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 WPR18FA245Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna P210 · Prescott, AZThe pilot's misjudgment of distance and altitude from the runway and his subsequent failure to maintain an approach path that provided clearance from the terrain due to a visual illusion in dark night conditions.NTSB CEN18FA358Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B60 · Fort Walton Beach, FLThe pilot's controlled flight into terrain after misidentifying the destination airport during a period of restricted visibility due to weather.NTSB WPR18FA244Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Redding, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to properly configure the wing flaps for…NTSB ERA18FA238Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2 32 · Morrisville, VTThe pilot's exceedance of the glider's critical angle of attack while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate the glider outside of its published weight…NTSB CEN18WA367Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 310 · Villa Zaragoza, MexicoThe government of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Cessna 310, XB-KQF that occurred on August 28, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Mexico's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB ERA18FA235Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAirtime Cygnet · Pensacola, FLThe student pilot's loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA18FA232Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA22 · Island Pond, VTThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA18FA231Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Swainsboro, GAThe total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.NTSB ERA18FA230Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Hanson, MAA loss of engine power due to carburetor icing, the pilot's decision to turn back to the runway shortly after takeoff, and his failure to maintain airspeed during the turn, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, and…NTSB CEN18WA366Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCirrus SR22 · Balchik, BulgariaOn August 24, 2018, at 1608 coordinated universal time, a Cirrus SR22, LZ-SEV, impacted terrain at the Balchik Airfield (LBWB), Balchik, Bulgaria. The airplane was destroyed. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight originated from Lesnovo Airport (LBLS),…NTSB WPR18FA237Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportChampion 7KCAB · Descanso, CAThe pilot's decision to enter a spin without sufficient altitude to recover. Also causal to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight weight and balance calculations, which placed the airplane outside the normal and acrobatic category flight envelope,…NTSB CEN18WA353Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA34 · Loma Linda, Costa RicaNTSB WPR18FA232Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369 · Granger, TXThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid a power line while maneuvering at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's decision to not follow the training syllabus and allow the low-level high-speed flight.NTSB WPR18FA229Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportJames E Causey Acroduster II · Phoenix, AZAn exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at an altitude too low for recovery.NTSB ERA18WA223Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationStemme S12 · Santo Domingo Norte, Dominican RepublicThe government of Dominican Republic has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a STEMME S12 glider that occurred on August 19, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Dominican Republic's investigation…NTSB WPR18FA228Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPietenpol Aircamper · Camp Verde, AZLoss of control for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB ERA18FA221Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportQuicksilver MXL II Sport · Westminster, MDThe in-flight fracture of a stainless steel bolt that was used to secure the upper and lower wing cables to the outer attach point at the leading edge spar of the right wing due to stress corrosion cracking, which caused the right wing to fail and precluded…NTSB CEN18FA339Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT502 · Bronson, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, an aerodynamic stall, and loss of control at an altitude too low for recovery.NTSB WPR18WA230Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationKawasaki Heavy Industries BK117 B-2 · Ulladulla, AustraliaOn August 17, 2018, about 1400 local time, a Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. BK117 B-2 helicopter, VH-JWB, was destroyed when it impacted terrain during aerial firefighting operations near Ulladulla, New South Wales, Australia. The helicopter was operated by…NTSB CEN18FA336Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Rhome, TXThe pilot's inadequate maintenance of the airplane, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation when organic debris restricted available fuel to the carburetor, and the pilot's impairment due to the ingestion of alcohol, which…NTSB ANC18WA077Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206 · Fort Simpson, CanadaOn August 17, 2018, about 0035 Coordinated Universal Time, an amphibious float-equipped Cessna U206G airplane, C-FNEQ, nosed over while landing at Little Doctor Lake near Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories, Canada. Of the five souls onboard, the pilot and…NTSB WPR18WA225Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Queenstown, South AfricaOn August 15, 2018, at 0830 Universal Coordinated Time, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, ZS-HBP, impacted power lines while conducting a game capturing flight near Queenstown, South Africa. The pilot sustained serious injuries and the passenger was fatally…NTSB CEN18FA326Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Payson City, UTThe pilot's intentional flight into his residence.NTSB WPR18FA219Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Sylmar, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control following a total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB ANC18WA074Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Edson, CanadaOn August 12, 2018, about 1645 Coordinated Universal Time, a Cessna 172 airplane, C-FJCP, impacted terrain near Edson, Alberta, Canada, under unknown circumstances. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada is…NTSB WPR18LA217Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSmith Hornet · St. George, UTThe pilot's loss of airplane control during takeoff due to an unexpected gust of wind.NTSB WPR18FA220Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDe Havilland DHC8 · Steilacoom, WAThe NTSB did not determine the probable cause of this event and does not plan to issue an investigative report or open a public docket. The investigation of this event is being conducted under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.NTSB WPR18FA218Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Baker City, ORThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the landing approach as a result of his diversion of attention after a series of non-essential aircraft systems became inoperative following the failure of the engine-driven vacuum pump,…NTSB ANC18WA065Accident · 9 fatalForeign investigationBell 412EP · Nakanojo, JapanThe government of Japan has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a BELL 412EP helicopter that occurred on August 10, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Japan's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB CEN18WA325Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech 58 · Munster, GermanyOn August 9, 2018, about 1000 UTC, a Beechcraft Baron 58 airplane, Hungarian registration PH-CJX, impacted terrain under unknown circumstances near Münster, Germany. The two occupants inside the airplane sustained fatal injuries. The airplane sustained…NTSB WPR18WA235Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAyres S2R · Diatar, MauritaniaOn August 8, 2018, at an unknown time, an Ayres S2R T34 airplane, F-GOKZ, impacted terrain during an agricultural operation near Diatar, Mauritania. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was being operated under the pertinent civil regulations of the…NTSB CEN18WA318Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Puy-de-Dome Mazoires, FranceOn August 6, 2018, about 1045 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 172S airplane, French registration F-GTNV, lost radio and radar contact; the wreckage was located near Puy-de-Dôme Mazoires, France. The airplane was destroyed, and the three occupants…NTSB WPR18FA211Accident · 5 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna 414 · Santa Ana, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering in the traffic pattern which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin at a low altitude, which the pilot was unable to recover from.NTSB ANC18FA063Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportDe Havilland DHC-2 · Talkeetna, AKImpact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not recovered due to the inaccessible nature of the accident site.NTSB ERA18FA208Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 8GCBC · Foley, ALThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in a subsequent aerodynamic stall and spin at an altitude that was too low for recovery.NTSB CEN18WA312Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationSteen Skybolt · Fratauti, RomaniaNTSB CEN18FA310Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportExtra EA 400 · Ponca City, OKThe pilot's loss of control for reasons that could not be determined with the available evidence.NTSB WPR18FA210Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Lopez Island, WAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in a cross-control aerodynamic stall, spin, and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's delayed remedial…NTSB CEN18LA309Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCameron A 250 · Hartsel, COThe passengers’ fall from the basket after landing when the basket tipped over.NTSB CEN18WA343Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA25 · Namiquipa, MexicoOn August 1, 2018, about 0956 hours mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235 single-engine airplane, serial number 25-4177, Mexican registration XB-FMA, crashed in an agricultural field near Namiquipa, Mexico. The pilot was fatally injured. The local aerial…NTSB ANC18WA062Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 180 · Gold Bridge, CanadaOn August 1, 2018, about 1245 Pacific daylight time, a Canadian registered float-equipped Cessna 180, C-FCDQ, operated by Fort Langley Air Ltd., was substantially damaged after impacting the surface of Lake Tyaughton, British Columbia, shortly after takeoff.…NTSB ANC18WA061Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31 · Calgary, CanadaOn August 1, 2018, at 1336 mountain daylight time, a Canadian registered Piper PA-31, C-FNCI, operated by Aries Aviation Services Corp., was substantially damaged after impacting terrain under unknown circumstances 35 miles southwest of Calgary, Canada. The…NTSB ERA18FA206Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA60 · Greenville, METhe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering to land, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN18WA304Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationQuad City Challenger · North Bay, CanadaOn July 30, 2018, about 1500 Coordinated Universal Time, a Quad City Challenger II airplane, Canadian registration C-IGKT, crashed near Talon Lake, North Bay, Ontario, Canada. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight departed North Bay (CYYB), Ontario, and…NTSB ANC18WA075Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28 · Black Diamond, CanadaOn July 30, 2018, about 0133 Coordinated Universal Time, a Piper PA-28-161 airplane, C-GVZJ, was departing a cut hay field and collided with hay bales near Black Diamond, Alberta, Canada, under unknown circumstances. Of the two occupants onboard, 1 sustained…NTSB ERA18WA209Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBeech 90 · Sao Paulo, BrazilThe government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Beech C90 that occurred on July 29, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex…NTSB CEN18FA297Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Alexandria, MNThe pilot's intentional low-altitude flight, which resulted in an impact with power lines.NTSB ERA18WA219Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210 · Sao Felix do Xingu, BrazilThe government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Cessna 210 airplane that occurred on July 27, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB ERA18FA200Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA24 · Palatka, FLThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a loss of control.NTSB ERA18WA218Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA34 · Irineopolis, BrazilThe government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Piper PA-34-220T that occurred on July 22, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under the provisions of ICAO…