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 LAX93FA020Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-135 · Cottonwood, AZAn inadvertent stall and descent into terrain when the pilot failed to maintain sufficient airspeed and altitude above the ground.NTSB LAX93FA045Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D50A · Ely, NV1) The pilots decision to attempt VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which included mountain obscurement and severe mixed icing, and, 2) his failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to a probable aerodynamic stall induced by severe…NTSB LAX93LA019Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Saipan, MauritiusThe pilot not following wake turbulence (votex) avoidance procedures, which are detailed in FAA publications, resulting in the airplane encountering wake turbulence. Factors in this accident were: 1) the pilot's inability to control the airplane after…NTSB ATL93FA016Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5 · Snow Hill, NCThe pilot's failure to use carburetor heat, which resulted in loss of engine power. Factors were the carburetor icing conditions, and the dark night lighting conditions.NTSB SEA93FA010Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Lowman, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Factors include mountainous/hilly terrain, trees, and the pilot's diverted attention.NTSB MIA93LA011Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHunter Velocity · Apopka, FLAn encounter with wake turbulence from a Boeing 727.NTSB DEN93LA007Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMarcy Kitfox IV · Longmont, COAn inadvertent stall. A factor was: the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane.NTSB DEN93FA008Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Woody Creek, COAircraft climb performance exceeded. Factors were: the pilot's lack of experience in mountain flying, and the high density altitude conditions.NTSB CHI93LA017Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-260 · Trenton, NDThe pilot's improper aircraft handling while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB LAX93LA017Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPasporello, J.F. RV-3 · Lompoc, CAThe failure of an unidentified airframe or component system for unknown reasons and the resulting inflight fire.NTSB CHI93LA018Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAmerican Eagle 101 · New Hudson, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.NTSB MIA93FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · New Port Richey, FLLoss of control inflight by the pilot for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC93FA028Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Middlebourne, WVThe pilot's decision to intentionally fly into known icing conditions which resulted in an inadvertent stall and uncontrolled descent into trees. A factor related to the accident was the icing conditions.NTSB NYC93FA026Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 55 · Leicester, MAThe failure of the pilot to maintain the proper glide path. Factors related to the accident were the pilot's lack of recent flight experience and his lack of recent instrument experienced.NTSB FTW93FA017Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Liverpool, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the obstruction. Factors were: the pilot's lack of total experience in night operations, and inadequate supervision from the certified flight instructor.NTSB ATL93FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Cedar Springs, GAThe private pilot's failure to maintain airspeed above stalling speed, and his failure to maintain a proper altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent, low altitude stall. A factor was the gusty wind condition at the time of the accident.NTSB LAX93LA012Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGilbert SX300 · Rosamond, CAThe pilots inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and his failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering which led to an inadvertent stall spin.NTSB MIA93LA006Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHarkness, Richard W. Adventure · New Smyrna Bch, FLThe failure of the pilot in command to maintain airspeed above stall speed following engine failure resulting in the aircraft stalling and descending uncontrolled to the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot in command's improper leaning of the…NTSB LAX93FA011Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-140 · Rosemead, CAThe pilot's poor preflight planning/preparation and intentional flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors relating to this accident were the prevailing low ceiling and fog.NTSB NYC93FA015Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Elkton, VAThe pilot's delay in aborting the landing which resulted in insufficient runway remaining to allow the airplane to reach sufficient altitude to clear the obstacles at the end of the runwayNTSB ATL93FA008Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310K · East Point, GAThe pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply which resulted in fuel stravation of both engines.NTSB ANC93FA067Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions at night which resulted in a loss of airplane control, spatial disorientation, and an inflight breakup. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the adverse weather and the…NTSB LAX93FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Fairfield, CAThe pilot's delay in initiating a go-around during a night landing. