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 WPR17FA155Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEvolution 19 Lancair Evolution · Mesa, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction due to a failure…NTSB CEN17FA270Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American/Aero Classics P 51 · Cummings, KSThe loss of airplane control while maneuvering at low altitude for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN17WA276Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna T210 · Cerro Viejo, MexicoOn July 15, 2017, at 1616 coordinated universal time, a Cessna T210N, Mexican registration XB-LJK, collided with the terrain in Cerro Viejo, Mexico, following a loss of engine power. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was substantially…NTSB ANC17FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 15AC · Big Lake, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during low-altitude flight, which resulted in an in-flight collision and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR17FA152Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportJansen Pazmany PL 2 · El Monte, CAA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence. Also causal was the pilot's decision to return to the runway following the loss of engine power, and his failure to maintain airspeed…NTSB WPR17FA151Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 44-180 · Marineland, FLA loss of control in flight for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.NTSB WPR17FA150Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22T · Schellville, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after a loss of engine power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude from which the pilot was unable to recover. The loss of engine power resulted from the pilot's improper selection for the…NTSB WPR17FA149Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAviat A · Herriman, UTThe flight instructor's decision to conduct a low-altitude flight into a box canyon in high density altitude conditions and his failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering to escape the canyon, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical…NTSB ERA17FA241Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportExtra Flugzeugbau EA 300/L · Winchester, NHThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to complete…NTSB CEN17FA266Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA31T · Tyler, TXThe loss of engine power and the subsequent pilot's loss of control for reasons that could not be determined because post-accident engine examination revealed no anomalies.NTSB WPR17FA146Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChicco Miguel E Quicksilver Sport II · Point Mugu, CAA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination in combination with the low cruise altitude selected by the pilots, which resulted in an ocean ditching. The lack of personal flotation devices likely…NTSB CEN17FA259Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT 602 · Cash, ARThe pilot's incapacitation due to a cardiac event, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN17FA258Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-181 · Waterford, OHThe pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA17FA232Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMorrisey 2150A · Honesdale, PAA total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of two psychoactive substances, which led to his impaired decision to attempt to takeoff after engine issues became evident.NTSB ERA17WA228Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · Republic of Buryatia, RussiaThe government of Russia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a BELL 206 helicopter that occurred on July 05, 2017. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Russia's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB ERA17WA230Accident · 9 fatalForeign investigationGulfstream G1159A · Nueva Esparta, VenezuelaOn July 4, 2017, about 1745 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Gulfstream 1159A, Venezuela registration YV2895, descended into the Caribbean Sea northwest of Nueva Esparta, Venezuela, and was presumed to be destroyed. Visual meteorological conditions…NTSB ERA17FA226Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8 · Remsen, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for him to recover.NTSB ERA17WA238Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210M · Cantá Municipality, State, BrazilOn July 3, 2017, about 1500 universal time coordinated, a Cessna 210M, Brazilian registration PR-MFR, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Canta Municipality, State of Roraima, Brazil. The pilot and three passengers were fatally injured and one…NTSB ERA17FA231Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Homestead, FLThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in night conditions over an area devoid of ground reference lights.NTSB ERA17FA223Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSlip Stream Genesis · Linesville, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a climbing turn after takeoff and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at an altitude too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB CEN17LA250Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American T-28A · Moorhead, MNControlled descent into terrain due to engine issues, the reason for which could not be determined because examination of the engine revealed no evidence of malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR17FA139Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth Wing Uum Sport X2 912 · Chelan, WAThe flight instructor's failure to maintain control of the aircraft while demonstrating a spiral dive, which resulted in a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the instructor's decision to demonstrate a spiral dive maneuver at an altitude that…NTSB ERA17FA222Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA23 · Chatsworth, GAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in an encounter with severe convective activity, spatial disorientation, a loss of airplane control, and a subsequent in-flight breakup.…NTSB CEN17FA249Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFlight Design Ctsw · Monticello, IAThe pilot's decision to fly with his large dog in the two-seat, light sport airplane, and the dog's likely contact with the flight controls during landing, which resulted in the pilot's loss of airplane control and a subsequent aerodynamic stall when the…NTSB CEN17FA248Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Catawba, WIA loss of control and subsequent in-flight breakup for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB CEN17WA269Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna TU206 · Surutato, MexicoOn June 30, 2017, about 1907 hours universal coordinated time, a Cessna TU206G single-engine airplane, serial number U20606684, Mexican registration XB-NWL, collided with terrain near Surutato, Mexico. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight's origin and…NTSB CEN17LA244Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT 602 · Stirum, NDThe pilot's decision to attempt flight with low-level fog in the area, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR17WA135Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationSocata TB10 · Suttontown, AustraliaNTSB WPR17FA134Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportJordan John RV7 · Arlington, AZThe inflight overstress separation of the vertical stabilizer and rudder during flight which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain airplane control. Contributing to the accident was an inflight collision with a bird.NTSB ERA17FA211Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBuckeye Powered Parachutes Dream Machine 582 · Federalsburg, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with power lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in powered parachutes.NTSB CEN17WA243Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper L4 · Liberecký, CzechiaOn June 25, 2017, at 1200 Coordinated Universal Time, a Piper L4, OM-M038, impacted terrain after takeoff from Hodkovice Airport (LKHD), Liberecký, Czech Republic. The airplane was destroyed. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the passenger sustained…NTSB ERA17FA210Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Fort Myers, FLA partial loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because extensive fire damage precluded thorough examination of the engine and its associated systems.NTSB ERA17WA224Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationMD Helicopter 500 · Schinias Marathonas, GreeceOn June 23, 2017, about 0645 universal coordinated time, a MD Helicopter 500E, Greek registration SX-HBB, was substantially damaged when it struck a power line and impacted terrain near Schinias Marathonas, Greece. The Greek certificated pilot and one…NTSB CEN17WA237Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAmateur Construction Kolb Firefly · Luffenhall, United KingdomOn June 20, 2017, about 0920 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), a Kolb Firefly ultralite, British registration G-CEPN, impacted terrain under unknown circumstances near Newell Lane, Luffenhall, Hertfordshire, England. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, was…NTSB WPR17FA128Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPrescot E. Wilkie RV-3 · Payette, IDThe in-flight failure of the left wing due to the owner's use of improper hardware and his improper assembly of the airplane, which reduced the strength of the left wing and resulted in its subsequent failure following a sharp pullup maneuver.NTSB CEN17LA234Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 65 CA · Mount Vernon, OHThe pilot's improper starting procedure before hand propping the engine, and his subsequent attempt to stop the moving airplane, which resulted in him being struck by the propeller.NTSB WPR17WA129Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAirparts NZ FU 24 Stallion · Bathurst, AustraliaNTSB WPR17WA127Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Ballina, AustraliaNTSB CEN17FA227Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E 90 · Ruidoso, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain after takeoff during dark night conditions.NTSB ANC17WA029Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · Fengbin, TaiwanOn June 10, 2017, about 1255 Taipei local time (0455 UTC), a Taiwanese registered Bell 206B3 helicopter, B-31118, operated by Emerald Pacific Airlines, impacted remote mountainous terrain about 8 miles south of Fengbin, Hualien County, under unknown…NTSB WPR17FA125Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95 C55 · Mountain Ranch, CAThe pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and mountain obscuration that resulted in controlled flight into trees and terrain.NTSB CEN17WA349Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA31 · Caernarfon, Gwynedd, United KingdomOn June 9, 2017, at 1705 coordinated universal time, a Piper PA31, N250AC, impacted terrain during landing at Caernarfon Airport (EGCK), Caernarfon, Gwynedd, Wales. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and fire. The pilot, who was the sole occupant,…NTSB WPR17FA120Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-180 · Santa Rosa Valley, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while intentionally maneuvering in a steep bank at low altitude, which resulted in an accelerated aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.NTSB ERA17FA195Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA23 · San Juan, PRThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, properly correct for left yaw, and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent uncontrolled descent into water.NTSB CEN17FA209Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Dimmitt, TXThe pilot's incapacitation due to scarring from previous heart attacks and severe hypertrophy of the left ventricular wall which resulted in arrhythmia and a loss of control while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN17FA208Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMichael S. Logan Kitfox · New Berlin, TXA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, and the pilot's subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing…NTSB ANC17WA027Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Tateyama, JapanOn June 3, 2017, about 1450 Japan standard time (UTC +9), a Japanese registered Cessna 172P airplane, JA3989, operated by New Central Air Service, impacted snow-covered mountainous terrain near Tateyama, Toyama Prefecture, under unknown circumstances about 27…NTSB WPR17FA118Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Banning, CAThe flight instructor's decision to continue the takeoff in gusting tailwind and high density altitude conditions, which significantly reduced airplane performance, and his subsequent exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the initial…NTSB CEN17WA211Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLake LA-4-200 · Muskoka, Ontario, CanadaOn June 2, 2017, at 2113 coordinated universal time, a Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer, C-GZSW, was destroyed on impact with terrain after takeoff from Muskoka Airport (CYQA), Muskoka, Ontario, Canada. After takeoff, the pilot attempted to return to the airport, and…NTSB WPR17FA117Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Ventura, CAThe pilot's abrupt and substantial pullup maneuver while flying the airplane above the maneuvering speed, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. The reason for the pilot's maneuver could not be determined based on the available evidence.