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 DEN82FA038Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · 3nm East Of Mar, UTWitnesses in the vicinity of the accident at the approximate time of the accident stated that blizzard like weather conditions existed, that the snow fall was dense & the wind was variable & gusting. The wreckage was located atop a mountain at approximately…NTSB FTW82FQG15Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-36 · Floydada, TXThe aircraft crashed about 500 ft north of the field that was being sprayed. After impact, it traveled about 90 ft on a heading of 060 degrees. Green glass fragments were found at the initial impact point as well as propeller slash marks that were nearby. No…NTSB DEN82FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Aspen, COThe aircraft collided with a tree on top of a 12,000 foot mountain after it had departed Aspen, en route to denver. The aircraft should have climbed over the mountain without problems. The pilot only remembers the airspeed decaying and lowering full flaps…NTSB NYC82FGT08Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna A152 · Scotland, PAThe aircraft crashed after the pilot made a low pass over runway 13. At the departure end of the runway, the aircraft was observed to pull up into a 40 to 45 degree climb, then stall and enter a spin. It crashed in a near vertical descent.NTSB MKC82FCG17Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Topeka, KSThe aircraft crashed and burned during takeoff at 1303 CST. The pilot received second degree burns over 20 per cent of his body and expired on 3/9/82. Two sailplanes were damaged by impact and fire, and a third sailplane received fire damage. The pilot…NTSB MIA82DA062Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 150 · Huma Cao, PRThe aircraft was reported to have departed at or near sunset on a 30 minute aerobatic flight and did not return. During that period, an aircraft matching its description was observed to crash near by in the ocean while the pilot was performing aerobatics. A…NTSB FTW82DA075Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBell 206B · High Island BlkThe aircraft was low on the approach and during the flare, the vertical fin and tail boom contacted the safety netting extending beyond the boundaries of the platform landing area. The aircraft then settled back off the platform with one main rotor blade…NTSB LAX82FA088Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T21OL · Verdi, NVPrior to the acft's departure from truckee-tahoe arpt, an inbound plt recommended via radio that the flt not go because he had just flown thru the donner pass & the wx was terrible. He reported the wind 25-35K, gusting 40-45K. The flt received a wx briefing…NTSB ATL82DA062Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Griffin, GAThe pilot was hired to perform for the filming of an agricultural spraying operation. During one of the low passes the aircraft struck two of the ground crew. The cameraman received fatal injuries. Pieces of the wooden propeller, used to drive the spray pump,…NTSB LAX82FVA13Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBeech T-34B · Lemoore, CAThe T-34 pilot entered a downwind behind a Cessna 150 aircraft. When the T-34 pilot was abeam the approach end of runway 32R, he was cleared for a touch and go. By this time, the Cessna 150 was on the runway. The Cessna pilot requested a 180 degree turn to…NTSB ATL82FA066Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Bradley, SCBefore takeoff, the pilot telephoned his brother in north carolina and asked about the weather. He was told that there was an overcast. The pilot replied that he would "come on and skirt the mountains." No flight plan was filed and there was no FAA record of…NTSB FTW82FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · San Marcos, TXThe helicopter was observed rotating in a counter clockwise motion. A small explosion was seen at the tail section with pieces flying off. The outboard sections of the t/r blades were found about 800 ft from the main wreckage. Examination of the fractures…NTSB ATL82FA059Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Hilton Head, SCThe aircraft departed dulles international airport at 1630 EST, no flight plan was filed. The next radio contact with the aircraft was by beaufort marine corps air station approach control when the controller transmitted the altimeter setting and the pilot…NTSB LAX82FA085Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-95-C55 · Huron, CAFollowing a business trip the pilot deplaned two passengers at a private airport and proceeded to takeoff to the north. Witnesses judged the takeoff run to be short followed by a steep bank and climb to the right. A maximum estimatedaltitude of 250 feet AGL…NTSB FTW82FQA15Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell 206B · Watrous, NMThe helicopter struck power and communication lines after taking off at night. After hitting the lines, it crashed into a railroad grade and bridge. The crash site was about one mile from the departure point. An inspection of the engine revealed no preimpact…NTSB LAX82FA084Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Truckee, CAThe non-instrument rated pilot was on a return flight from livermore, CA to Truckee. The aircraft crashed on a dark night at an elevation of about 6700 ft MSL in mountainous terrain. The angle of impact was about 25 degrees downward on a down hill slope. A…NTSB DEN82FA062Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 14-19-3A · Selfridge, NDOn the previous day the plt received a wx briefing for the flt. He was advised the wx would be marginal