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 BFO85FA001Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Hot Springs, VAThe destn arpt was unattended at night & when the plt received his last wx briefing at 0519 CDT, no current wx info was available. During arrival, the acft was vectored for an ILS rwy 24 apch & the plt was advised that current wx info was still not available.…NTSB NYC85LA013Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDe Havilland DHC-4 · Sable Island Ns, CanadaPlt ditched acft in atlantic ocean following a loss of power due to fuel exhaustion. Co-pilot stated they were aware of bad wx along the route but the plt was anxious to get to their destination. Headwinds encountered en route were stronger then expected.…NTSB DEN85FA019Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182RG · Milan, NMThe pilot departed farmington,NM in the early morning darkness en route to grants, NM. The airplane struck the rock face of a 8399-foot mesa at about the 8150-foot level. According to one local resident, weather at that time consisted of a low ceiling, poor…NTSB DEN85FA014Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Cheyenne, WYThe a/c with a non-instrument rated pilot at the controls, departed the Cheyenne, WY airport at night in light snow showers. Several minutes later he crashed in an open field north of cheyene impact forces and a post acc fire dest the a/c. evidence indicated…NTSB CHI85FA021Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Kiel, WIWitnesses observed acft performing aerobatics during demo flight prior to prospective sale of acft to buyer/pax. A plt/witness observed the acft executing slow speed stalls and enter a spin from an altitude of about 1000 ft. recovery was accomplished at about…NTSB CHI85FA020Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Bruce, WIThe acft crashed into a heavily wooded area during a x-country personal flight. Witnesses observed the acft circle the lighted football field at atlanta, WI, at an altitude low enough that they feared the acft would hit trees in the vicinity. At this time the…NTSB ANC85LA009Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna U-206C · Iliamna, AKThe acft dragged a wing tip & nosed over while landing on a small lake near Iliamna, Alaska. The passenger seated next to the PIC stated that the plt had cancelled his flt plan prior to landing, circled the lake & made a long final apch to a touchdown on the…NTSB MIA85FA012Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · St.ThomasThe acft was flying at 50 feet above the water at 15 knots airspeed photographing a sail boat. The acft then climbed to 150 feet and drifted left over the top of the boat. At this point witnesses reported hearing a loud pop and seeing a puff of black smoke…NTSB ATL85FA013Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Douglas, GAThe passenger reported that the former aerial application plt was demonstrating an aerial application maneuver when he entered a steep descent over a lake. The plt delayed the recovery and the passenger, who held a student plt certificate, attempted to level…NTSB FTW85FA019Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Addison, TXAprx 7 min after takeoff (at 1441), the plt declared an emergency & said the l eng had lost power. He feathered the eng,diverted back twd the arpt & dscndd to VFR conds below the clds. At 1448, the plt said he had the arpt in sight & turnedonto a left…NTSB ATL85FA011Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech QU-22A 1074 · Fancy Gap, VAAt about the 2,800 ft level the acft flew into the mountainous terrain which was obscured by clouds. Witnesses observed 2 previous attempts to fly over the rising terrain under the cloud layer. Departure and dest arpt, plt identity, and acft owner are all…NTSB FTW85FA014Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-170 · Seguin, TXShortly after takeoff, acft returned with an unknown engine problem. Left engine was feathered and gear partially extended. Acft too high on final to land, acft continued down rwy, descending and slowing down. Witness said acft entered a VMC roll and dove…NTSB SEA85FA012Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182B · Tiller, ORThe acft collided with rising terrain about 1800 ft below the crest of a ridge while on a personal flt in wx which had multiple cloud layers obsuring the mountains. A cap acft on a search mission in the same area at the aprx time reported multiple cloud…NTSB MKC85FA008Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182F · Hiattville, KSThe acft crashed during a night x-country flt. Ground witnesses who saw the flash from the ground impact stated that there was a thunderstorm in the area at the time of the accident. They also stated that they had difficulty in locating the wreckage due to…NTSB FTW85FA015Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Port Mansfield, TXAcft crashed in a marsh area during a night recurrency training flt. Acft appeared to have contacted the terrain in an uncontrolled 90 deg left bank. PIC received his last medical certificate on 5/7/70. Investigation disclosed PIC was under medication for…NTSB DEN85FA010Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210-H · Englewood, COThe plt received a weather briefing prior to departure from scottsdale. He encountered IMC shortly after takeoff. The flt progressed uneventfully until in the vicinity of Colorado springs when the plt rpted a problem with his directional gyro. The plt…NTSB MKC85FA007Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Beeler, KSAt 1805 CDT the pilot received a wx brief for the first leg of what was intended to be a round trip flight. No wx briefing was obtained for the return trip. Despite VMC at the