Fatal NTSB investigations
180,658 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,636 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 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.NTSB MIA92FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Green Cove Spgs, FLThe pilot in command's failure to maintain a visual lookout.NTSB FTW92DPJ02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-25 · Warner, OKThe complete loss of engine power for undetermined reason.NTSB MIA92FA008Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Key West, FLFailure of the pilot to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin at an altitude that was too low for recovery. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's failure to jettison the banner when the stall was encountered.NTSB SEA92FA002Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172G · Miltonfreewater, ORInadequate in-flight planning. Factors to the accident were: mountainous terrain, clearance not maintained, lack of total flight experience, and lack of familiarity with geographical area.NTSB MIA92FA004Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 100 · Carrabelle, FLThe non instrument-rated pilot-in-command's decision to continue flight into known instrument meteorological conditions (thunderstorm) and failure to maintain airspeed (vso) while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-in-command's failure to…NTSB LAX92LA006Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBentley Mongoose A · Boulder City, NVThe pilot's selection of an inadequate takeoff area which was too short for the prevailing conditions.NTSB FTW92DPJ01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAyres S2R-T15 · Cordell, OKInadvertent stall. A factor was that the aircraft weight and balance limitations were exceeded.NTSB BFO92FA010Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Chesapeake Bay, MDUndetermined. The aircraft wreckage has not been located.NTSB SEA92FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American Navion · Ola, IDAn incapacitating heart attack while in flight.NTSB MIA92GA002Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 172K · Everglades City, FLThe 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 SEA91FA258Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Lincoln, MTThe improper inflight planning/decision by the pilot to continue VFR flight into IMC conditions. Factors relating to the accident were the mountainous terrain in the area, and the low ceilings and clouds obscuring the mountains.NTSB ATL91LA184Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFischer Wagabond · Rossville, TNThe loss of engine power as a result of carburetor icing.NTSB SEA91FA255Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportLake LA-250 · Sisters, ORImproper planning/decision by the pilot(s), and failure to attain sufficient altitude to remain clear of obstructions. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot(s) failure to use all available runway, high density altitude, rising terrain and trees…NTSB LAX91LA412Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChristian Ind. Eagle II · Incline Village, NVThe failure of the pilot to recover from the maneuver in a timely manner which resulted in the airplane striking the water.NTSB FTW91DPG21Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportJoseph P. Frasca Astrocraft · Johnson, ARThe loss of control for unknown reasons, and procedures for emergency equipment not followed, which resulted in parachute separation.NTSB DEN91FA135Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Pagosa Springs, COFailure of the pilot to maintain clearance from trees during an approach for a precautionary landing. His improper use of the mixture control was a related factor concerning the partial loss of engine power.NTSB CHI91FA305Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe Ercoupe 415-D · Emmett, MIThe pilot's exceeding the design limits of the aircraft, which resulted in an inflight breakup.NTSB CHI91DTK04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBoland/Poe Tsunami · Pierre, SDA bending overload failure of the wing flap control rods and remedial action by the pilot was not possible. Factors in the accident are the inadequate design of the wing flap system by the pilot/operator manufacturer and his lack of total experience in type…NTSB NYC91LA254Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Point Judith, RIThe pilot become disoriented and lost control of the helicopter. Contributing to the accident was a dark night, flight over water, and the pilot's lack of total flight experience.NTSB CHI91FA302Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A150L · Bellaire, MIThe instructor pilot's inadequate supervision which resulted in an inaverent stall and uncontrolled descent into terrain. A related factor is the insufficient altitude.NTSB NYC91FA246Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · West Chicago, ILThe pilot's improper in-flight decision to return to the airport following a loss of engine power at a low altitude. The pilot failed to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall at an altitude insufficient for recovery. Factors contributing to…NTSB MIA91LA221Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJohn H. Logan Loganair I · Gainesville, FLThe non-instrument rated pilot in command's decision to depart under special visual flight rule clearance in instrument flight rules conditions during darkness with a failed vacuum pump and resulting inoperative flight instruments which resulted in an…NTSB LAX91FA401Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Placerville, CAThe pilot's attempted takeoff at a high density airport with the airplane exceeding its maximum gross takeoff weight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of illegal drugs and abuse of prescription drugs.NTSB LAX91FA399Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Cupertino, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper altitude, his improper inflight decision to attempt flight below the base of an overcast layer of clouds toward rising mountainous terrain and the flight's inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions.…NTSB FTW91LA165Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-150 · Van Horn, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. A factor was the pilot's lack of total experience.NTSB ATL91FA176Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C-172N · Alabaster, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in an unintentional stall and collision with the ground. A factor was the pilot's use of unprescribed drugs.NTSB FTW91LA163Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7-GCB · Frankston, TXThe ground person did not understand the verbal instructions.NTSB NYC91FA239Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportConvair CV-580 · Belvedere Ctr, VTFailure of the first officer (co-pilot) to maintain control of the aircraft after becoming spatially disoriented, and his exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft. Factors related to the accident were: the lack of two pilots in the cockpit,…NTSB BFO92DOA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Belington, WVThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance above the terrain which resulted in inflight collision with the terrain. Contributing was mountainous terrain.NTSB SEA91LA237Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Curtis, WAA misjudged maneuver due to physical impairment by alcohol. Contributing to the accident was overconfidence in personal ability.NTSB DEN91FA130Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182G · Elida, NMThe pilot's improper preflight planning/preparation for the flight and his subsequent flight into instrument meteorological conditions. A factor was: heavy fog and low ceiling.NTSB DEN91FA132Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Tererro, NMA failure of the pilot to maintain adequate obstacle clearance in mountainous terrain. Factors were: lack of familiarity with the aircraft, and insufficient standards by the operator.NTSB CHI91FA294Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell-K Copter 47D1 · Laurie, MOPoor judgement of the pilot, due to impairment from consumption of alcoholic beverage before flight, his intentional buzzing, and his inadequate visual lookout (failure to see-and-avoid power lines).NTSB LAX91FA394Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Rialto, CAThe pilot's inadequate weather evaluation and poor inflight planning/decision. The pilot's impairment due to the use of drugs was a factor in the accident.NTSB LAX91FA393Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Lakewood, CAAn undetermined loss of engine power and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the forced landing.NTSB BFO91LA082Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Venus CM · New Castle, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall mush. Contributing was a high density altitude causing deteriorated aircraft performance, and an inadequate preflight preparation which resulted in an overgross aircraft condition.NTSB ANC91FA147Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Wasilla, AKA loss of control in flight due to improper loading of the airplane.NTSB NYC91FA235Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA38-112 · Akron, OHThe pilot lost control of the airplane and inadvertently stalled and spun the airplane at too low an altitude to allow recovery. Factors related to the accident were; the pilot's improper preflight and planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a loss of…NTSB LAX91LA391Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Kahului, HIThe student pilot entry into an uncontrolled descent while attempting to perform an autorotation. The student pilot's lack of total experience was a factor in the accident.NTSB LAX91LA388Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTexas Helicopter M74 · Farmington, CALoss of engine power for an undetermined reason. Factors related to the accident were: the excessive gross weight of the helicopter, and the pilot's improper use of flight controls due to impairment from use of a drug (marijuanna).NTSB FTW91LA160Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Collinsville, OKThe inadvertent stall by the pilot. A factor was the improper departure flap setting.NTSB DEN91FA127Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportButler Aerostar 600 · Ruidoso, NMLoss of control in flight after to the cabin door opened inadvertently during takeoff run.NTSB DEN91FA126Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Ft. Carson, COThe loss of power to both engines due first to fuel starvation followed by fuel exhaustion, the pilot's failure to refuel, and the inadvertent stall. A factor was: the pilot's improper use of powerplant controls.NTSB DCA91MA052Accident · 14 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportEmbraer 120 · Eagle Lake, TXThe failure of Continental express maintenance and inspection personnel to adhere to proper maintenance and quality assurance procedures for the airplane's horizontal stabilizer deice boots that led to the sudden in-flight loss of the partially secured left…NTSB CHI91FA291Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95 · Killdeer, NDThe pilot's disregarding the weather forecast; his improper in-flight decision to continue a VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions; and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain. The mountainous hilly terrain and low ceiling were…NTSB LAX91LA387Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRotorway Exec 90 · Phoenix, AZUndetermined.NTSB SEA91FA229Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Yamhill, ORInadequate inflight planning/decisions. Factors to the accident were: an uncontrolled stall, a tail wind, remedial action was not performed, and poor compensation for wind conditions.NTSB NYC91FA230Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing PT-17 · Tranquility, NJLoss of engine power for an undetermined reason, and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to land, which resulted in a stall. The lack of altitude for a recovery from the stall was a related factor.NTSB LAX91LA385Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna C-310B · San Pedro, CAAn inflight loss of control for undetermined reasons.