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 LAX83FA414Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Tahoe City, CAThe owner, a student plt, & an ATP plt departed olympia, WA at aprx 1111 PST on a flt to the lake Tahoe/reno area. When the acft did not arrive, a search was made until 12/22/82. On 8/28/83, the acft was found where it crashed on rising terrain (50 deg slope)…NTSB DEN83AA033Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBell 206B · Larkspur, CON2752Y, a Bell 206B helicopter, crashed in hilly terrain while on a flt to obtain video tape news of an aircraft accident. Plt was warned by FBO personnel of adverse wx conditions. Another plt who had just landed tried to persuade the plt not to fly. After…NTSB DEN83AA032Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportSwearingen SA-227AC · Pueblo, COAt 1906 the flt was cleared to descend & maintain 7,500 ft, turn right to a heading 040 for an asr apch to Pueblo memorial arpt, & that the mda is 5,200. The flt read back "left to one forty five two zero zero." Approach control advised the flt that the…NTSB FTW83FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Midland, ARWhen the plt filed his VFR flt plan he was observed using an IFR enroute chart. About 7 minutes after takeoff the plt requested a frequency to call for a clearance to climb on top of the overcast. Approximately 5 minutes later, as the plt was giving his…NTSB LAX83FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportVarieze Ruatan · Riverside, CAWitnesses stated he heard and saw the aircraft flying (rather slow and low) over the canyon. He heard the engine "sputtering" and then observed the aircraft appear to stall followed by a steep descent into the hilly terrain. Investigation revealed the…NTSB CHI83FA068Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCGS Hawk · Dewitt, MIThe owner had been conducting hi-speed taxi practice with short takeoff/landing hops in the same direction but was unable to obtain lift-off. He then asked the plt to see what the problem was the plt said he would not attempt to fly the ultralight. On the 2nd…NTSB FTW83FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L1 · Gulf Of MexicoThe plt reported that the acft was higher than he intended to be over the platform & had set up a right downwind apch. He had trouble keeping up the ground track due to strong gusty winds. He was almost over the platform & made a large correction & began…NTSB NYC83FNA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 150L · Marstons Mills, MAThe acft was observed to climb at a steep angle to 150-200 ft & then enter a spin. The owner/plt had just finished installing stall fences as part of a stol kit that he was in the process of completing. Examination of the acft showed a partial installation of…NTSB NYC83FA037Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Douglassville, PAAt aprx 1540 EST, the acft was dispatched to philadelphia, PA on a pax flt. After arriving, the plt remained there to pick up 4 other pax that were arriving at approx 2100 EST. At 2007, the plt received a partial wx brief & filed an IFR flt plan to rtn to…NTSB LAX83FUJ04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Douglas, AZThe plt was observed to crash shortly after takeoff. Witnesses stated it had been snowing off & on. The plt's blood alcohol level was 228 mg%.NTSB ATL83FA049Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Ocean City, MDThe pilot and passenger bodies were recovered from the atlantic Ocean near Ocean City, MD. Both persons had died of drowning without serious traumatic injuries. The aircraft was not recovered. Low ceilings and visibilities were reportedin the area throughout…NTSB DEN83FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210 · Sioux Falls, SDAt 1915 while enroute the plt was advised that the destination wx was 100 ft obscured, 3/8 mi in fog. At 2140 the plt contacted approach control & was advised the wx was 100 ft obscured & 1/8 mi with an RVR for rwy 3 of 2,400 ft. he was cleared for an ILS rwy…NTSB CHI83FA050Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Medina, OHAt about 1430 EST, the pilot took off from freedom field, Medina, OH in VFR conditions. When he returned about 3 hrs later at dusk, the weather was estimated to be: 400 ft overcast, 3/4 mi visibility with fog. A flight instructor heard the plane fly over the…NTSB NYC83FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20B · Auburn, NYDuring departure on an IFR climb-out radar and radio contact was lost. The pilot's last reported altitude was passing through 4,500 ft. the aircraft crashed into a wooded area at an elevation of 1,700 ft MSL. Initial contact was with trees approximately 40 ft…NTSB NYC83FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Hazleton, PAOn 11/28/82, the pilot encountered icing conditions and landed at Hazleton, PA. The aircraft was not deiced at Hazleton and icing conditions continued until the morning of 11/29/82. While departing on 11/29/82, the aircraft was observed to use more than two…NTSB LAX83FUG07Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportCessna 172N · Near Rialto, CAThe pilot and his passengers had flown from van nuys, CA to palm spring, CA during the afternoon. After arrival, they spent several hours on the ground. At 1740, the pilot called a fss to obtain a weather briefing for a flight to concord, CA. During the…NTSB LAX83FA047Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · 12nm East Of An, CADuring the preflight wx briefing from thermal fss the plt was advised that VFR flt was