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 ATL83AA031Accident · 8 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-31-310 · Spencer, VAThe pilot filed an IFR clearance and took off on runway 30 after dark. At that time, the airport manager was in his living quarters, getting ready to eat his evening meal. He reported that from his position, the takeoff height looked normal. As the aircraft…Nov 14, 1982 · N3538R · DestroyedNTSB SEA83FA018Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportStinson 108-3 · Lynnwood, WAThe eng failed approaching the arpt at low altitude. The acft struck trees during a descending turn toward a power company right-of-way. Investigation revealed that the impulse drive springs on both magnetos had failed in fatigue. The springs are not assigned…Nov 13, 1982 · N6943M · DestroyedNTSB LAX83FA034Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Orinda, CAAfter departing san jose, CA, the plt climbed to an alt of 4600 ft MSL & proceeded toward novato, CA. From 1528 to 1533 PST, radar data showed that the acft was level at 4600 ft on a heading of 330 deg at 180 fts ground speed. Radar info showed that the acft…Nov 13, 1982 · N29HT · DestroyedNTSB DEN83AA019Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper 601P · Fountain, COAfter taking off at aprx 2250, the acft was identified on radar & observed to climb on course to an alt of 10,700 ft. the acft then descended thru 10,500 ft & the crew reported they would maintain that alt. At about 2301 the acft was about 5 mi se of Colorado…Nov 13, 1982 · N3641T · DestroyedNTSB FTW83FPG02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna R172K · Near Paris, ARThe plt & pax were on a flt from amarillo, TX to little rock, AR. An enroute stop was made at haskell, ok at appr 1900 to refuel. The owner of the afpt at haskell stated that the plane arrived in a fairly heavy rainstorm. At that time, a winter type cold…Nov 12, 1982 · N736QD · DestroyedNTSB ATL83AA029Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Brevard, NCAfter a missed approach at asheville the flt was cleared to the greenville-spartanburg arpt at greer,SC. Enroute to greer radar contact was lost. In response to a query from atlanta ARTCC the plt verified his position as being on the 235 deg radial of…Nov 12, 1982 · N59771 · DestroyedNTSB MIA83FA027Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing 707-300 · Miami, FLDuring climbout from Miami, a cabin pressurization problem was encountered. All crew members donned their oxygen masks & the cabin altitude stabilized at 20,000 ft as the acft was leveled at 33,000 ft. about 40 minutes from destination the flight engineer…Nov 11, 1982 · N707GB · No damageNTSB FTW83FPM04Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA23-250 · 8 Miles Se Bris, OKThe acft departed at 2220 with a planned enroute stop at holdenville, OK. 55 minutes later the acft crashed approximately 8.5 miles from its original departure point. Witnesses describe the wx as very bad due to heavy rain & fog.Nov 11, 1982 · N6145Y · DestroyedNTSB LAX83FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T337D · Scottsdale, AZFour minutes after takeoff the plt radioed that his eng had failed & he was going down. The acft crashed into a residential area, striking power lines, a fence & two houses. The acft had been flown during the day with no refueling the right aux tank contained…Nov 10, 1982 · N86041 · DestroyedNTSB MKC83FA017Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American GA-7 · Norfolk, NEThe aircraft collided with trees and crashed in an open meadow during an instrument approach at night. The pilot said the landing lights reflected in his eyes during approach so he turned them off. The pilot failed to obtain the latest weather before his…Nov 9, 1982 · N715GA · DestroyedNTSB SEA83FAD01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportAerospatiale S350D · Starfish, AKWhen the flt arrived at anita bay there were areas of ground fog moving in & out over the logging camp landing sight. The helicopter was observed to fly over the camp & back out across the bay. Shortly after the helicopter was out of sight a noise sounding…Nov 8, 1982 · N3597Q · Substantial damageNTSB DEN83FA133Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Orderville, UTThe acft crashed in mountainous terrain on a x-country in bad weather. The plt had received a weather briefing which hadincluded the caution that VFR flt was not recommended. Also the acft had no radio so the plt told the briefer to assume him off at 1330…Nov 8, 1982 · N5149D · DestroyedNTSB ATL83FKG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBeech A23 · Junnel Hill, GADuring takeoff, the engine lost power at about 700 ft AGL. A forced landing was made