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 LAX85FA286Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 214B-1 · Squaw Valley, CAThe helicopter was engaged in lowering a large pole to the ground when the eng failed catastrophically due to a total first turbine rotor disc failure. The plt turned the acft down the mountain but was unable to gain enough speed to autorotate. The acft…NTSB ATL85FA191Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J5A · Cleveland, GAThe plt took off from a private strip with his 5 yr old daughter on board. He then made several low passes by a guest house so that his daughter could wave to her grandparents. The acft was last seen headed generally in a northerly direction when it banked…NTSB ANC85FA099Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-5 · Theodore River, AKThe pilot caught left wing tip while turning to land and lost control of the airplane crashing into turg.NTSB NYC85FA152Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth VENTUS-B · Waitsfield, VTThis glider was involved in a soaring championship course. About 52 minutes after starting the course witnesses observed the aircraft maneuvering for a landing on an open field. While in a steep bank the aircraft stalled and impacted the ground.NTSB MKC85FA134Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRyan Navion A · Kingman, KSAfter departing a pvt strip the acft was observed to perform some low altitude aerobatic maneuvers. The maneuvers consisted of two snap rolls at about 100 feet off the ground. The acft was observed descending steeply on the second roll maneuver until striking…NTSB FTW85FA259Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSwearingen SA-26AT · Rocksprings, TXAs the acft was climbing thru 14,800' for 19,000', the plt reported a rapid decompression. Two minutes later, he reported that he has lost the tail. Acft impacted in an inverted flat spin and the tail and a section of empennage were found about 3/4 mile away…NTSB SEA85FA142Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-6-235 · Gibbonsville, IDThe plt and two passengers departed on a 2 hr flt for the purpose of conducting aerial observation of mine sites. The acft was operating in mountainous terrain during hot temp conditions resulting in a high density alt. There were no witnesses to the…NTSB FTW85FRD02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportTeratorn Tierra II · Lake Charles, LAThe acft impacted the terrain in an uncontrolled descent. Witnesses stated the acft was participating in a bean bag drop contest when the accident occurred. After dropping the last bag the acft made a turn to the west, entered a spin and descended to ground…NTSB MKC85FA133Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHildebrand Spezio Sport DAL-1 · Gravois Mills, MOWitnesses reported that the acft made at least two complete circles over a cove on lake of the ozarks at low alt. Part of the acft track took it over the southeast shoreline where several lake homes are located. During the third circle, as the acft approached…NTSB DEN85FA167Accident · 8 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Bailey, COGround witnesses observed the acft enter low clouds going south, then emerge from clouds going went. Acft collided with mountain in wings-level and powered attitude. Mountains were reported to be obscured by clouds and fog.NTSB MKC85FCD01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportJoel K. Senter RV-4 · Jefferson, IAThe acft crashed out of control after & low alt demonstration passes above rwy at about 50 ft AGL. After the last pass, a low airspeed maneuver. The plt executed a steep turn and descended in a nose low attitude to ground impact.NTSB CHI85FA234Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRepublic RC-3 · Eveleth, MNOn takeoff from ely lake the acft turned sharp left at an altitude of 80-100 ft. at this point the acft ceased rated to climb and decended into trees and a lakeside house. The a cft was in excess of 400 lbs over gross weight. The lading gear and nose ballast…NTSB ATL85FA189Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Hendersonville, NCThe plt reported that during takeoff, the eng lost power as the acft was climbing thru about 100 to 125 ft AGL. He made a rgt turn back toward the arpt to land. However, the acft stalled, then impacted in a parking lot near the departure end of the rwy &…NTSB MIA85FA193Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American SNJ-5 · Stuart, FLThe acft was observed by witnesses flying slow at an estimated alt of 700 ft. the acft was observed to stall, enter an over the top spin which immediately evolved into an upright spin. Recovery was not executed prior to the acft crashing into the ocean.…NTSB CHI85FA229Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Jeffersonville, OHThe airplane had circled the north-south grass runway twice before attempting a south landing with an estimated 20 to 30 mph crosswind from the west. The airplane staled and made a 360 degree roll. The pilot was unable to recover and the aircraft struck the…NTSB SEA85FA134Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell UH-1B · Juneau, AKWhile engaged in a log slinging operation over mountainous, densely forested terrain the rotor craft suffered a total power loss forcing the pilot to execute an autorotative landing into high conifer trees. Disassembly of the engine revealed evidence that the…NTSB NYC85FA145Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSikorsky S76A · Belmar, NJDuring takeoff & landing practice for a pre-solo plt the CFI saw a helicopter, N176FJ, approaching the arpt. N4956B, at