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 MIA91LA027Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)Delay of the pilot to obtain assistance and, as a result, he ditched the airplane near a boat due to a low fuel supply.NTSB LAX91LA032Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · San Clemente, CAThe pilots selection of improper cruise altitude while operating under a low overcast on a dark night. A factor in the accident was fatigue and lack of sleep.NTSB FTW91DRG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportTaylor Titch MK III · Seguin, TXThe pilot lost control at low level. Factors were the pilot attempting aerobatic maneuvers with insuffient altitude for recovery.NTSB NYC91LA029Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-301R · Alton, NHThe total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the severity of the accident was the unsuitable terrain in which the forced landing was made.NTSB MIA91GA025Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportBeech A-90 · Crestview, FLThe pilot-in-command/cfi improper supervision of the dual student. This resulted in an in flight loss of control, and collision with terrain for failure to maintain minimum control airspeed (VMC) while conducting a simulated emergency procedure.NTSB DEN91FA017Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Aspen, COImproper planning/decision by the pilot and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, while turning over high terrain beside the airport, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors related to the accident were: excessive gross weight of the aircraft,…NTSB CHI91FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182D · Walker, MIVFR flight into IMC conditions. Factors related to the accident are failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing, becoming lost/disoriented, induction air filter icing, excessive workload, and lack of total experience in type of operation.NTSB DEN91DQA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportYoung 2/3 Scale · Alamogordo, NMPartial loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, improper planning/decision by the pilot, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB MIA91FA023Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Flamingo, FLAn undetermined airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, which resulted in a fuel fed fire in the left wing.NTSB FTW91FA012Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper 601P · Nacogdoches, TXFailure of the pilot to follow IFR procedures and maintain the proper altitude. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, dark night, low fuel state of the aircraft, and trees at the accident site.NTSB NYC91FA025Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Bradford, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance while maneuvering to land during an instrument approach. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing prior to departure, his delayed decision to make an…NTSB BFO91DID01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportAeronca Champion 7BCM · Suffolk, VAA loss of engine power due to low cylinder compression. The low compression was a result of exhaust valve leakage and inadequate maintenance and inspection. In addition, the pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in the airplane stalling.NTSB ATL91FA015Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Rock Hill, SCThe pilot misjudged the aircraft's altitude/clearance above the runway during a low pass and allowed the propeller to contact the runway; he then failed to maintain airspeed after a pull-up and allowed the aircraft to stall.NTSB NYC91LA024Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Buckland, MAThe pilot's failure to execute an aerobatic maneuver at an altitude sufficient to clear the stand of trees.NTSB MIA91FA020Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 680V · Fort Lauderdale, FLThe pilot-in-command's decision to continue takeoff with a known deficiency in the airplane - low power on both engines which resulted from open compressor surge valves. The pilot subsequently failed to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in a turn resulting…NTSB CHI91DEM01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportErcoupe 415C · Shelby, MIThe pilot's continued flight into IMC.NTSB CHI91DEE01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPitts Special S1-S · Dekalb, ILThe pilot's attempt to perform aerobatic maneuvers at low altitude.NTSB LAX91FA020Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-1B · Solana Beach, CAThe inadvertent stall/spin. Factors in the accident were: the pilot's decision to allow the reporter passenger to fly the aircraft in a critical flight situation, his decision to allow the aircraft to descend to an altitude too low to allow for contingencies,…NTSB CHI91FA022Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 195 · Flint, MIThe pilot-in-command's inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel tank system. Factor(s) were: water contamination in the fuel.NTSB MIA91FA017Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Marathon, FLThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed, while attempting to make a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power. Fatigue failure of the center rocker boss on the #3 cylinder was a related factor.NTSB LAX91FA022Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-108 · Oceanside, CAThe pilot initiating an instrument flight without operating air/ground communications equipment, and his failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance after apparently deciding to return to the airport. Factors contributing to the accident were inoperative…NTSB FTW91FA010Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Kingsland, TXThe pilot's failure to avoid flying into the mountain.NTSB DEN91FA013Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Belen, NMThe pilot misjudged the aircraft's altitude (ground clearance) above the desert terrain.NTSB