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 ERA16LA109Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Port Jefferson, NYThe flight instructor's inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB ERA16FA108Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Marshville, NCThe pilot's improper preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the severity of the pilot's injuries was his failure to have a properly secured shoulder harness at the time of the accident.NTSB WPR16FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Honolulu, HIThe in-flight failure of the engine-to-transmission drive shaft due to improper maintenance, which resulted in low main rotor rpm and a subsequent hard landing to water.NTSB WPR16LA071Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEvolution Revo · Buckeye, AZThe pilot's improper decision to operate the high-performance aircraft despite warnings from a flight instructor that he did not have the experience to operate the aircraft that had different and more sensitive handling characteristics than the…NTSB ERA16LA106Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Destin, FLThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to turn the airplane away from the lighted airport at low altitude, over water, with no visible horizon, in dark night conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR16FA067Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFlight Design Ctls · Springville, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude in hilly terrain, which resulted in the airplane's wing exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident were the…NTSB CEN16WA104Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Jaen, SpainNTSB ERA16WA107Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · Bejucal, VenezuelaOn February 6, 2016, about 1710 universal coordinated time, a Bell 206 L-3 helicopter, Venezuelan registration YV250T, was destroyed when it collided with terrain after a loss of control in flight. The flight originated at the Aerópuerto De San Juan De Los…NTSB WPR16FA065Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech M35 · San Pedro, CAThe failure of the pilots of both airplanes to see and avoid each other as they converged nearly head-on, which resulted in a midair collision. Contributing to the accident was sun glare on the pilot.NTSB WPR16FA064Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American F51 · Maricopa, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while performing an acrobatic maneuver and his subsequent failure to recover from an inadvertent spin due to insufficient altitude.NTSB ERA16FA100Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Mobile, ALThe pilot's loss of airplane control during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight and inflight weather planning which resulted the pilot's…NTSB CEN16LA096Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRaymond Z Brown Condor · Centralia, ILThe failure of the prerotator belt, which impeded the engine's timing belt and resulted in a loss of engine power at low altitude.NTSB CEN16FA094Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCostruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 Echo Super · Arcola, TXThe student pilot's loss of control after exceeding the airplane's critical angle-of-attack, which lead to a power-on, aerodynamic departure stall. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate oversight of the student pilot.NTSB ERA16FA097Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBrook Aaron D Lancair IV P · Albany, GAThe pilots' failure to maintain control during a takeoff attempt in a high-performance airplane. Contributing to the accident were the pilots' decision to operate the airplane above its maximum gross weight and with an aft center of gravity and their lack of…NTSB WPR16WA062Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28 · Barwon Heads, Australia, AustraliaOn January 29, 2016, at 1155 local time, a Piper PA 28-235, VH-PXD, was ditched in the waters near Barwon Heads, Australia. The airplane was operated by a private individual under the pertinent regulations of the Government of Australia. The airplane was…NTSB WPR16FA059Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 24-260 · Santa Rosa, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during an instrument approach in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent experience in night…NTSB DCA16WA080Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 425 · Windhoek, NamibiaThe Namibia Directorate of Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation (DAAII) has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Cessna 425 airplane that occurred on January 29, 2016. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the…NTSB ERA16WA096Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationMcdonnell Douglas MD-600 · Taldykorgan, KazakhstanOn January 27, 2016, about 1747 local time, a McDonnell-Douglas MD-600N helicopter, Kazakhstan registration UP-MD004, registered to LLP Svinestroy and operated by JSC Aspan, impacted terrain under unknown circumstances after requesting to air traffic control…NTSB CEN16FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22T · Xenia, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while turning from the base leg to final, which resulted in the wing's critical angle-of-attack being exceeded and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA16WA095Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationAir Tractor AT401 · Londrina, BrazilOn January 20, 2016, about 1910 universal coordinated time, an Air Tractor AT401B, Brazilian registration PT-WFX, was destroyed by collision with a motor vehicle and terrain in Londrina Municipality, State of Parana, Brazil. The Brazilian certificated pilot…NTSB WPR16FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Cedar Fort, UTThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while operating in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's design stress limitations, and a subsequent in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident…NTSB CEN16WA088Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationSocata TB20 · Cuenca, Spain, SpainOn January 16, 2016, about 1532 coordinated universal time, a Socata TB-20 single engine airplane, serial number 747, registry EC-ESK, was destroyed after impacting terrain near Cuenca, Spain, during cruise flight. The pilot and three passengers were fatally…NTSB ERA16FA089Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCaughran Terry Flightstar II · Wake, VAFailure of the left wing in flight due to compression loading from wing loads combined with preexisting damage.NTSB CEN16FA087Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 22-108 · Garden City, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain during a low altitude flight.NTSB CEN16FA086Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Meeker, COThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to fly the airplane in instrument meteorological conditions at high altitude for greater than 30 minutes without the use of supplemental oxygen which resulted in hypoxia, and a subsequent loss of control. Contributing…NTSB CEN16FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Gilmer, TXThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate traffic pattern altitude and distance from the…NTSB WPR16LA050Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMoore Onex · Fresno, CAThe pilot/builder's failure to properly align the Force One Main Bearing, which resulted in a blockage of the oil transfer hole and culminated with a total engine power loss. