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 SEA90FA163Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Wrangell, AKThe pilot did not maintain an adequate airspeed. The pilot's lack of recent experience in the Cessna 185 was a contributing factor.NTSB CHI90DER06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMooney M20C · Webster, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. Factors related to the accident were: the dark night, the pilot's alcohol impairment, and his night flying restriction.NTSB ANC90LA190Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Cathedral Rapid, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude above the terrain which resulted in a loss of airspeed and a stall/spin while maneuvering to avoid terrain. The mountainous terrain, high winds, and high density altitude were factors which contributed to the…NTSB ANC90LA143Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Aniak, AKPilot lost control of the airplane as a result of encountering severe weather either during takeoff or landing. Contributing to the accident was the severe weather, rough water surface, and self-induced pressure to fly by the pilot.NTSB MIA90FA168Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErco 415-C · Huntersville, NCFailure of the pilot in command to maintain airspeed.NTSB ATL90FA158Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T-6G · Locust Grove, GAThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain aircraft control during maneuvering flight, allowing the airplane to stall without sufficient altitude for recovery.NTSB MIA90LA170Accident · 4 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)Undetermined. The airplane is missing.NTSB ATL90FA157Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Greenwood, SCThe pilot's improper emergency procedure by shutting down the wrong engine, which resulted in a forced landing. Factors related to the accident were: failure of the number three intake valve in the right engine due to fatigue, and trees in the emergency…NTSB LAX90DVM03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportIlli Thunder Gull · Calif Valley, CAPoor judgement of the pilot from use of a drug (cocaine), and the pilot allowing the design stress limits of the aircraft to be exceeded, while maneuvering, which resulted in overload failure of the wing spar & wing separation.NTSB CHI90DEV09Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPietenpol AIR Camper · Minonk, ILThe pilot's inattention to visual lookout.NTSB CHI90DEM08Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 150L · Holland, MIUndetermined. Factors related to the accident were: darkness & impairment of the pilot due to carbon monoxide.NTSB FTW90FA152Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Leesville, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain vs while maneuvering and the fact that altitude was insufficient for recovery from the inadvertent stall.NTSB CHI90FA214Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Donnybrook, NDThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in hilly terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and the surrounding steeply rising terrain.NTSB CHI90DEV07Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPitts S2B · Springfield, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain flying speed and allowed the aircraft to stall during the break turn to downwind.NTSB BFO90LA072Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A152 · Hyden, KYThe pilot intentionally continuing VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of aircraft control. Factors contributing to the accident were the thunderstorms and the pilot's lack of instrument…NTSB ANC90FA134Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportHelio Courier H-295 · 40 Se Bettles, AKThe failure and separation of the #5 connecting rod bolt and cap which resulted in the rupture of the engine housing and subsequent engine fire due to oil spillage, and an inadequately mounted vertical fin/stabilator. A contributing factor was the inadequate…NTSB NYC90FA181Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Palmer Township, PAThe failure of the student pilot to maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall/spin with insufficient altitude for recovery. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the student pilot's poor judgement in buzzing a residential area, and his lack of…NTSB CHI90FA212Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing A75N1 · Oshkosh, WIThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed sufficient to avoid a stall/spin at an altitude insufficient to effect a full recovery.NTSB CHI90DCJ01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna A188B · Amherst, NEThe pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines in his area of operation.NTSB ATL90FA153Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Southport, NCThe entry into a flat spin which precluded recovery by the pilot. The reason for the spin becoming flat could not be determined.NTSB MIA90FA163Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Baker Hill, ALAn inadvertent stall/spin. Factors were airspeed not maintained, altitude inadequate for safe recovery, and attention diverted.NTSB CHI90DEM07Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPitts SA-1 · East Jordan, MIThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain altitude during low altitude aerobatics.NTSB SEA90FA149Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Leavenworth, WAThe pilot's misjudgement in preflight planning when departing toward rising terrain. Contributing factors in this accident were his decision to attempt a climb-out with full flaps extended, and the minimal performance data available to him upon which he could…NTSB NYC90FA179Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-1B · Springfield, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and the inadvertent stall of the airplane at an altitude from which recovery was not possible.NTSB NYC90FA176Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · North Andover, MAThe controller issued an unauthorized alternate missed approach procedure that did not provide adequate terrain clearance, and the pilot delayed obtaining a proper rate of climb during the missed approach. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and…NTSB ATL90FA150Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18A · Conway, SCTowline interference with the rudder, and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall/spinn. A factor that contributed to the accident was: failure of the company/operator management to adequately guard against such…NTSB NYC90DHA02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportSnyder MA-5 Charger · Hamburg, PAFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. The pilot's abrupt maneuver was a related factor.NTSB LAX90DVA07Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAir Tractor AT-401 · San Joaquin, CAThe failure of the no. 4 cylinder head.NTSB FTW90GA146Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRobinson R22B · Tahlequah, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude.NTSB CHI90FA197Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCustom Aerotech White Lightning · Oshkosh, WIThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed to avoid loss of control of the aircraft.NTSB SEA90FA146Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportWheeler Technology FT-210 · Linch, WYFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft and/or correct the stall/spin.NTSB NYC90FA171Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLake LA-4-200 · Gt. Barrington, MAThe pilot in command's failure to properly maintain the engine, the inadequate annual maintenance inspection, low compression, and improper magneto timing. A factor was the resultant deteriorated climb performance.NTSB FTW90DRD14Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Sommerset, LAThe pilot's failure to attain adequate clearance above crops at the end of the runway.NTSB CHI90FA193Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38 · Hinckley, ILThe instructor pilot's inability to recover from a stall/spin. Factors were: acft wt & balance exceeded, and the instructor's and student pilot's lack of familiarity with acft.NTSB LAX90FA265Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Apple Valley, CAImproper preflight planning/decision by the pilot. Factors related to the accident were: failue of the pilot to configure the aircraft's flaps for a soft field takeoff, his improper use of stabilator trim, high density altitude, soft runway, and trees near…NTSB DEN90DTE04Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportOlsen Pursuit · Fowler, COFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed on final approach to land, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A factor relate to the accident was: the pilot's physical impairment from carbon monoxide.NTSB CHI90FA190Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Plymouth, MIInadequate visual lookout by the pilot of the PA-60. A factor related to the accident was that neither of the flight crews had obatained atc/radar assistance.NTSB FTW90DRD13Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportde Havilland DH-82A · Youngsville, LAThe pilot's failure to touch down at the proper point on the landing surface. A contributing factor was the late initiation of the aborted landing.NTSB FTW90DRA07Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBensen B-8M · Hearne, TXThe pilot's loss of control in flight due to excessive control inputs and his abrupt attempts to recover control of the aircraft prior to impact.NTSB LAX90FA260Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B36TC · Santee, CAThe pilot's decision to attempt VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Factors contributing to the accident were: the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing, the existing weather…NTSB CHI90DER02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportNorth American P-51D · Mayer, MNUndeterminedNTSB FTW90FA141Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Garfield, COThe pilot's decision to fly into the mountain pass and the subsequent inability to maintain adequate ground clearance.NTSB ATL90FA144Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 305A · Fruitdale, ALThe pilot exercised poor judgment by attempting to operate the airplane while impaired by alcohol.NTSB NYC90LA160Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna U206F · Augusta, MEImproper planning/decision by the pilot, and his failure to compensate for wind conditions. The unfavorable wind conditions and rough water were related factors.NTSB LAX90DUG08Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportSelstad VARI-EZE · Corona, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's lack of experience in the type of aircraft, his impairment from consumption of alcohol, and inadequate altitude to recover from the loss of control.NTSB CHI90FA185Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Grand Marais, MNPoor judgement of the pilot due to his impairment from consumption of alcohol, and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor related to the accident was: pilot fatigue due to lack of sleep.NTSB DEN90FA161Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Hettinger, NDThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during climbout. Contributing factors were: the pilot's lack of recent experience, and the over maximum gross weight condition of the aircraft.NTSB SEA90LA130Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLarsen Charles Bennett Phoenix Vendetta LS · Boulder City, NVPilot did not maintain an adequate airspeed while in the pattern for landing which resulted in the airplane entering spin.NTSB LAX90FA252Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Pinon, AZFailure of the pilot to attain the proper touchdown point during the landing, her delay in initiating a go-around (aborted landing), and her failure to remain clear of power lines on rising terrain during the aborted landing. Factors related to the accident…NTSB DEN90FA159Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210R · Ogden, UTFailure of the #1 piston due to pre-ignition/detonation in the #1 cylinder, and inadequate visual lookout by the pilot (his failure to see-and-avoid the obstruction). The obstruction (power line) was a related factor.