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 WPR19FA154Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Grover, UTThe pilot's encounter with moderate to severe icing conditions during cruise flight, which resulted in structural icing and a subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue a flight route through known moderate…NTSB ERA19LA180Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 560 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)Impact with water for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB CEN19FA148Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna S550 · Greenfield, INThe pilot's failure to fully advance the power levers during the takeoff and initial climb, which led to his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed and resulted in the exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR19FA152Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna A185 · Whittier, AKThe pilot’s failure to configure the landing gear for a water landing, which resulted in a nose-over. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction due to his talking passengers.NTSB ERA19WA176Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · La Vega, Dominican RepublicNTSB ANC19FA019Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportDe Havilland DHC 2 · Metlakatla, AKThe pilot’s inadequate compensation for a quartering tailwind during a water landing, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent nose-over. Contributing to the accident was the company’s inadequate operational control of the flight release process,…NTSB WPR19WA151Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R44 II · Tai Po, ChinaNTSB WPR19FA150Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 35 · Melba, IDThe pilot's loss of control during a low-level aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to the effects of alcohol and antidepressant medication.NTSB GAA19WA290Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna T210 · Belem County, State of Para, BrazilNTSB CEN19RA145Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA32 · Roatán, HondurasimportNTSB CEN19FA144Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportVans RV6 · Chillicothe, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane following an intermittent loss of engine power during cruise flight that resulted in him impacting trees. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available…NTSB WPR19FA148Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Alpine, UTThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was hypoxia due to the high altitude at which…NTSB ERA19WA198Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationDiamond DA 62 · Dubai, United Arab EmiratesThe government of United Arab Emirates has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Diamond DA 62 airplane that occurred on May 16, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of United Arab Emirates's…NTSB WPR19FA146Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAviat A1 · Santa Ynez, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain during cruise flight in low visibility and mountainous obscuration conditions.NTSB WPR19FA145Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGrumman G164 · Pleasant Grove, CAThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other airplane, which resulted in a midair collision.NTSB GAA19WA275Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech F33 · Campo Grande County, BrazilNTSB CEN19FA143Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 60 · Loveland, COA loss of control due to an inflight right engine fire due to the loose fuel hose between the engine-driven fuel pump and the flow transducer.NTSB CEN19MA141Accident · 6 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportDe Havilland DHC-2 · Ketchikan, AKThe inherent limitations of the see-and-avoid concept, which prevented the two pilots from seeing the other airplane before the collision, and the absence of visual and aural alerts from both airplanes’ traffic display systems, while operating in a geographic…NTSB CEN19FA165Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Frankfort, MIA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB WPR19FA143Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTop Dog TopDog Ultralight · Creswell, ORThe non-certificated pilot's loss of control while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was his lack of training in the aircraft and his impairment from illicit drugs.NTSB GAA19WA291Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna T210 · Mahahual, Mexico, MexicoThe government of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA T210 airplane that occurred on May 12, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Mexico's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB ERA19FA170Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA 30 · Naples, FLIncapacitation of the pilot due to a birdstrike through the windshield in front of the pilot's position, while on approach to land.NTSB CEN19FA140Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT502 · Eagle Lake, TXThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to fly into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation, a loss of control, and a subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR19WA158Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationJM Kemp RT13B · Mookgopong, South AfricaOn May 10, 2019, about 1105 Coordinated Universal time, a JM Kemp RT13B, South African registry ZU-FUO, was destroyed when it impacted a ridge north of the Mountain View Lodge Airport, near the town of Mookgopong, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The pilot and…NTSB CEN19FA139Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · Moose Lake, MNThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane after departing into a snowstorm.NTSB CEN19FA138Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportChampion 7GCAA · Schlater, MSThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a stall.NTSB WPR19FA133Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportJust JA30 Superstol · Chelan, WAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin.NTSB