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 NYC87FA109Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210R · Block Island, RIThe aircraft disappeared from the controller's scope while receiving radar vectors. The aircraft was missing until March 20, 1987 when fishermen pulled part of the wreckage out of ocean waters near Block Island, RI. The engine and propeller, engine firewall,…NTSB ATL87FA087Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Oneida, TNThe pilot contacted the fss several times during the morning for weather along his proposed route of flight. Shortly after lunch he departed without a flight plan. He reported to one fss that he was VFR only but continued although VFR was not recommended for…NTSB ATL87FA082Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech K35 · Arden, NCPlt departed charleston, SC for raleigh earlier in the day. While at raleigh he discussed pending legislation with assoc. He departed raleigh about 2228 EST in wx of indef 100 and 1/2 mile visibility. His destination was forecast to have occasional ceilings…NTSB LAX87DUG02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPrue Standard Unknown · Hemet, CADuring a local soaring flight, the acft was seen by a witness to be in a vertical dive and appeared to be intact when it impacted the terrain. Inspection of the aircraft revealed no control system malfunctions. The plts flt time was 38 hrs as of 2/5/85 the…NTSB CHI87DEP02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 182N · Wissota, WIWhile attempting a night landing, by use of car headlights, the aircraft struck wires and descended out of control into the terrain. Witnesses stated that the pilot seemed low during the final approach. The private airport was not lighted.NTSB BFO87FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell 112 · Edgewood, MDOn the day of the accident and before the accident flight, the inlet fuel hose to the fuel flow divider was replaced. The hose assembly was fabricated by maint personnel. An inspection flight afterwards revealed engine roughness during fuel mixture leaning.…NTSB LAX87FA136Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7KCAB · Lebec, CAPrior to the flt, the plt rcvd 2 wx briefings & was adzd of low ceilings, restricted visibilities & mtn obscurement along the route. Also, he was adzd that VFR flt was not recommended. The surviving pax said that after entering the mtn area, they contd 'in…NTSB LAX87FA135Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5A · Tucson, AZA witness observed the airplane entering downwind with smoke trailing behind it. The pilot communicated to UNICOM that: 'the engine has quit; I have to get down'. The witness then observed the airplane making a tighter-than- normal 'base to final' turn. The…NTSB DEN87FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Roswell, NMThe plt, who never flew at night and who told relatives that he was exhausted after all-day business meetings, nevertheless departed albuquerque, NM, at 1756, en route to Roswell, NM. He contacted Roswell twr at 1844 but never arrived. The wreckage was…NTSB NYC87FA101Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Locke, NYThe student pilot of the PA-140 was performing a solo x-country flight. He had made a fuel stop approx 20 mins prior to the crash. Witness observed an aircraft flying low and remarked that the engine sounded very loud just before crashing into an occupied…NTSB BFO87FA026Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210M · Charleston, WVThe aircraft bounced after landing touchdown. Witnesses observed the aircraft assume a nose high attitude and heard some power applied to the engine as the aircraft veered to the right. It was not determined whether the pilot was attempting to abort the…NTSB LAX87FA134Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Weed, CABefore takeoff, the plt was adzd that strong head winds, mod to svr turbc, mtn obscurement, multiple layers of icing & deteriorating wx were forecast along his route of flt. He filed an IFR clnc & took off at 1115 PST. While en route, he reqd the medford wx &…NTSB DCA87MA022Accident · 9 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCASA C-212-CC · Romulus, MIThe capt made a steep, short, fast visual approach to the runway behind a departing DC-9. The evidence indicates the capt placed the power levers into beta mode to slow the aircraft rapidly and make a short field landing. An asymmetric thrust condition…NTSB LAX87FAMS2Accident · 2 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-44-180T · Missing Acft (Pacific Ocean)The instructor plt (CFI) & the single-eng, pvt plt (owner) were on a flt to conduct multi-eng training for the new owner. Drg the flt, the crew contacted los angeles TRACON & requested a VOR apch to the santa monica arpt & said they would not be able to maint…NTSB LAX87FA142Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P206B · Green Valley, CAA Cessna P206B collided with mountainous terrain. