Fatal NTSB investigations
180,630 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,609 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 WPR20LA303Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportNavion B · Van Nuys, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during an abrupt turn after takeoff at a low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA20LA313Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech A36 · Jackson, TNThe pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to alcohol.NTSB ERA20LA314Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportZenair CH750 Cruzer · Boaz, ALThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with trees and terrain. Contributing was the pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into an area of low clouds.NTSB ERA20LA312Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportQuad City Challenger · Sweetwater, TNA loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB ERA20LA309Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · McMinnville, TNA total loss of engine power due to a fatigue failure in a cylinder, and the pilot’s subsequent failure to maintain airspeed and her exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN20LA379Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Chester, ARThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into dark night instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR20LA295Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 35 · Three Rivers, CAThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while operating in conditions of reduced visibility due to smoke.NTSB CEN20LA375Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportTitan Mustang T-51 · Brighton, COThe pilot’s loss of airplane control while maneuvering in the traffic pattern.NTSB CEN20LA374Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Walker, MNThe pilot’s impairment from the effects of an undiagnosed brain tumor.NTSB CEN20LA373Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA24 · Midland, MIThe loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB ERA20LA305Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA20 · Luray, VAThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation, a loss of control, and collision with terrain.NTSB GAA20WA133Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCommander 114 · Fur airport, DenmarkThe government of Denmark has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a COMMANDER 114 airplane that occurred on August 30, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Denmark's investigation under the…NTSB CEN20LA370Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA24 · Bryan, TXA total loss of engine power on takeoff due to fuel starvation.NTSB CEN20LA367Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Lawrenceville, ILThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain as a result of his failure to properly execute an instrument approach and maintain clearance from trees in night instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s unfamiliarity with a…NTSB GAA20WA134Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBeech 35 · Teresina, BrazilThe government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a BEECH 35 airplane that occurred on August 28, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB ERA20LA297Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRockwell 500 · Pembroke Park, FLA total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the fuel exhaustion was the fatigue fracture of an electrical wire in the tank unit or fuel transmitter, which likely resulted in an inaccurate fuel quantity indication.NTSB WPR20LA289Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech A36 · Redding, CAThe pilot’s failure to recognize the airplane’s inadequate takeoff performance given the length of the available runway and to abort the takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion.NTSB ANC20LA085Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna A185 · Fairbanks, AKThe PA-18 pilot’s failure to see and avoid the Cessna 185 as it was landing. Contributing to the accident was the PA-18 pilot’s failure to hear the traffic advisory provided by the air traffic control tower.NTSB WPR20WA292Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Springs, South AfricaThe government of South Africa has notified the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of an accident involving a Cessna 172 airplane that occurred on August 26, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of…NTSB GAA20WA132Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignAviamilano Falco F8L · Sibari, ItalyNTSB CEN20WA435Accident · 2 fatalClass 4 · ForeignSchleicher ASH25 · Gloucestershire, United KingdomNTSB CEN20LA365Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T210 · Peyton, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the airplane’s turn to final, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR20LA301Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportLake LA4 · Rawlins, WYThe pilot’s decision to depart despite a known mechanical trim malfunction and with a high-density altitude and the airplane at or above its maximum gross weight.NTSB WPR20LA283Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportKaman K 1200 · Pine Grove, ORAn in-flight breakup resulting from contact of the left rotor system with the right rotor system after an in-flight failure of a servo flap from a left rotor blade.NTSB CEN20LA357Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT802 · Dell, ARThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.NTSB CEN20LA354Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportLancair Lancair Super ES · Ely, MNThe non-instrument rated pilot’s improper decision to attempt flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB CEN20LA352Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 200 · Rockford, ILThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control following a reduction of thrust in the left engine during takeoff. The reason for the reduction in thrust could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB WPR20LA280Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportArrow-Falcon Exporters UH-1H · Coalinga, CAThe pilot’s inability to maintain control of the helicopter due to a hydraulic system failure for reasons that could not be fully determined due to the thermal destruction from the postimpact fire.NTSB WPR20LA279Accident · FatalClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150 · Quillayute, WAThe airplane’s descent into trees and subsequent impact with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN20LA336Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Osage Beach, MOAn in-flight fire and subsequent loss of airplane control shortly after takeoff. The source of the in-flight fire or the reason for the loss of airplane control could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB WPR20LA270Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 14 · Susanville, CAThe pilot’s decision to conduct a steep departure at a high-density altitude and the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a climb, which resulted in an accelerated stall and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB CEN20WA376Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCanadair CL215 1A10 · Lobios (Ourense), PortugalThe Comision de Investigacion de Accidentes y Incidentes de Aviacion Civil (CIAIAC) of Spain has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a Canadair CL-215-1A10 airplane, which occurred on August 8, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S Accredited…NTSB CEN20LA328Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Marathon, TXThe in-flight loss of helicopter control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB WPR20LA257Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSportine Aviacija LAK17 · Lake Port, CAThe pilot’s exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack during flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB GAA20WA128Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRans S6 · Heathfield East Sussex, United KingdomThe government of United Kingdom has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a RANS S6 airplane that occurred on August 04, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of United Kingdom's investigation under the…NTSB ERA20LA273Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter EC130 · Knoxville, TNThe pilot's entry into vortex ring state and his inability to arrest the helicopter's descent while maneuvering for landing.NTSB WPR20LA249Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportNorth American Navion · Cedar City, UTA total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper fuel planning and failure to see and avoid the communications tower support guy wire.NTSB ERA20LA271Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican AA 5 · Dunnellon, FLA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of improper installation and inspection of the airplane’s fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of certification and knowledge in aircraft maintenance.NTSB ANC20LA074Accident · 7 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportDe Havilland DHC-2 · Soldotna, AKThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other airplane. Contributing to the accident were (1) the PA-12 pilot’s decision to fly with a known severe vision deficiency that had resulted in denial of his most recent application for medical certification…NTSB WPR20LA246Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT802 · Elgin, NVThe trailing pilot’s failure to maintain separation from the lead airplane during a fire retardant deployment flight, which resulted in the trailing airplane flying through a plume of retardant and the trailing pilot’s subsequent loss of visibility that led…NTSB WPR20LA245Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 337 · Ennis, MTThe pilot-in-command’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed while attempting an evasive maneuver from a boxed canyon, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and impact with mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-in-command’s…NTSB GAA20WA125Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna R172 · Tarapaca-Amazonas, ColombiaNTSB WPR20LA244Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican Eurocopter AS350 · Pioche, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude from terrain and subsequent loss of helicopter control due to entanglement of the external load cable with the tail rotor.NTSB ERA20LA262Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech F33 · Malbis, ALThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart in deteriorating weather conditions, which led to restricted visibility and the pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the pilot’s poor decision-making was…NTSB ANC20WA073Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 140 · Abbotsford, CanadaThe government of Canada has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 140 airplane that occurred on July 28, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Canada's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB CEN20LA309Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna A188 · Corsica, SDThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.NTSB WPR20LA238Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32R · West Jordan, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain the airplane’s speed during takeoff near the airplane’s maximum gross weight in high-density altitude conditions, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and led to an aerodynamic stall, loss…NTSB GAA20WA126Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Blatten - VS, SwitzerlandThe government of Switzerland has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 172 airplane that occurred on July 25, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Switzerland's investigation under the…NTSB CEN20LA306Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT502 · Grant, NEThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering during an agricultural flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a loss of control at too low of an altitude to recover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…NTSB CEN20LA305Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · San Antonio, TXThe pilot’s improper decision to take off in an airplane over maximum gross weight and with a tailwind, which prevented the airplane from climbing.