the time of 1st sighting, was on a left base for rwy 3. The rotorcraft apparently did not see N4956B or hear any radio calls at this…NTSB NYC85FA141Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-200 · Hamptonburgh, NYPlt filed IFR for 2 flight legs; baltimore, MD to teterboro, NJ & teterboro to montgomert, NY (orange co arpt). The plt received a preflight wx briefing & was advised that the forecast for stewart, NY, about 10 mis form montgomery was sky partially obscured…NTSB MKC85FA124Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportE.T. Meredith III Christen Eagle II · Carlisle, IAThe aerobatic airplane had a total of 23.6 flight hours at the time of this accident. This accident pilot had flown 6.3 hours of that time. The aircraft log did not indicate any spin practice by this pilot in this airplane but did indicate three flights with…NTSB DEN85FA153Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Melstone, MTThe acft was observed in a left turn in a steep dive until it passed out of view behind a hill. The investigation revealed no evidence of airframe or engine malfunction or failure piror to the crash. Medical findings revealed the plt, sole occupant, had 90…NTSB MIA85FA187Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Daytona Beach, FLAccording to witnesses, the plt was flying at a very low alt & was making 's' turns while proceeding southbound along a Beach. During the last left turn toward the east, the acft turned further left toward the north. While turning, the left wing struck water…NTSB CHI85FA226Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchweizer G-164A · Red Lake Falls, MNThe plt had been spray a field in north & south directions, then elected to make a swath run from east to west toward the sun. This pass was made late in the day. While on the swath run, the acft collided with an unmarked wire, then veered & crashed in a…NTSB FTW85FA247Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201T · Pineville, LAThe aircraft landed long and fast on the relatively short, sloping runway. After bouncing four times, the pilot rapidly added throttle on the turbocharger-equipped aircraft and attempted to climb. Witnesses observed smoke from the exhaust, and described high…NTSB CHI85FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportBeech E18S · Cleveland, OHThe flight departed & proceeded en route without incident. Radar & radio contact was maintained until the flt proceeded over lake erie. The flt did not arrive at it's destination. The acft is presumed to have crashed in lake erie. One identifiable 3 ft x 4 ft…NTSB ATL85FA182Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-108 · Cartersville, GAThe circumstances & purpose of the flt was not determined. According to witnesses, the owner/student plt & another psn, who was a certified mechanic & an instructor plt, took off & entered what appeared to be a closed traffic pattern for rwy 18. The traffic…NTSB MKC85FCQ03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 172RG · Wichita, KSThe acft collided with a cushman scooter during taxi. A witness stated that when the scooter driver 'looked up' I saw the acft taxiing, he made a hard rt turn which threw him off. The scooter driver and scooter were struck separately by the acft. The scooter…NTSB FTW85FA245Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Tioga, TXWitnesses observed the acft apchg from the northwest at an estimated alt of about 100 ft AGL. As it passed their position, the plt rolled into a steep (90 deg) right bank, then roll back out. The witnesses reported that after the acft rolled out of the bank,…NTSB ATL85FA179Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Kennesaw, GAPrior to takeoff the plt and his brother-in-law added 20 gallons of automotive fuel to the acft fuel tanks. The level of the fuel, according to the brother-in-law, was below the filler neck tabs. After about three hrs of flt the plt radioed a mayday and…NTSB FTW85FA244Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Bogalusa, LAA few minutes after departure the student plt flew into the ground in an effort to return to the arpt about 1400 ft n of rwy 18 in aprx a 15 deg nose down and 35 deg left angle of bank. The afct slid about 80 ft when it rotated about it's right wing flipping…NTSB MKC85FA120Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Albert, KSWhile maneuvering to reverse directions the acft stalled descending and impacting the ground in a steep dive. The plt was on the final leg of his cross-country flt.NTSB ATL85MA177Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportGulfstream G-159 · Nashville, TNThe acft was being operated as general aviation flt 115 & was deptg on a routine night flt. Drg takeoff/initial climb, the left eng lost pwr. The flt crew attempted to cont the climb-out, but following the application of water-methanol, the plt lost drctnl…NTSB LAX85FA262Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TU-206E · San Manuel, AZThis plt was attempting to air drop illegal drugs to someone on the ground. While executing an intentional low pass, at dusk, theacft inadvertently collided with a cactus tree & crashed.NTSB NYC85FA136Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C172P · Fryeburg, METhe acft crashed in an uncontrolled attitude near the rwy from which it had recently departed. There was a 40 degree down swath cut through the trees to a crater in the ground. The engine was removed from the crash site and examined and nothing was found to…NTSB MIA85FA180Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34 · Loxahatchee, FLThe plt & passengers were seen drinking beer in a bar prior