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 NYC91FA123Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Hancock Village, NYThe loss of aircraft control and subsequent collision with trees after the pilot became physically incapacitated.NTSB SEA91FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Sumpter, ORThe pilot's improper inflight planning and decisions and the pilot's VFR flight into IMC conditions.NTSB MIA91LA128Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDonald L. Hedeman SONERAI-II · Jacksonville, FLThe pilot's improper adjustment of the carburetor.NTSB CHI91FA140Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210 · Kansas City, MOThe pilot in command's intentional flight with known mechanical deficiencies in the aircraft which resulted in a fire & forced landing in unsuitable terrain. A factor contributing to the accident was improper maintenance to the turbocharger waste gate by…NTSB ATL91LA088Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Kure Beach, NCThe pilot's poor judgement, while impaired by alcohol, and his misjudgement of altitude/clearance above the water after initiating a low pass.NTSB MIA91FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Missing, FLUndetermined.NTSB NYC91FA120Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J5A · Newbury, MAThe loss of inflight control, which was the result of a jammed right aileron bellcrank assembly. Factors related to the accident were; the improper maintenance of the flight control system, and the incomplete preflight by the pilot.NTSB FTW91FA070Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · So. Marsh 275The inflight structural failure and separation of the vertical fin which led to a loss of control and mast bumping. The failure of the fin was due to inadequate corrosion control efforts by the operator.NTSB DEN91T#A01Accident · 2 fatalClass 3Final reportHughes TH-55 · Traskwood, ARNTSB MIA91LA126Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRudolph Zeller Lancair · Titusville, FLThe use of improper materials for construction of the alternate air door by the aircraft owner/builder resulting in failure and separation of the door which resulted in blockage of air flow to the carburetor and loss of all engine power.NTSB MIA91LA125Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRutan Aircraft Factory Vari EZE · Panama City, FLThe pilot-in-command misjudged his altitude while conducting an aerobatic maneuver, resulting in an in flight collision with water.NTSB LAX91FA181Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Carpenteria, CA1) Inadequate weather evaluation by the pilot, 2) poor inflight decision to try and continue VMC flight, and 3) the pilot's lack of total experience.NTSB SEA91LA091Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchwartz Bushby MM-1 · Ephrata, WAThe pilot's loss of control after he initiated a maneuver at low altitude.NTSB SEA91FA089Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Mount Vernon, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin at low altitude. His lack of experience was a related factor.NTSB ATL91FA084Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Dunlap, TNThe pilot-in-command's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, his attempted VFR flight into IFR conditions, and his subsequent failure to maintain a proper altitude. Factors in the accident were: the mountainous terrain, the foggy, low ceiling conditions…NTSB CHI91DER03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportVarieze 001 · Superior, WIThe pilot's poor planning and decision making which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB MIA91FA123Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportWaco ASO · Lake Apopka, FLAn inadvertent stall and spin at an altitude that precluded recovery.NTSB FTW91LA066Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Bradley, ARThe pilot's attempted to perform aerobatic flight at an altitude inadequate for recovery.NTSB SEA91LA260Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander S-2R · Grangeville, IDThe improper decision by the pilot to continue VFR flight in IMC weather conditions in mountainous terrain, resulting in pilot disorientation and inadvertent flight into a box canyon. Factors relating to the accident were the rain showers and low ceiling…NTSB NYC91FA112Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Hollidaysburg, PAThe pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC91FA115Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172G · New Bedford, MAThe pilot's improper planning/decision and failure to maintain proper altitude after encountering adverse weather at low altitude. The adverse weather (fog) was a related factor.NTSB CHI91FA126Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F.33A · Chippewa Falls, WIThe first pilot's continued flight in known adverse weather. Factors in the accident were the first pilot's poor weather evaluation, the second pilot's complacency and the first pilot's self induced pressure to complete a checkout in model.NTSB ANC91FA050Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Tatitlek, AKFailure of both pilots to see-and-avoid each other (inadequate visual lookout). A factor related to the accident was: inadequate communication among all participating aircrews.NTSB ATL91LA078Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLewis Challenger II · Thomaston, GAThe pilot's failure to properly maintain the airplane in accordance with prescribed procedures which resulted in fuel contamination, fouled spark plugs, and a loss of engine power. The pilot also failed to follow normal emergency procedures for the loss of…NTSB NYC91FA103Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-31 ATC · Gt. Barrington, MAThe mechanic's improper use of anti-seize compound on the injector nozzle threads which resulted in an engine failure.NTSB ATL91FA077Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172D · Mocksville, NCThe loss of engine power due to open circuits in the ignition wiring harness, and the pilot's failure to maintain flying airspeed during the