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 CHI84FA364Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Lake Delton, WIThe float plane crashed shortly after taking off from Lake Delton while of a sight-seeing flt. The acft was used daily during the tourist season on flts of aprx 15 min long. This was the 8th or 9th flt of the day & was the 4th or 5th flt since refueling. A…NTSB NYC84FNC09Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 172 · Pownal, MEPrior to the accident, witnesses observed the acft making several low passes & maneuvering. During the last maneuver, the acft entered a dive & collided with trees before the plt recovered. Trees were broken or damaged over an area of about 200 ft. no…NTSB NYC84FFJ04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-36 · Elmira, NYVery shortly after takeoff at 150 to 200 ft the tow rope failed. The glider initiated a steep left turn back to the arpt. During the turn witnesses observed the acft to stall and enter an uncontrolled near vertical descent to ground impact.NTSB MIA84FA241Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Valdosta, GAThe two acft collided about a mile east of the arpt on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. One of the acft, N25853,called Valdosta radio and reported left downwind for rwy 17.Valdosta advised that another acft had just departed rwy 17 2 minutes prior.…NTSB LAX84FU032Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportUltralight UFM East Riser · Cloverdale, CAThe Ultralight was observed by witnesses on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern for landing. The acft was flying level at about 300 ft AGL when it started a series of roller-coaster maneuvers which increased into a steep ascent and nose over followed by a…NTSB DEN84MA266Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportAero Commander 690 · Little America, WYAbout 10 min after takeoff at 1005 MDT, the plt was cleared to climb to FL 190. This was atc's last communication with the acft. At 1030:39, the controller attempted to contact the plt to advise that he had lost radar contact & to recycle the transponder &…NTSB NYC84FA294Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Wallingford, VTThe plt was executing second attempt for a instrument apch, lda rwy 19, following a missed apch on the first attempt. The plt last reported over the iaf, 9 mis north of the arpt. The acft collided with a mountain at a elevation of 1700 ftand 5 mis south of…NTSB LAX84FA453Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320C · Monterey, CAThe flt arrived in Monterey, CA, that afternoon. After dinner the flt was returning to the point of original departure. When the plt contacted the twr for taxi instruction he was informed that Monterey wx was below VFR minimums. After a discussion of wx…NTSB DCA84AA034Accident · 17 fatalClass 1Final reportBeech C-99 · San Luis Obispo, CAAt about 1118, a Beech C-99 (wings west flt 628), N6399U, & a rockwell 112TC, N112SM, collided in midair aprx 8 mi west-northwest of the san loui Obispo county arpt. The rockwell 112TC had departed paso robles, CA & was descending toward the san loui Obispo…NTSB LAX84FU031Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCalypso N/A · Chula Vista, CAOperator/company personnel had been flying the calypo ultralight for about 2 hrs when the marketing director was approached by a plt who wanted to fly the vehicle. They noted that the plt had been teaching students in an eipper ultralight. Company personnel…NTSB LAX84FA452Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Vista, CAAccording to a statement from the passenger who initially survived, the acft encountered fog shortly after takeoff and the plt was attempting to head inland to get out of the fog by reference to street lights. Shortly thereafter, while in a climb, ground…NTSB CHI84FA354Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150A · Twin Lake, MIThe acft collided with the ground in a spiral like descent with the eng in a power retarded state as evidenced by the sound effects. The was no missing or backfiring of the power plant. The acft struck the ground vertically after being seen in a nose dwn…NTSB SEA84FA209Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBenson B8M · Newman Lake, WAWitnesses observed the aircraft go through a series of rapid pitch oscillations at about 300 ft AGL. The pitch changes increased in magnitude and severity until the main rotor blades struck the rudder stopping it's rotation and resulting in an uncontrolled…NTSB LAX84FA451Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T337G · Paradise, CAWitnesses observed the acft touchdown then heard a power application and watched the acft depart in a nose high attitude. The left wing of the acft struck an aprx 70 ft tall tree about 600 ft from the end of the rwy and 200 ft left of the rwy extended…NTSB FTW84LA363Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT301 · Plain Dealing, LAWitnesses reported that the acft made a descending low level turn at the end of a spray run, nosed over and dove into the soybean fld being sprayed. The plt was not wearing a shoulder harness or helmet when the accident occurred. Toxicology results revealed a…NTSB ATL84FA268Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Eastover, SCThe acft collided with the ground during a turn-around. The hopper dump valve on the acft was found closed after the accident. The fuel tanks were reportedly full (54 gallon capacity) and 120 gals of benlate, a non-toxic liquid herbicidehad been loaded aboard…NTSB SEA84FA204Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportVaughn MA-5 Charger · Buxton, ORWitnesses reported seeing the acft engaged in aerobatic flight described as 'like a spray plane conducting spray operations.' The acft collided with relatively level terrain during one of these maneuvers. No airframe or powerplant failures/malfunctions were…NTSB FTW84FA354Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180J · Lafitte, LAWitnesses observed the acft approach an oil production platform located in a marshy area near the destination airstrip. They reported that the acft made an abrupt, steep left turn at 200 to 300 ft AGL, followed by what they described as an accelerated stall.