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 CEN17WA214Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28-140 · Sacatepequez, GuatemalaOn June 1, 2017, at 1824 coordinated universal time, a Piper PA-24-140, Guatemalan registration TG-GYV, owned by a private individual, was destroyed when it impacted mountainous terrain under unknown circumstances near Volcán de Agua, Departamento de…NTSB CEN17FA207Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportVarga 2150A · Bowling Green, OHThe pilot's loss of control due to impairment from carbon monoxide poisoning. Contributing to the accident was the corrosion of the heat exchanger and the failure of maintenance personnel to adequately inspect and repair or replace the exchanger during the…NTSB WPR17WA115Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 441 · Renmark, AustraliaOn May 30, 2017, about 1630 Australian central standard time, a Cessna 441, equipped with Garret TPE331 series turboprop engines, registration VH-XMJ, collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from Renmark Aerodrome, Renmark, SA, Australia. The three crew…NTSB ERA17WA199Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA34 · Coxim Municipality, BrazilOn May 28, 2017, about 1540 coordinated universal time, a Piper PA-34-220T, Brazilian registration PT-WPD, was destroyed when it impacted terrain in Coxim Municipality, State of Mato Grosso so Sul, Brazil. The Brazilian pilot and passenger were fatally…NTSB CEN17WA203Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182 · Palmar Norte de Osa, Puntarenas, Costa RicaOn May 28, 2017, a Panamanian-flagged Cessna 182, serial number FT34567, and reported false registration HP-1760FT, was located crashed in an African palm seeding field on a farm near Palmar Norte of Osa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. The pilot, the sole person on…NTSB WPR17FA108Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 30 · Haines, AKThe pilot's decision to turn toward the inoperative engine after conducting a low-level pass, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at too low an altitude to recover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to perform the flight and the engine…NTSB ANC17FA026Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportArctic S 1B2 · Salcha, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering in high winds, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to load the…NTSB WPR17FA107Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchleicher ASW 28 18E · Ephrata, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain glider control while attempting to conduct an off-airport landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB ERA17WA193Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Chernihiv, UkraineOn May 26, 2017, about 1200 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 172M, Ukrainian registration UR-WTA, was substantially damaged when it impacted a one-story building after takeoff from the Pivtsi Airport, Chernihiv, Ukraine. The pilot was fatally injured. The…NTSB CEN17FA197Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerotek Pitts S 2A · Sheboygan Falls, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control following a partial loss of engine power during a low-level aerobatic maneuver; the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined during postaccident examination of the engine. Contributing to the…NTSB ERA17FA190Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland EC 135 · New Castle, DEThe pilot's loss of helicopter control during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions due to spatial disorientation and the cumulative effects of task saturation.NTSB CEN17WA199Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28R · Skipness/Kintyre, Scotland, United KingdomOn May 25, 2017, about 1300 hours universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-28R-201, United Kingdom registration G-CEOF, impacted the sea near Skipness/Kintyre, Scotland, United Kingdom. The two occupants on-board were fatally injured. The flight departed Oban…NTSB CEN17FA196Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · Chetek, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while flying at a low altitude, which resulted in the airplane exceeding the critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA17WA192Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Kwa-Zulu Natal, South AfricaThe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Robinson R22 helicopter that occurred on May 20, 2017. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist SACAA's investigation under the…NTSB CEN17WA193Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationQuicksilver GT500 · Barcelona, SpainOn May 20, 2017, at 1000 local time, a Quicksilver GT-500, EC-BQ3, impacted terrain after making a steep left turn during takeoff from Gurb Aerodrome in Barcelona, Spain. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot was fatally injured. The flight was being…NTSB ERA17WA191Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Heilbron, South AfricaThe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Robinson R44 II helicopter that occurred on May 19, 2017. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist SACAA's investigation under the…NTSB ERA17WA198Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 206 · Cerro Azul, EcuadorOn May 18, 2017, at an unknown time, a Cessna 206H, Ecuadorian registration HC-CEG, was destroyed when it impacted terrain in Cerro Azul, Ecuador. The foreign certificated pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. The flight departed Jose Joaquin de…NTSB CEN17WA187Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLearjet 25 · Toluca, MexicoOn May 17, 2017, at 2025 hours universal coordinated time, a Lear 25B airplane, Mexican registration XA-VMC, impacted terrain near Toluca, Mexico. The pilot-in-command and co-pilot were fatally injured. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and a…NTSB ERA17FA181Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU2B · Eleuthera, BahamasThe pilot's intentional flight into an area of known icing and convective thunderstorm activity, which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane.NTSB CEN17MA183Accident · 2 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportLearjet 35A · Teterboro, NJThe pilot-in-command's (PIC) attempt to salvage an unstabilized visual approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the PIC's decision to allow an unapproved second-in-command to act as pilot flying, the…NTSB CEN17WA189Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationMonocoupe 90AF · Plattsville, CanadaOn May 13, 2017, a Monocoupe 90F-100 airplane, C-FJGA, impacted short of the threshold at Lubitz Flying Field (CLB2), Plattsville, Ontario. The pilot was fatally injured.This investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the government of Canada. Any…NTSB CEN17LA181Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAS+ AC 4 · Blair, NEThe pilot's loss of control due to his diverted attention as he attempted to close the canopy that opened during initial climb.NTSB ERA17FA180Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Hopkinsville, KYThe noninstrument-rated pilot's intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's overreliance on his…NTSB ERA17WA183Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationEnstrom Helicopter 480B · Fundres, ItalyOn May 10, 2017, about 1143 universal coordinated time,an Enstrom 480B, N480W, was destroyed during an infight break-up near Fundres, Italy. The flight departed from Bolzano, Italy, and was destined for Linz, Italy. The pilot was fatally injured. This…NTSB