forced landing attempt. Factors in this accident were the dark night lighting conditions at the time of the accident.NTSB NYC91LA102Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS-1-30 · Wurtsboro, NYAn inflight failure of the left wing spar due to overload from pilot induced control inputs, while recovering from a dive. Factors related to the accident were, the pilot's decision to fly with the trim system disconnected and lack of recent experience in…NTSB BFO91FA040Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 195 · California, MDThe loss of power for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX91FA159Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22B · Temecula, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain separation from obstacles (power lines).NTSB DCA91MA033Accident · 23 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportEmbraer EMB-120RT · Brunswick, GAThe loss of control in flight as a result of a malfunction of the left engine propeller control unit which allowed the propeller blade angles to go below the flight idle position. Contributing to the accident was the deficient design of the propeller control…NTSB CHI91DER02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPaulbicke Bede 5B · Park Rapids, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent spin.NTSB NYC91LA100Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Blue Ash, OHThe failure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude and airspeed during a landing approach, which resulted in a stall and spin at too low an altitude to recover. A factor related to the accident was the lack of recent flight experience by the pilot.NTSB FTW91FA060Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Flippin, ARThe pilot's attempted VFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain altitude.NTSB DCA91MA031Accident · 7 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBell 412SP · Merion, PAThe poor judgement by the captain of the airplane to permit the in-flight inspection after he had determined to the best of his ability that the nose landing gear was fully extended, the poor judgment of the captain of the helicopter to conduct the…NTSB CHI91DCG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAkins Stinger · Blairstown, MOAn inflight breakup after the pilot encountered weather, lost control inflight, & exceeded the design limits of the airplane. A factor was the pilot's decision to fly into known adverse weather.NTSB LAX91FA156Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHerbert W. Ross RV-4 · Santa Paula, CAThat the pilot inadvertently selected the wrong fuel tank and the passenger interfered with the flight controls when the seat back failed.NTSB NYC91FA099Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Naples, NYFlight by the pilot into known icing conditions, which resulted in structural (wing) ice and subsequent loss of aircraft control. The weather condition was a related factor.NTSB LAX91LA154Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M-20E · Lee Vining, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate altitude to clear mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was pilot fatigue due to a lengthy cross country flight.NTSB MIA91WA114Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationCessna 402B · Ambergrs, BelizeNTSB ATL91FA074Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 60 · Kinston, NCThe pilot diverted his attention and failed to maintain control of the aircraft, while maneuvering for a precautionary landing. Factors related to the accident were: the unsecured baggage compartment door and the pilot's inadequate preflight.NTSB SEA91FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 Beta · Seattle, WAThe loss of control in flight by the pilot due to his improper preflight preparation in failing to secure cargo which shifted in flight and interfered with the movement of the cyclic control stick.NTSB ATL91FA073Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Franklin, TNThe pilot's failure to select a proper fuel tank for flight, resulting in fuel starvation to the engine, and subsequent engine stoppage. Factors were the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions along his route of flight, and his flight into…NTSB SEA91FA073Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Butte, MTInadequate inflight decisions, fuel starvation, and failure to perform alternative IFR approach procedures. Factors include operation with known deficiencies in equipment, disorientation, and lack of familiarity with the geographic area.NTSB DEN91FA056Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Cortez, COThe pilot's improper IFR procedures. Factors were: the existing weather conditions and the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight briefing.NTSB ANC91FA042Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 206 · Homer, AKVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude, while maneuvering over water. Factors related to the accident were: the snow shower and probable whiteout conditions.NTSB SEA91FA076Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Chehalis, WAA loss of engine power due to an improper overhaul.NTSB SEA91FA069Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Kennewick, WAImproper planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion due to an inadequate supply of fuel, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to make a forced landing, which resulted in a stall.NTSB LAX91FA143Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Vail, AZThe failure of both pilots to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB SEA91FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337 · Boise, IDThe pilot's failure to remove the aircraft control locks prior to attempting flight. Factors include an inadequate preflight.NTSB CHI91FA116Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M-20C · Prior Lake, MNFailure to maintain airspeed while executing a forced landing. Factors related to the accident were the pilot's improper inflight planning/decision, and fuel exhaustion.