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 CHI85FA104Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Portsmouth, OHThe acft was maneuvering at about 500 ft AGL when witnesses reported what they believed to be an eng malfunction. The acft then entered a spin and impacted in an open fld out of control. A conclusive cause of an eng malfunction could not be determined during…NTSB SEA85FA056Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream AC-680F · Central Point, ORThe plt reported a loss of power on both engs during descent to land. Aprx 3 mins prior, twr gave plt option of 'straight-in' to rwy 14 or reg pattern to rwy 32. The plt hesitated & said 'just a minute' & twr offered wind info as '210 at 13.' Plt replied,…NTSB ANC85LA046Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 207A · Koyuk, AKThe acft landed about 630 ft short of the threshold of rwy 02. The plt said he purposely landed short to take advantage of a rwy upslope and because of the location of snow removal equipment at the other end of the rwy. In landing short however he landed on…NTSB LAX85FA136Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Hilo, HIA search was initiated when the helicopter did not arrive. It was fnd 2 days later where it crashed drg an autorotation in a rain forest. Drg the flare/touchdown, vegetation had caught on a tundra pad on the l skid & the acft rolled over. An exam revealed the…NTSB FTW85FA112Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Altus, OKDuring an eng start, prior to the flt, the l eng backfired 2 or 3 times. A witness described the 1st backfired as 'the loudest I have ever heard.' When the acft took off, two persons living near the departure end of the rwy noted that the acft (believed to be…NTSB DEN85FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-23-24 · Eureka, UTOn feb 6, 1985,a Beech BE-23-24 musketeer,owned and operated by the plt crashed into the side of a 7000 ft mtn at the 6700 ft level. The ac was demolished and the plt received fatal injuries. The wx conditions were reported as VMC by provo, Utah and by a…NTSB SEA85LA054Accident · 4 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182-F · Ashland, ORThe plt was briefed regarding weather and expected flt conditions btw medford and redding. The briefing included a forecast for improving conditions approaching the destination as well as possible icing en route. The acft departed medford carrying aprx 970…NTSB DCA85AA012Accident · 9 fatalFinal reportBeech 65-A80 · Soldotna, AKDuring arrival, the crew of npa flt 1802 contacted the company wx observer at Soldotna who advised the wx was: wnd calm,ceiling 600 to 800 ft, vis 8 to 10 mi, no precip. They made an NDB apch, but missed the apch & requested another apch. Aprx 1 min later,…NTSB MIA85FA089Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Key Largo, FLThe aircraft crashed into the waters of the atlantic ocean and sank nose first into 15 feet of water. On impact the 25 bales of marijuana located in the cabin of the aircraft shifted forward and pinned the pilot and passenger in the aircraft. No usable fuel…NTSB NYC85FA060Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Whitefield, NHThe acft crashed after executing a missed approach at Whitefield during IMC wx. The acft was seen at 300-400 ft AGL during some part of the maneuvering near the arpt. The acft seemed to be heading for the arpt when last seen by ground observers. The only…NTSB NYC85FA059Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A100 · Cedarville, NJThe two ATP rated plts were en route back to their home base arpt flying on an IFR flt plan in actual instrument wx conditions. Communications with ATC controllers was normal. During a night localizer apch into millville municipal arpt, an ATC specialist…NTSB LAX85FA131Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Woodside, CAThe plt departed san carlos for a 12 NM x-country to half moon bay, CA, with a return leg to san carlos. It is not know whether or not the flt arrived at half moon bay. The acft crashed in remote mountainous terrain aprx 4 NM west of the Woodside VOR which is…NTSB ANC85LA187Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Sparrevohn, AKThe primary cause of this accident was the pilot's inability to see and avoid obstructing terrain. Since the accident occurred in February, the mountains were covered with snow and on an overcast day and with the reported fog, the pilot in command either flew…NTSB NYC85FA057Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Sadsburyville, PAAcft was on its rwy 29 apch when it collided with gnd 1 mile from the arpt. A witness saw he acft fly over the arpt to the west between 500 to 1500 ft. witnesses near the accident site saw the acft making abrupt maneuvers at low altitude prior to the…NTSB ATL85FA085Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B-50 · Edgewood, KYDuring a VFR flt from london, KY, to detroit, MI, the acft crashed into a single family home while attempting a landing at cvg arpt. The plt reported a right eng pwr loss, from suspected impact ice. The alternate air source did not change the acft…NTSB FTW85FA104Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-220T · Victoria, TXThe plt had rented the acft on January 28, 1985, with route of flt unknown. No reported contact was made with the acft. The acft impacted the surface during hours of darkness in instrument meteorological conditions and was demolished. The plt was fatally…NTSB SEA85FA050Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 