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 MIA94FA070Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Brooksville, FLThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain a visual lookout and altitude while maneuvering after becoming lost/disoriented, resulting in an in-flight collision with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's physical impairment due to…NTSB FTW94FA082Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · San Antonio, TXImproper servicing of the airplane with jet fuel, which resulted in preignition and/or detonation and subsequent failure of pistons in both engines. A factor related to the accident was: the lack of a restrictive mating nozzle on the refueling truck.NTSB ANC94FA032Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Kenai, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude. A factor in the accident was the student pilot's inadequate training.NTSB MIA94FA069Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Vicksburg, MSFailure of the pilot-in-command to maintain the proper glidepath while on a straight in approach resulting in the inflight collision with trees short of the runway. Contributing to the accident was the dark night condition.NTSB CHI94FA080Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320F · Goshen, INthe pilot-in-command's continued operation with known deficiencies in equipment. Factors were ice on the windshield and the pilot-in-commands visual outlook not possible.NTSB LAX94FA116Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · La Jolla, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. Factors in the accident were the dark night lighting conditions, moderate to severe turbulence, and heavy rain.NTSB ATL94FA047Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Murphy, NCThe failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from the terrain. Factors in the accident were the dark night, and the mountainous terrain.NTSB MIA94FA067Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300 · Sugarloaf Key, FLWas the failure of the pilot-in-command to perform a visual lookout and maintain his altitude. Contributing to the accident was the dark night, over water, visual descent.NTSB LAX94LA115Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLampman Kitfox IV · Banning, CA1) The pilot's decision to fly in mountainous terrain at a low level, and 2) his failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to reverse direction in a box canyon, which resulted in an inadvertent stall spin.NTSB CHI94FA076Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95 · Chesterfield, MOincorrect installation of the fuel selector valves during mandatory service bulletin modification which resulted in fuel starvation to both engines and failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain aircraft control during emergency descent. A factor was…NTSB SEA94FA055Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech S35 · Ashland, ORPoor in-flight planning/decision. Factors to the accident were: clearance was not maintained and poor supervision.NTSB MIA94FA064Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Prentiss, MSA total loss of engine power due to the number five piston crown structure sustaining detonation/pre-ignition damage for undetermined reasons. The number two connecting rod and rod bolts failed due to an oil distress event. This resulted in a subsequent…NTSB LAX94FA106Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-58 · San Jose, CAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and subsequent fuel starvation, due to an inadequate supply of fuel. A factor related to the accident was: the proximity of high obstructions.NTSB FTW94GA076Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBellanca 8GCBC · Usaf Academy, COLoss of control in flight for an undetermined reason.NTSB ATL94FA046Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Centreville, ALThe pilot's failure to assure that the fuel selector was in the proper position for takeoff.NTSB BFO94FA032Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-58 · Newtown, OHFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft after becoming spatially disorientated in night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's lack of experience in the type of operation, his lack of…NTSB CHI94MA072Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Mccook, NEImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, and the accumulation of airframe ice, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors associated with the accident were: partial failure of both alternators, which resulted in a subsequent electrical system…NTSB FTW94FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Tulsa, OKWas the inadvertent stall. Factors were the pilots failure to use carburetor heat when weather conditions existed that were conducive to carburetor icing, and his abrupt maneuver to avoid a light pole.NTSB BFO94FA034Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Bethel, PAthe pilot attempting visual flight rules (VFR) flight into instrument meteorological conditions and the pilot not maintaining clearance from objects/terrain.NTSB CHI94FA067Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Waseca, MNContinued VFR flight by the non-instrument rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude (or clearance) above the ground. Factors related to the accident were: an inaccurate weather forecast by…NTSB ATL94FA043Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCulver LCA · Lake City, SCWas the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed while maneuvering the airplane which resulted in the loss of control and the collision with the ground.NTSB MIA94FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Pontotoc, MSThe pilot in command's failure to maintain altitude while manuevering resulting in the aircraft colliding with trees and then the ground.NTSB LAX94LA102Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFurche-Bielsko SZD-48 Jantar · Warner Springs, CAThe pilot's improper remedial action to recover from the spin. The intentional stall/spin was a factor in this accident.NTSB LAX94LA101Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAviat Christen Eagle II · Ramona, CAA failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain an adequate visual lookout and proper altitude to avoid colliding with rising terrain.NTSB SEA94FA052Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Idaho Falls, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Factors include the pilot's poor inflight decision to attempt low level maneuvers in a narrow canyon.NTSB MIA94FA057Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Titusville, FLFailure of the pilot-in-command to maintain VMC resulting in the inflight loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the fatigue failure of a section of pipe adjacent to a flange which connects to the turbocharger oil outlet of the left engine assembly.NTSB