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 ERA18LA199Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Cleveland, TNThe undetected wear of the ignition switch and key, which allowed removal of the key from an intermediate position and subsequently led to an unintended engine start-up. Contributing to the undetected wear of the 42-year-old ignition switch was the lack of…NTSB ERA18WA198Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBeech 58 · Ayolas, ParaguayThe government of Paraguay has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a BEECH 58 airplane that occurred on July 25, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Paraguay's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB CEN18WA308Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAir Tractor AT301 · Ascension, Chihuahua, MexicoOn July 25, 2018, about 1600 coordinated universal time, a Mexican registered Air Tractor AT 301 airplane, XB-OVB, impacted terrain near Ascension, Chihuahua, Mexico. The pilot was fatally injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local…NTSB ERA18FA197Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32R · Lincolnton, NCThe noninstrument-rated pilot's intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to complete…NTSB ANC18LA057Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAeros Venture 2000 · Bad Axe, MIThe pilot's loss of aircraft control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB CEN18WA305Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationLavia Argentina PA-25-260 · Namiquipa, Chihuahua, MexicoOn July 22, 2018, about 1500 coordinated universal time, a Lavia Argentina S.A. PA-25-260 airplane, XB-EGL and Lavia Argentina S.A. PA-25-235 airplane, XB-DVX, collided during aerial application maneuvers near Namiquipa, Chihuahua, Mexico. The pilot of XB-EGL…NTSB WPR18FA200Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDe Havilland DH112 Venom · Sheboygan, WIThe airplane's encounter with wake turbulence from the lead airplane in the formation flight, which resulted in a compressor stall and the airplane's subsequent inability to climb.NTSB CEN18FA282Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFisher Celebrity · Patriot, INAn in-flight separation of the right wing due to upward and rearward bending that led to an overstress fracture. The reason for the upward and rearward bending could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB ANC18FA055Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportDe Havilland DHC-2 · Willow, AKThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during departure climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to load the airplane beyond its allowable gross weight and center…NTSB CEN18WA279Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 150 · Tortola, British Virgin IslandsNTSB WPR18FA198Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRyan Navion · Truckee, CAA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB ERA18FA194Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA34 · Miami, FLThe failure of both pilots in both airplanes to see and avoid the other airplane as they converged nearly head-on at the same altitude.NTSB CEN18FA277Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna 152 · Fort Rice, NDThe pilot's failure to use carburetor heat in conditions that were conducive to serious carburetor icing, which resulted in a loss of engine power, an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the…NTSB CEN18FA267Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportKolb Twinstar · La Porte, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a visual approach for landing, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery.NTSB ERA18WA196Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28R · Santiago, ChileThe government of Chile has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a PIPER PA28R airplane that occurred on July 14, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Chile's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB WPR18FA195Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Deer Park, WAAn in-flight breakup as a result of the airplane exceeding the structural strength of the airplane during a rapid descent that the flight instructor was unable to recover from following a collision with a large bird.NTSB ERA18WA207Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAero Eli Servizi Yo-Yo 222 · Musile del Piave, ItalyThe government of Italy has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Aero Eli Servizi Yo-Yo 222 helicopter that occurred on July 13, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Italy's investigation under the…NTSB ERA18FA189Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRutan Defiant · Plainville, CTThe pilot's loss of airplane control during climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB CEN18WA320Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationChampion 8KCAB · Toronto, CanadaOn July 12, 2018, at 2359 universal coordinated time, a Bellanca 8KCAB, Canadian registration C-GDLP, declared an emergency and impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from the Toronto/Buttonville Airport (CYKZ), Ontario, Canada. The pilot was fatally injured.…NTSB CEN18FA265Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRose Parrakeet A-1 · Rhome, TXThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN18WA268Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Domecko, PolandOn July 11, 2018, at 0736 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Robinson Helicopter R-44 II helicopter, SP-MAP, impacted terrain near Opole, Poland. 2 occupants were fatally injured, and 1 occupant was seriously injured.The investigation is under the…NTSB CEN18FA263Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Wheatley, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB CEN18WA264Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 152 · Ponte de Sor, PortugalThe government of Portugal has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Cessna 152 airplane that occurred on July 10, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Portugal's investigation under the provisions…NTSB CEN18FA262Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau Ventus 3F · Moriarty, NMThe pilot's exceedance of the glider's critical angle of attack during a low-altitude turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ERA18LA188Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorthwing 17 · Section, ALThe noncertificated pilot's failure to maintain control of the weight-shift-control aircraft during an aborted landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of flight experience in the aircraft.NTSB ERA18FA187Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Williamsburg, VAThe pilot's failure to safely operate the helicopter due to his impaired cognitive and physical abilities, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB CEN18WA261Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 Raven I · Kanaš, SlovakiaOn July 7, 2018, at 1640 coordinated universal time, a Robinson R22 Raven 1, OM-TTM, impacted powerlines during takeoff near Kanaš, Slovak Republic. The helicopter was destroyed. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The flight was originating at the time of…NTSB CEN18FA258Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G · Arlington, INThe inflight separation of the upper transmission due to the thread failure of transmission housing attachment bolts, which were installed on the helicopter with thread damage from a prior installation.NTSB ERA18LA184Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSwearingen SX300 · Daytona Beach, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during landing, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack, experiencing an aerodynamic stall and hard landing, which resulted in a landing gear collapse, loss of directional control, and…NTSB WPR18FA188Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369 · MajuroThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance above the surface of the ocean.NTSB CEN18WA256Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Bad Voslau, AustriaOn June 4, 2018, about 0815 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 172S airplane, F-HFPL, impacted terrain at Bad Voslau Airport, Bad Voslau, Austria. The pilot in command and passenger were fatally injured, and the airplane was destroyed. The flight was…NTSB ERA18LA183Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Rio Grande, PRA total loss of engine power due to oil exhaustion, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and hard landing.NTSB CEN18LA245Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKubicek BB30 · Ashland, OHThe pilot's failure to ensure that he was secure in the balloon's basket after landing, which resulted in him falling and striking his head on the burners when the wind caught the envelope and tipped the basket over. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB CEN18FA244Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Sterling City, TXA loss of control during the landing approach for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB CEN18FA242Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7GCAA · Arthur, NEThe pilot's failure to recover from a spin for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB WPR18WA185Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationBeech C90 · Mumbai, IndiaOn June 28, 2018, at 0740 Universal Coordinated Time, a King Air C90 airplane, VT-UPZ, was destroyed when it impacted the ground near Mumbai, India. The airplane was operated under the pertinent regulations of the Government of India. The two pilots, two…NTSB WPR18FA186Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 320 · Eagle Mountain, UTThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and the airplane experiencing an aerodynamic stall at too low an altitude to recover.NTSB ERA18WA272Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Adiyaman, TürkiyeThe government of Turkey has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 172 airplane that occurred on June 27, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Turkey's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB ERA18FA180Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Manteo, NCA loss of control due to the banner tow rope becoming entangled with the left horizontal stabilizer in crosswind conditions.NTSB CEN18FA236Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Detroit, MIA total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Also causal was the pilot's failure to divert earlier in the flight to another airport to ensure that the airplane had an adequate fuel reserve, and the malfunction of the landing gear extension system for…NTSB CEN18FA235Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415 D · Monmouth, ILA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB ANC18FA050Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 18-150 · Delta Junction, AKUndetermined based on the available evidence.NTSB WPR18FA178Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Standard Cirrus · Aguila, AZThe pilot's exceedance of the glider's critical angle of attack while attempting a thermal climb at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at an altitude that precluded recovery.NTSB ERA18FA174Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Diamondhead, MSThe student pilot's failure to retract the flaps following landing and the stall/mush that resulted during the subsequent full-flap takeoff and initial climb.NTSB CEN18FA232Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT 502B · Enid, OKThe pilot's failure to see and avoid a known obstacle (communications tower) during agricultural spraying operations.NTSB WPR18WA180Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA31 · Antananarivo, MadagascarOn June 18, 2018, about 0615 local time, a Piper PA-31 airplane, 5R-MKF, impacted terrain about 5 nautical miles from the Ivato International Airport, Antananarivo, Madagascar. The pilot in command, two pilot observers, pilot monitor, and one passenger were…NTSB ERA18WA237Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationAgusta A109 · Espírito Santo, BrazilThe government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Agusta A109 helicopter that occurred on June 16, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB WPR18FA171Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportBeech A35 · Hesperia, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted return to the airport following the separation of the spinner bulkhead during takeoff as a result of fatigue cracking. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to fly…NTSB CEN18FA227Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Rotan, TXThe pilot's reckless decision to conduct low-level flight over a canyon, resulting in the airplane's impact with power lines and terrain.NTSB ERA18FA167Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon 58 · Springfield Township, NJA loss of control due to spatial disorientation while climbing after departure in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent instrument experience.