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 FTW92FA077Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 212 · Morgan City, LAThe inflight separation of the main rotor system as results of the main rotor static stop contacting the mast for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX92GA128Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna T210N · Lake Hughes, CAPoor maintenance repair and annual inspection by the company's maintenance personnel and the pilot-in-command's misjudging altitude. Contributing to this accident was the pilot-in-command intentional stall, improper emergency procedure, selection of…NTSB ATL92FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech H-18 · Morganton, NCThe failure of the pilot to follow FAR and company procedures, and his failure to maintain proper altitude during the approach. Factors were the mountainous terrain conditions, and the foggy, low ceiling weather conditions existing at the time of the accident.NTSB NYC92FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310K · Unionville, PAThe pilot did not follow the published IFR procedures and allowed the airplane to descend to an altitude insufficient to clear the terrain. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the pilot's apprehension due to the low fuel state, the dark night,…NTSB LAX92LA365Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChristen Industries Eagle II · Point Reyes Stn, CAImproper preflight planning by the pilot in command by exceeding the airplane's maximum acrobatic gross weight and exceeding the aft aerobatic center of gravity limit. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to perform acrobatic maneuvers which…NTSB CHI92FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Burlington, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after encountering instrument meteorological conditions in cruise flight. Related factors are the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, the low ceiling and reduced visibility (fog).NTSB ANC92FA040Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 214B-1 · Hobart Bay, AKSeparation of the tail rotor and 90 degree gearbox due to the pilot's failure to follow procedures/directives which resulted in the external load cable becoming entangled in the tail rotor. Factors were the turbulent weather and the lack of suitable terrain…NTSB LAX92FA121Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA1B · Agua Dulce, CAThe pilot's abrupt aircraft control and failure to maintain airspeed. Contributing to this accident was the inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB ATL92FA047Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Raleigh, NCThe failure of the pilot to follow instrument landing procedures by descending below the glide path of the instrument landing system. Factors in the accident were the low ceilings and fog at the airport at the time of the accident.NTSB SEA92FA049Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Pullman, WAPoor inflight planning/decision. Factors to the accident were bright night conditions and clearance not maintained.NTSB LAX92FA120Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T-II · Big Bear, CAThe pilot's poor judgement in continuing visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, in mountainous terrain obscured by clouds. Factors in the accident were: the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing, the weather conditions, and…NTSB NYC92FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · White Lake, NYThe pilot's improper decision to fly into known adverse weather conditions, his failure to maintain control of the airplane, and his impairment of judgement due to drugs. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the dark night, the adverse weather…NTSB NYC92FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Wheeling, WVThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and his improper handling of the aircraft which resulted in an inadvertent stall at an altitude insufficient for proper recovery. A factor related to the accident was icing conditions which resulted in airframe ice.NTSB DCA92MA022Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportDouglas DC-8-63 · Swanton, OHThe failure of the flightcrew to properly recognize or recover in a timely manner from the unusual aircraft attitude that resulted from the captain's apparent spatial disorientation, resulting from physiological factors and/or a failed attitude director…NTSB NYC92FA059Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-301 · Heath, OHAn inadvertent stall with insufficient altitude for recovery. An additional cause was the pilot's self induced pressure to complete the fight in known adverse weather, and to deviate from the published instrument approach procedure. Factors related to the…NTSB SEA92FA046Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5B · West Glacier, MTThe inflight encounter with IMC weather by the non-instrument rated pilot. Factors relating to the accident were the weather conditions, the mountainous/hilly terrain, and lack of instrument qualification by the pilot.NTSB SEA92FA045Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Wellington, UTThe pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions and an excessive rate of descent. Factors contributing to the accident were fog, rain, low ceilings, night conditions, snow covered terrain and pilot disorientation.NTSB DEN92FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Fort Collins, COFailure of the number 2-1/2 bearing due to an obstruction of a bearing oil feed tube by foreign material. Factors related to the accident were: improper maintenance during engine overhaul, and weather/terrain/water conditions in the emergency landing area.NTSB MIA92FA085Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 425 · Lakeland, FLLoss of control in flight by the pilot for undetermined reasons.NTSB FTW92FA068Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210G · Darrouzett, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for undetermined reasons. A factor was the dark night.NTSB FTW92FA067Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Covington, OKThe pilot failed to maintain proper object clearance. A factor was his decision to perform the low pass.NTSB ANC92LA033Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-2 · Cube Cove, AKThe encounter of windshear during the final approach and the pilot's improper in flight planning and decisions by electing to land downwind. Factor in this accident was the rough and uneven terrain.NTSB SEA92LA044Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLockheed P2V-7 · Dixon, WYThe pilot-in-command's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in a loss of control due to the lack of aircraft attitude indicators and resultant pilot spatial disorientation. A factor which contributed to the accident…NTSB NYC92FA055Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 500S · Richmond Hts., OHThe pilot's improper emergency procedures and failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an inadvertent spin at too low an altitude to allow recovery. Factors in this accident were; a power loss in the left engine as result of the exhaust…NTSB LAX92FA112Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · N. Palm Springs, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during low altitude maneuvers as a result of his physical impairment due to alcohol and drugs. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the pilot's poor judgement in buzzing his work locale, and his failure to…NTSB SEA92FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Ogden, UTThe improper decision by the instructor pilot to perform maintenance in flight and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Factors relating to the accident were the dark night light conditions, mountainous terrain in the area, and the instructor diverting…NTSB MIA92WA074Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationBell 206-B-III · Bridgetown, BarbadosNTSB LAX92LA109Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal report85 Manista KB-2 · Rosamond, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain main rotor RPM adequate to avoid flapping. Factors which contributed to the accident were related to the pilot's performance of an excessively abrupt maneuver.NTSB CHI92FAMS1Accident · 2 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportBeech 95-BE55 · Benton Harbor, MIUndetermined.NTSB CHI92DCD01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRaymond Bristow Rand KR-2 · Boone, IAFailure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control. A factor in the accident is total failure of the airplane canopy.NTSB DCA92RA020Accident · 30 fatalForeign investigationConvair 640 · Kafoutine, SenegalNTSB FTW92FA064Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Bartlesville, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. A factor was the dark night.NTSB FTW92DQA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAir Trans. White Lightning · Aztec, NMThe inadvertent stall and the pilot's lack of experience in the accident aircraft.NTSB CHI92FA084Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Swanton, OHLoss of aircraft control for an undetermined reason.NTSB SEA92FA105Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182R · Garrison, MTPoor inflight planning/decision. Factors to the accident were: icing conditions, dark night, flight into known adverse weather and an inadequate weather evaluation.NTSB SEA92FA041Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-180 · Gold Bar, WAThe pilot becoming inadvertently lost/disoriented. The environmental conditions were factors in the accident.NTSB MIA92FA072Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 Beta · Malabar, FLA divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason which resulted in mast bumping and a main rotor blade contact with the cockpit area.NTSB MIA92FA070Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337 · Moore Haven, FLThe pilot-in-command's in flight loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-in-command's lack of total experience in night flight, and the lack of natural horizon or surface reference while flying over a sparsely…NTSB FTW92FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30 · Oklahoma City, OKThe second pilot's (left seat) failure to attain a positive rate-of-climb during an instrument takeoff, and inadequate supervision by the pilot-in-command. Factors were: the weather, and the copilot's lack of instrument flight time and training.NTSB LAX92LA105Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Austin, NVThe pilot's delay in reversing direction, his continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, his failure to maintain adequate airspeed and inadvertent stall while maneuvering to reverse direction. Contributing to the accident was weather…NTSB BFO92FA025Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Manassas, VAThe pilot's failure to remove ice from the wings during the preflight inspection which resulted in a stall during takeoff due to ice on the wings.NTSB LAX92FA102Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-161 · Mountain Pass, CAThe pilots failure to maintain the aircraft's airspeed above the stall speed (vs) that resulted in an inadvertent entry into a stall/spin.NTSB MIA92FA067Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402-C · Clewiston, FLPilot-in-command's improper inflight decision to attempt to descend and remain in VFR conditions in an area of thunderstorms and heavy rain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-in-command's loss of control in flight.NTSB MIA92WA066Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech B-99 · DominicaNTSB MIA92LA068Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-301 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)Undetermined. The airplane crashed in the Atlantic Ocean and was not located.NTSB LAX92FA094Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M-20-C · Santa Monica, CAFuel contamination by water due to the; 1) failure of the fuel caps to properly seal against water ingestion, 2) the pilots failure to adequately perform a preflight inspection of the aircraft sufficient to detect the presence of water in the fuel tanks.…NTSB ATL92FA040Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Columbia, SCThe pilot-in-command's failure to assure that an adequate supply of fuel was on board the airplane for the intended flight, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing resulting in a stall/spin. A factor contributing to the…NTSB BFO92FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Edison, NJThe blockage of the fuel nozzle which resulted in partial loss of engine power. Contributing was the pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM.NTSB SEA92LA039Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Hansville, WAThe inadequate preflight preparation and improper inflight decision by the student pilot who was not qualified to conduct the flight. A factor relating to the accident was the adverse weather conditions.NTSB LAX92LA093Accident · 5 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · Honolulu, HIThe pilot's continuation of VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions resulting in spatial disorientation and loss of aircraft control. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions and the pilot's failure to obtain…