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 LAX88FA014Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Mount Baldy, CABfr tkof, the plt filed a VFR flt plan & rcvd a wx briefing which included an AIRMET. The AIRMET contained precautionaryinfo abt instrument conds (IMC), icing & mtn obscuration in calif. When the plt opened his flt plan with the fss, he wasagain briefed on…NTSB ATL88DMG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRogers-Gibson 1 · Bennettsville, SCThe homebuilt aerobatic airplane impacted flat terrain adjacent to the rwy shortly after takeoff. A pilot/witness who was in the arpt terminal lobby at the time rptd that he briefly observed the airplane pass by the terminal at a low level in a near…NTSB MIA88FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22-B · Plymouth, FLThe private pilot, with an expired medical certificate and a license restricted to no carriage of passengers, took off and experienced an engine failure for undetermined causes. He did not execute an autorotation and the aircraft crashed. The pilot had also…NTSB BFO88FA002Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Lowmoor, VAThe acft was involved in powerline patrol over mountainous terrain at low altitude. The plt made a climbing right turn to avoid a ridge and went into a valley where he was boxed in by two ridges. He unsuccessfully tried to outclimb one of the ridges before he…NTSB ATL88FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech HA-1 · Memphis, TNAfter t/o PIC was told by twr that tail stand, used to prevent acft from tipping on tail when loaded, was still attached to acft. PIC req teardrop turn back to departure rwy. Approach controller stated he saw mode c indication of 700'. A/p elev. Is 332'. Acft…NTSB MIA88FA005Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Deland, FLThe acft was observed to be flying slowly, then roll steeply to the left and dive into an unoccupied house from about 300 ft shortly after takeoff. The plt had considerable flt time but he had not flown this model, except for a 35 min checkout that morning.…NTSB MIA88FA003Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310K · Inverness, FLWitnesses stated that the plt initiated a go around at the runway 19 threshold, broke off to the right & went behind a tree line in a 60 degree right bank. On the other side of the tree line the acft was observed to strike the trees with the left wing and…NTSB LAX88FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Calistoga, CAUpon arriving over the destination arpt the plt used an incorrect CTAF frequency to contact the arpt and he used a right hand traffic pattern approaching the 2600 foot-long rwy. Because a residential area lay west of the arpt & open fields lay to the east,…NTSB MIA88FA001Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Everglades City, FLThe non-instrument rated plt attempted a VFR flt over the Everglades during the hrs of darkness. The acft crashed into a swampy area at a high rate of speed while in a 90 degree left bank. The acft disintegrated on impact. A convective SIGMET was issued about…NTSB DEN88FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-125 · Miles City, MTA cattle rancher was flying his aircraft looking for stray cattle and checking the condition of the ranch. He was at approximately 300 feet AGL when he spotted cattle that had strayed off the ranch. The pilot turned to get a better view of the cattle and flew…NTSB DEN88DQA01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportChristen Industries Eagle II · Roswell, NMThe plt and his plt rated pax departed Roswell at about 0900 MDT to practice maneuvers in the local area. The wreckage of the homebuilt acft was found in an open field about 1+20 after takeoff. There were no known witnesses to the accident. The inverted…NTSB LAX87FA350Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · San Diego, CAAt aprx 0600, the acft depd guerrero negro, Mexico on an air taxi flt to tijuana, Mexico. At 0715, the tijuana wx was rprtd as partially obscured, vis 1 mi with fog, haze & smoke, wind calm. Drg arrival, the plt was clrd for an ILS rwy 9 apch & rprtd over the…NTSB ATL87FA268Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Manteo, NCWitness observed acft settle into ocean during low level cruise flt adjacent to beach. Wx was ovrcst, indistinct horizon & calm sea. IFR flt plan had been filed but no contact was made with ATC. Engines and propeller examination did not reveal a mechanical…NTSB NYC87FA265Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D95A · Pittstown, NJPilot departed runway 26 at alexandria arpt toward trees in fog. Left wing hit trees. Acft landed hard collapsing landing gear. Acft hit a tree in area of pilot seat during lndg fatally injuring the plt.NTSB MIA87RA261Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationEmbraer EMB 110-P-2 · Freeport, BahamasNTSB MIA87FA260Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B35 · Kissimmee, FLThe plt bgn taking off on a pvt 1800' grass strip which had trees nr the edges. Aprx 1575' fm the threshold, there was a parked acft nr the left side of the strip with its rgt wing protruding over the rwy area. While taking off with a rgt qtrg tail wind, the…NTSB NYC87FA262Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Montoursville, PAThe plt initiated the ILS approach and acknowledged a frequency change. The acft was found on a steep hill one mile south of the airport. No evidence of an engine or control system malfunction was found. It appeared that the pilot made a missed approach and…NTSB