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 CEN14LA485Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCismowski Tierra II · Montevideo, MNThe pilot's impaired judgment due to the use of marijuana, which led to his improper decision to fly the airplane over its maximum gross weight and his subsequent loss of airplane control during takeoff with gusting wind conditions.NTSB ERA14WA429Accident · 10 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31-350 · Araracuara, ColombiaOn June 6, 2014, about 2005 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Piper PA-31-350, Columbian registration HK4755, operated by Latinoamericana De Servicios Aereos – Laser S.A.S, was destroyed, when it impacted terrain, and was subject to a postimpact fire,…NTSB CEN14LA487Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Macedonia, IAThe pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in a collision with a static line.NTSB ERA14LA424Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSocata TBM 700 · Caribbean Sea, A1The design of the cabin pressurization system, which made it prone to unnecessary shutdown, combined with a checklist design that prioritized troubleshooting over ensuring that the pilot was sufficiently protected from hypoxia. This resulted in a loss of…NTSB CEN14WA491Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson Helicopter R44 · Roeselare, BelgiumNTSB ERA14LA423Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMcmurray David C Searey · Webb, NYThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the amphibious airplane while practicing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings on a reservoir.NTSB ERA14FA421Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportKlaas Development Lancair IV P · Ooltewah, TNThe inadequate torque of the propeller mounting bolts and inspection of the propeller, which resulted in the fatigue fracture of the bolts and a subsequent in-flight separation of the propeller assembly.NTSB WPR14FA362Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177B · Neihart, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude in turbulent conditions over mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to traverse the mountainous area with the airplane over…NTSB DCA14WA181Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationAgusta AW109 · La Mojonera, MexicoThe government of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a AgustaWestland AW109 helicopter that occurred on September 02, 2014. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Mexico's investigation under the…NTSB CEN14WA478Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna A185F · Baie-Comeau, CanadaNTSB ERA14FA417Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · North Hampton, NHThe pilot’s failure to ensure the airplane maintained adequate airspeed during the initial climb and the subsequent exceedance of its critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s impairment…NTSB ERA14FA416Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-260 · St. Petersburg, FLThe pilot's improper deployment of the banner-tow hook, which resulted in it becoming entangled between the left elevator and horizontal stabilizer, restricted the movement of the elevator, and led to a loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN14FA468Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchafer Rick W Foxtrot 4 · Abilene, TXThe pilot's decision to attempt a steep turn to return to the airport after reporting an emergency. The reason for the emergency could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any mechanical anomalies that…NTSB CEN14FA467Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 46 350P · Erie, COThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and exceedance of the critical angle of attack during a go-around with a tailwind condition, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. A contributing factor to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue…NTSB ERA14WA432Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 177B · Curitba, BrazilOn August 30, 2014, about 1625 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 177B, Brazilian registration PT-DLA, was destroyed when it impacted the ground in a residential area shortly after takeoff from the Bacacheri Airport (SBBI), Curitiba, Brazil. The pilot and…NTSB ERA14LA415Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Wallops Island, VAThe pilot’s impairment and subsequent incapacitation for reasons that could not be determined because the pilot and airplane were not recovered.NTSB CEN14FA462Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Las Cruces, NMThe misfueling of the airplane with jet fuel instead of the required aviation fuel, and the resultant detonation and a total loss of engine power during initial climb. Contributing to the accident were the line service technician's inadvertent misfueling of…NTSB WPR14FA355Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportThomas C Sikes Loehle 5151 Mustang · Chehalis, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was that pilot’s psychiatric disease, which…NTSB ERA14LA409Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Middleton, TNThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid power lines during a low-level aerial application operation.NTSB CEN14FA453Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Willoughby Hills, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while returning to the airport immediately after takeoff, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and entering an aerodynamic stall during the turn. Contributing to the…NTSB WPR14WA359Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Halls Creek, Australia, AustraliaOn August 25, 2014, at 1743 local time, a Robinson R22 Beta, VH-YPC, collided with terrain during a ferry flight near Halls Creek, Australia. The helicopter was operated by a private individual under the pertinent civil regulations of Australia. The…NTSB CEN14LA454Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRans S17 · Lowell, MIThe pilot’s overconfidence, which led to his improper decision to continue flight in the recently purchased, unregistered airplane without acquiring training and to his continued erratic handling of the airplane and subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA14FA403Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech S35 · Laurel Hill, FLA total loss of engine power due to detonation/preignition damage of the No. 6 cylinder. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue flight after receiving an indication of an impending engine failure.NTSB CEN14WA452Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationNasdalla Vans RV-7 · Modrava, CzechiaOn August 23, 2014, an experimental amateur-built Nasdalla model Vans RV-7 airplane, Norwegian registration LN-DSF, serial number 71683, sustained substantial damage when it collided with wooded terrain within Šumava National Park, near Modrava, Czech…NTSB CEN14FA448Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican Champion 7GCBC · Lago Vista, TXThe pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude and his subsequent failure to see and avoid the power lines.NTSB ERA14FA399Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Parsons, TNThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid trees during a low-level aerial application operation.NTSB CEN14WA475Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-38-112 · Benthill Farm, Buckingham, UK, United KingdomOn August 20, 2014, about 2000 hours universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-38-112, United Kingdom registration G-BNDE, impacted terrain near Benthill Farm, Buckingham, United Kingdom. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight itinerary is under investigation…NTSB WPR14FA349Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Novato, CAThe instrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct a visual approach to the airport in night, instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's loss of situational awareness, the…NTSB ERA14FA396Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E · Northport, ALAn inadvertent collision with a utility wire for reasons that could not be determined from recorded data and examination of the helicopter and accident site.NTSB ERA14WA393Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 340A · Freeport, BahamasNTSB WPR14FA348Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCliff Starduster II SA300 · Placerville, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around in gusting wind conditions following a partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal…NTSB CEN14FA437Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportLancair LC 40 550FG · Ranger, TXThe pilot's loss of airplane control shortly after takeoff as a result of spatial disorientation due to dark night conditions, the pilot's low overall night and instrument flight time, and his lack of recent night flights.NTSB CEN14FA435Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Natchitoches, LAThe partial loss of engine power due to the exhaust valve rocker retaining stud backing out of the cylinder head, which resulted in the exhaust valve being stuck in the closed position. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to configure the…NTSB CEN14WA531Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31 · Manan, CanadaNTSB CEN14FA434Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32-300 · Ardmore, OKThe partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because thermal damage to the engine prevented a complete examination.NTSB CEN14FA438Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Bowie, TXThe pilot’s incapacitation in flight as the result of a an acute cardiac event, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain.NTSB ERA14FA387Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Mount Pleasant, SCThe commercial pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. Contributing to the commercial pilot’s failure to recognize and remediate the stall were his…NTSB ERA14RA384Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationCessna 560XL · Santos, BrazilOn August 13, 2014, about 1003 hours local, a Cessna 560 XL, Brazilian Registration PR-AFA, impacted a densely populated residential area, first colliding with a building then the ground in Santos, SP, Brazil, following an approach to Base Aerea De Santos…NTSB CEN14LA423Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G 5 · Mansfield, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-altitude flight in gusting wind conditions following his use of a sedating medication.NTSB CEN14LA419Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEvolution Trikes Revo · South Haven, MIThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his loss of aircraft control and the resultant overstress and in-flight breakup of the weight-shift-control aircraft.NTSB CEN14LA415Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G 2 · Jeanerette, LAThe pilot’s improper decision to operate an unairworthy helicopter, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ANC14FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Big Lake, AKThe pilot's impairment due to alcohol consumption, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from trees.NTSB ERA14WA442Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182 - P · Mitu, ColombiaOn September 8, 2014, about 2120 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 182P, Colombian registration HK-1921, was substantially damaged while ditching into the Vaupes River near Mitu, Columbia. The pilot sustained minor injuries, one passenger was seriously…NTSB ERA14FA377Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Senoia, GAThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s inadequate preflight weather planning and his improper decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in night instrument metrological conditions, which resulted in subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB CEN14LA424Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBarger Steve M RV-7A · Russell, IAThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and the subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN14FA414Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28R-201 · Steamboat Springs, COThe pilot’s inability to maintain a climb while attempting to cross over a mountain pass in high-density altitude conditions that degraded the airplane’s climb performance. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt the flight in…NTSB CEN14WA420Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationQuicksilver MXL Sport II · Cuenca, SpainOn August 8, 2014, about 1920 coordinated universal time, a Quicksilver MXL Sport II, motorized ultralight (ULM) aircraft, registry EC-FL8, was substantially damaged after impacting terrain during takeoff. The pilot was fatally injured. At the time of the…NTSB CEN14WA416Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182P · Lake of the Woods, CanadaNTSB CEN14WA407Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationSocata TBM 700 · Saint Jean les Deux Jumeaux, FranceNTSB WPR14WA331Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-32S-300 · Queenstown, New Zealand, New ZealandOn August 5, 2014, at 0400 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA 32S-300, ZK-DOJ, collided with remote terrain under unknown circumstances near the Poolburn Reservoir, Queenstown, New Zealand. The airplane was registered to Glenorchy Air Services & Tourist…