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 FTW90DPJ04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMooney M20F · Bethany, OKLoss of control in flight when the pilot stalled and spun the airplane inadvertently while turning to the base leg. A factor was lack of night flying time.NTSB SEA90FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American Navion H · Enumclaw, WAPilot's inadequate preflight planning, and inadvertent flight into IMC conditions. Factors in the accident were the low ceiling and visibility weather conditions, the mountainous/hill terrain, the pilot's lack of instrument qualification and his lack of…NTSB NYC90FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Lloyd, NYPilot factor in that he was attempting VFR flight in inc conditions and collided with a multipurpose communications tower.NTSB DEN90FA085Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421-C · Boulder, COA loss of airplane control as a result control interference by the passenger following a struggle between the pilot and the passenger.NTSB LAX90DUM01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportFreeman H Easton Falcon XP · Glamis, CAThe pilots loss of control while attempting to return to the airstrip after experiencing a partial loss of engine power.NTSB ATL90FA089Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHiller UH-12D · Soddy-Daisy, TNFatigue induced failure of the collective pitch push rod (adjustable) during flight, and the failure of the pilot to provide routine maintenance. The pilot's lack of expereince and his failure to obtain required training and certification were factors in the…NTSB LAX90FA128Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · La Verne, CAThe pilot's improper use of powerolant controls which resulted in an excessive rich mixture and power loss. In addition, the pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing.NTSB CHI90FA105Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Oberlin, OHImproper use of carburetor heat by the dual student, carburetor ice, inadequate supervision to correct the situation by the instructor pilot (CFI), and failure of the CFI to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall. Carburetor icing condition was…NTSB FTW90GA088Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 337G · Notrees, TXThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into known IMC.NTSB ATL90FA093Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · East Ellijay, GAThe non-instrument rated pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB SEA90FA057Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170 · Republic, WAImproper inspection and airworthiness certification of the aircraft on the last annual inspection by an FAA authorized repair station, the inadequate engine performance and low cylinder compression, and the pilots attempt to takeoff with known aircraft…NTSB ANC90FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7ACA · Wasilla, AKThe failure of the PIC to maintain sufficient airspeed to preclude a stall.NTSB DEN90FA076Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182N · Caputa, SDImproper planning/decision by the pilot, accumulation of structural ice and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. The adverrse weather was a related factor.NTSB SEA90LA054Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland DH 82A · White City, ORPilot's delay in taking remedial action to prevent an undershoot. His misjudgement of distance and altitude on final approach were related factors.NTSB LAX90FA123Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Buena Park, CAThe pilot not maintaining the prescribed minimum descent altitude during an instrument approach.NTSB LAX90DUG04Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportWeber Christen Eagle II · Bermuda Dunes, CAThe pilot-in-command's improper use of the flight controls while performing acrobatic maneuvers.NTSB MIA90FA091Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportWohlers Steen/Skybolt · Quincy, FLInflight loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB BFO90FA032Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Bedford, VAThe pilot's decision to fly into known adverse weather conditions and his failure to maintain clearance above the terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self induced pressure, low ceilings, mountainous terrain and rain.NTSB ATL90FA081Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Montezuma, GAThe failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed during the takeoff.NTSB ANC90FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-301 · Almautlak, AKThe pilot's loss of control of the airplane because of spatial disorientation. The weather conditions prevailing at the time were factors relating to the accident.NTSB NYC90FA077Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Forty Fort, PALoss of engine power for an unknown reason, and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB LAX90LA116Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing 727-227 · Phoenix, AZThe unauthorized intrusion onto the runway environment by a pedestrian.NTSB LAX90LA117Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Mesa, AZThe failure of the pilot to follow the airplane checklist and properly configure the airplane for takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's poor preflight preparation and the failure of the pilot to compute the aircraft weight before takeoff.NTSB LAX90FA113Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-161 · Malibu, CAThe pilot's decision to turn into an area of known high terrain after inadvertently encountering instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB LAX90FA112Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Pine Valley, CAThe decision of the pilot to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, spatial disorientation and inadvertent stall/spin. Factors were: obscuration, low ceiling, and over-confidence in ability.NTSB CHI90FA096Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-601P · Bartonville, ILThe pilot allowed the aircraft to exceed its design stress limits after encountering adverse weather. