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 ANC85FA135Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportStinson SR6 · Port Lions, AKThe pilot continued the flight into less than visual conditions; became spatially disoriented and crashed while the aiplane was out of control.NTSB LAX85FA328Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Columbia, CAOn July 21, 1985 at about 2115 hours p.d.t., Cessna 150, N2209J, registered to laurence p. thompson, auburn, California,and operated by sunshine flyers, inc., auburn, California, crashed after colliding with some trees about 1 mile north northwest of Columbia…NTSB NYC85FA185Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Fall River, MAWitnesses observed the acft execute an aerial pick up of the aerial advertising banner & climb very steeply away from the ground. Normal eng sounds were reported by the witnesses. The acft was observed to climb to an alt of approx 150 ft, nearly come to a…NTSB CHI85FA301Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G2A1 · Brook, INThe helicopter contacted the terrain in a flat attitude and rolled over during an autorotative landing. A witness stated an autorotation was entered at 800 ft AGL during which the plt made a 360 deg descending turn. An application of pwr was heard at an alt…NTSB NYC85FA189Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSmith, Ted Aerostar Aerostar 601 · Erie, PADuring a normal IFR cruise flight, the pilot of air Ohio flight 21, did not respond to ATC instructions. Air Ohio flight 21 continued for 40 minutes with no reply and without deviation in altitude or heading until the discrete target disappeared from radar…NTSB LAX85FA322Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Phelen, CAAfter receiving a preflight weather briefing 1 hour and 20 minutes before takeoff, that cautioned of lowering ceilings and thunderstorms along his proposed flt route, the plt took off under VFR. A flt plan was not filed. As the acft climbed to its cruise alt…NTSB ATL85FA221Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Kennesaw, GAThe acft lost power on # 2 eng shortly after take-off. The acft crashed and burned in a wooded area several miles sw of the arpt. The # 2 eng was severly damaged in the fire. No pre-impact malfunction could be documented. Examination of the prop did not…NTSB ANC85LA132Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Mccarthy, AKThe pilot-in-command was departing from a 600 foot long airstrip at a 3400 foot field elevation. The takeoff run was downslope and the pilot had to pull the airplane off the ground by use of the control stick and the application of full flaps, the 40 degree…NTSB SEA85FA171Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3-C-65 · Goose Prairie, WAThe acft contacted trees while the plt was performing low level passes over a boy scout camp. Witnesses reported the plt made three passes over the camp and during one of those passes, the plt dropped a bag of candy bars to the scouts. The fourth, during…NTSB MIA85FA215Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · San Juan, PRThe acft was taxiing northbound on the north-south taxiway and collided with the vehicle moving westbound along the east-west access road. The access road is a designated non-movement area under the control of the puerto rico port authority. The plt stated he…NTSB CHI85FA300Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Bainbridge, INThe acft was observed at about 300 ft AGL. It had just completed a turn with its wings level when it suddenly nosed over and entered a spin to ground impact.NTSB LAX85LA321Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Monterey, CAThe pilot took off on a training flight to practice holding over a VOR intersection 12 miles off shore. Approximately 12MINUTES after take off the pilot declared 'mayday,rough engine', to the Monterey,calfornia control tower control specialist. The control…NTSB CHI85IA296Incident · 1 fatalIncident investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180D · Lansing, MIWhile en route to jackson, MI, the owner/plt suffered an apparent heart attack. The passenger, who was a private plt, safely landed the acft at Lansing, MI. The owner/plt's wife said that he had a plt certificate, but she could not locate it. There was no…NTSB CHI85FA292Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170A · Olney, ILThe aircraft departed new baden and began flying erratically down an interstate highway. It caused one automobile accident by flying low head-on passes at cars. It flew underan overpass, damaging a wingtip in the process. It flew intoan electrical cable and…NTSB ATL85FMG05Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportFain Evans VP-1 · Statesville, NCThe unregistered expired certificated newly purchased experimental acft was being flown by the student plt owner on his 1st flt in the acft. The acft was seen to takeoff and make a right turn after which it descended into tall trees. Witness reported hearing…NTSB DEN85FA189Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320F · Rapid City, SDThe acft crashed during an attempted VFR go-around. The plt said he didn't recall touching down and he thought he was 'floating.' When the acft began drifting left of rwy centerline, the plt initiated a go-aroung. He said he applied full power and rotated. He…NTSB NYC85FA166Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Tioga, PAThe plt initiated a downwind landing on a grass rwy that sloped mostly uphill, but began sloping downhill at its departure end. A witness near the apch end of the 2150 ft rwy watched the acft