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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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 ANC84FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-4-210C · Nuiqsut, AKThe acft crashed during the approach to land at a fogged in arpt at night. Sometime between 2045 and 2100 yst an acft was heard overflying the arpt at Nuiqsut. The villager who heard the acft stated the noise decreased as though the acft was landing. He then…NTSB MIA84FU007Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportWizard J3 · Miami, FLSeveral witnesses observed the ultralight vehicle flying in a southwesterly direction at about 1500 ft AGL. They reported that the plt had executed 5 or 6 stall maneuvers, followed by normal straight ahead recoveries. During the last stall, the acft was…NTSB LAX84FA065Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20A · Mammoth Lakes, CAThe acft crashed into a mountain side at some time prior to 0900 on 11/12/83 when the ELT signal was 1st reported, via satellite. Before the flt, the student plt was last seen in bakersfield, CA at about 0100 that morning. A rescue mission was delayed due to…NTSB LAX84FA058Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 56TC · San Diego, CADuring arrival, the plt was cleared for an ILS apch to rwy 28R. About 3 min later, he commenced a missed apch & requested another ILS to rwy 28. At that time, the ATC controller advised the plt that the 5 preceding acft had made ILS apchs & all had executed…NTSB CHI84FA042Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Easton Township, MIThe acft crashed aprx 3 mi from the departure arpt. According to witnesses, it was flying at aprx 200 ft AGL when the right wing dipped & then the acft went nearly straight into the ground. An inspection of the airframe & flt control sys revealed no evidence…NTSB MKC84FA019Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Albion, NEThe acft collided with a tv transmitter tower guy wire. Witnesses stated that clouds were obscuring the top of the 1,134 ft tall tower. The acft was about 750 ft AGL when the collision occurred. The tower was not equipped with high intensity obstruction…NTSB NYC84FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · West Seneca, NYThe acft was being repositioned by the owner from a maintenance facility at buffalo intl arpt to buffalo airpark. Maintenance personnel at both locations who had dealt with the owner indicated he had attempted to cut costs by performing unauthorized repairs…NTSB FTW84FA047Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 520 · Clines Corners, NMThe non-instrument rated plt was on ferry flt from bartlesville, ok to ontario, CA. An en route stop was made at tucumcari, NM, where the acft was refueled & 14 qts of oil was added to the left eng. The line boy who serviced the acft saw no visible oil leaks…NTSB SEA84FA017Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · 4nm W Of Boring, ORThe acft collided with 3 major objects, a tree, a house and a motor home during an attempted go-around. The pilot had attempted a landing on a soft short dirt road near his home. The length of the road was 462 ft. he landed 74 ft short ofmarkers at the…NTSB LAX84FA055Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerotek Pitts S-2B · Elk Grove, CADuring an aerobatic flt, the plt-in-command was asked to demonstrate recovery from an inverted flat spin. The maneuver was initiated at aprx 5000 ft. after the acft made aprx 3/4 of an inverted turn, it rolled upright as the PIC started to 'feed in throttle.'…NTSB FTW84FA045Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310L · Bartlesville, OKThe acft was observed at 300-500 ft on a downwind leg over the brightly lighted city. After passing the city the acft entered a very dark & hilly area immediately north of the city. He then made a left turn onto base leg & remained over unlighted & hilly…NTSB ATL84FIG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportLake LA-4-200 · St. Michaels, MDDuring the afternoon, the plt flew to the miles river in Maryland where he made a water landing to pick up a passenger. When he landed, the water surface had ripples which had been produced by a light breeze. At that time, the plt had no trouble seeing the…NTSB NYC84FA022Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Rhinebeck, NYThe above reported basic wx data was the 2050 observation at poughkeepsie, NY located about 20 NM south of the accident site. However, a witness who was 1,000 ft north of the accident site stated the wx consisted of a low overcast & that the visibility was…NTSB MKC84FA014Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210M · Greensburg, KSAt 1619 CST, the non-instrument rated plt called the dodge city fss & requested the current dodge city wx. He was given the current & forcasted wx. He took off at 1825 & at 1846, he called the la junta radio & requested an update on the dodge city wx as well…NTSB CHI84FA037Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 II · Decatur, MIThe acft impacted trees and the ground during a night x-country in deterotiated weather about 3/4 of a mi ssw of keeler,MI, VOR. Witnesses heard the acft circling at low alt but did see the acft due to clouds, drizzle and fog. The sound of the eng was…NTSB ATL84LA039Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRand KR-2 · Greer, SCAccording to a witness, the plt began an apch to rwy 9, but made a go-around, then maneuvered to land on rwy 27. The witness stated that during the turn to final apch for rwy 27, the acft descended rapidly in a nose down attitude until it disappeared behind…NTSB SEA84MA016Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 · Challis, IDThe plt took off from the simplot ranch airstrip which was located beside the middle fork of the salmon river, aprx 27 mi northwest of Challis, ID. He departed downriver toward the northeast, but the destination was a usfs strip about 7 mi upriver to the…NTSB LAX84FU019Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportDelts Wing Kites Lazor 170 · El Mirage, CAThe weight shift controlled, ultralight vehicle had just recently been built. The owner & the plt had agreed that they would not attempt to fly the vehicle on the initial test. The plt was observed taxiing excessively fast, and reportedly, he made 1 or 2…NTSB FTW84LA042Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Freemason Is., LAThe acft was on the return leg of a fishing trip at night. According to the plt, the float plane lifted off after a fairly long run on smooth water. He stated that at 200 ft AGL & 90 KTS, he initiated a 10 to 15 deg right turn & rolled out on a heading of 350…NTSB CHI84FU001Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportQuicksilver MX · Elwin, ILThe plt possessed a student plt & 3rd class medical certificate. After takeoff, he circled over the airfield, then climbed to about 200 ft AGL. A high school classmate stated that the ultralight then entered a nose high attitude & appeared to enter a practice…NTSB ATL84FA038Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Banner Elk, NCBefore takeoff, the plt obtained wx for ashville & hickory, NC & for the tri-city arpt, all of which were 30 to 54 mi from Banner Elk, NC. At that time, he told the briefer that there were clouds at Banner Elk, but he thought he could get out all right. The…NTSB LAX84FU018Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportMitchell T10 · Sparks, NVGround witnesses observed the ultralight vehicle in straight & level flt. According to them, the vehicle began a pitch oscillation, then went into a steep, right descending spiral until it struck the ground. Another plt, who was flying in the vicinity…NTSB LAX84FA047Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Elko, NVThe acft crashed in mountainous terrain while on a deer spotting flt. There were no witnesses to the accident. About 8 hours after departure the acft was declared missing. The acft was found the following day at about 0730 hours by air search acft. Ground…NTSB LAX84FA045Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Riverside, CAShortly after departure the plt radioed in that he had blown a rod 'or something' and was about two miles out on a right base leg. He then informed the tower that he was not going to make the runway after which the left wing contacted a power pole and the…NTSB LAX84LA044Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna TU206G · Reno, NVThe pilot's body was found under the front of the acft by the propeller. All cockpit controls were in the start positionand the acft was not chocked or tied down. The payroll checks the pilot was to deliver were found in the acft.NTSB CHI84FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Portland, INThe plt had just purchased the acft & flew a previous co-owner to montpelier, IN, where he landed at about dusk. The previous co-owner deplaned. He said that after the acft took off, he saw it turn to the west & depart toward marion. A short time later, the…NTSB SEA84FA015Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150K · Near Challis, IDA witness at the Challis arpt observed the acft takeoff, then turn & depart toward the west. It was found the next day Near Challis creek about 16 mi west of Challis. Impact occurred in a relatively flat area in a narrow wooded valley, at an elevation of…NTSB ATL84FA033Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172F · Brunswick, GAThe acft was observed entering a cloud layer about 500 ft AGL after takeoff. Another witness observed the acft's navigational lights in a circling motion as the acft plunged to the ground.NTSB ANC84FA013Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 206 · Kenai, AKThe acft departed nondalton, AK at aprx 1135 yst on a flt to Kenai, AK. At aprx 1215 yst, the plt report that he was over west forelands & requested the Kenai wx. About 4 min later, he requested a df steer to the Kenai arpt. A short time later, radio contact…NTSB FTW84FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310 · Fairview, OKThe acft was observed to take off at about 1830. Witnesses near the crash site reported seeing & hearing a low flying acft at about 2000 & stated the engs were running smoothly. There was fog in the low areas with visibility of less than 1/4 mi in those…NTSB SEA84FA013Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C-152-II · Belfair, WAThe flight originated at aprx 2100 hrs. The pilot said his intention were to remain in the traffic pattern and practice touch and go landings. The aircraft crashed 1 mile south of the airport.NTSB FTW84FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Longview, TXAs the acft was flying toward the arpt, about 1 mi away, a witness heard a loud pop or bang & then no further eng sound. The plt attempted to climb above some tall trees about 300 yds from the end of the rwy, but impacted the tops of the trees. The #1 conrod…NTSB ATL84FKJ02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna A188B · Hazel Green, ALThe acft collided with the ground while the plt was flying near his rural home. No preimpact, mechanical malfunction or failure was found. According to the medical examiner, the plt had severe & extensive coronary arterioscleroses; however, the relationship…NTSB NYC84LA015Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportShort Brothers SD3-30 · Middletown, PAAfter takeoff on a flt to Washington, DC, the