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 FTW82FA204Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Fairfield, TXWitnesses observed the helicopter flying northbound while traveling parallel and just east of a north-south highway. Reportedly, it enter an autorotative landing approach, crossed over the highway and impacted in an open field on a westerly heading after…NTSB DEN82FA099Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Orem, UTPrior to the accident, the student pilot was observed performing power-on stalls at low altitude with passengers on board. The stalls were being made toward rapidly rising terrain in a mountainous area. After the last recovery, the aircraft was observed…NTSB NYC82FNA14Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportThurston Teal TSC-1A · Methuen, MAThe pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings on a river in an amphibian aircraft. After a landing, the pilot commenceda high speed taxi takeoff. When violent shaking started the pilot reduced power, pulled back the stick, and landed. The aircraft nosed…NTSB ANC82DAG28Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Kenai, AKPilot was giving passengers rides along bishop creek. He was reported as flying low and erratic. On the last flight with two passengers, the wing dipped & caught the water. The acft then cartwheeled. The plt's blood alcohol level was 196 mg%.NTSB FTW82FRG33Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportCessna R182 · Bergheim, TXAt 0010 the plt contacted san antonio tower approximately 10 mi north of san antonio intl arpt. He stated he was at 3100 ft in the clouds. The controller instructed the plt to turn left heading 030, maintain 3,000, & asked the plt if hewanted an IFR…NTSB DCA82AA023Accident · 5 fatalFinal reportBeech D95A · Columbia, MDThe acft was vectored to intercept the localizer course for an ILS approach to rwy 10 at balt-wash-intl arpt. It was then observed to fly through & to the north of the localizer course. The acft was then directed to turn left to a heading of 360 for…NTSB LAX82FA196Accident · 8 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320D · Chandler, AZShortly after the aircraft took off from stellar airpark, several witnesses saw it flying northbound with smoke trailing from the left engine. One witness, a student pilot, stated that the gear was down and the plane was lower than normal, about 500 ft AGL.…NTSB DEN82FTC04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 172P · Osage, WYThe aircraft departed gillette, Wyoming on a pipeline patrol mission. This was the pilot's first pipeline patrol over the line that he was patrolling. During the flight, the aircraft struck three powerlines and crashed. The passenger stated that he saw the…NTSB CHI82FA186Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Milford, MIEarlier in the evening during a return flt from london, ontario to pontiac, MI the plt became disoriented & was radar vectored to detroit city arpt, the only arpt reporting VMC. The plt landed at about 2208. After landing the plt received two wx briefings at…NTSB ATL82FIG07Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Frederick, MDThe pilot reported that 1 to 2 ounces of water was drained from the low point fuel sump, but no water was detected from the other sumps. He stated that he drained the sump until no water was detected. During the flight, the engine surged twice, then lost…NTSB ATL82FA144Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Oakwood, VAThe plt was flying railroad officials to inspect rail lines that had been covered by mud slides caused by recent heavy rains. A witness heard the helicopter coming up the valley & then heard two popping sounds. He saw the helicopter falling to the ground near…NTSB FTW82FPG13Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Parkin, ARThe pilot departed presidents isle, TN with about 1/4 tank of fuel (3.5 gal) and proceeded en route with a planned stop at wynne, AR for fuel. Prior to reaching wynne, heavy rain was encountered and a landing was made at a private airport near Parkin, AR. The…NTSB FTW82FPG12Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGrumman G-164 · Ethel, ARThe acft collided with power lines during the start of a swath run.NTSB CHI82FER18Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAeronca 65-TF · Staples, MNThe pilot was making low passes over a river in search of a drowned man. He made a steep right turn and the aircraft stalled, dove into trees and impacted the ground nose first. The pilot stated the aircraft's door had been removed and that the aircraft had…NTSB ANC82DAG27Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportCessna 180 · N. Cordova, AKWitnesses stated that the pilot was landing diagonally to katalla beach into a strong headwind. Upon touchdown the left wing lifted up and the aircraft began a gentle turn to the right. Witnesses heard the engine power increase and observed the aircraft…NTSB NYC82FA103Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Delano, PAThe plt received wx briefings at 1111 & 1530 from the detroit, mi fss for a flt to new jersey. The plt was advised during the 1530 briefing that VFR flt was not recommended. The plt departed gross ile, mi at approximately 1700 & landedat williamsport, PA at…NTSB LAX82FXQ08Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper 18-150 · Tahoe City, CAThe float equipped aircraft departed on a local photography mission. The passenger wanted to take aerial photographs of the city area. After flying around the area for about 25 minutes, the aircraft crashed on a street. A witness observed the aircraft flying…NTSB