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 ATL94FA121Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5B · Youngstown, FLSpatial disorientation experienced by the pilot, which resulted in his failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors were the conditions conducive to spatial disorientation (dark night lighting conditions, high cloud cover, thunderstorms), and the pilot's…NTSB LAX94LA254Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer G-164B · Live Oak, CAFailure of the pilot to remain clear of power lines. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's impairment due to use of drugs that were not approved for use while flying.NTSB LAX94FA257Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Carlsbad, CAA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. The pilot's failure to raise the flaps and maintain altitude were factors in the accident.NTSB LAX94FA256Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFouga CM 170 · Long Beach, CAA loss of power to both engines due to fuel contamination and, the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the subsequent emergency, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors in the accident were: 1) the manufacturer's…NTSB CHI94FA202Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G2 · Baldwin, ILThe inadequate maintenance (inspection of aircraft) by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Related factors are the unsafetied fuel filter, and low altitude at which the helicopter operated.NTSB FTW94LA195Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164D · Gilbert, LAThe inadvertent stall while performing aerobatic maneuvers at an inadequate altitude.NTSB BFO94LA099Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportUpton Mustang II · Churchtown, OHThe pilot's performance of a maneuver that exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane.NTSB MIA94LA159Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHruby Cayuse · Bay St. Louis, MSThe pilot-in-command's attempt to continue the takeoff when the engine was not producing full power and his attempt to reverse course to return to the airport without sufficient altitude to complete the turn.NTSB BFO94LA097Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFalen Commander 503 · Georgetown, OHThe gyroplane's uncontrolled descent into terrain due to undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX94LA246Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMcCulloch J-2 · Willits, CAa loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI94LA195Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCanadair T-33 · Mount Clemens, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during an aerobatic maneuver. His improper execution of the maneuver was a factor.NTSB BFO94FA096Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210B · Culpepper, VAthe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of control of the aircraft. Contributing factors were the low ceilings and clouds.NTSB ATL94LA119Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235C · Bainbridge, GAThe inadvertent stall by the pilot during practice agricultural spraying runs.NTSB FTW94FA191Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Breckenridge, TXThe pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC. Factors were the weather and the lack of flight instruments.NTSB ATL94LA118Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMonnett Moni · Ashville, NCThe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor in the accident was the thunderstorm off the departure end of the runway.NTSB LAX94FA243Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Banning, CAThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other. The haze was a factor.NTSB BFO94FA092Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Millville, NJThe failure of the Cessna's pilot-in-command to perform an adequate visual lookout.NTSB SEA94LA142Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal report1ST FTR GP FOCKE-WULF 190 · Salt Lake City, UTImproper balancing of the ailerons resulting in aileron flutter.NTSB MIA94FA155Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-C55 · Wauchula, FLDelay by the pilot-in-command to obtain weather avoidance assistance from the ARTCC controller resulting in the inflight breakup after encounter with a thunderstorm.NTSB BFO94FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Edgartown, MAThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection that failed to remove the pitot tube cover which led to loss of control of the aircraft.NTSB ATL94FA116Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · West Columbia, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during climbout because of spatial disorientation. Factors were low ceilings and the dark night.NTSB BFO94FA112Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 24R · Nantucket, MAthe total loss of engine power over unsuitable terrain, for undetermined reasons. The pilot's failure to ensure that proper survival equipment was onboard the airplane was a related factor.NTSB CHI94LA189Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWaco UPF-7 · Good Hope, ILFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft, while maneuvering. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's impairment due to use of a prescription drug that was not approved for use while flying.NTSB LAX94LA236Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSharp Scorpion TOO · Beckwourth, CAthe failure of the tail rotor 'V' drive belt for undetermined reasons and the subsequent failure and separation of the tail rotor.NTSB BFO94LA085Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPecchio Marchetti 263MP · East Moriches, NYthe loss of control for undetermined reasons resulting in an uncontrolled descent and a subsequent collision with trees.NTSB BFO94FA086Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Bloomingburg, OHThe failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain adequate airspeed. This led to a stall during the initial takeoff and climb at an altitude that did not permit a recovery. A factor related to the accident was the presence of sunglare