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 SEA94FA096Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B3 · Lamoille, NVThe ingestion of foreign material (snow) in the engine, which resulted in a flameout (loss of engine power). Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions (snow falling & high density altitude), the lack of snow covers to protect the…NTSB CHI94DCQ01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRobert O. ELY STARDUSTER-II SA300 · Baxter Springs, KSthe pilot's failure to maintain altitude during an aerobatic maneuver on takeoff. A factor related to the accident was the pilot performing an aerobatic maneuver.NTSB MIA94LA105Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWallace Thorp T-18 · Boynton Beach, FLThe pilot in command's exceeding the designed stress limits of the aircraft resulting in overload failure of the left wing outboard attach fitting. This resulted in inflight separation of the outboard left wing, and subsequent inflight collision with the…NTSB ATL94FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58TC · Gulf Shores, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the base turn. Factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight, high winds with gusts at the airport, and the pilot's diverted attention due to the open baggage door.NTSB CHI94FA113Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Chesterfield, MOsuicide by the pilot.NTSB ATL94LA067Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Celina, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper altitude, and his failure to maintain clearance from the transmission wire.NTSB CHI94FA330Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G-5A · Wisconsin Rpds, WIUndetermined.NTSB MIA94FA098Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Sarasota, FLFailure of the pilot(s) to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation. Factors related to the accident were: A malfunction that resulted in a loss of normal radio transmission, and the pilot(s) lack of recent experience in this make and…NTSB LAX94FA171Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 206 · Show Low, AZthe pilot's intentional VFR flight into known adverse IMC weather conditions. Inadequate preflight planning, dark night operations, and weather conditions that included low ceilings and mountain obscuration were factors in the accident.NTSB NYC94GA066Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHughes 369A · Northford, CTThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM during the forced landing autorotation, resulting in a loss of aircraft control and collision with trees. Also causal to the accident was the pilot's lack of…NTSB NYC94FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Defiance, OHThe pilot's inadequate inflight decision and planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the total loss of engine power.NTSB FTW94FA102Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft DCO-65 · San Antonio, TXThe failure of the pilot of the other aircraft to maintain adequate clearance during formation flight. A factor was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation regarding inflight formation procedures.NTSB SEA94FA085Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportDouglas DC-3C · Spokane, WAThe failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain airspeed. Factors to the accident were: cylinder fatigue, dark night and stall encountered.NTSB NYC94FA065Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper Aerostar 601P · Limerick, PAThe pilot's failure to ensure that ice was properly removed from the airplane before flight, possibly due to impairment of judgment caused by a prescription drug (valium) that was not approved for use while flying. Factors related to the accident were: the…NTSB NYC94FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSwearingen SA-26AT · Winchester, VAThe pilot's decision to operate the airplane with known deficiencies in the fuel quantity measuring system which resulted in a power loss due to fuel starvation, followed by improper emergency procedures which resulted in a loss of control inflight and…NTSB MIA94FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman G-73T · Key West, FLFailure of the pilot-in-command to assure the bilges were adequately pumped free of water (adequately preflighted), which resulted in the aft center of gravity limit to be exceeded, and failure of the aircrew to follow the checklist. A factor related to the…NTSB LAX94LA167Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Stallion Spring, CAThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. His failure to obtain a weather briefing, the low clouds, and the mountainous terrain were factors in the accident.NTSB LAX94FA165Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAyres S-2R · Reno, NVAn undetermined problem with the engine oil system, a decision to fly the airplane with a known deficiency, and progressive (partial) failure of the engine master rod and bearing.NTSB FTW94FA101Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Dulce, NMFailure by the pilot in command to properly plan the flight and calculate performance data.NTSB FTW94FA104Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55B · Battlement Mesa, COImpaired judgement and performance of the pilot by flying while under the influence of alcohol that resulted in his failure to maintain clearance (or altitude) from terrain, while flying at night.NTSB SEA94FA084Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 14-19-3A · Wendover, UTInadequate in flight planning/decision. Factors to the accident were: clearance was not maintained and dark night conditions.NTSB ATL94FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Allendale, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper altitude while in the VFR traffic pattern, resulting in a collision with trees. Factors were; his failure to comply with school directives by not obtaining a weather briefing prior to the accident flight, and the rain,…NTSB LAX94LA160Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAmerican Champion 8KCAB · Marana, AZThe pilot's delayed pullout from a vertical aerobatic maneuver for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX94FA159Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Los Angeles, CAthe failure of the upper engine compartment cowl to remain attached to the lower cowl during initial climb as a result of inadequate maintenance and replacement practices by the aircraft owner.NTSB LAX94FA157Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Napa, CAthe pilot's selection of an en route descent altitude profile inadequate to clear all terrain along his intended flight path, and, his inadvertent