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 LAX95LA314Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Marana, AZthe pilot's poor installation of the propeller which allowed the propeller to become loose, and the pilot's improper emergency procedure by feathering the wrong propeller.NTSB LAX95FA313Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206-L1 · Johnsondale, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate obstacle clearance altitude while operating at a very low level. The aircraft's lack of wire cutters was a factor in this accident.NTSB NYC95WA219Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34-200T · Poznan, PolandNTSB MIA95LA215Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech E-18S · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)Undetermined.NTSB NYC95LA207Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Kingswood Twsp, NJFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.NTSB NYC95FA203Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Block Island, RIthe pilot's failure to touch down a sufficient distance from shore, and his delay in aborting the landing. In addition, the pilot exceeded the airplane's weight and balance limits which reduced the airplane's performance.NTSB ANC95FA150Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Deadhorse, AKThe pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision by flying into a box canyon.NTSB FTW95FA359Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Red Cliff, COImproper in-flight planning/decision by the flight crew, and their failure to maintain sufficient airspeed over mountainous terrain, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: high density…NTSB ATL95FA162Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200 · Double Springs, ALfailure of the pilot to follow emergency procedures for loss of engine power, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and improper fuel consumption…NTSB MIA95FA211Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 560F · Opa Locka, FLfailure of the non-certificated pilot (unqualified person) to maintain sufficient airspeed, which resulted in a stall and a collision with the ground. Factors relating to the accident were: the non-certificated pilot's unauthorized use of an airplane that had…NTSB ANC95FA147Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Palmer, AKfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and collision with the terrain.NTSB DCA95MA054Accident · 8 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportEmbraer EMB-120RT · Carrollton, GAthe in-flight fatigue fracture and separation of a propeller blade resulting in distortion of the left engine nacelle, causing excessive drag, loss of wing lift, and reduced directional control of the airplane. The fracture was caused by a fatigue crack from…NTSB CHI95LA291Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Mio, MIthe pilot's impairment of judgement and performance which led to performing a low altitude maneuver with insufficient altitude for recovery. A factor was the tailwind.NTSB ANC95FA169Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18A · Anchorage, AKThe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision and failure to maintain adequate clearance or altitude from the mountainous terrain, while maneuvering near an airstrip.NTSB SEA95LA185Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Thompson, UTthe pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain altitude and clearance from the mountainous terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were the fog, low ceilings, and downdraft.NTSB MIA95FA208Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper 601P · Rock Hill, SCThe pilot's in-flight loss of aircraft control, due to incapacitation by a heart attack.NTSB BFO95FA082Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8GCBC · East Moriches, NYthe structural failure of the wing for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI95FA285Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Ardoch, NDthe pilot-in-command's continuing flight into adverse weather. Factors were the pilot-in-command's failure to obtain a weather observation and the adverse weather.NTSB ANC95FA157Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper L-21A · Kaktovik, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from mountainous terrain.NTSB LAX95FA297Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D55 · Kingsburg, CAthe failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed during a simulated engine failure to avoid an inadvertent stall/spin, and inadequate supervision by the designated pilot examiner. A factor in the accident was the decision of the examiner to use an…NTSB ATL95FA159Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportWSK PZL Mielec M-26 · Jonesborough, TNa blocked fuel injector nozzle, which increased the engine fuel consumption; failure of the pilot to adequately monitor fuel consumption, which resulted in fuel exhaustion before the airplane reached the destination; and the passenger's interference with the…NTSB NYC95LA194Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGreat Lakes 2T1-A2 · Fombell, PAthe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed.NTSB NYC95FA195Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Altoona, PApropagation of corrosion cracks in the right engine overboard exhaust stack and fatigue failure of the exhaust stack, which resulted in escape of hot/high velocity gases, in-flight fire, emergency descent, and subsequent collision with trees during an…NTSB CHI95LA278Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-400 · Hayti, MOthe pilot inadvertently stalled the airplane. A factor was the reduced power setting.NTSB NYC95FA188Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Mapleton, METhe pilot inadvertently shut down the right engine and feathered the propeller after a loss of power in the left engine, and he failed to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and collision with the ground. A factor relating…NTSB MIA95LA204Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Muscle Shoals, ALFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate visual lookout to see-and-avoid electrical power lines, while approaching a field for aerial application.NTSB LAX95LA289Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRonneberg/Murphy Berkut · Santa Paula, CAthe pilot's inadvertent entry into an accelerated stall in a maximum performance high-g turn at an altitude insufficient to recover aircraft control prior to colliding with the ground.NTSB FTW95FA337Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Armorel, ARThe pilot's impairment of judgement and performance due to drugs which led to his failure to maintain airspeed and resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Factors were the pilot's overconfidence in personal ability and interpersonal relations.NTSB MIA95FA200Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Pulaski, TNFailure of the pilot to perform the before-takeoff checklist, and his failure to abort the takeoff due to inadequate acceleration. Contributing to the accident was an inadequate annual inspection by maintenance personnel for failure to safety the carburetor…NTSB DCA95RA051Accident · 65 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 737-200 · San Vicente, El SalvadorNTSB BFO95LA079Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughlett Challenger II · Madisonville, KYan intermittent short of the ignition system, due to improper maintenance/modification of the engine, which resulted in partial loss of engine power; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision…NTSB MIA95FA207Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210C · Dawsonville, GAThe pilot's disregard of the weather forecast and flight into known adverse weather (instrument flight conditions), resulting in an in-flight collision while maneuvering in mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent…NTSB SEA95FA175Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Swan Lake, MTthe pilot's incapacitation due to a heart attack.NTSB FTW95LA332Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Fort Necessity, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. A factor relating to the accident was: the gusty wind conditions.NTSB SEA95FA171Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Quilcene, WAThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from the mountains. Factors in the accident were the clouds and mountainous terrain.NTSB ANC95FA129Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170 · Coldfoot, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate distance and/or altitude from terrain. Rising mountainous terrain and downdrafts associated with unfavorable wind conditions were factors in the accident.NTSB LAX95LA278Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFox Peregrine PJ-2 · Minden, NVa failure of the wing flap control system due to inadequate design, which led to an asymmetrical flap deployment during a critical flight condition and in-flight loss of control. A related factor was the lack of a split-flaps warning system.NTSB CHI95FA259Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Fifield, WIthe pilot's attempted visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of control. A factor was the fog.NTSB NYC95FA181Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-236 · Rehoboth, MAThe pilot's inadvertent flight into hazardous weather, which subsequently resulted in exceeding the design stress limits of the airplane and an in-flight breakup. Factors relating to the accident were: embedded thunderstorms, turbulence, and failure of the…NTSB LAX95LA277Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJenkins Long E-Z · Prescott, AZthe pilot's failure to properly lean the engine for best power, his premature rotation of an over gross aircraft on an uphill runway, and his delay in aborting the takeoff.NTSB CHI95FA255Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech T-34C · Oak Creek, WIthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate fuel supply, and his failure to maintain airspeed.NTSB SEA95LA167Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPederson Silhouette 1 · Corvallis, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor in the accident was the pilot performing aerobatics at an altitude inadequate for safe recovery.NTSB SEA95LA165Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Buhl, IDThe loss of power due to the failure of an engine cylinder. The chemical load was not dumped for undetermined reasons and contributed to the severity of injuries.NTSB LAX95LA275Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech P35 · Elko, NVthe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed in a turn during high wind conditions while executing a go-around at a low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and an uncontrolled descent into the ground.NTSB LAX95FA272Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell 112TC · Los Angeles, CAan undetermined aircraft system malfunction, and the pilot's delayed remedial action in response to insufficient braking action and/or inability to control engine power.NTSB ANC95LA119Accident · 4 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Cordova, AKMechanical loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), and subsequent in-flight collision with water (or ditching at sea).NTSB NYC95LA176Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKenneth Savidge Vari Viggen · Abingdon, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of experience in make and model.NTSB LAX95LA269Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell S-2R · Tulare, CAfailure of the pilot to see and avoid power lines along his route of flight.NTSB ATL95FA142Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35F · Mt Dora, FLthe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation by allowing the airplane's weight and balance to be exceeded, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane, while turning after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB FTW95LA309Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-6 · Belen, NMThe parachutist's failure to follow procedures on exiting the aircraft. A factor was the parachutist's incapacitation due to hitting his head on the doorway floor.