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 DEN84FA295Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 205 · Highwood, MTAt 0053 MDT, the plt radioed great falls fss & requested wx info. He was advised of IFR conditions & was provided the latest observation. The plt requested & was provided a special VFR clearance to depart to the east. He took off at 0100 MDT & reported over…NTSB DEN84FU011Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportEipper Quicksilver MX · Brighton, COThe ultralight was turning in a spiral turn to the right when witnesses heard the engine stop. The acft went into a spinand crashed. Witnesses said the plt had been doing this before with a pull out at about 50 ft AGL and a restart of the engine. The height…NTSB DEN84FA294Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Fort Peck, MTPlt attempted to takeoff from a calm part of reservoir. The wave heights were estimated to be 4 to 6 feet. The arft struck several waves during the takeoff run. The rt wing tip dragged in the water causing the acft to nose over. The acft came to rest…NTSB NYC84FNE07Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportFuller/Findlay Varieze · Worcester, MAWitnesses stated, after what appeared to be a longer then normal takeoff roll, acft rotated to a very steep climb angle. Estimates regarding climb angle vary from 'slightly nose up' to vertical. Acft climbed to 100-150 ft AGL and rotated to an extremely nose…NTSB ATL84FA292Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Lanett, ALCommunications with columbus apch revealed plt was unfamiliar with area and had difficulities finding the arpt witnesses viewed acft on final for rwy 08 with landing gear extended. Acft described as being low and slow. Witnesses stated engine sounds…NTSB LAX84FA484Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Mariposa, CAThe acft collided with a tree & telephone pole during a go-around maneuver on rwy 26. Investigation revealed that the acft exited the left side of rwy 26 about 1625 ft beyond the threshold. Although there were no eyewitnesses to the accident a ground witness…NTSB DEN84FA298Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Glen Canyon, UTThe acft crashed into the 10388 ft high navaho mountain at about the 9800 ft level. Reportedly there was no moon that evening. The plt had departed hayward, CA at 1351 MDT & was enroute to farmington, NM. The acft crashed at 2027 MDT. Investigation revealed…NTSB ANC84LA185Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Dadina Lake, AKPrior to the accident the plt had been involved in moose hunting activities. On the morning of the occurrence he had made two successful flts hauling meat from a small unnamed lake to Dadina Lake, about 3 miles north. Shortly after the third takeoff from the…NTSB NYC84FA314Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Linden, NJAcft collided with utility pole during a night visual lndg. The pole is located about 583' from the rwy threshold and is 58' high. The pole was unmarked. The plt made 1 previous night lndg. At the arpt and 5 total lndgs at the arpt. The investigation did not…NTSB SEA85FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Aberdeen, WAAcft wreckage indicates impact was nose down inverted. No evidence was found of acft failure/malfunction. Plt departed on night cross-country after an evening out with friends. Wreckage found two months later, no toxicological tests possible.NTSB LAX84FUJ04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportWeatherly 620 · Waddell, AZThe acft collided with a power line during a spray operation. Witnesses said the acft flew under a power line and as it pulled up collided with a line which angled off of the main line. The vertical stabilizer and part of the rudder separated. The acft nosed…NTSB DEN84FA278Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Meadow Lake, NMAccording to witnesses, the plt make a x-wind apch for a landing from west to east in winds that were from the south at 10 to 12 mph. Reportedly the acft touched down with the right wing high, then the plt applied power & initiated a go-around at about…NTSB LAX84FU034Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMitchell A-10 · Corning, CAThe ultralight had recently been purchased by the new owner who received no instruction in its operation. On the day of the accident, he told his wife he was just going to taxi-test the vehicle. She said there was no intent to fly. When sheno longer heard or…NTSB ATL84FA286Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper 602P · Dayton, TNOn arrival at destination, plt found airport obscured by fog, reported by UNICOM as 1 mi visibility. Plt circled to await improvement. 15 min later, visibility improved to 1-1/2 mi. Acft observed briefly through breaks, then heard manuvering to north and seen…NTSB NYC84FA310Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 11AC · Newbury, MAThe student plt had logged approximately 240 hrs of flying time. He was not certificated to carry pax. Witnesses stated that they observed the acft descend at a slow airspeed to an alt of 100 ft. the acft then made a steep bank turn to the right and impacted…NTSB NYC84FIG04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportJett Shoestring · Gaithersburg, MDAccording to witnesses, the acft experienced an engine power loss during the initial climb after takeoff. The acft was observed to descend near vertically to ground impact. Teardown of the engine revealed discrepancies in the carburetor assembly. The plt had…NTSB MKC84FA272Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 195A · Akron, IAN19JW, a Cessna 195A