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 SEA89FA156Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TU206C · Skykomish, WAThe pilot's decision to continue the flight into IMC. The pilot did not adequately plan and prepare for the flight and was unable to maintain a proper altitude above the terrain for VMC. Fog was a related factor.NTSB NYC89FA206Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Northfield, NHThe pilot initiated flight into known adverse weather which resulted in a loss of control. Contributing factor(s) was: the pilot's overconfidence and the existing weather conditions.NTSB LAX89DUQ05Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportRuppercht Varieze · California City, CAThe wing failed due to the pilot/owners overtorquing the wing bolts and the improper installation of the wing attach plates/cones.NTSB SEA89LA187Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEvans Wittman Tailwind W10 · McCall, IDA collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB ATL89FA207Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Tiptonville, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper climb rate after takeoff. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, the pilot's lack of visual cues, his habit of making shallow climbs after takeoff, his lack of recent night flying experience, and the trees.NTSB LAX89FA294Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35TC · Fort Jones, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude.NTSB SEA89FA160Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Snohomish, WAThe pilot's failure to see and avoid N49231, a Cessna 172. Contributing factors were: a flight path directly into the setting sun, and the low light conditions of dusk on the ground below.NTSB MKC89FA191Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-20 · Moose Lake, MNSevere corrosion of the lower forward lift strut for the right wing, inadequate inspection of the lift strut by maintenance personnel, and subsequent failure of the lift strut, which resulted in an overload failure (folding back) of the wing. Related factors…NTSB NYC89FA204Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206F · West Point, NYContinued VFR flight by the pilot into an area of marginal visual meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude over mountainous/hilly terrain. Factors related to the accident were: dark night, high terrain, low clouds/ceiling,…NTSB MIA89FA237Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEagle DW-1-220 · Oklawaha, FLThe loss of control on the ground during the landing roll for undetermined reasons.NTSB FTW89FA155Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Pauls Valley, OKImproper planning/decision by the pilot, his lack of understanding of the procedures for operating the aircraft, his improper use of the fuel selector in managing his fuel supply, fuel starvation, and the pilot's failure to know and follow the emergency…NTSB DEN89FA202Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-350D · Blanchard, IDOverheating and seizure of the swashplate bearing, which resulted in an inflight breakup of the helicopter and subsequent impact with the ground.NTSB BFO89FA075Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Lynchburg, VAPilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstructions because of improper IFR operation. Contributing to the accident was descent below decision height, delay in initiating the missed approach, and fog conditions.NTSB SEA89FA157Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Sandy, ORThe loss of engine power due to the separation of the bolt connecting the throttle rod to the carburetor throttle arm and an inadequate annual inspection performed 5 flight hours prior to the occurrence. Contributing factors were obstructions in and around…NTSB LAX89WA293Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBeech BE-24 · Mexicali, MexicoNTSB FTW89LA154Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Hearne, TXThe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane and his lack of experience/training. A factor was the pilot's poor physical condition.NTSB BFO89FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C50 · Hagerstown, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane as a result of spatial disorientation after intentionally flying into instrument flight conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's over confidence in his ability and the obscured weather…NTSB CHI89DEC06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportFeil BD-5 · Pontiac, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff which resulted in a stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the excessive pull-up maneuver and the pilot's lack of total experience in the aircraft.NTSB MIA89FA233Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Barranquitas, PRImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot and his failure to maintain adequate flying speed, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the terrain. Contributing factors were: operation of the aircraft by the pilot with excessive gross…NTSB LAX89FA287Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180J · Tracy, CAInadequate visual lookout by both pilots, which resulted in their failure to see-and-avoid each other's aircraft. A factor related to the accident was: the lack of a conflict alert system for the stockton arts ii radar.NTSB LAX89FA275Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Livermore, CAThe pilot's decision to conduct low level night flight under low ceilings. Contributing factors were: the dark night, low ceiling, and high obstructions.NTSB BFO89FA069Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B50 · Church Creek, MDVFR flight into IMC and pilot disorientation, which resulted in the loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of instrument experience, darkness, and the adverse weather condition.NTSB SEA89FA154Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C90 · Gold Beach, ORThe pilot's failure to initiate a go-around after emerging from a fog bank on a short final which resulted in inadequate airspeed and a stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's poor judgement in attempting the VFR approach in IMC conditions.NTSB LAX89LA283Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Long Beach, CAThe pilot's inadequate airspeed during takeoff which led to an inadvertent stall. A factor was the excessive weight in the aircraft.NTSB ATL89DKJ09Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 188B · Prattville, ALFailure of the pilot to maintain clearance