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 DEN91FA042Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206 · Yampa, COInadvertent accelerated stall by the pilot in command while attempting a turn in close proximity to terrain. A factor was the high altitude.NTSB LAX91FA094Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing N2S-3 · Sonoma, CAThe pilot-in-command/cfi's performance of a low altitude aerobatic maneuver from which he failed to recover. Factors which contributed to the accident related to the pic's improper inflight decision, poor judgment, and his psychological condition.NTSB LAX91FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Petaluma, CAThe pilot's inadvertent flight into IMC and his failure to maintain aircraft control of the airplane. Factors which contributed to the accident related to the pilot becoming disoriented in the dark, nighttime, instrument weather conditions, and to the pilot's…NTSB DEN91FA039Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-400 · Snowmass, COThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper altitude in mountainous terrain.NTSB NYC91FA073Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-58 · Skaneateles, NYThe pilot's loss of situational awareness/disorientation due to the influences of cocaine, which resulted in the loss of airplane control in instrument meteorological conditions. Factors related to the accident were: psychological impairment, fatigue and…NTSB ATL91FA052Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Munford, ALThe pilot attempting visual flight in instrument meteorological conditions below the minimum safe altitude for terrain clearance. Contributing factors were the low ceiling and mountainous terrain.NTSB ATL91FA051Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Liberty, NCFailure of the pilot to maintain a positive rate-of-climb after lift-off. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, low ceiling, fog, and the pilot's limited experience in a Piper PA-23.NTSB CHI91FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Dutchtown, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane in instrument meteorological conditions and the pilot exceeding the design stress limits of the airplane during the loss of control. Contributing factors were the existing weather conditions.NTSB CHI91FA090Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F.35 · Sidney, OHThe pilot's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors in the accident were the pilot's disregard for directives and overconfidence in his ability.NTSB SEA91FA046Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C-172 · Colstrip, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Factors relating to the accident were the pilot's lack of total night flight experience, his lack of recent night flight experience, the dark night light conditions, and the mountainous/hilly terrain…NTSB CHI91FA088Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Osceola, WIFailure of the pilots in both aircraft to seeing-and-avoid the other airplane.NTSB ATL91LA048Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Lumberton, NCThe pilot suffered a stroke and lost control of the airplane on final approach.NTSB ATL91FA047Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Cordele, GAFailure of the pilot to attain proper runway alignment and to maintain proper altitude. Related factors were: darkness and the pilot becoming lost/disoriented.NTSB NYC91FA069Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Augusta, METhe pilot rotated the airplane at an improper speed, then allowed the climb angle to become too steep, causing an inadvertent stall at too low an altitude to allow recovery. Contributing factors in the accident were; the pilot failed to use all of the…NTSB DCA91MA018Accident · 34 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBoeing 737-300 · Los Angeles, CAThe failure of the Los Angeles air traffic facility management to implement procedures that provided redundancy comparable to the requirements contained in the national operational position standards and the failure of the FAA air traffic service to provide…NTSB LAX91FA086Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Dunsmuir, CAThe pilot's delayed go-around attempt and improper use of carburetor heat. Contributing to the accident was a degradation of engine power due to fuel contamination from sand and rust.NTSB MIA91FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Orlando, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control in instrument conditions and his spatial disorientation. Factors were a failure of the vacuum pump and the pilot's lack of recent experience in partial panel instrument flying or training.NTSB NYC91FA067Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMBB BK 117 B-1 · Sonestown, PAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning to assure that the intended course and altitude provided adequate terrain clearance. Contributing factor(s) was: the dark night, snow and mountainous terrain.NTSB NYC91DFA02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHayes Kolb/Twinstar · Round Lake, NYIn-flight structural failure of the outboard wing attachment fittings on both wings due to an undetermined reason.NTSB FTW91FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · S Tim Blk 198For undetermined reason(s), the helicoper crashed at sea (gulf of Mexico) in an area with a low ceiling, rain, and thunderstorms.NTSB FTW91FA033Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Oppella, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper climb rate following loss of his visual references and allowing himself to become diverted during the takeoff. Factors in the accident were interrupted instrument lighting and the dark night conditions.NTSB ATL91FA043Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337C · Bryson City, NCThe inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions in mountainous terrain by the noninstrument rated pilot.NTSB LAX91FA081Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Sacramento, CAA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the ensuing emergency landing.NTSB DEN91FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Olton, TXThe pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the airframe and the performance of aerobatics at an altitude insufficient for recovery.NTSB NYC91LA064Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Batavia, NYThe failure of the pilot to ensure an adequate amount of fuel was on board for the planned flight which resulted in a double power loss due to the fuel exhaustion.NTSB ATL91FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310 · Brunswick, GAThe incapacitation of the pilot.NTSB DEN91FA034Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Mancos, COFailure of the student pilot to follow procedures and directives by continuing the flight at night and subsequently encountering adverse weather conditions. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, the student's lack of experience, adverse weather…NTSB ATL91FA040Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell 114 · Bessemer, ALFailure of the pilot to follow instrument flight rules (IFR) and maintain the minimum descent altitude (mda) during the VOR approach. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the adverse weather conditions.NTSB FTW91FA031Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell B 206B III · So. Pass Blk 70The pilot's loss of control of the aircraft for undetermined reasons shortly after departure. Factors in the accident were the restrictions to visibility that existed at the time.NTSB CHI91DEC01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMocock Avid Amphibian · Milford, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff which resulted in a stall. A factor related to the accident were the gusty wind conditions.NTSB ATL91FA041Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech K35 · Lafayette, TNPartial loss of engine for an undetermined reason. The adverse weather conditions, darkness, and radio tower were related factors.NTSB DEN91LA036Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180K · Patterson, LAThe pilot's failure to identify an unsafe or hazardous condition. Factors were: rough water and high winds.NTSB ATL91FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35 · Arden, NCFor undetermined reasons, the engine lost power.NTSB NYC91FA060Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Brookline, NHThe failure of the flight instructor (CFI) to attain remedial action after control of the airplane was lost for an unknown reason.NTSB MIA91FA069Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Lantana, FLThe pilot in commands failure to maintain airspeed while performing a go around resulting in the airplane stalling and colliding with the ground in an uncontrolled descent.NTSB LAX91FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Hayward, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude. Contributing factors related to the pilot's improper VFR procedures and his misjudged evaluation of the weather in daylight conditions. Additional factors related to the presence of low clouds and to the restricted…NTSB FTW91FA030Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney 20J · Newcastle, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Factors were spatial disorientation, improper IFR procedures, and the dark night with low ceilings and rain.NTSB CHI91LA071Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Fayette, MOThe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane. Factors were the pilot's overconfidence in his personal ability, and flight into known adverse weather.NTSB CHI91DEP03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAir Command 503 · Tomahawk, WIThe pilot-in-command's abrupt movement of the flight controls which resulted in loss of rotor RPM and eventual departure from controlled flight. A factor contributing was ice accumulation on the pilot's face resulting in pilot incapacitation (visual…NTSB MIA91WA066Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206F · MontserratNTSB ATL91FA020Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Pageland, SCFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft, due to spatial disorientation. Factors related to the accident were: the weather conditions and the malfunction of a gyro instrument (probably the attitude indicator).NTSB FTW91FA028Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFolland Gnat T-1 · Bossier City, LAImproper planning/decision by the pilot and his delay in diverting to an alternate airport, which resulted in fuel exhaustion due to lack of fuel. The adverse weather conditions and radio malfunction were related factors.NTSB MIA91WA062Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech 58 · St. Maarten I., NTNTSB ATL91FAMS1Accident · 2 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 172D · Missing (Atlantic Ocean)The pilot's continuation of visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of aircraft control. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing before…NTSB NYC91FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Gallipolis, OHThe pilot allowed the speed of the airplane to get too slow, resulting in an inadvertant stall at too low an altitude to allow recovery. A factor relating to the accident was the pilot's trepidation about a successful landing because of the weather.NTSB LAX91FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Sacramento, CAThe failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain control of the airplane while flying in instrument meteorological conditions and spatial disorientation of the pilot-in-command. Contributing to the accident was diversion of the pilot's attention to…NTSB FTW91FA027Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Muskogee, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft, due to spatial disorientation. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, adverse weather conditions, and the pilot's physical impairment from the chronic sinus infection.NTSB CHI91FA059Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Freeport, ILThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed. Factors contributing were the pilot-in-command's misuse of flaps and his lack of total experience in this type of operation.NTSB SEA91FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Port Orchard, WAThe pilot's failure to initiate an aborted takeoff at a time that left adequate runway remaining to bring the aircraft to a stop.NTSB LAX91FA065Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Glendale, CAThe pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his improper inflight decision to turn to the left, which resulted in flight toward higher terrain. The terrain and weather conditions were related factors.