to the flt. After the acft took off, witnesses observed it flying very low near a shoreline; one of them was a police officer that identified the acft by its registration number. At aprx 1930, the…NTSB LAX85FA259Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGlobe GC-1B · Moorpark, CAAcft crashed while being maneuvered in a canyon. Post crash inspection of the propeller revealed no evidence of rotation at impact. One-half gal of automotive fuel was found in the left wing tank and no fuel was found in the right wing tank. Some fuel lines…NTSB CHI85FA211Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSteens Skybolt · New Baden, ILWitnesses stated the acft made a low pass down the rwy (20 to 30 ft AGL) at an airspeed of aprx 200 mph. The acft then entered a steep climb and at about 100 at AGL, the acft rolled to the right. The acft lost alt during the roll and descended to ground…NTSB ATL85FA173Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · Seneca, SCDuring flt, the plt was observed to make a low pass over lake keowee near a friend's houseboat. The owner of the houseboat stated that the acft was flying low off his right side when the acft struck the water. Another witness also saw the acft flying at…NTSB SEA85FA124Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Selma, ORThe acft was on a cap search mission with a plt & 2 observers on board. While searching, the plt was flying relatively low & slow over wooded, mountainous terrain. A witness observed the acft enter a bowl or box canyon type area at or below his eye level. The…NTSB BFO85FA048Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell 112B · Woodbridge, VAOn may 26,1985,at approximately 1240 hrs EDT,a Rockwell international commander 1120,N1417J,collided with trees aft tkof fm Woodbridge arpt in Woodbridge,VA. The acft was destroyed drng the post impact fire and the put plt and 4 pax all suffered fatal…NTSB CHI85FA209Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHeekin B-8-M · Williamsburg, OHWitness reported hearing a loud bang and seeing the main rotor blades stopped. The gyrocopter was then observed rotating slowly in a clockwise direction to ground impact. The wooded prop (engine driven) was demolished with portions of it found up to 300 ft…NTSB ATL85FLT06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 150F · Jeffersonville, KYThe acft collided with the ground in a steep nose down attitude while banking to the left. The acft was in the process of making an approach to land in an off arpt pasture which was not normally used for acft operations. No mecanical reasons for the accident…NTSB SEA85FA122Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Spokane, WAAfter what appeared to be a normal takeoff and initial climb, witnesses observed the acft level off at about 200 ft AGL and some heard sounds of power cessation. Acft was oberved to commence a left turn during which the bank increased to an excessive angle.…NTSB DEN85FA141Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Billings, MTThe plt was making a short (35 minutes) local flt to 'check N333AA over' before turning it over to its new owner. The acft collided with the ground in a steep descent, wings level, attitude during an entry into the traffic pattern at Billings, Montana. VMC…NTSB SEA85FA233Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Remote, ORDuring a wx briefing, the non-instrument plt was adzd that VFR flt was not recommended due to low clouds & adverse wx along the route. However, he filed a VFR flt plan & depd arcata, CA at 1240 PDT. At 1339, in the vcnty of wilderville, OR, the plt got a wx…NTSB MKC85FA111Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBedeell BD-5 · Belton, MOWhile turning from downwind to base a loss of pwr was experienced after which the acft stalled and impacted a corn fld. The wreckage revealed no evidence of fuel in the left tank and only about an ounce of fuel in the carburetor. Fuel burn on the terrain…NTSB MKC85FA110Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 501 · Harrison, ARAt 2003 CDT, the flt was cleared for an ILS localizer apch to rwy 36 at the Harrison/boon county arpt. About 7 min later, the aircrew reported making a missed apch & the flt was cleared to the outer compass locator for another apch. The crew asked the…NTSB FTW85FA230Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Junction City, KSArmy UH-1V and N7053R, a Piper PA-28, collided in mid air at 700 feet AGL. Both acft were in lvl flt. UH-1V was operating on a medical evacuation flt with a crew of four, one patient and two attendants. The UH-1V executed a successful autorotation with…NTSB ATL85FA171Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Charleston, WVThe acft collided with the terrain about 1 mile short of the rwy threshold during an IFR apprch on a dark night in IMC wx. The plt had been briefed on the wx and was given the ceiling at his destination as below VFR minimums . The non-instrument rated plt…NTSB NYC85FA131Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR-182 · Grand Island, NYThe flt had been on a local sightseeing tour over the niagara falls. The plt then stated that he was going to give his pax a demonstration of how fast the acft appears to be traveling when it is close to the water. The plt then began a left descending turn…NTSB SEA85FA121Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Blyn, WAThe acft impacted rising terrain at the 1860 ft level during an IFR flt in IMC conditions. The acft was reportedly to fly 'VFR on top' or IFR at 3000 plus ft enroute to portland. The plt was off course for destination when it impacted mt. Blyn. The acft trim…