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 MIA91FA160Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA38-112 · South Port, FLThe pilot in commands failure to maintain a safe altitude resulting in an inflight collision with electrical lines.NTSB LAX91FA242Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C-A150L · Cottonwood, CAThe pilot's intentional low pass during which he performed an aerobatic maneuver with inadequate airspeed. Contributing factors were the pilot's low altitude and the tailwind condition which created the visual perception to the pilot of having an airspeed…NTSB DEN91FA079Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210M · Colorado City, TXThe pilot continuing flight into known adverse weather conditions and exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft. Factors were: thunderstorm, updrafts and the pilot's disregard of the weather briefing.NTSB SEA91FA121Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC-12-D · Naches, WAThe in flight physical incapacitation of the pilot in command.NTSB FTW91FA089Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSteen Skybolt JW5 · Grand Prairie, TXThe pilot's failure to perform refueling and maintain airspeed above vs (stall). A factor was unsuitable terrain.NTSB MIA91WA157Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationGovernment Aircraft Fact N24A · Great Inagua, Turks & Caicos IslandsNTSB LAX91FA232Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23 · Maricopa, AZThe pilot's poor judgement in the operation of the airplane with known deficiencies and the inadvertent stall during a forced landing. The pilot/owners lack of maintenance on the airplane and the pilot's impairment by alcohol were factors in the accident.NTSB FTW91FA088Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Lakeview, ARThe pilot's improper visual approach, and his failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout for obstructions. Factors were the unmarked power linesNTSB CHI91DTG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 172P · Bismarck, NDSpatial disorientation. Factors related to the accident are failure to obtain a preflight weather brief, vrf flight into IMC conditions and lack of total experience.NTSB NYC91FA145Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300 · Wallingford, CTThe pilot attempting a VFR flight in adverse weather conditions, at an altitude that was insufficient to clear trees along his route of flight. Factors related to the accident were the pilot's lack of instrument rating, and his overconfidence to fly in…NTSB MIA91FA155Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Long Boat Key, FLAn inflight loss of control and subsequent collision with the water for unknown reasons.NTSB ATL91FA099Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Surf Side Beach, SCThe improper preflight inspection of the aircraft by the pilot, in that he failed to turn the aircraft fuel selector 'on' prior to starting the engine. A factor in the accident was the aircraft fuel selector valve leaking enough fuel to the engine in the…NTSB FTW91FA084Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Folsom, LAThe inadvertent stall. Factors were the pilot's poor judgement in performing the buzzing maneuver and his lack of experience.NTSB CHI91DTK01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-18-125 · Newell, SDAn inadvertent stall/spin during maneuvering flight and inadequate remedial action by the pilot. Factors associated with the accident are the pilot's disregard for procedures and directives and inadequate initial training.NTSB SEA91FA119Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportStinson 108-2 · Gold Bar, WAThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to remain clear of the obstacles (trees). The adverse weather condition (fog) was a related factor.NTSB NYC91FA140Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Shelburne, VTPremature lift-off by the pilot, which resulted in a subsequent stall/mush and collision with trees. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, and the unfavorable wind condition.NTSB NYC91DHD02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBeamont Skybolt · Pennington, NJThe pilot's inadvertent lift off and failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in an inadvertent stall. The pilot's lack of recent experience and lack of experience in type of airplane were factors in the accident.NTSB FTW91FA085Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Claremore, OKThe instructor pilot (PIC) did not maintain clearance from obstacles during the maneuver.NTSB ANC91LA061Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell S-2R · Larsen Bay, AKThe pilot's decision to continue VFR into IMC conditions and failure to maintain proper altitude. Contributing to the accident was the low ceiling and fog.NTSB LAX91FA222Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150K · El Cerrito, CAFuel exhaustion due to improper preflight planning and inaccurate fuel consumption calculations. Factors related to the accident were the failure of the pilot to choose a proper emergency landing site and/or deviate from a straight course during the emergency…NTSB MIA91LA149Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Missing (Atlantic Ocean)The lose of engine power for undetermined reasons which resulted in a forced landing and ditching in the atlantic ocean.NTSB ANC91LA058Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell UH-1B · Dog Fish Bay, AKThe pilot's exceeding the gross weight of the aircraft and inadequate supervision by company management. Contributing to the accident was the high vegetation.NTSB SEA91FA110Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35 · Harrison, IDImproper preflight planning/preparation by the pilot. The terrain condition and the pilot's lack of total experience were related factors.NTSB LAX91LA220Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Gasquet, CAThe pilot's decision to attempt VFR flight in a narrow mountain valley in conditions of low ceilings and mountain obscurement.NTSB CHI91FA160Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Belleville, MIFailure of the engine driven fuel pump, the failure of the pilot to activate