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 MIA89FA173Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Sarasota, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering to spot cattle for a ground crew.NTSB LAX89FA212Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Rainbow Valley, CAImproper planning/decision by the pilot and his inadequate visual lookout (failure to see and avoid the obstruction). Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, the pilot's decision to fly in marginal VFR weather, and the…NTSB MIA89FA172Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Ashland, VAImproper go-around by the pilot by not maintaining a climb and obtaining proper altitude before turning. The pilot's poor approach and the trees were considered to be contributing factors.NTSB BFO89FA043Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Myersville, MDContinued flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and his inability to maintain control of the aircraft after becoming spatially disoriented. Contributing factors were hilly/mountainous terrain, weather conditions, the pilot's lack…NTSB ANC89FA090Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30 · Near Fairbanks, AKImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude while entering a box canyon and/or crossing mountainous terrain in restricted weather condition. The terrain and weather were related factors.NTSB DCA89RA056Accident · 174 fatalForeign investigationMcDonnell Douglas DC-8-62 · Paramaribo, SurinameNTSB SEA89FA099Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCushing 4 · Mansfield, WAFailure of the left wing main spar due to overload for undetermined reasons.NTSB DEN89FA131Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing PT-17 · Meeker, COThe inadvertent stall-spin at an altitude insufficient to effect a safe recovery. Contributing factors include high density altitude and wind shear.NTSB ATL89FA157Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150K · N. Myrtle Beach, SCThe pilot's confusion and diverted attention regarding the multiple banner release system in the cockpit resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin into the terrain from a low altitude. Also causal was the pilot attempting the abrupt maneuver at the low airspeed…NTSB ATL89DMG05Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBloodworth Pitts Special S-1C · Townsville, NCInadequate altitude for the pilot to recover from a spin. A contributing factor was his ostentatious display.NTSB ANC89FA084Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportStinson 108-2 · Wasilla, AKPilot failed to operate the aircraft within its recommended parameters, resulting in loss of control and a stall-spin into the water.NTSB DEN89MA130Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Big Timber, MTFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft during takeoff, due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a collision with the terrain. Contributing factors were: dark night, pilot's visual perception, inadequate initial training of the pilot…NTSB CHI89FA101Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Bristol, INContinued flight by the pilot into known adverse weather and his exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft, which resulted in failure of the wing spars and separation of the right wing and empennage (stabilizers). Contributing factors were: continued…NTSB DEN89FA127Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Wilmington, OHThe failure of the pilot to assure an adequate fuel supply and his failure to refuel en route.NTSB ATL89LA154Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing E75 (PT-13D) · Jacksonville, NCThe pilot encountered an accelerated stall during an abrupt maneuver, lost control of the airplane and did not have sufficient altitude to recover from the ensuing spin prior to colliding with the ground.NTSB SEA89FA092Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 · Angoon, AKPilot failed to assure the landing gear on the amphibious floats were retracted for the water landing.NTSB MIA89LA159Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Big Pine Key, FLThe pilot became spatially disoriented and was unable to maintain control of the aircraft. The light conditions (dark night) and weather (haze) were considered to be contributing factors.NTSB MKC89FA116Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D55 · Greenwood, INInadequate preflight and improper use of the fuel system, which resulted in fuel starvation, and improper use of emergency procedures. Factors related to the accident were: self induced pressure by the pilot to meet an arrival time, his failure to extend the…NTSB MIA89GA155Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 172P · Davie, FLFailure of the pilot in command to maintain adequate airplane control while entering an area of turbulence caused by wild fires on the ground beneath his flight path.NTSB MIA89FA158Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBryan Zenith CH-300 · Niceville, FLPilots incapacitation by a heart attack resulting in the airplane descending out of control and colliding with trees.NTSB LAX89FA203Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Camp Verde, AZFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate altitude to clear obstructions in his flight path and visually detect obstructions in order to avert a collision.NTSB LAX89FA211Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Dinsmore, CAThe pilot's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Contributing factors to the accident were: the pilot's failure to obtain weather information, his overconfidence in his…NTSB LAX89LA202Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAyres S2R · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)The pilot's continued flight from VMC to IMC, with icing conditions, from which recovery was not successful.NTSB FTW89DRD03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportSchweizer G-164A · Maxie, LAFailure of the pilot to maintain clearance from the trees. A factor related to the accident was: the presence of trees near the field where fertilizer was to be dispensed.NTSB DEN89DTK01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-36-300 · Agar, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance with the powerlines. The powerline is considered to be a contributing factor to the accident.NTSB ATL89DKJ04Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportGlassair III · Auburn, ALThe pilot's premature lift-off which resulted in a stall into trees.NTSB FTW89FA096Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Boise City, OKAn inadvertent stall resulting from the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft and to maintain sufficient