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 DEN83FTM01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBowers Flybaby 1A · Ephriam, UTApproximately 4 ft of the inboard section of the left wing separated in flight during an aerobatic maneuver. Witnesses stated that the acft had been performing little loops & then it went straight up & rolled off to the left upside down. It then spiralled…NTSB ATL83FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Conyers, GAAircraft was observed making low passes. During on of these low passes aircraft collided with wires, trees and a tennis court. Pilots blood ethanol level was 214 mg percent. The pilot had not been given permission by the owner to fly the aircraft.NTSB CHI83FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Delavan, WIThe airport manager stated that the aircraft had been flying for about 45 min when it returned to the airport. He reported that the pilot made a low pass over the runway, as if he was checking the wind for landing. He saw the pilot start to climb and enter a…NTSB SEA83FA009Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing Vertol 107 · Cascade, IDDuring a log slinging operation a loud bang was heard & the acft was observed to rapidly descend vertically to the ground with numerous small fragments falling in the same vicinity. The #5 synchronization shaft was found to be fractured at the forward end…NTSB DEN83FA008Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe T-8F · Choteau, MTThe PIC was a designated pilot examiner. The purpose of the flt was to give the PIC opportunity to fly the acft from the rear seat as he was planning to give flt instruction in the acft in the near future. As FAR as could be determined, the PIC had never…NTSB MIA83LA012Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Near St. CroixThe non-instrument rated pilot departed st Croix, VI at about 2000 local time on a VFR flight to san juan, PR. The weather was VFR, but it was a dark night. The aircraft failed to arrive at its destination and a search was initiated. About 10 miles northwest…NTSB CHI83FA014Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A24R · Lansing, MIWitnesses observed the acft flying in an easterly direction, level but in a slightly descending flight path. No smoke, flame or parts falling from the acft were observed. The eng sound was steady & loud. The descent continued at a shallow angle until impact.…NTSB ANC83LAA02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 150 · Nulato, AKThe acft struck trees 600 ft from the departure end of the rwy at a high rate of speed after taking off from the unlighted rwy at night. The plt's blood alcohol level was 31 mg% & the urine alcohol level 90 mg%.NTSB SEA83FYM01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · 1/4nm S. Of Peo, ORThe pilot and passenger were on a pleasure flight over the willamette river. The passenger stated that after following the river the aircraft began to climb and turn east. There was a sudden jolt and the plane began to spin and impacted the water.NTSB LAX83FUM01Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportBeech A35 · Oceanside, CADuring arrival, the aircraft entered downwind for a right traffic pattern to runay 24. At that time, a witness (a well qualified pilot) noted that the wind was from the northeast at about 8 KTS. Another pilot-witness stated that the wind was from the…NTSB NYC83FA005Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Sanbornton, NHThe plt was advised during his wx briefing that VFR flt was not recommended for his proposed route of flt and destination. The plt, whose business concern was in the glens falls area, commuted almost daily to his home in gilford, NH. The wreckage was located…NTSB ATL83FKW01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 172P · Gallatin, TNCessna 172P, N5313K crashed into a densely wooded area during the initial portion of cross-country flight. The pilot and his wife were killed but an infant son survived. Weather was not a factor.NTSB DEN83FTC01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportGrumman American AA-5B · Albin, WYThe pilot was on personal cross-country. There was no record of a pre-flight or in-flight weather briefing. The weather at the accident site was near blizzard condition. The aircraft was heard circling, but it was not seen due to snow. The winds approached 50…NTSB ATL83FID01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 172G · Boones Mill, VAThe pilot was trying to approach roanoke in weather that obscured the mountain tops. He crashed into a mountain slope at the 2900 foot level. He had contacted roanoke radio but radar contact had not been established. During his weather briefing VFR flight had…NTSB MIA83FA006Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Lake Placid, FLAircraft was transporting marijuana and during an attempted road landing at Lake Placid collided with wires which damagethe landing assembly. Aircraft continued on to north about 4 miles and ditched in a lake. The aircraft sank with both occupants and cargo.NTSB LAX83FUA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRobinson R22 · Santa Ana, CAThe commercial plt was rated in fixed wing acft, but in the helicopter, had student privileges only. He had obtained aprx 37 hrs of dual instruction & 3 hrs of solo time in the Robinson R22 helicopter; however, 1.3 hrs of his solo time was limited to hover…NTSB FTW83FA009Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Hebbronville, TXThe crew were advised that the acft's vacuum pump system was