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 GAA21WA178Accident · 4 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA28 · Steinenbronn, GermanyNTSB WPR21FA273Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35 · Angwin, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during an aborted landing after an unstabilized approach and hard landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…NTSB GAA21WA181Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 150 · Marcos Paz, ArgentinaNTSB ENG21WA047Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignTecnam P2008 · Vardi, IndiaNTSB WPR21FA272Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · Dinsmore, CAThe airplane’s degraded engine performance due to wear to the intake cam lobes, which diminished the airplane’s takeoff and climb performance, resulting in a subsequent collision with trees.NTSB ERA21LA290Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCameron 0-105 · Piermont, NHThe balloon pilot’s delay in relighting the burner, which resulted in a hard landing and his ejection from the balloon.NTSB CEN21FA320Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Muscatine, IAThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight under a thunderstorm, where he encountered reduced visibility due to heavy precipitation, resulting in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR21FA270Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 421C · Monterey, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control due to spatial disorientation during an instrument departure procedure in instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of…NTSB CEN21FA314Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPZL Mielec M18 · Seiling, OKThe pilot’s in-flight loss of control due to the structural failure of a wing fitting and separation of the outboard wing section. Also causal were the inadequate wing fitting inspections, which failed to detect the initial corrosion and crack before it…NTSB WPR21FA266Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C90 · Wikieup, AZThe failure and separation of the left wing’s outboard section due to a fatigue crack in the lower spar cap. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s decision to repair the wing spar instead of replacing it as recommended by the aircraft manufacturer.…NTSB WPR21FA265Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportNorth Wing Mustang · Albany, ORThe noncertificated pilot’s loss of aircraft control after a low-level turn with a bank angle that exceeded the manufacturer’s operating limitations.NTSB GAA21WA170Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignJoplin Tundra · Athens, CanadaNTSB ERA21LA283Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBailey N Moyes Dragonfly · Charlestown, NHThe passenger’s decision to continue an unstable approach while at low altitude and in proximity to a known obstacle, which resulted in a collision with power lines.NTSB GAA21WA172Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignDouglas DC3 · Restrepo, ColombiaNTSB GAA21WA169Accident · 9 fatalClass 5 · ForeignDe Havilland DHC2 · Örebro, SwedenNTSB GAA21WA165Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignIai 1124 · Treasure Cay, BahamasNTSB CEN21FA305Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportHawker Beechcraft G36 · Aspen, COThe pilot’s failure to navigate through mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN21FA304Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportFocke-Wulf FWP-149D · Killeen, TXThe total loss of engine power due to a fatigue failure of a crankshaft counterweight mounting lobe, which resulted in a counterweight separation and catastrophic secondary damage to the engine drivetrain. Contributing to the accident was the mislabeled…NTSB GAA21WA163Accident · 6 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA-32-260 · Leogane, HaitiNTSB CEN21FA300Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 35-33 · Roff, OKThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during low-level nighttime flight.NTSB WPR21FA258Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172R · Missoula, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery.NTSB CEN21FA299Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Lamoni, IAThe pilot did not maintain aircraft control during an attempted go-around after a bounced landing, which resulted in impact with terrain and a postimpact fire.NTSB CEN21FA297Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportEarthstar Gull 2000 · Curtiss, WIThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions with dense fog and low clouds, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-imposed…NTSB GAA21WA156Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · ForeignBell 212 · Evansburg, CanadaNTSB ERA21FA274Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 152 · St. Augustine, FLThe flight instructor’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall during the landing approach.NTSB WPR21FA243Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportFeraca Edward M Searey LSX · Logan, UTThe pilot’s loss of airplane control while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in a collision with a house.NTSB WPR21FA242Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCameron Balloons US O-120 · Albuquerque, NMThe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate clearance from power lines while maneuvering for landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of impairing, illicit drugs.NTSB ERA21LA269Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGarlick Helicopters OH-58A+ · Alpine, ALThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during a low-level aerial application flight, resulting in main rotor blade impact with a fiber-optic cable, a loss of control, and the helicopter’s subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB CEN21FA290Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Cleburne, TXThe canopy moving fully open during flight, which resulted in the pilot’s distraction and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin and loss of control.NTSB ERA21FA263Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Mercer, TNA partial loss of engine power due to foreign object debris contamination of the left turbocharger wastegate. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to divert to the nearest airport.NTSB WPR21FA233Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · White City, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around, which resulted in a collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to his medical conditions and the effects of his medications.NTSB WPR21FA232Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportKitfox Series 6 · Likely, CAThe pilot’s poor decision making in attempting a takeoff from a field with high vegetation and a high-density altitude, which resulted in decreased takeoff performance and impact with terrain.NTSB GAA21WA147Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignNorth American T28 · Jickovice, CzechiaNTSB GAA21WA161Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · ForeignBeech V35 · Padua, ItalyNTSB WPR21FA231Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Rush Valley, UTThe pilot’s misidentification of a mountain pass at night, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s overconfidence based on her previous aviation experience and fatigue due to both the time of the flight…NTSB ERA21FA258Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150 · Yulee, FLThe flight instructor’s decision to conduct slow flight training at an altitude below the flight school’s minimum recovery altitude and his delayed remedial action when an aerodynamic stall occurred.NTSB ERA21FA257Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402B · Kinston, NCThe pilot’s decision to conduct low-level aerobatic maneuvers in an airplane not approved for aerobatic flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin, a loss of control, and an impact with terrain.NTSB CEN21FA277Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · Conway, ARThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the pilot to perform an adequate preflight inspection, to include removal of the pitot tube cover.NTSB GAA21WA145Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R44 · Eidanger, NorwayNTSB CEN21FA272Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAntenor Velazco Lancair Evolution · Parker, COThe pilot’s diversion of attention following an asymmetric flap deployment, which resulted in a descent and collision with powerlines. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the flap control rod attachment bolts,…NTSB WPR21FA228Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · Truckee, CAThe student pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a turn and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and a subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR21FA227Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCovey Tri Quickie · Gila Bend, AZThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the reduced airplane performance due to high density…NTSB ERA21FA253Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV6 · Buckingham, PAAn exhaust system leak that resulted in failure of the oil quick drain, a loss of oil lubrication, an in-flight fire, and the pilot’s subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN21FA270Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor 502B · Paragould, ARAn inflight loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain during an aerial application flight for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB CEN21FA263Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Madisonville, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper glidepath during final approach for landing, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.NTSB GAA21WA142Accident · 4 fatalClass 4 · ForeignCessna 310 · RondonóPolis, BrazilNTSB WPR21FA223Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV6 · Porterville, CAA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.NTSB ERA21FA239Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-35 · Wurtsboro, NYThe pilot’s low-altitude release from tow for reasons that could not be determined, and his subsequent exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack while returning to the runway, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN21FA252Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 NG · Darlington, INA loss of control while practicing an aerodynamic stall, which resulted in a spin and impact with terrain.NTSB ERA21FA237Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A23 · Pinnacle, NCThe flight instructor’s mismanagement of the available fuel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.