during the takeoff, which…NTSB MIA94LA153Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMaxair MU532 · Kissimmee, FLInadvertent stall/mush by the pilot-in-command resulting in the uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.NTSB LAX94LA231Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Roosevelt, AZthe pilot's selection of an inadequate terrain clearance altitude while maneuvering over a lake. A factor in the accident was the calm glassy water conditions which may have affected the pilot's perception of his actual height above the water.NTSB LAX94FA232Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A-36 · Fullerton, CAthe pilot's lack of familiarity with the performance change of the airplane, and the lack of proper training/transition in the modified airplane. Contributing to the accident was inadequate substantiation process and insufficient review by the FAA; the…NTSB LAX94LA226Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportParker Rotorway Exec 90 · Fallbrook, CAThe pilot's improper preflight and miscalculation of remaining fuel, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and improper autorotation, due to inadequate transition/upgrade training and lack of familiarity with helicopters.NTSB SEA94FA129Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182B · Rock Springs, WYAn excessive descent rate in the turn from base to final. Factors include a dark night, high winds, and the pilot's fatigue from his flight and ground schedule the day of the accident.NTSB FTW94FA183Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320E · Battle Mountain, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering during a low level aerial mapping flight. A factor was the box canyon.NTSB CHI94LA178Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Richmond, INInadequate visual lookout by the pilots of both airplanes.NTSB NYC94LA094Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBradford Seahawk · Richmond, KYwas the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the collision with an object during the subsequent forced landing.NTSB FTW94LA180Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Roland, ARBoth the pilot and passenger's failure to follow procedure/directives.NTSB FTW94FA176Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPraker Thorp T18C · Phoenix, AZThe pilot's inability to prevent an inadvertent stall and his inability to recover due to a restriction in the movement of the stabilator for undetermined reasons. A factor was the failure of the owner/builder and the pilot to accomplish a control rigging…NTSB MIA94FA148Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A150M · Indiantown, FLThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol and drugs, which led to his improper planning/decision, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a maneuver.NTSB ATL94FA102Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Statesville, NCA LOSS OF CONTROL FOR UNDETERMINED REASON(s).NTSB SEA94FA124Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRyan Navion L-17B · Olympia, WAAn inflight fire for an undetermined reason.NTSB SEA94FA123Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8GCBC · Challis, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain.NTSB NYC94LA089Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTownsend, H.L. Briegled BG-12A · Readington, NJThe pilot failed to maintain airspeed while maneuvering which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. A factor was the lack of experience in the make and model of glider.NTSB NYC94LA088Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 11AC · Berwick, METhe pilot's inadequate preflight which fail to detect proper operation of the elevator which resulted in the loss of control inflight. A factor is inadequate maintenance which consisted of misrigging of the elevator flight controls.NTSB FTW94FA168Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Wingate, TXWas the pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment. Factors were the wind, and the pilot's improper corrections.NTSB CHI94DCG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportDavis TRI-Q 200 · Joplin, MOLoss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the pilot intentionally operating an airplane with known deficiencies, his lack of experience in the…NTSB SEA94FA121Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 500A · Livermore, CAA fuel system leak, inadequate preflight by the pilot (PIC), and by the non-flying pilot/passenger intentionally allowing operation of the aircraft with a known deficiency (fuel leak). A factor related to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for a…NTSB SEA94LA122Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVickers Spitfire Mark Xviii · Great Falls, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Factors include the pilot's poor inflight decision to attempt an IMC climb in an aircraft not certified for instrument flight rules (IFR) operation, and his…NTSB FTW94FA165Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340 · Elko, NVThe pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain altitude (or clearance) from mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, high (mountainous/hilly) terrain,…NTSB SEA94LA119Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHallstrom BD-5B · St. George, UTCarburetor contamination and low output, and the pilot's improper decision to attempt to continue the approach. A factor was the pilot's lack of recent flight experience.NTSB NYC94FA082Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Swanton, OHFailure of an engine cylinder which resulted in the loss of engine power and the pilot's failure to establish the proper descent path to an airport that was within the glide distance of the airplane. A factor was the overgross weight condition of the airplane.NTSB FTW94FA158Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2 · Tulsa, OKIn flight loss of control due to the pilot's improper use of the cyclic and collective controls when he maneuvered abruptly to avoid colliding with a flock of birds. Factors were the birds and the inflight separation of the left synchronized elevator.