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 LAX88FA307Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Grand Canyon, AZThe pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft during nigh visual meteorological conditions. Contributing to this accident was the pilot's lack of recent experience at nigh and the lack of outside visual references due to darkness.NTSB FTW88FA161Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-220T · Carthage, TXDrg a night arrival, the plt rprtd he could make a visual apch. At 2341:37 CDT, the ARTCC controller informed him the destn arpt was straight ahead at 12 mi & requested that he rprt when the arpt was in sight. At 2343:30, he rprtd the rwyin sight & the…NTSB CHI88FA231Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Boyne City, MIThe pilot and his passenger were flying low over a sailboat regatta to photograph sailboats. As the pilot maneuvered for a photograph, he throttled back and banked the aircraft in a steep bank. Subsequently, the aircraft stalled and there was insufficient…NTSB LAX88FAMS3Accident · 3 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 172P · Kauai, HIThe pilot departed for honolulu, HI after flying for 3 hours, 45 minutes without refueling. The flight to honolulu takes 1 hour. The airplane has a full fuel endurance of four hours. It disappeared from navy radar 25 miles southeast of Kauai. Acft wreckage…NTSB FTW88FA160Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170A · El Paso, TXPilot's impairment due to the influence of alcohol.NTSB LAX88FA306Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Temecula, CAFailure of the pilot to properly initiate a go-around during an aborted landing. The loss of directional control during the landing, failure to return to the runway for the aborted takeoff, and not establishing the proper rate of climb due to high density…NTSB DCA88MA072Accident · 14 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBoeing 727-232 · Dallas/Ft Worth, TX(1) The captain and first officer's inadequate cockpit discipline which resulted in the flightcrew's attempt to takeoff without the wing flaps and slats properly configured; and (2) the failure of the takeoff configuration warning system to alert the crew…NTSB SEA88FA166Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Caldwell, IDThe plt flew to hubler field (a pvt 2800' strip) & landed. After landing on rwy 10, he taxied back to the apch end & took off again. As the acft was climbing, about 60' over trees at the departure end, it rolled abruptly to the left, entered a steep descent &…NTSB MIA88FA262Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCommens Midget Mustang I · Davie, FLThe private pilot flying the homebuilt aircraft crashed into a swamp, and there were no witnesses. The aircraft was located 4 days later. Friends of the pilot recalled that in the 3 weeks prior to the accident the pilot had bragged to them about the high 'g'…NTSB NYC88FA229Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201 · Pomfret, CTThe Piper arrow PA-28R-201, had asked ATC for vectors to windam airport. After being vectored the pilot requested his distance from the airport. He was told that he was 12 miles from the airport, the pilot then decided to descend. ATC advised the pilot to…NTSB DEN88FA193Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Jackson Hole, WYThe pvt plt obtained his instrument rating 14 days prior to the accident. 12 hrs of actual instrument flt time was logged in March of 1987. The remaining instrument flt time was simulated. Visibility in the Jackson Hole area was reduced by smoke. The plt…NTSB MIA88FA261Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60 · Pembroke Pines, FLWitnesses stated that the acft used almost the entire length of the runway during the ground run. After rotation & gear retraction, it continued to climb in a nose high attitude to aprx 100-150 feet, then it started an aprx 20 degree bank to the right until…NTSB BFO88DID04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-25-250 · Waverly, VAThe acft contacted pwr lines, crashed and burned during an aerial appliation flt. Witnesses reported that it looked as if the plt descended to fly under the lines when it suddenly pulled up and contacted them.NTSB SEA88FA160Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 100-180 · John Day, ORWhile elk spotting in mountainous terrain, the aircraft collided with trees in a nose low turn similar to the intermediate stages of a stall. A severe post impact fire erupted. The density altitude at the accident site elevation was approximately 10,100 feet.…NTSB LAX88FA297Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Inyokern, CAPilots inflight loss of control after encountering a level four thunderstorm on a night VFR cross country. