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 DCA87AA002Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportLockheed 382G · Kelly Afb, TXAfter the acft landed at Kelly Afb, TX, on 10/2/86, there was a crew chg bfr it depd on the next flt. Drg the next take-off, the acft lifted off near the midpoint of rwy 15 (aprx 5775' fm the apch end). When it was at aprx 100' to 200' AGL,witnesses saw it go…NTSB NYC87FA006Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Holyoke, MAThe aircraft was attempting to make a special visual flight rules arrival when it crashed into a rock face slope 2 miles east of the airport while on a easterly heading. The accident occurred over 1 hour after sunset. The pilot did not have an instrument…NTSB MIA87FA002Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-600 · Tallahassee, FLWitnesses stated seeing the acft enter a left downwind apch to rwy 16, turn base to final normally then veer to the left of the runway in a nose high attitude & disappear behind a line of trees & crash aprx 500 feet east of rwy 16. Post crash examination of…NTSB NYC87FA002Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Lumberton, NJDuring a take off, the acft was observed in a nose high attitude. After reaching an altitude of about 300 ft AGL, it went into a steep dscnt & crashed in about a 70 deg nose low attitude. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was evident. Reportedly, the…NTSB LAX86DVA17Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHiller UH-12E · Visalia, CAWhile executing a 90 DEG/270 deg course reversal turn, the plt lost control of the helicopter which collided with the ground. Ground witnesses reported that the plt had completed spraying a cotton field and advised the ground flagger that the winds had…NTSB CHI86FA233Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Chicago, ILThe acft had departed on rnwy 13. He was then directed to climb to 6000 ft. thirty seconds later he advised he had eng trouble and was returning to the arpt. Shortly thereafter he advised he could not maintain alt. The acft, one mile se of the arpt, struck…NTSB BFO86FA050Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Leesburg, VADrg arrival, the plt was clrd for a VOR rwy 35 apch. Also, he was advised that there were problems with the rwy lights &that other plts had made missed apchs that evening due to dim arpt lighting. He was then clrd to UNICOM freq & told to cancel his IFR clnc…NTSB BFO86FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Elkwood, VAThe acft, which was stolen from the arpt, collided with the ground in a steep angle aprx one mile south of the arpt. Instrument meteorological conditions existed with local visibility less than one mile as reported by persons near the accident site. The plt…NTSB ATL86FA266Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper TG8-J3C-65 · Apex, NCThe plt was practicing takeoffs and landings in his newly acquired J3 at a private airstrip when the eng sputtered and then quit. The plt lost control of the acft and hit a 't' hanger prior to hitting the ground. The acft caught fire and was destroyed,…NTSB FTW86FA171Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Pearland, TXThe commercial plt was conducting a pipeline patrol operation when the accident occurred. According to witnesses, the acft circled the area twice at an alt estimated to be below 100 ft AGL. The acft then banked left and nosed down to ground impact.NTSB DEN86FA259Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Crawford, COThe plt took off on a VFR flt with no flt plan filed or wx briefing. He encountered a wx squall line en route with low ceilings, fog, mixed rain and snow. While he was attempting to maneuver VFR through the wx at a low altitude above the ground, the acft…NTSB ATL86FA265Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A-37A · Yantley, ALThe plt had just purchased the acft which had an experimental airworthiness certificate. During a preflt wx briefing, he was advised of towering cumulus clouds along his route. After takeoff, he initiated a climb to FL 240 & leveled off aprx 10 min later.…NTSB MKC86FA195Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Harvard, NEThe plt received a wx briefing for a night, business flt. At the time of the briefing a reporting station 22 NM nw of the acdt site had a broken ceiling at 2300 ft with good vis. The acdt occurred about 2 hrs after the briefing less than 2 mi from the…NTSB SEA86FYE01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportJerome Dodge B-8-M · Deer Park, WAThe gyrocopter was observed oscillating in flight prior to descending to ground impact. Investigation revealed inflight contact between the main rotor and vertical fin/pusher propeller had taken place. No mechanical failure was found which would have resulted…NTSB MIA86FA252Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152II · Clewiston, FLPurpose of the flt was to spot stray cattle. The acft made a low pass after chasing a cow. According to witnesses, the acft stalled and descended to ground impact during the pull-up maneuver following the low pass.NTSB CHI86FA230Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · East Tawas, MIAircraft collided with trees while in low level flight following a predawn departure. An airport 10 miles to the north was reporting very low ceilings with visibilities lower than 1/2 mile in fog and drizzle. The proximity to the departure airport and the…NTSB ATL86FA264Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 222UT · Galax, VAThe helicopter was dispatched on an emerg med svc (ems/med-evac) flt