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 WPR14FA330Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportDavid Fitzgerald Zenith · Warren, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack while climbing to avoid terrain while operating at a high density altitude, which resulted in a stall at too low an altitude to allow recovery.NTSB ERA14WA380Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationEmbraer EMB 720C · Balsas, BrazilOn August 3, 2014, about 0910 UTC, an Embraer 720C (based on U.S. design of Piper PA-32-300), Brazil Registration PT-WPH, registered to and operated by a private individual, crashed into a residence during takeoff from Balsas Airport (SNBS), Maranhao, Brazil.…NTSB ERA14FA372Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182F · Gansevoort, NYThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during initial climb following a banner pick-up, resulting in collision with a tree.NTSB WPR14LA322Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer G 164B · Tulelake, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while maneuvering during low-altitude operations.NTSB CEN14FA400Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLarry Ketterling FEW P-51 Mustang · Lisbon, NDThe partial loss of engine power for a reason that could not be determined because of extensive impact and postcrash fire damage, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in the airplane's wing exceeding its critical…NTSB WPR14FA320Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20L - NO Series · San Diego, CAThe pilot's failure to achieve climb performance and maintain sufficient airspeed during a go-around, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure…NTSB CEN14FA399Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportZimmerman Breezy · Oshkosh, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing while the air traffic controller was simultaneously coordinating the landing of three airplanes on the same runway, which resulted in the airplane exiting the runway and impacting a parked ground…NTSB WPR14FA316Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMeyer Legacy · Lolo Pass, IDThe fatigue fracture of an engine connecting rod, which resulted in a catastrophic engine failure and a forced landing in unsuitable terrain.NTSB ERA14LA363Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTemco GC 1B · Yulee, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ERA14LA362Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Venice, FLA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…NTSB CEN14FA389Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFedersen Walter Lancair IVP · Findlay, OHAn in-flight fire for reasons that could not be determined due to the extent of impact and fire damage.NTSB ERA14FA359Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Clayton, GAThe pilot’s decision to begin a flight with fog and low clouds present at the airport, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions immediately after takeoff and a controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR14FA310Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206A · Wenatchee, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper decent rate and path, which resulted in a hard landing and dynamic rollover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment by a sedating medication.NTSB ERA14WA356Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Ivashka Township, RussiaOn July 23, 2014, at 0809 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), a Robinson R44, Russian registration RA-1975G, impacted the waters of the Ivashka River, under unknown circumstances, near Ivashka Township, Russia. The pilot and one passenger were fatally injured.…NTSB ERA14FA350Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportWilderoder Great Lakes 2TIA · Lillian, ALA loss of engine power due to an inoperative magneto and possible carburetor ice, which resulted in a forced landing into unsuitable terrain. Contributing to the accident was an inadequate magneto overhaul by unknown personnel and the modification to the…NTSB ENG14WA021Accident · 58 fatalForeign investigationATR 72-500 · Makung, TaiwanThe Aviation Safety Council of Taiwan provided this information: On July 23, 2014, an ATR 72-212A, registered B-22810, operated by Transasia, took off from Kaohsiung bound for Magong. The crew was directed to enter a holding pattern because of reported…NTSB WPR14LA309Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Pago Pago, AntarcticaA loss of airplane control during the initial climb in gusting wind conditions for reasons that could not be determined because the wreckage was not recovered from the ocean.NTSB WPR14LA305Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Russian Flat, MTThe pilot's inadequate preflight performance planning and his operation of the airplane outside of the manufacturer's specified performance limitations, which resulted in his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic…NTSB WPR14FA302Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Littlefield, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control when the airplane encountered high gusting wind while conducting low altitude flight in a narrow canyon, which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain.NTSB WPR14WA304Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 182 - L · Albury Aerodrome, AustraliaOn July 20, 2014 about 1600 local time, a Cessna 182L airplane, Australian registration VH-TRS, collided with terrain near Albury Aerodrome, New South Wales, Australia. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the pilot was fatally injured. The airplane…NTSB WPR14FA303Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182L · Sedona, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance the airplane’s critical angle-of attack while maneuvering through a canyon in high-density altitude conditions at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA14LA346Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Elliott Key, FLThe airplane’s vertical descent into water for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident airplane examinations revealed no mechanical anomalies.NTSB CEN14FA377Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportOden Weldon Pat Kitfox IV Speedster · Blackwell, TXThe pilot's loss of airplane control following a loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB ERA14FA345Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · North Elba, NYThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed for the airplane’s configuration and flight profile, which resulted in an exceedance of the wing’s critical angle-of-attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB CEN14LA376Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT 401B · Ellis, KSThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s inadequate preflight weather planning and subsequent inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and the loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB DCA14RA127Accident · 298 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 777 - 206 · Hrabove, UkraineimportNTSB CEN14FA369Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAgusta A109E · Newkirk, NMThe pilot's inadvertent visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control.NTSB ERA14FA343Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · North Captiva Island, FLThe pilot’s failure to secure the cargo in the cargo compartment, which resulted in a weight shift that led to the center of gravity exceeding its aft limit during a go-around attempt and a subsequent aerodynamic stall. Also causal to the accident were the…NTSB ERA14FA339Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAllen Steen Skybolt · Carrollton, GAAn in-flight loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examinations or based on the available evidence.NTSB CEN14LA372Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJonker Sailplanes JS1-C · Wallis, TXThe pilot’s loss of glider control and its subsequent impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined due to a lack of available information.NTSB ERA14FA337Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCulver LFA · Limington, METhe 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.NTSB CEN14WA363Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA 28R-201T · Urtaca, FranceNTSB CEN14FA356Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20M · Greenwood, INA partial 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. Also causal to the accident was the pilots' decision…NTSB CEN14LA371Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Command 532 · Petersburg, MIThe noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain control of the gyroplane following a total loss of engine power due to a loose spark plug.NTSB ERA14WA437Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172R · Tangara da Serra, BrazilOn September 7, 2014, about 1535 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 172R, Brazilian registration PR-TOT, was substantially damaged when it impacted powerlines while performing a go-around maneuver near the Comandante Gastao Airport (SDVI), Tangara de Serra…NTSB WPR14FA286Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Fall City, WAThe pilot’s decision to depart in low-ceiling conditions and his continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN14LA346Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBuckeye Dream Machine · Ansley, NEThe powered parachute's reduced takeoff performance in tailwind conditions for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal…NTSB WPR14FA283Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican Champion 7GCBC · Landmark, IDThe failure of the overtaking airplane’s pilot to maintain visual contact and separation from the airplane being overtaken.NTSB WPR14FA282Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28R-180 · Lake Elsinore, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control when the landing gear unintentionally extended while maneuvering at low altitude and airspeed, which increased the airplane’s drag and decreased its ability to climb over the rising terrain.NTSB ERA14LA330Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportZubair S Khan Raven · Mattituck, NYThe pilot's failure to ensure that the airplane was loaded within its calculated center of gravity limits, which resulted in longitudinal instability and a subsequent unrecoverable stall.NTSB ERA14FA328Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Topping, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB ERA14LA329Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFlight Design CT-SW 2006 · Gasport, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a left turn during takeoff, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA14FA327Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Parma, NYThe pilot's decision to land with a quartering tailwind and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the severity of the pilot's injuries was the failure of the aluminum center safety belt bracket.NTSB CEN14RA340Accident · 11 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA 31P · Czestochowska, PolandNTSB WPR14WA318Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna T210N · Inverell, Australia, AustraliaOn July 4, 2014, at 1325 local time, a Cessna T210N, VH-ZFW, collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from Inverell, Australia. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the pertinent civil regulations of the government of Australia. The airplane was…NTSB CEN14FA339Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American/Aero Classics P 51D · Durango, COThe pilot's failure to compensate for the high-performance airplane's tendency to enter a torque roll during the initial climb, which resulted in the airplane entering a torque roll and the subsequent loss of control at too low of an altitude to recover.…NTSB CEN14LA336Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorthwing Design Apache Sport · Omro, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed to compensate for a newly installed wing, which resulted in the aircraft stalling and the subsequent loss of control.NTSB DCA14WA138Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationFokker F27 - 50 · Nairobi, KenyaNTSB ANC14FA050Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 12 · Anchorage, AKThe incorrect (reverse) rigging of the elevator control cables, and the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect the misrigging.NTSB ERA14FA322Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Clarksdale, MSThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low-level, high angle-of-bank turn, which resulted in an exceedance of the critical angle of attack and a subsequent accelerated stall.