LAX82DXQ10Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBroyill-Cowan-Murray BG12B · Yerington, NVAt about 1315 PDT, the pilot departed on a round robin cross-country flight from minden, Nevada to bridgeport California and return. He was participating in a region ii soaring championship (sport class). On the return leg of the trip, the pilot was oserved…NTSB FTW82FQG18Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna T337B · San Angelo, TXAt apprx 2015 CDT, the plt called the San Angelo tower and expressed concern that his acft might be damaged by hail from the wx that was bldg in the area, tower psnl relayed available wx info & provided phone numbers for the wx bureau & a local fss. A tornado…NTSB CHI82FA181Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A23 · Northville, MIAt 1701 EDT on 5/21/82, the non-instrument rated pilot called a flight service station and requested an IFR weather briefing. The briefing was for a flight from lapeer, Michigan to frankfort, Kentucky. The plane departed the next day at about 1200 EDT with no…NTSB ATL82FA140Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Holly Springs, SCPrior to departing new bern at 1837 the plt called his office & stated he had received a wx report for scattered thunderstorms along his route of flt. At 2020 & 2052 he contacted atl flt watch for wx advisories. He was advised that the wx radar was out of…NTSB LAX82DA185Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportRockwell 112TC · Fort Apache, AZThe aircraft was observed to fly between two parked campers in a left wing low attitude before hitting a pine tree. The aircraft then went into an inverted position before contacting the ground about 300 yards from the campers. Investigation revealed that the…NTSB CHI82FA174Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A188 · Blue Earth, MNThe flagman stated that during the swath run the acft was following the contour of the field. The flagman thought the plt was getting close to the end of the field & was about to call him on the radio when the acft pulled up to about a 45 deg nose high…NTSB MIA82FA120Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper P-60-601P · Titusville, FLShortly after takeoff witnesses observed the acft in a steep left bank descending until it crashed approximately 1200 ftnw of the departure end of the rwy. According to the pax the initial climb distracting the attention of the plt who lostcontrol of the acft…NTSB LAX82FA183Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A24R · Near Mt. Shasta, CAThe flight originated at reno, NV, but the pilot landed at red bluff, CA after receiving an in-flight weather briefing. After landing, he obtained another weather briefing and was advised that VFR flight was not recommended. He then filed a VFR flight plan…NTSB FTW82FRG29Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportBeech 95-C55 · Eagle Pass, TXThe wreckage was located approximately 16 mi se of Eagle Pass & with the exception of the elevators, all major components of the acft were identified at the scene. The outboard half of the r elevator was found 2 mi nw & the counterweight on the elev tip was…NTSB ATL82FKJ12Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Alabaster, ALDuring an air show, the aircraft was observed flying slowly over the runway on a southerly heading at about 200 to 250 ft AGL. Full left rudder was applied along with full up elevator and the plane entered a spin. After one turn, full opposite rudder was…NTSB SEA82FYM15Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportBeechcraft S35 · Walla Walla, WAWhile en route on a dark night, the aircraft collided with mountainous terrain in a heavily wooded, snow covered area. An investigation revealed that the plane crashed while in or near level flight at an altitude of about 4500 ft MSL. The top of the mountain…NTSB FTW82FA173Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream American 980(695) · Carlsbad, NMThe acft crashed about 1/2 mi sw of the departure end of rwy 32L. The rwy had been illuminated at the time of takeoff with the acft making a left turn into an area that was not illuminated toward the mountains. It was a very dark night with an…NTSB ANC82DAG26Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper 18 · Ramsey Bay, AKThe pilot and passenger were on a hunting trip and flew out of the camp to spot fellow hunters climbing a mountain. After locating them the pilot tried to turn in the canyon at low altitude and low airspeed. The aircraft stalled, spun and crashed.NTSB FTW82FA171Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Lorenzo, TXThe aircraft crashed while the pilot was trying to return to the departure airport after a night takeoff. Marginal VFR conditions were forecast with thunderstorms predicted. The aircraft accident occurred in area where a thunderstorm was in progress. His…NTSB CHI82FA160Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172C · Sunburg, MNThe pilot received several weather briefings and was advised of a severe cold front and thunderstorms in an area on his route. Prior to takeoff, he was advised that VFR flight was not recommended. While en route, the pilot reported that he was "totally…NTSB ATL82FLT04Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Iuka, MSThe aircraft crashed during a pass across the airport. A witness was parked, facing east, in the runup area for runway 18. According to him, the the aircraft took off about 6 minutes earlier, made a traffic pattern, and crashed behind and to his right. The…NTSB LAX82FA167Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Morman Lake, AZThe acft departed winslow, AZ on a flt to long beach, CA with an