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 ERA20WA193Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · ForeignCessna 525 · El Yaque, VenezuelaNTSB ERA20WA136Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 310 · Tefe, BrazilThe government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Cessna 310 airplane that occurred on March 13, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB WPR20WA107Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna 404 · Lockhart River, AustraliaThe government of Australia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Cessna 404 airplane that occurred on March 11, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Australia's investigation under the…NTSB ERA20FA124Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 177RG · Sterling, MAA total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection.NTSB ERA20FA119Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAmerican AA 1 · Boynton Beach, FLThe pilot's inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack following the loss of engine power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and…NTSB ERA20FA118Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46 · Bishop, GAThe pilot’s encounter with a rain shower updraft and severe turbulence, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and an inflight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s reliance on outdated weather information on his in-cockpit weather…NTSB CEN20FA110Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Lincoln, ILThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during an aerial survey, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low to recover.NTSB CEN20FA108Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150 · Port Isabel, TXThe pilot’s loss of control during the initial takeoff climb for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.NTSB ANC20WA031Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Astrakhan, RussiaThe government of Russia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a ROBINSON R44 helicopter that occurred on February 28, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Russia's investigation under the…NTSB CEN20WA441Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRyan Aeronautical ST3KR · Les Chariots, FranceNTSB CEN20FA098Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportInnovator Mosquitto · North Manchester, INThe pilot’s loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB CEN20FA096Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Rogers, MNInadequate maintenance that resulted in improper torque to the engine-driven fuel pump inlet fitting, which led to a loss of engine power and forced landing into unsuitable terrain.NTSB ANC20FA024Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 305 · Mokuleia, HIA separation of the left rudder cable due to inadequate maintenance, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN20WA097Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA60 · Pamplona, SpainThe National Transportation Safety Board was notified of an accident involving a Piper PA-60-602P, EC-HRJ, in Pamplona, Spain. This investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Comisión de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviación Civil in Spain.NTSB CEN20FA093Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 200 · Coleman, TXThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction with a “popped” circuit breaker and communications with air traffic control.NTSB WPR20WA091Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA44 · Mangalore, AustraliaNTSB CEN20WA121Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationLavia Argentina PA-25-235 · Etchoja, MexicoThe government of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a LAVIA ARGENTINA PA-25-235 airplane that occurred on February 18, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Mexico's investigation under…NTSB CEN20WA124Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 150 · Les Cedres, CanadaThe government of Canada has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 150 airplane that occurred on February 17, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Canada's investigation under the provisions…NTSB ERA20FA101Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · Bartow, FLThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and subsequent aerodynamic stall and spin at low altitude due to a possible distraction in the cockpit for which the reason was undetermined.NTSB WPR20FAMS2Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · Missing aircraftFinal reportLuscombe 8 · Pacific Ocean, ORUndetermined because the airplane and pilot were not located.NTSB GAA20WA111Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA31 · Guaymaral, ColombiaThe government of Colombia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a PIPER PA31 airplane that occurred on February 12, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Colombia's investigation under the…NTSB ERA20FA097Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAviastroitel AC 4C · Front Royal, VAThe pilot's exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.NTSB ERA20FA096Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 501 · Fairmount, GAThe pilots’ loss of control in flight in freezing instrument meteorological conditions due to spatial disorientation and the cumulative effects of task saturation.NTSB CEN20FA076Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 33 · Granbury, TXThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.NTSB ANC20WA019Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 407 · Laishevo, RussiaThe government of Russia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a BELL 407 helicopter that occurred on February 07, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Russia's investigation under the provisions…NTSB WPR20FA086Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 140 · Sonora, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during approach for landing.NTSB CEN20FA075Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Chatham, LAThe pilot’s encounter with icing in-flight, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.NTSB ANC20FA017Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32R · Tuntutuliak, AKThe pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into reduced visibility, including likely flat light and/or white out conditions, which resulted in a controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident were the operator’s inadequate operational…NTSB DCA20RA069Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Istanbul, TürkiyeThe government of Turkey has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a BOEING 737 airplane that occurred on February 05, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Turkey's investigation under the provisions…NTSB CEN20FA072Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Florence, COThe pilot’s decision to continue the takeoff with reduced airplane performance due to high density altitudeNTSB CEN20FA070Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA60 · Springfield, ILThe pilot’s failure to follow the instrument landing system (ILS) course guidance during the instrument approach.NTSB ERA20FA088Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAeropro CZ A220 · Grafton, WVThe pilot’s decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and conditions favorable for airframe icing, which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane.NTSB DCA20MA059Accident · 9 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportSikorsky S76 · Calabasas, CAThe pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s likely self-induced pressure…NTSB ERA20FA086Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMustang II · Senoia, GAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s structural limitations while conducting previous aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in an in-flight breakup of the airplane.NTSB ERA20FA085Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32 · Lake City, FLThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control at low altitude.NTSB CEN20WA102Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Tuzantan, MexicoOn January 25, 2020, about 1858 hours universal coordinated time, a Robinson R-44II helicopter, Mexican registration XB-KQV, impacted terrain near Tuzantan, Chiapas, Mexico. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight departed Ángel Albino Corzo / Tuxtla…NTSB WPR20FA079Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Payson, AZThe pilot's decision to fly into a canyon with rising terrain, and his subsequent loss of aircraft control while maneuvering away from rising terrain.NTSB WPR20FA077Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportStinson V77 · Auburn, CAA total loss of engine power due to a combination of mechanical engine anomalies. Contributing to the accident was inadequate maintenance that failed to identify the engine anomalies.NTSB GAA20WA110Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationExtra E54T · Iztapa, GuatemalaNTSB WPR20WA082Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna S550 · George, South AfricaOn January 23, 2020, about 0853 coordinated universal time, a Cessna S550, ZS-CAR, impacted mountainous terrain under unknown circumstances while conducting aerial surveying operations near George, South Africa. The two crew members and one passenger were…NTSB WPR20WA076Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignLockheed C130 · Cooma, AustraliaNTSB WPR20WA083Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182 · Tangalooma, AustraliaThe government of Australia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 182 airplane that occurred on January 22, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Australia's investigation under the…NTSB WPR20FA072Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech B36TC · Corona, CAThe pilots’ failure to abort the takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a fence at the end of the runway. Contributing to the accident was the airplane being at or over the maximum gross takeoff weight and the inappropriate elevator trim tab setting.NTSB GAA20WA107Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28 · Chatel-St-Denis, SwitzerlandThe government of Switzerland has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a PIPER PA28 airplane that occurred on January 22, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Switzerland's investigation under the…NTSB WPR20FA067Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150 · Jacksonville, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from guy wires associated with a tower while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB GAA20WA109Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAir Tractor AT402 · Guiratinga, MT, BrazilThe government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a AIR TRACTOR AT402 airplane that occurred on January 17, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under the…NTSB WPR20FA065Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna T310 · Roy, UTThe pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning and fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of power to the left engine due to fuel exhaustion. Also causal was the pilot's failure to follow the one-engine inoperative checklist and maintain the…NTSB WPR20FA063Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna TR182 · Billings, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance due to poor decision making in selecting an unsafe altitude during cruise flight.NTSB ERA20FA074Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R66 · Mechanicsburg, PAA severe left roll excursion after the onset of pitch and roll oscillations, which were not arrested by the pilot for undetermined reasons. This resulted in main rotor blade contact with the airframe and a subsequent inflight breakup of the helicopter.NTSB DCA20RA048Accident · 176 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Tehran, IranThe government of Iran has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a BOEING 737 airplane that occurred on January 08, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Iran's investigation under the provisions of…