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 DEN92FA085Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-301T · Kit Carson, COThe pilot becoming spatially disoriented and exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft. Factors were: the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing, his attempted VFR flight into a level six thunderstorm, and his lack of instrument time.NTSB ANC92FAMS3Accident · 2 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportBeech 35 · Missing, AKMissing aircraft due to undetermined causes and factorsNTSB LAX92FA351Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-20-135 · Fort Bidwell, CAAn inadvertent stall while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was pilot's diverted attention.NTSB ANC92LA132Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Iliamna, AKThe pilot failed to maintain airspeed and stalled the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the unfavorable wind condition.NTSB NYC92LA160Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25 · Wallington, OHPilot incapacitation due to acute coronary insufficiency which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane and impact with the ground.NTSB NYC92FA161Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Bradford, NYA mechanical malfunction of the artificial horizon in IMC that resulted in spatial disorientation of the pilot and his inability to maintain airplane orientation. A factor in the accident was the improper maintenance of the artificial horizon.NTSB LAX92LA346Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Cirrus · Bishop, CAThe pilot's poor inflight decision to fly over mountainous terrain at an inadequate altitude.NTSB LAX92GA347Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHughes 369D · Maxwell, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain an adequate visual outlook, and failure of the company to provide adequate training. Contributing to the accident was: inadequate company supervision during the operation, and inadequate surveillance by the FAA which…NTSB FTW92FA205Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCameron V-77 · Mesquite, TXThe failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from known obstacles.NTSB CHI92FA232Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · St. Charles, MOThe pilot-in-command's failure to see and avoid the wires, and his physical impairment due to alcohol consumption. A factor which contributed to the effect of the alcohol impairment was the medicine.NTSB NYC92FA153Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportDanny M Damron Long EZ · Front Royal, VAThe pilot's self induced pressure to complete the flight which resulted in intentional flight into IMC conditions, and a collision with trees. Factors related to the accident were the pilot's over confidence in his abilities, and the low clouds and fog which…NTSB NYC92FA150Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340 · Falmouth, KYThe improper decision by the non-instrument-rated pilot to attempt VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions resulting in a loss of airplane control and subsequent inadvertent spiral and collision with the ground. Factors related to the accident…NTSB LAX92LA337Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 310M · Honolulu, HILoss of aircraft control for an undetermined reason after the pilot took off at night and flew the aircraft into the area of a thunderstorm and lightning.NTSB CHI92FA231Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Maple, WIThe non-instrument rated private pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.NTSB ATL92FA153Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Waynesboro, GAThe pilot misjudged his distance and altitude during final approach as a result of his alcoholic impairment of efficiency and judgement. A factor which contributed to the accident was the dark night.NTSB FTW92DPG13Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna A188 · Forrest City, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the trees.NTSB CHI92DEC03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportJarrell RV-3 · Jackson, MIAn overload and total failure of the rear wing attach fitting.NTSB FTW92FA202Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Leslie, ARPilot attempted VFR flight into IMC. Factors were fog, mountainous terrain, and the pilot's lack of instrument experience.NTSB DEN92FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Camden, ARAn inflight breakup of the aircraft when the pilot flew into a level three thunderstorm.NTSB FTW92FA201Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Breckenridge, TXAn inadvertent stall.NTSB NYC92WA141Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna Reems F172 · Munich, GermanyNTSB LAX92FA331Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Maricopa, AZThe pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane structure by attempting an abrupt maneuver at a speed in excess of the maneuvering speed.NTSB LAX92FA330Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMercury 1 · Pacifica, CAThe pilot's decision to attempt visual flight in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CHI92FA223Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEdra/Mcdermitt Seabird/Petrel · Oshkosh, WIInadequate quality control during the manufacturing process resulting in the in-flight structural failure of the tailboom.NTSB ATL92FA152Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-400 · Dovesville, SCThe loss of engine power which resulted from an undetermined malfunction of the ignition system. A factor was fog.NTSB