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 LAX92FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGlasair SH-2R · Nuevo, CAThe failure of the pilot to perform preventative maintenance on the airplane's powerplant which resulted in a loss of performance during an unknown phase of operation. Contributing to the accident was fouled spark plugs and the partial loss of aircraft…NTSB LAX92FA054Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale SA 316B · Bridgeport, CAFailure of the helicopter's tail rotor drive shaft and drive shaft bearing due to undetermined reason(s).NTSB CHI92FA035Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Litchfield, MNPilot factor in that he had spatial disorientation. Factors related to the accident are; VFR flight into IMC, disregarding hazardous weather advisories, performing flight into known adverse weather conditions, and overconfidence in personal ability by the…NTSB LAX92LA050Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSpeyer Avid Amphibian · San Ysidro, CAFailure of the pilot/builder to follow the manufacturer's recommended airframe modification procedure to prevent the inflight loss of a flaperon due to flutter. Contributing to the accident was in inflight separation of the wing when the design limits of the…NTSB CHI92FA032Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B100 · Romeo, MIThe pilot in command's improper inflight decision and the minimum descent altitude disregarded during an instrument approach.NTSB LAX92FA047Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206BIII · Davis, CAThe decision of the pilot to continue night low level flight in forecasted adverse weather conditions. Contributing to the accident was the foggy weather and dark night conditions which restricted the pilot's visual outlook.NTSB FTW92FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35TC · Jasper, TXThe pilot's failure to continue a normal climb after takeoff due to spatial disorientation. A factor was the dark night condition.NTSB LAX92LA046Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 7ECA · Fremont, CAThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain an airspeed above the stall speed. His over confidence in his personal ability, lack of familiarity with the aircraft, and his inadequate training in acrobatic flight were factors in the accident.NTSB FTW92FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Angleton, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors were his lack of total instrument time, his VFR flight into instrument conditions and spatial disorientation.NTSB SEA92FA019Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C-402B · Boise, IDThe loss of power on the right engine during initial climb after takeoff due to inadequate maintenance inspection and adjustment of the engine by company maintenance personnel, and the loss of control by the pilot due to his failure to properly configure the…NTSB NYC92LA031Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Painesville, OHThe pilot's failure to see and avoid the powerline tower structure while executing a visual approach to the airport. Factors related to the accident were the lack of proper radio equipment necessary to execute the instrument approach, restricted visibility…NTSB FTW92FA022Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310C · Waller, TXThe loss of directional control as result of the velocity minimum control airspeed not being maintained. A factor was that the maneuver was initiated at an inadequate altitude too low for the pilot to recover.NTSB ATL92FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Destin, FLThe pilots failure to follow instrument flight rules procedures by disregarding the minimum descent altitude for the approach and failing to maintain clearance from the terrain. A factor in the accident was the pilot's over confidence in his personal ability.NTSB LAX92FA283Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 336A · Big Bear City, CA1) The pilot inadequately evaluating the weather, and 2) the pilot making the inflight decision to continue flight into adverse weather conditions. Factors in this accident were 1) the inability of the pilot to see the mountainous terrain due to the ambient…NTSB CHI92FA028Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-236 · Valley Center, KSThe pilot's spatial disorientation, his loss of aircraft control, and his exceeding the aircraft's design limits. Factors in the accident were the pilot's disregard for directives and procedures, and his continued flight into known adverse weather.NTSB MIA92LA027Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech BE-35 · St. Petersburg, FLThe passenger's loss of balance resulting from a previous impairment.NTSB CHI92FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Coffeyville, KSThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed (above stall speed) during the emergency procedure. Related factors are the pilot's poor planning/decision, inattentiveness, and the weather (low ceiling, gusty tailwinds).NTSB NYC92FA029Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340 · Columbus, OHThe pilot's improper execution of an emergency procedure, after an engine failure, which resulted in the loss of airplane control. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's improper management of the fuel system; the pilot's lack of proficiency in…NTSB NYC92DGM01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportWillkins-Wayne VARI-VIGGEN · Erie, PAThe pilot lost control of the airplane at too low an altitude to recover. Factors related to the accident were the pilot's low time and experience in this type of airplane.NTSB MIA92WA026Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34-200T · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)NTSB LAX92FA043Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Carmel Valley, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain a safe altitude above the ground during an intentional low altitude flight in mountainous terrain. Contributing factors related to the pilot becoming distracted while flying over the ground and to his failure to initiate a…NTSB SEA92FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Salt Lake City, UTThe pilot failed to maintain directional control. Factors to the accident were: inadeqaute remedial action, over confidence in personal ability, and lack of recent expereince.NTSB MIA92WA025Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-30 · MissingNTSB MIA92GA024Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 172N · Okeechobee, FLThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain altitude during a low pass at night. Contributing