to transport a patient with subcranial bleeding back to a hospital in winston-salem. Bfr takeoff, the plt received a wx briefing. At that time, widespread IMC prevailedthru-out the area &…NTSB DEN86FTE03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHomebuilt Bushby Mustang · Casper, WYThe Homebuilt acft crashed during low alt maneuvers from about 150 ft AGL. A witness who helped build the acft was taking pictures and recording data of the flt at the time of the accident. This witness stated that the plt attempted an aileron roll. The first…NTSB SEA86FA248Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Overton, NVThe UNICOM operator at boulder city made radio contact with '81J' at about 2300 PDT, after hearing an acft maneuvering in the area. The plt stated he did not plan to lnd at boulder city, but said he intended to fly 'up the vegas wash' area. At aprx 2300 to…NTSB CHI86FEP09Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Wisconsin Rapid, WIATC had cleared the aircraft for an approach to an airport with several nonprecision instrument approaches and to maintain an altitude until established on a segment of an approach to that airport. Shortly after that time witnesses located 4.5 miles northwest…NTSB ATL86FA259Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Screven, GAThe plt and his best man for his wedding scheduled for later in the day dep LCL apt early in the am. The acft was observed maneuvering at a low alt over the plts parents home. Witnesses described the maneuvers to be like a crop duster making pull ups and…NTSB NYC86FA237Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337D · Lapeer, NYThe acft collided with the terrain during the plts attempt to complete a night x-country in IMC wx conditions. The flt had progressed aprx 4 hrs & 34 min from SC to NY prior to the crash. The plt was not currently rated to fly IFR. The plt reported by radio…NTSB DEN86FA254Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Ovid, COThe plt and his pax had flown to ogallala, NE, for boating and water skiing. The next day the plt called his wife who reminded him of an engagement that evening. The plt called the fss 5 different times and each time was told VFR flt was not recommended. He…NTSB MKC86FA189Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-151 · Foristell, MORadar signal data recorded the subj acft moving northwest in a shallow climb. The track data terminated abt 0538 c.d.t. or abt 12 minutes into the flt. A witness near the VOR station stated he heard an acft flying overhead, abt the time the FAA reported…NTSB DEN86FA252Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Bennett, COThe plt, a bail bondsman, flew to goodland, KS, reportedly in search of an accused felon. On the afternoon of the accident, the plt obtained a wx briefing from the fss and filed a VFR flt plan back to the brighton-van aire airport in Colorado. Wx was cavu.…NTSB FTW86FRD25Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportWSK PZL Mielec PZL-M18 · Mer Rouge, LAThe pilot pulled up steeply at the end of a spray run and started a turn-around. During this time he allowed the airspeed to bleed off to the point at which the aircraft stalled and entered a spin without sufficient altitude to recover before ground impact…NTSB DEN86FA249Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182G · Brighton, COAt approximately 0415 hours when it was still night time, the non instrument rated private plt took off on an extended cross country flt to Kentucky. About 15 minutes later he was observed flying in a left turn, at an attitude of 50 to 75 feet in heavy fog…NTSB BFO86FA047Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8GCBC · Woodbine, MDWitnesses observed the aircraft nose over into a dive after the glider it had been towing released. They then saw it roll and during the roll the left wing departed the aircraft. The CFI in the glider had observed the pilot of N53899 perform what appeared to…NTSB NYC86FGM07Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportTapaszy Benson B-8-M · Cooperstown, PAThe benson B-8-M gyrocopter was observed to take off and transition to level flight. The nose of the aircraft was then observed to dip and then the aircraft banked left and crashed. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot received fatal injuries. No…NTSB ANC86FA167Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Port Alsworth, AKUndetermined.NTSB SEA86LA243Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G164A-450 · Orovado, NVPower lines were inadvertently struck in flight while maneuvering during aerial application. After striking the power lines the aircraft descended to the ground where a fire erupted and the aircraft was then destroyed by fire.NTSB SEA86FA245Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Carbonado, WAThe instructor and passenger departed on either an introductory flight, initial instructional flight, (or combination thereof). During the flight the aircraft was flown down a canyon which the instructor had flown down previously. As the aircraft approached…NTSB LAX86FVG08Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportChristen Industries Eagle II · Rio Vista, CAWitnesses reported the acft sounded normal during run-up and takeoff until it reached an alt btw 150-500 ft AGL at which time the eng quit. The acft then entered a turn back toward the arpt and descended to ground impact. Post accidentinspection revealed aprx…NTSB ANC86FA151Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Christian Lake, AKThe pilot-in-command of the float equipped airplane, overloaded