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 MIA90FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLockheed L1329 · Miami, FLThe pilot's improper decision to reject the takeoff after the airplane had passed V1 speed and lifted off the runway. A factor was a malfunctioning #2 engine electronic engine conttrol which caused the unit to over-schedule fuel to the engine resulting in…NTSB MIA90FA046Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Meridian, MSIn flight loss of control by the pilot while flying in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factor(s) was: the pilot's apprehension toward instrument flying and the adverse weather conditions that existed at the time.NTSB LAX90FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas 369E · Santa Rosa, CAThe pilot's improper preflight planning/decision which resulted in the loss of tail rotor effectiveness. Contributing to the accident was the pilot allowing the maximum gross weight of the aircraft to be exceeded, and the tailwind.NTSB CHI90FA055Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A24R · Merrill, WIFlight into known adverse weather by the pilot, and structural/wing ice. Factors related to the accident were: the icing conditions and trees in the area of the accident.NTSB CHI90FA050Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 60 · Erie, PAThe pilot's failure to assure that the aircraft had an adequate supply of fuel on board for the intended flight. Contributing factors to the accident were an inoperative right fuel quantity gage which resulted in inaccurate fuel consumption calculations, and…NTSB MIA90LA042Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing 727-225B · Miami, FLFatal injury to a stowaway due to asphyxia and hypothermia.NTSB DCA90MA011Accident · 6 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBritish Aerospace BAE-3101 · Pasco, WAThe flightcrew's decision to continue an unstabilized instrument landing system (ILS) approach that led to a stall, most likely of the horizontal stabilizer, and loss of control at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller's…NTSB NYC90FA041Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Washington Twp, NJThe failure of the pilot to properly pre-flight plan and execute the VFR flight. Factor's related to the accident were: the pilot's inexperience; no visual cues (lights) due to dark night conditions; the pilot's disregard of the weather briefing.NTSB FTW90DQG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportSenior Aerosport/Paet PJ 260 · Hereford, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance on the approach to landing. A factor was the power pole just short of the end of the runway.NTSB ANC90FA021Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31 · Beluga, AKFailure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude. Darkness and adverse weather conditions were related factors.NTSB SEA90FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Nordland, WAUndetermined.NTSB NYC90FA040Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-602P · Frenchtown, NJThe inadequate maintenance and inspection of the turbocharger tailpipe exhaust stack on the right engine by the mechanic(s). The failure of the tailpipe permitted heat from the exhaust to weaken the main spar of the right wing resulting in a catastrophic…NTSB MKC90FA038Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Lynch, NEAirspeed was not maintained by the pilot resulting in a stall/spin.NTSB ATL90FA040Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Cincinnati, OHFailure of the Cessna pilot to remain clear of the helicopter after experiencing a partial power loss.NTSB SEA90FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCrawford-Gordon Thorp T-18 · Austin, NVAn improper major alteration performed by the pilot. As a result of this modification, the propeller failed in flight.NTSB DEN90FA033Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B35-A33 · Castle Rock, COThe pilot's loss of control as a result of spatial disorientation. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions.NTSB NYC90FA039Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Cairo Township, NYThe pilot's decision to fly into the known adverse weather and his failure to select an altitude that would provide terrain clearance. Factors were: the adverse weather and the pilot's disregard for the forecasted conditions.NTSB ATL90FA038Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Spindale, NCThe pilot-in-command's improper IFR procedure which resulted in descent below the minimum descent altitude. Contributingfactor(s) was: the fog and low ceiling.NTSB CHI90FA040Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Linden, MIThe failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient speed for flight. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's operation of the airplane above the maximum allowable gross weight.NTSB SEA90FA028Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210-5 (205) · Rainier, WAContinued flight by the pilot into known adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from wooded mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the weather/terrain conditions.NTSB MIA90LA037Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)The engine seized from oil starvation (lack of oil or oil pressure), which resulted in the aircraft being ditched at sea.NTSB DEN90LA032Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Powderville, MTThe pilot in command left the airplane unattended with the engine running. That the pilot's son did not understand the unsafe condition is considered a contributing factor.NTSB DEN90FA030Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F-90 · Lincoln, NMLoss of control due to pilot disorientation while conducting a non precision instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of instrument and multiengine experience, and the existing adverse weather.NTSB CHI90LA280Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Engadine, MIA collision with trees and the terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA90FA033Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper Aerostar 601P · Orlando, FLLoss of aircraft control during takeoff for an unknown reason which resulted in a collision with the ground.NTSB NYC90FA036Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Coventry, CTThe non-instrument rated pilot initiating VFR flight into IMC on a dark night which resulted in spatial disorientation and uncontrolled flight into the ground. Contributing factor(s) was: the adverse weather existing at the time