CEN17RA191Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 429 · Presov, SlovakiaOn May 10, 2017, about 1430 local time, a Bell 429 helicopter, Slovakia registration OM-BYM, impacted terrain shortly after takeoff near Presov, Slovakia. There were four people on board; two people received fatal injuries and two people received serious…NTSB WPR17FA101Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportIcon A5 · Lake Berryessa, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's mistaken entry into a canyon surrounded by steep rising terrain while at a low altitude for reasons that could not be…NTSB ERA17FA174Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Clearwater, FLThe pilot's decision to attempt to land while a line of rain showers with microburst activity was crossing the airport, which resulted in a loss of control during a subsequent attempted go-around.NTSB DCA17FA109Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportShort Bros. & Harland SD3 30 · Charleston, WVthe flight crew's improper decision to conduct a circling approach contrary to the operator's standard operating procedures (SOP) and the captain's excessive descent rate and maneuvering during the approach, which led to inadvertent, uncontrolled contact with…NTSB WPR17LA126Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHy-Tek Hurricane · Redcrest, CAThe noncertificated pilot's impairment from methamphetamine and alcohol use, which precluded the pilot from maintaining control of the airplane after a loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.NTSB ERA17WA173Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Beloretsk, RussiaOn May 4, 2017, about 1020 coordinated universal time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, Russian registration RA-04156, was substantially damaged when it impacted mountainous terrain during a fire monitoring mission after departing from Beloretsk, Bashkortostan,…NTSB ERA17FA172Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA31 · Colton, NYThe pilot's incapacitation for unknown reasons, which resulted in an overflight of his destination, a subsequent loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, and collision with terrain.NTSB ANC17FA021Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Chignik Lake, AKThe pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into an area of mountainous terrain and instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). Contributing to the accident was the company's failure to provide the pilot…NTSB CEN17WA172Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA31 · Schefferville, CanadaOn April 30, 2017, a Piper PA-31 airplane, C-FQQB, impacted terrain near Schefferville, Quebec. The two pilots were fatality injured. The accident investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the Canadian government. This report is for information…NTSB CEN17FA169Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7KCAB · Collinston, LAThe failure of the flight instructor and the commercial pilot to maintain adequate clearance from a power line during an aerial application training flight.NTSB CEN17WA175Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationSocata-Groupe Aerospatiale TB 20 · Malaga, SpainOn April 29, 2017, at 1632 UTC, a Socata TB-20, D-ECJP, impacted terrain near Canillas de Aceituno in Malaga, Spain. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The flight departed Mutxamel Airfield (LEMU) in Alicante,…NTSB CEN17FA168Accident · 3 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportPilatus PC 12 · Amarillo, TXThe pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during the initial climb after takeoff in night instrument meteorological conditions and moderate turbulence.NTSB ERA17WA179Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA30 · Sao Paulo, BrazilOn April 28, 2017, about 1930 coordinated universal time, a Piper PA30, Brazilian registration PT-CHT, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during an instructional flight near Sao Paulo, Brazil. The pilot and copilot were fatally injured. The…NTSB CEN17FA170Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT 602 · Hollis, OKAn impact with terrain during final approach for reasons that could not be determined because no evidence of an in-flight failure or malfunction was observed.NTSB WPR17FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNanchang CJ6A · Keene, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control following a descent into clouds.NTSB CEN17FA167Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Huntsville, TXThe pilot's failure to identify the alternate runway, to perform a timely precautionary landing, and to maintain airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the left engine due to oil starvation for reasons that could not be determined…NTSB ERA17FA167Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Wallingford, CTThe pilot's unstablilized approach and improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, and his subsequent failure to maintain control during a go-around. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the accident airplane…NTSB CEN17FA164Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17 31ATC · Boonville, MOThe pilot's impairment, due to his use of a combination of psychoactive drugs and a vision deficiency in his left eye, which resulted in a failure to maintain adequate altitude during final approach to landing and subsequent collision with power lines.NTSB WPR17FA089Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAppleby Nieuport 28 · Paso Robles, CAThe failure of unknown personnel to properly safety an elevator control cable turnbuckle, which disconnected in flight resulting in loss of pitch control. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate design of the experimental airplane, which did not…NTSB ERA17FA164Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell-Carson 47G Super C 4 · Timmonsville, SCThe pilot's decision to maneuver the helicopter at a low altitude near trees, which resulted in collision with the trees.NTSB ERA17FA156Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8 · East Windsor, CTThe flying pilot's excessive maneuvering of the airplane at a slow airspeed, which resulted in exceedance of the critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilots' operation of the airplane over its maximum…NTSB WPR17FA105Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TB 20 Trinidad · Sierraville, CAThe pilot's decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain.NTSB CEN17RA158Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA31T · Cascais, PortugalOn April 17, 2017, about 1104 hours universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-31T, serial number 31T-8020091, Swiss registration HB-LTI, was destroyed during impact and a postimpact fire following a loss of control during initial climb from runway 17 at the…NTSB ERA17FA155Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170 · Williston, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB ERA17WA159Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Cassilandia, BrazilOn April 14, 2017, about 2045 coordinated universal time, a privately owned and operated Cessna 172N, Brazilian registration PR-LPW, was substantially damaged after it struck a tree about 400 meters from the threshold of runway 13 at the Aeroporto de…NTSB CEN17WA161Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationChampion 8KCAB · Cancun, MexicoThe accident investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the Mexican government. This report is for informational purposes only and contains only information released by or obtained from the Mexican government. Further information pertaining to…