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 ANC82FA091Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobertson C-U206F · Near Nondalton, AKShortly after takeoff from hudson lake the left wingtip contacted the water causing the acft to cartwheel. The acft came to rest inverted & floated for a short time before sinking. A witness reported the waves on the lake were at least 4 ft high & breaking…NTSB FTW82FA382Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Paris, TXThe PA-24 had departed rwy 17 at cox field & was climbing at the time of the collision. The plt had reported his intended departure on UNICOM. The AA5B had reported 5 mi sw of the arpt descending through 5,000 ft. for landing. The head-on collision occurred…NTSB DEN82FA198Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Divide, MTThe acft stalled & crashed on the side of a ridge. The plt was described as an avid outdoorsman, sportsman & hunter. According to local residents near the crash site, the area is well populated with large & small game. Density altitude was computed to be…NTSB CHI82FA342Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech H35 · Beaver Dam, WIAt about 1530 CDT, the aircraft departed madison, WI on a flight to the dodge county airport at juneau, WI. According to a fixed base operator at juneau, the pilot had made arrangements to fly the aircraft there on that date for an annual inspection. At 1544,…NTSB SEA82FYM24Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 172P · 3nm Se Scappoos, ORThe acft struck & severed power lines strung between two 90-foot towers located about 1500 feet apart. The power lines were about 50 to 60 feet above the water at the lowest point of the line sag.NTSB SEA82DA165Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28-180C · Renton, WAPilot parked aircraft with engine running to discharge passenger. Passenger jumped off right wing into prop.NTSB SEA82FA163Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-II · Mahoney Creek, IDThe acft was observed flying over the strip in what appeared to be a normal downwind pattern. It crashed about 300 ft below windy ridge on the northwest face. The autopsy report indicated the plt had a "patchy healed myocardial infarct" prior to the accident.…NTSB DEN82FA193Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R172K · Vernal, UTThe aircraft collided with trees while low flying on a local flight. Two aircraft piloted by students from a nearby college had been seen flying low and close to each other around the local mountainous terrain. The students were enrolled in the college…NTSB DEN82AA191Accident · 6 fatalFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-25 · Hayden, COA maint supervisor & 2 plts noted that the l eng did not respond normally while being started. Aft starting, the plt taxied to rwy 10 for an IFR departure. Since the twy did not extend to the end of the rwy, the plt of another acft waited on the twy, just…NTSB LAX82DXQ13Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportNorth American F-51D · Elko, NVThe plt flew down the length of rwy 06 about 100 ft AGL, pulled up & did an 8-point roll while climbing. He then flew down rwy 12 & pulled up. After a brief climb the plt began a slow roll to the left. Just as the acft became inverted the roll stopped & the…NTSB CHI82FA350Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Houghton, MIThe acft crashed into trees while making an ILS approach to Houghton county memorial arpt, hancock, MI. The weather was IMC and an IFR flt plan had been filed. The two occupants were held in the acft by seat belts and were fatally injured in the crash and…NTSB CHI82DA361Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCassutt Mark II · Blaine, MNWitnesses at the accident site stated that after takeoff, the engine on N8937 began to sputter and the aircraft stalled at an altitude of approximately 50 to 100 feet AGL.NTSB ATL82FA267Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Itta Bena, MSAt 2329 while enroute the plt was advised of wx conditions along his route. He was advised of previous low VFR conditions in the greenwood area. The fss specialist stated that there had been "low conditions right around greenwood for about a hour and a half…NTSB LAX82FVG33Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportSchweizer 232 · Calistoga, CAThe acft crashed approximately 3 mi sw of the Calistoga arpt while returning from a local flt. The plt stated to a calif hwy patrol officer at the scene that he lost rudder control & had gone into a spin as a result in air change. The rudder cables were found…NTSB ATL82FA278Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201 · Alma, GADuring his wx briefing at 0731 the plt was advised that VFR flt was not recommended. The acft crashed in a cornfield after an inflight separation of the stabilators & wings. Local residents recalled that the rain showers were rather heavy at times on the day…NTSB MKC82FCD10Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper 28-236 · Liscomb, IAN2157A departed on a VFR flight to marshalltown, IA. There is no record of a pilot weather briefing prior to departure. The reported weather at waterloo airport at the approximate time of the accident was: measured ceiling 600 foot overcast, visibility one…NTSB LAX82FUG16Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 210A · Lake Havasu, CAThe pilot and passenger departed Lake Havasu airport. Following takeoff, the aircraft turned west and crossed the lake and shortly thereafter impacted the ground. There were no witnesses to the accident. The weather at the time of the accident was clear sky,…NTSB ANC82DAG59Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportCessna 180 · Missing Acft, AKAircraft disappeared on this flight of 9/7/82. No flight plan was filed but it is believed pilot was on round robin from lake hood to two lakes and return.NTSB SEA82AA155Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · 23 Mi Ene Toutl, WAWhile on a sightseeing flt in the Mt. St.helens national volcanic monument area the acft crashed on the mud flats of the north fork of the toutle river in a relatively flat & open area. There were indications of a massive oil leak from the eng area in flight.