airspeed. The dark night and adverse wind conditions were contributing factors.NTSB CHI89MA095Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportDouglas DC3C-S13CG · Waterman, ILThe pilot-in-command (PIC) failed to provide adequate supervision while training the copilot and allowed the aircraft to enter a stall/spin, then did not provide adequate remedial action to properly recover from the spin. Factors related to the accident were:…NTSB CHI89DEE03Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportRuschke Starduster TOO · Mc Henry, ILThe flying pilots failure to maintain airspeed during an ostentatious display resulting in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB BFO89FA033Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell UH-1B · Oldtown, MDFailure of the pilot to see-and-avoid the obstruction (inadequate visual lookout). Factors related to the accident were: the obstruction (static wires), and the lack of visual cues for the pilot to detect the wires.NTSB NYC89FA135Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Bradford, VTFailure of the rated pilots in both aircraft to see and avoid a midair collison.NTSB MIA89FA151Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TU206F · Immokalee, FLThe pilot's failure to establish the descent angle which would attain the proper touchdown point. Consequently, the airplane collided, in flight, with the airport boundary fence.NTSB CHI89DET05Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBillings/White Avid Flyer · Niles, MILoose carburetor(s) due to improper maintenance/installation, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and…NTSB ATL89FA150Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Jamestown, TNThe pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed to avoid an inadvertent stall. The stall occurred at an altitude which precluded recovery prior to ground impact. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of proficiency in the airplane.NTSB ATL89FA149Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech S35 · Russellville, KYImproper planning/decision by the pilot, his continued flight into an area of known adverse weather, and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Contibuting factors were: the dark night, the adverse weather conditions, and the pilot's overconfidence…NTSB FTW89DRG06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHughes 269C · Rocksprings, TXThe pilot diverted his attention from operation of the helicopter, failed to maintian proper rotor RPM, and failed to maintain altitude (clearance) above the ground, while maneuvering at low altitude. A contributing factor was his impairment from use of a…NTSB MKC89FA110Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Winslow, ARThe pilot flying into adverse weather conditions which resulted in the in-flight separation of a portion of the right wing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of total experience.NTSB ATL89LA146Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Troy, NCAn undetermined powerplant problem, which resulted in a loss of engine power, and the pilot/mechanic's failure to assure the aircraft was properly inspected before flight. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's delay in making a precautionary…NTSB NYC89DNE02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportSmith Mini DSA-1 · Sterling, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the experimental aircraft while performing aerobatic maneuvers, and the aircraft's resultant uncontrolled descent into the ground.NTSB LAX89FA192Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Azusa, CAImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in has inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and subsequent collision with mountainous terrain. The weather and terrain conditions were considered to be related…NTSB MIA89FA146Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · Fort Pierce, FLInadequate supervision by the instructor pilot (CFI), and failure of the crew to maintain sufficient airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and subsequent loss of engine power from possible interruption of fuel.NTSB LAX89FA189Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Dublin, CAThe pilot decided to continue VFR flight after encountering instrument meteorological conditions in an area of rising mountainous terrain. Factors in this accident were the pilots lack of experience and his failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing.NTSB MKC89FA104Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCallair A-9 · Hamilton, MOThe pilots failure to maintain control and prevent the airplane from descending while in a turn.NTSB FTW89FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMBB BO-105S · W Cameron BlkThe partial electrical failure of the micro-switch for the outboard lateral guide assembly, and the incorrect guard installed on the hydraulic test switch, resulting in a total hydraulic failure. Factors were: the incorrect installation of the guard by an…NTSB LAX89FA182Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Industry, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain an adequate altitude to ensure obstruction clearance. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, low ceiling, fog, and the pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions.NTSB LAX89FA181Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Port San Luis, CAPilot failed to execute a 180 degree turn and inadvertently entered into instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ATL89FA144Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Augusta, GAFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while making a steep turn after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with the terrain.NTSB ATL89FA142Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEmbraer EMB-110-P1 · Mt. Pleasant, TNPilot attempted to make a VFR landing in instrument conditions that were below minimums for the published instrument approach and collided with trees and the ground after allowing the airplane to descend below the proper altitude.NTSB MKC89FA102Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Carnegie, OKContinued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in subsequent collision with rising/hilly terrain. Related factors were: inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot, dark night, adverse weather…NTSB LAX89FA178Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-201T · Stockton, CAThe pilot's improper decision to perform aerobatics which resulted in the design stress limits of the airplane being exceeded due to excessive airspeed. Contributing factors to the accident were the pilot's overconfidence in his and the airplane's ability,…