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 CHI93FA129Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale ATR-42-300 · Chicago, ILthe unqualified baggage handler's attempting to load an unfamiliar airplane and inadequate training by the airline which employed the baggage handler.NTSB SEA93FA091Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportLake LA-4-200 · Gold Bar, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a water landing.NTSB ANC93FA050Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · Nome, AKThe pilot initiated VFR flight into instrument meteorological and whiteout conditions. Factors which contributed to the accident were: inadequate supervision of the pilot by the company, inadequate oversight by the federal aviation administration, the pilot's…NTSB ATL93MA068Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportFairchild SA227-TT · Blountville, TNFailure of the pilot to follow procedures concerning use of the engine inlet anti-ice system and/or continuous ignition while operating in icing conditions, which resulted in probable ice ingestion and loss of engine power; and the pilot's failure to maintain…NTSB LAX93FA160Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Livermore, CAThe pilot's decision to attempt VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors that contributed to this accident were: the pilot's lack of recent instrument experience, the rain and high wind conditions in the area.NTSB DEN93FA038Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale SA316B · Aspen, COFailure of the flight control lower mixing unit due to fatigue, which resulted in the loss of control.NTSB ATL93FA066Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Kennesaw, GAFailure of the flight instructor (CFI) to assure that a proper rate of climb was established after takeoff to maintain proper clearance above the terrain/obstacles. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the excessive weight condition of the…NTSB LAX93FA165Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Dunsmuir, CAAn inadvertent encounter with rain and icing conditions. Factors in this accident included environmental conditions consisting of rain, icing, and darkness, and the pilot's overconfidence in his abilities to deal with the encountered weather conditions.NTSB SEA93FA084Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Estacada, ORFailure of the pilot to maintain proper clearance (and/or altitude) from moutainous terrain. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, clouds, low ceilings, and the high (mountainous) terrain in the area of the accident site.NTSB NYC93FA066Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Elmwood Park, NJInadequate maintenance and inspection of the fuel injector system resulting in a loss of power of the left engine, and the failure of the pilot to maintain minimum control speed which resulted in a flat spin. A factor which contributed to the accident was the…NTSB BFO93FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A152 · Revere, PAThe CFI failed to adequately supervise the operation. Related factors were dark night, lost/disorientation of the pilot, and her lack of experience in type of operation (night flying).NTSB CHI93FA118Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182N · Ludington, MIthe pilot's improper instrument procedures. Related factors are the below approach minima weather conditions, fog and dark night.NTSB LAX93LA166Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G2A · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)The passenger's failure to adhere to the pilot's instructions. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the language/communications difficulty between the pilot & the passenger, and the bird strike.NTSB ATL93FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Tullahoma, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the pilot's failure to ensure that the airplane maximum gross takeoff weight was not exceeded, the dark night, and rain.NTSB FTW93FA108Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Dublin, TXThe pilot's attempted maneuver which led to his entry into an inadvertent stallNTSB ANC93FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-14 · Rainey Pass, AKThe pilot-in-command's attempt to fly VFR in IMC conditions. Factors were the mountainous terrain and whiteout conditions.NTSB LAX93FA154Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · White Water, CAThe pilot's failure to see and avoid the tower due to drug impairment. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the low altitude and the dawn light condition.NTSB LAX93FA153Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200 · Carpenteria, CAUndetermined.NTSB DEN93FA033Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportHiller UH-12E · Applegate, ORThe pilot initiating flight into known adverse weather. Factors were: low ceiling, fog, and turbulence.NTSB FTW93FA105Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201T · Radium Springs, NMA total failure of the airplane's vacuum system. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the dark night, snow, the pilot's loss of aircraft control, and the pilot's lack of experience in flying in actual intrument meteorological conditions.NTSB FTW93FA103Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Grants, NMThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and the selection of an altitude that would not provide terrain clearance along his planned route. Factors were the dark night conditions and the mountainous terrain.NTSB CHI93FAMS2Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Grand Haven, MIundetermined.NTSB DEN93FA032Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Englewood, COPower loss due to fuel exhaustion as a result of failing to refuel en route. Factors were: inaccurate fuel consumption calculations, lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing, lack of total experience in the type of aircraft being flown, and becoming lost…NTSB LAX93FA149Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Eagle Mountain, CAFailure of the left elevator for undetermined reason(s), which resulted in flutter and failure of the empennage, and subsequent uncontrolled collision with the terrain.NTSB LAX93FA144Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Apple Valley, CAThe pilot inadvertently stalled the airplane near the ground. The intentional