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 MIA94FA141Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-55 · New Port Richey, FLThe pilot's feathering of the wrong propeller after an engine failure for undetermined reason(s).NTSB FTW94FA156Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing E75N1 · Peyton, COThe pilot's performance of aerobatic maneuvers at an altitude inadequate for recovery.NTSB CHI94FA157Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Camdenton, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor was his lack of experience flying in actual instrument flight conditions.NTSB FTW94FA155Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Arlington, TXThe pilot's loss of aircraft control for an undetermined reason, while maneuvering in the vicinity of the airport.NTSB LAX94FA217Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Ventura, CAFailure of the flight crew to maintain control of the airplane in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), due to spatial disorientation. A factor related to the accident was: the first pilot's overconfidence in his ability to assure control of the…NTSB LAX94FA214Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Hacienda Height, CAThe pilot's selection of an en route cruise altitude which provided insufficient obstruction clearance, and his inadequate visual lookout. Factors in the night time accident were the reduced visibility as a result of the fog and haze.NTSB MIA94WA136Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBeech BE65-A80 · Moca, Dominican RepublicNTSB FTW94FA152Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Intracoastl Cty, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA94WA134Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBlackmun, Larry Kitfox IV 1200 · Munjack Cay, BahamasNTSB FTW94FA149Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobl RV4 · Elbert, COAn inadvertent stall spin. A factor was the pilot's performance of aerobatic maneuvers at an inadequate altitude.NTSB ATL94FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNord 1101 · Spartanburg, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for an emergency landing. A factor in the accident was an inflight fire from an undetermined source.NTSB CHI94LA149Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Chapman, NEThe pilot-in-command's attempted VFR flight into instrument weather conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot-in-command's over confidence in his personal ability.NTSB NYC94FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22A · North Bergen, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate visual lookout and adequate obstacle clearance, which resulted in an inflight collision with a static wire.NTSB LAX94FA211Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 100 · Ocotillo Wells, CAthe failure of the pilot to maintain flying speed after experiencing a partial power failure while maneuvering. A factor in the accident was the failure of the pilot to drain accumulated water from the aircraft fuel system during the preflight inspection.NTSB LAX94LA210Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-34 · Hemet, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. A factor in the accident was the pilot's low total flight time.NTSB LAX94LA207Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGriffin Titan Tornado · Buckeye, AZthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor in the accident was his complete lack of any flight experience or instruction.NTSB LAX94FA212Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201T · La Verne, CAThe pilot's selection of a flight route and en route descent altitude insufficient to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the dark night light condition and the mountainous terrain.NTSB CHI94FA155Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-7-235 · Mcintosh, SDVFR flight by the non-instrument rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude (or clearance) from rising terrain. Factors related to the accident were: failure of the pilot to update his weather…NTSB FTW94FA141Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Broomfield, COFatigue failure of the engine crankshaft; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to land, which resulted in a stall and collision with the terrain. Factors related to the accident were: the undesirable engine/propeller…NTSB FTW94FA140Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Arroyo City, TXThe pilot's inadvertent stall during the pull up. Factors were the low pass, his ostentatious display, and his inability to recover from the stall due to insufficient altitude.NTSB DCA94MA053Accident · 8 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportPiper PA31 · Stratford, CTThe failure of the captain to use the available ILS glideslope, his failure to execute a go-around when conditions were not suitable for landing, and his failure to land the airplane at a point sufficient to allow for a safe stopping distance; the fatalities…NTSB FTW94FA138Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A150K · Mccrory, ARWas the inadvertent stall and spin. Factors were the pilot's performance of aerobatics at an inadequate altitude.NTSB SEA94FA106Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Kellogg, IDFailure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control, due to spatial disorientation, while flying with partial panel, and the design stress limits of the aircraft being exceeded. Factors related to the accident were: failure of the vacuum system, which resulted…NTSB CHI94FA140Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportVavra, Martin A. Rebel 300 · Wonderlake, ILFatigue and catastrophic failure of the main wing spar resulting from the designer's excessive, unverified estimate of the strength of the spar cap material and the manufacturer's failure to attain the specified strength during the production process.NTSB BFO94FA073Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B24R · College Park, MDthe pilot's improper flare and delayed recovery from the bounced landing. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's failure to retract the landing gear during the aborted landing; the exceeded allowable gross weight; and the unfavorable wind…NTSB MIA94FA125Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47D1 · Marathon, FLSeparation of the tail rotor gearbox and tail rotor blades for an undetermined reason. Factors related to the accident were: failure of maintenance personnel to follow the proper maintenance procedure after a previous tail rotor strike, and failure to conduct…NTSB LAX94LA199Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportContinental Copters Tomcat MK5A · Brawley, CAFailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude, while maneuvering to land after completing aerial application. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the lack of visual cues for the pilot to detect the obstruction (power line).NTSB CHI94FA137Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Marshfield, MOFailure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude during a VFR flight into IMC conditions.NTSB BFO94FA071Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 412/SP · Bluefield, VAThe pilot's failure to intercept the final approach course, and his improper execution of the instrument approach procedure. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the weather conditions, and the failure of the air traffic controller to adequately…NTSB LAX94FA198Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Santa Monica, CAfuel starvation resulting from the failure of the pilot to select a tank containing fuel, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB CHI94DEE01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportRemote Sensing Cirrus VK-30 · Lk In The Hills, ILfuel starvation resulting from the modification of the fuel system. A factor was the modification to the fuel system.NTSB LAX94FA197Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Hanapepe, HIInadequate turbine engine compressor cleaning procedures based on information in the manufacturer's service letter, and loss of engine power due to blockage of the fuel nozzle strainer with foreign material (sodium). Factors related to the accident were: the…NTSB LAX94LA194Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPitts S-2A · Kahuku, HIThe failure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation while performing an acrobatic routine. A factor in the accident was the low altitude at which the pilot was performing the acrobatic maneuvers.NTSB LAX94LA190Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBushby Mustang II · Byron, CAan abrupt maneuver by the pilot that initiated an in-flight separation of the tail and wing sections during acrobatic flight.NTSB LAX94FA193Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Nogales, AZa failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB FTW94FA123Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSIAI-Marchetti F.260C · Watson, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from wires during low level flight which resulted in a severed aileron cable. Factors were the pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during the flight and his inability to control the airplane…NTSB BFO94FA066Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Salem, OHVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), his loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation, and exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, the adverse weather…NTSB MIA94LA121Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBack Forty Developments Tundra · Lakeland, FLIn-flight loss of control due to incapacitation (heart attack or stroke) resulting in an in-flight collision with tomato crates and terrain.NTSB ATL94FA082Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Opelika, ALLoss of aircraft control for an unknown reason. Factors related to the accident were: the weather conditions (clouds with low ceiling), continued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the pilot's lack of instrument…NTSB SEA94FA100Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · The Dalles, ORAn inflight loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB FTW94FA121Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502 · Hughes, ARWas the pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance for undetermined reason.NTSB NYC94FA075Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · E. Farmingdale, NYFailure of the local tower controller to adequately control the arrival of the airplanes, and inadequate visual lookout by the Piper PA-24 pilot. A factor related to the accident was: the local controller's improper phraseology in sequencing the airplanes.NTSB LAX94FA185Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Julian, CAImproper planning/decision by the pilot(s). Factors related to the accident were: the high/mountainous terrain and adverse weather conditions.NTSB MIA94FA114Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Merritt Island, FLThe loss of elevator control due to jamming by the tow rope which prevented the pilot from being able to control the airplane.NTSB ATL94FA076Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Elizabethton, TNThe pilot's attempted VFR flight into IMC conditions, and his failure to maintain a proper altitude over mountainous terrain. Factors were the clouds and obscuration at the accident site.NTSB ATL94FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300 · Smithville, TNThe pilot's failure to obtain recent weather information to avoid flight into icing conditions. Factors in the accident were: management-induced pressure and the icing conditions.NTSB LAX94LA182Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Avalon, CAthe failure of the pilot to apply carburetor heat as appropriate while conducting flight in conditions conducive for carburetor icing. A factor in the accident was the unsuitable steep mountainous terrain for a forced landing.NTSB FTW94LA118Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAyres S2R-T34 · Elaine, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance.NTSB LAX94LA177Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGardner E-RACER Mark II · Parker, AZthe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft while maneuvering in the traffic pattern following a failure of the throttle control. A factor in the accident was a throttle linkage separation after takeoff.NTSB CHI94FA128Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Alliance, NEThe pilot's spatial disorientation and inadvertant entry into a spiral dive. Factors were the pilot's lack of total instrument experience and the weather conditions of blowing snow and turbulence.