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to arrest the bank and sink…NTSB DCA16RA045Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBombardier CL600 2B19 · Kiruna, SwedenimportNTSB ERA16WA088Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna T188 · Bom Jesus de Goiás, BrazilOn January 7, 2016, about 1900 coordinated universal time, a Cessna T188C, Brazilian registration PR-INS, operated by Blitz Comercio e Representacoes Ltda, was destroyed when it impacted terrain while spraying insecticides on a sugar cane plantation in Bom…NTSB ERA16FA084Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEros 1600 · Lebanon, TNA failure of the front cylinder piston due to the pilot's improper maintenance, which resulted in a total loss of engine power after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to return to the runway at low altitude following the loss of…NTSB WPR16FA046Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerostar S A YAK 52 · Alpine, WYThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from snow-covered terrain in flat light conditions.NTSB CEN16WA074Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCirrus SR20 · Egmond, NetherlandsOn January 4, 2016, about 1356 UTC, a Cirrus Design, Incorporated SR-20, United Kingdom registration G-ZOGT, owned by a private individual, was destroyed when it impacted into the North Sea near Egmond aan Zee, The Netherlands, under unknown circumstances.…NTSB CEN16FA073Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Wayne, NEThe noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with terrain.NTSB ERA16WA083Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech C90 · Parati, BrazilOn January 3, 2016, about 1730 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), a Beech C90GTi, PP-LMM, registered to Bradesco Leasing S.A., operated by Supermercado Shibata Ltda, experienced controlled flight into mountainous terrain near Parati Airport (SDTK), Parati,…NTSB ANC16LA011Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Anchorage, AKThe pilot's intentional flight into a building.NTSB CEN16WA072Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationMooney M20K · Mascouche, CanadaOn December 28, 2015, about 2227 universal coordinated time, a Canadian registered Mooney M20K, C-GUXC, impacted terrain while attempting to land at Mascouche (CSK3), Quebec, Canada. The pilot was fatally injured and the passenger was seriously injured. The…NTSB CEN16WA071Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationSocata TB9 · Malaga, SpainThe Comisión De Investigación De Accidentes E Incidentes De Aviación Civil (CIAIAC) of Spain has notified the NTSB of a fatal accident involving a Socata TB-9 airplane, EC-LIQ, that occurred on December 24, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited…NTSB WPR16WA051Accident · 10 fatalForeign investigationBeech 200 · New Delhi, IndiaThe Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Beech Super King Air B-200, registration VT-BSA, that occurred on December 22, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the…NTSB WPR16FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32R · Castro Valley, CAThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering during an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA16FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C24R · Winder, GAA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the examination of the wreckage did not reveal any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR16FA041Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32RT-300T · Bakersfield, CAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct and continue the flight despite forecast and en route instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which were not conducive to safe operation under visual flight rules. Also causal to the accident was the…NTSB ERA16FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHinton Paul M RV 4 · Greenville, FLThe pilot's decision to initiate the flight into known adverse weather conditions, in an airplane that was not approved for instrument flight, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and his subsequent spatial disorientation…NTSB WPR16FA040Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAirbus Helicopters AS350 · Superior, AZThe pilot's loss of helicopter control in mountainous terrain as the result of operating the helicopter outside the performance envelope of its hydraulic system and encountering the servo transparency phenomenon. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's…NTSB ERA16WA069Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationHawker Beech A36TC · Suvorovskaya, RussiaOn December 13, 2015, about 0826 Universal Time Coordinated (UTC), a Beech A36TC, Russian registration RA-2587G, registered to and operated by a private individual, experienced an in-flight loss of control and collided with terrain near Suvorovskaya Village,…NTSB ERA16WA072Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · Mendoza Province, ArgentinaOn December 12, 2015, about 1100 coordinated universal time, a Bell-206, Argentinian registration LV-VFD, was destroyed during a low altitude cruise flight over a reservoir when the helicopter struck the water for undetermined reasons, and sank in…NTSB ERA16LA068Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMccorkle Robert B Rans S-12 Airaile · Benton, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the initial climb, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB WPR16FA037Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · McFarland, CAThe pilot's loss of control and collision with terrain while attempting a course reversal after inadvertently entering an area of reduced visibility weather conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent experience with night time…NTSB ERA16FA064Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Farmington, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after a cabin door came open in flight, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's misuse of…NTSB CEN16WA063Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208B · Pickle Lake, Ontario, Canada, CanadaOn December 11, 2015, about 0910 eastern standard time, a Canadian registered Cessna 208B, C-FKDL, impacted terrain approximately 15 nautical miles north of Pickle Lake, Ontario, Canada. The pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The investigation is…NTSB WPR16FA036Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBarnett Allen S RV7 · Hurricane, UTThe pilot’s aerobatic maneuver leading to airspeeds above the airplane’s never exceed speed, which resulted in rudder flutter and an in-flight breakup.