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.
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 DEN83FA062Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23F-250 · Moab, UTThe acft crashed into the top of a mesa at the 5500 ft level (MSL). The acft then cartwheeled about 300 ft on a heading of 360 degrees. Sheriffs deputies discovered at the accident site that the acft was loaded with marijuana weighing ABOUT798 lbs. An…NTSB FTW83FA117Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310K · Andrews, TXThe plt had received a wx briefing for a flt to miland, TX. A witness reported that after taking off, he made 2 or 3 touch-and-go landings. During takeoff from the last touch-and-go, witnesses observed the acft pull up abruptly, enter a steep right bank, then…NTSB DEN83FA059Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Aspen, COPrior to departure the flt was given an IFR clearance which began at herls intersection (16 mi nne) & to cross herls at or above 16,000 ft MSL. Departure arpt field elev is 7,793 ft. flts are required to proceed VFR to the initial fix of the IFR clearance.…NTSB MIA83FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell 690A · Winter Haven, FLThe acft crashed into a ditch off the departure end of the rwy and burst into flames during takeoff. Witnesses said the acft did not sound like it was developing normal RPM for takeoff. One mechanic said the engines sounded like they were still in ground idle…NTSB MIA83FA073Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7EC · Astatula, FLThe acft made a low pass over witnesses & pulled up steeply. The acft stalled & slid backwards before it became inverted and spun to the ground. There were about 2 rotations in the spin before impact. The plt who is listed as PIC for this flt was employed as…NTSB DEN83FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T-28A · N. Winter Park, COAccording to the surviving passenger (the plt's 15 yr old son), they saw some skiers after crossing over a mountain pass. He stated that as they turned, his father said, 'let's buzz them.' He reported that they turned sharply, 'sort of dove down to buzz…NTSB CHI83FA108Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7KCAB · Reedsburg, WIThe acft impacted a quonset-type bldg while apparently on an unusual type approach for landing. One witness observed theacft make a low south to north pass over the rwy & then pull up into a loop that culminated in the quonset impact. Another witness observed…NTSB MIA83FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · San Juan, PRShortly after takeoff the plt requested clearance to return to the arpt & land. According to witnesses the acft was having difficulty maintaining altitude & was flying with the nose 'up and down.' The tower controller stated that the acft didn't seem to get…NTSB FTW83FA108Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Addison, TXThe non-instrument rated, student plt used another person's name while filing an instrument flt plan. When he contacted ground control for departure, he was advised that the arpt had just become IFR. After some confusion concerning canceling & filing flt…NTSB MKC83FA065Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Garwin, IADuring a briefing for a flt to western Oklahoma, the plt was advised that IMC wx was forcasted along the route. He changed his destination to waterloo, IA & was advised of IMC in that area also. While en route, the acft crashed in a field covered with snow.…NTSB LAX83FA095Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Gorman, CAThe plt received a wx briefing before takeoff, but did not file a flt plan. Aprx 35 min later, the acft was observed flying low over interstate highway 5 near the Gorman VOR & tejon pass. A patrolman that saw the acft estimated that it crossed aprx 25 ft over…NTSB DEN83FA056Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNavion G · Leadville, COThe acft crashed into a mountain at the 12000 ft level in bad weather during a cross-country flt. Before takeoff the pilot had been advised of adverse weather enroute with VFR flt not recommended. He said he would fly out to check the weather and return if it…NTSB LAX83FA092Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Wenden, AZThe acft crashed into a hillsideduring a low altitude turn while surveying sheet. The plt in the right front seat who was flying the acft made a steep right turn to follow a herd of big horn sheep and the acft settled into the rising terrain. No evidence of…NTSB LAX83FA091Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Las Vegas, NVThe acft collided with a mountain during a night cross-country. The weather was VMC at takeoff but became IMC later nearthe mountains. A VFR flight plan was filed but never opened. The pilot continued flight into an area of known IMC conditions. He had…NTSB ATL83FA099Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Lascassas, TNThe acft crashed in a field about 8 miles after a night takeoff in IMC weather. No flt plan was filed. The pilot had received several briefings. During his final briefing the possibility of icing was discussed. The takeoff time was ABOUT2030 hrs. The…NTSB LAX83FA090Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Indio, CAThe plt & passenger had flown from bermuda dunes to yucca valley, CA on a business flt. Reportedly, they terminated their business early because wx was building over the mountains between yucca valley & bermuda dunes. While on the return trip, the plt…NTSB NYC83FA060Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 680FL P · Sunbury, PAAt aprx 0928 EST, the plt obtained a fss wx briefing by telephone. He was briefed on conditions of low ceilings, fog, light