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 FTW89FA091Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 11AC · Paradise, TXLoss of engine power for an undetermined reason, and failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed during the forced landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB FTW89FA089Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSmith, Ted Aerostar 601 · New Iberia, LAThe pilot failed to maintain a proper climb immediately after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was excessive manifold pressure indications for the left engine. The pilot's diverted attention in dealing with that condition most probably resulted in the…NTSB FTW89DQA04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna A188B · Dell City, TXThe pilot's failure to see and/or avoid the powerlines. Contributing factor(s) was: the early morning sunglare.NTSB MIA89GA144Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportDouglas C-47 · Summerland Key, FLThe failure of the pilot-in-command to assure proper altitude and clearance was maintained above the terrain and trees. The trees and light condition at dusk were contributing factors.NTSB FTW89FA090Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Burnet, TXContinued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft, due to spatial disorientation. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions and the pilot's lack of…NTSB ATL89FA139Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B24R · Suches, GAThe pilot's flight into known adverse weather, and his failure to maintain clearance above the wooded terrain. The adverse weather condition, high terrain, and trees were related factors.NTSB NYC89FA129Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBrantly Helicopter B-2 · Herkimer, NYA forced landing in unsuitable terrain due to an internal engine failure. The engine failure sequence was initiated by a failed oil pressure relief spring which had failed in fatigue due to improper plating of the spring. The spring failure caused oil…NTSB MKC89FA099Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-5 · Ainsworth, NEThe pilot continued flight into IFR conditions and the loss of aicraft control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the cloud conditions and fog.NTSB MKC89FA094Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · Ashland, NEPoor judgement of the pilot by flying while physically impaired from alcohol consumption, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, while flying over a meandering river, which resulted in a stall. A contributing factor was the pilot's inadequate altitude…NTSB LAX89FA165Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Stockton, CAPoor judgement of the pilot by flying while physically impaired from consumption of alcohol & drugs, and his failure to maintain proper altitude. The light condition (at night) and the obstructions (power lines and building) were considered to be contributing…NTSB SEA89FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 · Pelican, AKImproper in-flight decision by the pilot, and his inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The terrain and weather conditions were considered to be factors.NTSB NYC89FA121Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B19 · Augusta, MEFailure of the pilot to maintain the proper altitude during the approach. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's psychological condition.NTSB FTW89FA151Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Junction, TXContinued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) by the pilot, which resulted in his failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to spatial disorientation. The weather conditions and his self-induced pressure were factors.NTSB MIA89FA132Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCoutz Quickie Q-2 · Lake City, FLAircraft control was lost for an unknown reason.NTSB CHI89DET04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Bluffton, INInadequate airspeed resulting in a stall/spin by the pilot. Factors related to the accident were: a tailwind and wrong runway selected by the pilot.NTSB BFO89FA027Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · West Chicago, ILImproper instruction by the student's flight instructor regarding the execution of s-turns on final approach to increase spacing and the retraction of flaps fully when executing a go-around and the failure of the student pilot to maintain adequate flying…NTSB ATL89FA131Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Lynch, KYContinued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, terrain, and the pilot's lack of instrument experience.NTSB MKC89FA090Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Oak Grove, MOThe pilot's attempt to takeoff with the aircraft over its allowable takeoff weight and out of the center of gravity limits.NTSB SEA89FA068Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLake LA-4-200-EP · Bellevue, WALoss of engine power for an undetermined reason and failure of the instructor pilot (CFI) to maintain control of the aircraft, which resulted in a stall/spin.NTSB NYC89GA116Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBell 206B · Airville, PAThe pilot was unable to see and avoid the unmarked power lines stretched across the river. A contributing factor was the lack of visual clues.NTSB ATL89MA123Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Pensacola, FLAn in flight cabin fire of undetermined origin, and smoke (toxic condition) in the crew compartment, which resulted in physical impairment of the flight crew.NTSB DEN89FA104Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210F · Aspen, COThe engine falure due to undetermined reasons and the pilot's misjudgement of the wind conditions which resulted in the attempt to glide to the runway. The pilot also failed to maintain adequate airspeed during the glide which resulted in a stall.NTSB SEA89FA186Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Enumclaw, WAAttempted flight into known adverse weather conditions. Factors include clouds, downdrafts, high winds.NTSB BFO89FA081Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Stuarts Draft, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance above the terrain after flying VFR into IMC. Contributing to the accident were the low ceiling