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 DEN85FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182H · Provo, UTThe left seat non-instrument pvt plt was being checked out in the flying club acft by a comm plt. The acft was being flown over Utah lake on a dark night, on final approach to runway 31 at the pvu arpt. While on final, the flying plt manuevered the acft for…NTSB BFO85FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportQuickie Q2 · Clinton, MDThe acft was making its first takeoff following several previous hours of taxi tests. Witnesses reported that the airplane drifted to the left early in the takeoff roll until the left main wheel dropped off the rwy. The acft yawed to the left and continued…NTSB ANC85FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Sterling, AKA witness observed the acft after a touch and go landing enter a steep climb to aprx 150 ft above the 30 ft trees. The left wing and the nose dropped and the acft rotated about the longitudinal axis until ground impact. No mechanical malfunctions were…NTSB MKC85FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Colby, KSOn a heading of 065 deg the acft impacted in a slightly rising open field in a wings level 15 deg nose down attitude. Investigators found the acft in a landing configuration with the wing flaps fully extended and the throttle secured by the throttle friction…NTSB MKC85LA029Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSikorsky S58J · Storm Lake, IAA passenger was being transported from a boat to shore. The plt lowered a wheel strut to the boat for the boarding and says he received a radio call from the passenger saying, 'ok I'm ready let's go.' The plt assumed that he was inside the acft and a climb…NTSB FTW85FA343Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Bethel, OKDespite a wx brief discouraging VFR flt the non-instrument rated plt departed at about 1330 CST. His stated dest was ft. worth, TX which is due north. After takeoff in VMC the acft flew NE toward an unknown dest. A wx study indicated conditions along the…NTSB FTW85FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172A · Hammond, LANon-stop endurance for this make/model is 4.2 hrs in normal cruise. Calculated ete for plt's reported route of flight is 4.0 hrs (non-stop, no wind, normal cruise). Time from intial departure to mishap was 6.0 hrs. Acft of this discription was observed to…NTSB DEN85FA034Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P206 · Wagon Mound, NMPlt received 3 wx briefings before flt and informed of possibility of diminishing conditions. Acft collided with terrain 1 1/2 mi from I-25 that goes from raton to albuquerqe. Local residents described wx at aprx time of accident as heavy snow, high winds,…NTSB CHI85FA059Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Wixom, MIThe acft collided with power lines while on final approach for a landing. The passenger related that the sun was very low on the horizon, and while looking toward the sun & haze, the visibility was limited. As the acft turned on final approach, a large flock…NTSB MIA85FA044Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Clermont, FLDespite 5 pre-flt wx briefings from the local fss, warnings from a plt who had just landed in a corporate jet, and questioning from the ATCT regarding the plt's knowledge of existing conditions. The plt departed at 1138 EST. The acft impacted inverted and the…NTSB LAX85FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172G · Kingman, AZAircraft collided with the face of a shear cliff about 30 feet below its crest. It impacted with the left wing 15 degs down and with the nose up at about 5 degs. Impact occurred at 3500 ft MSL. Local authorities indicated that the weather at the time of the…NTSB LAX85FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Lake Isabella, CAAcft departed arpt in mountain valley (elev 2,614) generally direct toward a saddle pass (elev 6,500) about 1 mi nw & on the lee side of the valley. Tops of the mountains around the valley average about 7,000 ft MSL. Flt encountered updrafts during climb…NTSB MIA85FA041Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Orlando, FLNumerous witnesses heard the engine sputter and then stop. The evidence suggests the pilot attempted an emergency landing at the parking lot. While maneuvering at very low altitudes and airspeeds, the left wing hit a light pole. The private pilot had a total…NTSB LAX85FA059Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Independence, CAThe non-instrument rated plt received two wx briefings before the flt during which he was informed that VFR flt was not recommended. Flt departed at 1308 PST and a search was inititated when acft failed to arrive at it's destination. Ntap print out indicated…NTSB FTW85FA055Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Waxahachie, TXThe acft was seen by witnesses in a dive from aprx 1000 ft AGL. It appeared to not change attitude nor waiver as it continued toward the grnd. Impact with the grnd occurred with the wings level in aprx 15 deg dive on a hdg of 118 degrees. A mark on the a/s…NTSB MKC85FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · Cozad, NEThe acft collided with a electrical transmission line while on a business flt. Investigation revaled IMC existed at the time of the accident, the plt did not file a flt plan, there was no evidence of a wx briefing and there were no known communications with…NTSB CHI85FA053Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310N · Valparaiso, INThe aircraft stalled and impacted the terrain during a forced landing. Witnesses observed the acft flying at 'tree top level' with the