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 BFO92FA152Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Weston, WVTotal loss of engine power due to the inadequate torque of the no. 1 cylinder attach bolts and studs, fatique failure of the bolts/studs, and separation of the no. 1 cylinder. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and hilly terrain, which were…NTSB CHI92FA282Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Ottawa, ILPilot did not maintain a proper airspeed which led to an inadvertent stall/spin at a low altitude where the pilot could not perform a recovery.NTSB BFO92FA153Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Gloucester, VAThe pilot's failure to recover from an intentional stall, which resluted in inflight collision with the ground. Pilot inexperience is a contributing factor.NTSB ATL92LA183Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCorben Baby ACE · Jacksonville, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in a loss of control and an inadvertent stall and collision with the ground.NTSB BFO92FA151Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · Edgartown, MAThe pilots's lack of regard for the published decision height of the approach and his decision not to execute a missed approach. Factors contributing to the accident include the pilot's failure to attain the proper glidepath and descent rate during the…NTSB LAX92LA393Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSparks-Schreder HP-140V · Avenal, CAThe loss of pitch and yaw control due to the separation of the ruddervator control cable from its clevis fork due to improper installation.NTSB DEN92FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Evanston, WYLoss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX92FA389Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 76 · Mount Shasta, CAThe pilot's improper en route decision to alter his course and to proceed over a mountainous area with inadequate altitude to clear the rising terrain.NTSB CHI92FA280Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Pullman, MIThe pilot in command's exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft.NTSB CHI92FA279Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Manlius, ILThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a forced landing, and his inadequate preflight which resulted in fuel exhaustion and power loss.NTSB MIA92FA183Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · New Hope, FLPoor in-flight planning and decision and failure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control.NTSB LAX92FA388Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-350B · Hana, HIThe pilot inadequately evaluating the enroute weather conditions, and the pilot making the inflight decision to continue VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. Factors in this accident were the inability of the pilot to see and avoid the mountainous…NTSB ATL92FA181Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210B · Andrews, NCThe pilot's attempted takeoff in foggy conditions, and his failure to maintain aircraft control during the initial climbout, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and impact with terrain. Factors were the prevailing fog and the night lighting conditions.NTSB BFO92FA141Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7KCAB · East Haddam, CTThe pilot's decision to attempt an aerobatic maneuver without adequate altitude for recovery.NTSB SEA92FA197Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170A · Lopez, WAThe pilot's inadvertent stall/spin. Factors include gusty, unfavorable, high velocity winds, and turbulence.NTSB NYC92FA185Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Lake Neepaulin, NJAn inflight collision with trees after the pilot failed to outclimb the terrain. Factors related to the accident were the pilot's improper use of the flaps and the pilot's decision to operate the airplane over the maximum allowable gross weight.NTSB LAX92LA381Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWarren-Thomas BD-5J · Chico, CAThe pilot misjudged the aerobatic maneuver recovery altitude.NTSB CHI92FAMS3Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 150H · Manistee, MIUndeterminedNTSB DCA92MA049Accident · 6 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-60 · Greenwood, INThe inherent limitations of the see-and-avoid concept of separation of aircraft operating under visual flight rules that precluded the pilots of the MU-2 and the PA-32 from recognizing a collision hazard and taking actions to avoid the midair collision.…NTSB BFO92FA135Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · Hillsville, VALoss of engine power for an undetermined reason and failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed, which resulted in a stall/spin.NTSB ANC92FA164Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas 369D · Eagle, AKAn inflight fatigue failure and separation of a main rotor blade, inadequate operator maintenance and inspection, and material defect.NTSB ANC92FA162Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7EC · Seward, AKThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain an adequate altitude in mountainous terrain, in moderate-to-severe turbulent conditions, which resulted in a loss of control. In addition, the pilot was physically impaired due to alcohol. Factors contributing to the…NTSB BFO92FA133Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182R · Westerly, RIInadvertent VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to spatial disorientation. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, self-induced pressure…NTSB CHI92FA267Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-61-601P · Aurora, INExceeding the design stress limits of the airplane by the pilot in command.NTSB BFO92FA131Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Conway, MAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance above the trees. A possible factor related to the accident was the pilot's use of a prescription drug.NTSB SEA92FA195Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportSnodgrass Starduster TOO · Lacey, WAThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other.NTSB DCA92MA048Accident · 12 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech C-45H · Hinckley, ILInadequate maintenance and inspection by the operator which resulted in an engine power loss during the critical takeoff phase of flight. In addition, the pilot did not, or was unable to, attain a full-feather position on the left engine propeller, which…NTSB MIA92FA174Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Inverness, MSThe failure of the pilot in command to maintain airspeed above stall airspeed resulting in the aircraft stalling and entering a spin from which it descended uncontrolled to the ground.NTSB FTW92FA223Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Broussard, LAPilot's decision to fly into known adverse weather and the resultant in flight break up of the airplane.NTSB FTW92FA224Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Alpine, TXFailure by the pilot-in-command, for unknown reasons, to maintain sufficient altitude to clear surrounding terrain. Factors were mountainous terrain and high density altitude.NTSB DEN92FA091Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E-55 · Steamboat Sprin, COThe pilot becoming spatially disoriented and losing control of the airplane. Factors were: the pilot's disregard of the preflight weather briefing, his intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, his lack of recent instrument time, and…NTSB CHI92FA266Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Ness City, KSThe pilot-in-command's (CFI) failure to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB BFO92FA127Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A150L · Troy, MEFailure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude during an aerobatic manuever.NTSB BFO92FA125Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-602P · Georgetown, DEThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, while circling to land, resulting in an inadvertent stall. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's excessive maneuvering of the airplane and his insufficient altitude for recovery from the stall.NTSB BFO92LA126Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172E · Tuckahoe, NJVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to spatial disorientation. Factors related to the accident were: the light conditions at dusk (or darkness), and the pilot's lack…NTSB LAX92FA374Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-160 · Concord, CAThe following Probable Cause was modified on April18, 2007, as a result of new information provided to the NTSB. The improper installation of the 1.75 inch od plug in the crankshaft by unknown maintenance personnel which resulted in an inadvertent feathering…NTSB MIA92FA173Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-A23-19 · Picayune, MSThe failure of the pilot in command to place the fuel selector on the fullest tank, resulting in an engine failure due to fuel starvation over unsuitable terrain.NTSB FTW92DQG02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportWoodstock AIR Command 532 · Dumas, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. A factor was the high density altitude.NTSB DEN92FA088Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 175A · Pagosa Springs, COThe pilot experiencing spatial disorientation and his failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors were: the pilot's total lack of instrument experience and dark night conditions.NTSB CHI92FA257Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310D · Crystal, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff/initial climb in gusty, shifting crosswind conditions.NTSB LAX92FA367Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Santa Paula, CAThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other. Contributing to the accident was the azimuth of the setting sun and the Cessna 182 pilots non standard flight pattern.NTSB ATL92FA167Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Miramar, FLThe failure of the pilot to perform preflight planning in that the weight and balance of the aircraft were exceeded. The pilot's lack of experience in the type of aircraft and lack of multiengine certification.NTSB FTW92FA218Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportFairchild SA 227-AC · Hot Springs, ARInadequate maintenance and inspection by the operator's maintenance personnel, and the failure of the pilot-in-command to assure proper travel direction of the airplane's primary flight controls after being made aware of the nature of the maintenance…NTSB CHI92FA254Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Marquette, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude during the approach.NTSB NYC92FA174Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Union Township, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors related to this accident was night conditions, the pilot's lack of night experience, and the pilot becoming lost and disoriented.NTSB CHI92LA250Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing 747-300 · Chicago, ILAn unsafe/hazardous condition that was not identified by the vehicle driver, and an inadequate distance between the airplane and vehicle as the driver drove the vehicle behind the airplane.NTSB ANC92FA141Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Whittier, AKPilot in command's intentional flight into known adverse weather conditions. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's disregard for adverse weather advisory, weather conditions (clouds) and mountainous terrain.NTSB ATL92FA162Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Lawrenceville, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and his improper execution of emergency procedures. Factors were the pilot's overconfidence, his inadequate preflight inspection when he failed to drain the gascolator,…NTSB SEA92LA181Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportR.P. Williams Acro Sport II · Herriman, UTInadequate remedial action and poor inflight planning/decision. A factor to the accident was: an uncontrolled stall/spin.NTSB LAX92FA356Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Incline Village, NVWas the pilot's in flight loss of airplane control due to physical incapacitation.