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 MIA89WA212Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 401 · Grand Turk Isl., Turks & Caicos IslandsNTSB CHI89FA157Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · York, SCFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall. Factors related to the accident were: excessive workload (task overload) and diverted attention.NTSB MIA89FA210Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A24R · Sarasota, FLFailure of the propeller hub due to previous damage, which resulted in subsequent fatigue failure of the hub; and failure of the pilot to maintain flying speed, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the ground. Inadequate maintenance/inspection…NTSB ATL89FA193Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTexas Helicopter OH-13/M74 · Norman Park, GAImproper planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in his physical impairment from exposure to lannate, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance above the ground. A factor related to the accident was: failure of the pilot to use a respirator while…NTSB ATL89FA188Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 70 · Albany, GAThe fatigue failure of the supercharger intermediate drive gear shaft (gear tooth), which resulted in a partial loss of power, and the pilot's initiation of lift-off before reaching VMC airspeed. Factors related to the accident were: the worn intermediate…NTSB CHI89FA155Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLancair 235 · Fond Du Lac, WIFailure of the pilot-in-command to assure that adequate airspeed was maintained during the turn to final approach, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB CHI89DEP10Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Plainfield, WIFailure of the pilot-in-command to maintain control of the aircraft while conducting aerial application maneuvers in close proximity to the terrain.NTSB BFO89FA065Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201T · College Park, MDFailure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control due to spatial disorientation, and his exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft, which resulted in overload failure of the stabilators and wings. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's…NTSB SEA89FA143Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-301 · Haines, AKImproper in-flight planning and decision by the pilot, which resulted in inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The weather conditions and terrain were related factors.NTSB NYC89FA177Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Salisbury Twp, PAThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other. A contributing factor to the accident was that neither pilot was heard over the radio announcing their position and intentions.NTSB MKC89DPG03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPZL-Mielec M-18 · Parkin, ARThe failure of the pilot to maintain a visual lookout adequate to have avoided the powerlines.NTSB BFO89FA063Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · True, WVThe pilots failure to properly monitor the fuel supply which resulted in fuel starvation. The aircraft stalled as the pilot performed an evasive maneuver to avoid the mountain top.NTSB CHI89LA147Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · River Falls, WIImproper remedial action by the pilot following an abrupt maneuver. The pilot's lack of total aviation experience was a factor in the accident.NTSB DEN89DQA02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCloud MA-5 Charger · Vaughn, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in the aircraft entering a stall/mush at too low an altitude to permit recovery. Contributing to the accident was the high density altitude.NTSB DEN89FA177Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Logan, UTInadequate preflight and improper inflight planning/decision by the student, which resulted in fuel exhaustion from an inadequate supply of fuel, and the student's failure to maintain airspeed, while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. A…NTSB MKC89FA165Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Neligh, NEFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed after intiating a steep climbing maneuver from low altitude. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's lack of total flying experience and lack of sufficient altitude.NTSB BFO89FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 77 · Cluster Springs, VAThe pilot's failure to perform an adequate preflight which resulted in an unlatched fuel filler cap. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to monitor the fuel supply during the flight.NTSB SEA89FA139Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportStinson 108-2 · Athol, IDThe pilot failed to maintain airspeed and inadvertently stalled.NTSB ATL89DKJ07Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna A188B · Town Creek, ALThe inadvertent stall at an altitude inadequate to effect a safe recovery.NTSB LAX89FA241Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Hesperia, CAAn inflight collision with a power line while maneuvering at low altitude shortly after departure on a dark night over an area with few ground reference lights. The reasons for the aircraft's flight path and altitude profile are undetermined. A factor in the…NTSB ATL89FA190Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Suches, GAThe pilot elected to continue flight to the intended destination disregarding the recommendations of the in flight weather briefer. Contributing factor(s) was: the adverse weather conditions that existed at the time.NTSB ATL89FA182Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172G · Ridgeland, SCImproper planning/decision by the pilot-in-command (PIC), which resulted in an inadvertent stall during takeoff. Factors related to the accident were: the excessive gross weight and improper lift-off by the PIC, the pilot/passenger's improper crew…NTSB DCA89MA063Accident · 111 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-10-10 · Sioux City, IAThe inadequate consideration given to human factors limitations in the inspection and quality control procedures used by united airlines' engine overhaul facility which resulted in the failure to detect a fatigue crack originating from a previously…NTSB BFO89FA059Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Glen Burnie, MDA fire that erupted in the cockpit of the aircraft (under a side panel). Related factors were: smoke and fumes in the cockpit which reduced the pilot's visual perception and ability to see.NTSB FTW89LA140Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Gueydan, LAThe pilot's