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 LAX82FA308Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Los Angeles, CAThe flt departed santa monica at 0830 for a local flt. At 0926 the plt called from downtown Los Angeles for landing at santa monica. At 9028 the plt 3 mi east of a VFR reporting point with eng trouble & that he had to come down. The acft wing struck the roof…NTSB ANC82DAG48Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMaule M-5 · Nera Kenai, AKThe passenger was struck by the propeller while he was attempting to assist in beaching the float plane. The pilot stated that as he beached the aircraft and was shutting down the engine, the passenger (contrary to repeated instructions) exited the cabin.…NTSB CHI82DA318Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportMustang II · Plainfield Twp, ILAircraft came down vertically rolling. Just before ground contact or at about 200 feet rolling slowed and aircraft continued descent to terrain contact. No malfunction noted.NTSB ATL83FA186Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Ft. Pickett, VAThe acft collided with the ground at ft Pickett shortly after a similiar acft was seen trying to approach blackstone army airfield. This acft made a go-around and disappeared to the south. The wrecked acft was found 3.5 miles south of the arpt 8 months later.…NTSB FTW82FPA16Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBellanca 7ECA · Plano, TXDuring the 1818 departure from addison the plt advised addison tower that he was going to airpark-dallas for touch & go landings. The acft was observed to make at least one touch & go. At 1902 a witness called and reported hearing a noise, seeing a cloud of…NTSB ATL82FLG13Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportSmith Miniplane · Swansea, SCThe pilot was on a pleasure flight to practice aerobatic maneuvers. He held a current certificate of waiver which authorized him to practice low level aerobatics below 1500 ft above the surface. Four known witnesses observed the aircraft pull up from a low…NTSB LAX82FUM11Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 172N · San Clemente, CAAircraft declared missing by wife of passenger. Parts of the aircraft were found by boater and beach walkers from 8/18 to 8/25. Injury index presumed.NTSB CHI82FA312Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BL-65 · Rock Falls, ILAircraft caught fire while performing aerobatics and crashed out of control. Gas tank cap had come off and during inverted flight fuel spilled out and ignited.NTSB NYC82FA203Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Lewes, DEAbout 15 min after takeoff, the aircraft was observed to enter a maneuver from low altitude over a beach area. During the maneuver, the plane pulled up, entered a steep climb and then banked or rolled left and entered a nose down attitude. Before recovering,…NTSB DEN82FTK06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Watertown, SDThe pilot was spraying a sunflower field next to an alfalfa field that was being irrigated. As he pulled up from his third swath run, he began a procedure turn-around over the alfalfa field. During the turn, the plane rolled to an inverted attitude, then…NTSB NYC82FA199Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C24R · Trenton, NJDuring an approach to the mercer county airport at Trenton, n.j., the aircraft lost power and landed off airport in trees. The fuel selector was found positioned between left tank and off. The pilot attempted to fly to the runway, but unable. The aircraft…NTSB LAX82FA297Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Lompoc, CAA student plt in a Cessna 152, N4603L, was departing from rwy 25 while Cessna 172, N733HV, was arriving from the north. After taking off, the student made a right climbing turn toward the north, then began another turn to the east in accordance with published…NTSB ATL82FKQ17Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportEaa Biplane · Meridan, MSAccording to three witnesses the plt was performing aerobatic maneuvers at tree-top level & the acft stalled during a pull-up & turn-around. The plt's blood alcohol level was 128 mg% & the gastric level was 287 mg%.NTSB SEA82FA142Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32-300 · Shelton, WAWitnesses 3 miles west of the arpt heard the sounds of the departing acft. As the acft proceeded northbound, sounds of eng power cycling were heard, followed by increasing noise levels as if the acft was returning to the field. At the sudden sound of high…NTSB MKC82DA142Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 210J · Lees Summit, MOThe aircraft had been repainted at topeka, KS. On a return flight to Kansas city, MO, the pilot diverted to olathe, KS after finding clouds at the intended destination. He then departed on a night flight to Lees Summit, MO. After entering the traffic pattern…NTSB DEN82FTA11Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Hardin, MIThe wreckage was found 3/4 mi west of the nw end of a farm rwy in the approximate position of where a right turn would occur from the downwind leg to the base leg of a right pattern to the se rwy. The wreckage showed evidence of a right rotational moment at…NTSB FTW82FPM15Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBeech H35 · Tulsa, OKAircraft lost power during takeoff. Pilot tried to turn back to airport in a left bank described as 60 to 90 degrees. Aircraft stalled and crashed about 1300 feet east of takeoff point. During the