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 ATL91FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 401 · Monroe, NCInadequate preflight by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, due to an inadequate supply of fuel. The pilot's lack of familiarity with the aircraft fuel system was a related factor.NTSB ANC91FA115Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Amitchiak Lake, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain the airplane's airspeed above stalling; thereby losing control. Factors contributing to the accident were the mountainous terrain, the mountain wave, and insufficient altitude from which to recover.NTSB NYC91FA193Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-236 · Fogelsville, PAThe improper decision by the non-instrument rated pilot to attempt VFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's overconfidence in his ability, his lack of…NTSB FTW91FA131Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth DISCUS-B · Medina, TXThe failure of the pilot in command to maintain an adequate visual lookout. A factor was collision induced incapacitation.NTSB CHI91FA235Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 500B · Silica, KSThe failure of both pilots to maintain adequate separation during formation flight. Related factors are overconfidence in personal ability and poor planning/decision.NTSB DEN91DTE01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportWarner, David B. GLASAIR-SHA · Eagle, COThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in a turn during initial takeoff climb, resulting in an in flight loss of control, stall, and in flight collision with terrain. Factors were: excessive bank angle and abrupt maneuver at a…NTSB LAX91LA332Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164B · Arizona City, AZFailure of the pilot to maintain an adequate visual outlook to avoid the collision with the power transmission lines. Contributing to the accident was the dark night light conditions that prevailed at the time of the accident.NTSB LAX91FA334Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415C · Rubidoux, CAThe mechanic's improper installation of the magnetos and the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed. Factors related to this accident are the pilot's inadvertent stall and the residential area.NTSB LAX91FA333Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-181 · Sonora, CAFailure of the flight instructor/pilot-in-command to adequately supervise the flight and to maintain adequate airspeed by exceeding the climb performance of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-in-command's inadequate planning and his…NTSB FTW91DRG05Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 188B · Driscoll, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the guy wire during the aerial application maneuver.NTSB CHI91DEC03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAL White Breezy AWY · Leslie, MIThe pilot's failure to adequately maintain control of the aircraft. A factor was the exessive descent rate.NTSB LAX91TL#08Accident · 1 fatalClass 3Final reportBell 206L-1 · Lake Alpine, CANTSB CHI91LA233Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Lansing, ILThe pilot's inadvertent stall/spin during low altitude maneuvers. Related factors are ground personnel's inadequate traffic advisory, and the pilot's abrupt pull up.NTSB ATL91FA142Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Manteo, NCThe loss of left engine power for undetermined reasons, and the failure of the pilot to maintain minimum controllable airspeed, which resulted in the stalling of the airplane.NTSB LAX91FA329Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Earp, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering during a low pass, which resulted in a stall. A factor related to the accident was: lack of altitude to recover from the stall.NTSB FTW91DPJ03Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportGrimm Cavalier SA102.5 · Mcalester, OKThe pilot's attempted flight into IMC and his subsequent loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB FTW91DRG06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportQuestair Venture · San Marcos, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain flying airspeed resulting in a stall.NTSB DEN91FA113Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Redstone, COAn inflight collision with terrain after the pilot continued the flight into an area of clouds and rain.NTSB CHI91FA228Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R 22B · Carmel, INThe pilot's delaying remedial action. Factors in the accident were the pilot's failure to attain adequate rotor RPM for takeoff, failure to abort takeoff and lack of total experience in helicopters.NTSB BFO91FA068Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35A · Jonesville, VAFailure of the pilot-in-command (PIC) to assure that the instrument departure procedure was followed and that the aircraft remained clear of mountainous terrain.NTSB ANC91FA107Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Takotna, AKThe pilot's loss of control in flight due to spatial disorientation while attempting to operate under visual flight rules while in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the mountainous terrain.NTSB SEA91FA186Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 206 · Salmon, IDImproper inflight planning and decisions and failure to maintain airspeed.NTSB LAX91FA324Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-C55 · Granada Hills, CAA loss of directional control following an undetermined autopilot failure, during which the pilot failed to perform the emergency procedure to correct a mis-trim condition. Contributing to the accident was a perceived elevator control problem; the inability…NTSB CHI91MA224Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportLearjet 23 · Detroit, MIImproper preflight by the pilot, his failure to abort the takeoff while there was sufficient runway remaining, and his failure to assure that the aircraft attained sufficient airspeed for lift-off and climb. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's…NTSB SEA91FA184Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Toutle, WAFailure of the pilot to maintain airspeed and correct for the right yawing condition. Factors to the accident were: inadequate compensation for wind conditions, diverted attention, and lack of total expereince in type of aircraft.NTSB SEA91FA183Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Salmon, IDImproper inflight planning and decision by the pilot, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude and clearance from mountainous/hilly terrain.NTSB SEA91LA182Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-20 · Ione, WAInadequate clearance. A factor to the accident was: poor inflight planning.NTSB ATL91LA130Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 188 · Snow Hill, NCInadequate visual lookout by the pilot. Factors to the accident were tree.NTSB ATL91FA138Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Mobile, ALThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed and his subsequent inadvertent stall during his attempt to return to the departure runway. A factor was the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB SEA91FA181Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180J · Newcastle, WYPilot factor in that he did not maintain sufficient flying speed and allowed the aircraft to enter an inadvertent stall/spin. Factors include high density altitude.NTSB NYC91DNC03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportValentin GMB H Taifun 17E · West Arlington, VTPhysiological incapacitation due to cardiovascular disease which resulted in incapacitation and inflight collision with trees.NTSB CHI91DTK03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportWag-Aero Super Cuby · Roscoe, SDThe pilot's inadvertent stall and inadequate remedial action. Associated factors are the pilot's lack of recent total experience and inadequate preflight planning/preparation.NTSB LAX91LA316Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJurca MJ5 Sirocco · Lake Mathews, CAThe pilot's intentional low altitude flight which resulted in a collision with a power line static cable. Contributing to the accident was inadequate light conditions which reduced the pilot's ability to detect the power line.NTSB FTW91FA124Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Whitharral, TXPower loss due to fuel exhaustion. Factors were the pilot's operation with the known inoperative landing light and the dark night.NTSB FTW91FA123Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269B · Brickeys, ARThe failure of the clutch control cable due to fraying which initiated the forced landing and the operator's failure to perform recommended inspections on the aircraft. Factors were the pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM and the unsuitable terrain.NTSB SEA91FA175Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TU206G · Mccall, IDProcedures/directives were not followed. Factors to the accident were: improper fuel boost pump selector position, leaded spark plugs and sunglare.NTSB LAX91LA315Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA32-300 · Corona, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain an airspeed above the aircraft's stall speed after the engine failed. Factors contributing to the accident were: the failure of the engine, magneto and accessory drive gear, the rough terrain conditions over which the engine…NTSB SEA91FA170Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Driggs, IDThe pilot's poor inflight decision and his improper compensation for wind. Factors were rising, mountainous terrain; high, gusty winds; and a high density altitude.NTSB LAX91FA310Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Hesperia, CAThe pilot's improper refueling and inadequate preflight which resulted in fuel contamination and the inadvertent stall.NTSB CHI91FA216Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Seneca, ILProper glidepath not maintained, and inadequate altitude and visual lookout by the pilot in command.NTSB NYC91FA178Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Yarmouth, MAThe failure of the number one cylinder fuel injector line due to fatigue cracking induced by corrosion and propagated by cyclic loading which resulted in a total loss of engine power. The corrosion was due to the manufacturer's process of brazing the metal…NTSB MIA91LA185Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDonald R. Lee AIR Command · Quitman, MSThe pilot in commands failure to maintain control resulting in an uncontrolled descent and an in flight collision with terrain.NTSB LAX91LA309Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20 · Little River, CAThe pilot inadvertently inducing a stall spin condition with insufficient altitude to recover from the spin.NTSB CHI91FA208Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTemco D-16A · Eau Claire, MIThe improper replacement of the fuel selector lever which resulted in loss of engine power due to fuel staration.NTSB LAX91LA306Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Wailua, HIThe accidental deployment of jumpers reserve parachute inside the airplane.NTSB FTW91DRA06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMorrison-Keitel VOLKSPLANE-1 · Woodbranch, TXThe airplane's collision with trees for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI91DEM06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAeronca 11-AC · Central Lake, MIA result of the pilot in command not maintaining aircraft control and not performing remedial action after the airplane entered the steep descent. A factor contributing to this accident was the pilot in command's lack of recent experience.NTSB LAX91LA304Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA24-250 · Temple Bar, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during an attempted return to runway maneuver and the entry into an inadvertent stall/spin at low altitude. The exact nature of the emergency problem encountered by the pilot is undetermined.NTSB LAX91LA303Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportE.C Trynka Pietenpol Aircamper · Skull Valley, AZThe pilot inadvertently inducing a stall spin condition with insufficient altitude to recover from the spin.NTSB DCA91MA042Accident · 13 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech C99 · Birmingham, ALThe decision of the captain to initiate and continue an instrument approach into clearly identified thunderstorm activity, resulting in a loss of control of the airplane from which the flightcrew was unable to recover and subsequent collision with obstacles…