touch down beyond its midpoint, then disappear over its crested…NTSB CHI85FA284Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEipper MX Super · Almont, MIWitnesses reported the acft was in an inverted flight aprx 60 to 70 ft AGL before it entered a split 's' maneuver and descended to ground impact. The plt was performing aerobatics in an airshow when the accident occurred. The plt's aerobatic waiver had…NTSB SEA85FA162Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B36TC · Idaho City, IDThe plt failed to obtain a preflt wx briefing prior to departing both butte, MT, and salmon, ID. En route at FL180 he entered instrument and icing conditions which he attempted to avoid by climbing to FL200. During the climb, the plt reported encountering…NTSB MIA85LA209Accident · 4 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Bahamas, BahamasThe acft failed to arrive at it's intended destination on a flt from nassau, Bahamas to opa locka arpt, miami, FL. The acft was reported missing by the miami fss. The U.S. Coast guard initiated a search on 07-12-85 at about 1831 EDT & search was suspended on…NTSB LAX85FA315Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206-B · Page, AZOn July 12, 1984, a Bell 206B helicopter collided with a steel bridge 10 miles so of Page, AZ. The helicopter was being filmed in flt during the making of a movie. VMC existed at the time. The helicopter was destroyed and the plt and pax, an italian actor,…NTSB DEN85FA186Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Aspen, COCFI and student departed Aspen, Colorado, on a dual x-country flt. The density altitude at the time of departure was calculated to be 9954 feet. The CFI directed student to fly up a canyon in an area of rising terrain. The CFI took control of acft and was…NTSB DEN85FA179Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Columbus, MTAfter making a low pass over his pax home, the plt pulled the acft up abruptly and stalled at a very low altitude. The alt was too low for the plt to effect a successful recovery before ground impact.NTSB LAX85FA314Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Antioch, CAThe acft crashed into a reservoir shortly after departing the Antioch arpt. There were no eye witnesses to the crash. However, an ear witness stated that he heard the acft skipping along the water like the sound of a hydro-plane. He did not hear the eng, but…NTSB FTW85FA282Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-350D · Matagorda Islng, LAThe acft touched down hard during an attempted autorotation to an abandoned air base. Initial touchdown occurred on the stinger and the acft yawed to the left of rwy heading 30 to 40 degrees. The next touchdown was on the skids and the acft yawed further to…NTSB LAX85FA311Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Marana, AZThe passenger had just purchased property at the accident site and intended to take aerial video tape footage of the property. Witnesses saw the plt and passenger board the acft with video camera and recorder. After departue, the acft flew directly to the…NTSB LAX85FA310Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPolliwagen Unknown · Bakersfield, CAOn July 7, 1985, at 1917 PDT, a Polliwagen, N81PW, collided with the ground during an attempted go around at bakersfieldairpark, Bakersfield, California, while on a personal flight. VMC prevailed at the time; no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was…NTSB CHI85FA269Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChamberlain Viking Dragonfly · Faribault, MNThe acft collided with trees and burst into flames during a forced landing. On the plt's second radio contact with Faribault municipal airport UNICOM he declared, 'I have engine failure. I'm going down in a corn field.' Post accident inspection of the…NTSB DEN85FA180Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369HS · Keystone, SDMain rotor hub was overhauled by a repair station that was not authroized by Hughes helicopters for hub overhauls. The main rotor hub and blades separated in-flt 279 hrs after overhaul. The acft crashed in a densily wooded area. Post accident exam of the main…NTSB NYC85FA162Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Cape May, NJThe tow plane came in for a banner pickup. The ground handler holding the tail of the double banner had his left foot caught by the banner as it went airborne. The ground handler was carried 50 to 100 ft in the air prior to falling to the ground. The ground…NTSB LAX85FA304Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-6-180 · Corona, CADuring a banner towing mission, the acft was observed flying at low alt near California state freeway 91. According to witnesses, the banner collided with power lines after the acft had crossed over the lines at a relatively slow speed. The banner & tow…NTSB LAX85FA301Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Corona, CADuring en route descent the plt told the radar controller tht he had lost an eng and could not hold alt. Witnesses saw the acft descending toward hilly terrain, begin a right turn, then abruptly pitch down and roll right to impact in a residence yard on the…NTSB ANC85FA111Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Chugiak, AKThe acft crashed in a wooded residential area following a loss of pwr on takeoff. Post accident inspection of the airframe and powerplant disclosed automotive fuel was being used in the acft. Lab tests indicated the fuel was subjectedto high temps which…NTSB SEA85FA156Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportKibler-Bede BD-5B · Oak Harbor, WAPrior to the acdnt, witnesses