not recommended into the san diego area. Although the plt requested a briefing to san diego, it is believed that the initial destination was carlsbad to deplane the rear…NTSB LAX83FA042Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Ramona, CAThe aircraft crashed into rising terrain at the 3500 foot level in IFR weather. The pilot had been advised of bad weather along his route. His flight plan was VFR. No malfunctions to equipment was found.NTSB LAX83FA041Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · 13 Se Of Linden, CAPilot encountered weather on a cross-country flight and reported icing at 10,000 feet at 1828. He had been at 10000 feetsince 1745. At 1831, the pilot requested 8,000 feet to get out of ice and at 1836 requested 6,000 and was approved. At 1857 level at 6,000…NTSB ATL83FID02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28R · Chesapeake, VAThe aircraft had previously been flown from orlando, FL to norfolk/Chesapeake, VA. While the original non-instrument rated pilot was in Virginia, the weather deteriorated, so the owner flew up from orlando (via the airlines) to fly the original occupants back…NTSB MKC83FA028Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34 · Kansas City, MODrg the 1027 wx briefing, the plt was advised that Kansas City was reporting very light rime icing from 4,000 to 11,000 ft & a PIREP of light to moderate rime ice between 6,000 & 8,000 ft 30 mi south of Kansas City. The plt announcedhis intentions of…NTSB LAX83FVG03Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Lincoln, CAThe non-instrument rated pilot took off at about 2003 PST. The weather at the marysville fss (20 NM north) was; thin obscured, 500 ft overcast, 2 miles visibility with fog. The plane crashed about 1800 ft northeast of runway 33.NTSB LAX83FA040Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 23 · 10 M.N. Of Gilr, CAAircraft hit a 2721 foot ridge just below the top while cruising in bad weather on a dark night. He was on a VFR flight plan and was not instrument rated. Low overcast obscured the mountain tops.NTSB CHI83FA049Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 11CC · Spencer, WIThe acft was observed in a steep left turn at low altitude then impacting the ground straight down. Both propeller blades were bent back with no evidence of twisting. Approximately 1/2 inch of ice was found in the fuel line gascolator.NTSB ATL83FKM01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 172P · Near Maider, NCThe pilot crashed into trees 6 miles east of maiden, NC in deteriorating weather. Witnesses described the weather as rainy and foggy in the area of crash. Some heard the aircraft flying low before colliding with trees. The pilot was off course for statesville…NTSB LAX83FVG04Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 150L · Lincoln, CAThe acft crashed on the arpt immediately after takeoff. A plt who had landed at the arpt at 2030 reported that fog had just reached the arpt with a top approximately 1,100 ft AGL & the base a 200 ft AGL. He advised the plt against going, but the plt stated he…NTSB MKC83FA025Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Oxford, NEThe pilot made 3 low passes near his son's home. Reportedly, the 3rd pass was made at an altitude of about 40 to 50 ft AGL. A witness then observed the pilot pull up abruptly to about a 45 deg climb. After climbing an additional 40 to 50 ft, the aircraft…NTSB LAX83FA050Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Williams, AZThe original departure point was camarillo, CA. Before departing camarillo, the pilot obtained a weather briefing for a flight to flagstaff, AZ. At about that time, the flagstaff weather was, in part: zero ceiling, 1/16 mi visibility. The pilot was warned of…NTSB DEN83FTK02Accident · 5 fatalFinal reportCessna 182Q · Bryant, SDThe aircraft crashed in an open, flat, stubble field just south of Bryant SD. The angle of impact was 45 degrees nose down, with wings level. Fire after impact consumed most of the wreckage and the 5 occupants received fatal injuries. Theweather was IFR with…NTSB ATL83FIJ01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Man, WVA witness reported that the pilot landed about 2100 ft down the 2750 ft, turf runway, rolled several hundred feet, then attempted to go around. When the aircraft was about 4 or 5 ft in the air, it hit some trees while heading into a river basin near the end…NTSB DEN83FTM03Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportCessna T210M · Tremonton, UTThe acft was observed flying over the interstate highway approximately 100 ft AGL prior to colliding with two high voltage power transmission lines.NTSB ATL83FA046Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Cullman, ALAfter takeoff from rwy 1, the acft was observed to climb in a steep attitude into the clouds. The acft crashed in a nearvertical attitude about 3/4 mi from the rwy on a bearing of 050 deg. The control lock pin flag was found in the vicinityof the control…NTSB LAX83LUQ02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportStinson 108 · Santa Barbara, CAThe aircraft collided with a power line as the pilot was flying at low altitude near a highway at dusk. After hitting the power line, the plane fell to the ground and burned. Witnesses reported there was a low cloud cover and light rain. One witness stated…NTSB FTW83FA043Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Buccaneer Oil FThe acft was found floating inverted about 1.5 mi from the point of departure. The tailboom had separated & there was evidence that the m/r blades