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 MIA95FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Missing, FLUndetermined.NTSB LAX95LA060Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Searchlight, NVthe pilot's intentional continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions in mountainous terrain.NTSB CHI95FA061Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-350P · Rochester, MNFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane, while climbing in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) after takeoff. Factors related to the accident were: fog, low ceiling, the pilot's lack of recent instrument experience, and the excessive…NTSB FTW95FA071Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182G · Muskogee, OKFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation after inadvertently flying into adverse weather. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, the low ceiling, the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather, and his…NTSB DCA95RA009Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationBoeing B737-2D6C · Coventry, AlgeriaNTSB SEA95FA031Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Grantsville, UTThe VFR pilot's attempt to continue the flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance with mountainous terrain.NTSB LAX95FA053Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American NAVION-A · Big Bear City, CAthe pilot's initial overrotation, his failure to attain the proper climb airspeed, and an inadvertent entry into a stall mush condition. A factor in the accident was the high-density altitude.NTSB FTW95FA069Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT · San Antonio, TXThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor related to the accident was: the lack of a suitable area for the forced landing.NTSB NYC95WA235Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationDouglas DC-3C · Lobito, Central African RepublicNTSB DCA95MA007Accident · 2 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportLearjet 35A · Fresno, CA1) Improperly installed electrical wiring for special mission operations that led to an in-flight fire that caused airplane systems and structural damage and subsequent airplane control difficulties; 2) improper maintenance and inspection procedures followed…NTSB DCA95MA006Accident · 15 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBritish Aerospace Jetstream 3201 · Morrisville, NC1) the captain's improper assumption that an engine had failed, and 2) the captain's subsequent failure to follow approved procedures for engine failure, single-engine approach and go-around, and stall recovery. Contributing to the cause of the accident was…NTSB BFO95FA020Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Nesquehoning, PAthe non-instrument-rated pilot's poor in-flight decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, at night, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude to ensure clearance from obstructions/terrain. Related factors were the…NTSB SEA95FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Seattle, WAFuel exhaustion, and the pilot's failure to refuel en route. Factors include a dark night and ditching in the waters of puget sound.NTSB MIA95FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300 · Sylvan Springs, ALPoor in-flight planning/decision by the pilot-in-command for failure to deviate to an alternate airport after encountering icing conditions in an airplane not certificated for flight in icing conditions. Also, failure of the pilot to maintain altitude…NTSB NYC95FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-600 · Colonie, NYFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft, possibly from falling asleep.NTSB ANC95FA016Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402C · Elim, AKVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the adverse weather conditions.NTSB CHI95LA053Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Kansas City, MOFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed on final approach, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather (icing) conditions, the accumulation of airframe/wing ice, the pilot's improper use of…NTSB LAX95FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Groveland, CAthe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a nighttime descent into the airport over an unlighted mountainous area. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction by attempting to make several cellular telephone calls…NTSB NYC95LA039Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWilliam MC Glumphy Kitfox III · Cadiz, OHThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and uncontrolled collision with the ground. A factor was pilot's lack of total experience in this make and model.NTSB ATL95FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Statesboro, GAThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, improper planning/decision, flight into adverse weather conditions, and failure to maintain proper altitude/clearance from wooded terrain. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and…NTSB MIA95LA032Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172D · Miami, FLThe passenger committed suicide.NTSB LAX95FA043Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSiai-Marchetti SF260C · North Las Vegas, NVthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane by inadvertently allowing the flying passenger to enter a stall/spin. Factors in the accident were the passenger's interference with the pilot's attempted recovery from the spin, and the pilot's lack of…NTSB CHI95LA051Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportP. D. Chambers Swift PC-1V8 · Lincoln, NEThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, resulting in a stall-spin. Factors were an inadequate preflight and the loss of engine power resulting from water contamination in the automotive fuel.NTSB ANC95FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 206 · Kenai, AKUndetermined.NTSB CHI95FA050Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAgusta A109A II · Ann Arbor, MIthe pilot's failure to obtain/maintain a successful autorotation. Factors were: a loss of engine power of one engine for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's shutdown of the wrong engine.NTSB SEA95FA025Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T1 · Brockway, MTa loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB FTW95LA057Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Lawton, OKThe pilot's failure to attain sufficient airspeed during takeoff resulting in a stall. Factors were the pilot's selection of the downwind runway and his failure to use all availabble runway.NTSB CHI95DCA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportYakovlev YAK-52 · Caruthersville, MOThe insufficient altitude (300 feet above the airport) at which an aerobatic maneuver was attempted by the pilot.NTSB ATL95FA022Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Gastonia, NCThe pilot's failure to adequately plan the fuel requirements for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and the subsequent loss of engine power. The pilot also failed to maintain flying airspeed which resulted in a loss of control, during the…NTSB LAX95FA046Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-5-235C · Springville, CAthe pilot's entry into a box canyon at an altitude insufficient to maintain clearance from the surrounding terrain and obstacles. Factors in the accident were the high density altitude condition and the steep, rapidly rising nature of the mountainous terrain.NTSB ATL95LA019Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWeeks Glasair SH2F · Timmonsville, SCThe pilot's continued operation into known adverse weather conditions with a known aircraft deficiency, and his ensuing spatial disorientation, which resulted in ground impact during an uncontrolled descent.NTSB ATL95FA021Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95B55 · Mableton, GAThe pilot's inadequate weather evaluation in that he failed to account for forecasted winds at altitude that resulted in an increased time en route and fuel exhaustion.NTSB MIA95FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Arcadia, FLThe failure of the dual-student to maintain airspeed while maneuvering resulting in an inadvertent stall and uncontrolled descent. Contributing to the accident was improper supervision of the dual-student by the flight instructor.NTSB CHI95MA044Accident · 2 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-9-82 · Bridgeton, MOThe Cessna 441 pilot's mistaken belief that his assigned departure runway was runway 30R, which resulted in his undetected entrance onto runway 30R, which was being used by the MD-82 for its departure. Contributing to the accident was the lack of Automatic…NTSB NYC95FA033Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Doylestown, PAthe pilot's descent below the published minimum circling altitude, and his failure to execute the published missed approach procedure during a night IFR instrument approach, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.NTSB MIA95WA025Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28 · St. Vincent, SpainNTSB MIA95FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Daytona Beach, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering in instrument flight conditions during an instrument approach, resulting in the pilot becoming spatially disoriented, and a subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing to the…NTSB ATL95LA017Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWSK PZL Mielec TS-11 Iskra · Shelby, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain landing approach speed, which resulted in a final approach stall. Factors were the night lighting conditions, and the pilot's failure to use the landing light.NTSB ANC95LA012Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Juneau, AKThe employee's disregard for company training and policies about the dangers of helicopter rotor blades. The running aircraft with the rotors turning was a factor in the accident.NTSB NYC95FA031Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Brewster, MAFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during a missed approach. A factor related to the accident was: the deteriorating weather condition with a low ceiling and rain.NTSB NYC95FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402C · Hyannis, MAthe pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path during an ILS approach, which resulted in a collision with power lines. Factors in this accident were; adverse weather conditions with turbulence, down drafts and fog.NTSB MIA95FA021Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Bainbridge, GAInadvertent stall/spin and altitude inadequate for recovery by the pilot-in-command (CFI).NTSB LAX95FA262Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Flagstaff, AZthe pilot's intentional flight into known adverse weather conditions, his misjudged evaluation of the weather, and his inexperience in actual instrument flying.NTSB FTW95FA050Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Deming, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude and clearance in moutainous terrain. Factors were rising terrain and gusty, high wind conditions.NTSB NYC95FA027Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 195A · Broadview Hts, OHthe improper installation of a cabin heater system, resulting in an in-flight fire and subsequent loss of control and collision with trees.NTSB LAX95FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C-99 · Avenal, CAloss of aircraft control at night by the pilot for unknown reasons.NTSB FTW95FA047Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman-Schweizer G-164B · Wisner, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain minimum required airspeed for flight. A factor was the pilot's lack of total experience in the type of aircraft.NTSB LAX95FA037Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Springerville, AZthe pilot's failure to maintain the proper airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. The pilot's diverted attention and overconfidence in the aircraft's ability to fly slow were factors in this accident.NTSB NYC95LA025Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLee Pazmany PL-4A · Orange, MAThe pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing, collapse of the main gear, and inflight collision with the ground.NTSB FTW95LA044Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPezetel 106A · Gulf Of MexicoThe pilot became lost or disoriented, allowing the airplane to get off-course/over water; and loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. Factors related to the accident were: clouds and high winds associated with the prevailing tropical storm, the…