wings 'wagging'. One witness reported hearing no engine sounds. The acft impacted the terrain (open field) in a near…NTSB MIA85FA040Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Freeport, FLPreflt wx brief included advisory for scattered showers/thunderstorms along route of flt. Departed in VFR conditions but encountered deteriorating wx enroute, received inflt wx advisory to expect low clngs and reduced visibility ahead. Plt stated he 'would…NTSB FTW85FA054Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-31ATC · Allen, TXThe acft collided with the ground as the plt, who was not current for night/instrument flt, tried to maneuver beneath a low overcast on a dark night. Although seriously injured during the accident sequence, the plt was able to tell rescue workers that he 'was…NTSB SEA85LA019Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna U206 · Dixie, IDThe acft crashed shortly after takeoff from yellow pine bar airstrip, witnesses observed the acft depart to the sw, enter a steep left turn immediately after liftoff, cross the river in a turn and impact the south bank abeam the airstrip. A ground fire broke…NTSB NYC85FA029Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-236 · Atlantic City, NJThe aircraft was observed in close proximity to another aircraft in the traffic pattern. The pilot extended the downleg leg leg. During the turn to align the aircraft with the runway the pilot suffered a disabling heart attack. Unable to recover the aircraft…NTSB CHI85FA050Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American P-51D · New Haven, MIThe acft, a North American P51D, crashed into a potato field after striking an electrical wire running at a rt angle to the ground track, struck the ground, a building & disintegrated. The plt & owner of the acft was a 50 yr old ex-naval aviator with…NTSB DEN85FA027Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B-11 · Bingham Canyon, UTPilot was taking passeengers on a sightseeng flight over the kennecott copper mine, largest open pit copper mine in the world. Helicopter collided with unmarked power lines approx 185 ft AGL. Power lines are supported by two unmarked towers on opposing hills…NTSB LAX85FA042Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Jamul, CAThe certified flt instructor and private rated student pilot departed on a local instrument instructional flight. The aircraft departed at aprx 1715 and at 1750 an ELT signal was reported. The aircraft wreckage was located atop a hill at aprx the 2000 ft…NTSB FTW85FA050Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269B · Clint, TXN9336F, crashed while on a training flt. The certified flt instructor & his student were killed. Investigation revealed that the main drive shaft thrust bearing had failed. A service bulletin dated 1968 mandated replacement of the bearing at 300 hr time in…NTSB DEN85FA028Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Sevier, UTThe plt was en route from anchorage, Alaska to prescott, Arizona to be with his dying mother. Weather was described as windy, low ceilings, and approaching dusk when the a/c departed richfield, Utah. A/c was loaded with 284 lbs of cargo. A/c crashed on…NTSB FTW85FA045Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-1-22 · Abilene, TXAcft crashed while attempting an intentional low level acrobatic maneuver (left roll) over the rwy. Witnesses stated that the acft made a low pass (100-200' AGL) down the rwy & entered the roll. At the inverted position, the nose fell thru, but the maneuver…NTSB FTW85FA041Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American SNJ-5 · Fairview, OKThe acft was engaged in performing at an air show when recovery from a left aileron roll at aprx 300 ft AGL was completed to an upright attitude, however, the acft nose dropped and the acft turned 45 degrees to the right of the rwy heading. It then impacted…NTSB NYC85FA025Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C337 · Taunton, MAAfter departure & at an altitude of 2000 ft the plt noticed that the rear eng fuel flow was low, however, the eng was operating satisfactory. The plt, as a precaution, decided to return to the departure arpt. While returning the plt noted that there was no…NTSB MIA85FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGates Learjet 24F · St. ThomasWhile executing a night visual approach to runway 9 in visual meteorological conditions the aircraft was allowed to descend; crashing into water 2 miles short of the runway. The pilot was not familiar with the airport and failed to make use of a full…NTSB MKC85FA017Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA18-150 · Omaha, ARWitnesses stated that the acft was overflying a portion of tablerock lake near the marina that the plt had intentions of purchasing. The acft struck an unmarked power line that was strung aprx 85 ft above the lake. The acft collided with the water and sank.