buzzing, over confidence in his personal ability, and poor inflight planning/decision were factors.NTSB LAX93FA141Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300 · Big Bear City, CAA partial loss of takeoff power due to inadequate maintenance and inspection which failed to detect magneto and spark plug deficiencies. In addition, the pilot failed to abort the takeoff after two unsuccessful attempts to get airborne. Factors which…NTSB ATL93FA059Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172G · Jackson, GAThe pilots inadequate preflight planning and his failure to properly compensate for the wind. A factor was the unfavorable wind condition at the time of take off.NTSB FTW93FA096Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Katy, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane for undetermined reasonsNTSB CHI93FA103Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Newton, IAVFR flight into IMC conditions. Factors related to the accident were fog, and the pilot's lack of total instrument time.NTSB DEN93FA031Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSmith, Ted Aerostar Aerostar 600 · Panama City, FLThe pilot's poorly planned approach to the runway following an instrument approach resulting in a loss of control.NTSB SEA93FA071Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Oakley, UTPoor inflight planning/decision. Factors to the accident were: dark night condition and terrain clearance was not maintained.NTSB LAX93LA148Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLangerud Varieze · Zenia, CAThe pilot's poor weather evaluation and continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions. The low ceiling was a factor.NTSB FTW93FA092Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Center Point, TXInadvertent stall. Factors were the weather and the light conditionsNTSB LAX93WA145Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28-235 · Loreto, MexicoNTSB BFO93FA034Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180F · Brewer, MELoss of engine power due to undetermined reasons, and the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing which resulted in a stall.NTSB BFO93FA033Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Lemont, PAImproper inflight planning decision by the pilot, and his failure to maintain proper altitude during the approach. Factors related to the accident were darkness, adverse weather conditions, and high terrain.NTSB BFO93LA032Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMorgan Challenger II · Quinton, VAThe pilot's impairment due to a neurological injury and drugs, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane during an approach to land. A factor related to the accident was the gusty wind condition.NTSB ATL93FA061Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22B · Atlanta, GAThe failure of the pilot/applicant of the R22B, N621SG, to follow low approach procedures, and the failure of the designated examiner/observer in the R22B to maintain visual separation from the Cessna 152, N5532Q. Contributing factors to the accident were:…NTSB ANC93FA033Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 214B1 · Ketchikan, AKInadequate maintenance of the hydraulic servo actuator which led to the fatigue failure and loss of flight control. In addition, the flightcrew did not, or was unable to, jettison the external load. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the pilot…NTSB LAX93LA124Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBertone Challenger II · Boulder City, NVThe pilot's loss of airplane control due to physical impairment as a result of either drugs or other cardiovascular reasons, or both.NTSB BFO93FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican General AG5B · Vergennes, VTVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from snow covered terrain after becoming spatially disoriented in whiteout conditions. The adverse weather and snow covered…NTSB LAX93FA125Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Coalinga, CAThe pilots inadequate preflight planning and his failure to select a cruise altitude which would ensure adequate terrain clearance during the night cross country. Factors in the accident were: the mountainous nature of the terrain and the dark night light…NTSB LAX93FA118Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E33 · Avalon, CAThe pilot's alcoholic impairment of efficiency and judgement which resulted in his attempt to perform aerobatics at night in hilly terrain at an altitude inadequate for terrain clearance.NTSB LAX93FA119Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Truckee, CAThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. The adverse weather conditions contributed to the accident.NTSB ATL93FA058Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Geneva, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain minimum controllable airspeed during the initial climb, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and collision with trees and terrain.NTSB LAX93FA112Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Truckee, CAThe decision of the pilot not to follow instrument flight rule procedures during instrument meteorological conditions and poor preflight planning which resulted in operation of the airplane over the maximum gross weight and reduced performance. Factors in the…NTSB MIA93FA065Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportForney Ercoupe F-1 · Aguadilla, PRExcessive elevator control input by an unknown occupant at an airspeed above maneuvering speed which caused both forward wing spars to fail. Contributing to the accident was fuel exhaustion due to poor in flight planning/decision by the pilot-in-command and…NTSB MIA93LA064Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)The pilot-in-command's overconfidence in his own abilities and the subsequent failure of both engines due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors were the failure of the pilot to perform in-flight fuel consumption calculations, and the unsuitable terrain for…NTSB LAX93FA110Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Gorman, CAThe pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions and continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditionsNTSB FTW93FA080Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Jefferson, TXInadvertent stall. A factor was the pilot's performance of aerobatics at low altitude