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 ANC86FA020Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Lake Clark Pass, AKThe acft collided with rising terrain while maneuvering in a mountain Pass. Low ceilings, 40 to 50 kt winds and rain showers were reported in the area at the time of the accident.NTSB CHI86MA052Accident · 6 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 177B · Brooklyn, MIThe pilot took off with five passengers approximately 170 pounds over maximum allowable gross weight into known moderate icing conditions. His aircraft was not equipped to fly in these conditions. Radio and radar contact were lost at approximately 3500 feet…NTSB MKC86FA037Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L · Ainsworth, NEThis med-evac helicopter was being positioned to pick up a patient. The plt obtained a wx briefing which included a forecast for a chance of marginal VMC along the planned route, although at the time of the briefing the dest weather was VMC. The flt departed…NTSB FTW86FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150E · Shawnee, OKThe unlicensed plt was conducting an unauthorized flt when the accident occurred. The plt took off from a sod fld adjacent to a closed rwy at Shawnee, OK. Witnesses stated that the acft assumed an excessively nose high attitude immediately after takeoff and…NTSB MKC86FA036Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Kansas City, MOThe plt was seen to enter the acft for a short time and then get out, go to the front of the acft and pull down on the prop. The eng fired and the prop struck the pilot's head. A plt who approached the acft moments after the acdt looked into the cockpit and…NTSB CHI86FEM03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRobinson R22A · Grand Rapids, MIThe plt reported he flew into the wolverine power plant for the purpose of picking up a passenger to whom he was to demonstrate the helicopter's ability to survey power lines. He continued to report, shortly after landing during normal engine shut down…NTSB LAX86FA069Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Newport Beach, CAThe plt contacted coast TRACON (terminal radar control) & requested VFR traffic advisories to torrence. At aprx 0747 psthe declared an emergency, said the eng had quit & requested vectors to the john wayne/orange county arpt. The controllerprovided a hdg to…NTSB ATL86FA041Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Langhorne, PAAcft collided with marked but unlighted transmission lines 670 ft fm rwy threshold. The lines are 81 ft above the threshold elevation and are marked but unlighted. They are also 1193 ft from the displaced threshold. The pilot did not have a current medical or…NTSB ATL86FA040Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Springfield, TNThe acft collided with the ground inverted. Witnesses stated that the acft was performing loops prior to the accident. Reportedly, the plt was giving a female companion a 'joy ride'. The plt had recently received his commercial cert. Instrument rating & CFI…NTSB MIA86FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-23 · Pensacola, FLShortly after takeoff on initial climb the aircraft was seen to crash back on the runway. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right stabilator attach/hinge bolt was not installed, and the left stabilator attach/hinge bolt was found partially…NTSB CHI86MA047Accident · 5 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech B-60 · Carp Lake, MIDrg arrival, the plt reported a problem with his #1 nav, but said he would try to make an ILS apch. He said he would return to pontiac, if his ILS did not work. ARTCC cleared him for the ILS rwy 32 apch & instructed him to contact pellston radio (fss). At…NTSB LAX86FVA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRobert D. Campbell KR-1 · Oakdale, CAThe acft crashed in a cow pasture in VMC wx. The acft left wing struck the ground in a steep angle of bank and the acft nosed in throwing the eng 450 ft farther across the field. The canopy & canopy latch were found prior to the impact point of the left wing.…NTSB LAX86FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Oxnard, CAThe acft took off, pitched up steeply, stalled, nosed over to the right and crashed, nose down into the grass south of the rwy. Post accident inspection of the acft disclosed that the 2 inch bolt the plt used as a control gust lock for the elevator and…NTSB FTW86FA025Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGates Learjet 35A · College Station, TXThe acft rolled to the right and crashed after a catastrophic (uncontained) failure of the rt eng during takeoff for a night flt. The rt eng fan rotor disc separated from the hub which damaged the cowling and some disc fragments buried in the fuselage but…NTSB DCA86RA010Accident · 256 fatalForeign investigationDouglas DC-8-63 · Gander, CanadaNTSB ATL86FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Corning, NYDuring ILS runway 6 approach acft hit high terrain short of the outer marker. When on downwind for approach pilot said he was not receiving the localizer and asked for a surveillance approach. Controller said he could not provide. When cleared for the ILS…NTSB LAX86FA063Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Independence, CAWhile en route, the acft collided with moutainous terrain (trrn) at an aprx elev of 13,500 ft. previously, the plt had requested & was rcvg traffic advisories fm ARTCC. Bfr the acdnt, the acft's psn & alt (mode c reply) were noted by the controller (ctlr). No…NTSB