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 DCA89MA035Accident · 2 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas DC-9-33F · Saginaw, TXThe loss of control of the airplane for undetermined reasons following the inflight opening of the improperly latched cargo door. Contributing to the accident were: inadequate procedures used by evergreen airlines and approved by the FAA for preflight…NTSB ATL89LA111Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMorrisey 2150A · Lenoir, NCPilot disregarded the apparent severity of the approaching thunderstorms and attempted a circuit of the airport under visual flight rules when it was not possible. The pilot's lack of recent flight experience was a contributing factor.NTSB MIA89FA109Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Pascagoula, MSContinued flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Contributing factors were: inadequate preflight planning, weather conditions, pilot's lack of instrument flight time, lack of visual cues at night, and trees at the crash site.NTSB ATL89FA106Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech H35 · Knoxville, TNThe pilot's continued operation of the airplane with a known mechanical defect in the engine carburetor/fuel supply system as evidenced by the past history of engine stoppage during ground operation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's performance of…NTSB CHI89MA057Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportNihon YS-11A-600 · West Lafayette, INA loss of control due to the improper inflight decisions by the crew and the undetected accumulation of ice on the leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer, during flight in a forward center of gravity condition and exacerbated by the extension of full…NTSB MIA89FA108Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Holley, FLContinued flight by the plt into adverse wx, followed by spatial disorientation and loss of aircraft control. Lack of a preflight weather briefing, weather conditions, and lack of visual cues at night were considered contributing factors.NTSB NYC89FA099Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Southbridge, MAPoor judgement of the pilot by flying while physically impaired by alcohol, and his continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Related factors were: the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, dark night, adverse weather…NTSB FTW89FA065Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · New Orleans, LAThe pilot diverting his attention from flying the aircraft while complying with the departure control instructions, and allowing the aircraft to descend into the water.NTSB BFO89FA022Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A60 · Manassas, VAA loss of aircraft control due to the pilot's failure to maintain minimum engine control speed after a partial loss of power of the left engine for undetermined reasons. The pilot's inexperience in type of aircraft and an over maximum gross weight aircraft…NTSB ATL89DEK02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportAlexander RV-4 · Delaware, OHPilot inadvertently lost control of the aircraft which resulted in a stall spin and collision with the ground.NTSB MIA89FA101Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T-28C · Titusville, FLThe pilot's improper execution of an aerobatic maneuver resulting in inadequate airspeed and loss of control.NTSB NYC89FAMS3Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna P210N · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)A power loss for undetermined reasons resulting in a ditching in the north Atlantic Ocean. High seas may have prevented the pilot from getting into his survival suit.NTSB MIA89FA100Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech S35 · Daytona Beach, FLThe pilot's improper IFR procedure and his failure to maintain proper altitude. Contributing factors were: his improper use of the navigation receiver, his delay in making a missed apch, his lack of experience in the type of aircraft, his lack of recent…NTSB ATL89FA098Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-18 · Covington, KYPilot attempted a takeoff with coating of frost on the airframe which resulted in a loss of lift during climbout.NTSB NYC89FAMS2Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Missing (Atlantic Ocean)Loss of engine power for an unknown reason.NTSB LAX89DVD03Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportStearns BD-4 · Leggett, CAThe pilot's continuation of VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure maintain proper altitude. Factors related to the accident were the adverse weather conditions, high terrain, and trees.NTSB DEN89FA083Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCraven'S Quickie Q2 · Watkins, COFailure of both pilot's to maintain visual lookout.NTSB MIA89FA098Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Fort Lauderdale, FLInstructor pilots failure to maintain control of the aircraft resulting in a collision with terrain.NTSB BFO89FA020Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Townsend, DELoss of aircraft control for unknown reasons.NTSB NYC89FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Douglas Twsp, PAPoor judgement of the student pilot by flying while under the influence of alcohol, and his VFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without the required qualification or training. Factors factors related to the accident were: failure of the…NTSB LAX89FA120Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Casa Grande, AZThe pilot in command's performance of aerobatic maneuvers, while flying in formation, and his failure to maintain proper clearance.NTSB SEA89FA053Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-601P · Lakeview, ORFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft, which resulted in a spin and an uncontrolled descent. Factors related to the accident were: improper maintenence by the pilot, an autopilot malfunction, the adverse weather conditions, continued flight…NTSB ATL89FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · St Marys Island, GAThe pilot continued into IMC conditions where he collided with trees.NTSB BFO89FA019Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35TC · Roanoke, VAThe pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft due to spatial disorientation.NTSB NYC89FA097Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-A55 · Lake