MIA87FA259Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D18S · Miami, FLWitnesses observed the aircraft taxi to the end of runway 27R and positioned so the tail was out in the overrun area. Witnesses further stated the aircraft appeared to take an overly long takeoff roll before lifting off. After lift off, the aircraft pitched…NTSB ATL87FA262Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Demopolis, ALThe plt of an aircraft carrying an estimated 317 kilos of cocaine was attempting to land at an apt which did not have a published instrument approach procedure in IMC. Witnesses estimated that the visibility was no more than 1/2 mile in fog about 45 min after…NTSB MIA87FA257Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Geneva, FLFlt experienced engine failure when the number six connecting rod separated from the crankshaft after failure of the connecting rod bearing. During an attempted forced landing during darkness the acft collided with trees and then crashed to the ground.…NTSB SEA87FA190Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Hailey, IDAfter dark night takeoff, acft was observed to execute an immediate left turn up a canyon into rising terrain. During climb, acft lights were seen to perform maneuver characteristic of stall/spin. Investigation showed acft struck terrain slightly nose low. No…NTSB CHI87FA219Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech H-18 · Rockford, ILThe commercial pilot was on a repositioning flight from kenosha, Wisconsin to atlanta, Georgia, after having been without sleep for about 20 hours. Witnesses observed the aircraft circling a subdivision near Rockford, Illinois at a low altitude, just above…NTSB FTW87FA223Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Greenwood, LAThe pilot touched down briefly in a small clearing which he had prevously driven to by automobile. He then lifted off and started a climbout. Two separate electrical power lines were located just inside a tree line which was very close to the previously…NTSB ANC87FA165Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-310 · Eldred Rock, AKThe flt was clrd on an IFR flt fm whitehorse to juneau, via V-428 to chill intxn, then drct to juneau. Chill intxn was located on V-428, 36 mi south of haines NDB on a bearing of 146 deg. On reaching haines NDB, the plt cancelled his IFR clnc & contd under…NTSB LAX87FA341Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7ECA · Sonoma, CAThe 70-hour student plt had recently passed the pvt plt written exam & had completed most of the flt trng for certification. He was looking forward to becoming a licensed plt. While on a personal flt, the plt flew over his brother's residence & was observed…NTSB FTW87FA222Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-D · Jackson, LAJust prior to the acdnt, witnesses observed the acft flying at low alt over a creek. They rprtd the acft went into a steep climbing left turn from about 40 to 75 ft AGL, then it entered a steep descent & crashed in the creek. No eng problems or changes in the…NTSB MIA87FA250Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCommonwealth 185 · St. Petersburg, FLThe pilot of the Commonwealth erroneously reported his positon to the tower for landing instructions. He then failed to follow the instructions and collided with a Beech 23 acft that was on downwind to land at albert whitted airport. Both aircraft involved in…NTSB MKC87FA172Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchweizer G-164B · Weiner, ARThe plt rprtd he was on a flt to chase birds from a rice field. Drg a low pass over the field, the main wheels dscndd into the rice crop, & after about 1000', the acft contacted the terrain & nosed over. The single place acft was equippedwith only one seat…NTSB FTW87LA221Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Lubbock, TXThe pilot did not declare an emergency or mention to the tower controller that his fuel was low. He was first told to enter right traffic for runway 17R but was subsequently told to enter right traffic for runway 26. (This was to allow a dea aircraft, at its…NTSB FTW87FA219Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5A · Corpus Christi, TXThe aircraft exceeded maximum allowable takeoff weight and aft center of gravity limits. The aircraft had two passengers in the rear seats. The operator's manual states that no passengers are permitted in the rear seats during aerobatic maneuvers. The pilot…NTSB ANC87FA153Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Shaw Creek, AKThe private pilot was transporting passengers incidental to the operation of his lodge. According to witnesses, it was common for pilots to use that portion of the highway for takeoffs and landings. According to the husband of one of the fatally injured…NTSB SEA87LA188Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMercer OWL Racer 65-2 · Reno, NVDrg a practice flt in a formula one racer bfr the Reno air races, the eng lost pwr after 4 laps when the acft was at an alt of about 40' AGL. The plt maneuvered to lnd on a rwy in winds that were variable & gusty. A witness rprtd the plt made an abrupt left…NTSB LAX87FA335Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Dublin, CAThe pilot had flown 5.6 hours during the day, starting the first flight about 0600. ATC controllers stated that the pilot did not follow the clearance issued to him. The controllers then issued radar vectors. The instructor the pilot flew with earlier in the…NTSB FTW87DPJ08Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAir Tractor 301A · Hollis, OKDuring an aerial application cleanup run, the aircraft's wing collided with