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 DCA96RA030Accident · 189 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 757-200 · Puerto Plata, Dominican RepublicNTSB LAX96RA116Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationCessna 550 · Ensenada, MexicoNTSB LAX96FA106Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportConvair C-131E · Saint Johns, AZinadequate preflight planning and preparation by the first pilot (PIC), his failure to ensure the aircraft was properly loaded within limitations, his failure to use proper flaps for takeoff, his failure to use ADI assisted takeoff, and his resultant failure…NTSB MIA96LA074Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportYakovlev YAK-52 · Boynton Beach, FLPilot impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his resultant improper planning/decision, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude above the terrain while performing an aerobatic maneuver. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's…NTSB FTW96FA145Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-220T · Estes Park, CODescent into mountainous terrain for reasons undetermined.NTSB LAX96FA105Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E90 · Flagstaff, AZfailure of the pilot to follow prescribed IFR procedures and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions with icing and turbulence.NTSB LAX96LA111Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2A1 · Honiara, Solomon Islandsthe pilot and the ship crew's failure to assure the tie down strap was removed prior to liftoff.NTSB LAX96FA103Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Kamuela, HIfailure of the copilot (pilot-rated cargo loader, who was flying the aircraft) to establish and maintain a positive rate of climb after taking off at night; and inadequate supervision by the pilot-in-command (PIC), by failing to ensure that proper altitude…NTSB BFO96FA039Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R172K · Highland Hills, OHthe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions at a low altitude with known obstacles in the area.NTSB LAX96FA098Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T-210N · Gorman, CAThe loss of control of the aircraft in cruise flight for undetermined reasons and subsequent in-flight structural failure of the aircraft.NTSB CHI96FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-350P · Carlyle, ILspatial disorientation of the pilot, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in his exceeding the design stress limits of the airframe. A factor relating to the accident was: turbulence in clouds.NTSB FTW96FA100Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Atkins, ARContinued flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude above mountainous/hilly terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: low ceiling, fog, and high terrain in the area of the…NTSB LAX96FA096Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 55 · Cedarville, CAthe pilot's poor preflight planning by not obtaining a weather briefing and his inadvertent encounter with a mountain wave condition. The moonless dark night was a factor in this accident.NTSB ATL96FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Fort Pierce, FLimproper re-assembly of the engine induction air filter by maintenance personnel, during an annual inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power during takeoff; failure of the pilot to abort the takeoff before lift-off; and failure of the pilot to…NTSB NYC96FA052Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Harwich, MAthe pilot's improper in-flight decision to continue flight under visual flight rules, while flying into instrument meteorological conditions. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after entering IMC, which resulted in the…NTSB FTW96FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Laredo, TXThe pilot's loss of aircraft control. A factor was the dark night conditions.NTSB CHI96FA113Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32 · Milwaukee, WIInadequate maintenance and inspection in that the Airworthiness Directive which applied to the fuel pump had not been complied with. A factor was the pilot was unable to reach land.NTSB ATL96FA036Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-350P · Peachtree City, GAThe pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedure. The fog was a factor.NTSB SEA96MA043Accident · 8 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-36 · Malad City, IDcontinued flight by the flightcrew into icing conditions with known faulty deice equipment; structural (airframe) ice; and failure of the flight crew to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in the loss of aircraft control and collision with terrain. A…NTSB FTW96FA092Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportKrueter KR-2 · Watkins, COFailure by the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors were a lack of familiarity with the aircraft and lack of experience in the make and model.NTSB CHI96FA073Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Hallam, NEimproper planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, due to an inadequate supply of fuel. Darkness was a related factor.NTSB ATL96FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Social Circle, GAThe flight instructor's inadequate supervision, and his delay in aborting the takeoff.NTSB LAX96FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J2 · Lancaster, CAfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering from crosswind to downwind after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and collision with terrain.NTSB FTW96FA089Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A150M · Vinita, OKFailure of the pilot to recover from a spin. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's ostentatious display and the lack of altitude (terrain clearance) for recovery from the aerobatic maneuver and subsequent spin.NTSB FTW96FA088Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Wichita Falls, TXThe inadvertent stall by the pilot in command. Factors were the impeded airplane takeoff performance, the rudder trim not corrected by the pilot, and the pilot's failure to comply with the checklist.NTSB LAX96LA093Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47-G5 · Pope Valley, CAthe pilot misjudged the clearance between the broadcaster and the truck resulting in the broadcaster's cables becoming entangled with the truck.NTSB LAX96FA094Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Suisun, CAthe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions which eventually led to a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Factors in the accident were: the pilot's inadequate preflight planning, his impairment due to medication, the foggy…NTSB FTW96FA119Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35 · Allenspark, COAircraft control not maintained by the pilot in command for reasons undetermined.NTSB SEA96FA040Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 401A · Spokane, WAfailure of the pilot to follow proper IFR procedures, by failing to maintain proper alignment with the localizer course during the ILS approach and/or by failing to follow the proper missed approach procedure. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness;…NTSB LAX96FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPartenavia AF68TP Spartacus · El Segundo, CAloss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB FTW96FA085Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSemple Smyth Sidewinder · Oklahoma City, OKThe pilot's improper positioning of the fuel selector, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power, and his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed while coping with the emergency, which resulted in and inadvertent stall and subsequent spin.…NTSB MIA96WA058Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Nassau, BahamasNTSB LAX96LA085Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKlingberg Miniplane DSA-1 · El Cajon, CAthe pilot's intentional operation of the aircraft with known mechanical deficiencies in the engine, and his failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB IAD96LA109Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Cape Charles, VAThe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision making by continuing flight into known adverse weather conditions. Related factors were the dark night and the winter storm (snow and fog).NTSB ATL96FA029Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210H · Columbia, TNfailure of the pilot to follow procedures/directives by flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without proper training/certification; and his failure (or inability) to follow proper IFR procedures and maintain proper altitude during an…NTSB MIA96WA056Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182M · Trujillo, HondurasNTSB SEA96FA036Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Lehi, UTcontinued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude and/or clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, low ceiling, and snow.NTSB MIA96FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 550 · East Naples, FLThe pilot's disregard for the MDA for a specific segment of the VOR/DME approach which resulted in the inflight collision with a guy wire of an antenna and separation of 8.5 feet of the left wing.NTSB LAX96FA086Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Delano, CAFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft during an IFR circling approach. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's lack of instrument flight experience in high performance aircraft.NTSB CHI96FA067Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 560 · Eagle River, WIthe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed while executing the circling approach. Factors were the descent below minimum descent altitude, the fog, the low ceiling and the icing conditions.NTSB BFO96FA034Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Louisville, KYfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, loss of altitude, and subsequent collision with obstructions (utility pole and supporting cable).NTSB NYC96LA044Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182E · Pymatuning, PAthe pilot's intentional suicide.NTSB MIA96LA050Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNanchang China CJ6A · Planterville, SCfailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from trees.NTSB ATL96FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J-3-C65 · Belzoni, MSfailure of the student pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering, which resulted in a stall/spin and subsequent collision with the ground.NTSB SEA96FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Kapowsin, WAthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and terrain clearance. Turbulence was a factor.NTSB FTW96FA075Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 112 · Carlsbad, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation. Factors were the pilot's lack of total actual instrument weather time and the clouds.NTSB LAX96FA249Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Death Valley, CAthe non-instrument rated pilot's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB LAX96FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · San Jose, CAThe failure of the air traffic controller to comply with instructions contained in the Air Traffic Control Handbook, FAA Order 7110.65, which resulted in the flight being vectored at an altitude below the minimum vectoring altitude (MVA) and failure to issue…NTSB CHI96FA065Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMumm Lancair · Morris, MNthe partially blocked elevator and improper installation of the elevator bob weight by the owner/builder which prevented full travel of the elevator control system. Factors relating to this accident were the intentional stall and inability to adequately…NTSB FTW96FA073Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Cleveland, OKthe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain control of the airplane after encountering adverse weather conditions, which resulted in a stall/spin. Factors relating to the accident were: pilot…