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 ANC91FA094Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206C · Nikiski, AKPoor judgement of the pilot, due to impairment from consumption of alcohol, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering during an aborted landing (go-around). Factors related to the accident were: the open cargo door, disabled flaps, and…NTSB NYC91FA174Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream American AA5B · Columbia, CTThe decision of the pilot to continue flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in flight collision with trees. Factors related to the accident were the pilot's lack of instrument flight expereince, his overconfidence in his…NTSB SEA91FA157Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Roche Harbor, WAThe pilot's failure to plan his takeoff path to provide adequate terrain clearance. The rising terrain and dark night light conditions were contributing factors.NTSB CHI91FA211Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Quincy, ILThe failure by the pilot of the other airplane to maintain clearance. Factors in the accident were the pilot's attempt to fly formation, his inadequate group briefing, and the lack of experience on the part of the pilot of the other airplane.NTSB SEA91FA156Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7AC · Burns, ORImproper inflight planning/decision by the student pilot (pilot-in-command), and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall. Factors related to the accident were: physical impairment of the student pilot/owner/operator from carbon…NTSB LAX91FA292Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · Pacoima, CAImproper positioning of the fuel selector by the pilot, which resulted in fuel starvation.NTSB NYC91FA171Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-201T · Wernersville, PAThe pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation/vertigo. Factors related to the accident were the pilot's use of an antihistamine and self induced pressure to complete the flight.NTSB LAX91FA288Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22B · Phoenix, AZA divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason, which resulted in rotor contact to the cockpit.NTSB CHI91LA210Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Faulkton, SDAn inadvertent stall. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed.NTSB SEA91LA154Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJerrell RV-4 · Yellowstonepark, WYA collapsed induction air duct. Factors include inadequate design by the manufacturer/builder, and a misjudged rate of descent by the pilot.NTSB FTW91DRA05Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportDaniel La Lee Miget Mustang M-1 · Santa Fe, TXThe pilot's performance of an aerobatic maneuver at an altitude inadequate to allow for safe recovery.NTSB FTW91DQG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportLGS CGS Hawk · Crane, TXThe inadvertent stall.NTSB NYC91DFJ01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportSterns Sterns Longster · Mayville, NYThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed, which resulted in a stall and spin at a low altitude. Also causal to the accident was the lack of experience of the pilot in this make and model airplane.NTSB BFO91FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Waynesboro, VAThe pilots failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in overstress of the airplane. Contributing was VFR flight into IMC and thunderstorms.NTSB ATL91FA120Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Blakely, GALoss of engine power for an undetermined reason, and failure of the instructor pilot (CFI) to follow procedures and maintain rotor RPM.NTSB MIA91WA176Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206 · Missing, BahamasNTSB LAX91FA282Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 65 · Pioneer, CAImproper emergency procedures by the pilot, when he inadvertently shut down the left engine after encountering a partial loss of power in the right engine. Factors related to the accident were: improper installation of the right engine's #6 exhaust valve seat…NTSB LAX91FA280Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-36A · Goleta, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane after becoming spatially disoriented. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, low overcast cloud condition, the pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological…NTSB BFO91FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J5 · Berlin, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain adeqate airspeed which caused the airplane to stall.NTSB ATL91FA117Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFuji LM 1 · Keystone Hghts, FLFailure of the number four pilot (in N2100J) to maintain adequate visual lookout and/or clearance from the number three aircraft (N2109L).NTSB LAX91FA281Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Fillmore, CAPoor judgement by the pilot to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was IFR conditions that included low ceilings and low visibility and insufficient instrument training of the pilot to deal with the IFR…NTSB CHI91DER08Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBellanca 8GCBC · St. Hilaire, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude while maneuvering.NTSB SEA91FA142Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G-3B1 · Goldendale, WAThe pilot's misjudgement of fuel supply.NTSB MIA91FA171Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 77 · Magnolia, MSThe instructor pilot's (cfi's) improper supervision of flight and a failure to maintain sufficient altitude above the trees.NTSB ATL91FA124Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Mt. Berry, GAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning, his poor inflight decision to continue into deteriorating weather conditions, and his inadvertent flight into IMC. Factors in this accident were: the clouds obscuring the mountain at the time of the accident, and the…NTSB CHI91DEC02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportHoward Tierra II · Cambridge