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 ERA14WA100Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208B · Olive Creek, GuyanaNTSB ERA14FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican Champion 8KCAB · Holland, NJThe pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in controlled flight into trees and terrain.NTSB WPR14LA096Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMorrisey 2150 · Pismo Beach, CAThe in-flight separation of a wing for reasons that could not be determined because the wreckage was not recovered from the ocean.NTSB CEN14WA216Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 501 · Trier-Föhren Airport, GermanyOn January 12, 2014, approximately 1200 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 501 Citation I SP airplane, US registration N452TS, was destroyed when it impacted terrain about 2.5 nautical miles from runway 22, Trier-Fohren Airport, Germany. The pilot,…NTSB CEN14FA110Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Waterford, MIThe pilot's controlled flight into terrain during an instrument landing system approach at night in instrument flight rules conditions. Contributing to the accident were the operator's inadequate training of the pilot, the operator's failure to provide a…NTSB ERA14WA092Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 - L3 · Antioquia, ColombiaNTSB CEN14FA102Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20R · Boyne City, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane as he attempted to return to the airport after encountering dark night conditions and heavy snow showers.NTSB CEN14FA099Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCanadair CL 600 2B16 · Aspen, COThe flight crew's failure to maintain airplane control during landing following an unstabilized approach. Contributing to the accident were the flight crew's decision to land with a tailwind above the airplane's operating limitations and their failure not to…NTSB ERA14LA084Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Fryeburg, METhe pilot’s incapacitation due to a cardiac event during taxi.NTSB WPR14WA085Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · Berastagi, IndonesiaOn December 30, 2013, at about 1030 local time, a Bell 206 helicopter, registration PK-DAL, crashed shortly after takeoff from a hospital near Berastagi, North Sumatera, Indonesia. Reports indicate that there was one fatality and two serious injuries…NTSB WPR14FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Fresno, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees while on approach, which subsequently led to a loss of airplane control. Also causal was the pilot’s continued operation of the airplane at night with a diagnosed medical condition that degraded…NTSB ERA14FA077Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Biglerville, PAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's spatial disorientation after inadvertently encountering instrument meteorological conditions at night and his subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN14WA093Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationRobinson Helicopter R 44 · Bordeaux, FranceOn December 20, 2013, about 1715 central European time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, French registered F-GPJG, owned and piloted by the accident pilot, was destroyed when it impacted the Dordogne River under unknown circumstances near Bordeaux, France. Visual…NTSB ERA14FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Chatlottesville, VAThe pilot’s failure to position the fuel selector handle in a fuel tank detent, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the pilot’s fatal injuries was the separation of his shoulder harness due to overload in an…NTSB ERA14FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon G36 · Panama City, FLThe pilot’s inadequate preflight and inflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the pilot’s injuries was his failure to use the available shoulder harness.NTSB ERA14FA073Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon 390 · Atlanta, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering the airplane in the traffic pattern at night. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from the use of illicit drugs.NTSB ERA14WA079Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172A · Teresina Municipality, BrazilOn December 26, 2013, about 2148 universal coordinated time (UTC), a Cessna 172, Brazilian registration PT-CNL, was destroyed while conducting touch and go landings in the Teresina Municipality, State of Piauí, Brazil. The pilot, copilot, and 2 passengers…NTSB WPR14WA072Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationHughes 369E · Lake Ross, New Zealand, New ZealandOn December 15, 2013, at 0400 universal coordinated time, a Hughes 369E, ZK-HNA, collided with terrain under unknown circumstances near Lake Ross, South Island, New Zealand. The flight was operated by Milford Helicopters under the pertinent civil regulations…NTSB WPR14FA068Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Kalaupapa, HIThe loss of engine power due to the fracture of multiple blades on the compressor turbine wheel, which resulted in a ditching. The reason for the blade failures could not be determined due to secondary thermal damage to the blades.NTSB CEN14FA084Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 24-250 · Collbran, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ERA14FA068Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Jacksonville, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during a missed approach in night instrument meteorological conditions due to spatial disorientation and a lack of instrument proficiency.NTSB CEN14FA077Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAviat A-1C-200 · Los Alamos, NMThe pilot’s loss of airplane control while maneuvering after takeoff in gusty wind conditions.NTSB ERA14FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTexas Helicopter M74L · Sebring, FLA partial loss of engine power as a result of contamination of the engine’s fuel supply, and the pilot’s impaired performance due to his use of diphenhydramine, which resulted in his inability to complete a forced or precautionary autorotative landing…NTSB ERA14WA069Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationBritten Norman BN2A - 2 · Novo Prgresso, BrazilOn December 4, 2013, about 1430 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Britten Norman Aircraft, model BN-2A, Brazilian registration PT-WMY, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground shortly after takeoff from Novo Progresso Airport (SJNP), Novo…NTSB ERA14MA060Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportFairchild SA227-AC · La Alianza, PRThe flight crew's excessive elevator input during a rapid descent under night lighting conditions, which resulted in the overstress and breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was an initial loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be…NTSB ERA14FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Dawsonville, GAThe pilot’s in-flight loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while operating in dark night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s design stress limitations and a subsequent in-flight breakup.