factors were the pilot's likely spatial disorientation due to the lack of surface visual clues, the dark night conditions, and the patchy fog conditions.NTSB CHI92FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150K · Kiowa, KSThe pilot-in-command's failure to properly utilize the carburetor heat to avoid loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot-in-command's inattention and the encounter of unsuitable terrain during an…NTSB ATL92FA020Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24 · Engelhard, NCThe spatial disorientation experienced by the pilot, and his inadvertent descent into the terrain. A factor was the dark, night lighting condition at the time of the accident.NTSB MIA92WA023Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationGrumman G-164B · La Romana, Dominican RepublicNTSB NYC92FA026Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper L-3 · Plymouth, MAThe improper decision by the non-instrument-rated pilot to attempt VFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions, at a low altitude, which resulted in a collision with the water. Factors related to the accident were: the overconfidence of the pilot in…NTSB NYC92FA025Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Newfield, NJInflight collision with the ground for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX92FA033Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337F · Bullhead City, AZThe pilots failure to maintain a proper descent rate and to adequately judge the above ground altitude of the aircraft during the approach. Factors in the accident were: 1) the dark night conditions, 2) the pilot's degraded visual perceptive ability, and 3)…NTSB CHI92FA022Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell AC 690B · Milton, KSIncapacitation of the pilot in command, followed by the loss of control and an inflight breakup with a unqualified person on the controls.NTSB LAX92LA030Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47-G5A · KosraeThe pilot-in-command's improper preflight inspection of the helicopter resulting in a tiedown strap not being removed from the right skid and subsequent roll over on takeoff.NTSB FTW92FAMS1Accident · 2 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportGrumman F9F-8T · MissingUndetermined.NTSB BFO92FA005Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · West Wardsboro, VTThe pilot's flight into known adverse weather. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate flight and weather planning.NTSB ATL92FA019Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Darden, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. The pilot exceeded the design limits of the airframe.NTSB LAX92LA026Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGlassair III · Scottsdale, AZThe certified flight instructors decision to fly into known forecast weather conditions specifically prohibited by the airplane's owner's manual and decision to allow an unqualified pilot with limited instrument flight experience to occupy the left seat…NTSB FTW92FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Marble Falls, TXThe pilot's performance of acrobatic maneuvers at an altitude too low to allow for recovery.NTSB LAX92LA029Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Vallejo, CAThe pilot's intentional flight into known adverse weather, continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and improper altitude. Contributing to the accident was low ceilings, poor visibility, and restricted visual lookout.NTSB LAX92FA017Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Long Beach, CAThe pilot's improper emergency procedures by not retracting the landing gear when he shut the engine down and his failure to maintain airspeed. The scavenge pump failure, shutting down the engine and the inadvertent stall were factors in the accident.NTSB NYC92DHA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportJesse Knight Long EZ · Milford, PAThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout.NTSB NYC92LA010Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 7 · Webster, NHFailure of the ground crewman (from another Balloon) to recognize the hazardous condition that existed, when the Balloon came in contact with a high voltage power line during a precautionary landing. Factors related to the accident were: the lack of suitable…NTSB CHI92FA013Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-140 · Lafayette, INFailure of the pilot to compensate for wind conditions during initial climb. Factors associated with the accident are crosswind conditions and a dark night light condition.NTSB SEA92FA013Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Columbus, MTThe pilot in command's operation at too low an altitude over the river and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from the power lines. Factors contributing to the accident were the wires crossing the river and the pilot in command's poor judgement in…NTSB LAX92LA019Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Olancha, CAFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall while on final approach. Factors were the high density altitude and the pilot's poor approach planning.NTSB SEA92T#A01Accident · 2 fatalClass 3Final reportLockheed P-3A · Florence, MTNTSB SEA92FA222Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-5-235C · Moran, WYThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance and altitude from terrain while maneuvering, and his failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions. Factors contributing to the accident are terrain-induced turbulence, unfavorable winds, gusty high winds,…NTSB ATL92FA008Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201T · Spring Lake, NCThe inadvertent flight from visual flight rules flight conditions into instrument flight rules flight conditions by the non-instrument rated pilot, and his subsequent failure to maintain control of the aircraft.NTSB CHI92FA009Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Lakeville, MNThe pilot-in-command's decision to continue flight into known adverse weather. Contributing to the accident was the encounter with weather conditions favorable for formation of airframe icing.NTSB NYC92DHJ01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportChallenger II Bombadier · Moriches, NYA loss of control in flight due to a flight control malfunction for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC92LA005Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAerospatiale ATR-42-320 · Bridgeport, CTThe employee's failure to follow proper procedures and the diversion of her attention which resulted in her being struck by a spinning propeller.