Jct, MIEntanglement of the emergency ballistic parachute with the airplane's propeller shaft after it deployed for an undetermined reason. A factor related to the accident was: the aircraft's weight and balance limit was exceeded by the pilot.NTSB CHI91DCD01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHeal SONERAI-I · Davenport, IAFailure of the wing spar straps, as the aircraft was being maneuvered around a pylon in an air race.NTSB LAX91FA270Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech T-34A · Redding, CAThe pilot's failure to attain an altitude to permit the aircraft to complete the aerobatic maneuver.NTSB ATL91FA116Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Irmo, SCThe loss of control of the aircraft for undetermined reason(s).NTSB FTW91LA103Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164B · Brighton, AR(1) The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the wires and (2) the wire's subsequent interference with the flight controls.NTSB FTW91FA104Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C182R · Big Spring, TXThe pilot's failure to recover from an aerobatic maneuver due to insufficient altitude.NTSB ANC91LA077Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Woods River, AKFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while turning after a low pass, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. The wind gusts and turbulence were related factors.NTSB NYC91FA154Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7BCM · Millinocket, MEFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering for a precautionary landing on a road, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's improper replacement of an oil temperature gage, and a…NTSB MIA91WA164Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationGulfstream G-1159A · Caracas, VenezuelaNTSB ANC91LA076Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC-65 · Kakhonak, AKThe uncertificated pilot failed to maintain aircraft control during the initial climb and the physical impairment by drugs (marijuana) of the pilot. Contributing to the accident was the stall which was not identified by the nonrated pilot.NTSB CHI91DEP09Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBowers Flybaby 1A · Stoughton, WIThe inadequate design by the manufacturer to provide for adequate protection from moisture accumulation in the form of drain holes. Contributing factors were the deterioration (wood rot) of the wing spar attach and the lack of inspection access.NTSB CHI91DEP08Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportJack Thomas Pitts S-IT · Kenosha, WIImproper maintenance, by person or persons unknown, to the elevator control system which allowed a bolt attaching the elevator control rod to the pitch bellcrank to become disconnected during flight.NTSB SEA91FA131Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Nephi, UTPoor inflight planning and decisions. Factors to the accident were: an uncontrolled stall/spin, and inadequate airspeed.NTSB ATL91LA111Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRider-Charles Aerosport Scamp · Raeford, NCThe pilot's improper adjustment of the engine carburetor, and his operation of the aircraft with a known powerplant deficiency. Factors in this accident were: the lack of spring tension for the fuel mixture, and the fouled condition of the engine spark plugs.NTSB ATL91FA110Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Monroe, GAThe pilots attempted flight in adverse weather and the physical impairment of the student pilot from the consumption of alcoholic beverages prior to flight. A factor in the accident was the foggy weather condition at the airport.NTSB DEN91FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Ventus C · Durango, COThe absence of thermal lift, the pilot's apprehension, and his lack of familiarity with the geographic area.NTSB LAX91LA243Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182E · Eureka, CAThe non-instrument rated pilot's inadvertent flight into IMC conditions. The pilot's lack of total experience, his disregard to the preflight meteorological briefing he received, low ceilings, fog, and the mountainous terrain over which the flight was…NTSB NYC91FA144Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · East Haddam, CTThe non-mechanical loss of engine power due to the failure of the pilot to use the auxiliary fuel boost pump during takeoff.NTSB LAX91LA257Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269B · Cottonwood, CAThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout. The transmission wire was a factor in the accident.NTSB CHI91LA183Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works FIREFLY-7B · Greenwood, MOThe inadequate briefing to the ground crew by the pilot, because the ground crewman did not understand the intent and objectives of the maneuver.NTSB LAX91FA252Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Bermuda Dunes, CAThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering to return to the departure airport, resulting in an in flight loss of control, stall, and in flight collision with terrain. Factors related to the accident were: partial loss of engine…NTSB LAX91FA251Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportVarga 2150A · Livermore, CAAn inflight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB ATL91FA108Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T37B · Chickamauga, GAThe T-37 pilot misjudged the clearance between his aircraft and the A-26.NTSB LAX91FA247Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C-172 · Lakeside, CAThe failure of the pilot to request radar assistance to avoid low ceilings in high terrain and the pilot's inadequate visual outlook which ultimately resulted in an inflight collision with high terrain. Contributing to the accident were the weather conditions…NTSB CHI91FA181Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206F · Muskegon, MIInadequate remedial action by the pilot after exhausting all the fuel from a selected fuel tank. Factors associated with the accident are the pilots inadequate transition and upgrade training and a lack of familiarity with the accident airplane.