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 DCA96RA020Accident · 160 fatalForeign investigationBoeing B757 · Buga, ColombiaNTSB BFO96FA032Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Bellville, OHthe pilot's in-flight loss of aircraft control for undetermined reason(s), which resulted in the airplane exceeding its design stress limitations and an in-flight breakup.NTSB LAX96FA076Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Feather Falls, CAthe pilot's failure to jettison his external load after it came in contact with trees and terrain. The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance above trees and hilly terrain was a related factor.NTSB ATL96LA025Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMoravan Zlin Z50 LA · Springfield, TNthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft.NTSB MIA96FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-301 · Memphis, TNthe pilot's continued flight into known forecast icing conditions which resulted in the aircraft developing an ice buildup, and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. The icing conditions was a factor.NTSB MIA96FA047Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 205 · Culebra, PRFailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above the terrain, while maneuvering at night. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness with no visible horizon, and the pilot's lack of recent experience in night flight.NTSB SEA96FA031Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Netarts, ORa loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA96LA043Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPro Star PRO Tech · Sebring, FLthe pilot-in-command(CFI) allowed the airplane's design limits to be exceeded which resulted in the overload failure and separation of the right wing.NTSB MIA96LA042Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportOtis King COBRA-B · Newberry, FLan in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB FTW96FA072Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35 · Kremmling, COa loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the student pilot's improper positioning of the fuel selector and the the CFI's inadequate fuel management. Factors in the accident were: the unmarked fuel selector and the CFI's excessive descent…NTSB FTW96FA071Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · S Padre Island, TXVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude (or clearance) above the surface of the water. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions (low ceiling and…NTSB SEA96FA029Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Mead, WAthe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance in mountainous terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were: dark night conditions, mountainous terrain, and instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB MIA96WA046Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationAero Commander 1121 · Guatemala City, GuatemalaNTSB ATL96FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Greenwood, SCthe loss of engine power for undetermined reason.NTSB ATL96FA021Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Bay Minette, ALfailure of the alternate air door, which resulted in blockage of air through the induction system. A factor relating to the accident was: failure to comply with Safety Bulletin SB-M20-253.NTSB CHI96FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Parker, KSthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to a drug (cocaine); his improper in-flight decision to continue flight over an overcast condition and then to descend into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC); his failure to maintain control of…NTSB FTW96FA063Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 7-15 · Oklahoma City, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance during low altitude straight and level flight.NTSB MIA96WA037Accident · 20 fatalForeign investigationBeech 1900D · Port-Au-Prince, HaitiNTSB LAX96FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · San Dimas, CAthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs, his resultant improper planning/decision, his failure to follow proper IFR procedures, and his failure to maintain proper altitude during a missed approach. Factors relating to the accident…NTSB CHI96FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Laupahoehoe, HIthe pilot falling asleep at the controls due to fatigue. Factors were: the pilot's inadequate preflight preparation and the dark night.NTSB MIA96FA035Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale TB-20 · Meridian, MSthe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (VSO) while maneuvering during an ILS approach in instrument flight conditions. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's failure to follow the published approach procedure, his failure to maintain a proper…NTSB FTW96FA062Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182G · Caddo Mills, TXThe failure of the pilot-in-command in each airplane to see-and-avoid conflicting traffic (inadequate visual lookout). The localized haze and smoke were related factors.NTSB LAX96WA063Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28 · Baja California, MexicoNTSB FTW96FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas 369E · Thibodaux, LAfailure of the pilot to maintain clearance from the power line and utility pole. The gusty/crosswind (weather) condition was a related factor.NTSB ATL96FA018Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNavion D · Canton, GAThe pilot's impairment of judgement and performance due to drugs which led to his overconfidence of personal ability and continued flight into known adverse weather conditions. The weather conditions and dark night were factors.NTSB ATL96FA017Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402A · Avon Park, FLThe failure of the pilot to maintain the proper climb rate and direction of flight following