of the accident and the…NTSB DEN90FA028Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale SA316B · Park City, UTFailure of the pilot to make a vertical takeoff, while departing with a cable attached, and his failure to insure the cable remained clear of the trailer. The trailer (vehicle) was a contributing factor.NTSB DCA90MA010Accident · 8 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBritten-Norman BN-2 · Block Island, RIThe aircraft crashed for an undetermined reason, during an overwater flight on a dark (moonless) night under a cloud layer. A SIGMET was in effect warning of moderate to occasionally severe turbulence below 6000 feet and the potential of low level wind shear.NTSB MIA90FA031Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170A · Rogersville, TNContinued flight into instrument meteorological conditions by a non-instrument rated pilot resulting in spatial disorientation and a loss of aircraft control. Factors contributing to the accident were: the pilot's overconfidence in his ability to fly in…NTSB CHI90DEE03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportNelsen-David Sonerai II/EV · Huntley, ILPilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed during a turn at low altitude, resulting in an inadvertent stall and impact with terrain, lack of recent total experience and lack of total experience in type of aircraft.NTSB FTW90DPJ02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportLogan, B.A. Windrose · Norman, OKThe inadvertent stall and the pilot's improper emergency recovery procedures. A factor was the power loss for undetermined reasons.NTSB ATL90FA031Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Helen, GAThe pilot's failure to properly preflight and plan en route refueling stops. The airplane collided with trees during the emergency descent.NTSB FTW90FA032Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Arlington, TXThe pilot-in-command's loss of control in flight because of spatial disorientation. A factor was the dark night.NTSB DEN90DTE02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBruce Mckinney VARI-EZE · Aspen, COThe pilot's failure to refuel the airplane, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A related factor to the accident was: the mountainous terrain.NTSB DEN90DTE01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportLanier Thorp T-18 · Colorado City, COLoss of engine power with carbon fouling of the spark plugs, and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB SEA90FA021Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B35 · Bremerton, WAThe pilot's improper IFR procedure, his failure to maintain proper alignment on the ILS approach, and his failure to initiate a missed approached after reaching the lateral limits of the ILS system or decision height. Darkness and deteriorating weather were…NTSB FTW90FA037Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChristen Industries Pitts S-2B · La Junta, TXThe pilot's delayed remedial action to recover from the spin and his misjudging of altitude.NTSB FTW90FA031Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210E · Matagorda 526The separation of the propeller system for unknown reasons. Contributing to the severity of the injuries was the pilot's failure to assure that a raft and/or lifevests were on the airplane during the overwater portion of the flight.NTSB CHI90FA029Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Monroe Center, ILIn-flight fire initiated by an inadequately installed wiring harness and propagated by an existing fuel leak which was not repaired.NTSB SEA90FA019Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Vancouver, WAThe pilot in command's inadequate preflight planning, pilot's attempted VFR flight into IMC conditions and the pilot's lack of instrument qualifications. Contributing to the accident was the low ceiling, fog and the pilot's lack of recent experience.NTSB LAX90LAMS1Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna U206E · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)Undetermined.NTSB LAX90LA033Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas 369 · Barstow, CAImproper planning/decision by the pilot, and his delay in jettisoning the load.NTSB NYC90FA030Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · New Castle, NYThe pilot failed to maintain proper altitude and alignment with the ILS during the ILS approach and failed to perform the missed approach.NTSB SEA90LA016Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Estacada, ORThe pilot misjudged clearance between her external load and the obstruction. Factors related to the accident were: the obstruction, improper maintenance and modification of the external load line/hook by the operator, failure of the pilot to jettison the…NTSB NYC90FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369HS · North Adams, MAFailure of the pilot-in-command (PIC) to assure proper rotor RPM and proper operation of the flight controls during an approach in gusty wind conditions. A factor related to the accident was: the pic's lack of experience in the type of operation.NTSB FTW90FA033Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Slidell, LAThe pilot's initiation of the flight into known adverse weather conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude over the water. Factors were: darkness and the adverse weather conditions that prevailed.NTSB CHI90FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172D · Mt Morris, ILVFR flight into IMC and spatial disorientation of the pilot. Contributing to the accident were the meteorological conditions and the overconfidence and lack of experience of the pilot.NTSB CHI90FA028Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Shell Lake, WIThe pilot-in-command's failure to perform a missed approach, his descending below the minimum descent altitude, and his failure to maintain proper altitude to avoid impact with the terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-in-command's lack of total…NTSB LAX90FA031Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Camarillo, CAImproper IFR procedure by the pilot, and his failure to maintain the minimum descent altitude (mda) for that segment of the VOR approach. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, low ceiling, fog, haze, the pilot's lack of recent instrument experience,…NTSB LAX90FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · San Diego, CAThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain aircraft control after becoming spatially disoriented. Factors in the acident were: darkness, adverse weather conditions, and the pilot's lack of…