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 CEN15FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20 · Boulder, COThe loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined by the postaccident examination, which was limited due to impact damage and postcrash fire.NTSB CEN15LA028Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHuebbe Sonex HB · Plainview, ILThe loss of engine power during cruise flight due to a fatigue fracture of the crankshaft, which resulted in a forced landing on unsuitable terrain.NTSB WPR15FA021Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSlingsby T67M 260 · Ridgecrest, CAThe pilots' failure to recover from a spin for reasons that could not be determined based on available information. Contributing to the student's fatal injury was his delayed egress from the airplane below the specified egression altitude.NTSB ERA15WA026Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 310R · Governors Harbor, BahamasNTSB CEN15LA026Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStephenson Stol CH 701 · Mount Vernon, INThe pilot’s impairment due to the ingestion of alcohol and sedating medications, which led to her improper decision to conduct low-level flight, affected her ability to safety operate the airplane, and resulted in her failure to maintain clearance from power…NTSB CEN15FA027Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Bay City, WIThe non-instrument rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument flight rules conditions, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control.NTSB ERA15FA025Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Frederick, MDThe failure of the helicopter pilots and the airplane pilot to maintain an adequate visual lookout for known traffic in the traffic pattern, which resulted in a midair collision. Contributing to the accident were the airplane pilot's descent below the…NTSB ERA15FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D95 · Bahama, NCThe pilots' failure to maintain adequate airspeed during climb, which resulted in the airplane's wing exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's decision to conduct a…NTSB WPR15FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSonex Sonex Trigear · Fawnskin, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed after takeoff, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the airplane's reduced climb…NTSB CEN15FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCGS Hawk Arrow II Slsa · Lonoke, ARThe pilot's loss of airplane control while turning onto the base leg of the traffic pattern due to his failure to maintain sufficient speed and/or overbanking, which resulted in the airplane impacting trees. Contributing to the pilot's fatal injuries was his…NTSB ERA15FA017Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7EC · Cordele, GAAn in-flight loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB ERA15FA016Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell International 112 · Gainesville, GAThe partial loss of engine power due to the undetected blockage of the inlet and outlet ports of the manifold valve by an organic compound of an unknown source.NTSB WPR15WA037Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAmateur Built VAN'S RV-6A · Moorabbin, Australia, AustraliaOn October 14, 2014, at 1340 local time, an amateur built Vans RV-6A, VH-JON, collided with terrain near Moorabbin, Australia. The airplane was being operated under the pertinent civil regulations of the government of Australia. The airplane was substantially…NTSB CEN15FA008Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA46 · Dubuque, IAThe pilot's loss of airplane control while attempting to fly a missed approach procedure in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CEN15FA009Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon 58 · Palos Hills, ILThe pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while operating in night, instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB WPR15FA010Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Yerington, NVThe failure of the Savannah pilot to maintain awareness of the position of the Cessna while attempting a join up maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the impaired decision-making of the Savannah's pilot due to the combined effects of licit and illicit…NTSB WPR15WA019Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 II · Mount Arthur, New Zealand, New ZealandOn October 7, 2014, at an unknown time, a Robinson R44, ZK-HBQ, collided with terrain near Mount Arthur, New Zealand. The helicopter was operated by Helicopter Charter Karamea under the pertinent civil regulations of the government of New Zealand. The pilot…NTSB WPR15GA005Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMarsh S 2F3AT · El Portal, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB CEN15LA004Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCelier Xenon R · Loma, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a static wire and his decision to maneuver the gyroplane at low altitude.NTSB CEN15FA003Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L 1 · Wichita Falls, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control when he applied power to execute a go-around at a low airspeed in dark, night conditions, which resulted in a rapid, uncommanded right yaw due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB WPR15LA001Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGaston Thomas D Thunder Mustang · Council, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain control while maneuvering for landing following a loss of oil pressure. Contributing to the accident was foreign material contamination of the oil system due to improper maintenance.NTSB ERA15FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMiller Raymond A Sonex Waiex · Palm Coast, FLA total loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined due to the postaccident condition of the engine and its associated fuel and ignition systems.NTSB ERA15WA004Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna T206H · Sarayacu, Pastaza, EcuadorOn October 1, 2014, about 2200 universal coordinated time, a Cessna T206H, Ecuadorian registration HC-CLO, was destroyed when it impacted a field while returning to land at an airstrip in Sarayacu, Pastaza, Ecuador, after a loss of engine power during initial…NTSB ERA15LA001Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Command 582 · Monongahela, PAThe amateur-built gyroplane’s collision with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to conduct the flight without obtaining additional training.NTSB CEN14FA522Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T337G · Plano, ILThe pilot’s failure to recognize the airplane’s low altitude and arrest the airplane’s descent on approach to the airport in dark night conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s degraded night…NTSB ERA14FA461Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEagle R&D Helicycle · Gallatin, TNThe pilot's decision to fly the improperly balanced helicopter at high speed and low altitude, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's depression and