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 ATL90FA001Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C90 · Chamblee, GAMalfunction of one or more flight instruments for an undetermined reason, failue of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft with partial panel instruments after becoming spatially disoriented, and his exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft.…NTSB NYC89FA221Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 65TL · Beaver Falls, PAThe failure of the left wing, rear upper strut attachment. The failure was caused by not installing the retaining bolt and nut.NTSB MKC89FA201Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · St. Charles, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain a positive rate of climb during a night takeoff. Contributing factor(s) was: an out-of-c.g airplane, takeoff with only one magneto operating; and the limited vision of the pilot.NTSB LAX89FA334Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Lancaster, CAThe pilot's decision to enter into IMC while flying under VFR. Factors contributing to accident were: low ceilings, poor planning and decisions, failure to obtain a preflight briefing and not performing a weather evaluation.NTSB CHI89FA196Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Greencastle, INFailure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude during a visual approach at dusk. Factors related to the accident were: light conditions at dusk, the pilot's visual perception, and the trees.NTSB CHI89DEM10Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportFletcher SONERAI-2L · Interlochen, MILoose cylinder due to improper maintenance by the pilot/owner, which resulted in overheating and failure of the aluminum cylinder head. The presence of trees was considered to be a factor.NTSB SEA89FA183Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182F · Diamond Lake, ORImproper inflight planning and decision by the pilot in command who continued VFR flight into IMC conditions while attempting to fly through a mountain pass. Contributing factors were the low ceiling and rain weather conditions and the mountainous, hilly…NTSB SEA89FA180Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Nyssa, ORFailure of the pilot to attain sufficient altitude before flying over mountainous/hilly terrain. Factors related to the accident were: dark night, rising/mountainous terrain, and probable impairment from a prescription drug.NTSB ATL89DKG06Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBell UH-1B · Plains, GAImproper modification of the helicopter by the company/operator, and failure of the spray boom, which resulted in mast bumping, and subsequent failure of the main rotor assembly.NTSB NYC89DFA02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportNiedzielski COOT-A · Marcy, NYFuel system contamination and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall/spin.NTSB LAX89DVA11Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportSkilling VARI-EZE · Oakdale, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the delayed initiation of the aborted landing. A factor was lack of aircraft familiarity.NTSB ATL89FA220Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS 350D · Chamblee, GAFailure of the main rotor swashplate bearing due to lack of lubricant.NTSB ANC89DAG02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportEvanson Long EZ/52 · Palmer, AKPilot-in-command's failure to maintain the proper altitude.NTSB DCA89MA076Accident · 10 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportde Havilland DHC-6-300 · Grand Canyon, AZImproper pilot techniques and crew coordination during the landing attempt, bounce, and attempted go-around.NTSB FTW89FA172Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210D · Covington, LAThe pilot in command's disregard of the weather information provided during two briefings and his decision to continue VFR flight into IMC condtions. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of night and instrument experience.NTSB SEA89LA179Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Mackay, IDThe pilot failed to maintain an adequate airspeed for flight. High density altitude was a factor.NTSB MIA89FA253Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Ochopee, FLThe failure of the pilots of both airplanes to see and avoid each other while maneuvering.NTSB FTW89FA171Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Elgin, TXThe pilot's inadvertent closure (deactivation) of the mixture control, which resulted in a loss of engine power, and his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors related to the accident were: the gusty wind, and…NTSB MIA89FA252Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Ochopee, FLFailure of the pilot to maintain altitude/clearance over the terrain. Related factors were: dark night, spatial disorientation of the pilot, and his lack of experience in the type of operation (night flying).NTSB DCA89MA074Accident · 2 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBoeing 737-400 · Flushing, NYThe captain's failure to exercise his command authority in a timely manner to reject the takeoff or take sufficient control to continue the takeoff, which was initiated with a mistrimmed rudder. Also causal was the captain's failure to detect the mistrimmed…NTSB SEA89FA176Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Cave Junction, ORThe pilot's improper handling of the aircraft due to the lack of recurrent training and recent experience which resulted in a loss of airspeed and a resultant stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's over-confidence in his ability to attempt flight…NTSB NYC89FA220Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMBB BO-105CB-4 · Tuckerton, NJThe pilot's delay in remedial action by delaying the pull-up from a descending maneuver.NTSB LAX89FA319Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310K · Ojai, CAThe pilot-in-command's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological weather conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate altitude to provide terrain clearance. Contributing factors were: the mountainous terrain, adverse weather conditions, and…NTSB SEA89LA175Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G3B2 · Monitor, WAThe pilot failed to maintain aircraft separation from obstacles on the ground. A factor in the accident was the bright glare from the rising sun.NTSB LAX89LA324Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269A · AganaInadequate visual lookout by the pilot, which resulted in his failure to see-and-avoid the power line. The power line was a related factor.NTSB FTW89GA170Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBeech A35 · Escondido, CASpatial disorientation of the pilot after he initiated flight into IMC conditions, and his exceeding the design stress limits of the airplane during the attempted recovery. Related factors were: the pilot's lack of total and recent instrument flight…NTSB DEN89FA222Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Afton, WYThe non-instrument rated pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear the terrain. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, adverse weather conditions, and…NTSB DEN89FA219Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Concord, CALoss of engine power due to an unknown reason, and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall.NTSB CHI89DEC08Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportWesley Striplin Ranger · Smith Creek, MIThe improper installation of the wingtip fuel tank which resulted in its inflight separation and the subsequent loss of control.NTSB LAX89WA326Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 175 · Muiege, MexicoNTSB DEN89FA218Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310I · Hesperia, CAThe non-instrument rated pilot continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and misjudged his altitude above the terrain. Contributing factors were: the pilot's lack of instrument experience, pressure induced by his wife (the…NTSB ATL89FA214Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Gordon, ALThe improper installation of the fuel gascolator bowl by maintenance personnel, which resulted in fuel leakage and a loss of fuel pressure to the engine.NTSB LAX89FA304Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell 112B · La Grange, CAContinued VFR flight into instrument meteorlogical conditions (IMC) by the pilot, which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of aircraft control. Related factors were: flight into known adverse weather by the pilot, the adverse weather conditions, and…NTSB FTW89DRG10Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportZenair CH-200 · Kerrville, TXImproper planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, due to an inadequate supply of fuel.NTSB DEN89LA210Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLet L-13 · Buena Vista, COA premature release of the glider tow line by the glider pilot and his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed, while maneuvering back toward the runway, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB ATL89FA213Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 100 · Mayfield, KYFailure of the pilot to follow IFR procedures and maintain the minimum descent altitude (mda). Factors related to the accident were: darkness, the adverse weather conditions, and the tree.NTSB SEA89LA173Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMiller Special JM-2 · Reno, NVStructural failure when design stress limits were exceeded after encountering hazardous meteorological conditions.NTSB LAX89FA314Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Ontario, CAFailure of the right propeller hub due to metal fatigue which resulted in catastrophic separation of the propeller. Contributing to the accident was damage done to the aircraft airframe in flight by the separating propeller making the aircraft uncontrollable.NTSB DEN89FA217Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T2 · Louisville, COFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering for spacing in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an inadvertent stall at low altitude.NTSB MKC89FA196Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Bentonville, ARA loose oil line that became disconnected, when maintenance/inspection of the aircraft had not been completed, which resulted in loss of engine oil and subsequent failure of the connecting rod from lack of lubrication. A factor related to the accident was:…NTSB LAX89FA307Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 680FLP · Kailua-Kona, HIInadequate maintenance, and operation by the pilot with known deficiencies in the aircraft. Factors related to the accident were: excessive wear in both engines, improper use of powerplant controls by the pilot, subsequent overtemperature/detonation in both…NTSB LAX89DVG09Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportClatti FOCKE-WULF-190 · Placerville, CAThe wing failed due to delamination caused by adhesive separation.NTSB DEN89FA209Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Lk Havasu City, CAPilot's attention diverted outside the airplane. This diversion resulted in the pilot failing to monitor his altitude while in a descending turn and inadvertently flying the airplane into the water.NTSB DEN89FA208Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Grantsville, UTImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, by entering a box canyon with insufficient altitude to assure a safe exit. Contributing factors were: box canyon, rising terrain, and high density altitude.NTSB ANC89FA160Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Tanacross, AKPoor judgement by the pilot by buzzing the airport and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above the terrain. The pilot's use of abrupt maneuvers was a contributing factor.NTSB LAX89FA296Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-5B · California City, CAFailure of the student pilot to maintain a proper airspeed while maneuvering for an emergency landing. Factors in the accident were the partial engine power loss, which was due to improper maintenance procedures, the student pilot's inexperience, the strong…NTSB FTW89DPA04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportNorth American F-51 · Denton, TXThe pilot's failure to detect water in the fuel system during the preflight which subsequently resulted in a loss of power.NTSB LAX89DUG07Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMonett Monarai · Yermo, CAThe pilot failed to maintain airspeed and inadvertently entered into a stall/spin.NTSB DEN89DTE04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna A188B · Wiggins, COThe pilot failed to maintain an adequate visual lookout and collided with a standpipe which severed four feet of the right wing, resulting in loss of control inflight and subsequent collision with the terrain.NTSB FTW89FA159Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Houma, LAThe failure of both pilots to see-and-avoid each other's aircraft (inadequate visual lookout). A probable factor was: failure of either pilot to issue a traffic advisory.