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.
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 MIA85FA153Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-58ET · Gulf Of MexicoThe helicopter disappeared while on an overwater flt from key west, FL to ft peirce, FL. One occupant & the wreckage of the helicopter were subsequently recovered from the Gulf Of Mexico. The plt & the other occupant were not located & were presumed dead.…NTSB CHI85MA169Accident · 7 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · St James, MIDuring a night arrival, the plt reported that he had the arpt in sight & canceled his IFR flt plan. A witness saw the lights of the acft as it circled the destination arpt. He reported the acft had turned left to a southerly heading, & shortly thereafter, he…NTSB ATL85FA143Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7GCA · Collinsville, MSWitnesses, friends of the plt, reported seeing the acft engaged in aerobatics at altitudes between 500 ft AGL and 2000 ft AGL, aprx 1/4 mile from their outdoor social function. They continued to report, the acft entered a spin and after aprx 2 3/4 revolutions…NTSB MKC85FA086Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B95 · Mena, ARN95UP was making the first flt after both engines were overhauled. The owner of the overhaul facility was the pilot and the passenger was the foreman who was responsible for installing engines. A witness who is employed on the airport heardthe acft takeoff…NTSB MIA85FA150Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Clearwater, FLThe pilot was observed doing low level aerobatics. While diving inverted over the water, he attempted to perform an outside loop. The acft impacted the water inverted after the stall onset. Interviews with fellow pilots disclosed that the pilot had been…NTSB LAX85FA216Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA25-235 · Walnut Grove, CAThe acft flew into the ground on a procedure turnaround while spraying wheat with a toxic chemical. The acft did not stall and the engine sound did not change. A separated aileron crossover cable showed no fatigue. The cholinesterase level in the pilot's…NTSB LAX85FA210Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206G · Tuba City, AZThis was a medical transportation flight during the early morning hours in marginal weather conditions. The flight was not completed and was returning to the departure airport when it descended into desert terrain 10 miles short of its destination.NTSB FTW85FRA03Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCondor Condor III · Hockley, TXThe acft collided with the terrain in a near vertical descent. Witnesses stated the ultralight was airborne for aprx 5 minutes before a loud 'pop' was heard and it entered a steep nose down spiral. Inspection of the ultralight revealed a failed bolt in the…NTSB DEN85FA118Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 P · Santa Fe, NMTwo persons, neither rated as plts, took the acft without the knowledge or consent of the operator or arpt officials. They took off at night, & after a short time, returned to the arpt to land. During an attempted landing, the acft touched down hard, bounced…NTSB ATL85FA140Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Hawesville, KYThe acft collided with and sunk into the Ohio river following a wing separation after contacting the lowest wire in a set of 3 power lines which spanned the river. Two other wires were located above the set of 3 power lines. Witnesses on and near the river…NTSB MKC85FA084Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A-36 · Gray Summit, MOAfter departing the st. clair airport establishing a normal climb to the destination airport 24 miles to the northeast, the acft was tracked by radar for a four minute period. The short period of coverage showed a normal climb tolevel flight. The radar image…NTSB CHI85FA165Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Worthington, INThe acft stalled and crashed in a fld after the plt declared an emergency stating he was losing pwr on the right eng and he could not maintain alt. At 1405 EST, the acft was told to contact hulman apch with instructions to descend to 3000 ft MSL. The mode c…NTSB LAX85FA202Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Camp Verde, AZBoth acft involved in the collision were part of a 4-plane formation flt en route to a group fly-in. N6439R was seen to change positions several times during the flt while the other acft remained stable. Reports from witnesses say that N6439R made 'close…NTSB FTW85FA181Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320B · Athens, LAThe acft was on an instrument flt plan. The plt had received a pre takeoff weather briefing. He was briefed on the area of weather that was at the acft's twelve o'clock position four miles in front. The area was thirty miles southwest and twenty miles wide.