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.
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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 DEN88FA084Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Angel Fire, NMAfter takeoff, the acft could not outclimb rapidly rising terrain off the end of the rwy and collided with trees/terrain. Exam of wreckage disclosed fouled plugs from rich mixture and low cyl compression. Exam of airport info did not describe topography…NTSB LAX88FA129Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Oildale, CAImproper maintenance given by the fixed based operator.NTSB ATL88FA118Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7BCM · Bishopville, SCThe student pilot, carrying a passenger, attempted a low level maneuver, and stalled the aircraft. He was unable to recover in the altitude available and the aircraft struck the ground. Toxicological tests on the blood/urine were done on the PIC. The blood…NTSB MIA88FA127Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M-20J · Fernandina Bch, FLThe private pilot flew a flight that consumed about 31 gallons of fuel from a 31 gallon tank. The other fuel tank still had 31 gallons of fuel. The engine failed on base leg and the aircraft crashed in a wooded area. The pilot did not switch the fuel selector…NTSB DEN88DQA03Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportSurline Sidewinder · Moriarty, NMWitnesses heard the acft eng sound increase dramatically as the acft passed over a gen aviation airport. The acft was seen by another witness at low atl, estimated to be about 200 ft, as the nose pitched up. The acft then entered a spin and impacted the…NTSB ATL88FA109Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Sylva, NCThe pilot was conducting a local pleasure flight when the airplane was seen in the boxed canyon maneuvering. The witness said that the pilot was getting lower on each pass, until the airplane was about 300 feet above the ground when the airplane went into a…NTSB CHI88FA075Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Warren, MIThe flt was an air taxi cargo flt carrying truck parts. After takeoff, the twr asked the plt if he was in difficulty and the plt replied 'roger' and requested a change of flt plan. The acft was seen flying erratically just above the tree tops. The acft…NTSB ANC88FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B35 · Nome, AKThe aircraft sustained an in-flight breakup during the enroute phase of the flight. The left fitting that secures the front spars of the stabilizers to the fuselage revealed the presence of pre-existing fatigue cracking. The initial separation of the left…NTSB NYC88DGT01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportNorth American F-51D · State College, PAN51WE, a North American F-51D took off as the second ship of a two ship flight with N6341T, another F-51D. They were observed climbing in formation into the clouds. N6341T assumed communications and said they were a flight of 2 and ok, after ATC was unable to…NTSB ATL88FA106Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Knoxville, TNThe Cessna made a long straight in final approach. The aircraft's radio transmitter was inop. Afterward the Cessna PIC rpted that initially he saw the Beech on a left base. Later he stated the Beech was heading away from the traffic pattern. Witnesses…NTSB ATL88FA104Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Bow, KYThe pilot had received two weather briefings. In both, he was advised of forecast and known icing conditions. The pilot reported ice build-up to ATC. Afterward he requested no further assistance from ATC to locate a suitable landing area. Wreckage examination…NTSB MKC88FA059Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Vienna, MOThe plt rcvd a wx briefing bfr starting a ngt cargo opn in known icing conds. Bfr the flt, a line serviceman noticed ice on the acft's wings & suggested its removal, but the plt declined. Aprx 45 min after tkof, the plt rprtd to ARTCC that a de-ice boot had…NTSB MKC88FA058Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Oxford, IAWitnesses stated that the aircraft appeared to be in trouble immediatley after takeoff, as the wings were rapidly rocking while it was struggling to stay airborne. The aircraft turned sharply left, where it then barely cleared a row of trees. The airplane…NTSB BFO88FID01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPerkins Christen Eagle II · Williamsburg, VAWitnesses saw the acft performing aerobatics which included loops and rolls. The acft was climbing in a loop when it suddenly pitched down and descended to the ground. Some witnesses said the acft was spinning as it descended.NTSB LAX88FA118Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-5B · Frazier Park, CAImproper maintenance performed previous to the accident flight which failed to identify a fault which rendered the airplane nonairworthy. Contributing to this accident was the pilot's exercise of poor judgement in disregarding weather forecasts indicating…NTSB