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 CEN16FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA46 500TP · Council Bluffs, IAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while returning to the airport after becoming distracted by a noncritical flight instrumentation anomaly indication.NTSB ERA16FA063Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportTimothy C Williams CCK-1865 · Linesville, PAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to attempt a flight under visual flight rules at night in instrument meteorological conditions to an unlit airstrip, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB DCA16WA031Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationEclipse 500 · Swellendam, South AfricaThe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Eclipse Aviation 500 airplane that occurred on December 07, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the SACAA investigation…NTSB CEN16FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Keytesville, MOThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to operate in dark night conditions with low clouds, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of methamphetamine, which impaired his…NTSB WPR16FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Vodochody L 39C · Apple Valley, CAA total loss of engine power on takeoff, which resulted from a sudden over-temperature condition due to an improperly adjusted fuel control unit and the deteriorated condition of the fuel nozzles.NTSB ERA16WA079Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationEmbraer EMB720 · Trindade, BrazilOn December 6, 2015, about 1400 universal coordinated time, an Embraer EMB-720D, Brazilian registration PT-VNC, operated by a private individual, was destroyed when it collided with trees in Trindade, Brazil, while on approach to Aerodromo Nacional Aviacao…NTSB CEN16FA059Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182C · Pattonsburg, MOThe pilot's loss of airplane control while maneuvering during low-level flight for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact anomalies.NTSB CEN16WA056Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28R · Ljubljana, Slovenia, SloveniaOn December 3, 2015, a Piper PA-28R-201 airplane, OE-DYM, was destroyed after impact with terrain while on approach to the Ljubljana Airport, Slovenia. The pilot was fatally injured. This investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the Republic of…NTSB CEN16WA051Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRockwell 114 · Lancashire, England, United KingdomOn December 3, 2015, about 0911 hours universal coordinated time, a Rockwell model 114B airplane, United Kingdom registration 2-ROAM, impacted the Irish Sea while on approach to the Blackpool Airport, Lancashire, England. The pilot was fatally injured. The…NTSB ANC16WA008Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Annaka City, JapanOn November 22, 2015, at 0157 coordinated universal time, a Japanese registered Robinson R22 helicopter, JA7963, operated by a private individual, impacted the slope face of a speedway in Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The pilot and sole passenger…NTSB ANC16WA007Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · New Taipei City, TaiwanOn November 22, 2015, about 0302 Coordinated Universal Time, a Bell 206 helicopter, Taiwan Island registration number B-31127, operated by Emerald Pacific Airlines, was destroyed following an impact with terrain about 7 nautical miles southwest of Taipei…NTSB WPR16WA034Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationEurocopter AS350 · Fox Glacier, New ZealandThe Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Eurocopter AS350BA helicopter, which occurred on November 21, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the New Zealand Transport Safety…NTSB ERA16FA043Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Orlando, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while turning to join the final approach leg of the airport traffic pattern with full airplane-nose-up trim, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an…NTSB WPR16FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAirbus Helicopters AS350B3E · Carlsbad, CAThe pilot's loss of control during landing on a dolly. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's decision to conduct the flight without an instructor despite multiple flight instructors' recommendations to the contrary, his failure to land on the ramp…NTSB ERA16FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · North Salem, NYA loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical deficiencies.NTSB ERA16WA047Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 402B · Choco, ColombiaOn November 17, 2015, about 1550 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 402B, Colombian registration HK4981G, was destroyed when it descended and impacted the ground in a residential area, during takeoff from Acandi Airport (SKAD), Choco, Colombia. The pilot…NTSB CEN16WA044Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · San Carlos, NicaraguaOn November 17, 2015, about 1140 coordinated universal time, a Bell 206L4 helicopter, Nicaraguan registered YN-ISA, impacted the San Juan River near San Carlos, Rio San Juan, Nicaragua. The pilot and three passengers were fatally injured and the helicopter…NTSB CEN16FA042Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182G · Sandia Park, NMThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB CEN16WA045Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA 46 350P · Taunton, United KingdomNTSB CEN16FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Richmond, MOThe airplane's impact with trees and terrain during an off-airport forced landing in dark night conditions following a partial loss of engine power. The reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined because postaccident examination did…NTSB ERA16WA037Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 650 · Guarda-Mor, BrazilOn November 10, 2015, at 2030 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Cessna 650 Citation VII, Brazilian registration PT-WQH, operated by a private owner, was destroyed following an in-flight loss of control and collision with terrain near Guarda-mor…NTSB CEN16WA041Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182 · Parry Sound, CanadaOn November 10, 2015, at 0020 universal coordinated time, a Canadian registered Cessna 182H airplane, C-GKNZ, impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport (CNK4), Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada. The pilot and passenger were…NTSB CEN16MA036Accident · 9 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBritish Aerospace HS 125 700A · Akron, OHThe flight crew's mismanagement of the approach and multiple deviations from company standard operating procedures, which placed the airplane in an unsafe situation and led to an unstabilized approach, a descent below minimum descent altitude without visual…NTSB ERA16WA038Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAir Tractor AT-502B · Balsas, BrazilOn November 11, 2015, about 1930 universal coordinated time, an Air Tractor AT502B, Brazilian registration PR-RSA, was destroyed when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Balsas Airport, Balsas Brazil. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight was…NTSB ERA16FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 441 · Climax, GAThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Also causal to the accident was the pilot’s impairment by the combined effects of multiple medications and drugs.NTSB CEN16FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Colorado Springs, COThe pilot's loss of airplane control during the turn back to the airport after takeoff in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impaired…NTSB WPR16WA026Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 310 · Mildura, Australia, AustraliaOn November 6, 2015, at 1840 local time, a Cessna 310R, VH-BWZ, operating under the pertinent civil regulation of the Government of Australia, collided with terrain near Mildura, Australia, while on approach. The airplane was destroyed in the post-impact fire…NTSB ERA16FA033Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportZenith CH701 · Okeechobee, FLAn in-flight structural failure due to a severely corroded wing strut, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA16FA032Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-180 · Cornelia, GAThe pilot's decision to initiate the flight into known adverse weather conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA16FA031Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFlight Design Ctls · Queens, NYThe noninstrument-rated pilot's spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control while maneuvering at low altitude, over water with no visible horizon, in dark night conditions, which resulted in a collision with the water.NTSB DCA16WA015Accident · 224 fatalForeign investigationAirbus A321 · Sinai Peninsula, EgyptThe Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a AIRBUS A321 airplane, with IAE V2533 engines, that occurred on October 31, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the Egyptian's…NTSB DCA16RA014Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell Helicopter Textron 609 · Tronzano Vercellese, ItalyimportNTSB CEN16FA024Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon A36 · Pottsville, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain a sufficient climb rate during departure in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ANC16WA002Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 206B · Asquinth, CanadaOn October 27, 2015, about 2043 central daylight time, a Bell 206B helicopter, C-GIFY, impacted terrain near Asquinth, Saskatchewan, Canada, under unknown circumstances. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada is…NTSB ERA16LA028Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchumacher Lancair Super ES · Pascagoula, MSThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control after encountering convective shower activity. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue flight into an area of known adverse weather.NTSB ERA16LA026Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA31 · Weston, FLThe pilot's feathering of the incorrect propeller following a total loss of right engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from maintenance personnel’s failure to reinstall the flapper valve in the right main fuel tank. Contributing to the accident…NTSB ERA16WA049Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Guarani Municipality, BrazilOn October 25, 2015, at 1730 local time (1930 coordinated universal time), a Robinson R44, Brazilian registration PP-BAO, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and a lake after takeoff in the Guarani Municipality, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The…NTSB CEN16LA022Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDelwyn Schmidt No model · Bennington, KSThe unregistered airplane’s loss of engine power due to piston seizure. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s loss of airplane control while maneuvering back to the runway.NTSB ERA16FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20M · Worcester, MAA total loss of engine power during the initial climb due to a fatigue failure of the engine's crankshaft. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA16WA050Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 150H · Rondonopolis Municipality, BrazilOn October 22, 2015, about 1130 coordinated universal time , a Cessna 150H, Brazilian registration PR-DMT, was destroyed when it impacted terrain while on approach to land at Rondonopolis Airport, Rondonopolis, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The two occupants were…NTSB CEN16WA020Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationLearjet 31 · La Tinaja, MexicoThe Direccion General de Aeronutica Civil (DGAC) of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an fatal accident involving a LearJet 31A, XB-GYB, that occurred on October 22, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the DGAC under the…NTSB ERA16RA021Accident · 10 fatalForeign investigationBeech 60 · Bogota, ColombiaOn October 18, 2015 at 2119 UTC, a Beechcraft B60, Colombian registration HK3917G, registered to and operated by Sky Hub Aviation, was destroyed during a collision with a building in Barrio El Lujan, Bogota, Colombia. The pilot, three passengers, and six…NTSB WPR16FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28R-180 · Morongo Valley, CAThe non-instrument rated pilot's improper inflight decision-making to attempt to outclimb clouds along his planned route rather than reverse course, which resulted in his inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, spatial disorientation, and…NTSB CEN16FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportZidek Vans RV-4 · Cortland, NEThe pilot's decision to intentionally maneuver at a low altitude and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the climbing right turn, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ANC16WA004Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 207 · Taylor, CanadaOn October 16, 2015, about 2330 Coordinated Universal Time, a Cessna 207 airplane, C-GNVZ, impacted terrain near Taylor, British Columbia, Canada, under unknown circumstances. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The Transportation Safety Board…NTSB WPR16FA013Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAviat A-1C-200 · Swan Valley, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in high density altitude conditions over mountainous terrain, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR16FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBucker Jungmeister BU 133 · Missoula, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while executing a return to the runway after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…NTSB ERA16WA013Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208B · Yumbillo, ColombiaOn October 14, 2016, about 1645 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 208B, Brazilian registration PR-MIC, operated by Microsurvey Aerogeofisica E Consultoria Cientifica of Brazil, was destroyed when it impacted mountainous terrain during a survey flight near…NTSB CEN16FA013Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Hammond, LAThe loss of right engine power on takeoff due to maintenance personnel's failure to properly tighten the crankcase through-studs during cylinder replacement, which resulted in crankshaft fracture. Also causal were the pilot's failure to feather the propeller…NTSB ERA16FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-180 · Lake Worth, FLA loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.