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 ERA18FA138Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32 · West Milford, NJAn in-flight fire and total loss of engine power after takeoff due to a loose fuel line. Contributing to the accident was the installation of an unapproved fuel line by unknown personnel.NTSB WPR18WA160Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Mabula, South AfricaOn May 1, 2018, at 0940 Universal Coordinated Time, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, ZS-MZS, impacted an open field for unknown reasons near Mabula, South Africa. The pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. The helicopter was destroyed. The…NTSB WPR18WA138Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationTaylorcraft BC12 · Vryheid, South AfricaOn April 29, 2018, at 1110 coordinated universal time, a Taylorcraft BC 12-D airplane, registration ZS-BLD, sustained substantial damage under unknown circumstances following a departure from Vryheid Aerodrome (FAVY), Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Both…NTSB CEN18WA154Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationAmateur Construction Vari EZE · Innsbruck, AustriaOn April 29, 2018, about 0819 hours universal coordinated time, an amateur-built Vari-Eze airplane, Swiss registration HB-YCM, impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from the Innsbruck Airport (LOWI), Innsbruck, Austria. The pilot and passenger were fatally…NTSB ERA18FA137Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28R · Gainesville, GAA partial loss of engine power due to inadequate thru-bolt and stud preload tension by undetermined maintenance personnel, which resulted in fretting between the engine crankcase halves, and the subsequent separation of the No. 2 cylinder due to the fatigue…NTSB CEN18WA153Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Corozalito, Nandayure, Costa RicaOn April 28, 2018, about 1800 UTC, a Cessna 172S airplane, TI-BIL, impacted terrain during an instructional flight near Corozalito, Nandayure. Both crewmembers on board were fatally injured.This investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the Costa…NTSB CEN18LA150Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWolfe Kitfox V · Kalkaska, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control that resulted in a stall/spin following climb from the departure airport.NTSB CEN18FA149Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B2 · Hazelhurst, WIThe pilot's loss of helicopter control as a result of fatigue during cruise flight at night.NTSB WPR18WA126Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationWells Elgin M Starjammer · HeNan Province, ChinaOn April 25, 2018, at 1814 local time, an experimental Wells StarJammar airplane, N49EW, crashed during the rehearsal flight for an aerobatic performance at ShangJie general aviation Airport, HeNan Province, P.R. China. The owner/pilot, the sole occupant, was…NTSB CEN18FA147Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American SNJ 5 · Kingsville, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a steep turn after takeoff, resulting in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent accelerated stall at an altitude too low for recovery.NTSB ERA18WA274Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28 · Nafpaktos, GreeceThe government of Greece has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a PIPER PA28 airplane that occurred on April 21, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Greece's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB ERA18LA134Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStanley Ernie Sigurd Kolb Mark · Collegedale, TNThe pilot's loss of airplane control, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to take off in the nonairworthy airplane in which he had no training and his lack of flight experience in the 17…NTSB CEN18WA145Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna Cessna 152 · Crumlin, IrelandOn April 19, 2018, at 1230 UTC, a Cessna 152 airplane, G-UFCO, collided with the terrain in Crumlin, Northern Ireland. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured, and the airplane was substantially damage by impact and postimpact fire. The wreckage was…NTSB CEN18FA144Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Williamsburg, PAThe pilot's failure to obtain an updated weather briefing before the flight and his subsequent loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions during a diversion to an alternate airport after…NTSB DCA18MA142Accident · 1 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBoeing 737 7H4 · Philadelphia, PAA low-cycle fatigue crack in the dovetail of fan blade No. 13, which resulted in the fan blade separating in flight and impacting the engine fan case at a location that was critical to the structural integrity and performance of the fan cowl structure. This…NTSB ERA18FA127Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Crozet, VAThe pilot's loss of control while operating in night instrument meteorological conditions as a result of spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate an airplane after consuming alcohol and his resulting…NTSB CEN18FA143Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech G33 · Warsaw, OHThe pilot's decision to continue flight in known icing conditions, which resulted in structural icing, degraded airplane performance, and a subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain an official weather briefing…NTSB CEN18FA140Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBordiuk Challenger II · Friona, TXAn in-flight impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined due to a lack of evidence.NTSB ERA18WA133Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 206L-4 · Vereda Plateado, ColombiaThe government of Colombia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a BELL 206L-4 helicopter that occurred on April 15, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Colombia's investigation under the…NTSB CEN18WA141Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCirrus SR20 · Adolf Wurth Airport, GermanyOn April 15, 2018, at 1300 UTC, a Cirrus SR-20, D-EWTG, and a Dallach D4b Fascination, D-MJEK, encountered a midair collision under unknown circumstances near Adolf Würth Airport (EDTY), Schwäbisch Hall, Germany. Both aircraft were destroyed; and the pilots,…NTSB CEN18FA139Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportWittman W10 · San Antonio, TXAn in-flight fire and subsequent total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive impact and fire damage, followed by a loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA18FA128Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportS.Z.D. SZD 48 Jantar STD 2 · LaBelle, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the glider for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB WPR18FA119Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 24-260 · Scottsdale, AZThe flight instructor's failure to maintain airplane control during the initial climb as a result of the airplane being loaded above its maximum gross weight and beyond its aft center of gravity limits. Contributing to the accident was a degraded engine power…NTSB ERA18WA130Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBeech 58 · Tucuman, ArgentinaNTSB ERA18FA122Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMD Helicopter 600 · Smethport, PAThe helicopter pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance during power line construction work, which resulted in the helicopter's main rotor striking and becoming entangled with a wire and a subsequent dynamic rollover and collision with terrain.