in a pasture that was hilly with a gully running through it. During the landing, the aircraft first contacted the top of a small Hill in the pasture, then became airborne a…Nov 8, 1982 · N3513R · Substantial damageNTSB SEA83FYA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 180B · Near Irwin, IDThe pilot and two passengers were on a local flight to spot moose. While flying low with the flaps extended, the aircraft collided with trees on rising terrain, then impacted on the ground and burned. Initial impact occurred with a 75 ft tall tree, about 60…Nov 7, 1982 · N5271E · DestroyedNTSB DEN83FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310H · Broomfield, COThe acft was unairworthy due to low compression on two cylinders on the left eng. A ferry permit was obtained which stipulates that the acft be airworthy for the proposed flt. According to the left eng logbook, the low compression problem was not corrected…Nov 7, 1982 · N1008Q · Substantial damageNTSB DEN83FTM02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Near Holden, UTThe student pilot and his wife had flown from salt lake city to Holden, UT. According to his father, the plane crashed in an open field while the pilot was flying low and looking for a place to land. The plane crashed in an open grain field in about a 15 deg…Nov 6, 1982 · N67084 · Substantial damageNTSB MIA83LA025Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 65-B80 · Missing Acft, BahamasThe flt departed ft. lauderdale at 1626, & at 1654 in the vicinity of bimini was advised to contact nassau radio. The flt failed to contact nassau & there were no further communications with the flt. Search efforts produced negative results. IMC prevailed on…Nov 5, 1982 · N1HQ · DestroyedNTSB MIA83FA022Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Near Myakka Cit, FLThe plt was wx briefed four times prior to departure & again one minute after takeoff at 1821 when he activated his flt plan. He was advised that a cold front was moving se along st. petersburg & tampa, & the area was IMC at the time. At 1916 the plt called…Nov 5, 1982 · N63836 · DestroyedNTSB FTW83FA298Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Canjilon, NMPrior to departing helena, mt at 1209, the plt received a wx briefing from the great falls fss. The dfw 021240Z area forecast, valid until 0700Z on 11/3/82, was not available. The fss briefer made this deficiency known to the plt & recommended that he receive…Nov 3, 1982 · N8096D · DestroyedNTSB FTW83FAMS1Accident · 4 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-34-220T · Durango, COThe aircraft originally departed helena, mt on a flight believed to be to taos, NM. A landing was made at ogden, ut where the plane was serviced with 47.5 gal of fuel. The last radio communication was at 1735 MST 11/2/82. At that time, the aircraft was…Nov 2, 1982 · N80960 · DestroyedNTSB FTW83FA031Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Normangee, TXA company plt received two wx briefings from the san antonio fss, one was at about 1700 the day before the accident & the other on 11/2. After each wx briefing the company plt briefed the plt of the accident acft. The acft departed at about 0835. At 0953 the…Nov 2, 1982 · N612J · DestroyedNTSB FTW83FRA02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportJohnson, Douglas L. Jayhawk · 3 North Brooksh, TXThe previous owner had just sold the aircraft and had moved it on a trailer, with the wings removed, to the new owner. After the wings were re-installed, the previous owner flew the aircraft to demonstrate the handling characteristics. The next flight was…Nov 1, 1982 · N28352 · DestroyedNTSB FTW83FRA01Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Woodville, TXAt about 2310 CDT, the owner/pilot and two other persons took off from the tyler county airport at Woodville, TX. About 15 minutes later, the plane crashed at the intersection of the runway (16/34) and a perpendicular taxiway. Impact and propeller strike…Oct 31, 1982 · N3858K · Substantial damageNTSB FTW83FA027Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Baton Rouge, LAThe aircraft crashed and burned shortly after taking off in darkness on an IFR flight plan. The weather was reported as indefinite ceiling, zero obscuration, visibility 1/4 mi with fog, wind 120 deg at 5 KTS. A number of witnesses heard the aircraft, both…Oct 31, 1982 · N41045 · DestroyedNTSB ATL83FLA01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 172M · 9nm Nw Quitman, GAWitnesses observed the acft a little above the tree tops prior to colliding with a high voltage tension wire. The two passengers (ages 10 & 11) were seated in the right front seat, both using the same seat belt. The surviving passenger stated they had…Oct 31, 1982 · N8977V · DestroyedNTSB LAX83FA024Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Panoche, CAAt 1615 on 10/29 the plt obtained a fss wx briefing & filed a VFR flt plan to taft. The plt was advised his trip would be in VFR conditions to taft, but the wx would deteriorate tnto thunderstorms along his route as the evening progressed. The acft arrived in…Oct 30, 1982 · N5223J · DestroyedNTSB NYC83FA004Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTed Smith 601P · Augusta, MEPilot lost control of his aircraft during low altitude maneuvers to align the aircraft for landing. The low ceiling and rising terrain around the airport influenced the pilots decisions to make tight turns at low altitude. The aircraft was stalled and rolled…Oct 29, 1982 · N90439 · DestroyedNTSB FTW83AA024Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-31P · Carrollton, TXA PA-31, N100FD, was being vectored by dfw approach control (apch ctl) for a landing on rwy 13L at dallas-love fld. The plt's last received & acknowledged instructions were to descend & maintain 2000' & turn left to 190 deg. Simultaneously,a Cessna 337,…Oct 27, 1982 · N100FD · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB DEN83FTE02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 172G · Mack, COWhile on a flt from evanston, WY to glenwood, CO, the plt encountered "cloud to ground" conditins & diverted toward grand junction, CO. He stated that due to a nav problem, he radioed grand junction tower to verify his position. Grand junction had no radar &…Oct 27, 1982 · N5803R · DestroyedNTSB MKC83FCA01Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · St. Charles, MOThe acft crashed on the north boundary of the arpt within minutes after having been seen departing rwy 27. Dense ground fog prevailed at the crash site. Approximately 1-1/2 hours after the accident examination disclosd very heavy frost on all acft parked…Oct 25, 1982 · N8184Y · Substantial damageNTSB LAX83FA020Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Vallejo, CAAt 1830, the plt received a wx briefing for a flt from fair oaks to san jose, CA with a passenger pickup stop at sacramento, CA. During the briefing, he was told that he ought to be able to make it if he traveled below 4000 ft MSL & left within the next hr.…Oct 25, 1982 · N4583F · DestroyedNTSB FTW83FQA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCassutt 111M · Moriarty, NMThe pilot tookoff to deleiver the aircraft to a new owner. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft turned as if to return to the airport and suddenly nosed down and dove at a 30 to 45 degree angle. Before leveling off, it mushed into the ground hard enough to…Oct 25, 1982 · N19L · Substantial damageNTSB FTW83FPM02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAmerican AA-5B · 3 1/2 Nm Ene Di, OKWitnesses stated that the aircraft bounced at touchdown, a go-around was attempted and the aircraft struck a powerline at the end of the runway. The aircraft impacted the ground approximately 1/4 mile southeast of the runway. The accident occurred at dusk.Oct 24, 1982 · N4555J · Substantial damageNTSB DEN83FA010Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320E · Kemmerer, WYThe flt departed big piney at approximately 2200 & was observed to climb straight out from rwy 31 to an estimated 7,800 ft MSL. The acft then turned to a southwesterly heading toward Kemmerer. Shortly thereafter a witness at big pineyheard the plt attempt to…Oct 24, 1982 · N3460Q · DestroyedNTSB ATL83FKQ01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 150F · Sidon, MSThe student pilot and passenger departed jackson on a flight to madison, MS. The highway patrol received a report of a low flying aircraft and a loud noise in the vicinity of Sidon, MS, the aircraft wreckage was found the next morning in a soy bean field. The…Oct 24, 1982 · N3066X · DestroyedNTSB LAX83FUJ02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHobbs B8M · Eloy, AZThe gyrocopter crashed approximately 125 ft short of & 30-45 ft to the right of the rwy threshold during proficiency flying.Oct 23, 1982 · N1335G · Substantial damageNTSB DEN83FTI02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 172P · Dillon, MIThe pilot and three passengers departed Dillon, mt at about 0740 MDT to scout for elk in preparation for hunting the next day. According to a passenger, they flew directly to a mountain area about 30 miles away where they spotted some elk. He said that while…Oct 23, 1982 · N4AM · DestroyedNTSB CHI83FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportC. EFF VARI-EZE · Seymour, INAircraft was being taxi tested when it became airborne and flew a fast, low tentative pattern. Turning final the turn was very steep and aircraft descended to ground impacting a