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.

NTSB FTW84LA089Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Clinton, OKThree witnesses observed the acft flying low before it went out of sight behind trees. Two of them reported that the plt made 3 low fly-bys with the eng sounding normal, then they heard the acft impact in a field on the 3rd pass. An exam of the crash site…Dec 6, 1983 · N4012J · DestroyedNTSB FTW84FA086Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D18S · Brownsville, TXThe plt had just taken off at night on a flt to Mexico when he declared an intent to return & land with some unspecified emergency. While he was using his radio, the sound of both engs, running at hi power, was audible. When asked if he required assistance,…Dec 6, 1983 · N44609 · DestroyedNTSB CHI84FA053Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · White Lk Twnshp, MIAt about 1600, the acft was taken out of a heated hangar & parked on the ramp for refueling. It remained outside until the plt took off at about 1740 EST. During that time, snow was falling & the temp dropped from 34 to 31 deg. The plt initially contacted the…Dec 6, 1983 · N761RN · DestroyedNTSB MKC84FA033Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech TC-45J · Kansas City, KSThe acft was a Beech TC-45J that had been modified into a hamilton turboliner under STC SA-1821-WE. During arrival, the plt reported that he encountered moderate icing at 4000 ft. he made a localizer-only apch to rwy 35. An ATC specialist stated that they saw…Dec 5, 1983 · N704M · DestroyedNTSB MIA84FA040Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Lakeland, FLThe acft was on its first production flt test. Shortly after lift-off it was observed to enter an abrupt right bank, followed by a steep left bank before crashing. Examination of the left wing revealed that its aileron cables were connected to their…Dec 4, 1983 · N4115K · DestroyedNTSB FTW84FA084Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-108 · Pawnee, OKThe acft collided with a guy wire on a micro-wave tower during flt in IMC weather. The plt had not received a weather briefing prior to takeoff and after encountering low ceilings the plt attempted to fly along a highway at low alt. The right wing of the acft…Dec 4, 1983 · N4579Z · DestroyedNTSB CHI84FA054Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 77 · Sidney, OHThe aircrew took off on an IFR flt from dayton to piqua & Sidney, OH to practice apch's, then they intended to return to dayton. The copilot stated that they entered the clouds at 700 to 800 ft AGL & he did not see the ground again on this flt. He reported…Dec 4, 1983 · N37253 · DestroyedNTSB FTW84FA083Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Hebbronville, TXThe flt proceeded without incident until the plt contacted houston ARTCC. The plt requested the destination wx & was told that the entire area was IFR. The closest arpt reporting VFR conditions was at mcallen, TX, aprx 80 mi southeast. The plt then advised…Dec 3, 1983 · N4097B · DestroyedNTSB FTW84FA082Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310K · Hodgen, OKThe plt had purchased the acft at rexburg, id on the day of the accident. Reportedly, the previous owner had flown with the plt, before the plt departed rexburg, and said he had flown the acft very well. The previous owner stated that the DME was not…Dec 3, 1983 · N310JD · DestroyedNTSB ATL84FA059Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Gulfport, MSPrior to the approach the plt was advised that the wx was sky obscured & visibility 1/4 mi in fog. The plt acknowledged 'roger we'll come on in and give it a shot.' The acft collided with trees about 500 ft short of the middle marker. It was reported that the…Dec 3, 1983 · N36MP · DestroyedNTSB NYC84FA046Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Hershey, PAPrior to takeoff the plt was advised that 'a storm was moving in.' The plt replied he knew that & was only going up for a short flt. Shortly after takeoff snow began to fall, & the acft was observed flying perpendicular to the rwy below traffic pattern…Dec 2, 1983 · N6246L · Substantial damageNTSB MIA84FA038Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Cross City, FLWhile in the vicinity of Cross City the plt requested VFR flt following from jacksonville ARTCC. While he was in radio &radar contact, the controller suddenly lost radar contact with the flt. Radar indicated that the acft made a rapid descent from the cruise…Dec 2, 1983 · N9682B · DestroyedNTSB LAX84FA087Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Holtville, CAThe plt had departed mazatlan, Mexico at 0632 PST & had landed at los mochis & mexicali, Mexico & at