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 CHI92DEX03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-25-260 · Decker, INFailure of the right wing spar, improper maintenance/modification, and failure to comply with an airworthiness directive.NTSB LAX92LA301Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Fresno, CAThe cfi's poor in-flight decision to proceed over the trees instead of the previously performed right circling turns and both pilots inadequate visual look-out. Contributing to this accident were the trees that partially obstructed the view of the power line…NTSB FTW92FA180Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201T · Tool, TXThe pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the airframe as a result of flight into known adverse weather conditions.NTSB ATL92FA139Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Greenville, GAContinued flight by the pilot into an area of known adverse weather, and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft, which resulted in exceeding the design stress limits of the plane and overload failure of the stabilizers and wings. The adverse weather…NTSB ATL92FA138Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportKory G. Cornum SH-3R · Auburn, ALThe failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain adequate airspeed after initiating a maneuver from low altitude. A factor was the lack of sufficient altitude.NTSB ANC92FA106Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportShort Brothers SC7 · Bethel, AKInadequate security of the cargo which shifted rearward during the takeoff roll. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the over gross weight condition, and the improper alteration of the tie down rings by the overhauling maintenance facility.NTSB SEA92FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Burns, ORThe failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from wires on a 500 kv electrical power transmission line.NTSB LAX92FA294Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Twin Peaks, CAWas the pilot's decision to initiate the flight in known adverse weather and continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to this accident was the low clouds and fog.NTSB SEA92FA147Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Woods Cross, UTPilot factor in that he failed to attain and maintain sufficient flying speed. Factors to the accident were: cylinder over temperature, improper use of the mixture and procedures/directives were not followed.NTSB LAX92FA289Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Superior, AZAn inadequate major engine overhaul procedure, during which previous crankshaft damage was not detected. Contributing to the accident was a surface initiated fatigue failure of the engine crankshaft.NTSB BFO92FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7EC · Slatington, PAThe loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons which resulted in an inadvertent stall at an altitude insufficient for recovery.NTSB BFO92FA094Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-40 · Concord, NHLoss of control during flight for undetermined reason(s).NTSB BFO92FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206F · Portland, MEImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, resulting in fuel starvation due to improper positioning of the fuel selector. Factors related to the accident were: an undetermined electrical failure, and loss of fuel quantity indication.NTSB SEA92FA154Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Pierce, IDInflight loss of control when aircraft control was not maintained. Factors to the accident were: flight into known adverse weather and thunderstorm activity.NTSB CHI92FA201Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · St Paul, MNInadequate visual lookout by the pilots of both airplanes, which resulted in their failure to see-and-avoid conflicting traffic, and failure of the relieving controllers to use the radar display to identify and sequence an airplane entering the pattern.…NTSB BFO92FA088Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Bowling Green, KYThe loss of control in flight due to spatial disorientation/vertigo.NTSB CHI92LA198Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177B · Dwight, ILThe passenger's inattention to the propeller arc and the pilot's improper procedure in disembarking a passenger while the engine was running.NTSB MIA92LA145Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRaven S-60A · Dover, FLThe pilot in commands choice of landing area near electrical lines and his failure to exit the balloon and seek safety when it was determined the deflating bag was going to make contact with power lines resulting in his receiving electrocution injuries.NTSB LAX92WA284Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBeech 58 · Ensenada, MexicoNTSB CHI92LA196Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8E · Napoleon, NDThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed above a stall.NTSB CHI92FA195Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Oconto Falls, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from obstructions during a low pass.NTSB LAX92LA274Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Tulare, CAAn inflight hopper compartment fire due to the incompatibility of the chemical loads, and, the failure of the operator follow the cautionary directives of the chemical manufacturer.NTSB NYC92LA136Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech N35 · Middletown, NYImproper altitude control by the pilot which resulted in a collision with trees.NTSB MIA92LA144Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDofka, Martin F. KR-2 · Homestead, FLInadvertent stall by the pilot while attempting to return to the airport following loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the loss of power due to a sticking exhaust valve, and failure of the pilot to assure all ignition leads were connected…NTSB LAX92FA271Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHolmes-Salley/Starduster Too SA300 · Chatsworth, CAThe pilots inflight loss of control for undetermined reasons and an inadvertent entry into a stall spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of