Fatal NTSB investigations
180,630 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,609 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 ERA23FA109Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Dawsonville, GAThe pilot’s decision to initiate a visual flight rules flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a loss of control in-flight due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of qualifications and…NTSB CEN23FA077Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150H · Auburn, NEThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain control after a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing while maneuvering for forced landing in dark night visual meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA23FA108Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Dayton, VAThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while descending over mountainous terrain at night.NTSB GAA23WA056Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignAero Eli Servizi Yoyo · Lesna Jania, PolandNTSB ERA23FA103Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Suffolk, VAThe pilot’s decision to fly the airplane without confirming it had been released from maintenance, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to loose magnetos. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and…NTSB GAA23WA055Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · ForeignCessna 188 · Marabá Paulista, BrazilNTSB CEN23FA074Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech M35 · Fayetteville, ARThe pilot’s mismanagement of the airplane’s fuel system, which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power.NTSB WPR23FA083Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-34-220T · New Harmony, UTThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR23FA080Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportEmbraer Executive EMB-505 · Provo, UTThe pilot’s failure to deice the airplane before takeoff in weather conditions conducive to ice accumulation, which resulted in an ice-contaminated wing and subsequent stall during takeoff.NTSB GAA23WA062Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignSling 4 TSI · Meyerton, South AfricaNTSB GAA23WA048Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignChampion 7GCBC · Prijedori, Bosnia & HerzegovinaNTSB DCA23LA109Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEmbraer S A ERJ 170-200 LR · Montgomery, ALThe ramp agent’s cognitive impairment, which resulted in her (1) inconsistent behavior with trained procedures and pre landing briefings, (2) presence on the left side of the airplane while the left engine was still operating, and (3) subsequent ingestion…NTSB ENG23WA013Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBombardier CL600 · Venado, MexicoNTSB CEN23FA071Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 407 · Galliano, LAThe pilot’s failure to ensure the helicopter was clear of obstacles before takeoff from the helideck, which resulted in the helicopter’s right landing skid pivoting about a helideck perimeter light during takeoff and a dynamic rollover. Additionally, the…NTSB GAA23WA084Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignSocata TB21 · Saint-Pons, FranceNTSB GAA23WA097Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 310F · Puerto Vallarta, MexicoNTSB GAA23WA076Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBanus Mark Glasair Super II FT · Wedderburn, AustraliaNTSB GAA23WA051Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 210N · Bulman, AustraliaNTSB WPR23FA073Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150A · Santa Monica, CAA failure of the No. 1 piston connecting rod bearing journal due to oil starvation for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a complete loss of engine power.NTSB GAA23WA046Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignAir Tractor AT502 · Brasnorte, BrazilNTSB GAA23WA045Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBell 412EP · Ocean, MexicoNTSB ANC23FA008Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRaytheon C90A · Kaupo, HIGuardian Flight’s inadequate pilot training and performance tracking, which failed to identify and correct the pilot’s consistent lack of skill, and which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain his position inflight using secondary instruments to…NTSB GAA23WA042Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA 46-350P · Happy Valley-Goose Bay, CanadaNTSB ERA23FA087Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20B · Kellyton, ALA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB GAA22WA311Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Kildare, IrelandNTSB CEN23FA060Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech F33A · Yukon, OKThe pilot’s loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN23FA059Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportEngineering & Research Ercoupe 415-C · Corning, IAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from obstructions during a go-around, which resulted in impact with powerlines, a tree, and the ground.NTSB CEN23FA057Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 210-5(205) · Cleburne, TXAn in-flight loss of control as a result of spatial disorientation in night instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA23FA079Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Venice, FLThe pilot’s spatial disorientation during takeoff in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain a positive rate of climb and a subsequent descent into the water.NTSB ERA23FA078Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRotorsport UK Cavalon · Beverly, MAThe pilot’s improper yaw control during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an excessive sideslip and a subsequent loss of aircraft control.NTSB ERA23FA077Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · Falmouth, MAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the landing approach. Contributing to the accident was the sun glare, which impaired the pilot's visibility and situational awareness.NTSB WPR23FA047Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGreg Hobbs Lightning · Torrance, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane while performing a slip maneuver on final approach. Contributing was the failure of the pilot to fly a stabilized approach.NTSB GAA23WA035Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRotorway unk · Drummondville, CanadaNTSB CEN23FA050Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 170 · Gage, OKThe non-certificated pilots’ loss of airplane control, resulting in an impact with terrain during final approach. Contributing to the accident was the airplane owner’s impairment due to his use of ethanol and depressant medications, in combination with his…NTSB GAA23WA039Accident · 5 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCenterpoint Aerospace S-58T · Yang Yang, South KoreaNTSB GAA23WA031Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R66 · Kesova Gora, RussiaNTSB CEN23FA046Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportExtra EA300 · Wonder Lake, ILThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent path to the runway after he became disorientated by sun glare while on final approach, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.NTSB WPR23FA044Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGallagher XLT-RG · Banning, CAAn inflight engine fire for reasons that could not be determined that resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB ERA23FA070Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Charlotte, NCThe inadequate inspections of the forward left control rod end attachment hardware to the stationary swashplate by the pilot and by maintenance personnel, resulting in an eventual loosening and backing out of the hardware and subsequent loss of helicopter…NTSB GAA23WA029Accident · 8 fatalClass 3 · ForeignPiper PA-31-350 · Medellin, ColombiaNTSB ERA23FA067Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Winston-Salem, NCContamination and/or misalignment of the regulator section of the right engine’s fuel servo, which resulted in excessive idle fuel flow and a total loss of engine power. Also causal was the pilot's failure to land immediately on the nearest runway at the…NTSB WPR23FA034Accident · 4 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportTextron 208B · Snohomish, WAThe pilot’s improper recovery following a departure from controlled flight after an intentional aerodynamic stall, which resulted in an exceedance of airspeed limitations, airframe overstress, and a subsequent inflight breakup.NTSB GAA23WA041Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignAir Tractor AT502 · Vera, BrazilNTSB DCA23WA066Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignAirbus A320 · Lima, PeruNTSB CEN23FA038Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 421C · Decatur, TXA loss of power on the left engine due to fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of power on the right engine for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA23FA060Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportDetrick Donald G Detrick DA-2 · Oak Hill, FLThe student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a tree.NTSB GAA23WA037Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R22 · Ramingining, AustraliaNTSB CEN23MA034Accident · 6 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBoeing B17 · Dallas, TXthe air boss’s and air show event organizer’s lack of an adequate, prebriefed aircraft separation plan for the air show performance, relying instead on the air boss’s real-time deconfliction directives and the see-and-avoid strategy for collision avoidance,…NTSB ANC23FA004Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Chickaloon, AKThe pilot's decision to fly at low altitude, which resulted in a collision with a cable.NTSB CEN23FA031Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46-500TP · Bignell, NEThe pilot’s flight into low instrument flight rules conditions and turbulence, which resulted in spatial disorientation, loss of control, and an impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of total instrument experience.