calexico, CA, where he cleared U.S. Customs. Before departing calexico, he telephoned his family & told them the wx had been poor all day. The estimated time…Dec 2, 1983 · N3206W · DestroyedNTSB ATL84FU002Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAmerican Aerolights Double Eagle · Cape Carteret, NCReportedly, the plt had previously flown in a 2 place ultralight vehicle, but had not flown in one that was equipped with a canard. He indicated to the owner that he would like to taxi the ultralight. The owner obliged after explaining the operation of the…Nov 30, 1983 · UNREG · DestroyedNTSB DEN84FA031Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7GC · Douglas, WYThe plt took off on an aerial observation flt to spot cattle in a mountainous area. When he failed to return, a search was initiated. The plane was found in a valley between 2 mountain ranges. An investigation revealed that the acft had crashed while in a…Nov 29, 1983 · N7697E · DestroyedNTSB MIA84FA036Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Kathleen, FLThe acft impacted in a swampy area in a fast dive which separated about 6 ft of the left wing. The acft was being vectored on radar when it suddenly began to steer erratically and go off the radar scope. The plt had radioed that he 'must have gone over some…Nov 28, 1983 · N9094P · DestroyedNTSB LAX84LA079Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Las Vegas, NVWhile on a x-country flt, the acft collided with the crest of a 10,000 ft mountain. Witnesses stated that the plt had circled in the area prior to the accident. The accident reportedly occurred at dusk, but witnesses said the area to the north of the site was…Nov 28, 1983 · N91478 · DestroyedNTSB DEN84FA039Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-31ATC · Moose, WYThe acft crashed shortly after takeoff in IFR weather. The plt failed to follow established departure procedures and in fact he did not even call in the fact that he had departed or his departure time as instructed by salt lake center. Attempts by salt lake…Nov 28, 1983 · N107CB · DestroyedNTSB ATL84AA053Accident · 6 fatalFinal reportBeech A36 · Armuchee, GAThe acft collided with trees and higher terrain which was adjacent to the VOR approach path. The weather was described by witnesses as stormy with heavy rains and high winds. Some of the occupants of the accident acft were airsick according to the plts radio…Nov 28, 1983 · N3801N · DestroyedNTSB NYC84FA039Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Wellsville, PAPrior to the flt, the plt stated that he would be flying foraprx 1/2 hr. Aprx 25 min after takeoff, ground witnesses northeast of the arpt observed the acft on a westerly heading, turning toward the arpt. Shortly after that, they saw the acft in an…Nov 27, 1983 · N81YB · DestroyedNTSB NYC84FA038Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Silver Greek, NYThe two acft were involved in a midair collision near Silver creek, NY. The plt of N4089P was flying in the left seat & using an instrument hood with a safety plt in the right seat. The plt of the other acft was on a pleasure flt with his daughter. Both acft…Nov 27, 1983 · N96268 · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB FTW84FA077Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Simpson, LAThe acft collided with the ground in a steep nose down altitude at a high rate of speed after the plt encounterd low ceiling and rain during a x-country flt. In attempting to fly IFR and follow radar vectors the non-instrument rated plt lost countrol of his…Nov 27, 1983 · N2899G · DestroyedNTSB ATL84MA052Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 58TC · Knoxville, TNDuring arrival, the plt checked in with Knoxville apch control & stated that he was proceeding to the downtown arpt for landing. At that time, the wx at mcghee-tyson arpt (aprx 10 mi ssw) was clear with 7 mi visibility. About 10 min later, the plt reported…Nov 27, 1983 · N2131L · DestroyedNTSB ATL84FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Lexington, TNThe acft collided with the ground in a vertical descent during IMC weather on a x-country flt. The plt had filed an IFR flt plan but he was a student with limited experience and was not instrument rated. Also he was carrying a passenger. The controller who…Nov 27, 1983 · N5396L · DestroyedNTSB FTW84MA076Accident · 8 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech B100 · Midland, TXThe acft crashed while completing a charter flt that began at 1220 CST on 11/25/83 to transport a tv sports film crew. The flt began at Midland, TX & proceeded to fort worth & wichita falls, TX, then began a return flt to Midland. During arrival, the plt…Nov 26, 1983 · N1910L · DestroyedNTSB CHI84FA051Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Cairo, ILThe acft dove into the ground nose first from a 90 degree bank shortly after takeoff. The acft was observed by witnessesto take off slowly 'with about 1/2 power' being used. The climb was slow and at 300-400 ft the acft turned left with thelanding gear still…Nov 26, 1983 · N9002Q · DestroyedNTSB NYC84FA037Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech H18 · Allentown, PAWhile en route, the plt encountered icing conditions, then reported he was unable to maintain alt & was having eng problems. He diverted toward Allentown, PA, then advised he had lost power in the left eng. Apch control began issuing vectors for a VOR apch;…Nov 25, 1983 · N105PE · DestroyedNTSB LAX84FA071Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Oceanside, CABefore takeoff, the plt received a wx briefing & was advised to expect IFR conditions in the vicinity of Oceanside, CA & that moderate turbulence existed below 20,000 ft. after takeoff, he obtained an IFR clearance to climb & cruise at 6000 ft. at about 2005…Nov 25, 1983 · N6295T · DestroyedNTSB FTW84FA074Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23 · Comfort, TXWitnesses stated that the acft barely cleared trees at the end of the arpt & that smoke was seen trailing from the righteng. The acft entered a right turn, stalled & impacted a ridge in a steep, near vertically banked dive. Teardowns of both engs & both props…Nov 25, 1983 · N215EC · DestroyedNTSB ATL84FA058Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414A · Waynesville, NCAfter departure at 1417 CST, radar track showed the acft climbing to & maintaining 7,600 ft until about 1733 EST & 28-30 mi north of the knoxville VOR. The acft then descended & crossed the snowbird VOR at about 6,700 ft. there were several up & down altitude…Nov 24, 1983 · N6623C · DestroyedNTSB DEN84FA030Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Aurora, CODuring wx briefings the plt was advised of icing conditions in the denver area. While approaching the denver area the plt radioed 'can you get me down, it's a little bit icy up here.' The plt was subsequently asked & was given a close turn onto the outer…Nov 23, 1983 · N7724N · DestroyedNTSB FTW84MA069Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 210N · El Paso, TXN4742P departed El Paso, TX, on an IFR flight plan with a clearance to climb to 10,000 feet. No climb restrictions were included in the clearance. Departure control service was provided by albuquerque ARTCC since El Paso tower had shut downfor the night. The…Nov 22, 1983 · N4742P · DestroyedNTSB FTW84FA068Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · El Paso, TXThe acft collided with the ground at 4380 ft MSL. The plt had called the control tower in El Paso and advised that he was at 8500 ft and would have to start descending due to weather in the area. The plt was VFR and no flt plan had been filed. He was advised…Nov 22, 1983 · N201TH · DestroyedNTSB CHI84FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportMooney M20C · Near Green Bay, WIAfter a taking off at 2029 CST, the plt climbed to 7000 ft & flew on a southerly heading toward the oshkosh VOR. At 2030, the plt indicated that he had a radio problem, but he remained in radio contact with ATC until a freq change at 2039, then no further…Nov 22, 1983 · N9232M · DestroyedNTSB LAX84FA068Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-236 · Wikieup, AZBefore taking off, the plt obtained 2 wx briefings & was advised that VFR flt was not recommended. He departed at 1730. Several requests were made for en route wx from las vegas flt watch. At 1945, the plt declared an emergency & indicated that he was lost.…Nov 21, 1983 · N4291R · DestroyedNTSB NYC84FA033Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 500B · Franklin, PABefore departing youngstown, OH, the plt filed 2 IFR flt plans, 1 for a flt to plattsburgh, NY, the other for a return flt from plattsburgh back to youngstown. After a 2 hr & 10 min flt to plattsburgh, 70 gal of fuel was added, but the person who serviced the…Nov 20, 1983 · N6226X · DestroyedNTSB MIA84LA035Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Nr. Orangeville, FLThe acft disappeared fm radar coverage while in cruise flt at 10,000 feet MSL near Orangeville, FL. The ATC transcript revealed that the plt had been inquiring abt the weather ahead of him and was cleared to descend to 6000 in order to get below strong…Nov 20, 1983 · N85JK · DestroyedNTSB LAX84FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Grass Valley, CADuring arrival, the plt was cleared for a vor-a apch to the Nevada county arpt. The apch controller advised the plt