from obstructions (trees).NTSB LAX89FA280Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Castaic, CAFailure of the instructor pilot to adequately supervise the conduct of the flight, failure of the instructor pilot to ensure adequate terrain clearance prior to initiating the maneuver, and failure of the instructor pilot to take timely and proper and proper…NTSB NYC89FA190Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Edison Twshp, NJFailure of the pilot to follow the IFR procedure and maintain the minimum descent altitude (mda) for that segment of the approach. Factors related to the accident were: minimum safe altitude warning (msaw) radar not enabled, and failure of the approach…NTSB MIA89FA219Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Janice, MSThe in flight loss of control by the non instrument rated pilot after encountering instrument meteorological conditions resulting in the airplane spiraling into a wooded area.NTSB LAX89LA278Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Butte Meadows, CAThe pilot improper in-flight planning to attain proper altitude to clear the mountainous terrain. Contributing factor(s) was: the high terrain and high density attitude.NTSB LAX89FA277Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Lake Tahoe, CADisablement of the stabilator flight control system. A contributing factor was: inadequate maintenance.NTSB MKC89FA179Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Mound City, KSThe pilot's continued VFR flight into an area of thunderstorms & heavy rain which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane. Factors related to the accident were thunderstorms and heavy rain.NTSB MIA89FA220Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Pass-A-Grille, FLFailure of the pilot to recover from a stall/spin. Excessive gross weight of the aircraft and lack of available altitude for spin recovery were probable contributing factors.NTSB ANC89FA144Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Windy Fork, AKFailure of the pilot to maintain airspeed while operating to or from the gravel bar, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. The rising terrain was considered a contributing factor.NTSB DEN89FA192Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Bullfrog, UTImproper flare by the pilot, his failure to maintain runway alignment, and the improper remedial action which resulted in a loss of control. The high density altitude and objects (runway light and smudge pot) were considered to be contributing factors.NTSB ATL89FA196Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A-36 · Chapel Hill, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering for a landing. Contributing factors were: the pilot's failure to follow the emergency procedures for an autopilot malfunction, and pilot fatigue.NTSB ANC89LA181Accident · 4 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna R172K · Anchorage, AKUndetermined.NTSB ATL89DMG06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportDammann N3-2 · Hendersonville, NCEngine failure due to carburetor ice.NTSB ATL89FA194Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E55 · Raleigh, NCThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while operating in instrument weather conditions.NTSB MKC89DCQ01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportWSK PZL Mielec PZL-M-18-A · Ingalls, KSImproper preflight planning by the pilot and his failure to attain inadequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall/spin. As he was attempting to avoid a power transmission line. Factors related to the accident were: rising terrain, tall grass, tailwind and the…NTSB ATL89DLT05Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBratton RB-1 · Springfield, TNImproper planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion at a low altitude, due to an inadequate supply of fuel; and his failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Factors related to the accident were: the…NTSB LAX89FA268Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-601P · Ramona, CAThe pilot's VFR flight in instrument meteorologial conditions (IMC) and spatial disorientation, which resulted in an inadvertent descent into the ground. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, low ceiling, and the pilot's lack of a preflight weather…NTSB ANC89FA137Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402 · Nome, AKContinued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) by the pilot, and his improper in-flight planning/decision. The weather and terrain conditions were considered to be contributing factors.NTSB NYC89FA183Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B24R · Wiscasset, METhe pilot's loss of control of the airplane and uncontrolled descent during attempted flight in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB LAX89LA262Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Dana Point, CAPilot-in-commands failure to maintain control of the airplane while in maneuvering flight.NTSB LAX89FA276Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Toms Place, CAFailure of the pilot to attain sufficient altitude to clear terrain obstructions before entering a high elevation basin. Contributing to the accident was a high density altitude which reduced the aircraft's climb performance to less than the rate of climb of…NTSB DEN89FA184Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Albuquerque, NMThe pilot deliberately flew his aircraft into the face of a mountain. A contributing factor was: the psychological condition of the pilot.NTSB DEN89DTG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 188A · Valley City, NDInadequate visual lookout by the pilot. The power line was a related factor.NTSB ANC89FA133Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Anchorage, AKLoss of engine power for an unknown reason, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, while turning back toward the airport, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB MIA89FA214Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Marco, FLContinued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), his misjudgment of altitude and his physical impairment from use of drugs. Contributing factors were: the pilot's probable spatial disorientation, and the night/weather…NTSB FTW89FA143Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 6B · Baton Rouge, LAThe pilot exceeded the temperature limitations of the Balloon during the climb, which resulted in failure of the frabric. Factors related to the accident were: the previous heat damage to the frabric, and the lack of maintenance by the pilot/owner.