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 MIA92LA061Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172G · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)Loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA92FA062Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Homestead, FLThe non-instrument rated pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument flight conditions resulting in spatial disorientation and inflight loss of control.NTSB LAX92FA092Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Temple Bar, AZFatigue failure of the turbocharger's turbine shaft due to inadequate maintenance, and the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision after experiencing a turbocharger failure. A factor related to the accident was: the lack of information in the pilot…NTSB ATL92FA039Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)The pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, and his continued flight into known adverse weather conditions. Factors were: the improper weather briefing by a flight service station specialist, and level iii thunderstorms.NTSB LAX92FA090Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 425 · Las Vegas, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation. Factors in this accident were: 1) the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing and to properly evaluate the existing weather conditions prior to flight, and 2)…NTSB MIA92FA059Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Lake Alfred, FLThe pilot-in-command's inadvertent accelerated stall while buzzing at an altitude that precluded recovery.NTSB MIA92FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Lantana, FLThe pilot in commands failure to maintain airspeed above single engine minimum control speed resulting in an inflight loss of control and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot in command's failure to declare an emergency and…NTSB LAX92FA088Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206BIII · Crockett, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain vigilant watch for obstructions while intentionally cruising slowly at a low altitude. A factor was the power line was supported by distant towers, and the line was not conspicuous.NTSB MIA92LA057Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWalter R. Penney VARI-EZE · Lamar, MSThe pilot in commands departure into and continued flight in instrument meteorological conditions while operating under visual flight rules resulting in an inflight collision with trees and then the ground.NTSB ATL92LA034Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177B · Memphis, TNThe passenger's failure to follow proper procedures to walk behind the airplane. Factors were the dawn light conditions and the light rain.NTSB LAX92FA082Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Mammoth Lakes, CAThe failure of the pilot to plan and conduct his departure flight to avoid high mountainous terrain, during which the pilot became lost/disoriented. Contributing to the accident was self induced pressure to depart before the arrival of a snow storm.NTSB CHI92FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A-36TC · Pekin, ILThe pilot-in-command's continued flight into icing conditions and his failure to use the airplane's anti-ice/de-ice system resulting in a build-up of ice over the airplane's surface area and resultant loss of control. Factors which contributed to the accident…NTSB CHI92DCJ01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-18-125 · Ashby, NEThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering.NTSB MIA92LA054Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSmith/Davis DA-2A · Holly Springs, MSThe pilot-in-command's improper management of fuel. This resulted in the airplane experiencing fuel exhaustion, forced landing, and in flight collision with terrain.NTSB FTW92LA054Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAlvin D. Campbell KR-2 · San Marcos, TXThe modification of the canopy hinge system which resulted in the loss of aircraft control due to an inflight canopy separation.NTSB DEN92FA024Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Steamboat Spgs, COAirframe ice and the pilot's failure to remove it. Factors were: aircraft weight exceeded and lack of pilot certification.NTSB LAX92FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182R · Flagstaff, AZThe pilot became spatially disoriented and lost control of the airplane as he turned away from ground lights toward unlighted terrain. The clouds, fog, and dark night condition were factors.NTSB DCA92MA016Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 1900C · Gabriels, NYFailure of the captain to establish a stabilized approach, his inadequate cross-check of instruments, his descent below specified minimum altitude at the final approach fix, and failure of the copilot to monitor the approach. Factors related to the accident…NTSB CHI92FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31P · Mosinee, WIAn inflight fire with the cabin heater as the origin, and unsuitable terrain in which to make a forced landing. A factor related to the accident was the soft terrain.NTSB BFO92FA013Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-601P · North Salem, NYA loss of control due to a distraction caused by a partial loss of power. Contributing to the accident was adverse weather near the destination airport.NTSB NYC92FA053Accident · 3 fatalClass 1 · FieldFinal reportBeech 1900C · Block Island, RIThe instructor pilot's loss of altitude awareness and possible spatial disorientation, which resulted in the loss of control of the airplane at an altitude too low for recovery; and company management's lack of involvement in and oversight of its Beechcraft…NTSB ATL92FA033Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Lineville, ALThe pilot continued VFR into IMC conditions where he collided with trees and terrain. Factors in this accident were: low clouds, obscured terrain, and the pilot's inadequate prelflight planning.NTSB NYC92FA052Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Salisbury, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while performing low altitude aerobatic maneuvers, resulting in a stall with insufficient altitude to recover. Factors related to the accident were the pilot's overconfidence in his ability to perform these maneuvers,…NTSB CHI92FA062Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Sanford, MIThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain a visual lookout to avoid a wire strike. Factors were the pilot-in-command's intentional low level flight, his failure to maintain proper altitude, and the transmission wires.NTSB NYC92FA050Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Wilmington, OHThe failure of the pilots to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the night conditions, reduced visibility due to fog, and the likelihood that the pilots diverted