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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.

Defining event

Finding

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Cases, newest first

Query with SQL

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

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 BFO93FA132Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T-6G · Berryville, VA1.) The pilot's poor judgment in performing a maneuver in close proximity to the ground, and 2.) the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and subsequent loss of control in flight, resulting in a collision…Jul 20, 1993 · N44CT · Destroyed NTSB BFO93FA131Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C33A · Paintsville, KY1) Fatigue failure of the engine crankshaft at the number 2 main journal due to undetermined reason (s) which resulted in the total loss of engine power, and 2) the pilot not maintaining an adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. A…Jul 20, 1993 · N3722Q · Destroyed NTSB SEA93LA156Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStark Rand KR-2 · Townsend, MTThe loss of engine power due to the failure of the improperly modified magneto and loss of control in flight by the PIC while maneuvering to return to the airport.Jul 18, 1993 · N2AL · Destroyed NTSB CHI93LA260Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7KCAB · Hill City, KSthe loss of engine power for an undetermined reason and the pilot's decision to continue flying the airplane with known deficiencies. Factors in the accident are the lack of suitable terrain available for a forced landing, the airplane's low altitude, and the…Jul 18, 1993 · N11AT · Destroyed NTSB BFO93FA128Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-65 · Danbury, CTUndetermined.Jul 18, 1993 · N34009 · Destroyed NTSB SEA93FA153Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-220T · Battleground, WAThe pilot in command's failure to maintain adequate altitude during his maneuver.Jul 15, 1993 · N8472C · Destroyed NTSB MIA93FA156Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20-J · Jackson, MSA power loss for undetermined reasons during takeoff, the failure of the pilot-in-command to abort the takeoff, and his improper decision to turn back to the airport when there was suitable terrain ahead for the forced landing.Jul 15, 1993 · N57287 · Substantial damage NTSB MIA93FA155Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-A55 · Jacksonville, FLAn explosion and fire from undetermined fuel and ignition sources in the left wing.Jul 15, 1993 · N2200Q · Destroyed NTSB BFO93LA123Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRolando Rans S-10 · Numidia, PAThe excessive maneuver attempted by the pilot which resulted in a loss of control in flight and an inadvertent spin at an altitude insufficient for recovery.Jul 15, 1993 · N217ER · Destroyed NTSB MIA93GA154Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportSikorsky UH-60A · Hortense, GAThe pilot-in-command's inadequate supervision of the flight, the co-pilot's failure to maintain an adequate altitude, and the failure of both pilots to see and avoid the wires. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-in-command's inadequate preflight…Jul 14, 1993 · USA · Destroyed NTSB LAX93LA288Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22B · Weimar, CAThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid the charted power line. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the failure of the utility companies to adequately review the hazard posed by the wires following a previous collision at the same location,…Jul 12, 1993 · N531JD · Destroyed NTSB LAX93FA287Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402C · Las Vegas, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering in the traffic pattern. A factor which contributed to the accident was the pilot's failure to assure that the nose baggage compartment door was secured.Jul 12, 1993 · N818AN · Destroyed NTSB BFO93WA141Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 177RG · Marseille, FranceJul 12, 1993 · N1954Q · Substantial damage NTSB BFO93FA119Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8GCBC · Berlin, MDFailure of the pilot to maintain airspeed during pullup from an attempted banner pickup, which resulted in a stall.Jul 12, 1993 · N88189 · Destroyed NTSB ATL93FA127Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369HS · Talladega, ALThe pilot's poor in-flight decision to land downwind in a confined area that was surrounded by high obstructions, and his failure to properly compensate for the tailwind condition. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's lack of total experience in…Jul 12, 1993 · N9116F · Substantial damage NTSB DEN93LA077Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWeedhopper B · Port Arthur, TXThe failure of the wing fabric and wing spar. Factors were: the improper design change, major repair, and rebuilding of the aircraft by the pilot in command.Jul 11, 1993 · UNREG · Destroyed NTSB BFO93LA116Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMaule M-6-235 · Willoughby, OHFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during a pullup maneuver, which resulted in a stall. A factor related to the accident was the lack of altitude for recovery.Jul 11, 1993 · N56476 · Destroyed NTSB FTW93FA211Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell S-2R · Bastrop, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance.Jul 10, 1993 · N8512V · Destroyed NTSB CHI93FA247Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Houghton, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed while maneuvering which resulted in a stall/mush. Intentional buzzing was a factor.Jul 9, 1993 · N6279A · Destroyed NTSB ANC93FA114Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-16 · Fairbanks, AKFailure of the pilots of both airplanes to see and avoid each other, and the alcohol impairment of the pilot-in-command of the PA-16, N5960H. A factor which contributed to the accident was the sunglare.Jul 9, 1993 · N5960H · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage NTSB SEA93FA151Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Laramie, WYPoor inflight planning and an inadvertent stall.Jul 8, 1993 · N3108M · Substantial damage NTSB LAX93FA281Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22B · Honolulu, HIThe instructor allowing the student fly solo in wind conditions exceeding the maximum allowable winds in the training syllabus, and also near the maximum demonstrated controllability envelope for the helicopter. Factors which contributed to the accident were…Jul 8, 1993 · N501R · Destroyed NTSB DEN93FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportWiley Pitts S-1-E · Walters, OKPerformance of an aerobatic maneuver at an altitude insufficient for adequate