and N8783X, a Cessna 182 departed mapleton, IA, at aprx 0805 on a VFR flt to Akron, IA, to attend a fly-in breakfast. The two acft did not travel the same route of flight to Akron, N19JW crossed over the midpoint of the arpt on crosswind…NTSB LAX84FA473Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R172K · Independence, CAThe plt and two pax departed on a pleasure flt to look for a deer hunting area. Witnesses near the accident site stated that the saw the acft 'fly down the canyon on a northerly heading, reverse course and attempt to fly up the canyon.' They saw the acft…NTSB FTW84FA382Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Quinlan, TXA witness reported that when the plt was landing, the acft descended on final apch, got too low & collided with electric power lines. The acft then nosed down & impacted the ground in a steep nose down attitude.NTSB CHI84FA383Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Lisle, ILAt 0029 CDT the plt contacted a local ATCT stating that he was in IMC with 0 visibility requesting assistance and desiring to land at the closest arpt. The non-instrument rated plt was at 2,000 ft and was given a climb to 2,500 ft. the controller stated that…NTSB ANC84FA169Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportStinson 108 · Hayes River, AKThe plt was on a low level flt to spot wild game when the acft crashed on a gravel drainage bar. A witness stated the acft was flying 5 to 6 ft AGL when the accident occurred.NTSB SEA84FA223Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Skamania, WAA witness, located 3 mi se of the accident site, reported hearing the acft 'rev up to a scream followed by a crash that sounded like a miniature sonic boom.' The acft contacted the terrain in an uncontrolledd descent at an elev of 2100 ft MSL. Inspection of…NTSB NYC84FA307Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Wallingford, CTThe acft collided with wires after the plt announced by radio that he was going to make a low pass over the site of an outdoor event that he had just attended. Some witnesses saw the helicopter flying extremely low. It appeared that one of the landing skid…NTSB NYC84FA306Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8GCBC · Wilmot, NHWitnesses saw a rt wing section separate when the acft was in a loop. The acft descended and crashed afterwards. The investigation disclosed the pilot had previous aerobatic experience in gliders. No records were disclosed revealing pilot flight time in…NTSB MIA84FA251Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402C · Naples, FLShortly after takeoff, both engs lost power & a wheels up landing was made in an open field. The acft was destroyed by impact & fire. An investigation revealed that the acft had been refuel with jet-a fuel rather than 100 low lead avgas. The lineman had…NTSB LAX84FU033Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPioneer Flightstar · Lowerlake, CAAfter takeoff the ultralight flew at about 50 ft AGL toward a row of oak trees bordering a pasture. It then struck a 60 ft tree & crashed. Two witnesses who knew the plt well stated he had 'been drinking quite a bit' on the day of the accident. They also…NTSB LAX84FA472Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310 · Redlands, CAGnd witnesses obsvd an initial erratic takeoff gnd roll. After the acft reached 200 ft it experienced a power loss on the left engine. The acft stalled as it turned left, entered into an uncontrolled descent and crashed. The post impact fire consumed the…NTSB ATL84LU008Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRotec Ralley 2B · Sherrills Ford, NCThe ultralight was flying over the lake at about 100 ft AGL when the engine began to cut out. The plt had reportedly said to a friend before takeoff that the engine may not be right but he flew it anyway. The ultralight had been flown bythe plt 3 hours…NTSB ATL84FLT14Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportRockwell S-2R · Lake Comorant, MSThe aircraft was taken without permission by an employee of the owner. The employee did not hold an airmens certificate and no record of him ever having flight training could be found. The aircraft was found crashed in a field. No evidence of precrash failure…NTSB LAX84FA469Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210J · Valencia, CAWitnesses observed the acft entering a slow roll maneuver. As the acft became inverted, the roll rate decreased, the nose of the acft dropped toward the ground & the plane crashed. No preimpact part failure or malfunction was found. Toxicological checks of…NTSB NYC84FA295Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 680V · Bridgeport, CTThe acft descended into the water six & 1/2 miles sw of Bridgeport, CT. The acft was on an ILS apch to rwy 06. The acft was in communication with NY TRACON arrvl radar and on his initial call had indicated a desire for a clearance direct tobridgeport. A brief…NTSB MIA84IA247Incident · 1 fatalIncident investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Dade Collier, FLThe non-rated passenger landed the acft after the plt suffered a heart attack & became totally incapacitated. During the landing, the nose gear collapsed.NTSB SEA84FA217Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210K · Mccall, IDTwo acft departed in trail intending to follow a river through the mountainous terrain in their climb above the ridge line. The first acft proceeded as planned along the river and turned toward the dest at a safe alt. About 1/4 of a mile behind, the second…NTSB LAX84FA467Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-235 · Rubidoux, CAThe plt failed to remove