had struck the tailboom. The windshield & chin bubble was broken out. An oil pump gear tooth was found adhering…NTSB DEN83FTE04Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportScorpion 133 · Englewood, COThe helicopter crashed while maneuvering at low altitude. The pilot had modified the cowling and had only completed the first phase of his training in this aircraft. The school warned the student not to try advanced flying without more instruction. A witness…NTSB SEA83FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TU206G · Soda Springs, IDA search for the aircraft was begun after the pilot's relatives reported it was overdue and residents near the crash site heard the sounds of a low flying plane suddenly terminate. Unofficial reports of the weather indicated it was about 200 ft obscured, 1/4…NTSB MIA83FA031Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Miramar, FLThe aircraft lost power after a touch and go landing and the pilot elected to land in a meadow. The aircraft collided with a ditch after 300 feet of ground roll and the pilot lost control. The aircraft cartwheeled and was destroyed. The pilot was fatally…NTSB FTW83FA039Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Hennessey, OKThe plt was giving taxi rides to his grandchildren at a private farm strip. Accompanied by two teenage granddaughters, the plt was observed in the right front seat holding the entry door open while taxiing the acft up & down the strip. A witness heard the…NTSB MKC83FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Wamego, KSA witness observed the acft flying low along the Kansas river for about 2 mi just before the accident. He stated that the acft was flying below the tops of trees bordering the river. The two lower strands of a power line, which crosses the river, were found…NTSB LAX83FA038Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P206B · Near Shafter, NVPilot flew into the ground turning on final approach. Left wing and landing gear made first ground contact. The night was dark and terrain lacked lights. The runway was lighted. There were no known malfunctions to equipment. None of the occupants on board had…NTSB DCA83AA006Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportCessna 182Q · Livingston, NJAero commander 560E, N3827C (27C), was returning from blairstown where it had been flown for minor maint. The plt was on an IFR flt plan, cleared by new york TRACON to proceed at 2000 ft MSL on a radar vector of 170 deg for an ILS apch to the teterboro arpt.…NTSB ATL83FA040Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 411 · Aiken, SCThe plt requested an instrument approach to the arpt & advised approach control (a/c) that he did not have an approach plate for the arpt. A/c cleared the acft for a NDB approach to rwy 24 & read the approach information to the plt. When the plt reported…NTSB FTW83FPG03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 182L · Mt. Vernon, ARThe flt of two acft (a C-150 & N42562) departed heber springs & were in radio contact during the flt. N42562 reported over the conway, AR arpt at 2,000 ft with good visibility but indicated that there was an area of rain between conway & heber springs. The…NTSB CHI83FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201T · Evart, MIThe aircraft flew into trees during low flight in IMC weather. The pilot had received a weather briefing and was instrument rated but was not on an IFR flight plan. IMC weather was forecast for the route planned. Hunters heard the aircraft fly over at a low…NTSB CHI83FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · Mccutchanville, INAt about 0401 EST, the pilot took off on an IFR flight and was cleared to climb and maintain 6000 ft MSL. Radar contact was established at about 0402. After about another 30 seconds, radar contact was lost. The aircraft impacted about 3 to 4 mi from the…NTSB ATL83FA041Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Culpepper, VAAbout 16 min after takeoff the plt reported to ARTCC that he had lost the artificial horizon, gyro & vacuum pump. Radio & radar contact was lost shortly thereafter. Examination of the vacuum pump failed to reveal a pre-impact failure or malfunction. The acft…NTSB ATL83FA036Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Sardis, ALThe aircraft was on an IFR flight from memphis, TN to selma, AL. During arrival, he was cleared for an NDB approach to the craig airport. At that time, the weather was reported as measured 400 ft overcast, visibility 1/2 mi with fog. The weather minimums for…NTSB MKC83FA023Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Sharon, KSThe acft crashed 12 mi from the departure point in hilly terrain on a direct route to the destination in a 40 deg nose low & 75 deg right wing low attitude. There are no wx reporting facilities near the accident site. The 1851 wx observation at enid,ok (62 mi…NTSB DCA83AA005Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportCessna 551 · Mountain View, MOThe plt called from home at 0909 for an IFR clearance which became valid until 0930. He said he needed 15 min to get to the arpt. The call ended at 0914. The chief plt preflighted the acft while the plt was enroute to the arpt. The plt arrived between 0920 &…NTSB SEA83FA022Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Gorst, WAThe acft collided with a mtn drg a VFR flt under IMC. An arts-iii radar printout showed the acft was maintaining a fairly continuous heading until radar coverage was lost. The wreckage was located about 3.4 mi north of the last radar plot. ATC confirmed loss…