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 WPR20LA237Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans Vans RV-8 · Tehachapi, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at too low of an altitude to recover.NTSB CEN20LA304Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBrantly B2B · Monrovia, INThe pilot’s loss of control after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB GAA20WA118Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Thorburn Lake, CanadaThe government of Canada has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a ROBINSON R44 helicopter that occurred on July 20, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Canada's investigation under the provisions…NTSB GAA20WA148Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · ForeignParachute Icarus Crossfire 2 · Juta, HungaryNTSB WPR20LA224Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHiller UH 12D · Mehama, ORAn in-flight separation of a tail rotor blade due to fatigue cracking and overstress, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent ground impact.NTSB WPR20LA216Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSchleicher ASW27 · Ely, NVThe pilot’s loss of glider control while maneuvering near a mountain ridge in downdrafts and dry microbursts at an altitude that precluded recovery.NTSB CEN20LA272Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGolden Circle Air T-Bird · Grosse Ile, MIThe noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at low altitude in gusting wind conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of flight experience.NTSB CEN20LA278Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman G164 · Springfield, COThe pilot’s loss of visibility in the cockpit due to foam created by the chemicals loaded in the hopper, which resulted in collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the combining of chemicals known to produce foam and the pilot’s failure to…NTSB CEN20LA271Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T188 · Dustin, OKThe pilot’s continued takeoff without ensuring obstacles could be avoided due to his use of a sedating medication, which likely diminished his reaction time and flying performance.NTSB GAA20WA121Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBeech 58 · Sao Paulo, BrazilThe government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a BEECH 58 airplane that occurred on July 08, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under the provisions of ICAO…NTSB WPR20LA212Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Lake Tahoe, CAThe partial loss of engine power due to carbon buildup in the No. 4 cylinder resulting from the pilot’s inadequate mixture-leaning procedures.NTSB WPR20LA211Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell UH1H · Payson, AZA flight control malfunction due to either a hydraulic hardover or a flight control stiffness event, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB WPR20FA206Accident · 8 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna TU206 · Coeur d'Alene, IDThe failure of the pilots of both airplanes to see and avoid the other airplane.NTSB WPR20WA210Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Broome Aerodrome, AustraliaThe government of Australia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a ROBINSON R44 helicopter that occurred on July 04, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Australia's investigation under the…NTSB WPR20LA203Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Alpine, UTThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack while maneuvering in a canyon, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA20LA234Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEvektor Aerotechnik Sportstar · Ocala, FLThe pilot’s impairment or distraction due to an acute stroke, which resulted in an unstabilized approach and subsequent loss of airplane control during landing.NTSB CEN20LA256Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 320 · Round Rock, TXImproper maintenance that led to a loss of engine power due to a failed left engine magneto, the pilot’s improper application of single engine emergency procedures, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in a collision with trees.NTSB WPR20LA201Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAvia Stroitel AC-5M · Bend, ORA loss of control just after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB GAA20WA113Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Strzegom city, PolandThe government of Poland has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a ROBINSON R22 helicopter that occurred on June 30, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Poland's investigation under the provisions…NTSB CEN20LA248Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32R · Zavalla, TXThe non-certificated pilot’s poor decision-making as he attempted to land at an unlit airstrip in night instrument conditions, which resulted in the airplane’s collision with terrain short of the runway.NTSB WPR20LA196Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportKostrazewa Andre Sonex Light Sport · Centerville, UTThe pilot flying’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during an attempted forced landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. The reason for the attempted forced landing could not be determined.NTSB WPR20LA191Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEnstrom 280 · Hayden, IDThe total loss of power while maneuvering at low altitude due to the detonation of two engine cylinders and damaged spark plugs.NTSB GAA20WA114Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna TU206 · Balleza, Chihuahua, MexicoThe government of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA TU206 airplane that occurred on June 23, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Mexico's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB GAA20WA112Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA25 · Vereda Brisas de Guaiquitia, ColombiaNTSB ERA20LA220Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R66 · Pikeville, NCThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid a small diameter wire during low altitude agricultural spraying operations. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s insufficient property survey.NTSB WPR20WA186Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · Gauteng, South AfricaNTSB CEN20WA237Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA34 · Reinsfeld, GermanyThe government of Germany has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Piper PA-34 220T airplane, German registration D-GEMZ, that occurred on June 17, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Germany's…NTSB ERA20LA217Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT502 · Atmore, ALThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, spin, and loss of control.NTSB CEN20LA227Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV8 · Mandan, NDThe pilot's failure to remove the seat belt used as a flight control lock from the aft cockpit control stick before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff and collision with terrain.NTSB WPR20LA177Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportZenair CH601 · Maricopa, AZThe pilot’s loss of situational awareness and descent below pattern altitude during the landing approach, which resulted in collision with terrain at night.NTSB ERA20LA212Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32RT · Selma, ALThe mechanic’s failure to clean the oil suction screen during the most recent maintenance, which resulted in oil starvation and subsequent total loss of engine power.NTSB WPR20LA176Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV4 · Safford, AZA loss of pitch control during the landing approach due to a jammed elevator control system.NTSB WPR20WA182Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 152 · Bhubaneswar, IndiaThe government of India has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 152 airplane that occurred on June 08, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of India's investigation under the provisions of ICAO…NTSB CEN20LA219Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportFlight Design Ctls · Beecher, ILThe pilot’s decision to continue takeoff after a partial loss of engine power, and the pilot’s subsequent failure to control airplane pitch during a forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not…NTSB WPR20LA170Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportKitfox Kitfox · Lander, WYThe inexperienced pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack during a turn at high density altitude, which resulted in an accelerated stall and impact with water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s poor judgment to continue the…NTSB CEN20LA215Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMitsubishi MU2B · Sioux Falls, SDThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN20LA214Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · New Washington, INA high velocity descent and impact with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR20LA169Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 175 · Redlands, CAThe noncertificated pilot’s visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ERA20LA207Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportQuad City Challenger · Wurtsboro, NYA loss of control after takeoff due to the pilot’s improper use of ballast weight. Contributing was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane above its maximum gross weight.NTSB ERA20LA206Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 31T · Eatonton, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions, which placed the airplane in an unusual attitude from which the pilot could not recover. Contributing to the accident was the convective and…NTSB WPR20LA163Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Fairfield, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines while conducting external load operations, which resulted in the main rotor contacting a wire and a subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB ERA20LA202Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA23 · San Juan, PRThe pilot’s intentional operation of the airplane with known deficiencies of the left engine and subsequent in-flight loss of control after takeoff. Contributing to the loss of engine power was internal contamination of the left servo fuel injector.…NTSB WPR20LA157Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCub Crafters CCK-1865 · Valley Center, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.NTSB CEN20LA201Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Carlinville, ILThe pilot’s attempted recovery from a steep descent which inadvertently exceeded the ultimate load factor of the airframe and resulted in a low-level inflight breakup.NTSB CEN20LA199Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Pineville, LAThe airplane’s inability to gain sufficient airspeed after takeoff due to it being at or over its maximum gross weight, which resulted in a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane at or over its maximum…NTSB ERA20LA197Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer 269C-1 · Ozark, ALA total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the flight school’s inadequate maintenance of the helicopter’s fuel quantity and caution systems.NTSB CEN20WA438Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPitts S2 · Carcassonne, FranceNTSB WPR20LA155Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCSP Leasing Cavalon · Roseburg, ORA substantially unweighted rotor system for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in contact between the main rotor blade and the gyrocopter’s keel tube and a loss of control and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN20WA198Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 150 · Blomberg, GermanyThe government of Germany has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 150 airplane that occurred on May 27, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Germany's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB CEN20LA197Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 35-A33 · Cambridge, OHA fuel injection system leak at or near the No. 3 cylinder that resulted in a partial loss of engine power during cruise flight.