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. An unoffical weather observation taken the day of occurrence 12 miles east of the accident site indicated an indefinite 100 foot ceiling, 1/4 mile…NTSB LAX87FA121Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Anza, CAThe non-instrument rated plt & 3 pax planned a pleasure flt to mx. The weather was below VFR minimums however the plt elected to attempt the flt. Several minutes after departure the acft was observed to enter an area where it was snowing, the cloud base was…NTSB NYC87FA095Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152C · Port Matilda, PAThe university student departed the university air park airport in state college, PA on a local flight in VFR weather conditions. The aircraft nosed into the ground in an approximate 70 degree dive about 10 minutes after takeoff. The pilot was engaged in low…NTSB MKC87FA051Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Venango, NEA witness saw the airplane fly over his property from the north to the south and he waved to the pilots. The airplane then came back toward the north at a low altitude and when the witness heard the power being applied, the left wing dropped and almost…NTSB SEA87FA060Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · North Bend, ORPlt was inbound to VORTAC in clouds for localizer approach to rwy 4. Wx at arpt reporting 1500 ft bkn. Plt expected to make missed approach to continue VFR to another arpt. Plt reported inbound in and out of clouds at 1300 ft. acft crashed 4 NM beyond arpt,…NTSB LAX87FA119Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 441 · Flagstaff, AZThe acft was on an emerg med svc (ems/med-evac) flt with a plt & flt nurse aboard to transport a maternity patient fm Flagstaff to phoenix. Drg a ngt arrival, the plt bgn a vor-a apch in IMC, then he rprtd a problem with his avionics & elected to make a…NTSB ATL87FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Crossville, TNThe rental acft collided with the top of a mountain at substantial airspeed in level flt. VFR flt was not recommended by fss due to low ceilings, rain and fog. No flt plan was filed. The plt had not logged a flt for a five month period prior to the accident.…NTSB FTW87WA070Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 175 · La Union Morale, MexicoNTSB CHI87LA086Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Camp Douglas, WIThe passenger rprtd that about 5 min after takeoff, the plt became incapacitated & was no longer able to maintain control of the acft. The non-certificated passenger assumed control. With the assistance (instructions) from an airborne flt instructor & an…NTSB MIA87FA086Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Oxford, MSThe acft struck an embankment about 5 feet below the crest & just short of the rwy while attempting to land at dusk & in reduced lighting conditions. The acft exploded & bounced out of the impact crater & came to rest about on the extended rwy centerline. An…NTSB DEN87IA058Incident · 1 fatalIncident investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Colorado Spring, COThe PIC became unconscious while at the controls during cruise. The co-owner of the acft, a rated pilot who was in the right front seat, took control and diverted to a nearby apt. The PIC was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced doa. An autopsy…NTSB CHI87FA085Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Quincy, ILThe acft, at near gross weight (CG unknown), was on initial climb after takeoff. A witness reported that engines soundednormal. At about 400 ft AGL the acft was reported to pitch up about 10 degrees, then level off and enter a left turn. The acft made another…NTSB LAX87FA117Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180J · Newhall, CABased on available evidence, it is believed that the accident occurred between 0700 and 0830 hrs during a period of low ceilings and restricted visibilities in the area where the accd took place. The accd site is located in a mountain pass area between two…NTSB FTW87RA066Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 707-323B · Durango, MexicoNTSB ATL87FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269A · Buford, GAThe helicopter was observed to slow down over the parking lot then continued out over the lake. A puff of smoke was observed around the rear of the engine area and the helicopter fishtailed as it almost came to a stop then dropped into the water nose first.…NTSB ATL87DEG03Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportRichard A. Brown Falco F-8L · Mc Arthur, OHPIC and acft owner landed at a/p and req fuel which was not avail. Acft left to fly to another a/p. during initial climb engine quit at 300-400 feet. PIC turned back toward rwy, acft stalled, impacted ground in 90 degree left wing low attitude. Other pilots…NTSB CHI87FA083Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Fergus Falls, MNFollowing a 1.5 hour personal flight at night, the aircraft crashed into the side of a low hill near the destination airport. Although the pilot had a total of 6 hours of night time, most of his solo night time was during this last flight. Hazy VFR conditions…NTSB BFO87FA022Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Myersville, MDThe non-instrument rated commercial pilot departed hgr in a Robinson helicopter that was not equipped to fly in instrument conditions. The pilot had not logged any instrument time and elected to depart in IFR conditions under a special VFR clearance. ATC…NTSB LAX87FA112Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Honolulu, HIDrg tkof clb, a loud noise occurred as 1 of 5 main rotors (mrb's) & the tail boom sepd fm the helicopter (hel). The hel then crashed & hit a submerged reef aprx 200' fm the heliport. An exam of the failed mrb showed its retention strap assy(rsa), pn…NTSB NYC87FA138Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Lanesville, NYThe plt and his family dptd 2/8/87 on a ski trip to VT. The flt did not arrive. The acft was fnd on a mtn plateau on 5/2/87. Wx conditions