inoperative due to a sheared pump driveshaft. The copilot had stated that fss had forecast 25,000 ft broken & he did not feel he would need the pump. At 1735 the plt contacted center & requested…NTSB LAX83FJA01Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportBeech C-45G · Waimanalo, HIThe purpose of the flt was to be a reindoctrination/training flt for the second-in-command. Witnesses observed the acft off shore flying parallel to the cliffs approximately 500 ft over the water. The acft banked left then right to a 90 deg right wing low…NTSB LAX83FA003Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-55 · Flagstaff, AZTwo witnesses reported that between 0130 & 0200 they observed an acft performing dives, loops, inverted flight & buzzinga lake. They stopped their vehicle & continued to observe the acft. The acft then departed but returned shortly thereafter. The lake is…NTSB FTW83FA001Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportThunder Balloons AX9-140 · Albuquerque, NMAfter what was described as a normal landing liquid propane began escaping. The propane vaporized & was ignited engulfing the gondola in flames. Four pax exited the gondola while it was still on the ground & the last survivor exitedat about 25 ft as the…NTSB ATL83FA001Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportEagle C-7 · Piedmont, SCBalloon was inflated with difficulty because of gusty winds. Balloon did not have a skirt. During the flight which ended in the accident the balloon seemed to have trouble and during the final moments it was in a descent which ended with the envelope as a…NTSB DEN83FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Wolsey, SDThe pilot had been issued an instrument rating on 8/6/82 and had logged 5.6 hrs since that time. The pilot's instructor believed this would have been his first low approach in actual instrument conditions since he completed his check flight. A witness stated…NTSB FTW82FQA27Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 177B · Guadalupita, NMPilot on cross-country impacted the side of a 11,055 foot mountain at the 10,800 foot level. The mountains were obscured at the time.NTSB FTW82FA402Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Paige, TXFollowing completion of the helicopter's annual inspection, the aircraft mechanic/pilot departed clover field in houston for the R22'S home base in austin, TX. One witness observed the helicopter in cruise flight, then saw a large piece separate from the…NTSB MIA83LA009Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech H35 · Missing Acft (Atlantic Ocean)Aircraft Missing on a flight from marsh harbour Bahamas to ft. pierce FL. Thunderstorms were along the proposed route. Last recorded position on radar data log was at 27-06-13 north and 79-27-58 west. No radio communications were reported with flight after…NTSB SEA82FA175Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 305A · Belden, CADuring a search mission, the subject aircraft was seen to turn, then apparently slow or pause and then disappear inverted into high trees at the 4600 foot level. Parts of the aircraft being searched for were only 300 feet from the crash of the subject…NTSB LAX82FA364Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M-20K · Mammoth Lakes, CAThe plt called Mammoth UNICOM & advised he was 10 mi out for landing. He was advised that he should use rwy 27. The acftcrashed into a lake about 6 mi east of the arpt. Toxicological tests revealed a cocaine level of 40.0 mcg/ml in the plt's urine.NTSB LAX82DA359Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Casa Grande, AZStudent pilot with no night flying experience flew into wires at night on a personal flight with a passenger. VFR conditions existed and no flight plan was filed.NTSB NYC82FA237Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-R-300 · Berkeley Spring, WVWhile en route, the aircraft collided with the side of a mountain during level flight at about 2000 ft MSL. The impact occurred where the terrain sloped upward at about a 45 deg angle. Prior to takeoff, the pilot was advised of marginal VFR conditions and…NTSB NYC82FA236Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Normalville, PADuring the wx briefing the plt was advised of marginal VMC with high overcasts but reduced visibilities in light rain & fog, with radar depiciting an area of showers moving into the pittsburg area from the carolinas. Witnesses near the crash site stated the…NTSB LAX82FA361Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGreat Lakes 2T-1A-2 · Arcata, CAThe plt & pax were on a cross-country from somewhere in the klamath, CA area to hayward, CA. Witnesses observed it flying southbound at 50 to 100 ft over the ocean's shore line. Reportedly, the acft made a sharp left turn toward land, then crashed on a…NTSB LAX82FA357Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 520 · Agoura, CADuring departure, the pilot climbed in IFR conditions to 600O ft. after leveling, a frequency change was made and he was cleared to 8000 ft, which he acknowledged. About 2 min later, the controller radioed to the pilot that he was about 4 mi north of the…NTSB FTW82FRJ18Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportKen Brock KB-2 · Coushatta, LAThe pilot was approaching for a landing in his home built gyrocopter at about 100 ft AGL when it suddenly nosed down and crashed in about a 60 deg descent. A witness stated that it impacted on its side, slightly inverted. No preimpact malfunctions were noted.