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 CHI95FA041Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Savoy, ILThe failure of the pilot to maintain a positive rate of climb during the night takeoff. Factors related to the accident were: lack of visual cues, the weather conditions, and the dark night.NTSB ATL95FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Louisville, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during a low pass maneuver. A factor was the trees at the vicinity of the low pass.NTSB CHI95LA036Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLessel KR-2 · Portland, INthe failure of the elevator control cable attach point and the pilot's subsequent inability to control the airplane.NTSB LAX95FA033Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Valencia, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a dirt embankment while performing an undetermined maneuver.NTSB SEA95FA018Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Klamath Falls, ORThe VFR pilot's attempt to continue the flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance with the mountainous terrain below him. Contributing to the accident was a downdraft.NTSB CHI95FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-76A · Cameron, LAthe copilot's failure to maintain altitude and the pilot-in-command's inadequate supervision of the operation. Factors include the dark night and low ceiling, and the flightcrew's failure to set the proper altimeter setting.NTSB ATL95FA013Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Dresden, TNThe pilot in command's (CFI) impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol and drugs, which led to his failure to maintain separation from terrain.NTSB SEA95FA017Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Great Falls, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. A factor to the accident was: inadequate aircraft preflight.NTSB NYC95LA021Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing A-75N1 · Sayville, NYA loss of control in flight by the pilot(s) while maneuvering, with insufficient altitude for recovery.NTSB MIA95FA018Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBölkow BO-105S · Perry, FLFailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient clearance from the power line, while buzzing (at low altitude).NTSB LAX95FA031Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Honolulu, HIImproper loading of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain minimum control airspeed.NTSB DCA95MA001Accident · 68 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportATR ATR-72-212 · Roselawn, INthe loss of control, attributed to a sudden and unexpected aileron hinge moment reversal that occurred after a ridge of ice accreted beyond the deice boots while the airplane was in a holding pattern during which it intermittently encountered supercooled…NTSB ATL95FA009Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Gerton, NCThe pilot's inadequate weather evaluation and his intentional visual flight into IMC.NTSB ATL95FA008Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Conway, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper altitude during the missed approach, resulting in a collision with trees and terrain. Factors were the weather conditions (low ceiling, fog), and the pilot's diverted attention outside the cockpit.NTSB FTW95LA034Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBrisendine Pterodactyl/Ascender · Las Animas, COA failure of the right wing into the propeller.NTSB LAX95FA020Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T337H · Douglas City, CAThe improper in-flight decision of the pilot to fly in dark night time conditions in mountainous terrain during adverse weather conditions.NTSB SEA95FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportUnited Consultant UC-1 · Pinedale, WYAircraft control was not maintained. Factors to the accident were: rough water and downdrafts.NTSB SEA95FA011Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Rawlins, WYThe pilot-in-command's not maintaining clearance with terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were high terrain, dark night conditions, and the pilot-in-command's not obtaining/ maintaining the proper climb rate.NTSB MIA95FA010Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Raymond, MSThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, and his resulting failure to maintain altitude after takeoff.NTSB FTW95FA030Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Aurora, COTHE CFI's FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. FACTORS WERE: A DARK, MOONLESS NIGHT WITH NO VISIBLE HORIZON AND RECENCY OF NIGHT EXPERIENCE BY THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR.NTSB SEA95FA010Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 Foxstar · Shaw Island, WAFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff and initial climb, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with the ground. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, the pilot's improper decision to take off on an unlighted…NTSB BFO95FA006Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T337G · Hyannis, MALoss of aircraft control for an undetermined reason. Darkness and the weather conditions were related factors.NTSB LAX95FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Kettleman City, CAFailure of the student pilot to maintain control of the airplane for an unknown reason. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the pilot's lack of qualification/instructor endorsement for a cross-country flight at night.NTSB ATL95FA007Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Newville, ALFailure of maintenance personnel to properly install the marmon clamp on the discharge side of the turbocharger.NTSB FTW95FA020Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBrantly Helicopter B-2 · Artesia, NMThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs, and his failure to maintain clearance from a powerline.NTSB CHI95FA018Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Sellersburg, INFailure of the pilot to follow IFR procedures by allowing the aircraft to deviate left of the ILS localizer course, by not maintaining the proper ILS glide path, and by continuing descent below the ILS decision height.NTSB ATL95FA005Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream American AA-5A · Lexington, NCThe pilot's operation of the aircraft with a known deficiency (foreign material or particle in the pitot tube), which led to a false airspeed indication and premature lift-off of the aircraft during takeoff, and the pilot's improper remedial action that…NTSB CHI95FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Winfield, ILCollision with the ground for an undetermined reason. The pilot's psychological condition was a probable factor.NTSB NYC95LA009Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-355 · Jonesville, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.NTSB FTW95FA019Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · College Station, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and the resulting inadvertent stall. Factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, and his diverted attention to an open cargo door.NTSB FTW95FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Eunice, LAThe pilot's failure to properly use carburetor heat, the formation of carburetor ice, and failure of the pilot to maintain rotor RPM after loss of engine power, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain. A factor related to the accident…NTSB BFO95FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Fancy Gap, VAThe pilot's inadequate inflight planning and his failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Other related factors are: fog, rain, VFR flight into IMC, inexperience and mountainous terrain.NTSB ATL95LA059Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHayes LONG-EZ · Collinsville, ALThe pilot continued visual flight into instrument weather conditions, and collided with the ground.NTSB SEA95LA006Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGlines Acro Duster II SA750 · West Jordon, UTThe pilot-in-command's attempt to perform a low altitude flight maneuver, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the maneuver. This led to an unrecoverable aerodynamic stall.NTSB MIA95FA004Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Ochopee, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering resulting in an inadvertent stall and an uncontrolled descent until impact in a swamp.NTSB CHI95FA011Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Park Rapids, MNthe pilot-in-command's failure to obtain/maintain clearance. Factors were a dark night, low ceiling, high terrain, and weather service not used by the pilot-in-command.NTSB CHI95FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 690B · Springfield, MOFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane, due to spatial disorientation. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's lack of recent instrument experience.NTSB LAX95FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 560 · Essex, CAThe pilot's inadvertent flight into IMC conditions. Contributing to the accident was a loss of control of the aircraft and exceeding the structural limits of the aircraft. The weather conditions were factors.NTSB NYC95FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Montgomery, NYwas the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate terrain clearance on final approach which resulted in a tree strike. Factors were the night conditions and the failure of the pilot to use the recommended runway.NTSB FTW95FA008Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T337G · Milford, UTThe pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in airframe (structural) ice, a loss of control, and subsequent in-flight breakup of the airplane. A factor related to the accident was: the icing/weather condition.NTSB ATL95FA003Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182L · Ft. Mcclellan, ALThe pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC conditions, and his failure to maintain a proper altitude over mountainous terrain. Factors were the low ceiling, fog, and drizzle weather conditions, and the mountainous terrain at the accident site.NTSB LAX95LA001Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Ramona, CAthe noninstrument-rated pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation after encountering instrument meteorological conditions after the pilot decided to takeoff in adverse weather conditions. A factor in the accident was the dark…NTSB CHI95FA002Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-135 · Martinsville, INThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, improper planning/decision, and failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above the ground.NTSB CHI95FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Lamberton, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. A factor in the accident was the pilot's ostentatious display by buzzing.NTSB FTW95FA003Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Richmond, UTThe loss of engine oil pressure due to an oil leak from a loose oil line fitting. Factors were the obscuration, and the unsuitable terrain at the pilot's disposal.NTSB FTW95FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcmurtrie Jurca MJ-10 · Bartlesville, OKAn inadvertent pilot-induced stall at too low an altitude to effect a safe recovery. Factors were the malfunctioning propeller system and the uncommanded feathering of the propeller.NTSB BFO94LA161Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHenderson Christen Eagle II · Painesville, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while conducting aerobatic maneuvers. The pilot's overconfidence in his ability was a factor.NTSB LAX94FA383Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas 520N · Mesa, AZFailure of the chase helicopter pilot to maintain clearance from the lead helicopter during a night approach to land. Possible factors relating to the accident were: darkness, and inadequate radio coordination between flight crews of the two helicopters.NTSB FTW94FA315Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182K · Heeney, COThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. A factor was the rising terrain.NTSB ATL94FA179Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22B · Knightdale, NCDivergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason(s) resulting in rotor blade contact with the tailcone.