Fatal NTSB investigations
180,630 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,609 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 WPR22FA239Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Lind, WAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a steep turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery.NTSB CEN22LA303Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Oklahoma City, OKThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed for unknown reasons during the initial climb, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN22FA298Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · St. Jacob, ILThe inadequate maintenance of the airplane fuel system that resulted in fuel exhaustion and a loss of engine power.NTSB GAA22WA218Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · ForeignLearjet 35 · Tierra del Fuego, ArgentinaNTSB WPR22FA235Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35B · Vancouver, WAThe pilot’s decision to execute a steep turn to final approach, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an accelerated stall. Contributing to the accident was the improper positioning on base leg and the pilot’s…NTSB GAA22WA299Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBlackshape BS115 · Zwarte Meer, NetherlandsNTSB WPR22LA238Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA20 · Challis, IDThe pilot's turn towards rising terrain with limited climb performance and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from terrain that resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB ANC22FA047Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell UH1B · Clear, AKA loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB CEN22FA288Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Blackwell, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper altitude and clearance during low-level aerial application, resulting in an in-flight collision with power lines.NTSB WPR22FA229Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · Kerrville, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during a base leg turn in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flight training experience.NTSB WPR22FA227Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 152 · Mendon, UTThe flight instructor’s failure to recover from a developed spin, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s decision to enter the maneuver below the operator’s altitude limitation.NTSB GAA22WA206Accident · 6 fatalClass 3 · ForeignLearjet 55 · Caracas, VenezuelaNTSB ERA22FA279Accident · 6 fatalClass 1 · FieldFinal reportBell UH-1B · Amherstdale, WVthe operator’s failure to adequately inspect the former military turbine powered helicopter, which allowed an engine issue to progress and result in a loss of engine power and a subsequent loss of control after the helicopter struck powerlines during a forced…NTSB WPR22FA216Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 336 · Porterville, CAMaintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the elevator control assembly hardware, which resulted in an in-flight disconnection of the elevator and elevator counterweight and the pilot’s inability to maintain pitch control.NTSB WPR22FA215Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech E35 · Buckeye, AZThe pilots’ failure to climb and complete a normal traffic pattern after making a low approach and their failure to extend the flaps for reasons that could not be determined, and the flight instructor’s failure to ensure adequate airspeed and bank control…NTSB GAA22WA208Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 182 · Itaituba, BrazilNTSB WPR22FA210Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20K · Camarillo, CAThe pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control after entering instrument meteorological conditions shortly after takeoff.NTSB CEN22FA240Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportHPH Spol Sro Glasflugel 304 MS · Rifle, COThe glider’s encounter with gusting tailwind and downdraft conditions that the pilot was unable to overcome.NTSB GAA22WA204Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBell 412 · Timika, IndonesiaNTSB WPR22FA198Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 77 · Hemet, CAThe student pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a cinderblock wall while performing a go-around.NTSB ERA22FA262Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportEnstrom F28 · Greenville, OHAn impact with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA22FA261Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · Panama City, FLMaintenance personnel’s failure to follow the avionics installation guidance for the oil pressure sensor, which resulted in the high-cycle fatigue failure of an line, oil starvation, and the subsequent loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB CEN22FA232Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182G · Kenedy, TXA loss of airplane control on final approach for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB GAA22WA199Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBell 206 · Currais Novos, BrazilNTSB GAA22WA197Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · ForeignPiper PA31 · Deadman's Cay, BahamasNTSB CEN22FA224Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSchweizer SGS135 · Midlothian, TXThe pilot’s incapacitation by an aortic dissection (natural disease).NTSB GAA22WA195Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 182 · Chirijox, GuatemalaNTSB WPR22FA197Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 208B · Oceanside, CAThe right-seated pilot’s failure to correct the left-seated pilot’s mismanagement of the engine thrust, which resulted in undesired speed and thrust oscillations during the final approach and a subsequent descent into terrain.NTSB WPR22FA196Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 19A · Oroville, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed during a turn and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an accelerated stall. Contributing to the accident was the improper placement of the fuel selector, which resulted…NTSB WPR22FA195Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMeyer Fred J Hornet · Lucerne Valley, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during an aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB GAA22WA196Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 152 · Klobuck, PolandNTSB CEN22FA223Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Bowling Green, MOThe pilots’ failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN22FA217Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 162 · Memphis, TNPilot incapacitation due to an acute cardiac event.NTSB WPR22LA192Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMaule MX-7-180C · Willits, CAAn uncommanded descent during a go-around maneuver for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN22FA216Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportExpress 2000RG · Cheyenne, WYThe pilot's inability to maintain proper airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while managing a loss of engine power and inflight fire, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing factors to the accident were the loss…NTSB WPR22FA189Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAirborne Windsports PTY Edge XT-912-L · Granite Shoals, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall while landing with a gusting wind.NTSB GAA22WA193Accident · 4 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna C182 · Slunj, CroatiaNTSB ENG22WA038Accident · 22 fatalClass 5 · ForeignDe Havilland DHC6 · Near Shikha, NepalNTSB ERA22FA243Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-12 · North Myrtle Beach, SCThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in a subsequent aerodynamic stall at an altitude that was too low for recovery.NTSB CEN22FA215Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGrumman American Avn. G-164 · Whiskerville, ARThe pilot misjudged the approach during the emergency landing, likely due to the full chemical load, and impacted a ditch, resulting in substantial damage and postimpact fire. Contributing to the pilot’s injuries was the lack of a crash-resistant fuel system…NTSB WPR22FA188Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172F · Show Low, AZThe pilot’s improper leaning of the engine during an extended period of time, which caused an exhaust valve to become stuck and led to the partial loss of engine power during the accident flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to…NTSB GAA22WA191Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna U206G · Sandy Lake First Nation, CanadaNTSB CEN22FA214Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 152 · Wauwatosa, WIThe student pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in a stall from which the student pilot could not recover.NTSB CEN22FA211Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Seagraves, TXThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and loss of control.NTSB GAA22WA187Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignSmith Aerostar 601P · Ceballos, MexicoNTSB WPR22FA184Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBruce R Prouse M24 Orion Plus · Cape Girardeau, MOThe pilot’s failure to maintain controlled flight, which resulted in a hard left roll, excessive blade flapping and a subsequent in-flight separation of the right horizontal stabilizer.NTSB CEN22FA208Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Broomfield, COThe pilot’s failure to abort the takeoff due to degraded engine performance. Contributing to the accident was the reduced performance of the engine, the reason for which could not be determined.NTSB GAA22WA298Accident · 5 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobin D140 · Grenoble, FranceNTSB GAA22WA200Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna TU206 · Macizo Del AuyáN-Tepui, VenezuelaNTSB ERA22FA233Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 140 · Wayne, NEThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack on final approach while conducting traditional short takeoff and landing operations in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin from which the pilot could not…