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 WPR19FA182Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCub Crafters CCK-1865 · Moab, UTThe pilots failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude in mountainous terrain.NTSB CEN19MA190Accident · 10 fatalClass 2 · MajorFinal reportTextron B-300 · Addison, TXThe 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. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to conduct the airplane…NTSB CEN19FA191Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper J3C · Elyria, OHA loss of engine power due to carburetor icing, and the pilot’s subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR19LA181Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRolladen Schneider LS4 · Moriarty, NMAn in-flight cardiac event which necessitated an emergency landing, and which the pilot succumbed to.NTSB ERA19WA207Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA 28-180 · Cabo Rojo, Dominican RepublicNTSB ANC19FA029Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M6 · Moose Pass, AKThe pilot's geographic disorientation and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering to avoid mountainous terrain, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN19FA189Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeechcraft 58 · Hiawatha, KSThe pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN19FA185Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportAgusta A109 · Brainerd, MNThe pilot's spatial disorientation during an instrument approach in dark night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR19FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 172 · Pescadero, CAImpact with the ocean for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not located.NTSB GAA19WA386Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182 · Chimaltenango, GuatemalaNTSB ERA19FA201Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportBeech E55 · Hope Mills, NCThe pilot's failure to disengage an uncommanded nose-down pitch input. Contributing to the accident was improper maintenance of the pitch trim servo, which would have precluded a physical override of the pitch servo.NTSB ERA19FA200Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportRans S6 · Fletcher, NCThe exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin at low altitude. Contributing was the lack of experience both pilots possessed in the accident airplane.NTSB WPR19MA177Accident · 11 fatalClass 2 · MajorFinal reportBeech 65-A90 · Mokuleia, HIThe pilot’s aggressive takeoff maneuver, which resulted in an accelerated stall and subsequent loss of control at an altitude that was too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident were (1) the operation of the airplane near its aft center of gravity…NTSB WPR19FA178Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportMaule M7-235B · Sunriver, ORA partial loss of engine power due to the separation of baffling in both mufflers. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to retract the landing gear on the float-equipped airplane before performing a forced landing to the river.NTSB CEN19WA288Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationZenair CH601 · Pont-A-Celles, BelgiumThe government of Belgium has notified the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of an accident involving a Zenair CH 601XL airplane that occurred on June 22, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of…NTSB CEN19WA200Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28 · Mandal, NorwayOn June 22, 2019, about 1255 local time, a Piper PA28-161, registration NL-MTJ, impacted the sea about 11 miles south of Mandal, Norway, following a loss of engine power. One person was fatally injured, and two passengers received minor injuries. The Accident…NTSB ANC19FA026Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportHelio H 250 · Seward, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during takeoff, which resulted in an in-flight collision, a loss of control, and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN19FA177Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Elida, OHThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight rules flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing was the pilot not obtaining a weather…NTSB WPR19FA175Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Two Harbors, CAThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA19FA196Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTrella T-21 · Endicott, NYA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, and the pilot's subsequent exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during an attempted return to the runway, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at an altitude that…NTSB WPR19FA173Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-11 · Copperopolis, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from consuming alcohol before the flight.NTSB GAA19WA356Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPitts S2 · Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, CanadaNTSB WPR19FA172Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportNanchang CJ6 · Porter Ranch, CAThe pilot’s continued flight into marginal visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN19FA170Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Huntsville, TXA total loss of engine power as a result of the pilot's inadvertent placement of the fuel selector to the "off" position.NTSB GAA19WA341Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Sailagouse, France, FranceThe government of France has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 172 airplane that occurred on June 13, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of France's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB CEN19WA342Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBRM Aero Bristell NG5 · Belan, IrelandThe government of Ireland has notified the NTSB of an accident involving an amateur-built BRM Aero Bristell NG5 airplane that occurred on June 13, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Ireland's…NTSB ERA19FA193Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Maitland, FLThe pilot's inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB CEN19FA164Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportQuicksilver Sport 2S · Henderson, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s diminished reaction times and flying performance…NTSB WPR19FA163Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Antioch, CAA loss of control while conducting low-altitude, high-speed maneuvers.NTSB ERA19FA191Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAgusta A109 · New York, NYThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to initiate the flight into marginal visual flight rules and instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of control.NTSB CEN19FA161Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 425 · Butler, MOThe pilot’s loss of airplane control during a descent to a diversion airport with only the left engine operating. Contributing to the accident was a malfunction of the right engine throttle, the cause of which could not be determined.NTSB GAA19WA391Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA23 · Mulakot, IcelandNTSB WPR19FA161Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportLockwood Aircam · Hemet, CAThe pilot/builder's improper installation of the left wing during the build process, which resulted in the wing failing during takeoff.NTSB ERA19FA189Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Southold, NYA total loss of engine power due to a main bearing shift and the pilot’s subsequent failure to maintain a proper glide path to the selected forced landing site. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane with known…NTSB ERA19FA188Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46 · Castalia, NCThe pilot’s failure to navigate around hazardous weather, resulting in the penetration of a thunderstorm, a loss of airplane control, and an inflight breakup. The air traffic controller’s failure to provide the pilot with adequate and timely weather…NTSB ERA19WA293Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · ForeignBell 505 · Kazbegi, GeorgiaNTSB WPR19FA159Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTitan Titan II · Summerville, ORThe noncertificated pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN19FA160Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Cass, ARA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB ANC19WA022Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationGrumman AA-5B · Medicine Hat, CanadaOn June 2, 2019, at 0440 (UTC) time, a Canadian registered Grumman American Aviation, AA-5B airplane, C-GQIJ, operated by a private individual, was found after it had collided with terrain under unknown circumstances while conducting a VFR flight. A search…NTSB GAA19WA357Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationS.A.N. Jodel D-11 · La Cote, Switzerland, SwitzerlandThe government of Switzerland has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a S.A.N. Jodel D-11 airplane that occurred on May 30, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Switzerland's investigation under the…NTSB ANC19FA021Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportBradshaw / McCauley Giles G-202 · Wasilla, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain control after the partial loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was a contamination of the fuel system, which likely seized the electric fuel pump and restricted fuel flow to the engine.NTSB GAA19WA334Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA12 · Gillam (Manitoba)-Canada, CanadaThe government of Canada has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a PIPER PA12 airplane that occurred on May 29, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Canada's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB ERA19FA184Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · Cape May, NJThe pilot's intentional flight into water as an act of suicide.NTSB ERA19FA183Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans Vans RV 4 · Green Cove Springs, FLThe failure of each pilot to maintain separation from the other airplane during intentional maneuvers within close proximity of each other.NTSB ERA19FA181Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28R · Auburn Township, OHThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation in dark night conditions. Contributing to the accident was his inadequate weather planning, lack of experience flying at night and the deteriorating weather conditions.NTSB CEN19FA155Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna R172 · Mertzon, TXThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB ANC19WA020Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 170 · Whitehorse, CanadaNTSB GAA19WA308Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28 · Estancia County, BrazilNTSB WPR19WA156Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna T210 · Mount Isa, AustraliaOn May 26, 2019, at 0547 coordinated universal time, a Cessna T210M, registration VH-SUX, collided with terrain during a surveying flight near Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia. The two crew were fatally injured, and the airplane sustained substantial…NTSB ERA19FA179Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · St. Simons Island, GAThe pilot's loss of airplane control during approach for undetermined reasons.