nearest observation facility, witnesses reported haze and low clouds at the time of…NTSB LAX85FA015Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 73CA · Porterville, CAThe acft crashed after an inflt loss of control during both the landing flare & subsequent go around attempt. The plt stated that he was approaching touchdown in a three point attitude when 'a gust of wind suddenly pushed (the acft) to the right of the…NTSB FTW85FA012Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportConsolidated-Vultee PBY-6A · Port Isabel, TXAerial photos were being taken of the mishap acft. Mission called for a simulated water lndg (actual water lndg prohibited) by flying as close as possible to water. Co-plt at controls descended acft to about 6 ft, then gradually reduced clrnc to 6-12 inches…NTSB CHI85FA014Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Hoopeston, ILThe plt landed short of destination & reported to fss that he did so because of thunderstorms in the area. After receiving a wx briefing the non-inst plt cancelled his VFR flt plan. One hour later the plt called fss & was re-briefed on the wx. The wx at his…NTSB DEN85FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 14-19-3A · Pinehill, NMLeft wing failed inflight. Thunderstorms in area at time of crash. Pilot was enroute from California to new jersey, had been flying 4 hours, 18 minutes. Awake at least 7 hours. Transited 1 time zone. No record of weather briefing or flight plan filed. Pilot…NTSB CHI85FA013Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHarbaugh John T COUGAR-1 · St. Cloud, MNThe homebuilt acft crashed while attempting an emergency lndg in a farmers field. The final turn to land was steepened to avoid a house. The acft flipped over and contacted the ground in an inverted, left wing & nose dwn attitude which resulted in a 180…NTSB ATL85FA007Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Morgantown, NCN2553A was in traffic pattern conducting touch and go landings. N32828 was maneuvering below the traffic pattern and was seen climbing in direction of N2553A. N32828 was flying westerly into the sun. N2553A was seen in a shallow left turn from crosswind to…NTSB LAX85MA012Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Riverside, CAThe acft departed fullerton, CA (elev 96') at O958 PDT on a flt to big bear, CA (elev 6750'). There was no record of the plt obtaining a wx briefing. At aprx 1015, a witness heard the helicopter circling above the bottom of 'an early morning fog hanging over…NTSB LAX85MA008Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportGates Learjet 24B · San Francisco, CAThe acft, a Gates lear jet 24B, modified by a howard/raisebach mark ii conversion, was cleared for takeoff on rwy 28L. Tower psnl estimated that the acft rotated for takeoff at 3200' down the rwy & was at aprx 200' AGL when the plt was instructed to contact…NTSB FTW85FA010Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell 695A · Checotah, OKThe pilot allowed the aircraft to stall at an altitude which was too low to effect recovery before ground impact occurred. He was in the process of performing VMC test and maximum performance single engine climbs during the test flight. Witness description of…NTSB LAX85FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-A55 · Newport Beach, CAShortly after takeoff, the propeller separated from the aircraft's left engine. The aircraft continued to climb straight ahead and was then observed in s steep left turn during which it descended and crashed into the roof of a building approximately one…NTSB CHI85FA005Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310C · Allegan, MIThe non inst non multi-eng rated pvt plt/owner occupied the rt seat & employed the CFI for ferrying the newly purchased acft. From the start, the flt experienced comm difficulties & a compass system malfunction problem. ARTCC transcripts reveal that ATC was…NTSB ATL85FLT01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportMitchell Ronald A Skybolt · Athens, TNThe acft collided with the ground inverted with the rt wing and nose hitting first. Witnesses said that the acft appeared to be doing aerobatics and entered a flat inverted spin. The plt/owner in the back seat held an ATP certificateand reportedly had over…NTSB NYC85FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Middletown, PAAbout 2 weeks before the accident, the acft was forced landed in a pasture due to a loss of power. The plt made repairs to the aircraft & attempted to fly out of the pasture. Witnesses observed the left wing come in contact with the ground during takeoff,…NTSB FTW85FA006Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Monroe, LAPrior to dep the plt contacted the Monroe fss twice requesting a wx briefing. Both times VFR flt was not recommended due to IFR conditions with low ceilings en route and forecast fog at the dest. During the second call the plt stated that it was clear at the…NTSB CHI85FA004Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportKallansrud/Pitts S-1C · Overisel, MIMishap acft, in company with another acft of same make/model, made preplanned passes over locale of residence prior to departure for short cross-country. After several circles at 500 ft AGL, mishap plt broke out of loose formation into shallow dive; other plt…NTSB DEN85FA002Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportHamburger Flugzeugbau Hansa HFB-320 · Aberdeen, SDThe hansa jet HFB-320 acft crashed on takeoff from the Aberdeen airport after the flt crew selected the incorrect rwy for takeoff. The acft was observed running off the end of rwy 17, which is 3860 ft long, where it struck a fence, ditch, road & another ditch…NTSB DEN85FA008Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 