175 · White City, ORThe acft crashed after stalling during a go-around attempt. Witnesses said the acft was on final approach to the unlighted arpt with 40 degrees of flap when the go-around attempt was made. The acft rolled and turned 180 degrees before impacting the ground…NTSB SEA85FA049Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170A · Lopez, WAShortly after departure N3845V joined up with another acft and was flying aprx 200-300 ft AGL in formation. The plt of N3845V then pulled up into what witnesses described as a wing over maneuver after which the acft descended to ground impact. One witness,…NTSB SEA85FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Bickleton, WAThe pilot began flight activity at dawn on the day of the accident. Weather briefings indicated marginal conditions for an afternoon flight to another city, which was accomplished without incident. At 2027 hours, without updated weather briefing, the pilot…NTSB LAX85FA123Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Irwindale, CAA Cessna 120, N9058Y, & a Cessna 152, N65599, collided in midair in the practice area for el monte, CA. Arpt. The two aircraft had departed the controlled arpt within three minutes of each other. Both had one instructor & one student aboard. The Cessna 152…NTSB SEA85FA051Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-35 · Verdi, NVPilot impacted rising terrain while descending into & thru IFR weather conditions during VFR flight. Lost visual contact w/ground and broke out in mountains.NTSB MKC85FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Ashdown, ARAcft made two passes over residence to alert friend to go to nearby ag strip to pick up plt & pax. Acft was then seen flying in area at low alt & slow speed by the friend as she proceeded to the strip. She looked away from the acft momentarily & when she…NTSB DEN85FA069Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Marvel, COA witness reported seeing the acft enter a dive and level off aprx 10-15 ft AGL. The acft continued flt close to the ground for aprx 1/2 mile, the witness stated, before a near vertical climb was entered until the acft stalled. Recovery from the stall was not…NTSB ANC85FA040Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Wasilla, AKWitnesses observed the plt 'buzzing' a building & rolling the acft about its longitudinal axis. After the 3rd pass, it entered a steep bank, stalled & pitched down into a wooded area. There was evidence that the acft was at least 73 lbs over its max weight…NTSB ATL85FA081Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182H · Letohatchee, ALAcft was observed at low alt descending on a northerly hdg. About 1.5 mi. 5 of the crash site. Engine sounds were characterized as smooth and normal. Acft struck a 44000 volt x-mission line parting a 5/16IN. Diameter hi-strength steel ground cable and a 1/0…NTSB LAX85FA119Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Pine Valley, CAThe acft crashed while the plt was returning from a x-country flt at night. Witnesses reported that the acft was flying low in a westerly direction & appeared to be following interstate highway 8. One witness, who was traveling westbound, stated that the acft…NTSB DEN85FA067Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206 L-1 · Carson, NMThe helicopter crashed in open terrain during a turn to reverse direction. Witnesses stated the acft was heading north and was on a converging course with high tension lines that were about 80 to 100 ft high and the belly counted spotlight was illuminated…NTSB DCA85AA010Accident · 70 fatalFinal reportLockheed 188C · Reno, NVShortly after galaxy airlines flt 203 lifted off from rwy 16R, the coplt transmitted that they would like to 'make a left downwind, we gotta get back on the ground.' He then rprtd that there was a hvy vibration in the acft. Flt 203 was cleared as requested,…NTSB LAX85FA115Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 205A-1 · Newhall, CAThis helicopter collided with hilly terrain while circling at a low altitude. It was following another helicopter in a clockwise circular pattern at the time, and being filmed for the t.v. series 'air wolf'. One witness observed the helicopter decending in…NTSB ATL85FA079Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340 · Johnson City, TNThe acft was IFR at 17000 ft flying thru wx SIGMET area for severe icing when the plt requested a descent due to airframe ice and turbulence. During the descent the plt reported shutting down the right eng. On final apch for an off-arpt landing attempt the…NTSB ANC85FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · Port Alsworth, AKThe pilot continued the air taxi flight into adverse weather conditions and struck a mountain.NTSB SEA85FA043Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140D · Kent, WAThe acft contacted trees and the terrain aprx 1/2 mile south of the arpt shortly after takeoff. Witnesses stated the eng was running rough and black smoke was trailing from the exhaust during the takeoff. Examination of the eng revealed the spark plugs were…NTSB MIA85LAMS2Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportCessna 337 · Atlantic Ocean, FLThe acft was reported missing and search & rescue control center initiated a search on 1-17-85. The search was suspendedon 1-24-85. The last reported position of the acft was 66 miles northeast of jacksonville, FL. The acft is still missing & the damage index…NTSB MIA85FA077Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Boca