Fatal NTSB investigations
180,630 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,609 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 WPR22FA026Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAyres S-2R · Shafter, CAThe pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA22LA043Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-236 · Orleans, MAThe pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control while maneuvering over water in dark night conditions.NTSB ERA22FA036Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV4 · Chattahoochee, FLThe pilot’s failure to properly secure the canopy before takeoff, allowing the canopy to open and then separate in flight, which resulted in the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane for reasons that could not be determined based on the…NTSB ENG22WA003Incident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 727 · Ciudad de la Costa, UruguayNTSB CEN22LA024Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150L · Forrest City, ARThe pilot’s loss of control during landing. Contributing to the pilot’s injuries was his ejection from the airplane resulting from him not wearing his available seat restraints.NTSB CEN22FA023Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech P35 · Harrison, NEThe pilot’s decision to continue the flight into instrument and icing conditions, which resulted in loss of control and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a timely weather briefing.NTSB WPR22FA023Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20M · Snoqualmie, WAThe pilot’s decision to fly the airplane into known icing conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and collision with terrain.NTSB WPR22FA022Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Ukiah, CAA power interruption due to water-contaminated fuel, which resulted in the student pilot aborting the takeoff and landing hard. Contributing to the accident were a leak in the left fuel tank that allowed water to enter and damage to the fuel tank that…NTSB CEN22FA021Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech B36TC · Lena, WIImpairment and subsequent incapacitation of the pilot for reasons that could not be determined. The incapacitation resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Likely contributing was pilot hypoxia due to altitude exposure, possibly worsened by…NTSB GAA22WA021Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · ForeignBell 206 · Eswatini, South AfricaNTSB ERA22LA031Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV-12 · Folkston, GAThe pilot’s low altitude maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with a utility pole.NTSB GAA22WA019Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 208 · Papua, Papua New GuineaNTSB ANC22LA004Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGregg Origer PA-18 Replica · Willow, AKThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.NTSB CEN22FA019Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAmerican Champion 8KCAB · Marengo, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the steep turn, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall. Also causal was the pilot’s decision to conduct steep turns without sufficient altitude to…NTSB ERA22FA026Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Walterboro, SCThe pilot’s inadequate fuel planning and fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB ERA22FA024Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · Holly Ridge, NCThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in a stall/mush during takeoff and initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s loading the airplane near its maximum allowable gross weight and near its aft cg…NTSB WPR22FA021Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150L · Dunsmuir, CAThe non-certificated pilot’s improper decision to continue the flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB GAA22WA039Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 401 · Tapachula, MexicoNTSB CEN22FA017Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Buxton, NDThe pilot’s intentional flight into terrain as an act of suicide.NTSB CEN22FA016Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAutoGyro Cavalon · Stroud, OKThe pilot’s lack of experience in the gyroplane and his decision to takeoff with a tailwind. As a result, the gyroplane did not generate enough lift to takeoff before it struck a barbed wire fence. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to wear…NTSB WPR22FA012Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRockwell 112 · Three Points, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and the airplane entering an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR22FA011Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 175 · Reserve, NMThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s reduced forward visibility due to the sun.NTSB ERA22FA015Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVelocity SE RG · Titusville, FLThe separation of the airplane’s elevator control push-pull tube, which resulted in a loss of control during the approach.NTSB ERA22FA014Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Blairsville, GAThe pilot’s decision to commence the flight in low IFR weather conditions, and making immediate turns after takeoff in IMC, resulting in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN22FA013Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportNew Glasair Glastar · Waukesha, WIThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart and continue flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR22FA004Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 340A · Santee, CALoss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB GAA22WA177Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA34 · Königswinter, GermanyNTSB CEN22FA011Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 58TC · Mesa, COThe maintenance personnel’s failure to properly tighten the turbocharger oil line and the right engine propeller governor, which resulted in a loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the loss of airplane control following the loss of engine…NTSB GAA22WA015Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCavalier SA102.5 · Lacombe-Alberta, CanadaNTSB ERA22FA010Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Cornwall, NYThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB ERA22FA009Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna P210 · Atlanta, GAThe pilot’s failure to ensure that his seat was properly secured before initiating the takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control during the initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the lack of an installed secondary seat stop, and the airplane’s aft…NTSB CEN22LA008Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSea & Sky Krucker Cygnet · Point Venture, TXThe pilot’s abrupt pitch up maneuver in response to the localized wind conditions which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude and subsequent impact with water.NTSB ERA22FA004Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportDassault Falcon 20 · Thomson, GAThe flight crew’s continuation of an unstable dark night visual approach and the captain’s instruction to use air brakes during the approach contrary to airplane operating limitations, which resulted in a descent below the glide path, and a collision with…NTSB GAA22WA089Accident · 8 fatalClass 4 · ForeignPilatus PC12 · San Donato, ItalyNTSB GAA22WA001Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R44 · Lytkarino, RussiaNTSB ERA22FA001Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech S35 · Andrews, NCThe pilot’s decision to fly toward rapidly rising, obscured mountainous terrain after departing under visual flight rules at night.NTSB CEN22LA001Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportTandem Air-Bike · Warrensburg, MOThe improper judgment of both pilots to attempt a flight while impaired by drugs/medications and their failure to maintain control of the aircraft, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB GAA22WA002Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 172 · St-Mathieu-de-Laprairie, CanadaNTSB WPR22FA001Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 · Chandler, AZThe failure of the pilots onboard the airplane to see and avoid the helicopter while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, which resulted in a midair collision.NTSB GAA21WA250Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna T206 · La Pajarera, MexicoNTSB GAA21WA249Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna F172 · Dala-Floda, SwedenNTSB CEN21FA459Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRockwell International 690B · Hiles, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which caused the airplane to exceed its critical angle of attack and enter an inadvertent stall and spin.NTSB WPR21FA353Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech S35 · Billings, MTThe pilot’s improper flare, which led to a hard landing, subsequent loss of control, and collision with trees.NTSB ERA21FA377Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C23 · Lansing, WVThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering to avoid trees and terrain after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Also causal was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane outside of…NTSB GAA21WA235Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA18S · Ferme Neuve, CanadaNTSB WPR21FA352Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Page, AZThe pilot’s improper fuel planning for a cross-country flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.NTSB CEN21FA426Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRans S20 · Wadsworth, OHThe pilot’s decision to depart shortly after a landing helicopter, which resulted in an encounter with the helicopter’s wake turbulence and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment by his recent use of ethanol.NTSB CEN21FA424Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBoeing A75 · Delta, COThe pilot’s loss of control during an aerobatic maneuver, resulting in the airplane impacting terrain.NTSB GAA22WA020Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBely lebed · Sovetsky, RussiaNTSB GAA21WA231Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignMooney M20J · Sundridge, Canada