en route stop scheduled for prescot, AZ. Before departing winslow, the plt was warned by another plt that he had encountered extreme turbulence in the vicinity of mormon mtn. The plt and pax's…NTSB FTW82FRG30Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 182E · Armstrong, TXBefore taking off, the pilot reviewed the weather in person at the college station fss, but declined an official weather briefing. He departed in good VFR conditions and flew into an area of known and forcasted low ceilings. While en route, his flight path…NTSB ATL82FIJ02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Dunbar, WVThe pilot took off eastbound toward multiple power lines that crossed the river. The aircraft climbed to about 100 feet and was turning left away from the wires when it nosed over and crashed into the river. The pilot did not have a seaplane rating but had…NTSB MKC82FCQ09Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Fredonia, KSThe aircraft crashed after taking off on a test flight. A witness reported that the aircraft was in a steep angle of climb, and the nose pitched down as the pilot was making a left turn. The witness reported that the pilot had been adjusting the magnetos…NTSB LAX82FA171Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · El Portal, CAThe wreckage was located at 4,750 ft MSL on the east side of a north/south oriented ridge. The acft had traveled uphill approximately 110 ft on a 45 deg slope on a heading of 236 deg, coming to rest about 50 ft below the top of the ridge.NTSB LAX82FA168Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Mt. Wilson, CAAt the fss the plt requested the current & forecast salt lake city wx. The wx was furnished & the specialist advised that VFR flt was not recommended. The plt did not wish a full briefing & was heard to say to his passenger "let's go check it out." The acft…NTSB ATL82FLQ05Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBeech J35 · Magan, KYAt about 2017 EDT, approach control cleared the pilot to descend from 7000 ft to 2500 ft and began providing vectors for an ILS approach. About 9 minutes later, approach control advised that radar contact was lost, but no reply was received. At about 2042,…NTSB ATL82FIJ01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBrantley B-2B · Athens, WVThe helicopter crashed in a wooded, rocky area while the pilot was en route from the welch hospital to his residence in Athens, WV. An investigation revealed that the fuel tank bladder had ruptured, but no odor of fuel was noted. Later, the engine was…NTSB LAX82FVG23Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBoeing A75N1 · Pleasant Grove, CAThe pilot reported that he landed toward the north with the wind from the northeast at 8 to 10 knots. When the tailwheel touched down, the aircraft veered right. The pilot reported that he could not stop the turn. He opened the throttle while attempting to…NTSB LAX82FA164Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Upper Lake, CAWitnesses observed the acft rolling right & left during the final approach. The acft drifted to the right & power was applied prior to the collision with the trees. Nw winds in excess of 25K prevailed. A CFI witness stated that it appeared the plt was not…NTSB LAX82FA162Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30 · Santa Barbara, CAThe pilot visited fresno fss for a weather briefing on route to Santa Barbara. He was advised of weather and told VFR flight was not recommended. The pilot then said he would go VFR and make an instrument approach at Santa Barbara if weather was as bad as…NTSB LAX82FA161Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportSmith Aerostar 600 · Burbank, CAThe aircraft departed into IFR conditions with a non-instrument rated pilot in the left front seat and his wife, an instrument rated pilot, in the right front seat. After the pilot reported climbing through 2800 ft MSL, the radar controller observed that the…NTSB FTW82FQA18Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBlanik L-13 · Los Lunas, NMDuring landing the left wing struck a bystander who wandered onto the edge of the asphalt overrun taking photographs of the landing. There is a caution sign posted on the north access road of the runway.NTSB FTW82FPG11Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMoore Bell 47D1 · Amagon, ARThe purpose of the flight was to test the aerial spray equipment. After starting and warming the engine, the pilot took off, flew about 1/4 mi south, then flew north. A motorist stated that he saw black smoke coming from the helicopter. Two teen-agers heard…NTSB DCA82AA020Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportGates Learjet 23 · Near Savannah, GAThe flt was cleared to descend from FL410 to FL390. The flightcrew acknowledged the clearance & ATC observed the radar target descend. The acft suddenly pitched up when within 600 ft of FL390 & climbed. The pitchup was followed by two pitch oscillations which…NTSB FTW82FRJ10Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportContinental Tomcat MK6C · Cottonport, LAThe plt was familiarizing himself with the acft & the local area. The plt's log book showed only one hour of flt time logged between 9/23/81 & the date of the accident. Witnesses observed the acft flying for some time over the city at 300-400 ft AGL making…NTSB FTW82FRD10Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 207 · Franklinton, LAThe passenger stated that after sharp turns at low altitude over a farm house they did a roll & were too low to recover prior to striking trees. The acft came to rest inverted in a 4-5 ft deep farm pond. The autopsy report shows the plt's death by asphyxia…