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's improper evaluation of the weather and the adverse weather condtions.NTSB MIA90FA085Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Miramar, FLThe failure of the local controller to provide adequate traffic advisories to N7510H, the local controller's improper clearance to N7510H to descend through the traffic pattern, and the failure of the pilots of both aircraft to see and avoid each other.…NTSB ATL90FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSikorsky HSS-1N · Cross, SCImproper planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion due to an inadequate supply of fuel, and his failure to fly the helicopter in such a manner that would have assured sufficient rotor RPM for an autorotation.NTSB ATL90FA070Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Demorest, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factors were: the pilot's overconfidence, lack of recent flight experience, and the weather conditions.NTSB NYC90FA075Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Smithfield, RIImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in insufficient altitude to recover from a stall. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's lack of total experience and excessive gross weight of the airplane.NTSB MIA90FA081Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale 350D · Miami, FLFatigue failure of an engine turbine blade, which resulted in a loss of power. Rough ocean water in the emergency landing area was a related factor.NTSB FTW90FA079Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Grand Prairie, TXThe CFI pilot failed to maintain flying speed, and the resultant inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was the existing low ceiling.NTSB ATL90FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Dayton, TNThe pilot's intentional use of an autopilot with known deficiencies. The pilot knowingly relied on this autopilot which malfunctioned in flight and resulted in his becoming spatially disorientated.NTSB FTW90FA077Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Fabens, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a takeoff with less than full power resulting in a stall. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to lean the mixture to compensate for the high density altitude, and the gross improper,…NTSB DEN90LA070Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7EC · Pine Ridge, SDThe failure of the pilot to maintain an adequate airspeed, after diverting his attention, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB LAX90LA109Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCameron O-105 · Phoenix, AZImproper modification of the balloon's fuel/heater system by the owner/operator and failure of the fuel line connection, which resulted in a fuel system leak and gondola (basket) fire.NTSB SEA90FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28R-200 · Prairie City, ORUncontrolled spiralling descent that the pilot did not adequately recover from. The pilots lack of total experience in this type of operation and the dark night condition are a factor.NTSB MKC90FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B36TC · Inver Grove Hgt, MNPremature lift-off by the pilot, while taking off with a heavy gross weight in unfavorable winds, and the pilot's failure to attain/maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush.NTSB DEN90FA068Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208A · Denver, COThe accumulation of structural ice and subsequent stalling of the aircraft. The icing condition was a related factor.NTSB SEA90FA047Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBurton Cavalier Model 2 · Grants Pass, ORFuel exhaustion which resulted from the pilots intentionally operating the aircraft with a known deficiency. The pilot failed to maintain airspeed, resulting in a stall/spin and uncontrolled descent.NTSB LAX90FA106Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-201T · Yountville, CAThe pilot used poor judgement by attempting a v.f.r. flight to an area with forecasted instrument meteorological conditions and continuing the flight when I.f.r. conditions were encountered.NTSB LAX90DUD02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportReid Long EZ · Santa Monica, CAThe pilot's inflight loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB DEN90FA063Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12-150 · Milliken, COThe pilot's poor judgement, intentional buzzing, and failure to see and avoid the obstruction (inadequate visual lookout). Factors related to the accident were: the power line and the absence of shoulder harnesses in the aircraft.NTSB LAX90LA104Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportI.C.A. Brasov 2902.11.01.001 Lark · Orland, CAThe pilots loss of aircraft control due to the likelihood of experiencing an epileptic seizure. A factor which may have contributed to the accident was the pilot's ingestion of an anticonvulsant drug that causes drowsiness.NTSB CHI90FA087Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300 · Lostant, ILFlight into known adverse weather conditions by the pilot and structural (wing) icing. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions and the pilot's overconfidence in the aircraft's ability.NTSB DEN90FA059Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSiai-Marchetti SF260C · Agoura, CALoss of control of the aircraft during acrobatic flight and the pilot's failure to recover from a spin.NTSB DEN90FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Pueblo, COThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path and sufficient altitude to clear obstacles.NTSB LAX90FA094Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7KCAB · Ojai, CAThe pilot's performing aerobatic maneuvers at a low altitude and failure to maintain altitude.NTSB BFO90DIG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRolladen-Schneider LS-6 · Cabins, WVThe pilot failed to detect and remain clear of the power line which crossed the field in which he was attempting to land. Contributing to the accident was the moderate to severe turbulence in the area at the time of the accident.NTSB LAX90FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Modesto, CAFor an undetermined reason, the engine lost power.