, inadequate…NTSB NYC96FA158Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Sea Bright, NJthe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain control of the airplane, due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a collision with water. Factors relating to the accident were the pilot's…NTSB NYC96FA157Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Brewer, MEfailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane, during a missed approach, after diverting to an alternate destination, while on his first solo flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).NTSB FTW96FA319Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChester Glasair RG · Lafayette, LAfailure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude (and clearance above wooded terrain), while diverting to an alternate destination. Factors relating to the accident were: the loss of the comm/nav equipment as a result of an electrostatic discharge, darkness,…NTSB SEA96FA168Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D35 · Yellow Pine, IDfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering in mountainous terrain, which resulted in a stall/spin and collision with terrain.NTSB LAX96FA284Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210M · Corning, CAimproper installation of an electrical component, during an alteration of the aircraft electrical system; and subsequent electrical insulation failure, which resulted in electrical shorting, arcing, and an electrical fire. Factors relating to the accident…NTSB ANC96FA102Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportDouglas DC-6A · Russian Mission, AKfatigue failure of the master connecting rod, which originated from corrosion pitting, subsequently compromised the engine crankcase, and resulted in a fire; and failure of the flight crew to follow emergency procedures by pulling the fire handle before…NTSB LAX96LA278Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Midas, NVthe decision of the pilot to perform a low-level steep turn which resulted in an inadvertent loss of control and subsequent stall/spin. Factors were high density altitude and inadequate altitude for recovery.NTSB ANC96FA101Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 · Elfin Cove, AKThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from rising terrain. Factors associated with the accident were the rising terrain and clouds.NTSB NYC96FA152Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7GCBC · Farmingdale, NJthe pilot's improper handling of the airplane during a banner pickup maneuver, which resulted in a stall/mush and collision with the ground. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's lack of experience in the type of operation.NTSB DCA96MA070Accident · 230 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBoeing 747-131 · East Moriches, NYAn explosion of the center wing fuel tank (CWT), resulting from ignition of the flammable fuel/air mixture in the tank. The source of ignition energy for the explosion could not be determined with certainty, but, of the sources evaluated by the investigation,…NTSB LAX96FA275Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Tennant, CAthe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions.NTSB ANC96FA099Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRotorway Exec 90 · Anchorage, AKthe pilot's excessive control inputs and the lack of familiarity with the helicopter. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's failure to follow the prescribed operating limitations.NTSB MIA96FA186Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · New Smyrna Bch, FLthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance because of gastroenteritis and use of the prescription drug Phenergan (promethazine).NTSB MIA96FA185Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion Aeronca 7GCB · Fairhope, ALfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while manuevering at low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and uncontrolled impact with the water. The pilot's ostentatious display and the lack of altitude to recover from a stall were…NTSB NYC96WA175Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-30 · North Italy, ItalyNTSB IAD96LA116Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuicksilver Sprint · Mt Airy, MDThe pilot's improper planning/decision and exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft, which resulted in overload failure of the wing and subsequent uncontrolled collision with the terrain. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's failure to…NTSB CHI96FA237Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Roselle, ILthe pilot's improper decision to perform a go-around, while there was restricted rudder movement and the banner was still attached to the airplane, which resulted in a loss of airspeed and an inadvertent stall. Factors relating to the accident were: the…NTSB ANC96FA098Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSikorsky CH-54A · Ketchikan, AKfailure of the number 5 tailrotor bearing. A factor relating to the accident was: the uneven/steep sloping terrain, where the pilot was forced to land. Possible factors were: inadequate handling/labeling of the 'relubed' bearing by intermediate supplyier(s),…NTSB ATL96FA103Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGeorge Evenson Cuby · Hawkinsville, GAThe failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain airspeed.NTSB SEA96LA146Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5B · St Maries, IDthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to a drug (marijuana), and his failure to see-and-avoid power lines. The pilot's intentional low altitude flight was a related factor.NTSB IAD96FA107Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Salem, OHThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol and the pilot's improper handling of the helicopter resulting in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. A related factor was the pilot's disregard for the aircraft's weight and balance while…NTSB DCA96MA068Accident · 2 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas MD-88 · Pensacola, FLthe fracture of the left engine's front compressor fan hub, which resulted from the failure of Delta Air Lines' fluorescent penetrant inspection process to detect a detectable fatigue crack initiating from an area of altered microstructure that was created…NTSB NYC96LA140Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-26E · Marston Mills, MAfailure of the pilot to maintain control of the glider while being towed during takeoff, which resulted in a pitch oscillation, failure of the tow cable, loss of airspeed, an inadvertent stall/spin, and an uncontrolled collision with the ground.NTSB LAX96LA262Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRyan ST3KR · Santa Paula, CAa partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering toward the runway following the power loss.NTSB NYC96LA139Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTitan Tornado · Richland, NYfailure of the student pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, during an apparent go-around, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with the terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's lack of certification, and…NTSB LAX96LA258Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDavis Challenger I CW · Paso Robles, CAthe owner/builder/pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs which led to his improper handling of the airplane and failure to maintain an adequate airspeed margin above stall speed, resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin. A factor which…NTSB FTW96FA288Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-400 · Huffman, TXcorroded flight control components, due to the operator's inadequate maintenance and inspection of the airplane; the pilot's failure to follow procedures and directives, by flying the airplane without proper maintenance and annual inspection; and subsequent…NTSB FTW96WA310Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationAerospatiale SA315B · La Peruanita, PeruNTSB FTW96FA279Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPrevatt RV-6 · Boulder, COPoor judgment by the pilot of the RV-6, N194JP, in that he traversed an uncontrolled airport at traffic pattern altitude, failure of the pilots of both airplanes to see and avoid each other, and an inadvertent airplane stall encountered by the pilot of the…NTSB CHI96LA222Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-90 · Racine, WIwas improper remdial action by the pilot after encountering a stall when the elevator back pressure was not removed and the ailerons were positioned for a right bank by that increasing the airplane's left yaw/roll action. Factors in this accident were a stall…NTSB MIA96FA168Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHiller FH-1100 · Webster, FLinadequate compliance with AD 77-07-08 (and SB FH1100-55-2A) by other maintenance personnel, and subsequent fatigue failure of plates in the tail rotor torsion tension bar. Factors related to the accident were: manufacturing discontinuities…NTSB CHI96LA224Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-36-375 · Windfall, INfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to avoid an obstruction (transmission line), which resulted in a stall and collision with the terrain. His lack of familiarity with the geographic area was a related factor.NTSB SEA96FA137Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Pray, MTthe pilot's delay in initiating a go-around, and his failure to obtain and/or maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid higher terrain during the go-around, which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the narrow…