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 ATL96FA096Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Talladega, ALfailure of the pilot to see-and-avoid an antenna that was mounted on a Forest Service watch tower. The pilot's excessively low altitude flight was a related factor.NTSB CHI96LA220Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA5B · Fryburg, NDthe pilot's VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors were the fog, low ceiling, and rising terrain.NTSB MIA96FA165Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech P35 · St. Petersburg, FLthe pilot's improper procedure by not placing the fuel selector on the tank with the most fuel.NTSB CHI96LA210Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFarland Genesis · Le Sueur, MNthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's limited aeronautical…NTSB ATL96FA095Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Clanton, ALcorrosion pitting of the number six cylinder on the left engine, and subsequent fatigue fracture and separation of the cylinder, which led to an engine compartment fire, wing fire, and an in-flight separation of the left wing.NTSB MIA96WA169Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-18-C23 · Iztapa, GuatemalaNTSB FTW96FA268Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportJones Peckerwood 1A1 · La Porte, TXimproper installation and subsequent failure of the elevator control cable clamps which led to the pilot's restricted pitch control and resultant stall/spin.NTSB CHI96FA209Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 23 · Fulton, MOthe inadequate intake valve springs on the #1 cylinder.NTSB SEA96FA134Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150B · Hailey, IDthe pilot's improper planning/decision, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a climb over rising terrain, which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: failure of the pilot to ensure the airplane…NTSB SEA96FA133Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Pomeroy, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the surrounding terrain while maneuvering to land. A factor was the rising terrain conditions.NTSB LAX96LA240Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportExperimental Mini Mustang · Page, AZthe pilot's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions, and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor relating to the accident was: the gusty/crosswind condition.NTSB FTW96FA267Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Castle Rock, COfailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude and/or clearance from terrain, while reversing course to exit adverse weather conditions. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions (thunderstorm, low ceiling and reduced…NTSB FTW96FA265Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMbb BO-105 · Sabine Pass, TXThe failure of the sun gear within the main transmission resulting in the main rotor system not being driven.NTSB SEA96FA130Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Eldon, WAfatigue failure of the connecting rod cap, which resulted in loss of engine power and ditching at sea.NTSB LAX96FA236Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Los Angeles, CAcompany maintenance personnel's inadequate service of the magneto system, and their failure of to replace the electric fuel boost pump, which led to a malfunctioning right magneto and an inoperative fuel boost pump. The inoperative fuel boost pump made it…NTSB IAD96FA100Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-325 · Springboro, OHthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs which led to spatial disorientation and a loss of aircraft control. The weather was a factor.NTSB CHI96FA211Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas F/A-18C · Bethalto, ILthe pilot's failure to follow the preflight crew briefing and attain a proper altitude during an aerobatic maneuver. Factors in the accident were: the pilot's previous experience of flying similar airshow routines in a different airplane with substantially…NTSB LAX96FA244Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Carmel, CAThe pilot becoming lost and disoriented during a night VFR flight in marginal weather conditions. Factors in the accident were: the pilot's lack of night flying experience, his failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing, low ceilings, and his failure to…NTSB LAX96LA234Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBurkhart Grob G102 · Mesquite, NVimproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in his being forced to land in an area with unsuitable terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the lack of available (thermal) lift, downdraft(s), and the resultant lack of suitable…NTSB LAX96LA233Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVan Horn Velocity · Goodyear, AZan engine compartment fire, which originated in flight from loose fuel and/or oil lines near the engine's firewall.NTSB FTW96FA250Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Monument, COThe pilot's VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions in an aircraft which not instrument-equipped. Factors were clouds, low ceiling, and rain.NTSB CHI96WA204Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-24-250 · Pelican Narrows, CanadaNTSB NYC96FA126Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-150 · Cortland, NYthe pilot failure to maintain directional control of the airplane which resulted in the airplane striking trees. Contributing factors were the pilot's spatial disorientation, dark night conditions, fog, and the pilot's self induced pressure to reach the…NTSB ATL96FA094Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Arlington, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance above the trees. A factor was the dark night.NTSB NYC96FA125Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Williamstown, NJinadequate supervision by the flight instructor (CFI); and failure of the pilot rated (dual) student to maintain control of the airplane during a simulated forced landing after takeoff, which resulted in a stall and collision with the terrain. Factors…NTSB LAX96FA229Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Big Bear City, CAimproper preflight by the pilot, by failing to ensure that the fuel selector was positioned