resulting degradation of executive…NTSB WPR14FA393Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTifft Kitfox III · Lake Stevens, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the inability of the flight instructor to take control…NTSB ERA14FA459Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Lancaster, NYThe other airplane pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout for known traffic in the fly-in event traffic pattern, which resulted in a midair collision.NTSB CEN14LA527Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportButcher Russell A RV9A · Shepherd, TXThe pilot’s loss of airplane control during the landing approach after a loss of engine power, which led to a collision with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning, which led to fuel exhaustion and…NTSB ERA14WA457Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBell 206B · Bolivar, VenezuelaOn September 23, 2014, about 2200 universal coordinated time, a Bell 206B helicopter, Venezuelan registration YV-2537, operated by Aerocopter C.A., impacted terrain after a loss of engine power in Bolivar State, Venezuela. The pilot and the two passengers…NTSB CEN14WA518Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAmateur Construction Denney Kitfox MK2 · Tempsford, United Kingdom, United KingdomNTSB ERA14WA454Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationDiamond Aircraft Industries IN DA20-C1 · Marina di Campo, ItalyOn September 22, 2014, about 1530 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Diamond, DA20, Italian registration OE-ADH, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground shortly after takeoff from Aeroporto di Marina di Campo (LIRJ), Marina di Campo, Italy. The…NTSB WPR14FA382Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28R-180 · Saratoga, WYThe pilot’s failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff in dark, night conditions, which resulted in his controlled flight into terrain due to the lack of ground references or natural horizon.NTSB CEN14LA508Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBrupbacher Chris CB2000 · Reserve, LAThe failure of the flight control rod bearing due to an undetected preexisting corrosion-induced crack, which resulted in the main rotor blades going to full pitch and the rotor mast folding; this allowed the pusher propeller to strike and sever the tail.NTSB WPR14WA398Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationDe Havilland 6 · Mount Lawes, Papua New Guinea, Papua New GuineaOn September 20, 2014, at 0935 local time, a DeHavilland DHC-6 300, P2-KSF, collided with steep, jungle-covered terrain just below the summit of Mount Lawes, Papua New Guinea. The aircraft was operated by Hevilift under the pertinent civil regulations of the…NTSB CEN14LA507Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportManweiller Acro Sport II · Middletown, OHThe failure of the flying pilot to maintain airplane control after an aerodynamic stall/spin occurred during the aerobatic maneuver following a reported intermittent loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident…NTSB WPR14WA395Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 - P · Sumenep, Indonesia, IndonesiaOn September 19, 2014 at 0636 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 172P, PK-MSN, collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from Trunojoyo Airport, Sumenep, Indonesia. The airplane was operated by Merpati Pilot School under the pertinent civil regulations of…NTSB WPR14FA381Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 162 · Borrego Springs, CAThe pilot’s failure to recover from a stall, which resulted in a subsequent spin from which he did not recover because he did not immediately apply the proper stall and spin recovery techniques.NTSB ERA14FA445Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T 28C · Alton, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude while performing low-level aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to attempt aerobatics at such a low altitude.NTSB CEN14FA506Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Okmulgee, OKThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN14LA504Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSaccio Thomas A Seawind 3000 · Bloomington, INAn in-flight fire for reasons that could not be determined because the examination of the airplane did not reveal the source of the fire.NTSB ERA14FA455Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Fort Gaines, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during flight, which resulted in a collision with a river.NTSB CEN14WA498Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationAgusta Bell 206B · Flamborough, United KingdomOn September 16, 2014, at 1241 coordinated universal time, an Agusta-Bell 206B helicopter, G-SUEX, impacted the water off the coast of Flamborough, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. The pilot and passenger were both fatally injured. The helicopter was destroyed.…NTSB ERA14WA439Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech BE-300-LW · Buenos Aires, ArgentinaOn September 14, 2014, about 1520 coordinated universal time, a Beech BE-300-LW, Argentine registration LV-WLT, was destroyed while the airplane was on the initial approach in instrument meteorological conditions to Jorge Newbery Airport (SABE), Buenos Aires,…NTSB CEN14WA510Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna Reims F152 · Sagres, PortugalOn September 12, 2014, about 1000 coordinated universal time, a Cessna Reims, F152 single-engine airplane, serial number 1612, registry CS-AYH, was destroyed after ditching along the seashore of Sagres, Portugal. The pilot was fatally injured. At the time of…NTSB CEN14WA502Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 · Kulusuk, GreenlandOn September 11, 2014, about 1600 coordinated universal time, a Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. DA 40 airplane, N39SE, owned and operated by Milou 1 LLC, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Kulusuk, Greenland. Visual meteorological…NTSB CEN14FA494Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSmith Aerostar 601P · Austin, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient clearance from trees during the single-engine landing approach. Contributing to the accident was the loss of power in the left engine due to an improperly installed rubber boot that became dislodged and was then…NTSB ERA14WA444Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 206G · Daimontaro, EcuadorOn September 9, 2014, about 1000 local time, a Cessna 206G, Ecuadorian registration HC-CAB, was destroyed when it impacted terrain while returning to land at the airstrip in Daimontaro, Pastaza, Ecuador. The Ecuadorian commercial pilot was fatally injured.…NTSB WPR14FA369Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBackovich George C G P 5 · Reno, NVThe failure of the right wing under normal race loads due to an improper repair of the right wing spar that reduced its structural strength following a previous landing accident.NTSB ERA14FA428Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Selkirk, NYA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.