tree prior to ground impact. The pilot had no recorded flight time in this…Oct 23, 1982 · N122EF · DestroyedNTSB ATL83FA014Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Athens, TNThe plt had not flown for a couple of years. On 10/15/82 he received dual instruction in a C-172 & on the day of the accident was checked out in the PA-28. His certificate was not valid for night flight. At 1716 the plt activated a VFR flt plan. At…Oct 22, 1982 · N21678 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI83FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Indian Hill, OHThe helicopter was observed circling an athletic field. During the third pass over the field it was observed to come to a near hover immediately followed by a tailrotor separation. The manufacturer issued a safety notice 12/4/81 & again on 10/4/82 stressing…Oct 21, 1982 · N9015R · DestroyedNTSB MIA83FA017Accident · 8 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31 · Missing Acft (Atlantic Ocean)The flt departed anguilla at 0803 ast. At 0805 the plt radioed st. maarten & filed a VFR flt plan to st. thomas. The flt plan showed a direct route of flt at 4,500 ft MSL with a time enroute of 45 min. The flt failed to arrive at the destination. Search…Oct 20, 1982 · N777AA · DestroyedNTSB CHI83FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · Lemont, ILThe pilot took off at 0642 CDT, and at 0645, he reported level at 4000 ft MSL. At 0659:08, he preported that he was encountering icing conditions and requested a climb to 6000 ft. at 0700:16, after changing from TRACON to center frequency, he was cleared as…Oct 20, 1982 · N736NA · DestroyedNTSB ATL83FA013Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B-23 · Lexington, SCThe aircraft crashed in a corn field shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was owned by the pilot who was fatally injured in the accident. The weather was VMC and no system malfunction could be found. The aircraft was seen flying at low altitude prior to the…Oct 20, 1982 · N9143T · Substantial damageNTSB LAX83FUJ01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGrumman American AA-1B · New River, AZAfter entering the traffic pattern, the aircraft was observed in a steep descending turn from downwind to final approach. A witness reported that the pilot kept increasing the bank, while turning to final, as if to keep from overshooting the final approach…Oct 19, 1982 · N9897L · Substantial damageNTSB FTW83FRG01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBeech 58 · Round Rock, TXBfr tkof, the plt obtained a wx briefing & filed an IFR flt plan. He tkof at aprx 0816 CDT. At aprx 0820, the acft was radar identified about 1 mi south of Round Rock, TX, heading eastbound. The plt was issued an IFR clnc, as filed, & was clrd to climb from…Oct 19, 1982 · N1820N · DestroyedNTSB MIA83FA014Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Fort Lauderdale, FLEnroute the plt attempted unsuccessfully to circumnavigate the IFR wx that existed along his intended route & then decided to return to ft. Lauderdale. As the acft descended over the rwy threshold, it was observed to rock its wings several times as if the plt…Oct 18, 1982 · N64419 · DestroyedNTSB FTW83FA017Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Gulf Of MexicoN55AL had departed vermillion block 84 at about 0956 enroute to vermillion block 39 with an ETA of 1010. The plt called at about 1011 stating he would be landing in about 1 minute. N9914K had departed vermillion block 64 at about 1010 enroute to vermillion…Oct 18, 1982 · N55AL · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB ATL83FA021Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportLockheed 18 · Kosciusko, MSThe acft was observed without lights making repeated low altitude passes over a pipeline right-of-way at night. The acftwas equipped with an internal aux fuel tank, non-standard internal plumbing, a large lever-operated petroleum products pump, an inflatable…Oct 18, 1982 · N1040G · DestroyedNTSB LAX83FA012Accident · 14 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C-45H · Taft, CAThe aircraft was on a local flight involving a parachute jumping activity. In addition to the pilot, there were 12 parachutists and an observer on board. The pilot initiated his takeoff on runway 18. A witness stated that shortly after takeoff, the engine…Oct 17, 1982 · N403SE · DestroyedNTSB CHI83LA018Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Sault Ste Marie, MIThe pilot was on a VMC flight plainwell, MI. To Sault st Marie, MI. Prior to and during the flight the pilot obtained weather briefings on conditions relative to his intended route of flight. A witness near the crash site stated the aircraft passed over her…Oct 17, 1982 · N9192V · Destroyed