Fatal NTSB investigations
180,641 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,620 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 ERA16FA269Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportYakovlev YAK11 · West Mifflin, PAA malfunction of the electrical system, which resulted in an electrical fire in the right wing root of the airplane, which compromised the fuel system and resulted in ignition of fuel. Contributing to the accident was the routing of the electrical wiring near…NTSB CEN16FA282Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95 B55 (T42A) · Leshara, NEThe pilot's loss of airplane control during a practice stall maneuver, which resulted in a spin that continued to ground impact.NTSB WPR16FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT 502B · Zamora, CAThe failure of both pilots to maintain an adequate visual lookout, which resulted in a midair collision. Also causal was the other pilot's use of two sedating antihistamines and two impairing medication and the effect of sun glare on his visual lookout, which…NTSB ERA16LA266Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRepublic RC 3 · Winter Haven, FLImproper installation of a fuel line by unknown personnel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation.NTSB CEN16LA281Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVans RV9 · Springfield, OHThe pilot’s decision to fly into known thunderstorms, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.NTSB CEN16FA278Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHarris-Runyan Skybolt 300 · Fairmont, OKThe pilot's delay in recovering from an aerobatic maneuver resulting in collision with terrain.NTSB CEN16FA276Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 30 · Plainfield, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an en route climb near convective activity, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, an uncontrolled descent, and a subsequent in-flight breakup due to an exceedance of the airplane's design load…NTSB WPR16RA151Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208 · Shanghai, ChinaOn July 20, 2016 about 0422 Coordinated Universal Time, a float equipped Cessna 208, B10-FW, collided with a bridge shortly after takeoff from Jinshan City Beach, Shanghai, P.R. China. The airplane was operated by Avic Joy General Aviation under the pertinent…NTSB CEN16FA269Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 11AC · Ishpeming, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed following a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing while turning from base to final at a low altitude, which resulted in the airplane's wing exceeding its critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic…NTSB WPR16FA144Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA40 F · Logan, UTThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering in turbulence and gusty wind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB ANC16WA044Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationNorth American T28 · Cold Lake, CanadaOn July 17, 2016, about 1951 Coordinated Universal Time, a Canadian registered North American Aviation T-28B airplane, C-GKKD, owned and operated by a private individual, impacted terrain near Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada, while performing aerobatic maneuvers…NTSB ERA16LA258Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA24 · Westwood, MAThe pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in exhaustion of the fuel in the selected fuel tank and a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB ERA16FA257Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28R-201 · Esperance, NYThe pilot's inadequate preflight weight and balance and performance planning, which resulted in the airplane being over gross weight. Also causal were the pilot's decision not to use the entire runway for takeoff, his premature liftoff, and his failure to…NTSB CEN16WA272Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Madrid, SpainOn July 16, 2016, about 1240 hours universal coordinated time, a Robinson R-22 Beta helicopter, Spain registration EC-IGG, was substantially damaged when it impacted the Valmayor Reservoir near Valdemorillo, Madrid, Spain. Witnesses reported that the…NTSB CEN16LA266Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportToevs Titanium Explorer · Whitewater, KSThe loss of aircraft control for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB ANC16WA045Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationDehavilland DHC-2 MK. I · Telegraph Creek, CanadaOn July 15, 2016, about 0520 Coordinated Universal Time, a Canadian registered De Havilland DHC-2 Mk I airplane on floats, C-GWDW, owned and operated by Tsayta Aviation Ltd, impacted terrain approximately 15 nm east south east of Telegraph Creek, British…NTSB CEN16WA279Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRans S6 · Murcia, SpainOn July 15, 2016, about 1910 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Rans S-6, EC-YDQ, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain after a loss of control while landing at the Los Garranchos Airport, Murcia, Spain. The pilot received fatal injuries. The…NTSB CEN16WA268Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-32R-301 · Ajdovscina, SloveniaThe accident investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the Republic of Slovenia. This report is for information purposes only and contains only information released by or obtained from the Republic of Slovenia. Further information pertaining to…NTSB ANC16WA042Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAero Commander B1A · Hoey, CanadaOn July 14, 2016, about 0230 Coordinated Universal Time, an Aero Commander B1A airplane, C-GSQY, lost engine power and impacted terrain after takeoff near Hoey, Saskatchewan, Canada. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of…NTSB WPR16WA143Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 150 · New Crown Station, AustraliaOn July 12, 2016 about 1130 local time, a Cessna 150G airplane, Australian registration VH-RXU, collided with terrain near New Crown Station, South Australia. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was…NTSB ERA16WA262Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna TU206 · Charrasquera, ColombiaOn July 11, 2016, about 1507 coordinated universal time, a Cessna TU206G airplane, Colombian registration HK2940, was destroyed when it impacted dense jungle near Charrasquera-San Jose del Guaviare, Colombia. The Colombian certificated pilot and four…NTSB ERA16LA253Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 429 · Georgetown, DEThe emergency response team's failure to ensure that the system operator was secured to the helicopter, which resulted in his fall during the recurrent rescue hoist training operation.NTSB ERA16FA248Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Hickory, KYCompany maintenance personnel's inappropriate removal without replacement of the safety wires on the collective lever pin screws during a recent maintenance inspection, which resulted in the screws backing out and led to a loss of collective control in flight.NTSB CEN16LA263Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEvolution Trikes Revo · Newark, ILThe student pilot's failure to maintain directional control on landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of flight experience.NTSB CEN16FA261Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32R-300 · Houston, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after becoming distracted by the open baggage door while operating in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall at…NTSB ANC16WA043Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAir Tractor AT301 · Rocanville, CanadaOn July 8, 2016, about 2359 Coordinated Universal Time, an Air Tractor AT-301 airplane, C-GCYV, impacted terrain while low-level maneuvering near Rocanville, Saskatchewan, Canada. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of…NTSB CEN16LA260Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Kennett, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering during the aerial application flight.NTSB DCA16FA199Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportBell 525 · Italy, TXA severe vibration of the helicopter that led to the crew's inability to maintain sufficient rotor rotation speed (Nr), leading to excessive main rotor blade flapping, subsequent main rotor blade contact with the tail boom, and the resultant in-flight…NTSB WPR16LA138Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Brookings, ORThe pilot's spatial disorientation and loss of situational awareness during the departure turn in dark night conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with water.NTSB CEN16WA257Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCirrus SR22 · Madrid, Spain, SpainOn July 5, 2016, about 1940 coordinated universal time, a Cirrus SR22 single engine airplane, serial number 2558, registry EC-KJO, was destroyed after impacting terrain and obstructions while landing at Cuatro Vientos Airport at Madrid, Spain. The two…NTSB CEN16FA241Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeve Earl Seawind · Buena Vista, COThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power, which resulted in a hard landing and nose over. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined due to the severity of…NTSB ERA16FA238Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGerdts Mark E RV7A · Weston, FLThe pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB CEN16FA240Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 11AC · Frankenmuth, MIThe pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons based on available information.NTSB ERA16WA256Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182 · Belem, BrazilOn July 2, 2016, about 1625 coordinated universal time (1325 local time), a Cessna 182E, Brazilian registration PT-DJH, operated by Aerotur Taxi Aereo LTDA, was destroyed after it impacted the ground shortly after takeoff from Julio Cesar Airport (SBJC),…NTSB ERA16WA243Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna A188 · Puerto Lopez, ColombiaOn July 2, 2016, about 1810 coordinated universal time, a Cessna A188, Colombian registration HK1398, operated by Comercializadora de Aviacion Agricola - ECO, was destroyed when it collided with a utility tower near Puerto Lopez, Colombia. The certificated…NTSB ANC16WA039Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28 · Winnipeg, CanadaOn July 1, 2016, at approximately 1445 Coordinated Universal Time, a Canadian registered Piper PA-28-140 airplane, C-GNUC, owned and operated by a private pilot, was destroyed when it collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from Winnipeg Lyncrest Airport…NTSB CEN16LA236Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Detroit, MIThe pilot’s disregard of the banner-tow operator's policy regarding the maximum allowable flight duration, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB ERA16WA240Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationBell Helicopter 407 · Jundiaí, BrazilOn June 26, 2016, about 1110 coordinated universal time, a Bell 407, Brazilian registration PR-CBB, was destroyed during a collision with terrain and post-crash fire in Jundiaí, Brazil. The pilot and four passengers were fatally injured.The flight had…NTSB WPR16FA131Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Coeur d'Alene, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at low altitude in mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA16WA245Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLake LA4 · Región de Los Lagos, ChileOn June 25, 2016, about 2045 coordinated universal time (1645 local time), a Lake L-4-200, amphibious airplane, Chilean registration CC-POK, was substantially damaged when it collided with a powerline during a local flight over the Región de Los Lagos, Chile.…NTSB WPR16FA130Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R66 · Wikieup, AZAn encounter with turbulence due to updrafts and/or dust devils that resulted in mast bumping and an in-flight break-up.NTSB CEN16WA262Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLiberty XL · La Lima, HondurasOn June 23, 2016, about 2259 UTC, a Discovery Aviation, Incorporated, Liberty XL-2, Honduran registration HR-HZT, owned and operated by Horizontes Flight School was destroyed when it impacted the roof of a house in a residential neighborhood near La Lima,…NTSB WPR16FA126Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 23-150 · Hayward, CAThe failure of the left engine due to water contamination and the pilot's subsequent failure to maintain single-engine minimum control airspeed, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of total and recent…NTSB ERA16WA219Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA 23-250 · South Bimini, BahamasOn June 19, 2016, about 2120 UTC, a Piper PA-23, N63ZZ was destroyed when it impacted terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near South Bimini International Airport, South Bimini, Bahamas. Two occupants were fatally injured during…NTSB ANC16RA037Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCirrus SR20 · Muan, South KoreaOn June 17, 2016 , about 1515 local time, a Cirrus SR20 airplane, Republic of Korea registration number HL1210, operated by the pilot, was destroyed following a loss of control while on approach to Muan International Airport, Republic of Korea. The flight…NTSB ERA16FA215Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA31 · State College, PAThe pilot's decision to continue an unstabilized instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN16WA226Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationZivko Aeronautics Edge 540 · Kyviškes, LithuaniaNTSB CEN16FA220Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Madison, INThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper climb rate after takeoff and the subsequent collision with transmission line structures.NTSB ANC16WA033Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28R · Green Lake, CanadaOn June 16, 2016, about 1900 Coordinated Universal Time, a Piper PA28R-180 airplane, C-FYGG, struck trees and impacted terrain while attempting a go-around near Green Lake, British Columbia, Canada. The pilot sustained serious injuries and the passenger…NTSB CEN16FA224Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320E · Creede, COThe pilot's loss of airplane control during descent following a loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examinations and engine test-runs of both engines revealed no evidence of any mechanical malfunctions or…