…NTSB ANC18FA028Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Petaluma, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while departing in instrument meteorological conditions, moderate turbulence, and low-level wind shear, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN18WA402Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRotorway Exec · Crestet, FranceThe government of France has notified the NTSB of an accident involving an amateur-built ROTORWAY EXEC helicopter that occurred on April 05, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of France's investigation under…NTSB CEN18WA136Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 47G · Libourne, FranceThe government of France has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a BELL 47G helicopter that occurred on April 05, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of France's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB ERA18FA120Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28R · Daytona Beach, FLExtensive fatigue cracking in the left-wing main spar lower cap and doublers, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the left wing. The fatigue cracks initiated and grew to a critical size due to flight and ground loads associated with flight-training…NTSB CEN18FA266Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Alma, COThe noncertificated pilot's poor decision to depart on a flight over mountainous terrain in an improperly maintained airplane, and the subsequent encounter with mountain wave turbulence, which resulted in the loss of airplane control and impact with terrain.…NTSB CEN18FA132Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Marion, INThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other airplane as they converged on intersecting runways. Contributing to the accident was the jet pilot's not monitoring the airport's traffic advisory frequency, known reduced visibility of the intersecting…NTSB ERA18WA123Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Rosario, BrazilNTSB WPR18FA116Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRagle RV6A · Santa Paula, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin.NTSB ERA18LA119Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAmes Angier M LNC2 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)The pilot's spatial disorientation after entering instrument meteorological conditions and encountering moderate-to-heavy precipitation, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA18FA118Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · Ashville, ALDescent and impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB WPR18LA113Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer G 164B · Stockton, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with power lines while maneuvering during an aerial application flight.NTSB WPR18FA112Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Marina, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB ERA18FA114Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Hydro, OKThe pilot's decision to continue the night visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing was the pilot's lack of instrument/night currency, and his failure…NTSB CEN18WA130Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationMaule M 7-235 · Arosa, SwitzerlandNTSB CEN18LA123Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMills Michael S1L · Dewitt, MIThe pilot's failure to see and avoid power lines due to sun glare.NTSB WPR18WA110Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationEurocopter EC120 · Hardy Reef, Queensland, AustraliaOn March 21, 2018, about 1500 local time, a Eurocopter (Airbus Helicopters) EC120B helicopter, VH-WII, sustained substantial damage when it impacted water during an aborted landing attempt on a floating helicopter landing site (HLS) located between Hardy Reef…NTSB CEN18FA126Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRans S-16 Shekari · Pierce, NEThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the approach for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and the airplane's impact with terrain.NTSB WPR18FA104Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 18-150 · La Center, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB ERA18MA099Accident · 5 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportAmerican Eurocopter AS350B2 · New York, NYLiberty Helicopters Inc.'s use of a NYONair-provided passenger harness/tether system, which caught on and activated the floor-mounted engine fuel shutoff lever and resulted in the in-flight loss of engine power and the subsequent ditching. Contributing to…NTSB DCA18WA106Accident · 11 fatalForeign investigationCanadair CL600 2B16 · Shahr-e Kurd, IranThe Transportation Safety Board of Canada has informed the NTSB of an accident involving a Challenger 604, which occurred on March 11, 2018, in the Islamic Republic of Iran. All investigative information will be released by the government of Iran.NTSB CEN18FA116Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 31P · Laredo, TXAn engine malfunction for undetermined reasons and the subsequent loss of control, due to the pilot's improper decision to maneuver the airplane below minimum controllable airspeed and his improper response to the loss of engine power.NTSB ERA18LA095Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobert Snyder Autogyro Calidus · Beaufort, SCThe gyroplane pilot's failure to maintain rotor speed and aircraft control as he was attempting to return to the runway during a low-altitude simulated engine-out maneuver.NTSB ERA18LA094Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Ocean City, MDThe pilot's flight in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in an impact with water for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB WPR18WA097Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Ogies, South AfricaOn February 28, 2018, at 0945 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a South African registered Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Raven II, ZS-HKZ, lost engine power while maneuvering near Truter Boerdery Farm, Ogies, Mpumalana Province, South Africa. The helicopter…NTSB ERA18FA092Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportQuest Kodiac 100 · Georgetown, FLThe pilots' spatial disorientation while maneuvering for landing in night conditions over unlighted terrain, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with water.