their attention to the operation of the loran…NTSB ATL92FA031Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58TC · Bluffton, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain minimum controllable airspeed after a reported engine power loss, resulting in a loss of aircraft control. A factor was the loss of power on the left engine. The reason for the left engine power loss could not be determined.NTSB LAX92LA070Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 7KCAB · Happy Camp, CAThe excessive nature of the maneuvers attempted by the pilot at a low altitude during the takeoff initial climb, the failure of the pilot to maintain proper pitch attitude and airspeed to avoid an aerodynamic stall, and inadequate altitude to perfrom…NTSB DEN92FA020Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5A · Monte Vista, COAn inadvertent stall by the pilot in command at an altitude insufficient to effect recovery. Factors were: aircraft gross weight above maximum; physical impairment of the pilot; lack of total experience; lack of recent experience; and lack of experience in…NTSB NYC92FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Hanging Rock, OHThe pilot's improper use of carburetor heat, which resulted in the formation of carburetor ice and a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing in trees.NTSB MIA92FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Rainbow Lake, FLThe pilot in command's improper inflight decision to divert her attention to other activities not related to the conduct of the flight. Contributing to the accident was the exceeding of the design limits of the airplane leading to a wing failure.NTSB LAX92FA067Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Ventura, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate altitude above the ground to recover from an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's handling of the aircraft specifically an excessive angle of attack which resulted in reduced airspeed…NTSB ANC92FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · Mcgrath, AKThe pilot in command's improper inflight planning/decision and his attempt to fly VFR through IMC conditions. Factors contributing to the accident were the snow, whiteout conditions, and darkness.NTSB LAX92FA065Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Flagstaff, AZ**This report was modified on 4/21/2016. Please see the public docket for this accident for additional information.** the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed at low altitude, which resulted in a stall and loss of airplane control during a circling approach…NTSB DEN92FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210M · Albuquerque, NMInsufficient terrain clearance altitude selected by the pilot in command.NTSB CHI92FA059Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Cumberland, WIFailure to maintain aircraft control by the pilot in commnd. Factors in the accident are the pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather, a blocked pitot static system, lack of total expereince in type of operation, and lack of total expereince in…NTSB FTW92FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Santa Teresa, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain control. Factors were the dark night, pilot's apprehension, pilot's lack of instrument experience, spatial disorientation, poor instrument location, visual perception and inadequate cockpit lighting.NTSB NYC92FA047Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-235 · Fall River, MAThe pilot did not follow IFR proceedures and was manuvering at too low an altitude to remain clear of the terrain. Factors in the accident were; fatigue, fog and no visual ground clues.NTSB FTW92FA045Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Dewitt, ARThe pilot's attempt to land in IMC conditions and her subsequent loss of control during climb out due to spatial disorientation. A factor was the pilot's disregard of the pre-flight weather briefing.NTSB ANC92LA019Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Ketchikan, AKAn inadvertent stall while maneuvering for a precautionary landing. Factors include a partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and inadequate altitude for the maneuver.NTSB MIA92FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Naples, FLThe pilot-in-command's incapacitation due to an undetermined cardiovascular event which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into the ground.NTSB ANC92FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T3, T1040 · Ninilchik, AKUndetermined.NTSB DCA92MA011Accident · 9 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 400 · Rome, GAThe captain's decision to initiate visual flight into an area of known mountainous terrain and low ceilings and the failure of the flightcrew to maintain awareness of their proximity to the terrain.NTSB CHI92FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Berrien Springs, MIThe pilot-in-command's (cfi's) poor in-flight planning/decision-making and misjudged fuel supply/consumption. A related factor is overconfidence in personal ability.NTSB NYC92FA044Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMBB BO-105CBS · De Ruyter, NYAn inflight collision with terrain after the pilot experienced spatial disorientation. Factors related to the accident were the night conditions, and the lack of visual cues.NTSB LAX92FA058Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA31-350 · Temple Bar, AZThe pilot-in-command's poor inflight decision by not electing to proceed to an alternate airport and to continue to the flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions. The low ceilings and visibilities across the flight route and…NTSB CHI92LA048Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Rensselaer, INThe pilot's improper aircraft handling which resulted in an inadvertent stall and descent. Factors related to the accident were the obscuration & icing conditions.NTSB LAX92LA057Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Pine Valley, CAThe pilot's failure to monitor the proper altitude over obserable rising terrain. A contributing factor was the pilot's encounter with a strong downdraft.NTSB CHI92FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT/300T · Camdenton, MOThe pilot's disregard for wind conditions, not aborting the takeoff, and inadequate remedial action by the pilot after the airplane became airborne. Factors associated with the accident are an inadequate weather evaluation by the pilot, not maintaining…NTSB SEA92FA026Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Snohomish, WAA visual lookout was not maintained.NTSB ATL92FA029Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS350D Astar · Fuquay-Varina, NCThe pilot's improper decision in continuing the flight with a known engine problem, and the subsequent seizure of the number two engine bearing, resulting in engine stoppage. Darkness was a related factor.