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 LAX86FA206Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Morgan Hill, CAThe pilot requested and received preflight weather briefings, twice, and was advised that VFR flight was not recommended. The flight departed and crashed into mountainous terrain that was obscured by adverse weather conditions. Witnesses reported that the…NTSB FTW86FA073Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPartenavia P68C · Goudeau, LAThe pilot received a weather briefing indicating IMC conditions existed at the point of departure and at reporting stations near the point of the first intended landing. (There was no reporting stations at the airport of intended landing). Weather conditions…NTSB MKC86FA098Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Harrisburg, NEThe acft impacted in a 40 degree nose down attitude following a stall-spin. No mechanical descrepancies were noted with the acft and no pre-existing physical incapacitating history of the PIC was discovered. On two separate occasions prior to this flt, the…NTSB CHI86FER06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 180 · Brainerd, MNA witness reported seeing the floatplane descending 'abnormally' in a nose low attitude just prior to water impact. The plt reported making the apch to the lake in a nose up attitude with partial power on. The plt remembers no further events leading up to the…NTSB ATL86FA120Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Winton, NCBefore the flt, the student plt & passengers had been socializing & drinking beer. At aprx 0200 EDT, while at a friend'shome near murfreesboro, NC, they decided to go flying. At about 0300, an acft was observed to fly over the friend's home at low alt, then…NTSB NYC86FA114Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGlaser-Dirks DIRK-DG-400 · Julian, PAThe plt of N686U reported he was established in weak thermal at an alt of aprx 2500 AGL when two other gliders were seen. One at aprx the same alt and one below his alt. He continued to state that the glider which was at his alt passed very close to but…NTSB SEA86LA251Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-1 · Grangeville, IDPlt called fss over lws for wx brief lws-bke-boi. VFR not recommended for route, mountains obscured in rain showers. Plt called fss 30 min later, reported lost in clouds attempting route. Radio contact lost before location established (2305 MST, 04-26-86).…NTSB NYC86FA112Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310 · Lincoln, RIThe air taxi cargo aircraft was observed maneuvering over the airport in IMC conditions for a VFR approach to land. Witnesses described an abrupt turn to reverse direction of flight followed by a nose dive into the ground. The pilot, age 22, had accummulated…NTSB LAX86FA183Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150B · Bermuda Dunes, CAThe purpose of the research & development flight was to document through the use of videotape the deployment & trajectory of a speciality parachute which was connected to a ballast bag. The plt, who was the designer of the device, utilized his experimental…NTSB BFO86FID03Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportTaylor Lonsdale KR-2 · Waynesboro, VAThe airport operator, caleb glick, was driving on a road adjacent to the airport when he observed the aircraft turning base for runway 23 at Waynesboro airport. Shortly therafter he lost sight of N99PT and next observed it as it collided with the ground in…NTSB CHI86FA122Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Westville, INThe plt was taking a friend and two of her acquaintances on a sightseeing ride when the acft crashed into a plowed farm field. The acft's weight was estimated to be 60 lbs under max allowable gross weight at the time of the crash. A witness near the crash…NTSB LAX86FA178Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Beaumont, CAWhen the non-instrument rated plt departed for the flt at about 2110 hrs, the wx conditions were marginal and deteriorating in the area. No record of a wx briefing was found. For unkn reasons, the plt was returning to the arpt after about 1 hr and 20 mns,…NTSB FTW86FA066Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman G164A · Hankamer, TXTwo Grumman ag cats operated by the same air service collided in mid air. The accident occurred as one was departing and the other was returning to a temporary air strip adjacent to the fields they were fertilizing. Witnesses indicated that both pilot…NTSB MKC86FA088Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31 · Norfolk, NEThe airplane departed on runway 31 with a low ceiling and visibility variable from 1/4 mile to 1/16 mile and winds from 290 degrees at 38 knots, gusting to 47 knots. A witness stated that the airplane was airborne no more than two minutes after the engines…NTSB ATL86MA114Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Holliston, MAThe Cessna 172 and a Bell 206L collided at 2,000 feet over Holliston, MA. Both aircraft were operating under visual flight rules with no flight plan or communications established with air traffic control. According to witnesses, the Bell was traveling in a…NTSB CHI86FA120Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8B · Pittsford, MIThe pilot overshot final approach due to a 10-15 kt tailwind on base leg. According to a pilot friend on the ground he put the acft into a 60 degree bank to in an attempt to realign himself with the final approach course. During this steep turn the aircraft…NTSB