MIA92FA158Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Rockledge, FLFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach resulting in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent experience in the type operation, lack of experience at the airport in the type…NTSB CHI92FA228Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Grayling, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.NTSB CHI92FA218Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBull KR-2 · Oshkosh, WIA loss of control in flight due to pilot incapacitation as a result of a heart attack.NTSB NYC92FA139Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Honesdale, PAA loss of control in flight due to pilot incapacitation as a result of a heart attack.NTSB DEN92FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337A · Ruidoso, NMThe pilot experiencing spatial disorientation and the resultant excessive descent rate. Factors were: the dark night conditions.NTSB CHI92DEC02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRans S-9 · Mason, MIThe pilot's over-confidence in his personal ability, his lack of experience in the type airplane he was flying, and the fact the pilot did not maintain a proper airspeed.NTSB FTW92FA197Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing A75 · Cibolo, TXFailure of the engine crankshaft due fatigue and the resultant collapsing of the left wing.NTSB CHI92FA220Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Northwood, NDSpatial disorientation of the pilot in command during initial climb.NTSB CHI92FA219Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTeal TSC-1A2 · Oshkosh, WIThe pilot-in-command's not following procedures/directives.NTSB ANC92FA116Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportDe Havilland DHC-2 Mark 1 · Dillingham, AKThe pilot's delayed decision in reversing course and his failure to maintain airspeed during the maneuver. Factors related to the accident were: mountainous terrain and a low ceiling.NTSB MIA92FA156Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47J2 · Adjuntas, PRThe failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain adequate rotor RPM during a precautionary landing following the loss of engine oil. In addition, the pilot failed to insure that the engine contained adequate oil, and that the oil dip stick was secure prior to…NTSB CHI92FA215Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Mineral Point, WIThe pilot's inadvertent stall and descent into terrain during a forced landing. Related factors are the manufacturer's undertorqued crankcase halves and inadequate surveillance, the pilot's delay in setting up the proper descent rate, and the altered aircraft…NTSB ANC92LA115Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · Yakutat, AKThe pilot elected to fly an improper altitude. Contributing factors were the pilots attempt to fly VFR into IMC conditions, and the obscured weather.NTSB SEA92IA164Incident · 1 fatalIncident investigationFinal reportSmith Vari EZE · Terry, MTThe pilot in command's exceeding liftoff speed during a taxi test.NTSB FTW92FA189Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B3 · Block 651aThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath during the approach which led to an excessive nose high attitude during the landing flare.NTSB CHI92FA211Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportStinson 108-3 · Boonville, MOInadequate preflight planning, and exceeding the performance capability of the airplane by the pilot-in-command.NTSB SEA92FA161Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172I · Donnelly, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed after takeoff while using improper obstacle takeoff procedures. Factors include excessive flap extension.NTSB DEN92FA077Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Fairplay, COThe flight instructor's operation at an altitude insufficient to clear obstacles in rising mountainous terrain. Factors were: high density altitude, diversion of the instructor's attention, and the rising terrain.NTSB FTW92LA187Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Midland, TXA loss of control for reasons undetermined.NTSB DEN92FA076Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 560-F · Manville, WYA loss of control following flight into weather conditions containing thunderstorms, turbulence and icing conditions. Factors were: inaccurate weather evaluation and flight into known adverse weather by the pilot in command.NTSB BFO92FA109Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Denver, PAThe pilot's loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation. The weather conditions were factors that contributed to the accident.NTSB SEA92FA160Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Kingston, WAThe pilot's attempt to conduct VFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions. Factors include fog and low ceilings.NTSB LAX92FA313Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 23 · Fall River Mill, CAThe pilots decision to turn down wind at a critical phase of the go around with inadequate airspeed resulting in a stall mush uncontrolled descent. Contributing to the accident was the unfavorable wind conditions and a stabilator interference caused by a…NTSB LAX92FA305Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 175A · Overgaard, AZThe pilot's improper preflight performance planning and decision to operate the airplane over the maximum certified gross weight at a high density altitude airport which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was inadequate maintenance…NTSB CHI92FAMS2Accident · 4 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 172N · Lake Michigan, MIUndetermined.