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 LAX93LA259Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRaymond Long EZ · Groveland, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path during final approach. A factor in the accident was sun glare in the pilot's line of vision.NTSB LAX93FA260Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269A · Henderson, NVthe pilot's improper use of the collective control and his failure to maintain adequate RPM during an autorotative descent during a practice power off landing. A factor which contributed to the accident related to the pilot's lack of recent experience…NTSB NYC93FA118Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210 · Marthas Vineyrd, MAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB NYC93FA115Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEnstrom F28C · Gordon, KYThe pilot's failure to see and avoid the wire.NTSB NYC93FA110Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSkillman Thorp T-18 · Chatham, MAthe pilot's performance of an aerobatic maneuver, with insufficient altitude for recovery, resulting in a collision with the waterNTSB LAX93LA248Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHenderson Rutan Long EZ · San Pedro Bay, CAthe pilots failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude while maneuvering over the water at low altitude.NTSB LAX93LA247Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTucker Thorp T18C · So. Lake Tahoe, CAA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB CHI93DCG01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportEmory W. Greer, JR. VARI-EZE · Olathe, KSthe pilot's failure to secure a fuel cap during the preflight inspection of the airplane, and the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the emergency landing. Factors associated with the accident are the unsecured fuel cap and the foreign object…NTSB MIA93FA141Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Niceville, FLThe inadequate annual inspection of the airplane by other maintenance personnel and the failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed above a stall.NTSB FTW93FA187Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Texas City, TXThe pilot's failure to recover from the intentional maneuver for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI93LA201Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2A-1 · Phlox, WIWas the pilot in command's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor to the accident was the inadequate cyclic control.NTSB CHI93GA204Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBeech 95-C55 · Fort Madison, IAthe pilot-in command's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors were door not secured, checklist not followed, diverted attention of the pilot-in-command, and emergency procedure not followed.NTSB ATL93FA107Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TP206 · Epworth, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain vertical clearance above the trees while maneuvering which resulted in the collision with trees.NTSB FTW93FA183Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEagle DW-1 · Goree, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed. A factor was the pilot's lack of experience in the airplane.NTSB CHI93FA200Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A-36 · Tony, WIthe pilot's decision to continue flight into known adverse weather and exceeded the design strees limits of the airplane. Factors associated with the accident were inadequate preflight planning/preparation, clouds, turbulence, icing conditions, and the lack…NTSB CHI93FA193Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Ypsilanti, MIThe pilot-in-command's inadequate preflight preparation, false indication (on/off) of attitude indicator, and attitude indicator switched off. Factors were fog, low ceiling, the pilot-in-command's improper use of the attitude indicator, and his lack of total…NTSB NYC93FA102Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150E · Selbyville, DEThe pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin and collision with the terrain. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the banner towing operation.NTSB BFO93GA102Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBeech B24R · Manassas, VAFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a precautionary landing which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A related factor was that the pilot's attention was diverted by the open door.NTSB LAX93LA244Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech K-35 · Eureka, NVThe pilot disregarding the advice that visual flight rules were not recommended; the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation along his route of flight; the pilot attempting flight into known adverse weather conditions; the pilot's loss of aircraft control due…NTSB LAX93FA242Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-150 · Diablo, CAThe pilot in command's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and the improper in flight planning and decision making by the pilot.NTSB LAX93FA241Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportLancair 320 · Chino, CAInadequate visual lookout by the pilot of the Lancair 320, N69WD, that precluded him from recognizing a collision hazard and taking action to avoid a midair collision with the Cessna 152, N80203. In addition, the local controller failed to advise the pilot of…NTSB LAX93FA246Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech S35 · Lovelock, NVThe pilot's continuation of VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions and mountainous terrain.NTSB FTW93FA176Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-36-285 · Texhoma, TXThe pilot's flight into known adverse weather conditions. Factors were the weather, the dark night, the airplane's lack of flight and navigational equipment, and the pilot's lack of instrument training and experience.NTSB FTW93WA270Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationAero Commander 680F · Chihuahua, MexicoNTSB FTW93WA259Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 180G · Huazapares, MexicoNTSB FTW93LA173Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Ganado, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power linesNTSB NYC93LA097Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Marengo, OHThe pilot's misjudged clearance from obstacles during aerial application, resulting in a collision with trees. A factor in this accident was the pilot's lack of total experience in aerial application flying.NTSB MIA93FA137Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Miami, FLThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude. A factor which contributed to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate altitude from which a recovery would have been possible.NTSB BFO93LA098Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Milroy, PAThe pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance with terrain. Factors related to the accident include mountain obscuration and fog.NTSB FTW93FA168Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182M · Hebbronville, TXThe pilot's continued flight into IMC conditions. Factors were the low cieling and dark night conditions.NTSB CHI93DCQ01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Liberal, KSthe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the powerlines. A factor related to the accident were the powerlines which were contacted during the aerial application operation.NTSB SEA93FA125Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Enumclaw, WAInadvertent VFR flight into IMC. Factors to the accident were: fog and rain.NTSB LAX93FA231Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D-50E · Lee Vining, CAThe pilot's inadequate weather evaluation; inadequate in-flight planning and decision making; and the pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CHI93FA182Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-350B · Cameron, MOThe loss of engine power due to failure of the second stage turbine labyrinth seal. Factors related to the accident were: the unfavorable wind and tall trees bordering the emergency landing area.NTSB FTW93FA165Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportFairchild SA-226T · Santa Fe, NMThe pilot's poorly planned circling approach, and his failure to maintain an adequate altitude. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the dark night and a lack of visual reference.NTSB DEN93FA063Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Westcliffe, COThe pilot's loss of aircraft control as he attempted to turn away from a line of thunderstorms. Factors were thunderstorms and associated turbulence.NTSB LAX93FA223Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Lompoc, CAVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain proper altitude (or clearance) from mountainous terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the low ceiling, fog, drizzle, obscuration, and mountainous…NTSB LAX93LA225Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Page, AZthe pilot's selection of an inadequate cruise altitude. A factor in the accident was the high winds and turbulence in the vicinity of the cliffs.NTSB CHI93FA180Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C-18S · North Branch, MNexcessive use of brakes by the pilot-in-command.NTSB SEA93LA117Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-1 · Brigham City, UTThe premature liftoff by the PIC and his failure to attain proper rate of climb. Factors relating to the accident were the gusty crosswind weather conditions, the failure of the PIC to use all available runway, and transmission wires.NTSB MIA93FA127Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Deerfield Beach, FLFailure of the pilot-in-command to maintain airspeed (vso). The low altitude at the time of the aerodynamic stall was a factor.NTSB CHI93LA177Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Crawford, NEThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed.NTSB CHI93DCD02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-25 · Essex, IAFatigue failure of the forward spar fuselage attachment assembly for the right wing. A factor related to the accident was: the lack of a directed inspection procedure that could have been provided with the issuance of an airworthiness directive.NTSB BFO93FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · Hancock, MDImproper planning/decision by the pilot, his initiation of VFR flt into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation. Factors related to the accident were fog, rain, the pilot's self induced…NTSB MIA93FA121Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47-G · Parker, FLthe misjudgement of the distance by the nonrated pilot-in-command and subsequent collision with a tree. Contributing to the accident was the lack of helicopter experience of the pilot-in-command.NTSB LAX93FA215Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Grass Valley, CAThe pilot prematurely raising the airplane's flaps at an airspeed insufficient to maintain flight which resulted in an inadvertent stall mush condition. A factor in this accident was the darkness of the night.NTSB CHI93FA171Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Hubbardston, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed due to alcohol impairment while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB SEA93LA105Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKaman HH-43F · Anatone, WAFatigue failure of the rotor transmission drive system, resulting from the improper certification/approval of the aircraft modification by the federal aviation administration.NTSB CHI93DER01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPitts S1 · Madison, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance during aerobatic maneuvers.NTSB BFO93FA082Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Lyburn, WVFailure of the pilot to attain sufficient altitude to remain clear of rising terrain and objects. Factors related to the accident were darkness and rising terrain.