ERA19FA164Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Foley, ALA partial loss of engine power due to a stuck exhaust valve and the flight instructor's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack following the loss of power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude.NTSB DCA19WA148Accident · 41 fatalForeign investigationSukhoi RRJ95 · Moscow, RussiaThe MAK of Russia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Sukhoi RRJ95 airplane that occurred on May 05, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the MAK's investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13 as State of…NTSB CEN19WA137Accident · 14 fatalForeign investigationCanadair CL 600 2B16 · Coahuila, MexicoOn May 5, 2019, a Challenger Ltd CL-600-2B16 airplane, N601VH, impacted terrain near Coahuila, Mexico. The two pilots and fourteen passengers were fatally injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. This investigation is under the jurisdiction and…NTSB ANC19FA018Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A60 · Santa Rosa, NMThe pilot's loss of airplane control due to his failure to maintain appropriate control inputs and airspeed after shutting down an engine because of a progressive failure of the pressure relief valve in the fuel pump, which resulted in variable fuel pressure…NTSB ERA19FA163Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportGuimbal Cabri · Kent Island, MDThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent descent into the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to conduct the flight at a low altitude without…NTSB CEN19FA134Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportAlliant Destiny 2000 · New Era, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering that resulted in collapse of the canopy and an uncontrolled descent into terrain.NTSB ANC19WA023Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182 · Smithers, CanadaThe government of Canada has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Cessna 182E airplane that occurred on May 04, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Canada's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB GAA19WA274Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna T210 · Atizapán de Zaragoza, Mexico (jjc airport), MexicoThe government of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA T210 airplane that occurred on May 03, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Mexico's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB ERA19WA165Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Pegognaga, ItalyThe government of Italy has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter that occurred on May 03, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Italy's investigation under the provisions…NTSB WPR19FA126Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Mill Creek, CAA total loss of engine power due to oil starvation as a result of the failure of a gasket on the oil filter adapter and the pilot’s inability to clear power lines during the emergency landing.NTSB GAA19WA248Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA46 · Rigolet, NL, CanadaNTSB ERA19FA161Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Tyrone, PAThe pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in controlled flight into trees and terrain.NTSB WPR19FA124Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV 6 · Ridgefield, WAThe pilots' inadvertent exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack following an inflight collision with a bird.NTSB WPR19FA123Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Kailua, HIThe helicopter’s encounter with a strong downdraft or outflow boundary while operating at a higher than recommended airspeed in turbulence which resulted in a low-G condition, excessive main rotor flapping, and an in-flight breakup when the main rotor…NTSB WPR19FA121Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTL Ultralight Sro Stingsport · Madera, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the simulated engine failure on initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control at too low of an altitude to recover.NTSB ERA19FA155Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportBellanca 1730 · Henderson, KYThe student pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack at a low altitude, in the airport traffic pattern, following a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing…NTSB WPR19FA118Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportNorthrop N9M · Norco, CAThe pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA19FA154Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportWheeler Express Series 2000 · Cleveland, NCA loss of control and impact with terrain while maneuvering.NTSB CEN19FA124Accident · 6 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportBeech 58 · Kerrville, TXThe pilot's inadequate preflight fuel planning and fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Also causal was the pilot's failure to follow the one-engine inoperative checklist and maintain the airplane's minimum…NTSB CEN19FA122Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRans S7 · Kingsland, TXThe exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a steep climb after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin into terrain.NTSB WPR19FA115Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 60 · Fullerton, CAThe pilot’s use of an unapproved elevator control lock device, and his failure to remove that device and correctly position the elevator before flight, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was his failure to perform…NTSB WPR19FA116Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV8 · Brookings, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during an aggressive maneuver that resulted in a nose down collision with terrain.NTSB WPR19FA109Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206 · Fort McDowell, AZThe separation of the main rotor head from the mast as a result of a sudden displacement of the cyclic stick during a low-G maneuver, leading to mast bumping. Contributing to the accident were the unsecure positioning of the flight test engineer’s laptop…