…NTSB MKC82FCQ14Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna TRI82 · Bunker Hill, KSThe non-instrument rated pilot departed great bend, KS sometime after 2000 CDT on 9/6/83 on a flight to lucas, KS. On 9/9/83, the aircraft was found where it had crashed between great bend and lucas. No preimpact, mechanical failures were evident. The 2256…NTSB MKC82FCG19Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 172N · Lake Of The Oza, MOWitnesses reported that the pilot made a low pass at a cove, then flew out over the water, turned and flew back at low altitude. During a second low pass, it struck electrical cables that crossed the cove. After hitting the cables, the aircraft crashed in a…NTSB ANC82DAG53Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-20 · Kenai, AKAt 0837 the plt called Kenai tower & reported 8 mi west inbound for landing. At 0845 he reported that he would be landing on the beach. At 0847 he reported that he would not make the beach & would be going into the water. The acft & occupants were not…NTSB LAX82DA332Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportVarieze Hamlin · Susanville, CADuring a 2nd pass down the runway at about 50 feet AGL, the aircraft pulled up to about 200 feet and completed over halfof a roll, then spiraled into a lake and was destroyed. According to witnesses, the engine was running at all times until impact.NTSB DEN82FA182Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Billings, MTThe acft departed laramie at approximately 1600 with a full load of fuel. At 1840 the plt contacted Billings tower & stated he had a low fuel warning light. Several minutes later he radioed that he was going down. A witness observed the acft coming down "real…NTSB DEN82DA183Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAmerican AA1 · Opheim, MTThe pilot tookoff and made a pass over the airport. At about 500 feet the aircraft began to roll and spun to ground impact. Investigation revealed the pilot was apparently maneuvering and wing dipping for his friends on the ground when the stall occurred.NTSB ATL82FA263Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170A · Brunswick, GAThe non-instrument rated pilot was on a flight from ironton, oh to daytona beach, FL with an en route stop at columbia, SC. He obtained a weather briefing prior to departing ironton, but did not update it after landing at columbia. The aircraft crashed on the…NTSB CHI82FA335Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Dublin, OHA flight of 2 helicopters proceeded without incident from cumberland to the vicinity of Dublin, OH without incident. After they circled the area to determine the direction and the location of obstacles, the first helicopter landed without incident. The pilot…NTSB MIA82AA177Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Near Lakeland, FLThe flt was conducting single-eng flt tests with the inboard gear doors removed & was being photographed by a chase acft. At the end of the tests the plt was unable to restart the left eng & returned for a single-eng landing. The plt overshot the landing…NTSB LAX82FA329Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7EC · Near Isleton, CAThe pilot and passenger were on a local flight to fly to the san joaquin river delta to observe and photograph a break in the river's level, as well as the passenger's boat. A consensus of the witnesses was that the aircraft was circling the area when it…NTSB ATL82FA261Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Lawrenceville, GADuring the return flt to stone mountain arpt, the plt contacted approach control & requested vectors to the gwinnett county arpt at Lawrenceville, GA. The plt reported that he had been going around thunderstorms & it was turning dark. Several minutes later…NTSB LAX83FUJ46Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Kayenta, AZA witness reported that at about 200-250 ft the eng sputtered, the acft leveled off & the eng started again. The acft then made a right turn & the eng sputtered again & quit. The right wing dropped drastically. No malfunctions were noted during the eng tear…NTSB ANC82FA079Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Clarks Point, AKThe aircraft was observed flying at low altitude near the shore line of the bay near Clarks Point. At one Point in the flight, which had been erratic since takeoff, the aircraft pulled up into a vertical climb stalled and spun to the water. The pilot was a…NTSB SEA82FYA10Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Homedale, IDAs the acft made a pass over a field the plt cut the power & slowed the acft into slow flight. The acft then made a steep turn & stalled.NTSB MKC82FA161Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Mediapolis, IADuring the 1725 CDT wx briefing the plt was informed that the Kansas city area would be 1600 ft broken, occassional 800 ft broken, 3/4 mi visibility with thunderstorms & moderate rain with strong surface winds about 35K. The forecast was valid to 2200 CDT.