…NTSB ATL84LA263Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRotorway Scorpion 133 · West Hamlin, WVAcft was observed proceeding over open field used as air strip in level flt, aprx 130 ft AGL, at 50 KTS. At end of field acft began left turn, nose dropped to steep descent attitude which continued to ground impact. Post-mortem showed triple-bypass surgery…NTSB CHI84FA352Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Put In Bay, OHThe pilot attempted a go-around when he saw an aircraft still on the runway. Witnesses saw the aircraft approach the runway and just before touchdown, make a sharp rt turn to go-around. The aircraft made a sharp right turn, describedas the wings being 90…NTSB SEA84FA201Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182E · Prineville, ORThe acft hit a tree during a forced landing approach to a large open field after an engine failure. Post accident investigatiion revealed that a rod cap bolt had failed which started the internal destruction of the engine. This bolt was installed as a new…NTSB ANC84FA141Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Fortress Creek, AKFlight was conducted to locate wild game. Acft collided with mountain at 4250 ft level. Acft impacted in a near verticalattitude. Examination of acft disclosed no evidence of malfunction.NTSB MKC84FA256Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Oskaloosa, IASeveral witnesses viewed the acft circling over a bean field at an alt of 200 to 300 ft AGL. The plt and pax were reportedly looking for a radio-controlled airplane lost in the field. Witnesses continued to state an increase of power occurred and the acft…NTSB MKC84FA254Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Algona, IAN9387G was flying at an altitude of aprx 75 feet AGL when it struck power lines while maneuvering to spray a corn field. The reported weather near the accident site was: visibility 7 miles, temperature 73 degrees, light precipitation in the way of rain was…NTSB CHI84FA348Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Medford, MNPlt stated engine failed during cruise at an alt of 500 to 700 ft AGL. Autorotation was attempted. With collective full down rotor RPM continued to decrease while the plt maintained 60 to 70 KTS in a descent. Acft touched down with 40 to 50 KTS forward speed.…NTSB NYC84FA275Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172I · Brockport, NYThe acft crashed into trees about 2500 ft from the takeoff point. Witnesses observed the acft in a running takeoff aftera normal landing. The acft failed to gain alt and stayed at about 50 ft AGL. The acft had taken off on rwy 28 & after takeoff was seen…NTSB NYC84FA269Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Richmond, NHThe plt was flying inbound for the ILS rwy 02 apch via the gardner VOR transition. While on the transition, the acft descended below the 4000 ft MSL min alt to 2600 ft MSL. The plt was alerted by ATC. He responded that his chart read 3000 ft. the acft then…NTSB LAX84FA439Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182RG · Prescott, AZAs the acft proceeded on takeoff down the rwy, it exited the rwy on the left side over a berm into a wide shallow ditch area, then about 122 feet later the acft traveled back over the berm onto the rwy and took off. The nose then pitched up, the acft banked…NTSB SEA84FA196Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-160 · Bonners Ferry, IDThe plt took off with 3 adult passengers & a 2 yr old child on board & flew aprx 1.3 hrs. Just prior to the accident, he reported on a left downwind for rwy 20. As the plt continued the apch, the acft was observed over the rwy at aprx 100' AGL, reportedly at…NTSB NYC84FA274Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Sydney, NYDuring a night arrival, the plt was cleared for a vor/circling apch to the sidney muni arpt. The published apch was from the hancock VOR with a northerly heading to the arpt of 354 deg. Subsequently, the acft crashed & burned on wooded terrain about 1 mi…NTSB DEN84FA259Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Lyons, COThe acft plunged to the ground after being seen doing a series of stall/spin maneuvers at a low alt. One witness saw thefinal maneuver and after seeing the acft disappear behind trees he went in search of it and found it about 100 yds southof the position he…NTSB CHI84FA343Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Alpena, MIWitnesses stated that the acft flew at a very low altitude over the lake performing what appeared to be a series of stalls and recoveries with the acft climbing steeply to aprx 150 ft above the lake and then dropping sharply back down within a few feet of the…NTSB NYC84MA270Accident · 1 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-76A · Fort Dix, NJThe aircrew of the helicopter contacted mcguire rapcon & obtained clearance to proceed thru the mcguire afb control zone at 1500 ft. a short time later, the crew declared an emergency. Witnesses on the ground heard a loud 'bang' & observed the helicopter…NTSB FTW84FA344Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Reed, OKArpt