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 FTW95FA402Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24B-260 · Westcliffe, COVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the light conditions at dusk, the adverse weather…NTSB FTW95FA401Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Groom, TXLoss of control for unknown reason(s).NTSB NYC95LA225Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSnyded Pitts S1E · Somers, NYThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout, which resulted his failure to see-and-avoid the power line.NTSB NYC95FA224Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing A75N1 · Marlborough, MAthe Stearman, N89X, pilot's inadequate visual lookout. A factor was the failure of the flight instructor of the Cessna 150, N1766Q, to announce his position in the traffic pattern in accordance with recommended procedures.NTSB BFO95FA097Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Farmingdale, NYfailure of the pilot to maintain pitch control of the airplane during the initial climb after lift-off, which resulted in a steep climb, loss of airspeed, and a resultant stall/spin and subsequent crash. A factor relating to the accident was: failure of the…NTSB ATL95FA173Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310P · Lexington, MSthe non-instrument rated pilot's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft. The weather was a factor.NTSB SEA95LA224Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMacphee Vans RV-6 · Jacksonville, ORthe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain altitude and/or clearance from surrounding terrain after a low pass. The mountainous terrain was a factor.NTSB SEA95LA223Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS350BA · Crater Lake, ORFailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above water, while performing low altitude flight. Factors relating to the accident were: the glassy water condition, and lack of visual cues concerning perception of altitude.NTSB MIA95LA229Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502 · Lorida, FLMismanagement of the fuel by the pilot resulting in the total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's poor decision to fly over water en route to the refueling airport.NTSB FTW95FA399Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502A · Coleman, TXthe pilot's continued flight into adverse weather resulting in spatial disorientation and loss of control. A factor was the pilot's improper weather evaluation and the weather.NTSB CHI95FA328Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Coldwater, MIfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering (turning) at low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, and the lack of…NTSB LAX95FA339Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Irvine, CAthe pilot's intentional VFR flight into IMC conditions and failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude, and the local controller's improper use of ATC procedure/technique. Factors in the accident were the helicopter's low fuel state and lack of…NTSB CHI95LA323Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHaugen Kolb Firestar II · Souris, NDthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the ultralight vehicle.NTSB CHI95FA326Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Danville, INthe pilot-in-command's inadequate recovery while maneuvering.NTSB MIA95FA224Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale TB-9 · New Smyrna Bch, FLthe failure of the pilots of both aircraft to see and avoid each other.NTSB MIA95FA223Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Dalton, GAthe pilot's improper action by turning off the right engine fuel selector valve after the left engine had failed, and her failure to maintain control of the airplane after losing power in both engines. Factors relating to the accident were: a worn rocker arm…NTSB SEA95LA217Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-26B · Morgan, UTFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to land after a low altitude tow release, which resulted in a stall/spin and collision with terrain.NTSB MIA95WA222Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna 402B · Marsh Harbour, BahamasNTSB ANC95FA167Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Petersburg, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed above the airplane's stall speed. The high terrain and low ceiling (clouds) were related factors.NTSB FTW95FA393Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Witter, ARfailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from high/wooded terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, high terrain, and foggy weather conditions. Also, the pilot's use of Methamphetamine (not approved by the FAA) was a…NTSB LAX95GA334Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna U206G · Dos Palos, CAthe pilot-in-command's failure to assure that adequate airspeed was maintained.NTSB DCA95RA061Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBalloonbau Woerner · Bereza, BelarusNTSB SEA95FA214Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAgusta A109A II · Winslow, WAthe pilot failed to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above the surface of water, while flying over calm water conditions at night. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, low ceiling, fog, glassy (calm) water conditions, and the lack of visual…NTSB SEA95FA213Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Black Diamond, WAimproper maintenance which led to oil starvation due to a inadequately tightened B-nut in an oil line. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB NYC95MA220Accident · 12 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 65 · West Point, VAThe pilot's inadequate preflight/preparation, his failure to ensure proper weight and balance of the airplane, and his failure to obtain/maintain minimum control speed, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control after loss of power in one engine. A factor…NTSB NYC95FA221Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 Beta · Akron, OHthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the rotor RPM, and his improper remedial action, which resulted in the rotor stalling. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of recent experience in helicopters, and his lack of total experience in make and…NTSB LAX95LA332Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom F-28C · Livermore, CAthe pilot's inadequate preflight fuel load determination procedures which resulted in fuel exhaustion. In addition, the pilot's delayed and improper use of the collective and cyclic flight controls following the engine failure led to his failure to maintain…NTSB FTW95LA384Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJohnson Rebel 300 · Keenesburg, COInadvertent stall during approach. A factor was the pilot's lack of total experience in make and model.NTSB ATL95LA165Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAllen Mustang II · Jasper, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB SEA95LA211Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGift Challenger II · Scappoose, ORFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering, which resulted in a stall/spin. Although the aircraft recovery parachute had been activated, there was not enough time (or altitude) for it to fully deploy.NTSB SEA95FA212Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 560 · Ketchum, IDThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a turn resulting in a stall/spin. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot-in-command's becoming geographically disoriented as well as his improper in-flight decision, and…NTSB CHI95LA316Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 188 · Greenville, MIpilot incapacitation.NTSB SEA95FA209Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180J · Browning, MTClearance from the ground was not maintained while attempting a VFR flight into IMC weather conditions. A factor to the accident was fog.NTSB FTW95FA380Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5A · Midland, TXthe pilot's selection of a downwind runway for takeoff. Factors were the tailwind, the density altitude, and the overloading of the airplane.NTSB SEA95FAMS1Accident · 3 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Missing, WAUndetermined until the Missing aircraft is located.NTSB NYC95LA214Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGillet C.P. 328 · Fire Island, NYthe failure of the pilots to maintain control of the airplane while performing aerobatics.NTSB LAX95LA325Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChambers C1C · Turlock, CAa loss of engine power due to fuel system contamination and the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering for an emergency landing. Factors in the accident were: the inadequate procedures used to purge the fuel system of known…NTSB SEA95FA199Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Sheridan, WYfuel starvation for undetermined reasons. The lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing was a factor.NTSB SEA95FA198Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A24R · Yakima, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's poor judgment and ostentatious display to buzz.NTSB NYC95FA212Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18A-150 · Egg Harbor, NJFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during pull-up from a banner pickup, which resulted in a stall and collision with trees before recovering from the stall.NTSB LAX95FA322Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFloyd Lancair 200 SE · Georgetown, CAa partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff in a timely manner. The tailwind was a factor.NTSB CHI95LA302Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMorrow Starduster I · Ottawa, KSthe pilot's delayed remedial action during the inverted spin maneuver. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's lack of recent experience in the type operation.NTSB CHI95FA310Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7GCB · Howard, WIa loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel and the pilot's inadequate preflight.NTSB CHI95FA307Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Orr, MNthe pilot misjudged the landing flare. Factors associated with the accident were the visual illusion caused by the glassy smooth water condition and the forward center of gravity.NTSB LAX95FA321Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Phoenix, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain positive aircraft control, a proper airspeed and fly a proper approach path during final approach. Contributing factors to the accident were the pilot's physiological condition, impairment as a result of using a sedating…NTSB LAX95FA319Accident · 8 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Beaver Dam, AZFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering on approach, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and uncontrolled collision with terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot allowed the aircraft weight and balance…NTSB CHI95FA305Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Omaha, NEthe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the takeoff climb. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and exceeding the aircraft weight and balance.NTSB CHI95FA301Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportKiesel Easy Varieze · Dwight, ILinadequate preflight planning by the pilot. A factor associated with this accident was the pilot did not perform an aborted takeoff is sufficient time to safely stop.NTSB NYC95FA210Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Portland, MEan engine malfunction for an undetermined reason, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a forced landing which resulted in an accelerated stall. A factor was the pilot's lack of recent experience.NTSB ANC95LA158Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportShort Brothers SC-7 · Skwentna, AKThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. The weather was a factor.