terrain clearance.Jul 8, 1993 · N70BW · Destroyed NTSB FTW93FA207Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Little Rock, ARThe pilot's loss of control of the airplane as a result of physical impairment.Jul 7, 1993 · N95851 · Substantial damage NTSB BFO93FA113Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Madison Heights, VAEngine failure due to oil starvation as a result of inadequate maintenance and inspection of the oil cooler lines.Jul 7, 1993 · N7443P · Destroyed NTSB CHI93DTK01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCrowser Avid MK 3.75 · Philip, SDThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and the pilot inadvertently stalling the airplane.Jul 5, 1993 · N42CJ · Destroyed NTSB LAX93LA276Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCurtis Rans S-12 · Samoa, CAThe inadvertent stall of the airplane. Factors related to this accident were: the emergency parachute system that was deployed by the pilot, the partial failure of the parachute survival equipment to deploy properly, and the insufficient information provided…Jul 4, 1993 · N410ZE · Substantial damage NTSB LAX93FA274Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T303 · Prescott, AZThe pilot misjudging distance and altitude during a night approach. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the pilot's impairment due to fatigue exacerbated by alcohol consumption, the dark night, and the high density altitude and turbulent weather…Jul 4, 1993 · N9667C · Destroyed NTSB BFO93LA106Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWernega Benson KB-2 · Mount Holly, NJThe pilot's improper use of the gyroplane's flight controls.Jul 4, 1993 · N6606B · Destroyed NTSB BFO93LA105Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAdolfson Starduster SA300 · Windsor, NYLoss of engine power during initial climbout due to undetermined reasons. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following the loss of engine power, leading to an aerodynamic stall.Jul 4, 1993 · N10JA · Destroyed NTSB SEA93LA146Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDoellefeld RV6A · Independence, ORAn in flight loss of contol for unknown reasons.Jul 2, 1993 · N6LG · Destroyed NTSB LAX93FA272Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G2-M · S. Sn Francisco, CAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation which resulted in flight into high winds, turbulence and windshear.Jul 2, 1993 · N2473B · Destroyed NTSB ATL93LA123Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGulfstream G-164B · Selmer, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the power lines.Jul 2, 1993 · N8163K · Destroyed NTSB ATL93LA121Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Bainbridge, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the ground.Jul 2, 1993 · N8659L · Substantial damage NTSB BFO93FA129Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · California, MDThe pilot initiating VFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing, his lack of sleep, and the existing weather conditions.Jul 1, 1993 · N5291L · Destroyed NTSB BFO93FA103Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180K · Webster, NHThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, his failure to assure proper weight and balance of the aircraft for takeoff, and his failure to obtain and/or maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall. A possible factor related to the…Jul 1, 1993 · N2880K · Destroyed NTSB ATL93FA120Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Clayton, ALInadequate maintenance and inspection of the carburetor by maintenance personnel.Jul 1, 1993 · N5473S · Substantial damage NTSB NYC93FA133Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican General AA-1 · Vestal, NYThe loss of engine power due to fuel starvation from a fuel leak caused by inadequate maintenance by unqualified personnel, the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the ground.Jun 29, 1993 · N5932L · Destroyed NTSB CHI93FA238Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Beardstown, ILthe pilot-in-command's continued VFR flight into IMC and his failure to maintain control of the airplane. Factors were the fog, drizzle, and an abrupt maneuver by the pilot-in-command.Jun 29, 1993 · N120TW · Destroyed NTSB NYC93LA139Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTitan Tornado · East Moriches, NYFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airpseed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain.Jun 28, 1993 · UNREG · Substantial damage NTSB CHI93FA234Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210D · Salem, MIthe pilot's physical impairment.Jun 28, 1993 · N3899Y · Destroyed NTSB NYC93FA127Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing Stearman PT-17 · Concord, NHLoss of airplane control as the result of incapacitation.Jun 26, 1993 · N58212 · Destroyed NTSB FTW93FA197Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502 · Petronila, TXFailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed, while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A factor related to the accident was: his lack of altitude for recovery from the stall.Jun 26, 1993 · N1504Q · Destroyed NTSB CHI93FA225Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Elwell, MIImproper use of the fuel selector by the pilot, which resulted in fuel starvation.Jun 26, 1993 · N7779P · Substantial damage NTSB DEN93LA069Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportIrving Siewert Osprey GP-4 · Canon City, COFailure by the pilot/builder to follow construction specifications and the use of improper materials during construction of the aircraft.Jun 25, 1993 · N85Z · Destroyed NTSB CHI93FAMS4Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportMooney M20K · Hobart, INundetermined.Jun 25, 1993 · N5655M · Destroyed NTSB CHI93FA218Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172F · Miami, MOthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.Jun 21, 1993 · N5461R · Destroyed NTSB MIA93FA145Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Pensacola, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to alcohol impairment. The dark night was a contributing factor.Jun 20, 1993 · N2534B · Destroyed NTSB NYC93LA122Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSmitrvich Starduster SA-300A · Millville, NJThe pilot's inflight planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A factor was inadequate preflight planning.Jun 19, 1993 · N390BG · Destroyed NTSB LAX93LA261Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas 369D · Half Moon Bay, CAthe pilots failure to maintain an adequate clearance from the light tower and associated electrical power cables. Factors in the accident were; 1) pilot fatigue due to an excessively long duty day, and 2) glare from the lights which affected the pilot's…Jun 19, 1993 · N277SP · Destroyed