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot misjudging distance and speed resulting a overshooting the touchdown, the night light condition, his lack of night flying experience in a…NTSB NYC93FA013Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 195 · Shenandoah, PAA loss of control due to pilot incapacitation.NTSB ATL93LA007Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBensen B-8M · Holly Ridge, NCThe pilot's failure to operate the flight controls properly.NTSB NYC93FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Pulaski, VAThe improper decision by the non-instrument-rated pilot to continue VFR flight into known instrument meteorological conditions resulting in spatial disorientation and loss of control of the airplane. Factors which contributed to the accident were the actions…NTSB ANC93FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7EC · Chugiak, AKCollision with the terrain for an unknown reason.NTSB FTW93FA008Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55B · Chatham, LAThe inadvertent stall and spin. Factors were the power loss due to fuel starvation, the dark night, and his failure to use the boost pump for engine restart.NTSB LAX93LA005Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSwich II · El Mirage, CAThe pilot/owner's improper installation of the vertical stabilizer. Contributing to this accident was the pilot's intentional stall, inadvertent spin, and inability to recover from the spin due to the inadequate equipment (vertical stabilizer) design.NTSB ATL93FA004Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 680 · Headland, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while conducting a high speed taxi maneuver which resulted in inadvertent flight. Factors were the pilot's over confidence in his ability, his lack of familiarity with the airplane and the wind gust.NTSB SEA93LA004Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCarlson Midget Mustang · Baker, ORAn inadvertent stall/spin by the pilot in command. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot in command's lack of recent experience.NTSB NYC93FA005Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35 · New Manchester, WVThe pilot's failure to obtain adequate airspeed and abort the takeoff. The pilot's premature rotation, upsloping runway, and a tailwind are contributing factors.NTSB MIA93LA003Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMcilraith Steen Skybolt · Hattiesburg, MSA loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB SEA93LA003Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Powell, WYThe pilot in command's failure to assure clearance from the radio tower. Factors contributing to the accident were the marked tower and the pilot in command's inadequate visual lookout.NTSB NYC93LA004Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLake LA-250 · Franklin, NHThe pilot's misjudged touchdown on the water which resulted in a porpoised landing. Also causal to the accident was his improper recovery from the porpoise, resulting in a loss of airplane control and collision with the water. Factors related to the accident…NTSB LAX93FA004Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-31ATC · Elko, NVThe failure of the pilot to obtain an adequate preflight weather brieifing and the pilot's decision to continue flight into forecast adverse weather conditions. Contributing to the accident was the prevailing icing, clouds, and rain weather conditions.NTSB FTW93LA003Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna Ector 305A · Houston, TXThe pilot of the other aircraft's inadvertent ground loop. Factors were the left quartering tailwind and this pilot's inability to see the other airplane during the landing roll.NTSB SEA93FA002Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech N35 · Burlington, WAThe failure of screws on the propeller hub during takeoff, the improper inflight decision by the pilot to return for landing, and the steep, excessive bank angle which resulted in a stall/spin and loss of control.NTSB FTW93FA002Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportClatanoff Rotorway Exec · Wimberley, TXThe delamination of the skin on a main rotor blade.NTSB LAX92FA410Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22-B · Martinez, CAAn undetermined divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation which resulted in rotor contact to the fuselage and passenger.NTSB NYC92WA186Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationMcdonnell Douglas 500E · Niagara Falls, CanadaNTSB LAX92LA408Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Command · Eureka, CAThe failure of the unqualified non certificated pilot to maintain control of the gyrocopter. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of total experience.NTSB LAX92LA404Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLanceair 235 · Hollister, CAThe pilot performing the final segment of a visual approach at too low of an altitude resulting in an inflight collision with a guy wire.NTSB LAX92LA400Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchleicher ASW-20 · Middletown, CAThe pilot's failure to connect the elevator control during assembly and failure to perform an adequate aircraft preflight check. Contributing to the accident was the pilots distraction by performing other tasks during the assembly procedure.NTSB FTW92FA232Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Idabel, OKThe pilot's descent below the minimum descent altitude. Factors were the pilot's improper IFR procedure, low ceiling, and dark night conditions.NTSB FTW92DRG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportStits Playboy · Fredericksburg, TXThe inadvertent stall.NTSB BFO92LA150Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Bethel, METhe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude to avoid the terrain. The dark night was a factor.NTSB BFO92FA144Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · East Bernstadt, KYInadequate maintenance inspection involving failure to detect wear of the clutch spring assembly, resulting in the uncoupling of engine power to the main transmission.NTSB ATL92FA185Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Samantha, ALThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, his lack of expereince, which resulted in an encounter with instrument weather conditions during an attempted visual flight, and his subsequent spatial disorientation. Factors were the dark night…NTSB SEA92LA209Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAnderson Vans RV-6 · Puyallup, WAThe failure of the pilot to configure the acft for landing (lowering of flaps) and maintain airspeed above stall during final approach for landing.