the electric auxiliary fuel pump, poor inflight decision, and poor execution of emergency procedures. A factor relating to the accident is the pilot's lack of experience in this…NTSB CHI91FA159Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8E · Clinton, MIPhysical impairment of the pilot due to heart attack.NTSB NYC91FA136Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Ravenna, OHFailure of the instructor pilot (CFI) to assure that adequate airspeed was maintained, after maneuvering (turning) for spacing behind another aircraft, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush. Factors related to the accident were: the improperly planned…NTSB FTW91FA081Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Caney, OKBinding of the #2 exhaust valve (stuck valve), and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A factor related to the accident was: the failed exhaust manifold gasket.NTSB DEN91FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Wray, COThe pilot intentionally buzzing and failure to maintain proper altitude.NTSB BFO91FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Lebanon, NHThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Contributing was mountainous terrain, low clouds, and VFR flight into IMC.NTSB FTW91FA080Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Manor, TXThe pilot's operation of the aircraft at a gross weight and center of gravity which exceeded the certificated operating limitations, resulting in loss of control and structural overload. Turbulence was a related factor.NTSB FTW91FA092Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAyres S2R-T34 · Parkin, ARFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate clearance from objects.NTSB FTW91FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Caldwell, TXThe pilot-in-command's failure to properly position the fuel selector handle resulting in a fuel starvation power loss. A factor was the inadvertent stall.NTSB LAX91FA213Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207A · Grand Canyon, AZDetonation (or pre-ignition) in the number 1 cylinder, which resulted in erosion (burning) of the number 1 piston and subsequent loss of engine power. A factor related to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing.NTSB LAX91LA211Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGlasflugel Mosquito · Pearblossom, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed to avoid stalling the aircraft.NTSB LAX91FA209Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportUniversal Globe GC-1B · Chandler, AZThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed in a forced landing resulting in an in flight loss of control, stall, and subsequent in flight colliison with terrain. Factor related to the accident was the pilot's improper procedure which restuled in a…NTSB LAX91FA207Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 205 · Fallon, NVThe pilot-in-command's improper handling of the airplane and failure to maintain airspeed on initial takeoff climb resulting in an in flight loss of control, stall/spin, and subsequent in flight collision with terrain.NTSB MIA91FA140Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-3C · Aguadilla, PRThe pilot in command's failure to maintain airspeed (vs) after a partial loss of engine power on the left engine due to failure of the no. 8 engine assembly cylinder. This resulted in an in flight loss of control (stall), and in flight collision with terrain.NTSB MIA91LA139Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna TU-206G · Gulf Of MexicoAn in flight collision with the water for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX91LA204Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAyres S2RT34 · Marysville, CAThe pilots' inadequate visual lookout for other air traffic.NTSB DEN91LA069Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChallenger II · Silt, COAn in flight encounter with wind conditions which exceeded the aircraft performance capability. A factor was: the pilot's failure to obtain available en route weather information.NTSB SEA91FA099Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Ravensdale, WAThe in-flight breakup of the airplane as a result of the pilot exceeding the speed and stress limits for the airplane. A factor relating to the accident was the center of gravity loading that exceeded the aft limits.NTSB FTW91FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-20 · Kenefic, OKImproper planning/decision by the pilots of both aircraft, and the Mitsubishi pilot's misjudgment of his position, while attempting to fly formation at night with an aircraft that did not have all navigation lights operative. Factors related to the accident…NTSB LAX91FA203Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Lee Vining, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation during a night approach.NTSB DEN91FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A-36 · Hartley, TXUndetermined.NTSB BFO91FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Odessa, DEThe pilot's failure to recover from a stall. Contributing was an intentional stall of the aircraft, pilot inexpereince and inadequate altitude.NTSB SEA91LA097Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-1B · Douglas, WYAn inadvertent stall with inadequate terrain clearance. Factors include flight in mountainous terrain at an altitude where remedial action was not possible.NTSB LAX91FA190Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Quincy, CAThe pilot's inadvertent flight into IMC and thereafter his failure to maintain directional control of his airplane. Factors which contributed to the accident related to the pilot's improper weather evaluation which resulted in his delayed emergency procedure,…NTSB FTW91DPG05Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAyres S2R-T34 · Wheatley, ARThe failure of the flagman to follow established procedures.NTSB DEN91FA065Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31B-310 · Bennett, COIn-flight separation of the left engine cowl assembly that was not properly latched, and failure of the pilot to maintain minimum control speed, which resulted in his loss of aircraft control. Factors related to the accident were: an inadequate preflight…