total experience in type of aircraft and a low cloud cover.NTSB SEA92FA140Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Ballantine, MTThe pilot-in-command's physical impairment and his continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors relating to the accident were: the weather conditions and the hilly terrain.NTSB NYC92FA133Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Pleasant Mount, PAThe pilot's decision to perform low altitude maneuvers, resulting in a loss of airplane control and collision with trees. Factors related to the accident were the ostentatious display by the pilot, and his lack of total flight experience.NTSB LAX92FA267Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Richmond, CAA divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason(s) which resulted in rotor contact to the tailboom.NTSB FTW92DRA02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportJimi Youngblood Rans Coyote II · Bryan, TXThe pilot's inadvertent stall of the airplane.NTSB ATL92LA132Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Bessemer, ALThe pilots failure to maintain clearance from wires.NTSB NYC92FIG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportTierra II · Williamsport, MDThe pilot's alcoholic impairment of efficiency and judgement resulting in a loss of control of the airplane during a forced landing following a power loss for an undetermined reason.NTSB MIA92LA143Accident · 4 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · St. ThomasIn-flight fire for undetermined reasons, and in-flight collision with the water.NTSB CHI92DCA03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Mokane, MOAn inadequate visual lookout by the pilot and his failure to maintain clearance from the wires.NTSB MIA92FA142Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369HS · Labelle, FLThe pilot-in-command's improper application of collective pitch during an autorotative landing resulting in insufficient rotor RPM and in-flight collision with trees and the terrain. Contributing to the accident was the total loss of engine power due to fuel…NTSB FTW92FA169Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell 690B · Konawa, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in an inadvertent spiral and subsequent rapid descent. The design stress limits of the airframe were exceeded resulting in an overload failure of the empennage. Factors related to the…NTSB DEN92FA064Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-30 · Alamagordo, NMThe failure of the pilot to exercise adequate VFR departure terrain avoidance procedures, and the failure of the controller to issue a safety alert to the pilot. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the pilot's lack of familiarity with the…NTSB LAX92FA260Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Monterey, CAThe owner/pilot's poor judgement in attempting an operation beyond his experience and ability, which resulted in his failure to attain an adequate climb profile necessary for terrain clearance. Also, the owner/pilot lacked instrument experience, and was…NTSB FTW92DPJ03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 188A · Idabel, OKPower loss for undetermined reasons. A factor was lack of unsuitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB LAX92FA257Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportWaco UPF-7 · Sedona, AZFuel exhaustion due to the pilots inadequate preflight planning and his failure to refuel the airplane prior to departure. Factors in the accident were: 1) the unreliable fuel sight gauges which were contaminated with a tar like residue which may have…NTSB NYC92FA123Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMBB BK-117 · Middletown, CTA wire strike after the pilot made a decision to continue the approach into an area of hazards. Factors related to the accident were the failure of the pilot and the hospital communicator to request all available information about the landing area and…NTSB SEA92FA130Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7GCBC · Prosser, WAInadequate inflight planning/preparation and airspeed was not maintained. A factor to the accident was: an uncontrolled stall/spin.NTSB FTW92FA165Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Addison, TXFailure of the left elevator assembly due to corrosion.NTSB DEN92LA062Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Rocky Ford, COThe pilots failure to maintain altitude due to spatial disorientation. Factors were: low overcast skies and ground fog.NTSB DCA92MA040Accident · 10 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 402C · Meadview, AZFailure of the pilot to follow the emergency procedure (engine failure after takeoff) and his failure to maintain minimum control speed (VMC), which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. Factors related to the accident were failure (disengagement) of the…NTSB SEA92LA129Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWilliam Bovard Glasair · Woodland, WAInadequate airspeed. Factors to the accident were: a tailwind takeoff and poor preflight planning/preparation.NTSB FTW92FA163Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Bethany, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain control which resulted in an inadvertent stall. The gusty wind was a factor.NTSB DEN92FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Tulsa, OKAircraft climb performance exceeded. Factors were: aircraft gross weight exceeded, grass runway selected, takeoff flaps not used, and premature rotation.NTSB CHI92FA183Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180D · Troy, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB NYC92FA118Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-200 · New Castle, DEThe pilot's improper execution of an emergency procedure, after an engine failure, which resulted in a loss of airspeed and subsequent stall at an altitude too low for recovery. A factor related to the accident was the fatigue failure of a compressor turbine…NTSB NYC92FA117Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47-G4A · Shelburne Falls, MAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance. Contributing was inadequate altitude.