rptdly deteriorated and darkness was apching at the estimated time of the acdt, shortly after sunset. The acft impacted…NTSB CHI87FA070Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Waskish, MNDuring the preflight wx briefing the non-instrument rated pilot was advised that VFR flight was not recommended. Shortly before the accident, the acft was observed flying over a state highway under a low overcast in poor visibility. The acft was witnessed to…NTSB MKC87FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A150K · West Memphis, ARThe airplane was making low passes over the edge of a trailer park and at the end of each pass, it would climb almost straight up and then make a steep banked turn and dive for another pass. At the end of the last pullup, the airplane made an abrupt steep…NTSB LAX87LA110Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Ayase, JapanDuring an instructional flight, just after take-off the instructor was heard to transmit over the radio 'request emergency landing.' At an altitude of approximately 15O feet AGL the aircraft was observed to pitch up then nosed down in a shallow left turn. The…NTSB FTW87FA064Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210N · Diboll, TXAcft was destroyed when it impacted the ground in an uncontrolled attitude at high speed. The non-instrument rated pvt plt had filed IFR and departed into M80VC 5 l-f weather with tops above 8,000'. About 20 minutes after departure, the plt reported to the…NTSB FTW87LA057Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Matagorda 665The plt took off fm an off-shore oil platform with 3 pax on board. Shortly after depg, he transmitted a 'mayday,' but did not state the nature of the emerg. A pax rprtd that the eng sound changed & the plt told him to 'get the raft out.' Subsequently, the…NTSB FTW87FA059Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-76A · Angleton, TXShortly after tkof, the plt contacted his company (opns) & said he had inadvertently enctrd IFR conds. He asked opns to relay info to him fm the apch plate for the ILS rwy 17 apch to brazoria county arpt. After rcvg the info, he contacted houston apch ctl &…NTSB LAX87DJA04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGlaser-Dirks DG-400 · Dillingham, HIThe aircraft was observed flying over a ridge at a 'good rate of airspeed'. It turned back towards the ridge and collided with the terrain. There was a SIGMET in effect for moderate to severe turbulence. Investigation revealed no preimpact mechanical…NTSB DEN87FA050Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR-182 · Moran, WYThe pilot received several weather briefings prior to departure. Briefings included reports of icing conditions, low clouds and turbulence. VFR flight was not recommended. Plt departed VFR and filed IFR enroute to jackson. The pilot was issued instructions…NTSB CHI87DEE04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 172 · Plainfield, ILWhile taxiing for takeoff, the aircraft became stuck in a snowbank. The pilot and passenger got out of the aircraft to free it. The passenger walked into the propeller of the running engine and received fatal injuries.NTSB MKC87FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150D · Central City, NEAt about 0305 CST, witnesses in vehicles saw the acft lndg lgt as they were driving along a hwy. they rprtd the lgt was moving erratically as the acft was proceeding along the hwy at low alt. Subsequently, the acft struck a utility pole & power lines, then…NTSB MIA87FA080Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Venice, FLAircraft was seen maneuvering at between 200 and 300 feet in attempts to locate a lost radio controlled model airplane. As the aircraft completed 2 and one half turns it leveled out and began a climb to the north at which time it collided with a 504 foot…NTSB LAX87FA103Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Gualala, CAThe student plt, flying his own acft, took off under VFR conditions for an intended 45 min solo cross country flt. The plt encountered deteriorating wx & attempted to return to the departure airport. A witness observed the aircraft enter clouds, turn left &…NTSB DEN87FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Two Buttes, COThe plt and his wife were en route from palm springs, CA, to olathe, KS, and had stopped for fuel at farmington, NM. After departure, the acft was eventually cleared to FL 210. At 1934 the plt gave denver ARTCC the following PIREP: 'there's been some snow but…NTSB ATL87DLQ01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAir Command CDR Elite 532 · Paducah, KYWhile conducting local traffic pattern training, the gyroplane undershot runway 22 during an attempted landing. The plt was killed in the crash. The investigation failed to disclose any aircraft problems. The autopsy revealed severe coronary arterisclerosis…NTSB LAX87FA102Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Cuyama, CAThe plt rcvd a preflt briefing before a morning dep fm monterey. At that time, the forecast was for 3000' to 5000' broken clouds with widely scattered rain showers by 1600 & with a gen outlook of VFR. The plt flew to santa barbara to attend a meeting & depd…NTSB ATL87LA068Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Pinson, ALDuring intial climb after takeoff the eng quit and restarted more than once. The acft was turned back toward the departure rwy. During the turn, the wing struck a tree, control was lost, and the acft collided with the ground. Examination of the eng revealed…