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 FTW96FA046Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-5-210C · Cypress, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while flying in instrument meteorological conditions. Factors were the weather, and the failure of the airplane's vacuum pump which rendered the attitude indicator and the directional gyro inoperative.NTSB CHI96FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Stafford, KSthe pilot misjudged his distance and altitude and flew into transmission wires. A factor was the pilot's lack of recent night flying experience.NTSB MIA96LA024Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRans S-12 · Plant City, FLfailure of the non-certificated pilot (unqualified person) to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain.NTSB LAX96FA045Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47D1 · Shafter, CAthe pilot misjudged the altitude and ground clearance while performing an unwarranted low altitude flight maneuver.NTSB NYC96FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Ashville, NYthe pilot's misjudgment of altitude and distance to the runway during an approach to land. Factors relating to the accident were: the night and adverse weather conditions.NTSB CHI96FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Fond Du Lac, WIthe pilot's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain altitude. Factors included the weather obscuration due to snow and fog, the dark night, and the pilot's lack of recent night flight time.NTSB NYC96FA023Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Hartford, VTthe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, his inadequate removal of airframe ice, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall/spin and an inflight collision with terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the…NTSB LAX96FA042Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech S35 · Kneeland, CAfailure of the pilot to correct a descending spiral and perform a missed approach, after becoming spatially disoriented and deviating from the planned ILS approach procedure. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, and the pilot's excessive…NTSB LAX96LA041Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCooke KR-2 · Watsonville, CApartial loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering for an emergency landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain.NTSB LAX96LA040Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Placerville, CAthe pilot's intentional buzzing, his failure to identify an obstruction (inadequate visual lookout), and his failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from the obstruction (utility pole). Factors relating to the accident were: dust generated by farm…NTSB LAX96LA037Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American AT-6D · Richvale, CAthe attempt by the pilot to execute an aerobatic maneuver with inadequate altitude to effect recovery before impacting terrain.NTSB FTW96RA037Accident · 9 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208B · Piedras Negras, MexicoNTSB ATL96FA010Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Isbela Segunda, PRthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft resulting in a stall. A factor was the mechanic's failure to properly maintain the forward baggage door locking mechanism.NTSB FTW96FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B95 · Tulsa, OKInadequate preflight by the pilot by failing to remove the flight control lock and failing to check the flight controls before takeoff, and the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff.NTSB FTW96LA044Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Port Arthur, TXUndetermined.NTSB FTW96FA028Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMbb BO-105S · League City, TXthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors were the pilot's lack of total experience in the MBB BO-105 helicopter and the dark night light conditions.NTSB FTW96FA027Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 65-B80 · Paint Rock, TXThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol which resulted in his improper decision to shutdown an engine, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed for single-engine flight.NTSB NYC96WA018Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna P210N · (Atlantic Ocean)NTSB SEA96FA010Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-5-235C · Alta, WYthe corrosion, consequent fatigue cracking and ultimate separation of the right wing forward lift strut.NTSB CHI96FA017Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Battle Creek, MIthe pilot's decision to fly in adverse weather (icing) conditions; the accumulation of airframe ice; and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed for the situation, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. The icing condition was a related…NTSB MIA96LA012Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGlasflugel Mosquito · Dunlap, TNthe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed resulting in a spin at an altitude insufficient for recovery.NTSB LAX96LA003Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFallbeck Dyke Delta JD2 · Safford, AZImproper planning/decision by the owner/builder (pilot), which resulted in his failure or inability to recover from a stall/mush condition.NTSB NYC96FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)a total loss of left engine power as a result of an in-flight separation of the #2 cylinder. The cylinder separated due to high stress fatigue cracking of the cylinder hold down studs and the #3 main bearing thru-studs. Factors in this accident were: improper…NTSB LAX96WA014Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182 · Bahia De Los An, MexicoNTSB ATL96FA006Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8E · Picayune, MSa worn left magneto distributor gear, which resulted in a loss of engine power; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the ground.NTSB ATL96LA004Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLopez Lancair 360 · Atlanta, GAthe noninstrument-rated pilot's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions which led to a loss of control.NTSB BFO96FA007Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Norwich, VTloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), during a low altitude operation. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB FTW96FA012Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Bayfield, COThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. A factor was the pilot diverting attention while looking for game.NTSB BFO96LA005Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTravel Air R · Youngstown, OHthe pilot's improper flare during the landing, which resulted in a hard landing, fuselage damage, loss of aircraft control, and a nose over. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model of airplane.NTSB SEA96LA005Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChard RV-3A · Forest Grove, ORThe pilot exceeded the design stress limit of the aircraft, followed by the failure of the right wing main spar.NTSB CHI96FA005Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBlatter-Pitts S2S · Waukegan, ILthe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the aerobatic maneuver. Factors associated with the accident were: an improper weight and balance with a center of gravity aft of the rear limit, the pilot's overconfidence in his personal ability, and…NTSB BFO96FA010Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Bird-In-Hand, PAthe pilot's (PIC's) improper in-flight planning/decision concerning simulated instrument flight during the traffic pattern/descent; and failure of the safety pilot (other crewmember) to provide adequate visual lookout to see-and-avoid the obstruction.NTSB NYC96FA004Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P206A · Fishkill, NYThe pilot's VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors were the fog and dusk light conditions.NTSB MIA96LA004Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLouks Pulsar XP · Inverness, FLPremature rotation by the pilot during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush, while attempting to accelerate in ground effect after lift-off.NTSB LAX96FA004Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A-36 · Beaver Dam, AZThe pilot's improper use of the fuel selector valve, which resulted in fuel starvation; and her failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB FTW96FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRupe RV-4 · Longmont, COthe installation of an unapproved metal propeller which led to a fatigue failure of a blade and loss of aircraft control.NTSB NYC96FA003Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEnstrom 280C · Quakertown, PAimproper installation of the magneto by maintenance personnel, which resulted in the loss of ignition and the loss of engine power. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing.NTSB CHI96FA002Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech H35 · Ozark, MOthe pilot's improper fuel management which resulted in fuel starvation, and his failure to maintain airspeed during the forced landing.NTSB NYC96FA002Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Caton, NYThe pilot's improper IFR procedure by failing to maintain proper altitude, while on the initial approach for an ILS. A factor relating to the accident was: failure of the tower controller to issue a safety advisory.NTSB LAX96LA001Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Long Beach, CAa loss of engine power for undeternined reasons.NTSB SEA96LA001Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRasmussen Kitfox 2 · Battle Ground, WAfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in a stall/mush and subsequent collision with trees and the ground.NTSB FTW95FA407Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Brady, TXthe pilot's improper decision to attempt a night landing without the visual cues necessary to establish runway alignment. Factors were the dark night light condition, the inoperative runway edge lights, and the failure of airport management to issue a NOTAM…NTSB LAX95LA344Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · St. Johns, AZthe pilot's failure to assure that the seat adjustment pin was properly engaged prior to takeoff.NTSB MIA95FA239Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Greer, SCoperation of the aircraft by the pilot with a known deficiency (failed mixture control linkage in the right engine), which resulted in loss of power in the right engine; and his failure to maintain control of the airplane during the initial climb after…NTSB FTW95FA406Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportMartin B-26C · Odessa, TXthe failure of the pilot to maintain minimum airspeed for flight resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin. Factors were the loss of power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's lack of recent flight experience in the aircraft.NTSB CHI95LA339Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMcclintic-Piercie KR-1 · Scotts, MIthe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed.NTSB CHI95FA337Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210R · Iowa City, IAfuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate preflight and lack of familiarity with the airplane. Factors involved were the bright night, trees and transmission wires.NTSB ATL95FA174Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · Columbia, SCthe pilot's improper IFR procedure by allowing the airplane to descend below the ILS glideslope and by continued descent below the decision height. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, low ceiling, and fog.NTSB FTW95LA404Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFratus XP-23 Hawk · Joshua, TXthe pilot's failure to see and avoid the wires.NTSB MIA95LA237Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAerotek Pitts - S2S · Clarksville, VAcontinued flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in spatial disorientation and his inability to control the airplane. The weather condition and the lack of instruments in the airplane were related factors.