FTW86FA063Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Dallas, TXThe pilot was advised by the FAA weather briefer, prior to flight, against making this flight due to present and forecast weather conditions. After arriving in the general area of his destination the plt observed the weather conditions and commented on thier…NTSB SEA86FA100Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Lone Pine, IDAfter an initial weather briefing the plt departed coeur dalene, Idaho, for his destination of Idaho falls, Idaho, with a planned passenger pickup at missoula, Montana. During the second leg of the flt he misnavigated while avoiding weather which resulted in…NTSB MIA86FA119Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeagle B206-2 · Pedro, FLImmediately after take-off, the left eng seized & the prop stopped due to a connecting rod failure. Witnesses reported that about 200 ft above the ground, the acft rolled to the left and collided with a powerline before crashing to the ground in a near…NTSB SEA86FA098Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-301T · Fort Hall, IDRadar track showed acft made normal climb on course from airport (elev 4488 ft MSL) to 9400 ft. MSL, then executed a left turn of about 90 degrees, climbing to 9700 ft MSL as shown by next-to-last radar tgt. 29 secs later, final radar tgt showed 6900 ft MSL.…NTSB SEA86FA096Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · East Wenatchee, WAThe plt departed arpt in bottom of columbia river gorge on night VFR flt to spokane, WA. Five to six min after departure acft impacted terrain on lip of canyon wall. Plts reported moderate to severe turbulence near the bluff line before and after crash. The…NTSB DEN86FA112Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T-210N · Jay Em, WYThe non-instrument rated plt took off on a VFR flt into an area of forecast adverse wx. Radar track of the acft at 9,700 feet MSL was lost in the vicinity of the accident site at 0930 MST, 4/9/86. The acft wreckage was located at 1155 MST, 4/10/86 and was…NTSB MKC86FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGlasair 2 · Cheney, KSThe acft approached Cheney lake, west of wichita, Kansas at low altitude from the southeast. Several witnesses fishing from the bank saw the acft pass near the Cheney lake marina heading toward the lake. The acft then entered a spin and crashed into the lake…NTSB MIA86FA115Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPitts Special · Homestead, FLThe plt was on a flt to practice aerobatic mnvrs in a designated practice area. A witness, who was driving nearby, stated that he saw the acft 'falling straight down' & crash in a tomato field. An investigation revealed evidence that the acft had impacted in…NTSB BFO86FA021Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Chesapeake, VABefore the flt, the plt was observed drinking in a bar. He & 3 others then drove to the arpt, where rprtdly, the wx was bad & the visibility was restricted by fog. After awhile, the plt stated he was going to taxi the acft around the arpt & invited the others…NTSB SEA86FA092Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Seattle, WAN99034 departed kenmore air harbor on a short local solo flight. Witnesses reported observing the aircraft takeoff and initiate a climb to the south. N65783 was returning from a recurrency check flight and was approaching from a southerly direction in a climb…NTSB FTW86MA058Accident · 7 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportIsrael Aircraft Industries 1124A · Redwater, TXAirplane crashed during a uncontrolled descent, following a turbulence upset at FL370. The upset occurred as a result of clr air turb associated with a vip lvl 6 thunderstorm located within 7 miles of the last pos of the airplane. After the upset, the…NTSB FTW86FA059Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 65 · Montague, TXThe pilot was observed in the area for several minutes while he was performing steep climbs and descents, low passes, and buzzing. Witnesses reported power was removed from both engines simultaneously, as if the throttles were retarded, followed by a loud…NTSB MIA86FA110Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201 · Ocklawaha, FLThe pvt plt refueled his acft the night before the flt and was observed to drain only the firewall strainer. The morning of the flt he did not drain any drains. About half way to his destination an eng pwr loss was experienced, he declared an emergency and…NTSB DCA86RA023Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 727-231 · Athens, GreeceNTSB NYC86FA096Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Somers, CTThe acft, on a night flt, was seen flying about 1 mi west of ellington arpt. A witness saw the acft flying north and just above the 800 ft high terrain. The acft was in a gradual descent and it appeared that it would not clear terrain ahead. Afterwards the…NTSB MKC86FA077Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDonald R. Casper Skyote · St. Louis, MOThe pilot built the homebuilt airplane from data obtained from skyote aeromarine ltd. at the time of the accident, the airplane had 51 hours on it and the pilot/builder had flown all of the 51 hours. On this flight he was observed to depart on runway 16, fly…NTSB FTW86FA051Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Del Rio, TXThe pilot was doing aerobatic maneuvers in the Cessna 172 airplane with three passengers and a heavy load of fuel aboard. The maneuvers consisted of buzzing boats on the lake at very low altitude, at least one complete aileron roll, several very abrupt…NTSB