manager reported preflight discussion with plt concerning weather to south (intended direction of flight) but plt stated he didn't think there would be any trouble. Mgr observed acft takeoff and disappear into clouds to the south. Witnesses reported…NTSB CHI84FA342Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-140E · Montmorenci, INThe acft crashed while on a x-country personal transportation flt. Prior to departure, the plt telephoned a relative at the destination, 118 miles away, & had been informed that the flt conditions (wx) at brazil were good. The plt did not obtain a wx briefing…NTSB ATL84FA251Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportDouglas DC3C-S1C3G · Memphis, TNMoments after the DC-3 took off, the twr ctlr noted the l eng was torching & asked the flt if it was 'having a problem.'the crew replied 'affirmative,' then the ctlr clrd the flt to lnd on any rwy. The acft began turning left at the end of the rwy & contd…NTSB DEN84FA308Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna L-19E · Tabernash, COThe airplane departed grandby 8/10/84 and failed to arrive at its destination. On 8/23/87, it was found on the slope of a high tree-covered ridge. Video tape recovered from the wreckage provided a visual and audio record of the flight from takeoff to impact.…NTSB ATL84FA250Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Banner Elk, NCAcft observed to depart short strip in hi dens alt conditions, 'wobbled into the air.' Acft did not circle for altitude, but headed straight ahead toward rising terrain 'wings rocking' at slow speed before right wing dropped and acft collided with terrain. No…NTSB MIA84FA225Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8GCBC · Navarre, FLPlt was engaged in banner tow pick up. Prior to engaging pick up line, acft struck ground nose down. Ground scars related to impact damage show wings rotated 180 degrees from path of flight prior to impact.NTSB BFO84FA003Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper L-21-A · Selbyville, DEAt the conclusion of towing banners with no pax on board, the acft was landed and topped off with fuel. The plt then reentered the acft and an additional employee got in the rear seat with the intension of flying to a nearby airport for a plt exchange. During…NTSB ATL84FA248Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Kennesaw, GAAccording to witnesses, the acft entered clouds at low alt during the initial climb after takeoff. They reported that the acft then turned sharply back toward the arpt & descended below the clouds. It rolled out in the direction of the crash site with the…NTSB DEN84FA251Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R172E · Farmington, NMAfter being airborne 1 hour and 10 minutes the traffic surviellance flt was cancelled. The plt transmitted to the policeunits on the ground that he would 'buzz' them as he left the area. During this pass the acft struck a high voltage transmission line 88.9…NTSB SEA85FA065Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177A · Ely, NVThe acft collided with rising terrain during a night x-country. No flt plan was filed. Radio communications were normal during the short (40 mile) flt, until the plt was asked to change transponder codes. The transponder signal ceased instead. The crash site…NTSB LAX84FA429Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7ECA · Julian, CAAfter takeoff several 360 deg climbing turns were made to gain alt to clear the mountain ridge. The ridge was approached at 4800 ft MSL with the plt expecting a thermal lift over the 5500 ft level which had been encountered many times before. At 4800 ft MSL…NTSB FTW84LA337Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Batesville, TXThere were no known acft or eng problems involved in the accident. A witness stated the acft started its pullup from the first swath run of the day on an agricultural operation, collided with an electrical transmission line & fell to the ground, fatally…NTSB CHI84LA338Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Palmyra, WIWhile on a personal flt the eng and airframe began to vibrate severely. The plt closed the throttle and turned eastward to land in a mint field. As he approached the field he applied power to clear a row of small houses, but during this maneuver struck a…NTSB CHI84FA374Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180F · Cable, WIThe acft collided with trees & ground during IMC wx at night. The plt obtained a wx briefing at 1731 hrs CDT by phone from hibbing fss. He was advised that VFR flt was not recommended. No other wx briefing for this flt was recorded. Witnesses at the arpt of…NTSB DCA84AA033Accident · 9 fatalFinal reportBritten-Norman BN-2A Islander · Vieques, PRA witness reported he heard an apparent eng problem after the acft took off & began a left turn for a x-wind departure. Reportedly, the acft oscillated, then after regaining some lost alt, it banked abruptly to the left, nosed down, & subsequently, crashed in…NTSB ATL85FA039Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Petros, TNThe flt departed ft. lauderdale, FL, on 8-2-84 at aprx 0815 EDT for cincinnati, OH. The acft wreckage was found on 11-17-84 on an up slope of big fodder stack mountain. The acft had contacted a 25 ft tall tree located 200 ft west of the main wreckage. The…NTSB ANC84FA132Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7CCM · Kotzebue, AKThe plt & one pax departed on a pleasure flt from kiana, AK on 8/1/84. Four days later, the plt's mother traveled to Kotzebue, AK, to look for her son. She was unable to locate him & notified the FAA. A search was initiated, & on 8/6/84,the acft was located…