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing.NTSB FTW88FA151Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Bushland, TXThere were no witnesses to this accident. The airplane impacted the terrain at high speed, in a near wings level, 75 degree nose down attitude. No preimpact problems were found with the airplane or powerplant. Airplane was over weight and had an aft CG at…NTSB FTW88DRD20Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAlon A2A · New Orleans, LAThe highly modified airplane was observed in a near vertical dive before it impacted into a marsh. No mechanical or medical reasons were found for the crash. Although toxicological analysis indicated a blood alcohol level of .11%, there was evidence of…NTSB CHI88FA218Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Bellbrook, OHFailure of the PIC to maintain sufficient airspeed to sustain flight during initial climb to clear a barrier after taking off from an off airport area.NTSB LAX88DVA11Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportTedford VARI-EZE · Mariposa, CAAcft observed to dive into grnd. Investigation revealed inflt breakup and separation of canards. Exam of canards revealed modification to increase chord improperly done, adding excess weight aft of CG and making components subject to flutter. One mounting…NTSB CHI88FA214Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269B · Hampton, ILNTSB ATL88FA233Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Pittsboro, NCThe plt had an instrument plt accompany him on the flight to myrtle beach in the event the wx required IFR for the return flt. When they arrived at myrtle beach, the plt decided that they would remain overnight. After visiting some night spots and doing some…NTSB MIA88FA260Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportPartenavia P-68C · Duncan Town, BahamasThe acft crashed in the ocean nr Duncan Town, Bahamas. The wx according to witnesses was VMC. The flt had been airborne enroute from nassau for about 1 hr and 20 minutes. Witnesses on a nearby boat said the acft was flying in a slight left bank when the left…NTSB SEA88LA155Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMace R-2 · Reno, NVAcft had been fitted with new outer wing panels of elliptical design and was on sixth test flight for racing certification, exploring g envelope. Investigation revealed right outer panel separated in flight during maneuvering. Failure occurred in center…NTSB SEA88FA156Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 Mark 1 · Sitka, AKWhile on a flight from Sitka to rowan bay, Alaska, the pilot flew up a valley intending to cross a pass whose elevation was 2745 feet MSL. Upon approaching the pass the pilot encountered clouds which prevented his transit. The pilot then executed a 180 degree…NTSB DEN88FA186Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Dimock, SDThe plt was giving airplane rides to some neighbors from his private airstrip. He had just taken off with a new pax. A witness reported observing the acft skimming close to the ground after liftoff, and then the acft climbed quickly. The acft then banked…NTSB ANC88FA111Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Mt. Torbet, AKThe on-demand-charter flight was to originally pickup passengers and cargo but a landing gear problem forced another airplane with a mechanic to be dispatched. The other airplane returned with the passengers and the accident airplane was repaired by the…NTSB ATL88FA231Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Adel, GAThe pilot had been briefed on the weather conditions along the intended route of flight. VFR flight was not recommended. The pilot elected to land at his alternate, and had reported visual contact. Local witnesses reported low ceilings and reduced visibility.…NTSB SEA88FA154Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210E · N Bonneville, WAWhile on a flt from oroville to orchards, WA, the acft was about 25 to 30 mi east of the destn when it collided with trees & crashed. Impact occurred aprx 100 ft below the top of a ridgeline at an elev of about 1755 ft. a witness, who heard the crash, rprtd…NTSB ATL88FA230Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 60 · Pageland, SCThe airplane was observed to approach the airport from the northwest. As it crossed the northeast end of the runway, it initiated a right turn to cross the runway about the midpoint to a position for a left downwind for landing on runway 5. Its altitude was…NTSB NYC88FA218Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Island Falls, MEPilot's poor in-inflight decisions and planning and failed to follow ATC directives to maintain VFR. The pilot continued VFR into IFR conditions and collided with hilly terrain.NTSB CHI88FA206Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7CCM · Barker, NYThe pilot in command failed to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB NYC88LA217Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300 · Wellsboro, PAThe pilot attempting a takeoff in an over grossed aiarcraft in high density altitude and flew off the end of the runway into high grass.NTSB