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 FTW94FA025Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Van Horn, TXWas the pilot's attempt to perform aerobatics at low altitude and the inadvertent stall. A factor was the pilot's ostentatious display.NTSB CHI94MA032Accident · 5 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Greensburg, INan inadvertent stall by the pilot in command. Factors associated with the accident are the icing conditions and low ceilings.NTSB BFO94LA002Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFairchild SA 227-AC · Newark, NJ1) The failure of the ramp agent to follow proper procedures during the servicing of the airplane, and 2) her lack of attention to the hazards surrounding her. Factors related to the accident are 1) the pressure placed on the ramp agent to rush the servicing…NTSB ATL94FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20L · Hohenwald, TNThe pilot's impaired judgement and performance by flying while under the influence of drugs, that resulted in his continuation of VFR flight at night in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and his failure to maintain proper altitude (or clearance) from…NTSB ATL94FA011Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Wrens, GAWas the fatique failure of the idler gear which resulted in the complete loss of engine power. A factor was the dark night.NTSB NYC94FA025Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Blue Ash, OHThe pilot's inadequate inflight decision to conduct flight into known icing conditions and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors were icing conditions and the pilot's failure to follow the preflight briefing…NTSB FTW94FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Saratoga, ARThe pilot-in-command's performance of aerobatics at an altitude where it was not possible to maintain clearance.NTSB MIA94LA013Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Ormond Beach, FLPoor judgement of the pilot, due to consumption of alcohol and use of drugs, and his failure (or inability) to maintain altitude (or clearance) above water at night. Darkness was a related factor.NTSB FTW94LA021Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · W. Cameron 240The pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude while maneuvering. Factors were his continued flight into known adverse weather and his self-induced pressure to complete the flight.NTSB ATL94FA010Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5A · Richmond Hill, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate altitude above the water. And his physical impairment due to drugs.NTSB LAX94LA025Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWittman Tailwind W8L · San Jose, CAThe loss of engine power for an undetermined reason(s). A factor in the accident was the unsuitable nature of the terrain encountered during the forced landing.NTSB LAX94FA028Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · San Simon, AZThe pilot's improper planning/decision, and his allowing the airplane to exceed its design stress limits, which resulted in overload failure of the right outboard wind section and left horizontal stabilizer. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse…NTSB DCA94GA010Accident · 3 fatalClass 1Final reportBeech 300/F · Front Royal, VAthe failure of the pilot-in-command to ensure that the airplane remained in visual meteorological conditions over mountainous terrain, and the failure of the Federal Aviation Administration executives and managers responsible for the FAA flying program to:…NTSB CHI94LA024Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Woonsocket, SDthe pilot misjudging the airplane's clearance under the wires. Factors related to the accident were the performance of a low pass and the wires which were contacted.NTSB SEA94FA018Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · North Bend, ORLoss of control while in flight due to pilot incapacitation from atherosclerotic heart disease.NTSB ATL94FA007Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech S-35 · Carrollton, GAWas the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a missed approach which resulted in a stall. A factor was the pilot's failure to follow IFR procedures.NTSB NYC94FA014Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas 369E · Richfield, OHAn in flight collision with power lines while the pilot was maneuvering the helicopter at a low altitude. A factor in this accident was reduced visibility due to foggy weather conditions.NTSB FTW94FA014Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Texarkana, ARThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors that contributed to the accident were: the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing, the existing weather, his lack of instrument flying experience, and the dark night…NTSB NYC94FA011Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · Tiro, OHLoss of aircraft control for an undetermined reason, and subsequent flight that resulted in the stress limits of the airplane being exceeded and airframe failure.NTSB ATL94FA006Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20B · Bethpage, TNThe pilot's VFR flight into IMC, and his failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors were the pilot's failure to use a preflight briefing service, and the low ceilings and fog at the accident site.NTSB LAX94LA015Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Yuma, AZa failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain adequate airspeed and subsequent inadvertent stall while maneuvering the airplane. Contamination of the fuel in the carburetor that produced a partial power loss was a factor in the accident.NTSB CHI94FA018Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Atkinson, NEthe instrument rated commercial pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain/obstructions during the initial climb after takeoff. Related factors are the weather conditions (fog) and the pilot's failure to maintain the proper rate of climb.NTSB ANC94FA011Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · Kenai, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude for terrain clearance. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the pilot's lack of usual sleep, the night light condition and hilly terrain.NTSB NYC94LA009Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American SNJ-2 · Skaneateles, NYThe pilot's inadequate preflight preparation which failed to adequately secure cargo, resulting control interference. A factor was the overgross weight condition of the airplane.NTSB MIA94LA007Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182-P · Orlando, FLThe pilot's improper procedures and his complacency during his attempts to start the engine.NTSB SEA94FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Kelso, WAThe pilot's failure to follow the published missed approach procedure. Factors in the accident were: the weather and mountainous terrain.NTSB MIA94WA006Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationPiper Aerostar 601P · Hog Cay, BahamasNTSB MIA94WA005Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 402B · Congo Town, Congo - KinshasaNTSB LAX94FA009Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T-6G · Green Valley, CAthe CFI's failure to maintain the proper altitude while flying over mountainous terrain, and his inadvertent flight into instrument weather conditions. Contributing factors were the CFI's improper in-flight decision to fly at the low altitude and his…NTSB CHI94FA010Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · Herbster, WIFailure of the pilot to maintain clearance from trees.NTSB SEA94LA015Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVarga 2150A · Burns, ORPoor in-flight planning/decision and an inadvertent stall/spin. A factor to the accident was an excessive pull-up.NTSB FTW94FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-36-285 · Estelline, TXClearance not maintained by the pilot.NTSB NYC94LA008Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFeatherston Titan Tornado · Mechanicsville, VAFailure of the pilot to correct the descent. Factors related to the accident were: the light conditions at dusk, impairment of the pilot from use of a medication (prescription drug), and possible lack of visual ques (pilot's visual perception).NTSB NYC94FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Topsfield, MAFailure of the pilot to follow the published IFR procedure, and his failure to correct a spiral after becoming spatially disoriented.NTSB FTW94FA008Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBalloon Works FIREFLY-7 · Albuquerque, NMThe p[ilot's improper decision to attempt continued flight under the existing wind conditions. The adverse wind was a contributing factor.NTSB LAX94FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Sedona, AZthe pilot's decision to continue VFR at an improper altitude into mountainous terrain at night and the inadvertent encounter with clouds along the route. Self-induced pressure due to a low fuel state contributed to the accident.NTSB LAX94FA006Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182M · Seligman, AZthe separation of the carburetor float and needle valve from the upper half of the carburetor bowl, due to improper installation of the float kit.NTSB NYC94FA004Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · East Hampton, NYInadvertent feathering of both propellers by the student pilot, which resulted in a loss of power, and failure (or inability) of the instructor pilot (CFI) to attain remedial action. A factor related to the accident was: the student pilot's habit…NTSB ANC94LA003Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 11AC · Kenney Lake, AKThe pilot's intentional VFR takeoff into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control. Factors in the accident were the weather and low light conditions.NTSB SEA94FA004Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Heber City, UTThe pilot's improper inflight decisions and failure to maintain proper altitude. Factors include the box canyon.NTSB LAX94FA005Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Kernville, CAthe pilot's inadvertent flight into a box canyon and his failure to attain a safe altitude. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the geographic area.NTSB LAX94FA004Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Petaluma, CAVFR flight by the pilot(s) into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and failure to maintain a proper altitude and/or clearance from terrain, while approaching the destination airport. Factors related to the accident were: the low ceiling and terrain.NTSB CHI94FA002Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95 · Roodhouse, ILwas the inadequate supervision by the flight instructor which resulted in the inadvertent stall/spin by the student.NTSB CHI94FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · Webster, WIIn-flight breakup of the airplane for an undetermined reason.NTSB ANC94FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-6-235 · Merrill Pass, AKThe pilot-in-command's attempt to fly VFR into IMC conditions. A factor was the whiteout weather condition.NTSB SEA93FA214Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Ellensburg, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain an airspeed above stalling speed (vs), and his inadequate remedial action. Factors include the pilot's diverted attention, and an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB LAX94LA003Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182H · Clear Lake Res, CAFailure of the pilot to maintain altitude, while performing a low-altitude maneuver (turn) over water. Factors related to the accident were: sun glare, haze, glassy condition of the water, and the lack of visual cues (visual perception) for the pilot to judge…NTSB MIA93FAMS2Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 152 · FLundetermined.NTSB BFO93FA189Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Akron, OHContinued flight by the pilot to an altitude that was not appropriate without supplemental oxygen, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control due to hypoxia and subsequently exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft. Factors related to the accident…NTSB BFO93FA188Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-CD · Charles City, VAthe pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane which resulted in an in-flight break-up.