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 NYC89FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Renovo, PAImproper VFR procedures the pilot's visual lookout was improper and he collided with a static wire.NTSB LAX89FA010Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182R · Salinas, CAThe pilot failed to follow published missed approach procedures. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot lack of recent experience in type of operation, instrument go-around procedures, and the cloud covered mountainous terrain.NTSB DEN89FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Clovis, NMBefore dawn, witnesses (who were preflighting an acft) saw N732QP taxiing to rwy 4. They heard an eng run-up; however, they were unable to see the acft takeoff due to heavy fog that had just moved over the arpt. (The witnesses decided to cancel their flt due…NTSB ATL89FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210N · Alexander City, ALThe airplane crashed about 2 mi short of the destination arpt. Witnesses reported that it impacted nose down after clearing trees; no engine sounds were heard. According to rescue personnel, the plt indicated that there were no engine or other mechanical…NTSB DEN89FA007Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Walsh, COThere is no record plt obtained wx briefing, filed flt plan, or obtained in-flt wx advisories. Plt and two pax departed san marcos, TX, at 1400 CDT in VMC, enroute to springfield, CO. Acft was seen by two witnesses at aprx 1630 MDT, 11 mi w of Walsh, CO,…NTSB LAX89FA006Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A24R · Mt. Baldy, CAPilot's improper in-flight decision and altitude.NTSB LAX89FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B23 · Scottsdale, AZThe pilot's mismanagement of fuel. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate lighting of the fuel selector valve.NTSB SEA89FA002Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Prosser, WAThe flight was on initial climb after takeoff at 400 AGL when the engine quit. During the ensuing forced landing, the aircraft impacted on an interstate highway perpendicular to the roadway, bounced into open pasture land, impacted a rock berm and burst into…NTSB SEA89FA001Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna Robertson 337A · Eliza Island, WAThis Cessna/robertson 337 was departing from a 1600 foot grass strip in VFR conditions. There were gusting head winds estimated at 15 knots. At the midpoint of the runway the aircraft made a steep climbing left turn, stalling after about 180 degrees of turn.…NTSB ATL89FA004Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · La Follette, TNThe pilot reported an autopilot problem and was not able to maintain control of the airplane. The airframe components were scattered in a circular pattern. All fractures displayed overload failures. The wreckage examination failed to disclose any system or…NTSB MKC88FA183Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D55 · N. Little Rock, ARThe pilot had been executing a vor/dme rwy 35 instrument approach to north Little Rock muni (1M1). The PIC called 'missed approach' a short time aft having been clrd to execute the instrument apprch. Apprch control attmptd to provide instructions to the PIC…NTSB DEN89FA001Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Eden, UTBefore takeoff, the plt told ramp psnl that he & his wife were planning to take some pictures of the beautiful fall colors. A witness near the crash site observed an acft (matching the description of N48926) flying at low altitude. Subsequently, the acft…NTSB CHI88FA249Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-601P · Columbus, OHAerodynamically stalled lifting surface causing an uncommanded pitch over at an altitude too low to affect a recovery.NTSB LAX88DVG10Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna A188B · Dixon, CAPlt had completed aerial application of a field several miles south. Witnesses heard sounds of acft. One witness observed acft briefly inverted and 'out of control.' Acft impacted open field upright, wings level and nose down. Fire ensued. No evidence found…NTSB CHI88FA248Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Monroe, WINTSB BFO88FA085Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-5-210C · Clarksville, VAInflight loss of control as a result of pilot disorientation when the pilot tried to conduct VFR flight into IMC. Low clouds, poor visibility, fog and poor decision are contributing factors.NTSB ATL88FA256Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 14-19-3 · Oak Grove, ALNTSB CHI88FA244Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Hutchinson, MNFailure of the student rated pilot to use proper control inputs and procedures to regain and maintain control of the airplane while executing a go-around from a bounced landing. The pilots lack of total experience is a contributing factor in the cause.NTSB SEA88LA188Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSvensson Bushby Mustang II · Everett, WAJust prior to the acdnt, witnesses saw the acft in a steep, high speed descent. Impact occurred in soft, marshy terrain & much of the wreckage was buried. No mechanical reason was found for a loss of control; however, the acft was extensively damaged drg…NTSB SEA88LA183Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Hadlock, WAThe recently certificated pilot departed on a two hour round-robin flight to attend a meeting and was advised to expect fog on return. The aircraft was flown for one hour prior to this flight and was not refueled. No record of a wx brief was found. Prior to…NTSB MKC88FA176Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Belle Plaines, IAThe non-instrument rated pilot received a full weather briefing prior to departure during which he was advised that VFR flight was not recommended. In addition he was advised that, while conditions were forecast to improve, the possibility for scattered…NTSB MKC88FA175Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Latimer, IAThe pilot had completed his normal flight schedule and was assigned an additional trip from des moines, Iowa to st paul, Minnesota. Calculations show that the pilot had flown an estimated 5 hours in the 8 1/2 hours preceding the accident. The line attendant…NTSB CHI88DET06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportJones None · Elkhart, INInadequate aircraft design which resulted unacceptable aircraft takeoff and climb capability.NTSB CHI88DEP13Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHeibel AIR Command 532 · Cottage Grove, WIWhile in cruise flight this amateur built gyrocopter experienced a main rotor strike to the rudder and propeller. The student pilot who had a total of eight hours flight time, all in this aircraft, was conducting a solo flight in this dual control gyrocopter.…NTSB DEN88FA213Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Curtin, OROn 9/20/88, the plt & his wife depd montaque, CA, on a flt to silverdale, WA, with a planned refueling stop at cottage grove, OR. When the acft did not arrive, a search was made, but to no avail. On 1/24/90, a tree planting crew found the acft, where it had…NTSB CHI88FA240Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Oswego, ILInadequate design inthe manufacture of the pilot's seat which failed during intentional aerobatic maneuvers for which the aircraft including the seat were intended.NTSB LAX88FA321Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Big Bear, CAThe pilot failed to maintain airspeed during takeoff. Contributing factors related to the high density altitude condition, the aircraft's excessive weight and the pilot's failure to lean the mixture. Also contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper…NTSB FTW88FA164Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201T · Okmulgee, OKNon-instrument rated pilot's intentional flight into an area of adverse weather associated with thunderstorms, heavy precipitation, and turbulence. The pilot experienced vertigo and lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft then sustained an infight breakup…NTSB CHI88FA237Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182RG · Zanesville, OHThe pilot's poor judgement/decision-making, and his over confidence in his own ability which led to his repeated decisions to operate his aircraft in adverse weather conditions. The fact that the pilot had operated the aircraft in adverse weather conditions…NTSB NYC88FA236Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Adams, MAPilot's inadequate preflight planning and improper inflight decisions, he continued VFR into IFR conditions. The air route traffic control center service was improper.NTSB MIA88FA269Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 305A · Tampa, FLPlt experienced complete loss of engine power while climbing through 200 ft. the aircraft stalled and mushed, descending out of control and crashing to the ground. The engine was operated to full power after the accident. The cause of the loss of engine power…NTSB LAX88FA319Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Springville, CAPilot used poor judgement in executing the second low pass and failed to follow normal v.f.r. go-around procedures. Contributing to this accident was the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed during the rapid pitch-up maneuver.NTSB FTW88DPJ12Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportSnyder Stolp SA-300 · Oklahoma City, OKTotal failure of the rudder control due to failure of the metal welds on the cable attachment to the rudder pedal, due to improper welding by the manufacturer.NTSB CHI88DEP12Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-36-300 · Pulaski, WIThe aircraft descended at a high rate of speed, 75 degrees nosedown, into the terrain. His widow stated that the pilot had left home at approximately 2100 CST on the accident night, in an inebriated condition. After a