investigation the fuel pump was placed on a flow bench & on…NTSB NYC82FA193Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180H · Porter, METhe acft was taking off from a pond which is about 4,200 ft at its longest length. A power line extends across the pond about 2,000 ft from the south end. The acft was observed to takeoff to the north remaining on the water while passing under the wires. The…NTSB NYC82FA188Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Danbury, CTApproaching the destination arpt, the plt was advised to plan a VOR rwy 24 approach & that he would be turned just inside the faf. At 0055, newark a/c identified the acft 3 mi north of the arpt still at 2,000 ft & asked the plt if he was able to execute the…NTSB LAX82FA294Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Corcoran, CAThe acft crashed approximately 25 minutes after takeoff. There were no witnesses to the accident. The crash site was a plowed & cultivated seed alfalfa farm land. Ground scars reveal that the acft struck the ground in a level flight attitude, all wheels…NTSB ATL82FKW09Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGrumman AA-1 · Lafayette, TNThe acft crashed while apparently trying to land in a field drg IFR conditions after loss of a top eng cowling. The plt had just made a may day transmission that he had lost his cowling. It could not be determined whether the cowling was lost before or after…NTSB LAX82FA291Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Weaverville, CAThe student pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings at a unidirectional runway. The airport procedure was to takeoff downhill on runway 18 and to land uphill on runway 36. Pilots, who flew at the airport, stated that go-arounds were not made on runway 36…NTSB FTW82FRG39Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Bandera, TXWhile returning from Mexico, the pilot landed at eagle pass, TX and cleared U.S. Customs. Without refueling or obtaining a weather briefing, he continued toward his home airfield at the flying l ranch near Bandera, TX. Local weather observations indicated…NTSB DEN82FTE22Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportEiriavion PIK-20D · Crested Butte, COThe pilot was attending an "aviation weekend" sponsored by the town of Crested Butte, CO. He had flown in this area often and was acquainted with the terrain and weather. After being towed to an area near the northwest corner of mt Crested Butte, a normal…NTSB DEN82FTC09Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell 47G-3B-L · Kaycee, WYThe pilot was having cooling fan problems, some blades had broken. He landed in a canyon stayed overnight to cool engine and planned to fly to top of the canyon to get repairs. After takeoff, the helicopter had climbed almost level with the top of the canyon…NTSB SEA82FYA09Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna R172K · Ketchum, IDThe acft was observed flying low over a road in mountainous terrain prior to impact. All pilot and aircraft records were destroyed by fire.NTSB ATL82FA233Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Folkston, GAThe acft crashed into the okefenokee swamp in se Georgia. Thunderstorms, varying in magnitude from levels 3 to 5, were moving from west of jacksonville FL to an area north of the okefenoke swamp. The storms were moving nw at 20K.NTSB LAX82FA290Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Palo Verde, AZThe acft took off from a road near the plt's home. It was observed to go around a pickup truck parked alongside the road & then lift off. The acft climbed, turned right briefly & then went wings level. It then started a right descending turn into the ground.…NTSB NYC82FA181Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Concord, NHThe plt was advised during the 0028 & 0203 wx briefings that VFR flt was not recommended. At 0304 the plt called fss to activate his flt plan & was again advised VFR flt was not recommended. At 0403 the flt was given Concord wx & at 0406WAS cleared into the…NTSB CHI82FA290Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportStarduster II · Oshkosh, WIBoth acft were operating in the fly-by (no radio) pattern during the annual eaa convention. According to participant records both plts had received fly-by pattern briefings. Both acft were observed to be in the southern most portion of the upwind leg of the…NTSB NYC82FNC13Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Beans Purchase, NHThe acft impacted an obscured mountain. An observation log & a pilot-certificated witness confirmed that IFR conditions existed at the time of the accident.NTSB MIA82FKJ05Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-25 · Jay, FLThe acft stalled during a spraying operation. The plt received his private pilot's certificate approximately four months prior to the accident. He had no flt time logged in a PA-25 & no information could be found to indicate the plt had received any…NTSB NYC82FA176Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · West Brattlebor, VTAt 2036 the plt contacted bradley approach control (a/c) on freq 121.5 & stated he was lost, at an altitude of 4,000 ft & in "almost IFR weather." Since the acft was not transponder equipped a/c had the plt use VOR orientation procedures to determine his…NTSB LAX82FVM17Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGreat Lakes 2T-1A-2 · Scotts Valley, CAWhile performing in an aerobatic show, the pilot entered a spin. According to a witness, he entered the spin