CHI86FA046Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale SA365N · Adrian, MIThe purpose of this flight was to pick up an injured patient and return him to a medical center. The weather was adequate for a VFR takeoff. However, enroute weather reports indicated fog and probable low ceilings. According to the single survivor of the…NTSB LAX86FA061Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-201T · So. Lake Tahoe, CAPrior to departing on a VFR flt from south lake Tahoe, CA, to tracy, CA, the plt failed to obtain a wx briefing or file a flt plan. Wx at the arpt of departure was reported as scattered clouds at 1500 ft, broken ceiling conditions at an estimated 3000 ft,…NTSB NYC86FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Peru, MADuring IFR flight at 12000 feet both aircraft vacuum pumps failed. Aircraft descended in right turn off radar. Witnesses observed aircraft at low altitude above trees, circle, make steep left turn, climb and descend to ground.NTSB CHI86FA042Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportLearjet 35A · Rochester, MNThe aircraft had just successfully completed a series of practice approaches to a full stop. The training flight was being conducted to give refresher training to the pilot who had not flown a lear jet in over a year and had never flown a lear model 35. The…NTSB DEN86FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35-B33 · Columbia Falls, MTThe acft contacted snow covered terrain in an uncontrolled descent aprx 3 minutes after takeoff. The plt obtained a wx briefing from kalispell, MT, NWS and updated briefings from missoula and great Falls, MT, fss, for proposed night VFR flt to ogden, UT. VFR…NTSB CHI86FA041Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320 · Ada, OHThe pilot overflew a planned intermediate stop before running low on fuel. He was unable to find the airport he was being vectored to & attempted to land in a plowed field during dark conditions. As the aircraft passed over powerlines the aircraft was…NTSB NYC86FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Selinsgrove, PAThe afct was seen flying at low alt before it collided with unmarked transmission lines at a height of 170 ft AGL. The acft pitched up and then descended to the ground. The top of the rudder and vertical stabilator were severed from the acft. The collision…NTSB LAX86FUJ02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 182G · Gila Bend, AZOn December 4, 1985, at 1928 MST, a Cessna 182, N3205S, collided with a power utility pole near paloma, AZ. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was destroyed and the two people on board the…NTSB LAX86FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Sacramento, CAOn December 4, 1985 at 2230 PST, a Beech F33A, operated by the owner, collided with trees during a missed approach at Sacramento metropolitan airport, Sacramento, California, while on a business flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the…NTSB LAX86FVD03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAero Commander 680T · Concord, CAOn 12/3/85 at aprx 0830, the acft was fnd lying inverted in a canal adjacent to the arpt where it had been on 24 hr standby for medical flts. Twelve days later, the plt's body was also fnd in the canal. An investigation revealed the acft had been taken…NTSB ATL86FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Dacula, GAThe acft collided with trees 3.5 miles from the arpt during an instrument approach in dense fog. The approach required an adf receiver and the acft did not have one. The mda on the approach was 1600 ft. the acft impacted the trees at 1200 ft MSL. The acft was…NTSB LAX86MA050Accident · 1 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · San Pedro, CATwo Bell 206L'S (N3913Z oprd by helitrans, N5759Y oprd by island express) deptd avalon 2 min apart on flts to San Pedro. Arr route at destn was ovr a RVR with angling fnl acph arnd a floating restaurant (fr). Heliport (HP) was in congested area nr bridge,…NTSB BFO86FA008Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D95A · Millville, NJThe plt & his wife deptd sarasota FL for a 5HR and 10MIN planned flt to Millville, NJ. 5HRS and 8MIN ltr the acft crashed in woods abt 2 miles short of miv. Fuel calculations indicated the acft should have had ovr 11GALS left in the tanks. Witnesses located…NTSB DEN86FA038Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C-182 · Gallup, NMThe plt departed las cruces, NM, on a VFR flt to Gallup,NM. Approx 23 miles from destination, in mountainous terrain, the non-instrument rated plt encountered unforecast snow storm conditons at night. While the plt was maneuvering toward the destination at a…NTSB CHI86FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE 36 · Odell, ILThe plt departed on an IFR flight into known icing conditions after receiving three complete weather briefings clearly indicating the icing conditions with numerous plt reports of icing. Aprx 40 minutes after departure the plt reported he had about an inch of…NTSB LAX86FA048Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · San Bernardino, CAThe instrument rated plt & his family flew from TX to CA. It was night time upon arrival and the plt did not communicate with any FAA facility. Earlier in the flt, during a refueling stop, the plt had telephoned a friend and his parents to arrange to be…NTSB CHI86FA033Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Duluth, MNThe pilot departed crystal lake for a flight to visit relatives for thanksgiving. He did not obtain a preflight weather briefing nor did he contact any ground facility during