and fog conditions and the mountainous terrain.NTSB BFO89FA028Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260B · Richmond, VAEngine lost power because of induction icing. Contributing factors are conditions conduvice to induction icing and unsuitable terrain.NTSB CHI89FA069Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Kankakee, ILFailure of the instructor pilot (CFI) to maintain control of the aircraft and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude above the ground.NTSB BFO89FA029Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Rupert, WVPilot inadvertantly flew into IMC while trying to maintain VFR and collided with trees during a steep turn during his attempt to turn away from IMC. The weather conditions that were determined to be factors in this accident were: low ceilings, obscuration,…NTSB ATL89FA122Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Luthersville, GAPilot's failure to take action that would prevent the formation of carburetor ice. Following the engine malfunction, the pilot did not configure the airplane so as to reduce the severity of the impact, I.e. extend the flaps and slow the airplane. Contributing…NTSB LAX89DUJ06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMurphy VARI-EZE · Parker, AZUndetermined.NTSB DEN89FA149Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Steamboat Sprg., COThe plt's failure to discontinue the VFR flight when he encountered IMC; and the plt's failure to maintain adequate altitude to clear the mountainous terrain.NTSB ANC89FA057Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Eklutna, AKThe pilot diverted his attention and failed to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB MKC89DCJ02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportSchmahl Volksplane VP-1 · Papillion, NEThe pilot failed to maintain the proper climb rate and inadvertently stalled the aircraft which entered an uncontrolled descent into an open field.NTSB MIA89WA123Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 421B · Great Harbor, BahamasNTSB LAX89FA140Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-601P · Newport Beach, CAFailure of the pilot to attain adequate airspeed before maneuvering (turning) back toward the airport, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. A factor related to the accident was: improper maintenance/installation of a fuel injector reference air line,…NTSB FTW89FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421 · Brownsville, TXThe pilot's improper emergency procedure after lossing power in the right engine, and his failure to maintain minimum control speed (VMC), which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. Factors related to the accident were: fuel starvation of the right engine,…NTSB LAX89FA137Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Whitmore, CAThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight with known forecast IMC along his route.NTSB FTW89FA073Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172XP · Hondo, TXThe pilot's decision to depart into known adverse weather and his lack of instrument training and experience.NTSB CHI89FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Clawson, MIThe pilot allowing the airspeed to decay below the airplanes stall speed.NTSB ATL89FA116Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMBB BK-117-A-3 · Coinjock, NCFailure of the cellular company to properly install an operational lighting system on a newly constructed transmission tower. Darkness and the company's failure to notify flight service of the unlighted tower were related factors.NTSB NYC89FA105Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale TB-10 · Pittsfield, MAFailure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude. Factors related to the accident were: inadequate briefing provided by the flight service station (fss) specialist, dark night, low clouds, and terrain conditions.NTSB LAX89FA133Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · San Andreas, CAInterruption of engine power for an undetermined reason, and failue of the pilot to maintain airspeed, which resulted in a stall/spin. A factor related to the accident was: lack of altitude to recover from the stall/spin.NTSB MIA89FA115Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7KCAB · Daytona Bch Shr, FLIn-flight loss of control while maneuvering to reverse direction due the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during the 'steep turn.'NTSB DEN89FA093Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Albuquerque, NMThe pilot's improper use of flaps during takeoff which resulted in inadequate airspeed, a stall, and loss of control.NTSB MKC89FA083Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Mayflower, ARThe pilots failure to maintain airspeed (vs), and inadvertant entry into a stall with necessary remedial action not understood.NTSB MIA89FA113Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper Aerostar 600 · Jacksonville, FLImproper use of the IFR procedure by the pilot, his failure to maintain a proper glide path, and his failure to identify the decision height.NTSB DEN89FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210D · Eugene, ORThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Factors related to the accident were: the terrain and weather conditions at the accident site, and the pilot's lack of instrument experience.NTSB CHI89FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Corunna, MIThe failure of the student pilot to maintain sufficient altitude to recover from a practice stall maneuver. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's visual perception over snow covered terrain.NTSB LAX89DUG03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportVan'S/Fish RV-4 · Hesperia, CAThe pilot's failure to properly latch the canopy prior to takeoff and by allowing the aircraft to enter into a stall during a critical phase of flight at an attitude insufficient to recover safely. A factor in the accident was the loss of his eyeglasses when…NTSB ATL89FA113Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Ashland, ALThe pilot continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Factors related to the accident were: high terrain, the adverse weather conditions, and trees.NTSB SEA89FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Longmire, WAPhysical incapacitation of the pilot.