195A · Santa Fe, NMWhile en route, the transponder was inop & the plt lost radio contact with ARTCC 2 times. As he apchd the destn (Santa Fe), instructions were relayed via another acft. When asked what type apch he wanted, the plt responded, 'well if they can get me lower,…NTSB SEA85FA001Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · Austin, NVDeteriorating wx was encountered as the plt followed a highway to his dest on an easterly heading. On scene evidence indicated that the acft impacted left wing tip first on a northerly heading near the east end of a box canyon. The impact flight path angle…NTSB NYC84FA326Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-220T · Turbotville, PAWhile the acft was en route, ATC advised the plt of VFR traffic at his one o'clock position at 12 mi on a nw heading. The plt acknowledged, but reported that he had no contact & said the wx was a little hazy. A short time later, ATC advised the traffic was…NTSB DEN84FTM04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRolladen-Schneider LS3 · Brigham City, UTThe acft impacted on a mountain ridge during a 60 deg left bank. The plt had been in radio communication with another glider plt near his flt area. Just prior to the accident he radioed that he was going around a mountain point in search of a thermal. When no…NTSB MKC84FA285Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-108 · Wilmot, ARWitnesses stated, acft was seen circling over farmland and during the third circle it descended toward a brick house. The acft was seen to pull-up at which time it contacted the top of a sycamore tree in a left bank. The acft continued an additional 230 ft…NTSB MIA84FA265Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Bryceville, FLFlt departed in instrument meteorological conditions. After departure plt failed to maintain assigned headings several times and had to be corrected by ATC. After 15 mins of flight the plt reported he was having problems with the right engine and would like…NTSB LAX84LA499Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA1C · Molokai, HIThe student plt was on the last leg of his 1st x-country flt from honolulu, HI, to lanai, HI, to Molokai, HI, & return to honolulu. He departed Molokai at 1304 HST & at 1311, he reported abeam laau point. About 5 min later, the plt reported that he was 15 to…NTSB DEN84FA303Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-310 · Paonia, COThe acft was flying at a very low alt over mountanous terrain. As the acft approached a crest of a ridge the acft started to buffet and then encountered a downslope wind condition. The combination of approaching a stall and encountering a downdraft forced the…NTSB ANC84FAMS2Accident · 2 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Anchorage, AKThe acft departed on 9-27-84 and was reported missing the following day. USAF rcc conducted 140 unsuccessful search missions. No wreckage was ever discovered. Both occupants are presumed to have been fatally injured.NTSB FTW84FA408Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Webbers Falls, OKAcft struck electrical transmission line 80' above water while flying under the line during a wildlife survey. The acft's mission was to conduct a duck count along a river in a nat'l wildlife refuge which required low, slow maneuvering. The ex-ag pilot was…NTSB ATL84FA298Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Mc Cormick, SCN6740Z, a Beech V35B acft,separated in flt over mccormick, SC while operating in VFR conditions. The investigation failed to locate witnesses who observed the flt prior to & during the inflight separation. Witnesses on the ground heard the acft & observed…NTSB ATL84FA297Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Kernersville, NCWhile dismantling a water tower, an iron worker was seriously injured & pinned as he was removing a portion of a water tower leg (aprx 92 ft AGL). The helicopter plt responded to the emergency. The acft was equipped with a make-shift sling line to retrieve…NTSB ANC84FAMS3Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna U206G · AKPlt received 2 wx briefings before the one hour fourty five minute flt. Plt was advised of adverse wx conditions in mountains with high winds and frequent low visibility. Icing conditions were also forecast btw 9,000 and 13,000 ft. the acft is still missing…NTSB FTW84FU009Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportMitchell T-10R263 · Mckinney, TXAccording to a person who helped assemble the ultralight vehicle for flt, the base of the clouds were at about 200 ft AGL, when the plt took off. The helper expected the plt to return & land due to the wx; however, the vehicle crashed in a wooded area. There…NTSB FTW84FA404Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Colleyville, TXPlt and wife had flown to dallas (addison arpt) and spent evening with friends. Return flt initiated after midnight intolow clng and drizzle, about 12 mins later, wife contacted dallas (love fld) twr on emerg freq 121.5 and reported plt was sick and unable to…NTSB CHI84FA396Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobert Eggebrecht Sonerai 2L · Plato Center, ILThe acft stalled & spun to the ground from about 200 ft AGL after an abrupt pull-up to aprx 45 degree deck angle during a premature liftoff. The plt had been observed making high speed taxi runs 'to get the feel of the acft'. After a run resulted in a…NTSB DEN84FA300Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Missoula, MTOn sept 21, 1984, a Beech 35, N3736Q crashed into the side of a mountain 16 miles NE of Missoula, MT while on a VOR/DME8INSTRUMENT approach. The plt reported icing, turbulence, and intermittant vor-dme reception. The last reported altitude by the plt was 8500…