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 NYC94FA126Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Trout Run, PAthe delayed decision of the pilot to deviate from known weather which resulted in an inflight loss of control and impact with terrain.NTSB FTW94FA231Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-350B1 · Galveston, TXInadequate torquing of the left lateral servo by maintenance personnel, which allowed it to become disconnected from the controls, leading to an in-flight loss of control.NTSB MIA94LA178Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHickey Windrose · Williston, FLThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall and uncontrolled descent until ground impact.NTSB LAX94FA282Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Running Springs, CAthe flying pilot's operation of the aircraft at an altitude that did not provide sufficient terrain clearance necessary to recover from an inadvertent, pilot-induced stall.NTSB FTW94GA232Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Mimbres, NMThe pilot's improper decision to attempt to hover out of ground effect under adverse conditions while exceeding the maximum allowable weight for that maneuver. Factors in the accident were: high density altitude and the tailwind.NTSB ATL94FA137Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Greenville, TNThe failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient terrain clearance, and his inadvertent stall at low altitude.NTSB NYC94FA119Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Kiptopeka, VAInadequate visual lookout by the flightcrew of the helicopter. A factor related to the accident was: failure of the departure controller to issue a traffic advisory.NTSB BFO94WA126Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationNorth American F-100F · Cuxhaven, GermanyNTSB ANC94FA080Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-301 · Portage Creek, AKThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, and his failure to ensure that the airplane was within its gross weight and center-of-gravity limits, which resulted in an inability to obtain sufficient airspeed for sustained flight and a resultant…NTSB FTW94FA226Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200 · Gulf Of MexicoThe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather. Factors were the thunderstorms and the pilot's disreqard for the forecasted adverse weather.NTSB FTW94FA224Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS 350B-2 · Granite, COFailure of the pilot to assure main rotor clearance from sloping terrain while in a hover. The terrain condition was a related factor.NTSB SEA94FA174Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Leavenworth, WAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation. Factors related to the accident were: high density altitude, the runway condition (with areas of soft or uneven terrain and tall grass), and obstructions (trees) near the departure end of the runway.NTSB MIA94FA175Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Gulf Of MexicoLoss of engine power due to an undetermined reason. A factor related to the accident was: inadequate passenger briefing by the pilot.NTSB CHI94LA226Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Beaver Island, MISpatial disorientation of the pilot-in-command due to flight into known instrument meteorological conditions; factors in the accident were the fog and low ceiling.NTSB SEA94FA168Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Arco, IDThe pilot's diversion of his attention of controlling the airplane which led to his failure to maintain adequate airspeed. A factor which contributed to the accident was the pilot's failure to assure that the cabin door was closed and locked.NTSB CHI94FA222Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Wichita, KSthe pilot's attempt to take off into known adverse weather and the subsequent stall. Factors were the thunderstorm, the tailwind, and the excessive airplane gross weight and aft center of gravity.NTSB SEA94FA164Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185C · Palouse, WAThe inadvertent disorientation of the pilot after entering instrument meteorological conditions. Fog was a related factor.NTSB FTW94FA220Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSIAI-Marchetti F.260 · Dover, OKFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate altitude while performing an aerobatic demonstration. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's inadequate training, his lack of experience in the type of operation, and insufficient FAA oversight of this type…NTSB CHI94DCG02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAero Commander Calair A-9B · Excelsior Sprgs, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude clearance above the powerlines during his maintenance test application run.NTSB ATL94FA131Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech H-35 · Jackson, ALThe pilot's failure to avoid an area of thunderstorm activity, which resulted in a loss of control and the designed structural limits of the airframe being exceeded. The thunderstorms were a factor in the accident.NTSB SEA94FA167Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech P35 · Cedar City, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper climb rate and clearance from the terrain. Factors in the accident were the high density altitude and the aircraft being above the maximum certificated gross weight.NTSB SEA94FA163Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Seeley Lake, MTThe pilot in command's failure to maintain flying airspeed.NTSB LAX94FA272Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · So. Lake Tahoe, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb under high-density altitude weather conditions and a resultant inadvertent stall/spin. Factors which contributed to the accident were the pilot's overconfidence in his personal ability,…NTSB LAX94FA271Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 195A · Santa Paula, CAthe noninstrument-rated pilot's intentional VFR flight into IMC conditions and the resultant in-flight loss of control.NTSB SEA94FA162Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18A-150 · Lowell, IDThe pilot in command's failure to maintain adequate