LAX94FA100Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-350D · Lebec, CAThe pilot-in-command's inadequate in-flight planning and inadequate visual lookout. Factors in the accident were mountainous terrain which masked the presence of the wires and the pilot-in-command's lack of familiarity with the geographic area.NTSB SEA94FA051Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Lopez, WAThe pilot/owner's improper installation of the oil temperature sensing bulb, the total loss of all engine oil, and the shearing of a connecting rod cap.NTSB LAX94LA098Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Borrego Springs, CAThe pilot's intentional decision to abandon the airplane and allow it to fly unattended.NTSB ANC94FA029Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-160 · Palmer, AKLoss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor in the severity of the accident was the failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain control of the airplane when the engine ceased producing power.NTSB FTW94FA065Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Ratcliff, TXThe pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane and allowed it to exceed its design stress limits, which resulted in overload failure of the stabilators and right outboard wing section.NTSB MIA94FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L3 · Arcadia, FLThe pilot-in-command's improper supervision of an unqualified pilot while attempting a takeoff to a hover. This resulted in an on ground loss of control (dynamic roll over). The improper flight control input (cyclic and collective) by the unqualified pilot…NTSB DCA94MA027Accident · 5 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportJetstream 4101 · Columbus, OH(1) An aerodynamic stall that occurred when the flightcrew allowed the airspeed to decay to stall speed following a very poorly planned and executed approach characterized by an absence of procedural discipline; (2) Improper pilot response to the stall…NTSB MIA94MA048Accident · 10 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech B90 · Okeechobee, FLThe pilot's improper remedial action concerning a right engine power anomaly, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during go-around from an aborted precautionary landing, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and an uncontrolled descent.…NTSB LAX94LA090Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Coolidge Dam, AZthe pilot's selection of a cruise altitude insufficient to ensure adequate obstacle clearance and his inadequate visual lookout. A factor in the accident was the inconspicuousness of the power lines.NTSB FTW94FA060Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPalmer Hawk BM-4 · Pearland, TXInadequate visual lookout by the pilot of the hawk BM-4, which resulted in his failure to see-and-avoid the Cessna 172. The BM-4 pilot's non-standard procedure for entering the traffic pattern was a related factor.NTSB SEA94FA045Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172D · Bandon, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance. Factors include strong, gust winds, a dark night, and the pilot's lack of experience in nighttime operations.NTSB MIA94FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Destin, FLAirspeed not maintained, inadvertent stall/mush, and altitude inadequate for recovery from the inflight loss of control by the pilot-in-command while circling for landing.NTSB LAX94FA089Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-1C · Santa Paula, CAA failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, and subsequent inadvertent stall during an undetermined loss of engine power following takeoff.NTSB FTW94FA057Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Van Horn, TXThe pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the aircraft after a loss of control which resulted from VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors were the weather, the pilot's lack of instrument training and experience, and his failure to…NTSB LAX94LA082Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 175 · Peoria, AZthe pilot's failure to attain sufficient altitude following takeoff. A factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to use all available runway for takeoff.NTSB LAX94FA081Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGolightly RV-4 · La Verne, CAa loss of engine power due to the improper maintenance and installation of the fuel system lines and fittings, and the pilot's failure to ensure the engine fuel primer was locked prior to takeoff. An additional cause was the pilot's failure to maintain…NTSB LAX94LA080Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Truckee, CAThe pilot's impaired judgment and impaired performance, while under the influence of drugs, that resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient altitude and clearance above the mountainous terrain and obstructions (power line & trees).NTSB LAX94LA079Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 100 · Chico, CAIssuance of an improper (special VFR) clearance by the tower controller, while the visibility was less than one mile, continued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the…NTSB ATL94LA031Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCarson Piel Emeraude CP305 · Morrison, TNThe pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and failure to maintain aircraft control after becoming spatially disoriented. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, and the pilot's improper…NTSB CHI94LA056Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Mcintosh, SDwas continued VFR flight into IMC and the failure to maintain clearance with the terrain. Factors associated with this accident were an inaccurate weather evaluation by the pilot, snow and the rising terrain.NTSB FTW94FA050Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Lancaster, TXwas THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL DUE TO PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT (ALCOHOL).NTSB NYC94FA040Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 500A · White Mills, PAwas the fracture and separation of the airplane wing, and the subsequent loss of control and collision with trees, as a result of the pilot's repeated performance of acrobatic maneuvers, which exceeded the design limits of the airplane.NTSB LAX94FA073Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportIsrael Aircraft Industries 1124A · Santa Ana, CAThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate separation behind the Boeing 757 and/or remain above its flight path during the approach, which resulted in an encounter with wake vortices from the 757. Factors related to the accident were: an inadequacy…NTSB SEA94FA040Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Spokane, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment with the instrument landing system approach course. The pilot's failure to perform a missed approach was a factor.