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 CHI95FA153Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRyan Navion · Sturgis, MIthe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during the attempted landing and go-around. A factor was the crosswind weather condition.NTSB SEA95FA101Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Cheyenne, WYfailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from rising terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: low light conditions at dusk, low ceilings with thunderstorms in the area, and continued flight by the pilot into adverse weather…NTSB NYC95LA110Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHighcraft Buccaneer II · Millstone Twsp, NJThe loss of engine power due to the seizure of the number one cylinder pistion and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall.NTSB FTW95LA201Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHarding 1500-R-MINI-MAX · Braggs, OKThe pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing/takeoff area, and his failure to obtain or maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB BFO95FA050Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172F · Tappahanock, VAThe student pilot's misjudgment of distance/speed during the approach to land, and her failure to go around while there was still sufficient runway remaining. Factors related to the accident were: inadequate supervision by the flight instructor, the student's…NTSB LAX95LA183Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Peoria, AZthe pilot's inflight loss of control due to his delay in releasing the glider after the towed glider experienced an unplanned altitude gain on takeoff when it encountered a dust devil.NTSB CHI95FA149Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · North Loup, NEFailure to the student pilot to maintain control of the airplane during a forced landing, after experiencing fuel starvation due to fuel mismanagement. Factors relating to the accident were: inadequate oversight (supervision) by the flight instructor (CFI),…NTSB NYC95FA105Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE60 · Olney, ILThe pilot's improper IFR procedures by descending below the minimum descent altitude and not executing the published missed approach procedures. A factor in thE accident was the low overcast and fog conditions.NTSB NYC95FA103Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 Beta · Toano, VAThe pilot misjudged altitude and distance which resulted in an undershoot of the landing area and collision with water. Contributing factors are inadequate helipad lighting and a dark night light condition.NTSB NYC95DEI01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportStaudacher S-600 · Wellington, OHloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering, which resulted in a stall and collision with the ground.NTSB ANC95FA073Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Chugiak, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall. The pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing and an encounter with turbulence were factors in the accident.NTSB SEA95FA095Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Milford, UTthe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather (icing conditions), and his delay in executing a course reversal to exit those conditions, which resulted in airframe ice accumulation and loss of control. A factor was the icing conditions.NTSB CHI95FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177B · Nappanee, INairplane control was not maintained by the pilot during the his turn to an emergency landing area. Factors associated with this accident were the pilot not complying with the manufacturer's mandatory service bulletin, and an excessive fuel flow caused by the…NTSB SEA95FA093Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Snoqualmie Pass, WAThe pilot's attempt to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance with the terrain.NTSB FTW95LA192Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWSK PZL Mielec M-18A Dromader · Gerome, ARThe pilot's use of unsuitable terrain for landing.NTSB FTW95RA188Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationGrumman G-1159 · Quit0, EcuadorNTSB FTW95FA186Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Venice, LALoss of engine power due to ingestion of exhaust fumes from an oil platform flare boom.NTSB LAX95LA176Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKnapp Packard Special · Wheaton Springs, CAthe pilot's misjudged altitude and landing flare timing which resulted in a hard landing and nose over.NTSB BFO95FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Louisa, VAthe non-instrument rated private pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC and failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from terrain/obstacles. Related factors were the pilot's lack of total experience in IMC operations, his failure to obtain a preflight…NTSB MIA95RA121Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationDouglas DC-8F-54 · Guatemala Cty., GuatemalaNTSB LAX95LA179Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Palos Verdes, CAthat the pilot initiated the flight into known adverse weather, and inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ATL95FA092Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportWittman O&O · Stevenson, ALAileron-wing flutter induced by separation at the trailing edge of an unbonded portion of wing fabric at an aileron wing station. The debonding of the wing fabric was a result of improper installation.NTSB ATL95FA090Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAxell, Charles Glasair RG-2 · Elberta, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in a stall. A factor was the loss of engine power due to a blocked fuel injector nozzle.NTSB FTW95FA181Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47D1 · Ardmore, OKInflight collision with a power transmission array static line when the flight instructor and dual (private pilot) student failed to maintain adequate visual lookout.NTSB NYC95WA097Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172M · St. Johns, CanadaNTSB FTW95FA349Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172D · Tsaile, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. Factors were the pilot's lack of mountain flying experience and the rising terrain.NTSB MIA95LA116Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKorzep Bumble BEE 500 · Titusville, FLThe failure of the pilot to maintain rotor RPM, resulting in the subsequent in flight loss of control. The pilot's lack of qualification was a factor.NTSB LAX95LA169Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRyan ST-3-KR · Apple Valley, CAthe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed, and entering into an inadvertent stall while flying close to the ground.NTSB ATL95FA088Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Atlanta, GAThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to a drug, VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and failure to remain clear of the obstacle (towering smoke stack). Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions.NTSB MIA95FA115Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Quincy, FLAn undetermined fuel system problem that resulted in a fuel leak, an engine compartment fire, and a partial loss of engine power. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing. An exhaust leak from the fracture of an…NTSB MIA95FA114Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American AT-6D · Sebastian, FLThe failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing following loss of engine power.NTSB FTW95FA177Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 60 · Cheyenne, WYThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors were the instrument weather conditons and the excessive workload imposed on the solo pilot attempting to deal with an emergency situation while flying in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CHI95FA128Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T337G · Coffeyville, KSthe pilot's failure to abort the takeoff during an excessive takeoff roll. Factors were the loss of power on the number two engine which occurred for an undetermined reason, the pilot's disregard of the takeoff checklist, and the 25 degree flap setting.NTSB LAX95WA168Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 402B · Pohnpei, Marshall IslandsNTSB LAX95FA173Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Jerome, AZthe pilot's improper in-flight decision to continue the daytime flight into known adverse weather conditions at an inadequate altitude to clear mountainous terrain.NTSB ATL95FA087Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDuke, Clarence E. Lancair 360 · Hampton, GAThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flying experience.NTSB NYC95WA090Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna T337G · Portimao, PortugalNTSB CHI95FA123Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Schaumburg, ILThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his resultant improper planning/decision, and his attempt to perform an apparent aerobatic maneuver at an altitude that was insufficient to assure recovery.NTSB MIA95FA107Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 55-E55 · Daytona Beach, FLThe failure of the pilot-in-command to manage the fuel available in flight by improperly selecting the fuel selectors to fuel available in other tanks, resulting in both engines losing power. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for…NTSB LAX95LA162Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPitts S-1E · Auburn, CAThe pilot's poor judgment in performing a roll at an altitude insufficient to assure a safe completion.NTSB ANC95FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180B · Cantwell, AKThe pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC conditions. Weather conditions consisting of low ceilings and turbulence were factors in the accident.NTSB SEA95FA079Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Index, WAthe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather, and his improper use of carburetor heat. Factors include: weather conditions conducive to carburetor icing and airframe icing, airframe ice, and mountainous/hilly terrain in the area of the forced…NTSB CHI95FA126Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Oshkosh, WIInadequate visual lookout by the pilot of the Beech V35B, resulting in his failure to see-and-avoid the Cessna 150, which was ahead and below him on final approach; and failure of the tower controller to provide adequate service (flight advisories and landing…NTSB NYC95LA087Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-602P · Danbury, CTThe pilot's delay in initiating a go-around (aborted landing) and failure to assure that the flaps were properly reset for the go-around. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's failure to achieve the proper touchdown point for landing, the wet…NTSB MIA95FA105Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPackard/Squire RV-4 · Davie, FLEngine fuel starvation due to the pilot's fuel mismanagement. A loss of control followed as the pilot inadvertently stalled the airplane while maneuvering for the forced landing.NTSB LAX95FA161Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHelio H-250 · Round Mountain, CAthe pilot's poor preflight planning/preparation and in-flight decision by continuing VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot's delay in returning to the departure airport, the low clouds, and low visibility were factors in this…NTSB CHI95FA124Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 65-B80 · Great Bend, NDthe pilot/mechanic's inadequate maintenance (inspection) of aircraft and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (VMC). Factors were icing conditions, deteriorated induction air ducting, and failure of a piston assembly.NTSB CHI95FA121Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P-210N · Belle Plaine, MNthe failure to replace the deteriorated deicing boots, and the failure of the boots to operate when the airplane encountered icing condition. An additional causes were the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and the excessive pullup performed by the…NTSB ANC95GA048Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 182Q · Bumping Lake, WAA loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. Factors relating to the accident were: lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing in mountains, low ambient temperatures that contributed to hypothermia, the lack of survival equipment, an erratic ELT…NTSB FTW95FA158Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180B · Sanger, TXThe pilot's performance of a low altitude maneuver and his failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor was the gusty wind.