FTW88FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Henderson, TXThe Cessna had just rolled out on base on 3rd or 4th touch go when it collided with a biplane that was not in the traffic pattern. Collision occurred between the outer panel of the left upper wing of the biplane and the rt side of the eng cowling of the…NTSB CHI88DER02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Warroad, MNThe aircraft experienced a loss of control and rapid descent onto the ice in what witnesses described as a spin type maneuver from a low altitude. The purpose of the flight was a low level photo mission. The aircraft was destroyed. The pilot and passenger…NTSB MIA88FA114Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Kissimmee, FLThe acft was observed at about 2000 ft sw bound & the sound of the eng could be heard. The acft was next observed about a minute later inbound at about 50 ft & eng sound could be heard. The witness heard a 'poof' sound & the acft was observed inverted. The…NTSB CHI88FA067Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5A · Martinsville, INPilot to take into caonsideration the wind direction and velocity before selecting his takeoff direction.NTSB MKC88FA054Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47D1 · Nixa, MODuring the process of moving the helicopter from the hangar the right skid slipped off the concrete helipad and became stuck in the mud. The pilot attempted to dislodge the skid by bringing the aircraft to a hover. The left skid became airborne and contacted…NTSB LAX88FA113Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Rosamond, CADecision of the pilot to attempt multiple low level passes over a residence in an area of rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the significant levels of methamphetamine and amphetamine found in both the pilot's blood and urine specimens. A factor…NTSB BFO88FA024Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Ellamore, WVAprx 3 hrs and 26 minutes after takeoff from republic airport, the plt reported having engine problems. Unable to make it to an airport, the plt radioed that he was going to attempt to land on a road. The airplane struck trees and crashed in a wooded area…NTSB NYC88FA093Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Stratford, CTThe pilot and pilot-rated pax received vectors for multiple ILS approaches in deteriorating conditions. On the first attempt the aircraft passed over witnesses but was off course and not in a position to land. The second attempt was aborted before reaching…NTSB NYC88FA087Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-325 · Hamilton Twp., NJThe aircraft disappeared from radar at approximately 1 mile final on a night ILS rwy 13 approach. Radar data indicated that the aircraft completed almost 180 degrees of turn prior to disappearing. The aircraft crashed in a heavily wooded area. No evidence of…NTSB LAX88FA114Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A23 · Big Bear City, CAThe passenger told friends that the pilot was going to perform some aerobatic maneuvers near the lodge where they were staying. The other residents in the lodge reported that the airplane flew very low over the house and proceeded towards the east. After…NTSB FTW88FA069Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Big Spring, TXThe pilot was on a local pleasure flight practicing aerobatic maneuvers in the vicinity of the airport. Witnesses thought the pilot was entering the pattern for landing at the completion of the aerobatic practice. They noted a power reduction after which the…NTSB DCA88MA032Accident · 12 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportFairchild SA227-AC · Cary, NCThe aircraft departed during low ceiling, low visibility, and night conditions. Shortly after takeoff the aircraft impacted a reservoir. Analysis of radar data indicated the acft was in a 45 degree descending turn. Exam of the acft trim system showed that the…NTSB MIA88LA109Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Stuart, FLBfr depg at ngt with no flt plan, non-inst rated plt was adzd of psbl clds forming at a low lvl. En route, he got radar flt flwg. Apchg his destn, he got vctrs & alt chgs to avoid wx & otr acft. At 2001:04, radar svc was trmtd with palm bchapch ctl to cont…NTSB FTW88FA066Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 680 · El Paso, TXThe non-instrument rated, non multiengine rated pilot, whose medical had expired, lost control of the aircraft during an IFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions. The aircraft crashed and burned. The pilot was attempting to return and land after he…NTSB FTW88FA063Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech S35 · Lake Charles, LAAcft crashed into a lake shortly after being vectored onto the final approach course for an ILS at 1,500'. Two current IFR plts were on board. Wx at the time was 500' ovc with 10 miles vis and no convective activity or turbulence reported in the area. No…NTSB CHI88DEE02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHill Bushby Mustang II · Yorkville, ILPerformance of aerobatic maneuvers with insufficient altitude for recovery.NTSB MIA88FA107Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Dunedin, FLFlt was being vectored for practice ILS approach in VFR conditions while the plt-in-command was receiving a biennial flt review. Radar data showed the acft constantly veering to the left off assigned heading and witnesses reported only hearing one engine…NTSB BFO88FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · So. Charleston, WVThe stu plt said the engine began to alternate between partial and full power during the initial tkf climb. The acft was about 100 ft AGL and about 300 ft past the rwy end. According to the stu the inst took control of the acft, turned left, reversed course…NTSB SEA88LA046Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 305A (L-19) · Jean, NVWitnesses observed acft enter 45 deg climb attitude on liftoff, climb to about 200 ft AGL, then enter left turn. Acft appeared to stall, wing dropped and nose fell through to impact 100 yds left of runway. Flaps found set at 60 deg vs. max 30 deg setting…NTSB LAX88LA110Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Seneca, AZNTSB DEN88GA068Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna T-337H · Galisteo, NMNTSB MIA88FA105Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 425 · Sanford, FLThe flt was cleared for a night ILS apch & advised that twr at dest had closed. Twr had rptd at closing that fog was forming & the flt was advised of the fog. The acft was located on a remote part of the arpt the next morning. The ELT had activated but the…NTSB NYC88LA079Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · East Hampton, NYThe flight departed East Hampton airport for a pleasure flt. Shortly thereafter, the pilot called on frequency 122.7 stating that he had struck some birds and could not maintain control of the aircraft. There as no further transmission as to his location, and…NTSB NYC88DHA02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGribosh LONG-EZ · Perkasie, PAThe homebuilt airplane was being operated on its second test flight after manufacture. Witnesses stated that they heard the engine 'making power changes' and 'surging' while the airplane was maneuvering at 30 to 50 feet above the ground. Also, they reported…NTSB ATL88MA089Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBritish Aerospace 3101 · Springfield, OHA company designated instr and two f/o trainees were conducting a FAR 135 trng flt. The third apch was terminated with ago-around initiated over the rwy threshold at about 50 ft. after climbing to about 150 ft, the acft was observed to oscillate in yaw,…NTSB ATL88FA088Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Youngstown, OHNTSB MIA88LA104Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 65-88Undetermined.NTSB DEN88FA071Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Red Lodge, MTThe plt and two pax were returning to twin falls, id from billings, MT. The plt rec two wx briefings prior to dep. The wx forecast indicated low clouds, snow, turb and icing cond along the intended route of flight. The route of flight required the plt to…NTSB DEN88FA064Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Roswell, NMNTSB DEN88FA063Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421A · Helena, MTThis accident occurred during a night, ILS app to rwy 27 in IMC. The acft collided with a mountain 12 NM ese of the arpt while turning inbound to intercept the LOC course. Investigation revealed that one VOR receiver was set on the destinaton ILS freq, the…NTSB DEN88FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-125 · Brighton, COThe student pilot was observed by witnesses to 'buzz' the city of Brighton, Colorado. Witnesses stated that N1153A flew over houses and buildings at a very low altitude. The acft was then observed to climb to a high altitude, do a 'wing over' or 'hammerhead'…NTSB NYC88FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337E · Friedens, PAThe 24 year old unlicensed pilot made an unauthorized flight in his father's aircraft. The Cessna 337 was observed to manuever in the vicinity of the airport at a low altitude in and out of the clouds. The aircraft was then observed to come out of the clouds…NTSB LAX88FA103Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Douglas, AZInadvertent entry into a stall/spin by the pilot-in-command.NTSB LAX88FA101Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206F · Lk Havasu City, AZPilot's decision to continue flight in forecast marginal VFR conditions in mountainous terrain. Contributing to this accident was the failure of the pilot to obtain an aviation weather briefing and his lack of recurrent training.NTSB SEA88LA043Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Ketchikan, AKAcft collided with trees 1400 ft short of rwy during ILS approach. The acft was left of centerline and about 100 ft below glideslope at that time. Witnesses heard sounds of increased power and impact. When the approach clearance was given the wx was 1000 ft…