SEA88LA152Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCassutt III · Shelton, WAAcft had been restored and recertificated since last flight in 1969. On initial test flight takeoff, plt immediately turned to and flew low, slow landing pattern circuit with sounds of reduced power, colliding with trees in final approach turn. Investigation…NTSB MIA88FA254Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172E · Floweree, MSThe student pilot departed early in the morning and was not found until the next afternoon. There were no witnesses to the accident. The aircraft impacted the ground in a 50 degree nose down angle at a high rate of speed with evidence of aircraft rotation…NTSB CHI88FA201Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210B · Noblesville, INNTSB NYC88FA216Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TU206G · White Lake, NYThe float equipped aircraft made multiple takeoff attempts on a lake, getting airborne at least once prior to the accident. On the takeoff run that terminated in the accident, the pilot turned into an inlet after getting airborne with insufficent room to turn…NTSB DEN88GA185Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 182R · Georgetown, CONTSB NYC88LA212Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Swanton, VTThe plt took the passenger (his wife) on a short flt, which was her 1st flt. She was described as apprehensive. Before going back to the parking area after landing, the plt taxied to the terminal bldg for his wife to deplane. He stopped the acft with the left…NTSB CHI88FA198Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Auburn, INFlight known adverse weather conditions.NTSB CHI88DEX11Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportContinental Copters MK-5 · Redkey, INPhysical impairment of the pilot due to drugs which resulted in a misjudged approach and subsequent contact with trees during the approach to an aerial application swath run.NTSB ANC88LA107Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportArtic S-1B2 · Kotzebue, AKThe airplane crashed at 2700 feet m.s.l. in a box canyon while maneuvering at low level & scouting for sheep. The top of the ridge was approximately 3200 feet m.s.l. the investigation revealed that the pilot was trying to outclimb the ridge when the airplane…NTSB MIA88WA252Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-23-250 · Gr. Harbor Cay, BahamasNTSB MKC88DCD03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Eldora, IAPilot was spraying a bean field when a witness saw his aircraft strike the ground. The aircraft then climbed to approximately 200 feet and leveled off. It then began a gentle climb, then entered a spin and desended into the ground. Examination of the aircraft…NTSB MKC88DCA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRosenmayer Skyranger S/C · Maryland Hgts, MOWitnesses observed the a/c making a turn when the wings came off and the a/c nose-dived to the ground with the wings 'floating' down after the a/c. examination of the wreckage found a fatigue crack 1/3 the circumference with instantaneous cracking on the…NTSB DEN88DTM03Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportFalco F8L · Grantsville, UTThis acdt involved a homebuilt, side-by-side, two place, low wing, high performance aircraft. The purpose of the flt was to visit an airshow at wendover. The weather was reported to be clear with light winds. Radar track data showed the acft tracked straight…NTSB CHI88FA192Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Pierz, MNPilot failed to maintain adequate control of the aircraft while maneuvering at a low altitude, resulting in a stall and collision with the ground. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flight experience and training.NTSB CHI88DER07Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportChampion 7CCM · Int'L Falls, MNThere were no eyewitnesses to this accident. The aircraft with an instructor and student aboard was reported missing. When located the seaplane had descended into a wooded swamp and the aircraft was substantially damaged and both occupants received fatal…NTSB NYC88DGM01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHiller UH-12E · Lovely, PAThe undetermined loss of engine power while performing low level aerial application operations.NTSB NYC88FA202Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Post Mills, VTThe plt flew the acft to an arpt with two turf rwys. Rwy 5/23 was 2300' long & rwy 4/22 was 2600' long. After attending a meeting which ended at 1600 EDT, the plt elected to wait until later in the day to takeoff after the air had cooled. Subsequently, he…NTSB MKC88FA147Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Missouri City, MOThe co-owner of the acft stated he had experienced a fuel flow pblm while flying to the (ojc) arpt, where pax (one of them was a co-owner) were to board. He stated he advzd the other owner of the pblm, but no corrective action was taken. The acft was then…