VFR in the bismarck area in the morning due to low ceilings & snow. There is no record that the plt received an updated wx briefingprior to departure. The…NTSB LAX82DA082Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 172L · Gustine, CAThe pilot was familiar with the airport and the 35 ft power lines near the approach end of runway 36. During a night landing approach, the plane got low and the left wing struck a power line pole.NTSB FTW82FRJ08Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Near Texarkana, ARDuring flight, the aircraft struck a powerline about 70 ft above the red river. The aircraft crashed in the river and drifted about 2 miles before it was recovered. The passenger's body was recovered on 03/21/82 and the pilot's body was recovered on 05/15/83…NTSB DCA82AA016Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportde Havilland DHC-6 · Providence, RIAprx 15 min aft tkof, lgt icg was noted on the windshield. The aircrew activated the windshield washer/deice sys which used isopropyl alcohol. However, only a little deicing fluid was noted on either side. The sys was activated again. Aft hldg the sw svrl…NTSB FTW82FQA14Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 182Q · Fort Sumner, NMThe plane crashed and burned on a dark moonless night after impacting in a nose low attitude. The crash site was located near the home of the pilot's friend where the pilot had visited earlier in the evening. After impacting in soft, level, sandy soil, the…NTSB FTW82FPD09Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-36-375 · Saint Jo, TXAfter taking off to the south, the plane was observed to climb to about 300 ft AGL, then turn to the southwest. P0WER was reduced, and within three to five miles, the aircraft was turned back toward the airstrip. While approaching the airstrip at about 500 ft…NTSB DEN82FTM09Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBeech A36 · St. George, UTThe aircraft was on a flight from las vegas, Nevada to St. George, Utah when it flew past the destination and struck the side of a mountain. The crash site was located about 15 miles beyond the destination at an elevation of about 7600 ft MSL. The site was…NTSB ATL82FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Hytop, ALThe pilot filed and departed VFR into forecast marginal flight conditions. While en route the destination went IFR and this information was passed on to the pilot. The pilot replied that he was going to continue on and get as close to chattanooga as possible.…NTSB ATL82FA055Accident · 8 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T2 · Springfield, KYThe flt was cleared to maintain 3,000 ft MSL until over the arpt, then cruise. The plt had previously stated that he could see the lights on the ground & that he was 15 mi from the arpt. At 2013 the plt stated "we oughta be able to cancel here." The acft…NTSB CHI82FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23 · Corydon, INPrior to this flight, the aircraft had not been flown for an extended period. On the day of the accident, it had been sold. The aircraft did not have a current annual inspection and had several maintenance discrepancies. These included problems that prevented…NTSB NYC82FNC04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAeronca 7EC · New Gloucester, METhe pilot flew the ski equipped aircraft to a frozen lake where he met two friends who were ice fishing. Later, after he visited with his friends and had given each of them a ride in the aircraft, the pilot took off again. After takeoff, the pilot turned back…NTSB LAX82FXQ04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell 214B-1 · Quincy, CAThe pilot was moving logs during an external load operation in a mountainous, burned out, wooded area. The elevation was about 4500 ft. logging crews observed the helicopter approach the "log landing area" while hauling a load of logs with a 160 ft cable.…NTSB LAX82FA078Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Hollister, CAThe aircraft flew into the side of a mountain in level cruise. The accident happened during weather in which VFR flight had not been recommended. Clouds were obscuring the mountains. The aircraft was on the return leg of a cross-country flight. No flight plan…NTSB LAX82FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34 · Near Sonoma, CAThe pilot proceeded VFR toward a private strip after an instrument approach to napa county airport. The visibility was not good and the aircraft collided with a hillside while en route. About 5 mi north, the weather at the napa county airport was 500 ft…NTSB LAX82FA073Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell 112A · Near Los Banos, CADuring a preflight briefing, the pilot was advised that the mountains were obscured by clouds, the outlook was for marginal VFR ceilings, and the weather conditions in northern California were deteriorating faster than forcasted. The pilot took off at 1333…NTSB ATL82FLJ04Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPorterfield CP-65 · Jacksonville, NCWitnesses heard the eng sputter after takeoff as the acft was in a steep climb. The acft was then observed to turn sharply left, enter a nose down attitude & crash. About 1/2 teaspoon of rusty water was found in the main fuel strainer & the fuel screen…NTSB LAX82FA071Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech J35 · Gilroy, CAThe plt was advised during the wx briefing that VFR flight was not recommeded across the mountains & that san jose was reporting 3,000 ft scattered; 4,000 ft broken; 9,000 ft overcast with 10 mi visibility with light rain. Approximately 36 min after takeoff…NTSB