inadvertent spin entry at pattern altitude which resulted in ground collision.NTSB DEN89FA175Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Duchesne, UTThe pilot failed to maintain clearance from the power line. Contributing factors were: lack of mission training provided by the company/operator, the pilot's lack of experience in this type of operation, his lack of familiarity with the geographic area, and…NTSB BFO89FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35TC · Charlottesville, VAImproper installation of the throttle and variable absolute controller assemblies by maintenance personnel which resulted in a total loss of engine power.NTSB NYC89FA166Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-236 · Thomasville, PAThe pilot's failure to fly the published approach procedure, which resulted in controlled flight into the terrain.NTSB NYC89FA167Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Hartleton, PAThe pilot allowed the design stress limits of the aircraft to be exceeded after encountering adverse weather conditions. Weather was a related factor.NTSB FTW89FA137Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Celina, TXImproper planning/decision by the pilot. Related factors were: failure of the pilot to use all of the available runway area, the runway/terrain conditions, and obstructions/power lines beyond the departure end of the runway.NTSB FTW89FA136Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiccard AX-6 · Houston, TXThe pilot's failure to abort the attempt to clear the obstacle. Factors in the accident were: the poor condition of the balloon envelope and the pilot's lack of experience as pilot in command of balloon operations.NTSB BFO89FA058Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Libertytown, MDContinued VFR flight by the non-instrument rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which resulted in the pilot's loss of aircraft control due to disorientation, and overload failure of the wings and stabilator due to the pilot exceeding…NTSB LAX89FA239Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChristen Industries A-1 Husky · Somerton, AZFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall. The lack of altitude for recovery was a related factor.NTSB FTW89DRA07Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportLowe/Bensen KB-2 · Wharton, TXPoor judgement by the student pilot by performing excessive/low altitude maneuvers, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient clearance (altitude) above the open field. His lack of familiarity with the aircraft was a contributing factor.NTSB CHI89FA135Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Lockport, ILThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, and his failure to attain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall or mush. A factor related to the accident was: the aircraft's excessive gross weight.NTSB MKC89DCJ03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna A-188B · Hay Springs, NEThe pilot's delay in intiating a climb at the end of a swath run.NTSB MIA89FA194Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAirbus Industrie A-300 · San Juan, PRFailure of the ramp guide (ground personnel) to follow normal safety procedures. His over confidence in his personal ability was considered to be a contributing factor.NTSB BFO89FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7KCAB · Berlin, MDPilot failure to maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the low altitude at which the stall occurred.NTSB FTW89FA133Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-350-D · Galveston, TXFailure of both pilots to see-and-avoid the other aircraft (inadequate visual lookout).NTSB FTW89FA132Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Arlington, TXPoor judgement of the pilot, due to impairment from consumption of alcohol, and his failure to maintain proper altitude while maneuvering. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, the pilot's recent use of drugs, and his lack of flight experience.NTSB LAX89LA335Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Napa, CASuicide.NTSB MKC89FA156Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Medicine Lodge, KSThe pilot misjudged clearance above a house (residence) that he was buzzing and allowed the aircraft to collide with the attached antenna.NTSB DEN89FA162Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150K · Louisville, COInadequate supervision by the instructor pilot (CFI) and flight in known adverse weather conditions. Factors related to the accident were: inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the CFI, his lack of experience in the type of operation, and the weather…NTSB DEN89DTI03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna T188C · Red Lodge, MTImproper inflight decision by the pilot and his failure to attain sufficient altitude. Rising terrain, high density altitude, and trees were considered to be contributing factors.NTSB CHI89FA129Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Roscommon, MILoss of control in flight while maneuvering and the failure to perform remedial action by the PIC.NTSB ATL89FA175Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A45 · Troy, ALThe pilot's improper use of the airplane flight controls during a aerobatic maneuver at low altitude due to his lack of aerobatic experience. A contributing factor was the pilot's overconfidence in his ability to perform the maneuver.NTSB CHI89FA128Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Battle Creek, MIThe flight crew inadvertently shut down the left engine after the right engine lost power, and the copilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft while maneuvering the aircraft back toward the runway. Factors related to the accident were: improper…NTSB MKC89DPG02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRockwell S-2R · Reyno, ARImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot which resulted in a tight maneuver at inadequate airspeed and a subsequent stall. A contributing factor was the presence of high obstructions (trees).NTSB MKC89FA153Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Broken Bow, NEImproper planning/decision by the pilot by performing acrobatic flight with baggage in the rear cockpit of the aircraft, which probably restricted movement of the flight controls and resulted in uncontrolled flight and a spin.NTSB MIA89FA184Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Stuart, FLInadequate maintenance/servicing of the aircraft, which resulted in water and rust contamination of the fuel and a subsequent loss of engine power, and failure of the pilot to maintain flying speed, while maneuvering back toward the runway, which resulted in…