VFR flight into IMC conditions. Factors in the accident were the dark night lighting conditions and the obscured…NTSB MIA94FA089Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · Pembroke Pines, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a climbing turn after banner pickup and her use of excessive aircraft nose up trim which resulted in an inadvertent stall and spin.NTSB MIA94LA086Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiotrowski GIP-1 · Bunnell, FLThe failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain rotor RPM in the gyrocopter on approach. Contributing to the accident was the lack of total experience in gyrocopter flying.NTSB MIA94FA085Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDaffron, Harold C. Varieze · Oxford, MSPoor planning/decision by the pilot-in-command for failure to perform high and low speed taxi tests before the flight after repairs and modification of the airplane. Additionally, failure or malfunction of the flight control system for undetermined reasons,…NTSB LAX94LA152Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210-5A · Jackpot, NVthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft's flight path while maneuvering after takeoff in an area of no ground reference lights. Factors in the accident were the pilot's lack of instrument flight experience and the dark nighttime lighting…NTSB CHI94FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Inman, KSAn unintentional spin which occurred during the maneuvering phase of a biennial flight review. A factor related to the accident was: the airplane's lateral-directional characteristics at or near the stall speed.NTSB NYC94FA052Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340 · Westhampton, NYThe pilot's inadequate inflight decision which resulted in ice accretion on the aircraft, degradation of aircraft performance, an aerodynamic stall, loss of control and inflight collision with the ground. Factors were icing conditions.NTSB LAX94FA149Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Frazier Park, CAthe pilot's failure to select a cruise altitude which would ensure adequate terrain clearance. Contributing factors related to the dark, nighttime condition and to the pilot's lack of attentiveness.NTSB FTW94FA091Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310K · Wichita Falls, TXWas the loss of control due to the pilot's spatial disorientation following a complete electrical system failure. Factors were the dark night and the electrical failure as result of burned out wiring terminal.NTSB SEA94FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Frenchglen, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain minimum airspeed (vs). The tailwind was a factor.NTSB FTW94FA090Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P337H · N. Little Rock, ARFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft, while maneuvering to land. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and possible spatial disorientation.NTSB LAX94LA187Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206A · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)undetermined.NTSB ATL94FA056Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210R · Bay Minette, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to spatial disorientation, and exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's flight into known adverse weather conditions, overconfidence in…NTSB FTW94LA086Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT400 · Widener, ARThe pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX94FA138Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · San Jacinto, CAThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol and drugs, which led to his improper planning/decision, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance from mountainous terrain, while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CHI94GA093Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportCessna 401A · Minot, NDFailure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude during a missed approach. Factors related to the accident were: the unfavorable weather and snow covered terrain.NTSB MIA94FA078Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Inverness, FLThe pilot-in-command's lack of total experience in instrument flight, simulated instrument flight, and night flight resulting in the pilot becoming spatially disoriented, and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB LAX94FA130Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-58T · Walnut Creek, CAInadequate fuel quality control procedures by the helicopter operator resulting in fuel contamination and a loss of engine power. The pilot's decision to extend the autorotative glide to avoid striking residential homes, which resulted in low main rotor rpm…NTSB LAX94LA128Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-3 · Redlands, CAThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, which led to his improper planning/decision, and his failure to maintain proper altitude. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the pilot's lack of training/certification for…NTSB CHI94FA089Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Grain Valley, MOThe instrument rated private pilot's inadvertent stall while circling to land. The weather was a factor.NTSB CHI94DCA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-39 · Viburnum, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the turn to final. The gusty tailwind during the turn was a contributing factor.NTSB BFO94LA041Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Lima, OHThe failure of the passenger to maintain clerance from the propeller.NTSB SEA94FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N II · Emmett, IDAn inadvertent stall. Factors contributing to the accident were fuel exhaustion and the tailwind.NTSB LAX94FA125Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Lake Tahoe, CAThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs, which led to his failure to follow the recommended departure procedure, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from rising mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident…NTSB SEA94FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Applegate, ORPoor in-flight planning/decision and icing conditions. Factors to the accident were: selected flight into known adverse weather, dark night, and mountainous terrain.NTSB CHI94FA082Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Sterling Hgts, MIThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, which led to his intentional buzzing, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude (or clearance) from obstacles. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the unlighted tower.