discussion about his drinking, he…NTSB DEN88FA202Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Jackson, WYThe plt and his two pax had just arrived at the Jackson hole airport (jax) approximately 30 minutes prior to the accident. The plt dropped off his pax and stepped into operations for a short break. He then returned to the acft by himself for a return flt to…NTSB BFO88FA082Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Orange, VAPilot initiated lift off before flying speed was gained and as a result the aircraft had a loss of aerodynamic lift and stalled on the initial takeoff climb. The pilot's inadequate inflight decision and failure to abort the takeoff are contributing factors.NTSB SEA88FA176Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 204B · Entiat, WAThe acft was on contract to state of WA and working to suppress a forest fire using a water bucket suspended on a long line. The acft had refueled at a temporary heliport at Entiat, WA and was enroute to the work area 15 NM sw of Entiat but did not arrive at…NTSB NYC88FA235Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182RG · Greenville, METhe non-instrument rated pilot apparently could not locate the destination airport because of low ceilings and ground fog. Before the pilot started his trip he was advised by the fss that VFR flight to his destination was not recommended. It appears that the…NTSB NYC88DHA04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBanks/Mong Sport · Marshalls Creek, PAThe homebuilt airplane impacted the ground in a steep nose down attitude among three tall pine trees. After impact, it bounced back about three feet & came to rest. There was no damage to the trees. An exam of the prop revealed no evidence of the engine…NTSB LAX88FA314Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · San Luis Obispo, CAPilots erroneous interpretation of his missed approach clearance, and, his performance of the published missed approach procedure for the santa maria ILS instead of the San Luis Obispo localizer.NTSB LAX88FA312Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Camarillo, CAThe pilot decided to operate the aircraft with a known electrical deficiency during night instrument meteorlogical conditions and the decision of the pilot to conduct a flight operation in which he was not certified. Contributing to this accident was the…NTSB MIA88FA267Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech K35 · Morriston, FLThe student pilot was about 47 miles from home and nearing completion of a x-c flt with his wife, father, and mother. The plt had reqsted VFR flight following & had been cruising at 6500 ft. the plt advised ATC they were down to 6250 ft & needed to descend…NTSB SEA88FA169Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172E · Petersburg, AKPlt was briefed for marginal VFR conditions. Witnesses on departure noted fog bank offshore from airport. Witnesses near accident site, 10 mi from departure point, heard acft and sounds of impact. They reported fog on the water and glassy water conditions.NTSB SEA88FA167Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBritten-Norman BN-2A · Sitka, AKThe pilot encountered low ceilings, rain and fog while attempting to fly through a narrow mountain pass and successfully reversed course. He then flew into a small canyon off the main pass that terminated in a small glacier-covered bowl surrounded by steep…NTSB FTW88FA162Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Marietta, OKThe plt elected to land on rwy 17 with wind from 300 degrees at 6 knots. During the second go-around the airplane's left wing struck a tree at a point 30 feet above the ground and the aircraft ended up inverted in a parking lot. Plt stated he had landed at…NTSB DEN88FA199Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGlasflugel H-301 · Salida, COWitnesses said the acft was aprx 200 ft AGL on the downwind leg, but close in to the rwy as it returned to the arpt for landing. Acft entered a 60 deg right bank to base leg. Nose rose slightly and acft rolled inverted. Acft made one-half to three-quarters…NTSB CHI88FA203Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-20 · Claypool, INPilot-in-command's failure to maintain a sufficient visual lookout and perform a pull up in time to avoid collision with a tree.NTSB CHI88DER14Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHomebuilt Woodstock · Mankato, MNAircraft structural failure due to overload induced by pilot in the performance of unauthorized maneuvers.NTSB LAX88FA309Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Hemet, CAPilot's failure to maintain an airspeed at which the aircraft is controllable. Gusty winds, high density altitudes and the failure of the pilot to obtain a preflight weather briefing and to conduct an evaluation were factors in the accident.NTSB LAX88FA308Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Chino, CAPilot's in flight loss of control of the aircraft during a banner pickup sequence.