Raton, FLThe acft crashed in a steep uncontrolled descent shortly after the eng lost power during the initial takeoff climb. Witnesses stated that the acft was seen departing on rwy 4 after which it climbed to 200 ft AGL (aprx). The eng was heard sputtering but still…NTSB ANC85FA036Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206BIII · Kenai, AKFlt was being conducted to off shore oil platform. Plt was checked out for off shore operations the day prior to this accident. Plt stated visibility above 500 ft was poor & he maintained 500 ft to stay below a stratus layer. Once over the water the only…NTSB DCA85AA009Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportLockheed 188A · Kansas City, KSDuring arrival to the Kansas City downtown arpt, the flt was vectored for a VOR rwy 3 apch, then was cleared for the apch & to circle & land on rwy 36. On final apch, the acft was hi & was not in a position to land, so the flt was cleared to circle left for…NTSB FTW85FA094Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Ferriday, LAAcft was observed in slow flt aprx 40 ft AGL just above stall speed with the eng operating smoothly. The acft then stalled and impacted in an aprx 90 deg nose down attitude. The plt was flying from the front seat. The acft was not equipped with shoulder…NTSB LAX85FA100Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B-35 · Death Valley, CAThe plt got an extended wx fcst the day prior to departure which indicated bkn to ovc clouds based at about 8,000 ft for the first part of the trip & sct to bkn clouds for the last half. Mountain areas were predicted to be obscured. Plt was encouraged to call…NTSB ATL85FA077Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · Crossville, TNThe acft collided with wooded, rising terrain at an elevation of about 2800 ft MSL on the west slope of hinch mountain. A passenger, who survived the crash, but died later due to burns, reported that light conditions were dark & she could not see anything…NTSB NYC85FA052Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 500D · Newark, NJThe right front seat passenger deplaned and walked rearward to retreive his luggage from the left rear seat of the helicopter during the cooling down stage of the engine shutdown. After deplanning he proceeded rearward under the main rotor wash. When rear of…NTSB BFO85FA011Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-25 · West Point, VAAfter being delayed at least 2 days at youngstown, OH, due to maintenance problems the plt departed at aprx 1725 hrs with the knowledge that the wx at his destination was ift to lifr. In addition, the plt was scheduled for a vacation and had expressed hopes…NTSB DEN85FTI01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPolliwagen 2 Place · Manhattan, MTThe acft crashed in an open flt shortly after takeoff and was destroyed by fire. There were no witnesses to the accident. The plt reportedly stated he needed to depart Manhattan by 0500 MST to arrive in helena before 0600 MST when the ATC twr opened as his…NTSB MKC85FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Pawnee City, NEPlt and passenger departed to fly over a group of friends who were on a coyote hunt. Witness stated the acft approached from the NE aprx 300 ft AGL. Acft then made a left crcling turn and was described as flying very slow. After completing aprx 360 degrees of…NTSB DEN85FA055Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310N · Edgewood, NMThe pvt rated pilot did not hold a multiengine or instrument rating. The pilot and passenger were returning from vacation. A witness near the accident site stated that she saw the aircraft descend out of a low over last at a very steep nose down angle. The…NTSB DCA85RA007Accident · 29 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 727-225 · La Paz, BoliviaNTSB FTW85FA090Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Galveston, TXA recently certificated private pilot with no known instrument training was given a 'VFR not recommended' weather briefing for a return trip on a pleasure flight. Weather conditions were predicted to, and did, deteriorate rapidly. He took off and turned on…NTSB ATL85FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Dublin, VAAfter dropping the parachutist, the acft was observed to fly eastward over the dz, make a left 180 turn, line up on the parked van on an easterly heading and descend to a low altiude. Witnesses estimated the altitude at from 10 T0 30 ft AGL. The van was…NTSB ATL85FA070Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Moundsville, WVThe helicopter crashed aprx 1/2 mi from the marshall county arpt while on a personal flt. Investigaton revealed that the plt, a doctor who specialized in emergency room procedures, commuted between hospitals located in three different cities. The plt had been…NTSB LAX85FA093Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Big Bear City, CAThe acft crashed in a mountainous area while on a VFR personal flt to long beach, CA. The non-instrument rated private plt & 4 minor children aboard the acft were killed. By low clouds & there were extensive snow showers in the arearea the plt's log book…NTSB LAX85FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G3B · San Diego, CAThe helicopter landed on the morred tuna boat. After toudhdown the helicopter appeared to be repositioning itself when the main rotor blades contacted the boom portion of a crane which was being utilized to load bags of salt aboard the boat.