takeoff, resulting in a collision with obstacles. The reason for the loss of control and subsequent unusual attitude ground impact was not determined.NTSB BFO96LA029Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150K · Seville, OHpilot suicide (intentional in-flight collision with terrain).NTSB NYC96FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Rush Township, PAthe pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions which resulted in becoming lost and disorientated and subsequent impact with rising terrain. Factors in this accident were fog and a dark night.NTSB IAD97WA047Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-32R-300 · Luqua, MaltaNTSB DCA96RA014Accident · 72 fatalForeign investigationBoeing B-737-200 · Douala, CameroonNTSB CHI96FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Friedens, PAthe pilot's failure to follow instrument approach procedures, by not maintaining proper altitude and by descending below the minimum descent altitude. Factors relating to the accident were: the air traffic controller's failure to issue a proper clearance, the…NTSB MIA96FA033Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Burlington, NCthe pilot's engagement in a low altitude ostentatious display from which he stalled the airplane.NTSB FTW96FA058Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Hallett, OKThe flight instructor's intentional low altitude flight maneuver. Factors were the static wire and the bright night condition.NTSB BFO96FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGraichen Christen Eagle II · Malinta, OHfailure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude, while performing aerobatic maneuvers.NTSB SEA96WA033Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationRockwell AC-700 · Castlegar, CanadaNTSB NYC96FA192Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Marlinton, WVThe pilot's continued VFR flight into obscured, rising mountainous terrain, and his failure to climb the airplane as conditions worsened. Factors included the rising terrain and the weather obscuration.NTSB SEA96FA024Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C24R · Bozeman, MTfailure of the pilot to follow the specified approach track (proper IFR procedure), and his associated failure to maintain altitude or clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's failure to abide by the aircraft…NTSB MIA96LA029Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca BL-17-30A · Kings Bay, GAa loss of control due to pilot spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was: the dark night condition and the pilot's improper decision to turn to an easterly heading with no ground reference lights available.NTSB SEA96LA023Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHardesty/Hays Quickie Q2 · Puyallup, WAa loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, and his improper decision to attempt a 180-degree turn back toward the runway during the forced landing.NTSB NYC96FA027Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Atlantic City, NJthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. A factor was the pilot's diverted attention due to an open aft cargo door.NTSB LAX96FA052Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Grand Canyon, AZthe pilot's loss of aircraft control as a result of spatial disorientation. Factors were: the pilot's lack of experience in instrument and night flight conditions, inadequate transition/upgrade training, and the dark night light condition.NTSB CHI96FA038Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-201T · Belvidere, SDthe pilot's attempted visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, his failure to maintain control of the airplane, and exceeding the design stress limits of the airplane. Factors in the accident were: the snow and fog, and the aft airplane center…NTSB CHI96LA037Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKrugler Sonerai II · Belleville, MIa loss of aircraft control due to the owner/builder's improper loading of the aircraft.NTSB SEA96FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Provo, UTpilot suicide (intentional in-flight collision with rising terrain). A factor relating to the accident was: pilot anxiety/apprehension.NTSB FTW96FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A35 · Hudson, COThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance. A factor was improper in-flight planning.NTSB LAX96FA050Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Fullerton, CAthe pilot-in-command's failure to follow IFR procedures in that he descended below the minimum descent altitude and failed to execute a missed approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-in-command's self-induced pressure to get to work.NTSB LAX96FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech S35 · Oxnard, CAfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during a missed approach, after encountering an undetermined propeller malfunction, which resulted in a stall and collision with the terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, fog, and the…NTSB BFO96FA022Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Cleveland, OHthe pilot's improper IFR procedure, by failing to maintain a positive rate of climb (and terrain clearance) after takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, and the lack of visual references over water and under overcast cloud conditions.NTSB SEA96FA021Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210D · Yellow Pine, IDimproper planning/decision by the pilot, his resultant VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain altitude and clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather…NTSB LAX96LA048Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Imperial, CAthe student pilot's misreading of the altimeter while in the traffic pattern, which put the aircraft in dangerous proximity to the ground and obstructions. A factor in the accident was the pilot's inability to see the power pole due to sun glare as the…