DEN91FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Carbondale, COFailure of the pilot to see-and-avoid the power line.NTSB ATL91FA008Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Georgetown, SCThe pilot-in-command's loss of consciousness during flight. The reason for the loss of consciousness could not be determined.NTSB LAX91LA013Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G5 · AntarcticaThe pilot's failure to maintain on adequate altitude while maneuvering above the water.NTSB LAX91FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Goleta, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain proper glidepath while on final approach. A contributing factor was sunglare.NTSB MIA91FA014Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDaniel S. Taylor Sonerai II LS · Prattville, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. Factors were undetermined loss of engine power and lack of experience in type.NTSB ATL91FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportOlsen-Gordon Veri EZE · Hohenwald, TNThe failure of the left rudder control cable which rendered the airplane uncontrollable.NTSB DEN91FA010Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-125 · Levelland, TXInadvertent stall/spin at an altitude insufficient to effect recovery.NTSB ATL91FA005Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPitts Special S-1 · Ocala, FLThe pilot experiencced spatial disorientation, lost control of the airplane during a spin maneuver and collided with the ground.NTSB MIA91FA011Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Everglades City, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude and his spatial disorientation during a night takeoff over water.NTSB CHI91FA011Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Fort Wayne, INThe failure of the pilot to maintain an airspeed above stalling speed. Factors associated with the accident are premature rotation and the pilot's lack of recent total experience.NTSB MIA91WA012Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34-200T · Lascahobas, HaitiNTSB SEA91FA144Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Mullan, IDThe pilot's VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The adverse weather and terrain conditions were related factors.NTSB NYC91DHA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportJames Cote Kolb Twinstar MK II · Gilbertsville, PAThe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft after an interuption of power.NTSB CHI91GA014Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 172P · Williamsburg, IAThe pilot-in-command's abrupt pull-up to avoid an obstacle. Contributing was the pilot-in-command's diverted attention to activities on the ground.NTSB NYC91DNC01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportSkytek Skyseeker MK II · Chapman, MEIn-flight failure of the outboard section of the wing, and the loss of aircraft control. Due to the unauthorized structural modification by the pilot/owner.NTSB ANC91GAMS1Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportGulfstream Aerospace 690C · Deadhorse, AKMissing aircraft.NTSB LAX91DUM01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA28-140 · El Cajon, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain flying speed. Contributing to the accident was an engine power loss for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX91FA005Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Redlands, CAA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a fuel system leak of an undetermined origin.NTSB NYC91FA006Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Griswold, CTA broken ehaust valve spring that resulted in a partial loss of power. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, lack of suitable terrain, and failure of the occupants to use their shoulder harnesses.NTSB NYC91FA005Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Ottawa, OHFailure of the pilot to follow the proper instrument procedure and maintain the minimum descent altitude (mda) during an approach to the airport at night in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB LAX91LA004Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Rio Linda, CAThe airplane's ground collision with an unauthorized person who was located on the active runway. A contributing factor was related to the nighttime (light) condition which limited the pilot's ability to see the person prior to the impact.NTSB FTW91FA002Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEnstrom F28-C · Mesquite, TXInstallation error of company maintenance personnel. Factors were the unsuitable terrain, the tailwind, the inability of the pilot to maintain main rotor RPM, and the inadequate annual inspection by company maintenance personnel.NTSB LAX91LA003Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Riverside, CAImpairment of the pilot from use of drugs (cocaine), and his failure to maintain clearance (or altitude) from the mountain. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the pilot's psychological condtion (depression).NTSB DEN91LA003Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRaven S-55A · Bernalillo, NMThe pilot to maintain adequate visual lookout, resulting in an inflight collision with power lines.NTSB MIA91LA005Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-9-31 · Cape Canaveral, FLFailure of the captain to follow procedures, his improper in-flight planning/decision by allowing the aircraft to continue into the overhang (anvil) of a thunderstorm, failure of the passengers to abide by procedures/instructions concerning use of seat belts,…NTSB NYC91LA002Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportForney 415D · Morrisville, NYThe pilot executing a left turn at an altitude insufficient to clear a corn field located in close proximity to the departure runway.NTSB LAX91FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Flagstaff, AZThe pilot's decision to operate the aircraft with a known discrepancy; inadequate maintenance procedures; and the pilot's inflight loss of control due to smoke and fumes in the cockpit.