a pole and sheared off the outboard five feet. The aircraft then collided with the ground out of control. Exam of the engine and airframe did not disclose any pre-existing failures or…NTSB NYC87FA252Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · East Granby, CTThe pilot departed simsbury airport on a x-country flight and crashed 4.5 miles to the north in bradley intl airport traffic area. Witnesses in the crash site area saw an aircraft flying in and out of clouds prior to hearing the crash.NTSB NYC87FA251Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Boxborough, MAThe IFR flight from auburn-lewiston, Maine to the manchester, new hampshire VORTAC facility was without incident. Boston center cleared the flight for the vor/dme instrument approach procedure to runway 21 at the uncontrolled stow/minute man airport, stow,…NTSB NYC87FA250Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-236 · Gaylordsville, CTThe pilot of the Piper PA-28-236 was cruising at 6000 ft at night when he reported a failure of his vacuum pump followed by loss of his attitude indicator and directional gyro. The aircraft was observed to make a 360 degree turn on the radar scope. The air…NTSB FTW87FA214Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Austin, TXThe plt rcvd a full wx briefing at 0540 CDT & a wx update at 0737 when he filed an IFR flt plan. The flt was without incident with a final cruise alt of 16,000' until 1055:43, when the plt reqd a 'left turn for deviation.' About 3 min later, the ctlr noticed…NTSB NYC87FA249Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Riverhead, NYThe Piper PA-28-180 experienced a power loss due to fuel exhaustion while flying over the long island sound. The pilot was unable to reach shore prior to ditching. The ditching was successful and both occupants exited the aircraft without injuries. After…NTSB SEA87FA185Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Tillamook, ORDrg arrival, the plt was cleared for an ndb-a apch & received approval to change to the local adzy freq. After that, there was no further radio comm with the acft. Radar data showed the acft crossed over the initial apch fix (iaf) & began a rgt outbound turn…NTSB NYC87DHA02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportKolb Twinstar · Hilltown, PAAfter the acft took off, witnesses heard a power change & saw what appeared to be a left turn to return to the grass strip. Subsequently, it entered a descent & crashed in a left wing down, nose low attitude. The passenger was taken to a hospital, but died…NTSB LAX87FA332Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Vallejo, CAWhile performing a routine aerial observation flight to inspect the integrity of the pacific gas & electric company's transmission lines, the helicopter crashed after colliding with an unmarked static wire. The line installation was on sloping terrain &…NTSB LAX87FA331Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95 · Monterey, CAThe coml plt was rcvg mult-eng dual instrn in a Beech 95. After tkof, the aircrew began practicing inst apchs. After making an ILS rwy 10 apch to enter left traffic for rwy 28, the flt was clrd onto a south downwind to be sequenced to follow a psa BAE-146.…NTSB DEN87FA234Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12-150 · Anaconda, MTBoth plts were reportedly avid big horn sheep hunters. On the morning of the accident, the 2nd plt picked up topographical charts of the area where the acft crashed. It was an area where the Montana department of fish, wildlife, and parks (fwp) had recently…NTSB NYC87FA244Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Altoona, PAThe aircraft departed cleveland, oh at approx 0915 hours on an unauthorized flt to atlantic city, NJ. The plt was not authorized to operate the aircraft or conduct the flt due to his license having been revoked in 1977 for repeatedly violating FARS. Near…NTSB LAX87LA325Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A45 · Mammoth Lakes, CADuring an airshow performance, the acft collided with the terrain in a near vertical attitude. The maneuver the plt was to perform was a cuban eight. The first half of the maneuver was flown correctly, however, during the second half of it the acft remained…NTSB ANC87FA146Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206E · Harding Glacier, AKThe private pilot and his non-pilot adult male passenger were flying from modesto, CA, to soldotna, AK, for a hunting trip. The pilot, who had approximately 164 hours total flight time at the time of the accident, and who had no prior flying experience in…NTSB FTW87FA210Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7ACA · Graford, TXThe pilot departed possum kingdom airport and entered a crosswind turn. The pilot heard a loud 'pop' and could not move the aileron control to recover from the turn. The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed into a lake. The aileron pulley for…NTSB FTW87FA209Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M-20C · Waller, TXIt was reported that a private pilot was receiving instrument flight instructions from a CFI when the accident occurred. However, the CFI stated that he was invited by the pvt plt to go with him on a short flight and that he was only a passenger. During the…NTSB BFO87FA062Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Cabin, WVThe plt was on a VFR flight at 4500 ft MSL over a mountainous area when he encountered lowering clouds. The plt descended to stay below the clouds; however, he inadvertently entered the clouds. Afterwards he tried to turn around and as he did so, according to…