the flight. He was qualified to fly in VFR conditions only. The aircraft impacted…NTSB ATL86FA032Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C90 · East Greenwich, RIThe acft crashed about nine miles short of the rwy during an ILS approach to warwick, RI in IMC wx. The acft had been cleared to descend from 13000 to 3000 ft. the acft crashed outside the outer marker. The co-plt had reported the acft as inside the outer…NTSB SEA86FVW01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGriffin, Thomas Modified KR-Z · Panaca, NVA witness to the accident observed the aircraft climb straight ahead and make a shallow left 90 degree turn. The aircraft was then observed to resume level flight. The aircraft then slowly wen into a bank and fell off into a dive striking the ground. This was…NTSB MKC86MA031Accident · 7 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportRockwell 500-S · Des Moines, IAN81589 was flwg a Boeing 727 on ILS apch in IFR conds. Aprx 2.5 mi fm rwy, N81589 suddenly deviated left nrly 90 deg. 39 sec later, plt rprtd he enctrd svr turbc, then said he was trying to clb. N81589 subsequently flew thru tree tops on rising trrn for aprx…NTSB MKC86FA030Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Tontitown, ARAfter completing two erratic 360 deg turns in a holding pattern west of the razorback VORTAC station, the plt was instructed to proceed via the 218 deg radial of the razorback VORTAC until reaching the elmie intersection and to hold. A couple of minutes later…NTSB MIA86FA034Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Sarasota, FLWitnesses reported that shortly after takeoff from a touch and go landing the aircrafts engine sputtered and quit completely. As the pilot was attempting a forced landing the aircraft struck a tree causing the pilot to lose control. The aircraft struck the…NTSB MIA86MA032Accident · 6 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Boca Raton, FLAccording to witnesses, the plt took off on rwy 4, then turned left toward the southwest & flew parallel with the rwy at a distance of about 1/4 to 1/2 mi. He leveled the acft at aprx 200' AGL, just below the clouds, until aprx abeam of midfield, then he…NTSB MIA86FA033Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T-28A · Lantana, FLThe pilot/mechanic had recently re-installed a rebuilt engine in the aircraft and performed a very short run-up prior to takeoff. Witnesses stated the aircraft engine made popping noises and was belching black smoke during the takeoff roll. The aircraft…NTSB DEN86FA028Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201T · Cheyenne Wells, COThe plt obtained a wx briefing prior to departing apa. There was a cold frontal system moving down from the north but wx was forecast to be VFR for the remainder of the day. The plt and a plt-pax flew to jln where the plt-pax disembarked. The plt did not…NTSB CHI86FA031Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Washington Twp., INThe pilot and pax were returning from a xcountry flt. While on a long final approach the acft was witnessed to stall and fall off on the left wg. The acft then descended into a wooded area causing left wg separation and then impacted a creek bank. At the time…NTSB NYC86FA037Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Cheshire, CTThe helicopter was flying at or near the base of the overcast when it contacted a tree and descended to ground impact. Witnesses reported hearing the eng operating during the accident sequence and the area was covered with heavy fog. No mechanical malfunction…NTSB ATL86FA029Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182R · Bryson City, NCThe acft made a normal apch and had the flaps down to about 15 deg. Touch down as about one third down the rwy. There was a bounce and the right wing came up and the acft veered to the left off the rwy. Power was applied and the acft paralleled the rwy. The…NTSB LAX86FA042Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-151 · Lebec, CAAfter receiving a preflight wx briefing that forecast strong headwinds, over mountainous terrain, severe turbulence and pireps of severe turbulence on the proposed flt route. The instructor plt and his student instrument plt took off for a night IFR training…NTSB ATL86FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Chester, SCWitnesses at the accident site estimated the ground visibility to be 100 yds or less. The instrument rated plt on the 32 NM flt had not filed a flt plan even though he had obtained a wx briefing from fss. The acft collided with the steel cables atop steel…NTSB MKC86FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Osage Beach, MOWitnesses observed N80426 lt of the final apch course for rwy 14 heading toward the arpt for landing. One witness said the acft was at 300 to 400 ft AGL when the nose of the acft rose abruptly, the lt wing went down and the acft descended to the ground. Other…NTSB FTW86FQG04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportLagatore Thorp T-18 · Lubbock, TXThe acft contacted the terrain in a 75 to 85 deg nose down attitude following a loss of control. The plt was reportedly circling a friend's house at an alt of 800 to 1000 ft AGL when the acft stalled, entered a spin and descended to ground impact.NTSB CHI86FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Mt Carmel, ILAccording to the survivor, the plt & 2 pax all had a beer, then went to the arpt. After taking off at night, the plt flew over Mt Carmel, then flew toward his home. He elected to make a low pass over his house. During the pass, the acft struck a tree & some…