aprx 9 mi sw of the crash site saw an acft (matching the description of N5KB) flying at about 100 to 200 ft over the water on a NE heading. It then pulled up in a steep climbing turn toward the shoreline. No known witnesses saw…NTSB CHI85FA259Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D1 · Mundelein, ILThe acft contacted terrain in a near vertical attitude aprx 1/4 mile east of the plt's private airstrip. There were no witnesses to the accident, however, the acft was observed flying at low altitudes prior to the accident. An autopsy report on the passenger…NTSB CHI85FA258Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Merom, INThe aircraft was on a visual flight from fairfield Iowa to indianapolis, IN and was about 55 mautical miles south of course when the aircraft broke up in flight. The main wreckage, empennage, and outer wing sections landed within about a quarter of a mile of…NTSB ATL85FA197Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-42 · Charlotte, NCThe acft collided with a tree and a pole short of the rwy during a night VFR approach to land. The plt changed from rwy 18 to 36 during the approach. He was seen low & fast on dwnwind which ended in a steep descending turn to ground contact. The twr had…NTSB SEA85LA152Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Burns, ORDuring aerial applications the pilot cleared a rise, got a down draft, struck trees and then stalled striking the ground with little forward motion. An intense explosion and fire followed. The fire origin was in the area of the fiberglass fuel tank. An…NTSB FTW85FA265Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS35OD · Dallas, TXThe eng to transmission short shaft became disconnected in flt. This resulted in complete loss of pwr to the main rotor assembly. However, the tail rotor assembly was still being powered by the eng. Upon collective pitch application to stop the descent the…NTSB CHI85FA253Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Reedsburg, WINo known witnesses observed the plt preflt the acft or takeoff. He departed in the evening while the arpt was not attended. At aprx 2012 CDT, his son observed & recognized the acft. At that time, the son was at his own home about 1/2 mi from the plt's home.…NTSB SEA85LA151Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell UH-1B · Hoquiam, WAThe helicopter was being used during an external load operation to move large blocks of wood. However, while hovering, the sling broke. Subsequently, a block of wood struck a company employee on the head while he was working on the ground. The employee was…NTSB NYC85FA155Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B95A · Readington, NJPapers were observed to fly out of the acft during takeoff. The acft was observed to 'waver' with the gear down & crash to the ground several minutes later. An exam of the cabin door revealed that it had popped open in flt.NTSB LAX85FA293Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRolladen-Schneider LS3-A · Callahan, CAThe plt was participating in a x-country soaring competition. He released from the tow at 5,000 ft above sea level. About one hour later he imformed his crew by radio that he had covered 80 percent of the first leg and that he was 'doing fine.' The flt did…NTSB CHI85FA251Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNeumann-Everett N2 · Cambridge, MNThe newly rated prt plt was on his 12th flt in the recently certificated homebuilt that he had designed and built himself. While performing an unknown maneuver both horizontal stabilizers and both wings separated from the acft. The acft was restricted from…NTSB FTW85FA261Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Temple, TXA midair collision occurred between a Cessna 150 in the traffic pattern and a Cessna 152 on a long low final to the same runway. The Cessna 152'S radio was mistuned, and the Cessna 150 had no radio installed. Neither could have heard warnings broadcast by…NTSB DEN85FTM03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportKillian Briegleb BG-12B · Heber City, UTThe acft was a george Killian/briegleb BG-12B, experimental, home built glider. An owner reported that the plt had come from new Mexico to buy the glider. After spending about 3 hrs in familiarization training, the plt went on his 1st flt which was…NTSB ANC85FA107Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Lake Beverley, AKThe plt stated that he & his student plt was flying around the lake well below the tree line, & after a steep right bank the acft struck the trees & crashed in the lake, the acft sank into 10 to 12 ft of water.NTSB SEA85FA147Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C-177RG · Yakima, WAThe pilot, while in slow-flight configuartion, at low altitude, in light chop, failed to see and avoid trees. Resulting tree impact caused acft into stall conditions. Acft contacted other trees, crashed and burned.NTSB DEN85FTI04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportFailing/Rand-Robinson KR-2 · Laurel, MTDrg a test flt, the plt made a fast taxi run, then took off on rwy 21. After takeoff, he made a gradual climb & shallow left turns to a downwind, circled the arpt & reentered a downwind for rwy 21. Witnesses reported that the plt made a power reduction &…NTSB DCA85AA026Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBeech E18S · Birmingham, ALAt 2045 the military flt, dixie 06, contacted Birmingham apch & obtained clearance for a low apch followed by a full-stop lndg on rwy 05. At 2053, dixie 06 reported a 4 mile final for a low apch to the local controller. At 2054:19, the local controller…