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 LAX95FA105Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Ceres, CAthe pilot inadvertently becoming lost/disoriented during a missed approach, his failure to follow the proper missed approach procedure, and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to spatial disorientation.NTSB LAX95FA103Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Jamestown, CAthe pilot's intentional flight into IMC conditions and subsequent in-flight loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB ATL95FA050Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B60 · Gatlinburg, TNThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument weather conditions that resulted in a collision with rising terrain.NTSB ATL95FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Piedmont, SCThe pilot's inappropriate 'buzzing' that resulted in exceeding the airplane's design stress limits, the failure of the windshield, and the pilot's subsequent loss of control and impact with the ground.NTSB SEA95FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-601P · Tremonton, UTThe pilot's attempt to conduct visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance with the mountainous terrain. Factors were the clouds, and the dark night.NTSB FTW95FA112Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Conroe, TXThe pilot's failure to follow published IFR procedures. Factors were the weather conditions, the dark night, and the pilot's failure to activate the approach lighting system.NTSB LAX95LA101Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172G · Pope Valley, CAthe pilot's poor judgment to buzz the lake and his inadequate visual lookout.NTSB FTW95FA111Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Larkspur, COThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions after being advised that VFR flight was not recommended. The weather and dark night were factors in the accident.NTSB FTW95LA113Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Howard, COThe pilot's flight into known adverse weather over mountainous terrain at an inadequate altitude to recover from turbulence/downdraft. Factors related to the accident were: inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot, his inadequate weather…NTSB CHI95FA082Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310L · Valparaiso, INspatial disorientation of the pilot while descending into the clouds. Factors were the moderate turbulance and snow.NTSB FTW95FA106Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Arnaudville, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while circling at low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with terrain (wooded river bank). A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's use of a drug that was not…NTSB MIA95FA070Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Mintonville, KYThe flightcrew's intentional VFR flight into known instrument meteorological conditions. A factor was the inadequate altitude to prevent an inadvertent collision with an obstruction.NTSB ATL95LA047Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBrandt Rutan Longeze · Marietta, GAThe pilot's delayed abort of the ground run which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with the ravine.NTSB ATL95FA046Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Chamblee, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after becoming spatially disoriented. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's lack of proficiency (recent experience) in instrument flying, and improper approach control service by vectoring the…NTSB LAX95FA088Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Big Bear City, CAthe pilot's improper preflight inspection during which he failed to insure removal of the induction air system inlet covers. This action resulted in a partial loss of engine power during initial climb. A factor which contributed to the accident was the…NTSB SEA95FA043Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Butte, MTThe pilot's failure to follow the IFR procedure by not maintaining the proper altitude prior to the initial appraoch fix. Factors to the accident were dark night conditions and a low ceiling.NTSB FTW95FA102Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Needville, TXLoss of control at an altitude insufficient for recovery after one of the two pilots on board attempted an aerobatic maneuver.NTSB FTW95FA101Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Wallisville, TXFuel starvation due to improper positioning of the fuel tank selector, which resulted in loss of engine power. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and a lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB FTW95LA100Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A152 · Houston, TXThe pilot's inadequate supervision of the passenger. A factor was the pilot's inadequate preflight of the aircraft.NTSB LAX95LA087Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStevens S-8 · Tucson, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate control of the airplane to avoid a collision with the ground.NTSB CHI95FA071Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBacon QUESTAIR-VENTURE · Des Moines, IAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the emergency descent, resulting in a stall/spin. Factors were material defects in the material used to manufacture the crankshaft, resulting in the crankshaft fracturing after approximately 200 hours in…NTSB SEA95FA038Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Moose, WYThe pilot's failure to fly the proper glidepath. A factor was the dark night light conditions.NTSB MIA95GA062Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHughes 369E · Tampa, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control as a result of becoming spatially disoriented while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was the dark night with no visible horizon.NTSB MIA95FA060Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-236 · York, SCThe noninstrument-rated pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation while conducting flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). A factor relating to the accident was: failure of the pilot to follow…NTSB NYC95FA050Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAgusta A109C · Jackson Twp, PAThe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision and failure to maintain control of the airplane after becoming spatially disoriented. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the adverse weather conditions.NTSB LAX95FA079Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Los Angeles, CAThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the pilot's and operator's failure to follow their established dispatch procedures, the pilot's poor judgment in initiating the flight,…NTSB SEA95FA037Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Blyn, WAThe pilot's VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors in the accident were the weather conditions and the dark night.NTSB LAX95FA078Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182R · Wrightwood, CAthe pilot's loss of aircraft control and subsequent inadvertent stall/spin following an encounter with a localized mountain wave condition and turbulence while conducting a search mission in close proximity to mountainous terrain.NTSB LAX95FA077Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Pleasanton, CAfailure of the pilot-in-command to maintain visual contact with terrain and sufficient altitude for terrain clearance. Factors in the accident were the pilot's decision to initiate a descent 14 miles from the airport, and weather, specifically cloud…NTSB LAX95FA076Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Flagstaff, AZThe pilot's failure to properly configure the aircraft fuel system prior to takeoff, and his failure maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude while maneuvering to return to the airport. Factors in the accident were the dark night lighting conditions,…NTSB ATL95FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Spring City, TNThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning, and his continued VFR flight into instrument weather conditions which resulted in the collision with the mountain. A factor was low ceilings.NTSB ATL95FA036Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Augusta, GAThe loss of power on the left engine for undetermined reasons. A factor was the failure of the right engine due to maintenance personnel's failure to properly torque the cylinder through bolts.NTSB FTW95FA087Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B95 · Hot Springs, ARThe pilot's failure to follow IFR and missed approach procedures.NTSB NYC95FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · West Palm Beach, FLImproper top overhaul by maintenance personnel, and improperly torqued crackcase thru-bolts and cylinder deck studs at the number one cylinder, which led to fatigue failure of four of the bolts, failure and/or separation of the number one cylinder, and a…NTSB CHI95DTK01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGay RV-4 · Lennox, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude while performing aerobatic maneuvers. The pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs was a factor.NTSB FTW95FA084Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Georgetown, TXLoss of power in both engines and loss of aircraft control for unknown reasons.NTSB FTW95FA082Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A60 · Hurley, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a single engine approach resulting in an inadvertent stall. Factors were a fatigue separation of a shaft in the left engine turbocharger due to use of a Federal Aviation Administration approved overhaul…NTSB FTW95WA081Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper Aerostar 601P · Toluca, MexicoNTSB FTW95FA080Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 65-90 · Royal, ARThe pilot inadvertently allowed the airplane to descend and collide with trees, after he became diverted by an inoperative cabin heater. Darkness was a related factor.NTSB BFO95FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Miamisburg, OHThe pilot's failure to switch fuel tanks which led to fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power.NTSB LAX95FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Tehachapi, CAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to reverse direction. Factors relating to the accident were: the mountainous terrain, and adverse weather conditions.NTSB LAX95LA070Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 200D · Lancaster, CAfuel starvation due to the pilot's failure to select a tank containing fuel.NTSB MIA95FA053Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLarson, C.H. Cozy MK IV · Wauchula, FLDistance vs. altitude misjudged by the pilot-in-command while on short final approach. Additionally, altitude/clearance not maintained while on short final approach resulting in the collision with an unmarked static power line.NTSB LAX95LA067Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHarris BD-10 · Gardnerville, NVthe in-flight overload failure of the left vertical stabilizer spars, at force levels substantially below the predicted ultimate failure loads, due to inadequate substantiation by the designer.NTSB LAX95FA340Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182B · Rancho Cucamong, CAthe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate altitude above mountainous terrain.NTSB LAX95FA068Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-5A · San Luis Obispo, CAthe pilot's intentional flight into an area of known marginal weather conditions during a night cross-country flight and the flight's subsequent inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions at an altitude insufficient to remain clear of the…NTSB ATL95FA031Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · St. Augustine, FLThe non-instrument rated pilot's attempted flight into known instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of control.NTSB LAX95LA063Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas 500 · Chuuk Island (Pacific Ocean)undetermined.NTSB LAX95FA062Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Holtville, CAthe pilot's becoming lost/disoriented during a night cross- country flight at a time the flight was in a critical low fuel state, and his failure to maintain aircraft control during a go-around from an aborted precautionary landing. Factors in the accident…NTSB FTW95FA075Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Van Horn, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude. Factors were reduced light conditions, clouds, and the pilot's premature descent.