…NTSB FTW85FA180Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Franklin, LAAcft crashed into a crawfish pond during a forced landing at night following a power loss as a result of fuel exhaustion. After departure, the plt contacted ARTCC and stated that his alternator was out. With center help, alternator was restored and plt cont'd…NTSB DEN85FTE01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportUltralight Flight Phantom II · Erie, COThe Ultralight descended uncontrolled to ground impact following a failure of the outboard forward wing support cable/swage. Witnesses reported the Ultralight turned from north to south and upon leveling out, the left wing snapped upward, the right wing…NTSB LAX85FA198Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Petaluma, CAThe ATP plt initiated a short x-country flt at night in an acft with no attitude gyro instruments. Just before the acft crashed, witnesses heard the acft. They reported that the eng sounded like the plt was doing stunts or sharp turns. They said they could…NTSB CHI85FA158Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Ravenna, OHThe plt departed port columbus uneventfully, flew for aprx 40 mins then shot a VOR apch to the mda at portage county. This fld does not have a wx reporting facility. The plt then performed a missed apch upon reaching mda. During the missed apch and after…NTSB NYC85FA104Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · East Haddam, CTDuring approach to runway 14 pilot decided to go around. Aircraft turned left about 90 degrees and collided with rising terrain .2 NM east of the runway. The rising terrain parallels runway 14.NTSB LAX85LA196Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Santa Barbara, CAAfter receiving a special VFR clearance to depart the control zone to the northeast the non-instrument rated plt took off on a southeasterly heading over the water under low ceilings and in low visibility. A controller observed the acft start a right turn…NTSB SEA85FA086Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Sunnyside, WAThe acft crashed after colliding with electrical power lines near an open field. Initial impact with the power lines occurred where the wires were routed over a draw between 2 ridges. The acft came to rest inverted between the power lines & the open field.…NTSB SEA85FA084Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-31A · Yamhill, ORWitnesses observed the acft apch the airstrip with excessive speed. Touchdown on the rwy was beyond the halfway point & the acft bounced back into the air. Power was applied for an apparent go-around. The acft cleared tall trees at the end of the runway, but…NTSB NYC85FA103Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney MO-20J · Lock Haven, PAPreflt wx briefings were issued to the plt that forecasted moderate icing & turbulence from 3000 to 14000 ft across the planned route. An IFR flt plan was filed and during the flt the plt reported engine problems at 1100 ft MSL. During vectors to closest arpt…NTSB NYC85FA100Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Acme, PAAt 1221 EST, the plt was advised by a fss that VFR flt was not recommended due to widespread IFR conditions along the route of flt & at the destination. The plt departed at aprx 1430 hrs. At 1700 hrs, witnesses saw the acft flying westbound at low altitude in…NTSB MIA85FA143Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 7B · Orlando, FLThe Balloon was destroyed by an explosion and subsequent fire during touchdown in an open fld. The plt and witnesses stated the gondola touched down with a 'jolt' and tilted in the direction of travel. Shortly thereafter, a popping noise was heard followed by…NTSB CHI85FA157Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Muncie, INThe plt took off at 1125 EST after receiving a wx briefing. While en route, the forecast wx for the destn bcm worse & a SIGMET (1E) was issued. At 1444, the plt contacted ft wayne fss & had his VFR flt plan extndd 1 hr. He neither requestednor received…NTSB FTW85FRA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportJohnson-Rand KR-2 · Laporte, TXWitnesses reported that shortly after takeoff at an alt of aprx 30 ft AGL, the acft rolled inverted and descended to ground impact. Post accident examination of the acft failed to disclose any mechanical failure/malfunction which would have resulted in the…NTSB CHI85FA156Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · White Cloud, MIAt about 0250 EST, control tower psnl at the grand rapids arpt heard a 'mayday' call from N23TC, but when they tried to communicate with the acft, there was no response. The call was repeated svrl times. A check at the local arpt revealed there was an acft…NTSB CHI85FA153Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech N35 · La Porte, INThe thousand hour plus instrument rated plt filed IFR into a known area of three and four level thunderstorms. While being drct by ATC it was noted that headings flown were very erratic. When questioned by ATC the pilot replied 'stand by'. Shortly afterward…NTSB NYC85FA098Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310H · Ronkonkoma, NYThe aircraft deeparted runway 33L and climbed to about 500 feet AGL with the landing gear down. Near the departure end of runway 33L the aircraft banked right and spiraled to the ground and crashed.NTSB SEA85FA082Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172B · Smith, NVAccording to witnesses, the plt made multiple passes over his residence at low alt. The witnesses observed the acft in various maneuvers at low alt. One maneuver was described as a pull-up from about 100 ft to aprx 600 ft, where the acft went into a wingover…NTSB NYC85FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Johnson City, NYAfter a heavy snow shower passed over the airport, the accident acft attempted a departure. Immediately after takeoff the plt transmitted that he was coming back to land. The acft crashed shortly thereafter, 1 mile southwest of the airport. Ground witnesses…NTSB LAX85FA192Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Corona, CAThe student & instructor plt (CFI) were on a local instructional flt. The student had flown a total of only 3 hrs prior to this flt. Just before the accident, the acft was observed spinning toward the ground in a near vertical descent. It impacted in an…NTSB