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 LAX89DVD02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportWar Replicas P-51 · Tracy, CAThe improper installation of the aileron controls of this homebuilt acft by the pilot/manufacturer which led to the inflight loss of control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inexperience in the airplane.NTSB SEA89FA041Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca O-58B · Minden, NVThe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed and airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the mountainous terrain and mountain wave conditions.NTSB LAX89FA099Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSilvaire 8F · Lake Elsinore, CALoss of aircraft control due to improper and/or unapproved modifications to the aircraft's aileron control system by the pilot/owner. A contributing factor was the pilot/owner's overconfidence in his ability to modify the aileron control system without…NTSB NYC89FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 305A · Blairstown, NJDelays by both pilots in releasing the glider tow line after the glider pilot allowed the glider to maneuver excessively above the tow aircraft. The weather conditions were factors.NTSB SEA89FA040Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-160 · Carson City, NVLoss of power on the left engine due to a foreign object which obstructed the fuel flow, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed above VMC during his attempted return to the airfield. Contributing to the accident was the lack of recent flight time by the…NTSB NYC89FA073Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman GA-7 · Spartansburg, PAThe pilots decision to disregard the weather forecast and attempt flight into known icing conditions. After the wings started to ice up, the pilot initiated a climb but could not maintain airspeed and inadvertantly stalled the aircraft which entered an…NTSB LAX89FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Truckee, CAThe pilot's decision to fly with a known deficiency of the aircraft, the worn fuel injector with an interior leak, which resulted in loss of engine power, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall.NTSB CHI89DEP01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna T337G · Green Bay, WIThe pilot's loss of aircraft control, due to the loss of cockpit/instrument panel lighting for an undetermined reason, the inoperative penlight, and subsequent spatial disorientation of the pilot. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the adverse…NTSB LAX89FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman AA5A · Lake View, CAThe pilot's inadvertent flight into a box canyon.NTSB LAX89FA092Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22A · Santa Barbara, CAFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate altitude, proper airspeed for the reduced visibility, and an adequate visual outlook to avoid a collision with power transmission cable. Contributing to the accident was reduced visibility due to fog.NTSB LAX89DUJ04Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportLehman/Jerrell Vans RV-4 · Tucson, AZPoor judgement by the pilot in attempting and then improperly performing an aerobatic maneuver after takeoff, resulting in a stall/spin to the ground.NTSB LAX89DUG02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMason AJM-1 · Cajalco, CAThe pilot's intentional descent into the terrain. Contributing factors to the accident were the pilot's phychological problems and his lack of experience in this aircraft.NTSB MKC89FA055Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7EC · Luxemburg, MNThe pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall and loss of aircraft control. The pilot's failure to observe weight and balance limitations of the aircraft was a contributing factor.NTSB CHI89GA048Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Chicago, ILInadequate preflight of the aircraft by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion due to an inadequate supply of fuel. Factors related to the accident were: high obstructions and retaining wall in the emergency landing area.NTSB ATL89FA081Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Hartsville, TNThe pilot allowing the aircraft to lift-off prematurly at a slow airspeed and his failure to maintain directional control before inadvertently entering a stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's experience level and lack of qualifications.NTSB FTW89FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Zachary, LAThe pilot's loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation after encountering instrument meteorological weather conditions (IMC) shortly after takeoff, his intentional takeoff into adverse weather conditions, and the operator's inadequate supervision…NTSB ATL89FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Bagley, ALInadequate maintenance by other maintenance personnel which allowed a foreign object to remain in the engine and damage/short the spark plugs in the #2 and #3 cylinders. Trees in the emergency landing area contributed to the accident. If shoulder harnesses…NTSB SEA89FA036Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-3 · Ketchikan, AKThe pilot's inadvertant flight into IFR conditions and the stall which occurred during the turn to reverse course. Contributing to the accident were the snow conditions encountered.NTSB LAX89DUJ03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMurphey Vancraft 532 · Tucson, AZInadequate lookout by the pilot during unwarranted low flight.NTSB DEN89FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Albuquerque, NMEngine stoppage from fuel starvation which resulted from the pilot's failure to select the fullest tank for takeoff. In addition the pilot attempted to return to the airport during the forced landing and inadvertently stalled the aircraft during the…NTSB ATL89MA072Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportHawker Siddeley HS.748 Series 2A · Tipp City, OHImproper IFR procedure by the first officer (copilot) during takeoff, his lack of instrument scan (improper use of flight/navigation instruments), his failure to maintain a positive rate of climb or to identify the resultant descent, and the captain's…NTSB LAX89FA082Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35-B33 · Ripon, CAContinued flight by the pilot into known icing conditions and structural (wing) icing, which subsequently resulted in an uncontrolled stall. A contributing factor was the icing condition.NTSB LAX89FA081Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Pleasanton, CAFailure of the pilot to properly follow the IFR (instrument flight rules) procedures by not maintaining the minimum descent altitude for that seqment of the approach. The weather conditions and mountainous terrain were considered to be related factors.NTSB ATL89MA070Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportSwearingen SX-300 · Wilmington, OHFatigue and resulting failure of the right wing's lower attachment fitting and inadequate quality control by the Swearingen SX-300 production/design personnel.NTSB FTW89FA037Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B33 · New Braunfels, TXThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into IMC. Contributing factors were the adverse