…NTSB WPR14FA094Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B36TC · Yellow Pine, IDThe pilot’s continued flight into known light-to-moderate icing conditions over mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine power due to induction icing.NTSB ERA14LA057Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Elkmont, ALA stuck exhaust valve, which resulted in a total loss of engine power at low altitude. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s decision to fly at a low altitude, which reduced his forced landing options when the loss of engine power occurred; and poor…NTSB DCA14RA018Accident · 33 fatalForeign investigationEmbraer ERJ190 - Undesignat · Rundu, NamibiaThe Namibia Ministry of Works and Transport (MWT) has notified the NTSB of an accident involving an Embraer ERJ-190 that occurred on November 30, 2013. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the MWT investigation under the…NTSB ANC14MA008Accident · 5 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Saint Marys, AKThe pilot's decision to initiate a visual flight rules approach into an area of instrument meteorological conditions at night and the flight coordinators' release of the flight without discussing the risks with the pilot, which resulted in the pilot…NTSB CEN14WA073Accident · 9 fatalForeign investigationEurocopter EC135 · Glasgow, United KingdomOn November 29, 2013, at 2222 universal coordinated time (UTC), a United Kingdom registered EC-135 T2 helicopter, G-SPAO, impacted a public house near Glasgow, United Kingdom. The crew of three in the helicopter and six other persons were fatally injured. The…NTSB CEN14FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182E · Delta, COThe student pilot’s decision to attempt flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and ground impact.NTSB CEN14FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBiesemeier David I Smyth Sidewinder · Boulder, COThe pilot’s abrupt maneuver, which exceeded the structural limits of the left wing and resulted in its in-flight separation.NTSB ERA14FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-160 · Graniteville, SCThe pilot's improper maintenance of the airplane's fuel system, which resulted a loss of power in the left engine due to fuel starvation. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain minimum controllable airspeed following the loss of engine power, which…NTSB ERA14WA047Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R66 · Rio de Janeiro, BrazilNTSB ERA14FA045Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportLearjet 35 · Fort Lauderdale, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane following an inflight deployment of the left engine thrust reverser. Contributing to the accident was the flight crew's failure to perform the appropriate emergency procedures, the copilot's lack of…NTSB CEN14FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210 · Cedaredge, COThe pilot's spatial disorientation while operating in dark night conditions in snow showers and his subsequent failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in overstress of the airplane and an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the loss of control was…NTSB CEN14WA067Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 - II · Neuhausen ob Eck, GermanyOn November 19, 2013, at 1134 coordinated universal time, a Robinson R44 II, Germany-registered D-HOMI, was substantially damaged when it impacted forested terrain near Neuhausen ob Eck, Germany. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of…NTSB CEN14WA062Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationSocata TBM 700 · Mouffy, FranceNTSB CEN14FA057Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Spring, TXThe flight instructor's failure to maintain airspeed following a partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA14FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFocke-Wulf FWP 149D · Kenansville, NCThe pilot’s loss of control in instrument meteorological conditions for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB DCA14RA012Accident · 50 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 737 - 500 · Kazan, RussiaThe Russian Interstate Aviation Committee, Accident Investigation Commission (IAC) has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Boeing 737-500 that occurred on November 17, 2013. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the IAC…NTSB CEN14WA111Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationJohnson Bekas 1A · Stalowa Wola, PolandOn Novenber 11, 2013, at 1245 coordinated universal time (1345 LMT), a BEKAS 1-A glider, registered SP-8017, owned and piloted by the accident pilot, was destroyed when it impacted terrain during a tow operation near Airfield Turbia (EPST), Stalowa Wola,…NTSB CEN14LA056Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPearson Jon M Dragonfly · Anahuac, TXThe incorrect installation by the pilot, who was not a certificated mechanic or repairman, of the main rotor head bearing block, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the rotor head.NTSB ANC14WA006Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationSikorsky S76-C++ · Seoul, South KoreaOn November 16, 2013, about 2354 Coordinated Universal Time, a Sikorsky S76 C++ helicopter, Korean registration HL9294, operated by LG Electronics Co. Ltd., sustained substantial damage after colliding with a 26-story apartment building in Seoul, Korea. Both…NTSB CEN14FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T310R · Junction, TXThe noninstrument-rated private pilot's decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a weather…NTSB CEN14FA047Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeechcraft B36TC · Amarillo, TXThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to fly a night instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control of the airplane during an attempted missed approach.NTSB ERA14WA063Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34-220T · Parati, Brazil, BrazilOn November 10, 2013 about 1600 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-34-220T, Brazilian registration PR-EAG, was destroyed when it collided during a climb with the peak of Corisco Mountain, located in the Serra do Mar mountain range, near Parati…NTSB ERA14WA041Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCirrus Design SR22 · Freeport, BahamasNTSB DCA14RA009Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationSwearingen SA227 - AC · Red Lake, CanadaThe Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Swearingen SA227 that occurred on November 10, 2013. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the TSB investigation under the provisions…