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 ERA15LA219Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRainbow Aerotrike · Chesnee, SCThe pilot’s failure to maintain lateral or bank control during takeoff, which resulted in collision with, and subsequent suspension from, a tree. Contributing to the pilot’s fatal injuries was his attempt to jump out of the trike to a nearby tree limb.NTSB ERA15LA149Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Fort Myers, FLThe pilot's inadvertent placement of both fuel selectors to the "off" position, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.NTSB ERA15FA147Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Kosciusko, MSThe pilot's decision to make a low pass over a lake near trees and his subsequent failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering at a low altitude to avoid trees, which resulted in an inadvertent cross-control aerodynamic stall from which he was…NTSB DCA15WA090Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell UH1H - NO Series · Cape Town, South AfricaThe government of South Africa has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Bell UH-1H helicopter that occurred on March 08, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of South Africa's investigation under the…NTSB CEN15FA164Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAirbus Helicopters (Eurocopte EC-130-B4 · St Louis, MOThe pilot's decision to land during unfavorable wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to settling with power. Contributing to the accident were the lack of an adequate approach path due to numerous obstructions and the lack of available…NTSB CEN15FA163Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAhrens Gerd H RV 6 · Pratt, KSA hard landing, which resulted in the pilot’s loss of directional control and the airplane’s subsequent nose-over.NTSB ERA15FA144Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Norfolk, VAThe pilot's failure to properly execute the instrument approach procedure. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's improper preflight planning and his decision to conduct the flight in instrument meteorological conditions at night into forecast moderate…NTSB CEN15WA450Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28 · Witzenhausen, Germany, GermanyOn March 4, 2015, about 0718 UTC, a Piper PA28, German registration D-ERIF, owned by a private individual, was substantially damaged when it impacted heavily wooded terrain near Witzenhausen, Germany, under unknown circumstances. The pilot was fataly injured.…NTSB ERA15FA141Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportColyaer SL Freedom · Boynton Beach, FLAn in-flight loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB ERA15FA139Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAdams Donald L DA1 · Sebring, FLA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB CEN15FA154Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRose Thunder Mustang · Helotes, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance from terrain after initiating an aerobatic maneuver at a low altitude.NTSB CEN15WA152Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationAvions Robin Robin DR 400/140 B · Yverdon LSGY, SwitzerlandNTSB WPR15LA111Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA46 - 350P · Spokane, WAA total loss of engine power due to the refueler’s incorrect refueling of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the fixed-base operator’s improper fueling nozzle, which facilitated the use of an incorrect fuel, and the pilot’s inadequate preflight…NTSB WPR15WA108Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 II · Queenstown, New Zealand, New ZealandOn February 19, 2015, at 0244 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R44 II, ZK-IPY, operated by Over the Top Limited, collided with terrain under unknown circumstances near Queenstown, New Zealand. The two occupants on board were fatally injured and the…NTSB ERA15WA137Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182P · Bueno Brandao, BrazilOn February 19, 2015, about 1340 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Cessna 182P, Brazilian registration PT-KBV, was destroyed when it broke up inflight and impacted terrain near the Bueno Brandao Municipality, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The pilot,…NTSB ERA15LA133Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJohnson Joel H Rans S-6ES Coyote II · Rincon, PRThe inadequate maintenance and inspection of the fuel system, which resulted in partial blockage of a fuel filter, a partial loss of engine power, and subsequent ditching.NTSB CEN15WA143Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationJudr Zdenek Prazdny Rotorway · Bohušovice nad Ohrí, CzechiaNTSB ERA15FA129Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 1900 · Miami, FLThe left engine propeller's uncommanded travel to the feathered position during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined due to impact damage. Contributing to the accident was the flight crew's failure to establish a coordinated climb once the left…NTSB ERA15FA128Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Greensboro, NCA total loss of engine power after takeoff due to fuel starvation as a result of excessive wear of the fuel selector valve. Also causal was the owner/operator and maintenance personnel's inadequate maintenance, and inadequate postmaintenance inspection.NTSB CEN15FA141Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRichard Lacourse Wheeler Express · Kersey, COThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an off-airport forced landing following a total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination of the engine. Contributing to the accident was the pilots'…NTSB ERA15WA131Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna A188 · Tapes, BrazilOn February 7, 2015, about 1100 universal coordinated time, a Cessna A188, Brazilian registration PT-LOA, was destroyed when it struck a high-tension powerline and impacted terrain while maneuvering over a soybean field near Tapes, Brazil. The pilot was…NTSB CEN15FA136Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 441 · Argyle, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the instrument approach in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall/spin at a low altitude.NTSB CEN15FA135Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA46 500TP · Lubbock, TXThe pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation and light ice accumulation while operating in night, instrument meteorological conditions with gusting wind.NTSB DCA15RA059Accident · 43 fatalForeign investigationATR 72 · Taipei, TaiwanimportNTSB CEN15WA133Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA 46 350P · Meyrin, SwitzerlandNTSB CEN15FA127Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEagleston John H Vans RV9A · Kingston, OKThe pilot’s continuation of a banked turn following the loss of engine power, which resulted in his failure to maintain adequate airspeed and the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and entering an accelerated stall at low altitude. Contributing…NTSB DCA15WA054Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationHal Dhruv · Tena, EcuadorThe Civil Aviation Authority of Ecuador has notified the NTSB of an accident involving an Ecuadorian Air Force Hal Dhruv helicopter, which occurred on January 27, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S Accredited Representative to assist. All investigative…NTSB WPR15LA092Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAlexander RV-7 · Seabeck, WAA loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane impacted water, and the majority of the wreckage was not recovered.NTSB CEN15WA124Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-30 · Rockenhausen, GermanyOn January 26, 2015, about 1032 coordinated universal time, a Piper PA-30 airplane, D-GHFW, crashed under unknown circumstances near Rockenhausen, Germany. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the pilot fatally injured. The airplane departed Annemasse…NTSB CEN15FA126Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEnstrom 280FX · Erie, COAn in-flight failure of the helicopter's #2 main rotor spindle due to undetected fatigue cracking, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to failure were the nonconforming thread root radius of the spindle and the manufacturer's failure to…NTSB CEN15FA119Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182L · Owen, WIThe flight instructor's decision to initiate flight into forecasted icing conditions in an airplane that was not certified or equipped for flight into icing conditions, which resulted in significant structural ice accumulation to the extent that the airplane…NTSB ERA15FA109Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23 · Lakeland, FLAn in-flight loss of control for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident investigation; the loss of control likely occurred during a simulated loss of power in the right engine during an instructional flight.NTSB WPR15FA088Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 36 · Mountain Pass, CAAn in-flight loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.NTSB CEN15WA148Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-24-260 · Rechberghausen, GermanyOn January 18, 2015, about 1455 coordinated universal time, a Piper PA-24-260 airplane, German registration D-EERZ, collided with a house near Rechberghausen, Germany. The pilot and passenger were both fatally injured. The airplane was destroyed. The accident…NTSB ERA15FA103Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8 · Fort Valley, GAThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain airspeed during an approach with a simulated engine failure, which resulted in an exceedance of the wing’s critical angle-of-attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB ERA15FA102Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchmidt Albert D Aventura II · Sebring, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain control while maneuvering at low altitude, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN15LA104Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBaker Bobby J Safari · The Woodlands, TXAn in-flight separation of the helicopter’s horizontal stabilizer due to undetected fatigue cracking of the stabilizer spar, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB ERA15WA108Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna A188B · Baixa Grande do Ribeiro, BrazilOn January 14, 2015, about 1050 universal coordinated time, a Cessna A188B, Brazilian registration PT-FFH, was substantially damaged when it collided with a utility pole during an aerial application flight near Baixa Grande do Ribeiro, Brazil. The foreign…NTSB ERA15FA099Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · New Smyrna Beach, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while operating under visual flight rules (VFR) in night, instrument meteorological conditions, likely due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the outcome was the radar controller's failure to…NTSB WPR15LA084Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBruct J Myers RV-9A · Prineville, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB CEN15FA101Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28RT-201T · Brighton, COThe pilot's intentional descent into the terrain.NTSB ERA15WA112Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationEmbraer EMB-710C · Luziania, BrazilOn January 10, 2015, about 2105 universal coordinated time, an Embraer EMB-710C, Brazilian registration PT-NAB, was substantially damaged when it impacted a residence, after experiencing a loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff from the…NTSB ERA15WA104Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 - II · Santa Monica, BrazilOn January 10, 2015, about 2000 universal coordinated time, a Robinson R44 II, Brazilian registration PR-HPR, was destroyed by impact and fire after collision with wires and terrain during cruise flight in Santa Monica, Parana, Brazil. There was a post-crash…NTSB ERA15FA096Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Catano, PRThe student pilot’s failure to maintain rotor rpm while maneuvering in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in the helicopter’s uncontrolled descent to the water. Contributing to the accident was the student’s distraction with other aircraft operating…NTSB WPR15FA082Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Tooele, UTThe non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to depart into low visibility conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impaired performance due to his use of the sedating antihistamine,…NTSB WPR15FA081Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGibbs Lancair 320 · Van Nuys, CAThe pilot's improper decision to take off despite low fuel alerts, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, his subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which…NTSB CEN15WA145Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPioneer 400 · Blackwood Forest, Hampshire, U.K., United KingdomOn January 3, 2015, about 1530 UTC, a Pioneer 400 airplane, G-CVGO (s/n LAA 364-15006) impacted terrain near Blackwood Forest, Hampshire. Two persons on board were fatally injured and one was seriously injured. The airplane was destroyed. This investigation…NTSB ERA15FA088Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA34 · Kuttawa, KYThe pilot's failure to properly set the left engine fuel selector before takeoff and to recognize the incorrect setting during the flight, which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power on both engines.NTSB WPR15FA072Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Benson, AZThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, during which he failed to identify forecasted…NTSB CEN15FA092Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-181 · Vaughn, NMThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from terrain.