at about 2000 ft AGL and made approximately 5 turns before starting a recovery at about 500 ft AGL. He stopped the spin, but there was insufficient…NTSB FTW82FRG34Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBeech C23 · Port Aransas, TXWitnesses observed the acft on a high final approach to rwy 12 when a go-around was initiated over the rwy at approximately 150 to 200 ft AGL. The acft started a steep banked right turn to a downwind position. The bank continued and the acft descended rapidly…NTSB SEA82FAD01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportLake LA-4-200 · Ketchikan Intl., AKDeparting under a special VFR clearance, the acft entered IMC within a period of approximately 15 secs after takeoff. The acft struck trees & the ground approximately 2 mi south of the airport.NTSB NYC82FA175Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B19 · South Yarmouth, MAThe acft stalled & impacted trees as the plt was buzzing a residence at 150-200 ft above the tree tops.NTSB MKC82FCG18Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportThorp T-18 · Neosho, MOThe aircraft crashed after it entered the traffic pattern for a landing. A witness reported that he observed the aircraft close in on a base leg as the pilot began a turn to final approach. He estimated that the pilot was in a 60 deg turn at about 150 ft AGL,…NTSB SEA82FYK11Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna T210M · Cottage Grove, ORThe aircraft crashed while receiving radar vectors from eugene approach control to the vor-dme runway 34 approach at eugene, OR. Investigation revealed that the aircraft impacted tree tops in a level, nose down attitude and traveled approximately 180 yard…NTSB LAX82FA282Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · 11mi.Sw Of Silv, NVAt 0237 the plt contacted ARTCC & verified that he was VFR at 9,500 ft MSL enroute to reno. At 0238 he located his position as 10 mi south of lidat intersection & was advised that oakland enroute radar was out of service. Lidat is on V105 between the beatty &…NTSB FTW82AA299Accident · 12 fatalFinal reportRobertson C-414 · Lindale, TX7-Seat acft took off with 4 adults & 8 children aboard. Acft rotated at about 2000 ft down rwy & climbed in a flat nose high attitude before settling into 30 ft trees about 4223 ft from point of lift-off. Acft oscillated violently 2 or 3 times in the pitch…NTSB DEN82FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEnstrom F-280 · Medora, NDDuring flt the plt noticed that eng RPM was about 500 over rotor RPM. The acft crashed during an unsuccessful autorotation. The overrunning clutch linkage & clutch was found in the disengaed position. A successful autorotation requires that the collective…NTSB LAX82FA279Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Morgan Hill, CAA Cessna 152, N5090Q and a Cessna 172, N20100 collided in flight while the aircrews of both aircraft were on local dual instructional flights. The student in the Cessna 152 was practicing a recovery from an unusual attitude after the instructor (ip) put the…NTSB DEN82FTM16Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportVarieze · Milcreek Canyon, UTThe aircraft crashed into trees in a Canyon at an elevation of 9300 MSL. The weather was reported as marginal VFR. No flight plan was filed. VFR flight was not recommended. A toxicological check of the pilot's blood showed an alcohol level of 91 mg%; however,…NTSB ANC82DA062Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHughes 369D · Near Bornite, AKTwo workers were transported to a mine drilling site where the helicopter was landed on a man-made heli-pad. The heli-pad was an area about 50 ft long and 12 ft wide that had been cut into the side of a rocky hill. After off-loading the workers, the pilot…NTSB SEA82FYM22Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportPiper 24-140 · Enterprise, ORWitnesses observed an aircraft fly over the city of Enterprise, Oregon on a bright night with clear sky conditions. Reportedly, the aircraft was flying very erratic; and just as it disappeared from the witnesses' sight, an explosion andfireball were observed…NTSB ATL82FA212Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Louisburg, NCWitnesses observed the takeoff roll as being unusually long. The acft never climbed much above 100-200 ft AGL, & struck trees 1/2 mi off the end of the rwy. The flaps were observed up during takeoff. Normal takeoff flap setting used by the club for carrying…NTSB SEA82FA129Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · 11nm East Of Si, AKAfter departing sitka the acft proceeded generally east via blue lake, blue lake pass & the "cut", a ridge oriented ne/sw with an elevation of approximately 3000 ft MSL. The impact site was about 1 NM se of the cut on the north face of the valley. Both stall…NTSB SEA82DYK10Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBeech S35 · Mckenzie Bridge, ORThe aircraft was landed at the Mckenzie Bridge state airport where two passengers deplaned. The airport had a 2600 ft turf runway with an upslope gradient of 3.4% toward the east. The airport/facility directory stated, "unattended. Land to e, takeoff to w.…NTSB LAX82FA275Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-601P · South Of Wicken, AZAt about 1005 MST the plt received a wx briefing for a flt to Florida with an overnight stay in Texas. Thunderstorm activity was forecast along the proposed route of flt. The briefer advised the plt to get an updated briefing before departure because of the…