aircraft was climbing thru about 3500 ft when a person (riding as a passenger) moved to the right rear door, opened it & departed the acft. Prior to the flt, an associate, who was an acft refueler, saw the person…NTSB NYC84FA016Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-31 ATC · Littleton, MAGround witnesses observed the right wing separate in flight, the acft bank sharply to the right entered a spiral dive and crashed into a wooded lot in a residential area. Investigation revealed that the right wing separation occurred when the front spar lower…NTSB FTW84FA032Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Columbus, NMThe non-instrument rated plt departed imperial, CA, at 2010 PDT, & shortly thereafter, was identified & followed by a U.S. Customs special mission acft. The acft was followed to demming, NM. During that portion of the flt, its altitude varied from about 500…NTSB LAX84LA033Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 401 · San Diego, CAAfter touchdown during a night landing, the plt was lowering the nosewheel to the rwy when he saw a mexican national crossing the rwy. The plt swerved to the left in an attempt to avoid a collision; however, the right wing struck the person which resulted in…NTSB NYC84FU002Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHighcraft Buccaneer · Mountville, PAThe amphibian ultralight vehicle was being flown on a series of flt tests after being assembled. At aprx 1615 EDT, the plt took off & was followed by another plt in another ultralight vehicle for observation purposes. No undesirable flt characteristic was…NTSB MIA84FA017Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHight Smaragd CP-301-S · St Augustine, FLThe owner/builder/plt of the home built acft & a passenger (a foreign visitor) were on a local flt along a beach area. The purpose of the flt was for the visitor to take some video tape footage with the video camera that he took along. Witnesses, including a…NTSB CHI84FA028Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE90C · Fort Wayne, INAt 1604 EST, the acft departed Fort Wayne on a ferry flt. IFR conditions prevailed & the plt had filed an IFR flt plan. While climbing after takeoff, the plt passed his assigned alt of 2500 ft MSL & flew to 4200 ft. also, he failed to turn to his initial…NTSB CHI84FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Newark, INThe acft had been recently purchased by the plt & this was the 2nd leg of a 3 leg trip which had originally departed hickory, NC. Two witnesses located about 5 mi sse of the accident site observed the acft. One witness stated the visibility was less than 1 mi…NTSB LAX84FA028Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-CD · Compton, CAThe acft experienced a total power loss on takeoff & was demolished in the impact sequence & post crash fire. According to several interviewees the pilot had performed extensive non-stc'd modifications to the acft including the fuel system. An 'automotive…NTSB ATL84FA028Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TU206G · Brentwood, TNThe acft crashed while the plts were attempting an ILS approach to nashville. One plt was not instrument rated. The other was rated but was limited in experience. The instructions for radar vectoring to the approach were not followed and disorientation with…NTSB LAX84FA025Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDeley Starduster SA-100 · Wrightwood, CAThe acft crashed in mountainous terrain in VMC weather. There is no record of radio communications with the acft on the day of the accident. The acft impacted a 30 degree upslope in a 25 degree nose down wings level attitude. Two witnesses said they observed…NTSB ATL84FA026Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Lake Hills, TNWhile en route, the acft's radio transmitter became inop; however, the plt could receive transmissions & was provided vectors toward the destination arpt. After starting a descent near the destination, the eng lost power. Subsequently, the acft was ditched in…NTSB LAX84LA022Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Anacapa Island, CADuring flt, the plt established radio contact with a fishing boat & made a low pass near the boat at an estimated altitude of 200 ft. the captain of the boat said he told the plt not to fly like that around his boat again. However, the plt made another low…NTSB FTW84FA028Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B · Patterson, LAWhile descending into the Patterson area on an IFR flt plan, the plt was cleared to hold & was advised that he would be the #2 acft for an approach to the Patterson arpt. A few winutes later the plt asked how long the delay would be. He subsequently stated he…NTSB DEN84FA010Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182F · Burke, SDPrior to the flt, the plt obtained a wx briefing & was advised that VFR flt was not recommended. At the end of the briefing, he indicated he would 'be getting back with' the fss specialist. The plt then told the arpt manager that he would 'go up & take a look…NTSB NYC84FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B III · Hudson, NHThe plt was on a flt to pick up film for a tv station. While en route, he made a mayday call to the manchester control tower. According to witnesses, the acft was proceeding in a northerly direction at about 700 to 1000 ft AGL when they heard a 'muffled pop.'…NTSB FTW84FA023Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Redfield, ARAt aprx 1331 CDT, the plt entered the pine bluff fss station & requested a briefing for a VFR flt to springfield, MO. He was advised that VFR flt was not recommended. The plt returned again between 1335 & 1350 & was seen examining the wx charts. At aprx 1420,…