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 FTW94FA272Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFairchild Hiller FH-1100 · Van Horn, TXThe uncorrected descent by the pilot. A factor was the lack of total experience in type aircraft.NTSB NYC94FA160Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320C · Waynesboro, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall/spin and his lack of qualification to conduct flight in type aircraft. A factor is the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX94LA322Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47-G3B · Truk Island, MicronesiaThe pilot misjudged the clearance between the helicopter's rotor blades and the coconut trees.NTSB BFO94FA144Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Front Royal, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance, his improper in-flight decision and his inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) which resulted in in-flight collision with terrain. The high terrain and weather conditions were…NTSB ANC94FA109Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Big Lake, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. Factors in the accident were the fog, and the pilot becoming lost/disoriented.NTSB BFO94FA163Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-601P · Sea Isle City, NJthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors contributing to the accident were the presence of a level 6 thunderstorm, loss of gyro's for an undetermined reason, and the pilot's poor weather evaluation.NTSB ATL94FA156Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Atlanta, GAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning in that he operated the aircraft at a weight which exceeded the maximum takeoff weight and his improper use of flaps during takeoff.NTSB ANC94FA106Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Kenai, AKInadequate engine maintenance and/or inspection, and fatigue cracking of the engine case, which resulted in eventual damage to the #3 cylinder studs/engine through-bolts, subsequent separation of the #3 cylinder and piston, and an in-flight fire.NTSB LAX94FA323Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportLockheed C-130A · Pearblossom, CAthe inflight failure of the right wing due to fatigue cracking in the underside right wing skin and overlying doubler. A factor contributing to the accident was inadequate maintenance procedures to detect fatigue cracking.NTSB CHI94FA282Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7KCAB · Humphrey, NEthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. A factor associated with the accident is the pilot's buzzing of the passenger's brother-in-law's house.NTSB BFO94FA135Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-4 · Whiting, NJThe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and subsequent spatial disorientation, which resulted in loss of aircraft control. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, the adverse weather…NTSB LAX94FA318Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · So. Lake Tahoe, CAThe pilot's decision to take off from a high density altitude airport at an over allowable gross weight condition. Factors in the accident were the high density altitude, down drafts, and the pilot's lack of familiarity operting from high density altitude…NTSB FTW94LA270Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164B · Shreveport, LAThe pilot's incapacitation due to a heart attack.NTSB BFO94FA134Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Grand Lake Strm, METhe pilot attempted a maneuver at an altitude insufficient for recovery. A factor in the accident was pilot physical impairment due to alcohol consumption.NTSB ANC94FA105Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportDe Havilland DHC-2 · Port Alsworth, AKImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, and his failure to remain clear of mountainous terrain. The box/blind canyon and proximity of mountainous terrain were related factors.NTSB SEA94FA208Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Butte Falls, ORThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate altitude and clearance from trees while maneuvering.NTSB ANC94FA104Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Eagle River, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and operating at an inadequate altitude for recovery.NTSB LAX94WA341Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182 · Creel, MexicoNTSB CHI94LA274Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNelson Benson B-8M · Sandwich, ILImproper planning/decision by the pilot (owner/pilot/mechanic), and his improper modification of the flight control system, which resulted in his failure (or inability) to maintain control of the gyrocopter. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's…NTSB LAX94FA308Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · San Luis Obispo, CAthe failure of the No. 4 cylinder connecting rod for undetermined reasons. The dark night lighting conditions, which hampered the ability of the pilots to detect the power lines, was a factor in this accident.NTSB ANC94FA100Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 · Kodiak, AKThe pilot of the VFR only flight intentionally entered instrument meteorological conditions. Factors in the accident were the inadequate procedures/directives by the company/operator management concerning continued VFR flight in marginal weather conditions…NTSB LAX94FA309Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 112 · Mohave Valley, AZFailure of the certified flight instructor to properly judge the flare to avert a hard landing, and the failure of other maintenance personnel to properly repair the engine case halves during engine overhaul. A factor in the accident was the uneven relief of…NTSB FTW94FA262Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164B · Henderson, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a known object.NTSB NYC94FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A100 · Williamstown, MAthe pilot's failure to maintain minimum control speed after an undetermined loss of engine power, which resulted in an inadvertent stall at too low of an altitude to allow recovery.NTSB NYC94FA145Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210N · Martinsburg, WVFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate altitude and proper climb during the missed approach. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, fog, and conditions conducive to pilot fatigue.NTSB CHI94FA263Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25 · Decatur, NELoss of engine power for an undetermined reason, and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB CHI94FA262Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman HU-16 · St. Ignace, MIThe pilot's failure to follow good seaplane operating practices by taxiing with power at forward thrust, with a tailwind, at a speed that necessitated using reverse thrust to arrest the excessive speed, and the pilot's misjudgment of his distance from the…NTSB SEA94LA202Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGroce Vans RV-4 · Glendive, MTAirspeed was not maintained after takeoff. A factor was high density altitude.NTSB FTW94FA258Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Hunter, ARInadvertent stall due to pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. A factor was the pilot's over confidence in his personal ability.NTSB CHI94FA253Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Wellington, KSthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the emergency descent, resulting in a stall-spin. Factors were fuel exhaustion resulting from improper fuel calculations by the pilot.NTSB SEA94GA203Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHughes OH-6A · Duchesne, UTThe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision and failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from the surrounding terrain. Factors related to the accident were: thunderstorms in the area (requiring the pilot to deviate from the desired course), high…NTSB SEA94FA199Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Salem, ORFailure of the pilot to see-and-avoid the occupied canoe. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's improper planning/decision and excessive taxi speed.NTSB SEA94LA200Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Connell, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while conducting aerial application activities.NTSB CHI94FA248Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportConsolidated-Vultee BT-13A · Racine, WILoss of power for undetermined reason(s). The dark night was a related factor.NTSB SEA94FA194Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369HS · Seaside, ORInflight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB SEA94FA190Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B III · Syracuse, UTUndeterminedNTSB NYC94FA135Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Wallingford, CTthe pilot's decision to exhaust the fuel supply in the selected tank in-flight, and his failure to maintain the minimum stall speed during engine out conditions. This resulted in a complete loss of engine power and the inadvertent stall and impact with the…NTSB NYC94FA134Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Minford, OHThe pilot's failure to follow the published instrument departure procedure. A factor in the accident were the weather conditions.NTSB FTW94FA242Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Lakeview, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain minimum required airspeed for flight.NTSB FTW94FA241Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchweizer G-164B · Foules, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance.NTSB NYC94LA130Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEdward A. Alderfer EAA-3 · Middletown, OHInadequate visual lookout by both pilots which resulted in a mid-air collision. A factor was the failure of the pilot of the ultralight to stay north of runway 26.NTSB LAX94FA292Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Taft, CAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and selection of the wrong runway for takeoff. Factors related to the accident were: the uphill slope of the runway, tailwind, high density altitude, and failure of the pilot to correctly configure the…NTSB SEA94FA182Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Patos Island, WAThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs (marijuana), and his improper planning/decision, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from trees, while taking off toward the closed end of a cove.NTSB LAX94LA290Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Banning, CAthe pilot's failure to obtain and maintain an appropriate climb airspeed after lift-off which resulted in an inadvertent stall mush condition. Factors in the accident were the high-density altitude condition, the pilot's selection of a runway with an uphill…NTSB LAX94FA289Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Sacramento, CAthe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering after takeoff and his failure to retract the flaps prior to departure. A factor in this accident was the pilot's lack of recent experience.NTSB NYC94FA128Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna K172R · Tremont City, OHFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's lack of experience in the type of operation.NTSB LAX94LA286Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150D · Carrville, CAa loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. The mountainous terrain and lack of a suitable forced landing area within gliding distance was a factor in the accident.NTSB MIA94FA179Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172XP · Indian Shores, FLA bird collision, which resulted in pilot incapacitation.NTSB FTW94MA235Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS350D · Hanalei, HIFailure of the engine-driven fuel pump, which resulted in the loss of power, and the lack of aircraft flotation equipment. Factors related to the accident were: flight over water adjacent to terrain that afforded no suitable forced landing site, and the lack…NTSB FTW94FA233Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · Greenville, TXThe cfi's failure to maintain airspeed above VMC, resulting in a loss of control during the single engine G0-around. Factors were not attaining runway alignment and the cfi's failure to retract the landing gear for the go-around procedure.