the airplane beyond the aft limit of the center of gravity range. He took off without flaps and attempted to turn away from rising terrain. The airplane stalled and crashed.NTSB DEN86FAMS3Accident · 2 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportMooney M20F · Cuba, NMThe acft departed a private airstrip in Cuba, NM, for the purpose of viewing real estate property before continuing to taos. State authorities were notified the following day when the plt failed to arrive at work. A search for the acft was conducted until…NTSB ANC86LA149Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Umiat, AKThe airplane departed on September 7, 1986 for a local hunting trip with a client. The airplane did not return and the wreckage was found on September 9, 1986. The airplane was destroyed by post-impact fire. According to the guide, for whom the pilot was…NTSB BFO86FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177B · Springfield, VAAccording to the plt, the eng bgn running rough drg flt, then clrd & ran smoothly again. He rprtd he elected to abort the flt & made a turn, then svrl min later, the eng lost pwr. Drg an emerg lndg in a parking lot, the l main gear hit anauto & fatally…NTSB ATL86FA242Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8C · Lavonia, GAThe pilot had been diagnosed as having a brain tumor and was taking 300 mg of dilantin daily for the giloma. He suffered a grand mal seizure about two months before the accident. His mother stated that the pilot told her during a telephone conversation that…NTSB LAX86FUM04Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportSteen Skybolt UNK · Chula Vista, CADuring a local pleasure flight, the aircraft was observed to make a climbing right turn to the inverted position. When observed a few seconds later, the aircraft was right side up in a shallow spin. The aircraft remained in this position until colliding with…NTSB DEN86FA246Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182D · Las Vegas, NMThe acft departed the albuquerque, new Mexico, coronado arpt, at 2248 MDT, September 1, 1986, en route to Las Vegas, new Mexico. When the acft failed to arrive as scheduled, a search was initiated. The flight was lost on radar at 2353 MDT, 15 nautical miles…NTSB ATL86FA239Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P206-B · Wht Sulphur Spr, WVAfter completing the revenue producing portion of this trip the company president called his company operations and told his secretary to send everyone home since it was a holiday. He was going to return the acft to its home base himself. The plt departed…NTSB CHI86FEC06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportLawrence Baby Great Lakes · Holly, MIThe plt/owner had recently acquired the acft & had only about 3 hrs of flt time in this make & model. After taking off, he flew to the area of a friend's house & made svrl passes over a field near the house. After the last pass, the plt turned to an easterly…NTSB ATL86FA240Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Hampton, NHThe acft was flying at low alt in the vicinity of interstate I-95 when the plt made a 360 deg, rgt turn. After the turn, the acft collided with pwr lines, which crossed I-95, then crashed & burned. A witness estimated the acft had dscndd to about 35 to 50 ft…NTSB SEA86FA233Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Wallace, IDPlt received wx brief, advised VFR for proposed flt. Plt filed VFR flt plan and departed. Wreckage located 2 days later at crest of mountain pass.NTSB NYC86FA219Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Bargaintown, NJThe student pilot on a supervised solo cross country, diverted from his planned route and was observed flying low over a residential area performing maneuvers at or below tree top level. The pilot apparently lost control of the aircraft. Aircraft impacted the…NTSB MKC86FA181Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Elkhart, KSThe student plt intended to fly from his home arpt to a nearby arpt where he was receiving flt instruction. No record of a wx briefing was found. Local authorities said there were low clouds and fog in the area at the time of the accident. No one saw the acft…NTSB DCA86AA041Accident · 82 fatalClass 1Final reportMcDonnell Douglas DC-9-32 · Cerritos, CAThe Safety Board's full report on this investigation is provided as Aviation Accident Report number AAR-87/07. To obtain a copy of this report, or to view the executive summary online, please see the Web site at http://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/publictn.htm At…NTSB SEA86LA235Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182D · Stibnite, IDAfter taking off in mountainous terrain, the pilot prematurely turned on course to a northerly heading, intending to cross over a ridge line. Shortly after the turn, and while flying up a drainage area towards rising terrain, he encountered a downdraft…NTSB SEA86FA232Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · John Day, ORThe non-instrument rated pilots departed hermiston en route to burns, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed; however, mountain tops along the route of flight were occasionally obstructed by local cloud layers. During the course of the flight the…NTSB SEA86FA231Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415C · Prosser, WAThe plt was practicing fly-bys for the next days airshow. The left wing sustained an inflight structural failure. Investigation revealed a progressive crack in the #7 rib emanating from previous damage to the leading edge of the left wing tip. This resulted…