that he had failed to issue the required radar info for the final apch fix & instructed the plt to initiate a missed apch. Radar contact with…Nov 20, 1983 · N7434E · DestroyedNTSB DEN84FA027Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5B · Boulder, COAccording to witnesses, the plt had made 3 attempts to land & during each attempt he overshot his approach & executed a go-around without touching down. On the fourth attempt he did touch down but appeared to be too fast & the acft skipped & bounced. After…Nov 20, 1983 · N28420 · DestroyedNTSB MIA84FA032Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Near Naples, FLThe plt, along with his safety plt, departed page field at 1401 to accomplish airwork. 1 min later the crew was questioned by the tower why they had not started a turn southbound. The safety plt responded 'I just pulled an engine onhim and he is going to…Nov 19, 1983 · N1826Z · DestroyedNTSB CHI84FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Dexter, MIAt 2135 EST, the plt called the lansing fss & requested a wx forcast for the detroit city arpt & winds aloft. He was briefed, but he did not file a flt plan, sometime after 2200 EST, he took off form mason, MI on a passenger flt to ann arbor, MI. At 2252, the…Nov 19, 1983 · N8162D · DestroyedNTSB NYC84FA032Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech K35 · Stockholm, NJAt 1455 EST, a Beech K35 (bonanza), N106Q, & a Piper PA-34-200, N56670, collided while the acft were flying over the vicinity of the sparta VORTAC. The bonanza plt was on a local flt while the PA-34 was on multi-eng training flt. The student in the PA-34…Nov 18, 1983 · N106Q · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB FTW84FA064Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Nageezi, NMBefore takeoff, the plt was informed of a segmet which forcasted occasional severe rime or mixed icing from the freezing level at 8000 ft up thru 20,000 ft & moderate to severe turbulence below 18,000 ft. also, embedded thunderstorms, lightning & thunder were…Nov 18, 1983 · N4888Y · DestroyedNTSB FTW84FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Lakeview, ARThe student plt had rented the acft to practice basic maneuvers prior to a flt scheduled the following day with his instructor to receive his endorsement for a check ride. Witnesses in the area observed the acft practicing stalls, & on the final maneuver, the…Nov 16, 1983 · N2432K · DestroyedNTSB FTW84FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210N · Childress, TXThe plt contacte fss requesting info as to fuel service. He was advised that the rwy lights at Childress arpt was out of service. About 34 min later the plt stated his eng had quit & he would try to make the arpt. The acft subsequently struck power lines…Nov 16, 1983 · N6616N · Substantial damageNTSB LAX84FU022Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportLazair Ultralight · Elsinore, CAAfter purchasing the 2 eng ultralight, the plt modified it by installing 2 additional engs. These were 6 HP pioneer engsinstalled in the #1 & #4 positions. Just prior to the accident, witnesses observed the vehicle flying over the center ofa lake at aprx 250…Nov 15, 1983 · UNREG · Substantial damageNTSB ATL84FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-300 · Charlotte, NCThe acft was first radar identified about 18 mi north of the arpt & was given radar vectors for a right downwind & base to rwy 36R. While on a downwind heading 150 deg, the plt was assigned a heading of 270 deg & was queried if the arpt wasin sight. The plt…Nov 15, 1983 · N6459L · DestroyedNTSB FTW84FA050Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Devers, TXThe acft collided with trees while maneuvering at a very low altitude after dark in a popular deer hunting area. The acft was observed rolling into steep bank with the eng 'revved up' then suddenly yawed toward the ground. The acft lights were on.Nov 14, 1983 · N8092Z · DestroyedNTSB DEN84FA231Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Climax, COThe wreckage of N7292S was located by the Colorado civil air patrol on July 22, 1984. An on-scene examination of the wreckage revealed that the acft had impacted tall pine trees in a near vertical right hand spiral maneuver. Impact forces destroyed the acft…Nov 14, 1983 · N7292S · DestroyedNTSB SEA84FA020Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportJodel-Bernier Jodel F-11 · Inkom, IDThe acft crashed during a forced landing attempt after the engine quit. The pilot reported the engine stopped while in cruise flt. It started and stopped and started a 2nd time but would not maintain flt. The pilot turned toward a hayfieldfor landing. The…Nov 13, 1983 · N49842 · Destroyed