…NTSB CHI82FA366Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Sugargrove, ILAircraft collided with terrain after a missed approach in a descending turn left wing hit the ground first. Aircraft broke up and caught fire. No malfunctions found.NTSB LAX82FJA07Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBellanca 7KCAB · Makawao, HIFor insurance purposes, the owner needed about 15 more hours in the tailwheel aircraft before he could fly solo without an instructor. On 9/24 and 9/25, the owner and instructor planned to fly the needed time. Maui tower controllers reported the plane…NTSB FTW82FPM17Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 421B · Afton, OKAt about 1930 CDT, the aircraft departed yukon, OK on a direct flight to alton, IL. It landed at alton at about 2200 CDT, and about 10 minutes later, it departed on a return flight to yukon. Before departing alton, the pilot stated that he would refuel at…NTSB FTW82FPM16Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMustang II · Tahlequah, OKThe amateur built Mustang ii crashed while attempting a roll during the annual tulsa fly-in at Tahlequah airport. The acft was observed making a hi-speed fly-by over runway 35 at approximately 50 ft AGL, and start a gradual climb & roll to the right to…NTSB CHI82FA365Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Mankato, MNAt about 1530 CDT, the aircraft departed mattoon, IL on a flight to Mankato, MN. However, the pilot landed at albert lea, MN where he refueled and topped the tanks with 45.5 gal of fuel. The aircraft's usable supply was 48 gal. While refueling, he reportedly…NTSB ATL82FA285Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Nashville, TNWitnesses reported that the helicopter was in cruise flight between 100 and 500 feet AGL at a high speed when slapping and cracking sounds were heard, followed by the in-flight breakup of the helicopter. The wreckage was scattered over 700 ft with the…NTSB FTW82AA391Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBeech 58P · Midland, TXAn intersection tkof was started nr the middle of rwy 25 with 2096 ft remaining. The plt stated the tkof was normal until he started making an initial pwr reduction to 34 inches and 2400 RPM. At that time, the l eng reportedly continuedto lose pwr and…NTSB LAX82FUG17Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · San Gorgonio, CAThe acft crashed into the south face of mount San Gorgonio at approximately 8,300 ft MSL. It appeared the acft was in level flt & at a high speed at impact. Witnesses in the area reported the weather was VFR.NTSB NYC82FA230Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 222 · New York, NYThe helicopter (hel) was being loaded with the engines running. The flt crew were at the ctls when the acdnt occurred. Initially, 4 paxs were escorted to the hel by a customer svc agent. As the 4 boarded, the agent retrieved their carry on baggage. Aft they…NTSB ANC82DAA20Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper J3 · Near Nome, AKThe pilot was flying home from a hunting trip. The weather was low ceiling and visibility was marginal in some of the valleys. The aircraft impacted at the 1300 foot level on a 30 degree incline of a rocky slope. The aircraft bounced backfour feet on impact…NTSB DEN82FTM17Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 182 · Salina, UTOne of the survivors stated they were flying across the face of a mountain & started a left turn up the mountain. As they made the turn they realized they were too low. When they started their turn to fly over the hill they were expecting the terrain to be…NTSB ANC82FA094Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206 G · Near Kotzebue, AKAircraft engine lost power over water of hotham inlet on an air taxi flight. Due to low altitude pilot had to ditch the aircraft. Aircraft sank almost immediately. Because of pilot's radio call two passengers were rescued.NTSB NYC82FGM16Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportFoster Airspeed · Butler, PAThe owner intended to put his aircraft on static display at the airport fly-in which was on the same airport. A friend informed the owner that he would like to fly the plane and the owner disclosed that it did not have a current inspection. The plane was…NTSB LAX82FXQ14Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-38 · Imlay, NVThe pilot flew up a canyon in weather that obscured the ridges in low visibility and rain. Clouds also covered the terrain. A witness saw the aircraft disappear behind a hill and a storm obscured her vision and hearing. The aircraft was located in a box…NTSB LAX82FA346Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Beldon, CAPortions of the acft's right wing were located north of highway 70 in remote rugged mountainous terrain near belden, CA.the remainder of the wreckage was located about 2 mi south of the highway on the east side of fern creek canyon at an elevation of about…NTSB CHI82FA357Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFlitecraft Senior Aero · Footville, WIThe home built aircraft was on a familiarization flight for the pilot in the right seat. One witness stated he saw the aircraft (at about 2000 ft AGL) enter a nose high (straight up) attitude followed by a nose low (straight down) attitude. A spin then…NTSB LAX82FA345Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Huntington Beac, CAN9FQ, a Beech 200, had taken off from rwy 19R at john wayne arpt at santa ana, departed the traffic pattern on a right crosswind leg, & proceeded nw toward burbank. N732BP, a C-210L, was on a local training flt out of santa ana & had just completed practice…