weather conditions and the dark night.NTSB LAX89FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Oxnard, CAContinued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorlogical conditions which resulted in an in-flight collsion with terrain. Related factors were: failure of the pilot to use a preflight briefing service, his decision to initiate flight into known adverse…NTSB MKC89DCG02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportWells Varieze · Macon, MOContinued flight by the pilot into known adverse weather and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above obstacles. Contributing factors were: low ceiling, fog, rain, pilot delaying flight to an alternate destination, his lack of recent flight…NTSB LAX89FA078Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · San Bernardino, CAThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight after encountering instrument meteorological conditions while attempting to transit through a mountain pass. Contributing factors was: the pilot's self-induced pressure knowing that a co-worker was probably waiting…NTSB NYC89FA062Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Limington, MEFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse wind conditions, lack of pilot experience in the type of aircraft, and the lack of shoulder harness/upper body…NTSB MIA89TL#02Accident · 1 fatalClass 3Final reportBell 206L-3 · Orlando, FLNTSB ATL89FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31 · Springfield, OHFuel exhaustion precipatated by the inadequate fuel consumption calculations performed by the pilot, pressure from the company president to not carry excess fuel and improper in-flight planning/decisions by the pilot by not refueling enroute before fuel was…NTSB CHI89FA040Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-200 · Carmel, INThe pilot's poor understanding of the weather forecast, his failure to utilize the pitot heat in icing conditions and the exceeding of the stress limits of the aircraft.NTSB ATL89FA065Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B · Mansfield, OHFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft, due to spatial disorientation, at about the time he was changing radio frequencies during an IFR approach.NTSB CHI89FA039Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210D · Alvin, ILContinued flight by the non-instrument rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, adverse weather conditions, the pilot's lack of instrument…NTSB CHI89FA038Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Springfield, ILThe pilot's improper IFR procedure during an ILS approach in below minimum conditions, and the pilot's failure to proceed to an alternate destination. Contributing factors were the adverse weather conditions.NTSB LAX89FA076Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Wrightwood, CAAccording to the passenger, during a cross country flight the airplane encountered instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot flew the airplane toward a mountain range and entered a valley with rising terrain. Still in IMC, just prior to the accident,…NTSB SEA89LA030Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 205 · Cottage Grove, ORThe student pilot took off on a solo flight from an uncontrolled airport at Cottage Grove in marginal weather conditions. Shortly after takeoff, he transmitted to eugene tower (which was approximately 15 miles north) that he had encountered 'white-out'…NTSB CHI89FA036Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B23 · Jeffersonville, INPilot-in-command's poor inflight decision in attempting to return to the airport after a partial engine failure, and his encountering a stall/spin at low altitude from which he was unable to recover.NTSB LAX89FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Yucca, AZPilot's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing factors included the pilot's improper in-flight decision which was related to his overconfidence in his personal ability, spatial disorientation upon encountering inclement weather during the…NTSB NYC89FA059Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Bridgeport, CTTwice prior to being established on final the pilot was asked if he was getting proper indications for the approach to land. Contact was subsequently lost while the pilot was attempting to make an ILS approach to runway 06 at Bridgeport. The aircraft was…NTSB NYC89FA056Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Harrison, NYThe plt was clrd for an IFR departure from rwy 16 in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). His departure clnc was to climb on rwy heading to 800 ft, then turn right to a heading of 320 deg. When the acft took off, tower psnl did not have visual contact…NTSB LAX89FA069Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Norco, CAAccident was that the pilot became disoriented and was unable to arrest the ensuing descending spiraling turn.NTSB CHI89FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Madison, INPilot-in-command's disregard of IFR procedures in descending below the minimum decision height for the approach to a point where collision with towers and/or wires became possible. His abrupt maneuver to avoid such collision resulted in a stall/spin, from…NTSB ATL89FA061Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210B · Mt Airy, NCThe pilot attempted to locate the destination airport in instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain a sufficient altitude to avoid the terrain in the area. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot' overconfidence in his…NTSB ATL89FA059Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Wadsworth, OHPIC & future son-in-law came to arpt to fly acft. Wx was low ceilings & viz due to fog. PIC did not have instrument rating. The son-in-law, an army captain, was sked to leave for overseas assignment shortly. Closest arpt which rpted wx, 15 miles southeast,…NTSB ATL89FA058Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Bloomville, OHNTSB NYC89FA053Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Franklin Twp, PABefore takeoff, the crew indcd the flt would be for 'check rides' & that they planned to 'shoot approaches' & proceed to the practice area to do some airwork. ATC advised the plts that the cloud bases were at 3500 feet MSL. Elevation of the terrain (where the…NTSB MKC89FA043Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Cape Girardeau, MOThe helicopter was dispatched at night on an emerg med svc (EMS) flt fm a hospital at Cape Girardeau, MO. Purpose of theflt was to transport a patient fm a hospital at marion, IL, to Cape Girardeau. Wx at Cape Girardeau deteriorated after the acft departed.…NTSB MIA89FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310L · Cedar Key, FLThe evidence indicated that personnel failed to tighten a fuel line at the fuel pressure switch on left engine resulting in fuel line leaking into the engine compartment in flight. An inflight fire burned through a fuel crossfeed fuel line which could not be…NTSB LAX89LA073Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Oakland, CAPilots intentional flight into known adverse weather condititions from which he inadvertently descended into the water at a high rate of speed. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing; lack of recent instrument flying…