airspeed.NTSB DCA94MA065Accident · 37 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportDouglas DC-9-31 · Charlotte, NC1) The flightcrew's decision to continue an approach into severe convective activity that was conducive to a microburst; 2) the flightcrew's failure to recognize a windshear situation in a timely manner; 3)the flightcrew's failure to establish and maintain…NTSB MIA94LA170Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFullana Quicksilver GT-500 · Palmas Del Mar, PRThe pilot's abrupt lowering of the flaps which resulted in a loss of control at an altitude insufficient for recovery, and the pilot's unwarranted low flying.NTSB ANC94FA074Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Delta Junction, AKThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the pilot did not maintain airspeed resulting in a stall/spin.NTSB LAX94LA268Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell S2-R · Firebaugh, CAThe pilot's loss of aircraft control as a result of incapacitation from an in-flight sulfur fire.NTSB BFO94FA121Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58TC · St Marys, WVAn in-flight fire of undetermined origin, prior to the in-flight breakup.NTSB LAX94LA267Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 11AC · Wickenburg, AZLoss of engine power for an unknown reason, and failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the ground.NTSB LAX94FA266Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Lakeport, CAFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during go-around from an aborted landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's misjudgment of speed and distance to the runway while on final approach,…NTSB CHI94FA212Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A35 · Lakeville, MNThe jamming of the elevator control which resulted in the pilot's inability to control the pitch attitude of the airplane. The airplane encountered a stall-spin and impacted level terrain in an uncontrolled descent.NTSB BFO94FA120Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 76 · Elizabeth, PA1) The failure of the pilot-in-command (CFI) to provide adequate supervision of the dual student during a simulated single-engine approach, and 2) his failure to perform remedial action. This led to a loss of aircraft control in close proximity to the ground.…NTSB SEA94LA156Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBurkhart Grob G-109B · Bend, ORThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs, which led to his failure to maintain control of the aircraft.NTSB MIA94FA167Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-325 · Lantana, FLThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs, his failure to abort the takeoff after experiencing reduced takeoff performance, and his failure to maintain minimum control speed. Factors in the accident were: a partial loss of engine power…NTSB CHI94LA191Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHiller HU-12E · Watertown, SDthe pilot's failure to maintain a visual lookout. A factor associated with the accident was the powerlines.NTSB ANC94FA070Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-3 · Juneau, AKVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain altitude (clearance) above the surface of the river. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, and the surface condition of the…NTSB SEA94FA154Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Port Angeles, WALack of oil and connecting rod failure. A factor to the accident was rough/uneven terrain.NTSB FTW94FA206Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Decatur, TXThe pilot's loss of control while maneuvering. Factors were the pilot's maneuvering at an low altitude and his lack of recent experience in make and model.NTSB LAX94LA261Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Half Moon Bay, CAThe pilot's loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB MIA94LA162Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStolte Deuce · Prentiss, MSFailure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude while performing an aerobatic maneuver and recovering from a spin. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's failure to follow procedures/directives, lack of formal training in aerobatic flight, and…NTSB FTW94FA208Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201T · Southard, OKThe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather resulting in the design limits of the airplane being exceeded. Factors were the thunderstorms and the pilot's disregard for the forecasted adverse weather.NTSB CHI94LA203Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Terre Haute, INthe pilot-in-command's inadvertant stall of the airplane. A factor associated with the accident was the elevator trim position.NTSB ATL94LA123Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMarvin E. Eubanks VP-1 · New Bern, NCThe loss of engine power for unknown reasons, and the failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft during the emergency landing.NTSB ATL94LA122Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStephen Akro · Advance, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed.NTSB DCA94MA061Accident · 12 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportLearjet 25D · Chantilly, VAThe poor decisionmaking, poor airmanship, and relative inexperience of the captain in initiating and continuing an unstabilized instrument approach that led to a descent below the authorized altitude without visual contact with the runway environment.…NTSB BFO94FA108Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Mohawk, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed. A factor is the pilot's overconfidence in his ability.NTSB BFO94FA104Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Warren Grove, NJThe pilot disregarded weather evaluations, attempted VFR flight into IMC and failed to maintain altitude and clearance from the terrain.NTSB BFO94FA103Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A-36 · Brainerd, MNThe pilot's failure to follow the published missed approach procedure, and his failure to obtain and/or maintain adequate altitude to avoid collision with the terrain. Factors in the accident were: the pilot's lack of instrument flying experience, and the…