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 MIA91FA107Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Chassahowitzka, FLThe pilot in commands continued VFR flight into IFR conditions resulting in an inflight loss of control and an inflight collision with the ground.NTSB LAX91LA147Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC6-300 · Nuuuli, AntarcticaThe inadequate lighting of the gate at the terminal and inadequate training of the security guard by company personnel. Contributing to this accident was a dark night condition.NTSB LAX91FA173Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182F · Young, AZThe pilot's inadequate in-flight decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and the loss of control of the airplane resulting in an inflight collision with terrain.NTSB FTW91FA055Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Pasadena, TXPower loss due to fuel exhaustion resultant from the pilot's failure to refuel at an alternate destination and the inadvertent stall. Factors were the dark night and weather conditions.NTSB ATL91FA069Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Ashland, ALContinued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficience altitude/clearance above the wooded terrain. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, high terrain, and the…NTSB NYC91FA095Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Simsbury, CTThe pilot's intentional flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were psychological conditions.NTSB LAX91FA138Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201T · Vacaville, CAThe pilot's continued VFR flight at night under low clouds, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude over rising terrain. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, the adverse weather and terrain conditions, and the controller's inaccurate…NTSB ANC91LA036Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Moose Creek, AKThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain aircraft control, proper altitude not maintained, and failure to maintain flying speed. Contributing to the accident was the high altitude terrain.NTSB MIA91RA102Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna 402C · Treasure Cay, BahamasNTSB CHI91FA108Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Thief River Fls, MNImproper IFR procedure of the pilot, while intercepting the ILS localizer, by not maintianing the minimum descent altitude (mda) for that segment of the approach.NTSB ATL91FA067Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-201T · Hamilton, NCThe pilot's improper use of equipment which affected the operation of the standby vacuum pump, the pilot's loss of aircraft control after experiencing spatial disorientation, and his exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft. Factors related to the…NTSB MIA91MA100Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Bronson, FLThe pilot's failure to activate the pitot heat before ascending above the freezing level in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), followed by his improper response to erroneous airspeed indications that resulted from blockage of the pitot tube by…NTSB LAX91FA134Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Buckeye, AZThe pilot of the airplane exceeding the certificated never exceed velocity. The overloading of the wing attachment fittings while maneuvering was a factor in the accident.NTSB LAX91FA132Accident · 10 fatalField investigationFinal reportHawker Siddeley DH.125-1A/522 · San Diego, CAImproper planning/decision by the pilot, the pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude and clearance over mountainous terrain, and the copilot's failure to adequately monitor the progress of the flight. Factors related to the accident were: insufficient…NTSB FTW91FA049Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 36 · New Braunfels, TXThe pilot's disregard for the minimum descent altitude and failure to perform a missed approach. Factors were the pilot's attempt to fly into known adverse weather conditions, low ceiling, rain, and fog.NTSB ATL91LA066Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBenson B8M · Hartselle, ALThe improper installation of the main rotor bearing block by the owner/pilot which resulted in the separation of the main rotor system.NTSB LAX91FA133Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320D · Gorman, CAVFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) by the pilot, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident were: the terrain and weather conditions.NTSB MIA91LA096Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBartholomew Kolb Twinstar · Bronson, FLPilot-in-command's decision to initiate a flight with known deficiencies in his equipment in that his airspeed indicator was inoperative. He then failed to maintain airspeed in a turn on final approach, stalled, and crashed.NTSB MIA91FA095Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35-C33A · Key West, FLThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed, while returning for an emergency landing following propeller failure, resulting in the aircraft stalling and entering a spin.NTSB DEN91FA049Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Sterling, COPoor judgement of the pilot and his misjudgement of altitude while buzzing over glassy water. His lack of visual ques to judge altitude over glassy water was a related factor.NTSB LAX91FA124Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Palm Springs, CAIncapacitation of the pilot due to inadequate sleep.NTSB FTW91LA048Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B II · High Island, TXFor occurrence #1 - inadequate supervision by the operator in launching a hazardous mission without an adequate sling/harness, the pilot's poor judgement in accepting and continuing the mission into low light conditions, and the crewmember's inadvertent…NTSB CHI91DCQ04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna A-188 · Harper, KSThe pilot inadvertently stalling the airplane.NTSB SEA91FA061Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Bellingham, WAVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain proper altitude and/or cleareance from the mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the adverse weather and terrain conditions.NTSB SEA91FA060Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Bellingham, WAVFR flight by the non-instrument rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain proper altitude and/or clearance from the mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the adverse weather and…NTSB DEN91FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Whites City, NMThe pilot's inflight decision to fly at low altitude. Factors were: turbulence and downdrafts.NTSB