Fatal NTSB investigations
180,630 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,609 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 WPR22FA298Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Blyn, WAThe pilot’s continued operation of the airplane with known mechanical malfunctions with the flight displays, and his continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain while maneuvering.NTSB GAA22WA261Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R22 · Albosaggia, ItalyNTSB GAA22WA245Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA11 · Aeródromo Chañar Ladeado, Santa Fe, ArgentinaNTSB CEN22FA376Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182Q · Centennial, COThe loss of engine power during a departure climb for undetermined reasons and the aerodynamic stall, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN22FA375Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSonex Waiex · Maxwell, CAA loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons that resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB GAA22WA248Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R44 · Lanzhou, ChinaNTSB ERA22LA362Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportDiamond DA-40 · Bardstown, KYThe pilot’s failure to provide adequate instructions to remain seated until the engine was shut down, which resulted in the passenger’s decision to exit the cockpit while the engine was operating and subsequently being struck by the rotating propeller.NTSB GAA22WA269Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignShort SC7 · Piotrków Trybunalski, PolandNTSB GAA22WA257Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignAyres S2R · Morden Reginao, CanadaNTSB ERA22FA354Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Cynthiana, KYThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall while maneuvering to land with approaching convective activity.NTSB ERA22FA351Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSmith Aerostar 600 · South Haven Charter Township, MIA loss of power to the left engine due to contamination of the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilots’ failure to properly configure the airplane for flight with one engine inoperative.NTSB ERA22FA350Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502 · Cheneyville, LAThe pilot’s loss of control after exceeding the airplane’s critical angle of attack for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB GAA22WA242Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA28 · Sungai Pinji, MalaysiaNTSB ERA22FA344Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportHarvey J Brock Tango 2 · Melrose, FLA loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN22FA347Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT502 · Ute, IAThe pilot’s inflight collision with a power line during aerial application.NTSB ERA22LA348Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCASA C212 · Raeford, NCThe airplane’s encounter with windshear during landing, which resulted in a hard landing and separation of the right main landing gear, and the pilot’s subsequent decision to leave his seat in flight, which resulted in his fall from the airplane.NTSB GAA22WA307Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R44 · Off shore, EcuadorNTSB ERA22FA338Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Portland, ARThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other airplane during aerial application and ferry operations.NTSB WPR22FA266Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportHolland Mike RV9A · Tryon, NEThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation, a loss of control, exceedance of the airplane’s design limitations, and in-flight breakup of the airplane…NTSB WPR22FA265Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportNorth American T-28B · Fallbrook, CAA loss of power due to an unmaintained carburetor diaphragm and inoperative electric fuel pump that resulted in fuel starvation to the engine.NTSB GAA22WA238Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna T210L · Puerto Plata, Dominican RepublicNTSB DCA22FA157Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A35 · Centralia, ILThe pilot’s unsuccessful attempt to switch fuel tanks, which resulted in fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the uninstalled fuel selector handle warning device.NTSB CEN22LA335Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAyres S2R-T34 · Parkin, ARThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from tower guy wires while maneuvering.NTSB WPR22FA264Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Seguin, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude after being distracted when the engine cowling opened during flight, which led to a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB CEN22FA331Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportColumbia Helicopters CH-47D · North Fork, IDThe failure of the flight crew to properly secure a company-issued iPad, leading to its migration into and jamming of the copilot’s left pedal, preventing the pilot from arresting a left yaw, and resulting in a loss of control.NTSB GAA22WA235Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignAir Tractor AT502 · Tiquisate, GuatemalaNTSB GAA22WA254Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R44 · Loanda, BrazilNTSB GAA22WA231Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignUnited Consultants UC-1 · Lake Siljan, SwedenNTSB ERA22FA320Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportKnight AA Nieuport 28 · Basehor, KSThe pilot’s incorrect installation of the left-wing strut, which resulted in a loss of airplane control during takeoff and a subsequent aerodynamic stall and spin from which the pilot could not recover.NTSB CEN22LA321Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportJust Highlander · Bennington, OKThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.NTSB WPR22LA258Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEvolution Revolt · Walter Springs, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines, which resulted in a wire strike and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR22FA256Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna T337G · Gold Hill, COThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering with one engine inoperative, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and impact with terrain.NTSB GAA22WA232Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignChampion 7GCBC · Trois Riviere, Quebec, CanadaNTSB ERA22FA318Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-46-350P · North Las Vegas, NVThe low-wing airplane pilot’s failure to ensure that the airplane was aligned with the correct runway, which resulted in a collision with the high-wing airplane on final approach. Contributing to the accident was the controller’s failure to provide timely and…NTSB CEN22FA317Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell UH-1H · Chapelle, NMThe total loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the starter-generator input (zerol) gear which failed due to poor maintenance. Contributing to the accident was the unsuccessful autorotation complicated by the setting sun and high density altitude.NTSB WPR22FA255Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAeronca 7BCM · Lake McMurray, WAThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference and subsequent controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR22FA254Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportStucky Steven D RV-7 · Topeka, KSThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control while performing an aerobatic maneuver on takeoff, which resulted in exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, a subsequent aerodynamic stall, and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident…NTSB GAA22WA233Accident · 3 fatalClass 4 · ForeignRobinson R44 · Kronotsky Nature Reserve, RussiaNTSB ERA22FA315Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA12 · Middle Township, NJThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a missed banner pickup, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and loss of control at an altitude too low to recover.NTSB GAA22WA228Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignAir Tractor AT-802F · Vila Nova de Foz Côa-Guarda, PortugalNTSB GAA22WA226Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna A188 · Puerto Lopez, ColombiaNTSB ERA22FA314Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 210C · Shelby, MIThe non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to commence the flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-induced pressure to…NTSB WPR22LA253Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna P210N · Buffalo, WYThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into localized instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an encounter with convective turbulence and a subsequent loss of control and in-flight breakup.NTSB GAA22WA227Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA-31-325 · Queretaro, MexicoNTSB GAA22WA225Accident · 2 fatalClass 4 · ForeignBell 206 · Boa Vista, BrazilNTSB ANC22FA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportChampion 7EC · Valdez, AKThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in loss of control and collision with terrain.NTSB GAA22WA222Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBell 206 · Richmond, AustraliaNTSB ERA22LA301Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportKolb Firestar · Cleveland, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane on takeoff for unknown reasons.NTSB CEN22FA299Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Mount Pleasant, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain the proper glidepath while on final approach in night visual conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees.NTSB WPR22FA240Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportExtra Flugzeugbau EA 300/L · Boulder City, NVThe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane by exceeding the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering in a turning climb at a low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin from which the pilot was unable to…