…NTSB BFO85FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Waterford, VAThe aircraft was observed flying around the airstrip at dusk. As it passed over the aprx center of the field it was seen to nose over into a steep angle continuing until impact. Investigation revealed no evidence of any mal funtion of the aircraft or the…NTSB MIA85FA023Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Crestview, FLDuring arrival, the plt was cleared for an ILS apch. The reported wx at that time was: 600 ft overcast, visibility 7 mi, wind 010 deg at 6 KTS. The plt stated that during the apch, he felt a downdraft that caused the acft to bank to the left & pitch down. The…NTSB BFO85FA005Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportDouglas AD-4NA · Syria, VAThe plt had obtained two wx briefings bfr the flt both indicating VFR not recommended. He said he would fly VFR as long as he could along a northern route that was forecast to be VFR deteriorating to MVFR. The plt was not instrument rated. The acft was…NTSB LAX85FA038Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportStinson Voyager 150 · Meadow Vista, CAThe acft collided with terrain while maneuvering northeast of auburn airport during a VFR personal flt. The plt advised sacramento TRACON that he had auburn arpt in sight. However, TRACON observed N97638 fly over & pass auburn arpt in a northerly direction &…NTSB NYC85FA019Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Beverly, MADuring an approach to land at night, the acft crashed & burned about 3000 ft from the approach end of the rwy. The non-instrument rated plt had been in contact with approach control. He indicated that IFR conditions existed over the arpt & that he was going…NTSB FTW85FA034Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · El Reno, OKThe acft was destroyed on impact with the ground after being observed by ground witnesses to go out of control during anaerobatic maneuver. There was a difference of opinions as to what happened. One witness described the ground collision having been from an…NTSB MKC85FA012Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Carbondale, KSThe flt was en route from little rock, AR, to topeka, ka. Ten miles south of topeka's frobes field the plt requested wx info and was told that a current observation was being taken & he would be advised. Contact between the tower and the flt could not be…NTSB LAX85FA036Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Beaumont, CAApproximately one min before the accident the pilot contacted the tower at norton air force base for clearance through their traffic area. He reported initially that he was at 300 ft AGL. Seconds later he transmitted that he was at 100 ft over the freeway.…NTSB CHI85FA036Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · North Freedom, WIAt an early morning predeparture wx briefing the pilot was advised of deteriorating afternoon wx pilot flew cross country conducted business and departed late afternoon with no wx brief no flt plan departure area and destination both reporting IMC while…NTSB CHI85FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream 690C · Wooster, OHWhile on final approach to rwy 09 the acft struck a 42 ft power pole with the right wing. The wing was torn from the acft. The acft landed inverted 400 ft east of the pole. The rwy threshold lights are displaced 165 ft from the rwy end for night operations.…NTSB DEN85FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340 · Las Vegas, NMThe pilot was carrying illegal cargo (marijuana) in N4001Q. During a low high speed pass at night over an intended landing area,the aircraft struck rising terrain. There was approximately 800 lbs of marijuana on the aircraft.NTSB BFO85FA004Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DH 82 Tiger Moth · Keyser'S Ridge, MDThe flt was the final leg of a flt from winchester, VA that had been discontinued the day before due to adverse weather conditions. Two weather briefings were obtained on the day of the accident, both of which included the statement that VFR flight was not…NTSB NYC85FA015Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEnstrom 280C · Butler, PAThe helicopter struck the static line of a high voltage transmission line while on a flt to photograph an apartment complex. The owner of the complex accompanied the plt on the flt, there after the acft was to be used for passenger sightseeing flts as part of…NTSB FTW85FA025Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Amarillo, TXLast radio contact was a clearence to descend to 5,000 ft MSL to which the plt responded 'two romeo delta.' Cloud tops were near 5,000 ft MSL. Acft impacted in a high speed dive aprx 10 deg past verticle. Plt received com/inst certificate on 12/14/84 and this…NTSB CHI85FA031Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Joliet, ILA pvt plt invited a CFI to accompany the x-country flt because he was not instrument rated and marginal wx was forecast. On return trip from atlanta the CFI filed an IFR flt plan. During the flt, the rt fuel tank was run dry. Upon reaching the chicago area,…NTSB NYC85FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Providence, RIAcft collided with the waters of narragansett bay at a location aprx 1 mile from boys town arpt (destination of record),in water aprx 8 ft deep. The wx was IMC at departure (1845 EDT) and the ATP instrument rated plt had requested and been granted a special…NTSB FTW85LA024Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Beeville, TXWhen the plt called the fss at 1426 EDT & filed an IFR flt plan, the fss person began providing a wx briefing. The plt interrupted the wx briefing & said he would check back later. He called back at 2016 EDT, but talked to another briefer & only asked for…NTSB BFO85FA002Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Salisbury, MDAfter contacting millville fss 4 times for wx info the acft departed lincoln park, NY, at 1858 EDT with destination listed on the IFR flt plan as easton, MD. En route the plt diverted to Salisbury, MD, due to wx. After being cleared forthe rwy 32 ILS the acft…NTSB DEN85LTG02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Berthold, NDThe student solo plt was on a cross-country flt and was appropriately endorsed. Impact occurred at aprx 80 degrees nose down. Wx in the vicinity of the accident was reported to be 300 ft ceilings with visibility of 1/4 mi in fog and rain.