…NTSB MKC82FA160Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T310R · Council Bluffs, IAThe omaha weather was reported (in part) to be 3500 ft scattered, estimated 6000 ft broken, 18000 ft broken, visibility 4 mi with fog and haze, wind 200 deg at 5 KTS. However, the aircrew of a preceeding flight that arrived about 8 min earlier said they…NTSB CHI82FA329Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · Near Woodruff, WIAt approximately 2050, the acft was cleared for a NDB approach to lakeland arpt. At 2100, the acft crashed into a heavily wooded area 8.5 mi nw of the arpt.NTSB NYC82FA210Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Fairfield, NJThe C-172 had been cleared for an overhead approach to enter a right downwind. The plt reported overhead & rogered that he saw the traffic coming up on midfield. He also okayed that he could follow the traffic. He was then instructed to start his right turn.…NTSB ATL82FA251Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201T · State Road, NCThe plt reported his engine had quit. ARTCC advised the plt that the nearest arpt was elking at 12 mi. Several minutes later he reported that he didn't think he could make the arpt & was going to look for a field. Witnesses observed the landing gear down…NTSB CHI82FEG04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBently B8M · Williamsburg, OHAfter takeoff the acft climbed to about 250 ft AGL & then made a gradual shallow 180 deg left turn heading back toward the strip. It gradually started loosing altitude without any noticable variations or disruptions in its flt path when it clipped the trees &…NTSB DEN82FTG06Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Oakes, NDSeveral witnesses reported that the purpose of the flight was blackbird control of a sunflower field. There was speculation by local residents that the aircraft was being used to spread poisoned corn. This was substantiated when corn and a portion of an…NTSB FTW82FRG37Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportChampion 7GCAA · Killeen, TXThe majority of the wreckage was contained within a small area except for the left wing tip which was found about 125 yds from the wreckage & some pieces of fabric from the left wing that were found about 525 yds from the wreckage. Both wings had separated…NTSB NYC82FA208Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErco 415C · Carthage, METhe aircraft was observed flying at low altitude during which the engine sounds ceased. The aircraft stalled and descended vertically to the ground.NTSB LAX82FXQ12Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 182R · Dayton, NVAt about 0130 the plt & 4 companions were evicted from the cocktail lounge at carson city arpt for being drunk & disorderly. After the lounge closed they continued their drinking on the acft ramp where the plt & one companion attempted to steal a twin-eng…NTSB CHI82FA326Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Athens, MIThe acft was landing on rwy 27 which has a 350 ft displaced threshold due to 24 ft high power lines on the approach. A witness stated the plt was low & narrowly missed the wires on the first touch & go. During the second approach the plt was noticeably lower…NTSB ANC82DAG60Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28R · Dillingham, AKPilot collided with mountainous terrain at the 1400 foot level. He proposed flight on V-452 which does not exist in that area. V-462 would have been appropriate but his position did not coincide with that route. He was on a VFR flight plan. Twilight ended…NTSB MKC82FCJ05Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportTaylorcraft BC-12-65 · Max, NEPilot flying cross-country at low altitude collided with wires and crashed. No malfunctions of aircraft observed.NTSB LAX82FA313Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-6-235 · 5nm Sw Of Mcnea, AZImmediately after takeoff the acft was observed in a right turn with an abnormally nose high attitude. The acft appearedto stall & slide toward the left wing. Before a recovery could be completed the left wing & nose hit simultaneously at a 45 deg angle in…NTSB FTW82FRJ16Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportRockwell S-2R · Jones, LAAir tractor AT-400, N2342Z, and another aircraft, a Rockwell international S-2R, N8474V, collided while both aircraft were involved in spraying operatons. The AT-400 pilot was spraying a field that was surrounded by trees. He had just completed a swath run to…NTSB DEN82FA197Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Near Kalispell, MTAfter a flight from vancouver, british columbia to penticton, Canada, the pilot filed a flight plan for a return trip and departed at about 1900 MDT. Later, the aircraft crashed at night in the little bitterroot lake, located about 25 miles west of Kalispell,…NTSB ATL82FA243Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Greenwood, MSPilot was flying to spot deer. When deer were spotted pilot banked steeply to get better look, stalled and only had time to level wings before ground impact.