to an approved fuel tank with adequate fuel before takeoff; his failure to reposition the fuel selector (per emergency procedures) after the loss of engine power; and…NTSB SEA96LA128Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBailey Antares MA30 · Woodland, WAfailure of the uncertificated pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in a stall and collision with the terrain. The pilot's abrupt pull-up was a related factor.NTSB NYC96FA123Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E90 · Woolwich, MEfailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane while climbing after takeoff, due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and subsequent collision with terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the improper…NTSB FTW96FA243Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 65-CA · Lonoke, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.NTSB LAX96FA223Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Bermuda Dunes, CAthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol and drugs (methamphetamine, amphetamine, & marijuana), his excessive maneuvering (pull-up) after making a touch-and-go landing, and his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed, which resulted…NTSB LAX96FA226Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Goleta, CAfailure of the flying pilot to maintain control of the airplane, due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with the water. Factors relating to the accident were: the lack of recent instrument experience by the…NTSB FTW96FA239Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFredenburg Challenger II · Longview, TXthe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed. A factor was the pilot's lack of total experience in the make/model.NTSB ATL96FA090Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Lawrenceville, GAThe pilot's inadequate fuel consumption calculations that resulted in fuel exhaustion. A factor was the pilot's failure to follow the emergency procedure for a forced landing, in that the flaps were not extended.NTSB MIA96FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca O-58B · Greenville, SCthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB ANC96FA081Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 Mariner · Mekoryuk, AKA loss of engine power due to fuel contamination found in the fuel supply and helicopter fuel system. Factors in the accident were the pilot's inadequate filtration (servicing of the helicopter) of the fuel supply, and the pilot's inadequate performance of…NTSB IAD96FA090Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320C · Winslow, MEthe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions, and his loss of aircraft control, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain (river). The known icing condition was a related factor.NTSB CHI96FA185Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCorey Cirrus VK-30 · Lapeer, MIincomplete cure of the bonding material in the cruise flap, improper material in the cruise flap hinge, and improper welding of the cruise flap push rod end caps. Factors were delamination of the cruise flap, partial failure of the cruise flap hinge, and…NTSB CHI96FA184Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Aitkin, MNthe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions and the pilot exceeding the design stress limits of the airplane. Factors contributing to this accident were: the thunderstorms, hail, and wind gusts, and the airplane's over maximum gross…NTSB FTW96FA234Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportFairchild KR-31 · Bartlesville, OKThe failure of each pilot-in-command to maintain visual lookout. Factors were: the lack of each pilot-in-command obtaining/maintaining communication with the control tower, and inadequate lookout by each pilot-rated passenger, the inadequate…NTSB CHI96LA188Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGray Miniplane DSA-1-G · Astoria, ILthe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the terrain while performing an aerobatic maneuver.NTSB CHI96FA179Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDotson Seabird · Geneseo, ILa loos of power due to a blocked fuel line and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed.NTSB FTW96FA230Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Malvern, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after takeoff.NTSB FTW96FA228Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-401 · Lake Providence, LAfailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed, while maneuvering (turning), which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. The high gusty wind condition was a related factor.NTSB CHI96FA172Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Mount Pleasant, MIloss of aircraft control by the pilot, due to cardiac arrest (heart attack).NTSB LAX96LA204Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164 · Colusa, CAfailure of the pilot to remain clear of the power lines. Factors relating to the accident were: Lack of visual cues at dawn, and the power lines.NTSB ANC96FA079Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRepublic RC-3 Seabee · Ketchikan, AKthe airplane crashed for undetermined reason(s).NTSB CHI96FA169Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Saint Clair, MOfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a stall and collision with the terrain.NTSB LAX96FA200Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Kernville, CAVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from rising/mountainous terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the terrain and weather conditions.NTSB FTW96FA216Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNanchang CJ-6A · Shreveport, LAa loss of engine power due to failure of the pressure carburetor diaphragm which led to restricted fuel flow through the carburetor and eventual fuel starvation. Factors contributing to the accident were the unsuitable terrain and tall trees which resulted in…NTSB SEA96FA094Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320A · Provo, UTA fuel leak most probably ignited by hot exhaust gases from the leaking right engine manifold exhaust system, the decision by the pilots to operate the aircraft with knowledge of the fuel leak, and the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate clearance…