ATL86FA102Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American NA219 (T28B) · Luthersville, GAAfter takeoff the acft was observed to climb straight out toan alt of about 500-700 ft. it then turned to a northerly heading. After a short time on the northerly hdg, the acft was observed to initiated a left aileron or barrel roll, dishout and end up on an…NTSB LAX86LA158Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Kailua Kona, HIGround witnesses observed the acft spiral into the pacific ocean. Neither the plt nor the acft have been recovered.NTSB LAX86FA160Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Etiwanda, CAThe flt was receiving radar advisories & was routine until the acft was aprx 15 mi east of the destination arpt. After radar svc was terminated, the acft subsequently turned toward the northwest & flew into rising terrain at an elevation of about 3000 feet.…NTSB FTW86FA050Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportLockheed L-402-2 (LASA-60) · Seagoville, TXAcft crashed immediately after takeoff on a flt to discharge jumpers over a drop zone located on the arpt. Witnesses stated that shortly after liftoff the acft entered a steep left bank estimated between 45 and 70 degs. After about 120 degs of turn the acft…NTSB CHI86FEP01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 177 · Portage, WISeveral witnesses stated that upon climbout following a low pass, smoke came out of the engine and the engine sputtered. The aircraft was then seen in a steep turn. During this turn the wings reached a vertical position and the aircraft descended to the…NTSB FTW86FA054Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Salina, OKA night shift worker was returning home in the early morning hours. Crossing the grand river dam near salinas ok. He saw a flash or glint of metal and a large splash near the middle of the widest part of the lake. Examination of the wreckage indicated that…NTSB MIA86LA109Accident · 6 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)The acft failed to arrive at it's destination on a VFR flight from miami FL, to west end, Bahamas. The acft's last reported position was 10 miles west of west end. There was no further contact with the acft. U.S. Coast guard initiated search on March 26, 1986…NTSB CHI86FEX05Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportChristen Industries Eagle II · Aurora, INThe aircraft impacted the ground when an unsuccessful aerobatic loop maneuver was attempted on takeoff. The pilot of the aircraft was issued a statement of acrobatic compentency which allowed all maneuvers within the limitations of the aircraft and with a…NTSB DEN86FA103Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportI.C.A. Brasov IS-28B2 · Cedar City, UTThe plt and pax were returning from a LCL flt. Two fss specialists observed the glider on final approach to rwy 20. They stated that the acft completed two 360 degree turns with 90 degrees of bank. The glider was in the third 360 degree turn when the…NTSB LAX86DVA04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGlen Davis Glasair · Chinese Camp, CAA glasair homebuilt aircraft collided with a barn shortly after takeoff on a night time business trip. The aircraft departed from the extreme left side of the runway which had a high growth of vegetation. The aircraft was observed to be about 40 to 50 ft…NTSB CHI86FA108Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Boyne Falls, MIAfter the plt was cleared for an rnav-b apch, the acft crashed on hilly trrn aprx 3 mi se of the arpt at an elev of 750'MSL. Impact occurred after the acft had turned to the sse & was dscndg. Min dscnt alt (mda) for the apch was 1680'. No preimpact mechanical…NTSB FTW86FA046Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Whitefield, OKThe pilot was flying at very low altitude while circling the area and most probably did not see the powerline, due to sunglare, until at very close range. He then pulled up steeply in the strong and gusty headwind and stalled the aircraft without sufficient…NTSB ATL86FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Memphis, TNA loss of control in flight for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX86LAMS1Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna U206C · Maunaloa, HIWhile on an inter-island cargo flight conducted under 14 CFR 135, the pilot reported to the honolulu ARTCC that the airplane was experiencing a loss of propeller RPM; he did not report that the engine was losing power. The airplane crashed into the pacific…NTSB ANC86FA037Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-4A · Lime Village, AKWitnesses observed the acft on final approach with its gear down then the nose pitched up. The acft rolled left and crashed into trees. The acft's cockpit, cabin, engine nacelles, cargo and portions of the wings were destroyed by post-impact fire. Post…NTSB MIA86FA101Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportDurkota Thorp T-18 · Lakeland, FLWitnesses observed black smoke trailing from the homebuilt acft during takeoff & initial climb. The acft was observed to climb to an estimated alt of 150 to 200 ft where eng sound ceased & the prop stopped. The acft was then observed to attempt a left turn…NTSB MIA86FA100Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D-35 · Crystal Springs, FLWitnesses stated they observed the acft performing aerobatics while at an estimated alt of 1000 to 1300 ft. after the completion of a loop, the acft was observed to nearly come to a stop while vertical, then fall off to the left & enter a spin which continued…