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 CEN14LA379Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKolb Mark III · Jonesville, LAThe noncertificated pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees.NTSB CEN14FA328Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-235 · Georgetown, COThe pilot’s inability to maintain a climb while maneuvering the airplane in high-density altitude conditions that degraded the airplane’s climb performance and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack, which led to an aerodynamic stall and…NTSB WPR14LA273Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSkyraider Skyraider · Lewiston, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle-of-attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at too low an altitude to recover.NTSB ERA14RA318Accident · 4 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R66 · Krasnodar Krai, RussiaOn June 28, 2014, at 1518 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), a Robinson R66, Russian registration RA-15880, impacted terrain, in Krasnodar Krai, Russia. The pilot and three passengers were fatally injured. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the…NTSB CEN14FA325Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDoyle James E Skybolt · Midlothian, TXThe pilot’s loss of airplane control while performing an aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an inverted spin and subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB ERA14FA313Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Littleton, NCMaintenance personnel's application of sealant to the engine case halves during engine overhaul, contrary to manufacturer's instructions, which resulted in internal failure of the engine due to the loss of case bolt torque.NTSB CEN14LA316Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrazhopper Trike · Ottawa, ILThe noncertificated pilot’s improper decision to operate the powered-parachute at low altitude through mist in a confined area while he was impaired by multiple sedating medications, which resulted in his loss of control of the parachute and subsequent impact…NTSB CEN14WA321Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLearjet 35 - A · Olsberg, GermanyThe accident investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the German government. This report is for information purposes only and contains only information released by or obtained from the German government or German Federal Bureau of Aircraft…NTSB WPR14LA263Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKnell ASC Spirit · Lehi, UTThe pilot’s exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering in a steep turn at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR14FA258Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportParker Loehle Mustang T5151 · Livermore, CAAn in-flight fire of unknown origin for reasons that could not be determined because of impact damage and postimpact fire damage.NTSB ERA14LA305Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChristen Industries A 1 · Tampa, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into the ground.NTSB CEN14LA305Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBollinger Robert L BD 4 · Fairfield, IAThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to the in-flight separation of the propeller blades for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB CEN14FA306Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBrumwell RV-6 · Sauk Rapids, MNThe pilot’s loss of pitch control due to the in-flight opening of the canopy during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because fire damage precluded examination of the airplane’s canopy and systems.NTSB WPR14FA262Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20B · Page, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain while maneuvering in a canyon in high-density altitude conditions.NTSB ERA14WA304Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206E · Cerro Militar, Municipio de Calima, ColombiaNTSB WPR14FA252Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 175 · Moab, UTThe pilot’s decision to approach rising mountainous terrain at too low an altitude to clear it and his subsequent attempt to climb, which exceeded the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack and resulted in a stall/spin.NTSB ERA14FA300Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportIsrael Aircraft Industries 1124A · Huntsville, ALThe flight crew's inability to maintain airplane control during initial climb following deployment of the right thrust reverser for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine thrust reverser system did not…NTSB CEN14FA300Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 46-310P · Lehman, TXThe pilot's improper decision to enter an area of known adverse weather, which resulted in the loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller's failure to provide critical weather information to the pilot to help him…NTSB WPR14FA231Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman G 21A · Sula, MTThe pilot's decision to continue flight into deteriorating weather conditions in an airplane not maintained for instrument flight, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB ERA14FA292Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportColumbia Aircraft Mfg LC41 550FG · East Patchogue, NYThe noninstrument-rated pilot's encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and his decision to continue visual flight rules flight in instrument conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR14FA244Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA 5B · Florence, ORThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and the subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA14LA290Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCameron Balloons US Z-225 · Spring City, PAThe pilot's fall from the balloon’s basket during touchdown in a field for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence, which resulted in his fatal injury.NTSB WPR14FA243Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportDittenber Thomas J Auriga · Echo Bay, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering for landing to an unlit runway in dark night conditions.NTSB ERA14FA289Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMeyer Clair O 2/3 P 51B/C Mustang · Marion, SCThe airplane's impact with terrain shortly after takeoff due to a physiological incapacitation of the pilot.NTSB ERA14FA288Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-500TP · White Plains, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff due to spatial disorientation (somatogravic illusion). Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to depart and his decision to depart in low-ceiling and…NTSB CEN14WA292Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationSchweizer 269C · Cerfontaine, Belgium, BelgiumOn June 13, 2014, about 1500 UTC, a Schweizer 269C, OO-JCS (s/n S1749) impacted terrain at the airfield of Cerfontaine, Belgium (EBCF). The helicopter was destroyed. One pilot was fatally injured and one pilot was seriously injured. This investigation is…NTSB CEN14FA286Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206 L4 · South Timbalier PlatformThe pilot's loss of helicopter control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB ERA14FA283Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Daytona Beach, FLA partial loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined due to the postaccident condition of the wreckage. Contributing to the accident was the pilots' decision to turn back to the airport, which led to…NTSB ERA14FA282Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLiberty Aerospace XL-2 · Merritt Island, FLThe failure of the pilots to maintain airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine power for a reason that could…NTSB WPR14FA239Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · El Mirage, CAThe pilot's loss of airplane control while intentionally maneuvering close to the ground, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack in a steep bank and entering an accelerated stall.NTSB ERA14WA287Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172N · Premana Lecco, ItalyNTSB CEN14FA288Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchrieber Robert L P 70 · Great Bend, KSThe pilot's improper preflight planning, which led to a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's loss of airplane control during the forced landing.NTSB WPR14LA233Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth Wing Apache Sport · Polson, MTThe pilot’s loss of airplane control during initial climb due to his experiencing an incapacitating medical event.NTSB WPR14FA234Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · Paso Robles, CAThe pilot's steep right turn shortly after takeoff, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN14FA278Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHermann Bjorn Lancair IV · Duluth, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while operating in instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions, which was due to spatial disorientation resulting from erroneous heading and bank angle information shown on the primary flight display. Contributing…NTSB WPR14LA230Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Laytonville, CAThe pilot’s impairment due to alcohol ingestion, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from trees during a low-altitude flyby.NTSB WPR14FA226Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American AT 6C · Buckley, WAThe loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb for reasons that could not be determined during a postaccident examination of the airplane.NTSB WPR14LA222Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPhillips BD 4 · Dayton, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack during the turn onto the final base leg in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a stall/spin at too low an altitude to allow recovery.NTSB ERA14WA299Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationAeroprakt 22L2 · Khabarovsk, RussiaOn June 2, 2014, about 0851 coordinated universal time (UTC), an Aeroprakt Ltd, 22L2, Russian registration RA-0080A, operated by a private individual impacted flat terrain near Khabarovsk, Russia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and flight plan…NTSB ERA14MA271Accident · 7 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportGulfstream Aerospace G IV · Bedford, MAThe flight crewmembers' failure to perform the flight control check before takeoff, their attempt to take off with the gust lock system engaged, and their delayed execution of a rejected takeoff after they became aware that the controls were locked.…NTSB CEN14LA272Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDehavilland DHC 6 200 · Middletown, OHThe skydiving operator employee’s failure to see and avoid the rotating propeller blades when she walked toward the cockpit while the airplane’s engines were running.NTSB CEN14FA266Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportYakovlev YAK-55M · Stevens Point, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the aerobatic flight, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and entering an accelerated stall at a low altitude.NTSB WPR14FA218Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNebert Vans RV-10 · Toledo, ORA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation because of a blocked fuel line that resulted from the pilot’s improper maintenance practices and the pilot’s subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed while attempting a forced landing, which led to…NTSB CEN14FA265Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Watkins, COThe pilot’s loss of control and subsequent aerodynamic stall due to spatial disorientation in night instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction due to his cell phone use while maneuvering at low-altitude.NTSB CEN14LA418Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTexas Helicopter OH 13H/M74A · Little Falls, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree at the edge of a field that he was spraying.NTSB ANC14FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Chugiak, AKThe pilot's loss of control of the helicopter due to impairment or incapacitation from a sudden, acute cardiac event.NTSB ERA14WA275Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationBeech B200 · Colonia, UruguayOn May 27, 2014, about 1050 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Beechcraft B200, Argentina registration LV-CNT, was substantially damaged when it impacted the water near Rio de la Plata, Uruguay. The Argentinian pilot and four of the passengers were fatally…NTSB CEN14LA255Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT 602 · Gueydan, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with power lines.NTSB ERA14FA256Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportStolp Starduster SA-300 · Newton, NCThe pilot’s failure to recover from an intentional spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of adequate spin entry and recovery training.NTSB CEN14WA254Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAir Tractor AT802 · Seron, SpainOn May 26, 2014, about 1400 UTC, an Air Tractor AT-802 airplane, EC-LCA, (s/n 802-0326), impacted terrain during a firefighting operation near Seron, Spain. A post-impact fire occurred and the airplane was subsequently destroyed. The pilot sustained fatal…