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 MIA96WA140Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech 200 · Treasure Cay, BahamasNTSB MIA96GA138Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportWsk Pzl Mielec M18A · Kinston, NCa cracked/fractured #5 cylinder and subsequent failure/jamming of the #5 exhaust valve, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall and collision with the terrain. Factors…NTSB FTW96FA208Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportJerrell RV-4 · Englewood, COfailure of the pilot of the RV-4, N44AZ, to comply with an ATC clearance by landing on the wrong runway, and the failure of the pilot of the SU-29, N55SU, to maintain an adequate visual lookout. Factors in the accident were: the failure of the air traffic…NTSB DCA96MA054Accident · 110 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportDouglas DC-9-32 · Miami, FLwhich resulted from a fire in the airplane's class D cargo compartment that was initiated by the actuation of one or more oxygen generators being improperly carried as cargo, were (1) the failure of SabreTech to properly prepare, package, and identify…NTSB IAD96LA076Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Welch, WVthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol which led to his failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear obstacles. A factor was his intentional buzzing.NTSB IAD96FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLake LA-4-200 · Sunapee, NHthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. Factors in this accident were: the pilot's lack of currency in type and model airplane, and not following the requirement for the pilot to have a flight instructor onboard during water landings.NTSB ATL96FA084Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportLake 4-200 · Melbourne, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering. A factor was the tailwind condition.NTSB NYC96FA101Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Ridgefield, CTimproper planning/decision by the pilot, which led to flight into icing conditions; and his failure to use all anti-ice and deicing equipment, as specified by the airplane operator's manual for inadvertent flight into icing conditions. This resulted in loss…NTSB LAX96FA189Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310D · Los Angeles, CAfailure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation. Factors were clouds and dark night light conditions, and the pilot's diverted attention due to a landing gear problem.NTSB FTW96FA200Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American Harvard MK II · Lafayette, LAfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed and/or altitude, while performing aerobatic flight.NTSB CHI96LA149Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDeweese Bushby Mustang M-II · Lancaster, WIfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and collison with the terrain. The pilot's use of abrupt maneuvers was a related factor.NTSB ATL96FAMS1Accident · 3 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportAero Commander 500-B · MissingUndetermined.NTSB NYC96FA094Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Duanesburg, NYfailure of the pilot to attain adequate airspeed (or abort the takeoff while there was sufficient runway remaining), which resulted in a stall after liftoff and collision with the terrain. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's distraction due to…NTSB MIA96FA134Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Powelton, GAthe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions, resulting in an in-flight separation of the left wing and ruddervator. Factors in this accident were: level three and four thunderstorms, intense to extreme precipitation, and severe…NTSB CHI96FA146Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421 · Bernard, IAthe pilot's operation of the airplane with known deficiencies, subsequent loss of oil from the left engine, and the pilot's failure to maintain minimum controllable airspeed (VMC), while diverting to an alternate airport. Factors relating to the accident…NTSB ANC96FA059Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Palmer, AKloss of engine power due to a malfunction of the airplane's magneto ignition system, and the pilot's failure to have an annual inspection performed. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's lack of recent experience and inadequate in-flight planning…NTSB MIA96LA135Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-6 · Raeford, NCfailure of the passenger to follow the instructions of ground personnel as she exited the aircraft.NTSB FTW96FA183Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Vera, OKimproper installation by unknown person(s) of incorrect exhaust system clamps, which led to an exhaust system disconnect and a subsequent engine compartment fire.NTSB MIA96FA130Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHelio H-295 · Gaffney, SCfailure of the pilot to remove the control lock during the preflight, and his failure to check the flight controls before taking off.NTSB FTW96FA181Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Oklahoma City, OKthe pilot's delay in aborting the landing and his failure to obtain/maintain sufficient airspeed during the aborted landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's improper…NTSB CHI96FA141Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-150 · Buffalo, MOfailure of company/operator personnel to install the wing and landing gear (strut) fairings after modifying the airplane for a supplemental type certificate (STC), and improper planning/decision by the pilot. Factors relating to the accident were: the…NTSB LAX96FA177Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · San Diego, CAthe decision of the pilot to fly at low altitude and low airspeed within a hazardous performance area published in the pilot operating handbook. Factors in the accident were tailwinds, lack of operator preventative maintenance impairing engine power,…NTSB CHI96FA139Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Mackinac Island, MIthe student pilot iniating VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions which led to a loss of aircraft control. A factor was the fog.NTSB CHI96FA135Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Raymond, NEfailure of the pilot to ensure that the fuel selector was properly positioned to the full 'on' position before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation during the initial climb after takeoff; and the pilot's failure to maintain…NTSB NYC96FA085Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Granville, OHthe pilot's intentional flight into known icing conditions and his overconfidence in his ability, which led to a partial loss of engine power as a result of induction system ice. Also causal was ATC's excessive vectoring of the airplane in icing conditions,…NTSB MIA96FA118Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHawker Siddeley FB-60 · Lakeland, FLThe pilot's improper use of brakes and ailerons, during the landing rollout with a right crosswind, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent nose over. Factors relating to the accident were: the crosswind and the pilot's lack of…NTSB IAD96LA063Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGlasair GL20 · Rocky Mount, VAthe pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions which led to airframe ice and a loss of control. Related factors were: the failure of the FSS briefer to advise the pilot of a valid AIRMET regarding icing conditions, the icing conditions, and…NTSB MIA96FA116Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Kissimmee, FLthe pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in fuel starvation and a forced landing in a residential area. A factor relating to the accident was: the inaccuracy of the expected fuel consumption.NTSB LAX96FA169Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCameron A-210 · Cave Creek, AZthe pilot's failure to follow the flight manual procedure by not turning off the burner's pilot shutoff valves. Factors relating to the accident were: the installation of improper (unapproved wooden) upright rods by company maintenance personnel, subsequent…NTSB IAD96FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P206C · Hartwood, VAthe inadvertent/premature deployment of the first skydiver's parachute, which resulted in contact with the airplane's horizontal stabilizer by the first skydiver and his parachute, loss of integrity of the empennage to the aft fuselage, loss of aircraft…NTSB FTW96LA171Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna U206G · Venice, LAthe pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions. A factor was the fog.NTSB MIA96FA115Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Lakeland, FLthe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (Vs) while turning on approach from base to final resulting in an inadvertent stall.NTSB CHI96LA130Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177B · Perry, MOthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the power transmission wires. Darkness, restricting the pilot's ability to see-and-avoid the transmission line, was a related factor.NTSB SEA96MA079Accident · 3 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportCessna 177B · Cheyenne, WYthe pilot-in-command's improper decision to take off into deteriorating weather conditions (including turbulence, gusty winds, and an advancing thunderstorm and associated precipitation) when the airplane was overweight and when the density altitude was…NTSB MIA96LA113Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSnowbird 636D4 · Okeechobee, FLthe failure of the main rotor control connecting rod, which rendered the control stick unusable and led to a loss of control.NTSB NYC96FA084Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPitts S-2B · Freehold Twsp, NJthe pilot's improper fuel management which resulted in a power loss due to fuel exhaustion, and his failure to maintain airspeed during a forced landing which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB LAX96LA156Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTwibell Tangent 65 · Lucerne Valley, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain altitude. Factors in the accident were: the pilot's decision to buzz the area and his ostentatious display.NTSB IAD96FA057Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Barkhamsted, CTthe CFI pilot/passenger's poor judgment which led to spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control of the airplane. Factors involved in this accident were the night marginal visual flight conditions and continuing flight with a known nonfunctioning…NTSB NYC96GA083Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Charleston, WVthe helicopter manufacturer's inadequate maintenance service bulletin inspection interval which failed to provide timely detection of preexisting fatigue cracks in the tail boom. Factors were: the manufacturer's failure to develop a modification of the failed…NTSB FTW96LA161Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBensen Gyroplane · Carthage, TXthe pilot's inadequate coordination with the spectator, concerning the spectator's need to remain clear of the takeoff area, and the spectator's failure to remain clear of the takeoff area. A factor relating to the accident was: the spectator's distorted…NTSB FTW96LA159Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWsk Pzl Mielec M-18A · Hughes, LAthe pilot exceeding the maximum authorized crosswind component of the airplane. Factors were the crosswind and the side sloping runway.NTSB DCA96RA046Accident · 33 fatalForeign investigationBoeing CT-42A · Dubrovnik, CroatiaNTSB LAX96LA152Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPowell Glasair · Groveland, CAthe pilot's decision to fly the aircraft with a known mechanical discrepancy in the throttle linkage, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power; and his failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering for an emergency landing, which resulted…NTSB ATL96FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Marathon, FLfailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude during an over-water approach at night. Factors relating to the accident were darkness and pilot fatigue.NTSB IAD96FA055Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Wareham, MALoss of engine power due to bearing insert being destroyed by excess heat. A factor in this accident is the pilot's experience level.NTSB CHI96FA120Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Lincoln, KSthe pilot became spatially disoriented and failed to maintain control of the airplane. The factors involved were the pilot encountered VFR flight into IMC, pressure induced by conditions/events, low ceilings, and the dark light conditions.NTSB NYC96FA078Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Warwick, NYthe pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A related factor was the pilot's lack of recent experience.NTSB FTW96LA155Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDomaille Rans S-12 · Albuquerque, NMthe student pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft after initiating a flight into adverse weather conditions. The strong, gusting wind was a factor.NTSB CHI96FA117Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Carrollton, OHthe pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition, his failure to maintain directional control, and his failure not raise the landing flaps during the go-around. The crosswind was a factor.NTSB CHI96LA115Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182H · East Jordan, MIthe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the terrain during the landing. Factors related to the accident were the snow covered ice pile at the end of the runway and the pilot's perception of the height of the pile.