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 ERA20FA022Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 58 · Ocala, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane due to an acute medical event and/or his use of impairing medications.NTSB ERA20FA021Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28R · Atlanta, GAThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while flying in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the vacuum pump and its associated instruments.NTSB ERA20WA032Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationICP Ventura · Gecitkale, TürkiyeThe government of Turkey has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a ICP Ventura ultralight that occurred on October 29, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Turkey's investigation under the provisions…NTSB ERA20FA020Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 414 · Colonia, NJThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during a circling instrument approach procedure, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall and spin.NTSB WPR20FAMS1Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · Missing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA28R · Shelter Cove, CAUndetermined due to lack of available evidence.NTSB WPR20FA016Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportEnstrom 280F · Jordan Valley, ORA partial loss of engine power due to a worn engine air induction hose, and a subsequent uncontrolled descent into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the failure of maintenance personnel to adequately inspect the hose, and the pilot’s decision to fly…NTSB WPR20FA015Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · American Falls, IDThe pilot’s failure to ensure adequate fuel onboard and his subsequent failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering which resulted in an aerodynamic stall following a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB ERA20FA019Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20A · Summit Point, WVThe pilot’s decision to conduct a practice stall maneuver at low altitude, which resulted in inadequate altitude remaining in which to recover before impacting terrain.NTSB WPR20FA013Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Las Vegas, NVAn undetermined inflight event that resulted in the pilot performing an autorotation to uneven terrain for reasons that could not be determined due to the extent of impact damage.NTSB GAA20WA078Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationCessna 401 · Madero, Mexico, MexicoThe government of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 401 airplane that occurred on October 23, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Mexico's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB CEN20FA012Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Hebbronville, TXThe failure of the spotter helicopter pilot to maintain clearance from the gunner helicopter while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident were the effects from the pilot’s use of impairing drugs.NTSB GAA20WA065Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCirrus SR20 · Belo Horizonte, BrazilThe government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CIRRUS SR20 airplane that occurred on October 21, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under the provisions…NTSB GAA20WA047Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Tarasenkove, UkraineThe government of Ukraine has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a ROBINSON R44 helicopter that occurred on October 21, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Ukraine's investigation under the…NTSB WPR20FA008Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA 24 · Angel Fire, NMThe airplane’s degraded performance due to high-density altitude and gusting wind conditions, which resulted in its inability to maintain altitude during the initial takeoff climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of experience with high…NTSB GAA20WA077Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 310 · La Piedad, MexicoThe government of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 310 airplane that occurred on October 20, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Mexico's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB ERA20FA014Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32 · Raleigh, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain a safe glidepath during final approach to the runway, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain. Contributing was the pilot’s lack of recent instrument flight experience.NTSB CEN20FA009Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV-8 · White Plains, ALImpact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB CEN20WA011Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · San Salvador, El SalvadorNTSB ERA20FA013Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSportine Aviacija LAK17B · Tamaqua, PAThe pilot's exceedance of the glider's critical angle of attack while climbing in thermal lift, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB DCA20MA002Accident · 1 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportSaab 2000 · Unalaska, AKThe landing gear manufacturer’s incorrect wiring of the wheel speed transducer harnesses on the left main landing gear during overhaul. The incorrect wiring caused the antiskid system not to function as intended, resulting in the failure of the left outboard…NTSB ERA20FA012Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206 · New Salem, NCThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in impact with a powerline.NTSB CEN20LA021Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA23 · (Gulf of Mexico)The airplane’s descent into the ocean for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN20FA008Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Green Bay, WIThe pilot’s low final approach path and his failure to see and avoid a truck traveling on a roadway, which resulted in a collision with the truck.NTSB ERA20FA009Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV4 · Cameron, NCThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the landing approach, which resulted in a loss of control and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly the airplane in a…NTSB CEN20FA010Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Aberdeen, SDThe noncertificated pilot’s decision to fly in dark night instrument conditions, resulting in impact with terrain.NTSB WPR20FA005Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBede BD5 · Camarillo, CAThe No. 4 connecting rod’s bearing shift and separation of the No. 4 connecting rod, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing.NTSB WPR20WA006Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28-140 · Huhudi, South AfricaOn October 6, 2019, about 1547 coordinated universal time, a Piper PA28-140, ZS-EEZ, crashed near, Vryburg Airport, Huhudi, South Africa. The pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The extent of the airplane's damage is…NTSB WPR20WA003Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Sultanpur, IndiaOn October 6, 2019, about 0750 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 172, VT-RGF, impacted terrain near Sultanpur, India after requesting to turn back due to bad weather. The student pilot and passenger were fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The…NTSB CEN20FA003Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLancair Legacy · Bixby, MOThe pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR20WA002Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Maharashtra, IndiaOn October 5, 2019, at 0628 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 172R airplane, VT-HRP, collided with a fence during approach at the Shirpur Airport, Maharashtra, India. The student pilot was fatally injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The…NTSB WPR20LA001Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBuckeye Breeze · Moore, UTThe pilot’s improper preflight inspection and detection of a pinch point in the steering line, which resulted in a loss of control in flight and impact with terrain.NTSB ERA20FA002Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Asheboro, NCThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent night flight experience.NTSB CEN20FA002Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper Aerostar 602P · Kokomo, INThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack following a dual engine power loss caused by the line service technician fueling the airplane with the wrong fuel, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.…NTSB CEN20FA001Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSocata TBM 700 · Lansing, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during final approach, which resulted in a loss of control and an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude, and his decision to operate the airplane outside of the approved weight and balance envelope.NTSB ERA20MA001Accident · 7 fatalClass 2 · MajorFinal reportBoeing B17 · Windsor Locks, CTThe pilot’s failure to properly manage the airplane’s configuration and airspeed after he shut down the No. 4 engine following its partial loss of power during the initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/maintenance director’s inadequate…NTSB ERA19FA283Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 421 · Deland, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing was the pilot’s lack of training and experience in the accident airplane make and model.NTSB ERA19LA286Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSolo Wings Windlass · Dalton, GAThe pilot's exceedance of the aircraft's critical angle of attack during a turn shortly after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing was the pilot's lack of experience in the accident aircraft.NTSB WPR19FA266Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAmerican AA5 · Cowles, NMThe pilot's decision to fly into terrain that exceeded the performance capabilities of the airplane, which resulted in failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain.NTSB GAA19WA588Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA22 · Petrovice, CzechiaThe government of Czech Republic has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a PIPER PA22 airplane that occurred on September 26, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Czech Republic's investigation under…NTSB CEN19FA332Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150 · Prairie Grove, ARThe noninstrument-rated pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation after encountering instrument meteorological conditions at night.NTSB ANC19WA056Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · Campbell River, CanadaThe government of Canada has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Bell 206 helicopter that occurred on September 24, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Canada's investigation under the provisions…NTSB GAA19WA561Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationMooney M20K · Orio al Serio, ItalyThe government of Italy has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a MOONEY M20K airplane that occurred on September 21, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Italy's investigation under the provisions…NTSB CEN19FA325Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna A185 · Conroe, TXA partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination with water, and the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during an attempted return to the airport shortly after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR19WA264Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationMooney M20J · Coffs Harbour, AustraliaThe government of Australia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a MOONEY M20J airplane that occurred on September 20, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Australia's investigation under the…NTSB WPR19FA263Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Nixon, NVA loss of airplane control while maneuvering due to spatial disorientation after inadvertently entering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inexperience in IMC conditions.NTSB WPR19FA262Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 177 · Torrance, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and exceedance of the aircraft's critical angle of attack while turning during climb out, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN19FA323Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35 · London, OHThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering toward the final leg of the traffic pattern and facing the rising sun, which resulted in a subsequent aerodynamic stall at too low an altitude to recover.NTSB ERA19FA275Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV 8 · Stroudsburg, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA19WA292Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationVans RV-10 · Guaranta do Norte, BrazilThe government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving an amateur-built Vans RV-10 airplane that occurred on September 16, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under…NTSB GAA19WA574Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCirrus SR22 · Pedreguer, SpainThe government of Spain has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CIRRUS SR22 airplane that occurred on September 15, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Spain's investigation under the provisions…