the control lock during his preflt inspection; thus, the elevator control was locked & no pitch control was available during the takeoff. Rotation occurred when the acft reach flying speed. The acft became airborne & its pitch angle…NTSB CHI84FA376Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Oak Grove, WIThe plt stated to the host of the picnic that he would 'buzz the party a couple of times.' The two seat acft had three occupants aboard at the time of the accident. Witnesses stated that the acft passed over the picnic twice at a very low altitude. The acft…NTSB ANC84FA166Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Pilot Point, AKAcft departed denai, AK, at 0730 AKDT. When manuevering for a landing apch on dog salmon river acft stalled contacting dirt bank. Plt was carrying 8 5-gallon gasoline cans. 4 cans were still secured inside the acft after the accident. Only 3 of the cans were…NTSB LAX84FUG02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPhaneuf B8 MOD Gyro · Murrieta, CAA witness observed the gyrocopter circle the aprt. On the second time around, it dropped down low on the downwind leg and disappeared behind a small hill. He also stated the eng was running at full power and that he could hear the rotor blades strike the…NTSB FTW84LAMS5Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 152 · Missing AcftN93480 departed lafayette, la on a reported 2 hr sight-seeing flt over the gulf of Mexico & failed to return. There was no further contact with the plt & neither the plt nor the Acft have been found. The plt left a note suggesting possible suicide. Info…NTSB SEA84FA215Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · The Dalles, ORN6499J departed The Dalles municipal arpt shortly after 0930 PDT on a flt to vancouver, WA. N4622T departed chenoweth airfield ( aprx 4 NM west of The Dalles) at about 0930 PDT on a flt to The Dalles municipal arpt. A witness who observed both acft before the…NTSB FTW84FA374Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMiller Air Sports GEM 260 · Martindale, TXNotes left by plt indicate he had been testing the flight envelope of this experimental racing acft, including operation of the engine beyond prop limit of 4000 RPM. Witnesses heard engine sound suddenly speed up to high RPM then cease altogether. Some…NTSB DEN84FA275Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182F · Rock Springs, WYThe acft was being operated on the return leg of flt from California to Wisconsin. A landing apch was made to rwy 27 at Rock Springs (elev 6747), temp was 76 degrees, wind 220 at 23 KTS. Acft was observed to bounce back into the air after touchdown and then…NTSB ATL84FA274Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402C · Albertville, ALPlt was executing an non-directional beacon approach to rwy 23. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Radar information obtained during the investigation revealed the plt did not stabilize the airspeed while executing the…NTSB LAX84FA504Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Tucson, AZcontrolled flight into terrain that resulted from the pilot's failure to ensure a safe VFR altitude. The dark night, which restricted the pilot's view of terrain, was a factor in this accident.NTSB DEN84FA274Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing Stearman E75 · Kalispell, MTThe pilot was completing a turn to final on a normal aerial application maneuver. He was aprx 15 ft AGL at 65 mph when the a/c struck a bird (presumed to be a red tailed hawk). The force of the impact broke the plexiglass canopy and temporarily distracted the…NTSB MKC84FA264Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177B · Bloomfield, MON30755, collided with a radio tower guy wire and crashed three miles east of Bloomfield, MO, while on a business flight. Instrument meteorological conditons prevailed at the time of the accident. Witness stated that the low clouds obscured the top of the 80…NTSB CHI84FA369Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · Muncie, INWitnesses reported that when the acft was taking off, the eng sounded 'rough & was backfiring.' They observed the acft cross the departure end of the rwy at a lower alt & slower speed than what they considered as normal. They saw the acft's wings rock, then…NTSB ANC84LA148Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Iliamna Bay, AKThe acft struck a gravel bar while taxiing. The acft was not freed from the gravel bar until the next morning due to a receding tide on the previous night. Approx 3 hours later as the pilot taxied around awaiting daylight for takeoff, the acft rolled over in…NTSB LAX84FA459Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Yucaipa, CAThe acft was observed with its' wing dipping as it flew low over a valley. The acft then touched down in a fld, collidedwith a boulder and a tractor trailer. Examination of the acft disclosed no evidence of a malfunction. The accident site is 6 miles east of…NTSB MKC84FA263Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell S-2R · Palestine, ARAfter an aerial spray operation, the plt took a passenger aboard the single place acft for a 'ride around the field.' Witnesses said the pax sat to the rgt of the plt in the cockpit. After takeoff to the east, the plt returned for a low pass down the rwy in…NTSB MIA84FA240Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Pembroke Pines, FLOne min and 20 seconds after being cleared for takeoff, the plt transmitted on tower freq that he was 'coming in for a landing.' The acft was observed to bank to the left, enter a steep descent from 200 to 300 ft AGL & crash. An intense post-crash fire…