MKC85FA080Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream-Schweizer G-164B · Garland, ARThe plt was beginning a spray run over a wheat field when the acft impacted the top 3 strands of a 4 strand, high voltage power line. The acft then descended uncontrolled until impact with the terrain.NTSB FTW85FA171Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Riesel, TXThe acft eng had just been top overhauled and a stol kit was added. The mechanic reportedly told the plt to be 'easy' on the eng and fly the acft 45-60 mins near the traffic pattern so it could be checked for oil leaks. The plt reportedlyignored these…NTSB MIA85FA140Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Rockledge, FLOn March 31, 1985 the rental acft departed merritt island flon April 1, 1985 the acft was found crashed near Rockledge FL. No evidence of pre-existing airframe or powerplant failure was found. The acft impactd the ground in a high velocity 40 degree nose down…NTSB SEA85LA081Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Trinidad, WAThe pilot was operating the aircraft by flying at low altitude down the columbia river so as to avoid turbulence. During the flight a downdraft was encountered in which insufficient altitude was available to prevent the water and an unintentional ditching…NTSB DEN85FA103Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream 681 · Calhan, CODuring a xcountry flt from WI to CA and return, the noninst, low experienced pvt plt, flew into IMC conditions. The acft impacted flat snow-covered grd, destroying the acft and fatally injuring his pax. Exam of wreckage revealed no evidence of pre-acc…NTSB MKC85FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Onxy, ARAt 1230 CST on 3/27/85, the plt & his wife departed on a x-country flt, but did not arrive at their destination. When family members became concerned, a search was initiated. The wreckage was located on 3/31/85 where the acft collided with trees & crashed on…NTSB FTW85FA159Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Bixby, OKA flt school student working on his instructor rating made several low and slow approaches to an open fld. Witnesses saw the acft's nose pitch up slightly then drop. The acft rolled to the right and impacted the terrain in a steep dive. A witness stated the…NTSB ATL85FMG04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGross Taylor Titch · Liberty, NCAccording to witnesses interviewed, pilot made a takeoff on runway 2, holding the plane just a few feet off the runway with a steep pull up at the end of the runway. It was then observed doing a steep bank, low altitude 180 degree turn and proceeded…NTSB FTW85FA158Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C24R · Galveston, TXAt the time of the power loss the acft was in the initial climb following a touch and go landing. The flt departed from hobby airport, houston, TX, at 2018 CST and completed two IFR practice apchs prior to the touch and go. Investigation revealed a few ounces…NTSB DEN85FA102Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Vail, COThe plt did not obtain a wx briefing, file a flight plan or refuel the acft prior to departing for eagle Colorado. The acft departed at 1800 under VFR cond. The plt reported over minturn co at 2019. Witnesses at Vail co stated that the wx cond were poor from…NTSB LAX85FA181Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B35D · Mojave, CAThe left stabilizer assembly separated from the acft in-flt. The alt and airspeed at the time of the separation were not determined. Plts of acft flying in the area at about the time of the accident reported moderate to severe turbulenceand up and down drafts…NTSB DEN85FA099Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182J · Erie, COReportedly, the plt had called the arpt office (UNICOM) & was advised that rwy 15/33 was closed. At about the time N3354F was arriving, a military helicopter landed on rwy 27. The plt asked a passenger to tell him which way the wind sock was blowing & she…NTSB CHI85IA145Incident · 1 fatalIncident investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Peoria, ILWhile in cruise flight the commercial rated pilot suffered a fatal heart attack. The non-rated passenger landed the aircraft safely.NTSB LAX85FA180Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B-19 · Flagstaff, AZAfter receiving numerous weather briefings, that reported instrument meteorological conditions and marginal visual meteorological conditions, the pilot tookoff into the dark night, for his return flight, over mountainous terrain. The aircraft impacted a…NTSB LAX85LA182Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Mountain Pass, CAThe non-instrument rated plt departed into a weather front. VFR flt was not recommended. Flt precautions existed for icing, turbulence & mt obscuration. The radar chart showed light to moderate rain with isolated thunderstorms. The acft was issued a clearance…NTSB LAX85FA179Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportStracener Experimental SX · Fremont, CAThe acft was being leased to the atr plt by the registered owner. This was the plt's first flt in the acft. Weather conditions were conducive for carburetor icing. Just prior to takeoff the owner advised the plt that the acft was equipped with a low pressure…NTSB NYC85FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 401A · Dorset, VTThe plt was about 30 miles from rutland when he radioed the arpt for weather info. He was informed that clouds were 1500 ft broken and 2700 ft overcast with snow, light fog and 5 miles visibility. The plt responded that he would call again when he got closer…