rain, drizzle, snow & blowing snow along his route. However, he did not ask about icing conditions & the briefing did not include a flt…NTSB MIA83FKA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBensen B8M · Patillas, PRThe gyrocopter crashed during takeoff after climbing to about 50 ft. AGL. This was the seventh takeoff of the day for this flt. The pilot lost control of the acft and it dove vertically to the ground. Investigation of the wreckage revealed that the cyclic…NTSB ATL83FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182L · Weyers Cave, VAThe acft crashed after takeoff when the engine lost power. The acft had not been flown for several months. An instructorwas invited on the extended cross-country to help the pilot who also had not flown for some time. During the pre-flight a considerable…NTSB ANC83FA042Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8GCBC · Melozi Hot Spgs, AKAcft deptd a private airstrip with no flt plan and was later reported overdue. Acft wreckage was found on sept. 27, 1984. Debris was scattered near the bottom of a 1000 ft box canyon cliff. The main fuselage was found in a lake at the bottom of the canyon.…NTSB MKC83FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201T · Salem, MODuring the 0910 telephone wx briefing by the st. louis fss, the plt mentioned that there was ground fog in the Salem area. At about 1010 the plt departed from rwy 16, made a left turn & crossed the arpt heading north. A witness who drovethe plt to the arpt…NTSB NYC83FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Alton, METhe pax stated that the fuselage & right wing tanks contained automotive fuel. The eng was warmed up an estimated 30 minprior to takeoff. The acft was observed to lift off about 1/2 way down the 1600 ft strip. At about 30-40 ft the acft began a right banking…NTSB NYC83FA054Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Atlantic City, NJThe flt proceeded routinely from chicago to Atlantic City. Communications and procedures all seemed routine and normal and at 1901 local control at Atlantic City informed the pilot that he was one mile out and should be picking up the 'rabbit' momentarily. At…NTSB MIA83FA065Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMBB Scorpion TOO · Tallahassee, FLThe helicopter collided with trees while on a local personal flight. According to witnesses the acft was flying low overthe trees. Several loud backfires were heard and the helicopter crashed in a wooded area. The acft descended almost vertically with the…NTSB FTW83FA102Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-26B · Hempstead, TXThe glider was observed to stall/spin during turn from base to final. The plt was endorsed for solo in the heavier blanik L-13 & Schweizer 2-33, but not in the 1-26B. His logbook revealed four instructor entries concerning airspeed control. The acft was being…NTSB ATL83FA091Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M-20A · Prattville, ALThe left wing separated as the plt began a pull-up after a low pass. The separation point was in the wing root where themain spar had been secured to the fuselage with a metal bracket. A butt splice had been made to the bottom of the wing spar. The fracture…NTSB LAX83FA083Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-60 · Scottsdale, AZThe acft diverted from Scottsdale AZ to a flt course to sedona because of thunderstorms & high winds at Scottsdale, but after a radio conversation with Scottsdale twr, the plt decided to reroute to land at Scottsdale. The plt did not read back the weather…NTSB DEN83FA053Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Minersville, UTThe acft impacted in a near vertical attitude near the top of a mountain & adjacent to a highway where witnesses had observed the acft flying at very low altitues under a low ceiling. There was no record of a preflight wx briefing or inflight advisories. No…NTSB LAX83FA438Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Redlands, CAAt 0638 PST, the plt received a wx briefing on a flt to sacramento, CA, and was advised that VFR was not recommended. At 0800, he received another briefing & filed a VFR flt plan to palm springs, CA. During flt, he advised palm springs tower that if he could…NTSB SEA83FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCromwell/Pitts S-1S · Athol, IDThe plt tookoff with an estimated 7 gal of fuel on board. While performing aerobatic maneuver, he entered a vertical, climbing, power-on maneuver. Witnesses reported that the acft climbed to zero airspeed at about 2500 ft AGL. Reportedly, the acft then slid…NTSB LAX83LUQ01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 152 · Castaic, CAAbout 3 hrs after he took off, the plt called burbank tower & advised he was lost & was at 4000 ft, heading southbound. Tower personnel advised him to contact burbank apch control on 121.5, but received no acknowledgement. A few minutes later, a helicopter…NTSB CHI83FA090Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-20 · Siren, WIWitnesses heard a sound of an acft eng, but because of low clouds & fog they could not see the acft. They heard the sound of the eng, a loud roar, the breaking of trees, & thena 'bang.' They then found the acft which had penetrated a wooded area at a 70 deg…NTSB SEA83FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Burns, ORThe plt was on a bank-check courier flt from troutdale to portland, with en route stops at Burns & redmond, OR. Routinely, the acft would depart troutdale between 0900 & 0930 & arrive at Burns at 1130 to 1200 local time. After a ground time of aprx 8 hrs, it…NTSB FTW83FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Goliad, TXThe helicopter collided with trees and the ground