MIA82FA045Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421 · Miami, FLThe flight departed the tamiami airport, Miami, Florida at approximately 2100 EST on February 9, 1982. There was no flight plan filed and the purpose, destination, and locations of possible enroute stops were not determined. The next reported communication…NTSB LAX82FA069Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-C55 · Twentynine Palm, CAAt 1605, the flt called blythe fss stating he was 25 mi east for landing. When he heard that his business associates in another acft were preparing to depart blythe for Twentynine palms, the plt cancelled his landing intentions & stated that they will be…NTSB FTW82FRA16Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-60-602P · Brenham, TXAircraft during entire roll and initial climb after takeoff had an unusually nose high attitude. Aircraft climbed to about 200 feet AGL then appeared to stall and fall off on left wing. Investigation did not reveal any reason for the unusual attitude.NTSB FTW82FRG22Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBeech V35A · Cibolo, TXBefore starting the flight, the pilot was involved in an automobile accident. He called an employee and asked to be picked up. The employee reported that the pilot was drinking when he arrived. The pilot insisted on going to the airport to get keys from his…NTSB LAX82FA072Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · 6 Nm North Of S, AZThe pilot was advised that VFR to flagstaff was not recommended. He advised the briefer that he had just recently flown from sedona and knew he could return VFR. At about 1938 MST, the plane departed phoenix with no flight plan. While en route, the pilot…NTSB LAX82FA070Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Santa Ysabel, CADrg wx briefings at 1024 & 1247 the plt was advised that VFR flt was not recommended due to low ceilings & icing conditions. At about 1418 the acft departed. At 1439 the plt contacted flight watch (fw) & reported picking up leading edge ice 6.4 mi east of the…NTSB FTW82FQD09Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-18A-150 · Sanderson, TXThe pilot was the owner and operator of the aircraft. A search of the FAA airman and medical records revealed no indication of a previous rating. During takeoff, the plane was observed to climb to about 200 to 300 ft AGL, then nose down and crash. There was…NTSB MIA82FA044Accident · 8 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182B · W. Of Homestead, FLCessna N2280G and Piper N7361P collided in midair in a remote area of the everglades national park, Florida.NTSB MIA82FA042Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Ormand Beach, FLAfter being told by the operator to remain on the ground until the weather improved the instructor pilot departed ormond Beach airport. The pilot radioed daytona Beach approach control and requested a special VFR clearance and vectors to daytona Beach…NTSB MIA82DA050Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28 · 120 Nm Sse Of M, FLAt about 1216 the pilot of a Cessna 402, N69400, heard N1306H announce on the radio that he was 100 miles south of bimini and had 15 minutes of fuel remaining. The captain of American airlines flight 603 heard the pilot state that he was going in and he…NTSB ATL82FA047Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Lambsburg, VAThe aircraft was on an air taxi flight to transport 2 prisoners and was to be operated on a VFR flight plan in VFR conditions only. Prior to takeoff, the pilot had obtained 12 weather briefing. In 2 of the briefings, VFR flight was not recommended. At about…NTSB LAX82FUJ27Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMooney M20J · Paradise Valley, AZThe pilot picked up the new aircraft from the factory at kerrville, Texas on the day of the accident. He was ferrying the plane to his home in new jersey by way of las vegas, Nevada. He declined an offer to be checked out in the plane and departed kerrville…NTSB NYC82FA029Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Newburgh, NYAt 2234 the plt was issued a vector to the initial approach fix for the ILS rwy 9 apch. He was also issued the followingwx "...stewart weather thirty minutes ago is estimated one thousand overcast six miles in light rain and haze." At 2238 the plt was advised…NTSB FTW82FRD08Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 150G · Jeanerette, LAAccording to a friend of the deceased pilot and his female companion the three of them had been at a nightclub until 0215 CST. The friend then followed them to the airport, since he lived adjacent to the airport. After arriving he heard an aircraft takoeff.…NTSB FTW82FQG14Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 182 · Pampa, TXN58947 was purchased by the pilot the day of the accident. According to a flight instructor who sold the aircraft, the pilot received dual instruction for a checkout in the aircraft and currency for night flight. According to witnesses, the pilot did not…NTSB LAX82FVA11Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna TR182 · Oakdale, CAThe aircraft was observed to porpoise several times during the takeoff roll, become airborne with the landing gear immediately retracting, then nose down with the propeller striking, the runway. The pilot continued the takeoff and the aircraft climbed to…NTSB MKC82FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · 5m E. Greensbur, KSThe plt received a wx briefing for a flt to dodge city,KS. The fss specialist asked the plt if he was proposing his flight under IFR since his destination was reporting IMC. The plt replied that he was. A ground witness at haviland,KS located about 5 miles…