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 NYC90FA215Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300 · Montgomery, NYAn inadequate preflight by the pilot which resulted in a power loss due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB FTW90FA176Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 36 · Baird, TXThe pilot-in-command failed to maintain control of the airplane while flying in severe weather and instrument meteorological conditions. The adverse weather conditions were a factor.NTSB DEN90FA182Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportStinson 108-1 · Gallup, NMThe pilot inadvertently stalling his aircraft at an insufficient altitude to effect a recovery. A factor was high density attitude.NTSB CHI90DCJ02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAero Commander Calair A9B · Ord, NEThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during low altitude maneuvering.NTSB BFO90FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Forest Hill, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the turn from base to final approach. A factor was the pilot's abrupt aircraft handling during the turn.NTSB ANC90LA173Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Glacier Island, AKUndetermined mechanical failure(s) that resulted in loss of engine power, smoke in the cockpit, and a subsequent emergency descent for a forced landing (ditching) at sea. The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a related factor.NTSB ANC90FA167Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft DCO-75 · Mckinley Park, AKFailure of both pilots to maintain adequate visual lookout to see-and-avoid other aircraft.NTSB LAX90FA316Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEnstrom F28C · Santa Paula, CAThe excessive approach speed to the pinnacle landing point and the pilot's delayed landing flare. Factors in the accident were: lack of total experience in this type of operation.NTSB ATL90FA163Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-36 · Nashville, TNThe company/operator management's decision to operate the aircraft with a known deficiency without further maintenance, the pilot's improper planning/decision and the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff (while there was sufficient runway remaining). Factors…NTSB LAX90FA311Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 411 · Fallon, NVFailure of the pilot to perform emergency procedures for loss of engine power (including his failure to feather the propeller of the affected engine). Factors related to the accident were: inadequate maintenance, contamination in the fuel system, and overheat…NTSB LAX90FA310Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth NIMBUS-2C · California City, CAThe pilot's improper decision to execute the rapid climbing turn maneuver at an insufficient airspeed. Contributing to this accident was the premature dumping of the glider's water ballast.NTSB ANC90FA161Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-325 · Kaltag, AKFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate altitude after becoming distracted with an engine problem. Factors related to the accident were: loss of power in the #2 engine for an unknown reason and the low overcast condition.NTSB CHI90FA252Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Pine City, MNThe pilot's misjudgement of the fuel supply, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed. A factor was the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model of aircraft.NTSB ANC90FA164Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P206C · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot-in-command's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and failure to maintain adequate altitude for terrain clearance. Factors to the accident were the adverse weather conditions, mountainous terrain, and the dark night.NTSB NYC90LA209Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Montauk, NYPilot failed to attain airspeed during a go around, resulting in the airplane stalling at a low altitude. Contributing factor was the pilot's attention was diverted to airport maintenance personnel working near the approach end of the runway.NTSB FTW90FA171Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320 · Center, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain minimum control speed (VMC) and lack of qualification/training in multi-engine aircraft, which resulted in loss of aircraft control. A factor related to the accident was: failure of the left engine turbocharger, which resulted…NTSB CHI90FA250Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A23A · St Paul, MNImproper planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, due to an inadequate supply of fuel, and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB MIA90FA177Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177-A · Gainesville, FLThe pilot's failure to refuel prior to flight.NTSB NYC90LA203Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Provincetown, MAThe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted an inadvertent stall/spin. Probable factors related to the accident were: failure of the pilot to follow procedures/directives, and his lack of proper certification (qualification) for…NTSB FTW90FA167Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Bulverde, TXMismanagement of the fuel supply resulting in fuel starvation. Factors were the pilot's lack of experience in the airplane, the dark night condition, and the trees.NTSB BFO90FA073Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Richland, VAThe pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and failure to maintain proper clearance from high terrain. Darkness and the adverse weather conditions were related factors.NTSB ANC90FA158Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Sitka, AKImproper planning/decision by the pilot, and his failure to follow IFR procedures and maintain clearance from mountainous terrain.NTSB SEA90FA167Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150-L · Newman Lake, WAThe pilot's poor judgement in attempting to land at an unlighted airstrip at night and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a go around.NTSB SEA90FA166Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Salem, ORThe pilot allowed the design stress limits of the aircraft to be exceeded. Factors related to the accident concerned inadvertent flight by the pilot into known adverse weather conditions.NTSB CHI90MA244Accident · 5 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Elkhorn, WIImproper planning/decision by the pilot, and his failure to attain adequate altitude before flying over rising terrain at night. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, fog, haze, rising terrain, and the lack of visual cues that were available to the…NTSB FTW90FA168Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Baton Rouge, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in an inadvertent stall during the steep turn. A factor was the door opening in flight.NTSB DEN90FA176Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCameron O-84 · Taos, NMThe pilot's improper decision to attempt a go-around. A factor was the unfavorable wind encountered late in the attempted landing.NTSB CHI90FA240Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Marine City, MIPilot-in-command's ostentation display resulted in his failure to maintain flying sped, and a subsequent stall.NTSB LAX90FA300Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T-210-M · Placerville, CAThe pilot's misidentification of the airport and his failure to select an adequate altitude above the terrain. Factors in the accident were the pilot's disregard for his night time medical limitation and lack of geographic familiarity with the area.NTSB FTW90DQG04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Lubbock, TXFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude during a turn-around maneuver, which resulted in the aircraft stalling into the ground.NTSB CHI90FA239Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7GCAA · Clark Lake, MIPoor judgement of the pilot due to consumption of alcohol, and his failure to maintain proper altitude and clearance above water, while performing aerobatic maneuvers.NTSB NYC90FA199Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T2 · Mattapan, MAThe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in his failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors related to the accident were: failure of the left fuel control unit, and the adverse weather conditions.NTSB LAX90DUJ09Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportStits SA6B · Tucson, AZThe failure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control.NTSB FTW90MA161Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportGrumman G-159 · Houston, TXPartial failure of the left engine fuel pump, which resulted in a partial loss of power in the left engine, but not enough of a power loss to trigger and/or complete the autofeathering operation of the left propeller, thus allowing insufficient time for the…NTSB FTW90FA160Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale/Socata TB-10 · Ada, OKImproper planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in his failure to attain sufficient airspeed for a climb profile. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot allowed the weight and balance of the aircraft to exceed the certified limits, his use of…NTSB SEA90FA165Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30-160 · Kalispell, MTFailure of the pilot to flare the aircraft for landing and to maintain its control during the attempted go-around (aborted landing). Factors related to the accident were: darkness, a number of runway edge lights that were either inoperative or hidden by…NTSB LAX90DUJ06Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportChristen/Walter Christen Eagle II · Marana, AZThe loss of control by the pilot.NTSB BFO90DID01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 172RG · Onancock, VAThe inflight loss of control because the pilot experienced spatial disorientation. Other factors related to the accident are VFR flight into IMC, night conditions.NTSB LAX90FA292Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · Long Beach, CAThe inadequate visual outlook of the pilots of the Cessna 172P and their failure to see and avoid the Piper pa- 28RT-201. Contributing to the accident was the azimuth and angle of the sun which was in a position at the time of the accident to impair the scan…NTSB CHI90FA236Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Watertown, WIInitiation of VFR flight into adverse weather and instrument meteorologial conditions. Factors which contributed to the accident were the adverse weather conditions and the pilot's self-induced pressure to maintain currency.NTSB NYC90DEG02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportTrice Pitts Special S-1S · Hamilton, OHThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI90FA235Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Howell, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance above terrain while maneuvering during takeoff. A factor in the accident was the pilot's attempt to display the aircraft's performance.NTSB MIA90FA171Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNeal Christen Eagle II · Akron, ALFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft and to recover from (or avoid) a subsequent (flat) spin. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's failure to follow established procedures, his lack of familiarity with the aircraft, and the…NTSB DEN90FA170Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech J35 · Santa Fe, NMFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB FTW90DPG09Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGrumman G164A · Osceola, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain proper clearance from the power lines.NTSB ANC90FA146Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A150 · Kenai, AKPilot-in-command's failure to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB NYC90FA192Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCAA · Saltaire, NYThe pilot misjudged his altitude.NTSB CHI90FAMS3Accident · 2 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 172M · Kewaunee, WIUndetermined.NTSB BFO90FA070Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Ridgeway, VAFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall and inflight collision with the terrain.NTSB SEA90LA162Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVaden SA102 Cavalier · Tumwater, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during takeoff following an engine loss of power. The reason for the loss of power was not determined.