in an attempt to reverse directions at low alt & at night after encountering weather. The plt had received a weather briefing and knew the weather was bad with low ceilings and fog. Heradioed he could make it…NTSB ANC83FAG03Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportCessna A185F · Nyac, AKThe aircraft crashed after colliding with a tree near the destination airport at Nyac, AK. The pilot had tried this flight from aniak to Nyac the day before and had returned to aniak because of weather. The weather at the time of the accident was snowing and…NTSB LAX83FA076Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C-99 · San Francisco, CAThe acft propeller struck a station agent who was assisting in the parking of the acft. After signaling the acft to stopthe agent placed her lighted wanes on the ramp and moved toward the stationary acft to get the wheel chocks. As she approached the chocks…NTSB ATL83FLJ01Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Robersonville, NCThe acft collided with trees during an attempted emergency landing. The acft was 5 miles form an airport. The pilot had called on UNICOM and said he was lost and had partial power loss. He asked if anyone could hear him and he didnot believe he could make the…NTSB LAX83FUG13Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Palm Springs, CAThe acft crashed during takeoff at the end of the runway after the engine lost power. After he was cleared for takeoff the pilot started down the runway. At the runways end according to a surviving passenger the pilot said we are in trouble. He called the…NTSB DEN83FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Sisseton, SDThe helicopter crashed in an open field shortly after takeoff in adverse weather. The pilot was not instrument rated andhad received weather briefings by telephone from a flight service station. The forecast was not favorable, but the pilotstated 'well I…NTSB SEA83FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Sunriver, ORThe aircraft departed the runway, entered a steep climb and reversed course back over the runway in the opposite direction. At about 200 feet AGL, the aircraft rolled to the left and nosed down into the ground. The pilot had called on UNICOM and said he was…NTSB ANC83FA032Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Cordova, AKThe helicopter was on a rescue/recovery flt for the Alaska state troopers with the plt & a state trooper on board. They departed in variable wx conditions to rescue the plt of another acft. Reportedly, snow was falling in the search area & the winds were…NTSB DCA83AA014Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas DC-8-54F · Detroit, MIAccording to witnesses, the takeoff roll was normal, & the acft rotated to a takeoff attitude about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way down the rwy. After lift-off, the acft's pitch attitude steepened & the plane climbed to about 1000 ft AGL. The acft then rolled to the…NTSB DCA83AA013Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportConvair 580-11-A · Brainerd, MNDuring arrival, the acft was landed about 1725 ft beyond the rwy threshold. The touchdown was made with the right wing down & the right main gear about 37 ft from the right edge of the rwy. After touchdown, the acft continued to the right & the right…NTSB FTW83FA079Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Cushing, OKThe acft collided with a powerline during a low flt down a river. The acft impacted 3 high tension cables spanning the river. Witnesses said the acft was flying low and fast. The collision produced a sound 'like a gunshot' and the acft fell to the ground and…NTSB ATL83MA084Accident · 7 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBeech D55 · Cherry Point, NCThe two acft collided at about 9,500 ft MSL 30 mi south of Cherry Point. After departing nassau, the plt of the BE-D55 never activated his flt plan. An adiz penetration time was therefore never established. When the unidentified acft entered warning area…NTSB SEA83LA209Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 14-19-3 · Goldendale, WAThe pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight planning, which resulted in flight into adverse weather conditions and clearance from trees not maintained. Factors contributing to the accident included the clouds, low ceilings, and turbulence.NTSB MIA83FA058Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Green Cove Spgs, FLThe acft crashed in a spin after the engine quit during takeoff. This was one of a series of touch and go landings. The acft reached an alt of about 150 ft when the engine sputtered and quit. The acft then started a 180 degree turn which steepened into a spin…NTSB FTW83FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150K · Romayor, TXThe acft spun into the ground from a relatively low alt. The student pilot was giving rides to relatives and had successfully completed one flt during which the acft was stalled followed by a wing over and a dive. These maneuvers were repeated. Estimates of…NTSB SEA83FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Portland, ORThe acft collided with the side of a hill during a descent. The pilot had canceled his IFR clearance and radar services were terminated and a frequency change was approved. Shortly thereafter the acft was observed flying beneath the clouds toward the hill…NTSB NYC83FA049Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Atlantic City, NJThe plt had landed at Atlantic City, NJ at aprx 1545 while en route to oxford, CT. Before taking off, he contacted two fss's and both advised that VFR flt was not recommended. The non-instrument rated plt took off at aprx 1920 local time with no flt plan. At…