LAX91FA116Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Monterey Park, CASuicide.NTSB DCA91MA023Accident · 25 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBoeing 737-291 · Colorado Spgs, COA loss of control of the airplane resulting from the movement of the rudder surface to its blowdown limit. The rudder surface most likely deflected in a direction opposite to that commanded by the pilots as a result of a jam of the main rudder power control…NTSB CHI91LA102Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 15AC · St.Croix Falls, WIFailure to conduct a passenger safety briefing, and inadequate supervision, by the pilot in command. A factor related to the accident is the passenger's inattentiveness.NTSB LAX91FA117Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Green Valley, CAThe pilot's loss of aircraft control due to his disregard for and poor evaluation of significant weather advisories forecasting adverse weather conditions along the route of flight and the pilot's decision to initiate the flight.NTSB DEN91FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Taos, NMThe pilot's decision to initiate flight into freezing rain which resulted in structural icing that exceeded the ability of the aircraft to maintain flight. A factor was: improper deicing.NTSB FTW91FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-600 · Fort Chaffee, ARThe pilot's operation of the aircraft with known deficiencies in equipment. Factors were the improper overhaul of the engines by other maintenance personnel resulting in oil loss, deteriorated engine performance, and unsuitable terrain.NTSB SEA91FA059Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Oregon City, ORThe pilot's failure to attain proper airspeed before takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were the binding brake, the uphill grass airstrip, the tail wind weather conditions, and the improper annual inspection that was just completed on the aircraft.NTSB MIA91FA089Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · La Belle, FLThe pilot-in-command/cfi improper supervision of the dual student. This resulted in an in flight loss of control, stall/spin, and collision with terrain for failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in a turn.NTSB CHI91DCJ01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 172N · Western, NESpatial disorientation which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. A factor related to the accident was VFR flight into IMC.NTSB BFO91LA025Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182C · Bonnyman, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance. Contributing was inadequate altitude.NTSB MIA91FA085Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportParker Warren Whittman Formula VEE · Pompano Beach, FLThe pilot-in-command's in flight loss of control due to incapacitation resulting from underlying severe heart disease. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-in-command's not reporting the history of hypertension and heart problems during his FAA medical…NTSB LAX91FA111Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Carlsbad, CAThe cfi/pic's inadequate in-flight planning/decision and the continued VFR flight into an area of IMC conditions. The pilot's impairment due to high levels of antihistamine and the low ceiling were factors in the accident.NTSB SEA91FA057Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182J · Glendale, ORThe pilot's failure to use all available runway for this landing, aggravated by his failure to initiate a go-around after misjudging the proper touchdown point and landing with a tailwind.NTSB FTW91FA043Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-60 · Tulsa, OKThe shutdown of one engine for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain vmca during a critical phase of flight. A factor in the accident was the pilot's improper emergency procedure.NTSB SEA91FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-15 · Cottage Grove, ORThe pilot did not maintain an adequate airspeed. Factors to the accident were: a dark night condition and an uncontrolled stall/spin.NTSB FTW91FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Thornton, TXThe pilot's decision to fly into known adverse weather and the wet microburst. A factor was his disregard for the forecast.NTSB LAX91FA106Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Fredonia, AZThe pilot's inattention to the airspeed and subsequent loss of aircraft control after attempting VFR flight into adverse weather conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to recognize his limitations of his aircraft.NTSB DCA91MA021Accident · 2 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-9-15 · Cleveland, OHThe failure of the flightcrew to detect and remove ice contamination on the airplane's wings, which was largely a result of a lack of appropriate response by the federal aviation administration, Douglas aircraft company, and ryan international airlines to the…NTSB LAX91FA108Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Kyburz, CAThe pilot's attempt to conduct his visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and the loss of aircraft control by becoming spatial disoriented. The low ceilings and the dark night that existed in the area were factors in the accident.NTSB FTW91FA038Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Falfurrias, TXThe pilot's improper compensation for wind conditions, the pilot not maintaining airspeed above vs during the go-around attempt and the pilot's impairment due to drugs. Factors were the gusting crosswind conditions and the pilot's lack of total aircraft…NTSB DEN91FA043Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportLearjet 35A · Aspen, COThe flight crew's failure to maintain airspeed and control of the airplane while maneuvering to land. Contributing factors were the flight crew's execution of an unstabilized approach and the surrounding snow-covered mountainous terrain.NTSB ATL91FA054Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Crossville, TNThe improper flight planning by the noninstrument rated pilot which resulted in his inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions in mountainous terrain.NTSB SEA91LA050Accident · 4 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Ogden, UTThe pilot elected to fly into known adverse weather and encountered icing conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather and a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX91FA098Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Santa Paula, CAInadequate visual lookout by the Bell 206B pilot, which resulted in his failure to see-and-avoid the pitts S-2A. A factor related to the accident was: the S-2A pilot's restricted visibility from the tailwheel equipped airplane, once it was in position on the…