Placid, NYThe pilot's departure into known adverse weather conditions and his continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factor(s) was: the adverse weather conditions.NTSB BFO89LA023Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-20F · San Diego, CAPilot incapacitation for an unknown reason.NTSB MKC89FA063Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Jacksonville, ARSevere corrosion of the left forward wing lift strut which resulted in the in-flight separation of the left wing. A contributing factor was inadequacy of the applicable service bulletin.NTSB DCA89MA027Accident · 9 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBoeing 747-122 · Honolulu, HIThe sudden opening of the improperly latched forward lobe cargo door in flight and the subsequent explosive decompression. Contributing to the accident was a deficiency in the design of the cargo door locking mechanisms, which made them susceptible to…NTSB FTW89FA055Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Mount Vernon, TXInadequate maintenance and inspection of the airplane by the mechanics who rebuilt the airplane, in that they failed to detect and/or correct the corroded lift strut which resulted in wing failure.NTSB MKC89FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150K · Pemberton, MNPoor judgement on the part of the pilot in that he attempted a down wind take off without adequate distance to clear obstacles in his flight path.NTSB MIA89FA090Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Blue Mountain, MSThe continuation of a VFR flight into night, instrument meteorological conditions and the spatial disorientation of the non-instrument rated pilot. Contributing to the accident were the adverse weather conditions and the overconfidence of the pilot.NTSB NYC89FA086Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Glen Falls, NYFailure of both pilots to see-and-avoid each other. Related factors were: failure of the Beech aircrew to make a normal left turn out of traffic and the Stinson pilot's visual perception due to sunglare.NTSB DCA89RA025Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 747-200 · Puchong Malaysi, MalaysiaNTSB DCA89MA026Accident · 10 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Corona, CAThe pilot's failure to properly preflight and plan for flight and his intentional flight into IMC conditions. Factors contributing to the accident were the low ceiling conditions in conjunction with the mountainous terrain.NTSB LAX89FA113Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172F · Safford, AZFailure of the pilot to maintain proper airspeed while on final approach resulting in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's delayed use of wing flaps.NTSB MKC89FA061Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Hamburg, ARThe pilot continued VFR flight into IMC conditions and failed to maintain sufficient altitude above the wooded terrain. Weather conditions, low light conditions at or near dusk, lack of visual cues (visual perception) by the pilot, and trees were contributing…NTSB MIA89FA088Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320E · Melrose, FLThe failure of the pilot to comply promptly with ATC instructions and his loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB ATL89FA088Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Jackson, GAThe pilot's improper handling of the airplane which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and subsequent collision with terrain. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's decision to perform aerobatic maneuvers at low altitude, and complacency…NTSB LAX89FA111Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Safford, AZThe pilot's poor judgement and the resultant hypoxia sustained in the unpressurized airplane. Factors were: the malfunctioning pressurization system and the pilot's decision to continue operation with that known discrepancy.NTSB FTW89FA049Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMBB BK-117 A-1 · Tyler, TXThe pilot's failure to execute the published inadvertent IMC procedures when he encountered adverse weather conditions.NTSB LAX89FA106Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Julian, CAThe pilot's poor judgement of intentionally flying into an area of known forecast icing conditions which resulted in a loss of control and an inflight breakup of the aircraft. Contributing factors were the pilot's overconfidence in his personal ability by…NTSB ATL89FA086Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Jasper, TNThe pilot's improper handling of the airplane flight controls at low altitude which resulted in an excessive rate of descent and collision with a tree.NTSB NYC89LA083Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Yarmouth, MAA loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing which resulted from binding of the carbuerator throttle shaft. The binding resulted from an improper overhaul of the carbuertor approximately 10 flight hours prior to the accident.NTSB NYC89FA080Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Lyon Mountain, NYThe pilot decided to fly in weather conditions that were beyond his and the aircraft's capabilities.NTSB FTW89MA047Accident · 1 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-9-32F · Salt Lake City, UTImproper in-flight planning/decision by the captain (pilot-in-command) and his improper use of the portable oxygen system, which resulted in his incapacitation due to hypoxia. Factors related to the accident were: inadequate maintenance/inspection of the…NTSB ATL89FAMS3Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 310Q · Cleveland, OHAn uncontrolled descent into the water for undetermined reasons.NTSB ANC89FA041Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206G · Fairbanks, AKSeparation of the torsional vibration dampers from the crankshaft boss.NTSB DCA89RA023Accident · 144 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 707 · Santa Maria, PortugalNTSB CHI89FA049Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Mosinee, WISpatial disorientation of the pilot as a result of initiating the flight into known adverse weather. Factors related to the accident were: dark night, snow, and low ceilings.NTSB MIA89LAMS1Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Missing Acft (Atlantic Ocean)The pilot's decision to commit suicide. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's interpersonal relations and his psychological condition.