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 WPR13FA417Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell UH-1V · Cordes Lakes, AZThe pilot's improper maintenance on the helicopter’s main rotor blade pitch control system, which resulted in an in-flight loss of main rotor blade pitch control, mast bumping, and mast failure.NTSB ERA13WA430Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna R172K · Morona Santiago, EcuadorNTSB ERA13FA424Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBrown Robert K RV7A · Hamilton Township, NJThe pilot's improper aerobatic maneuver that resulted in a loss of control, exceedance of the airplane's design limitations, and a subsequent in-flight breakup of the airplane.NTSB WPR13WA415Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLancair 360 - NO Series · Shenyang, ChinaOn September 17, 2013 about 0523 Universal Time, an experimental amateur-built Lancair, Canadian registration C-FXCK, collided with terrain while maneuvering near Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. The airplane was participating in an aerobatic exhibition…NTSB WPR13FA411Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell UH 1B · Detroit, ORThe fatigue failure of the upper two tailboom attachment points, which resulted in the tailboom separating from the fuselage during logging operations. Contributing to the accident was poor maintenance throughout the helicopter’s operational life.NTSB WPR13WA410Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206 - G · Croydon, AustraliaOn September 15, 2013, about 1530 Eastern standard time, an Australian registered Cessna 206, VH-WAV, impacted terrain about 95 miles Southeast of Croydon, Queensland, Australia. The airplane was destroyed and the pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The…NTSB CEN13WA548Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Wygonin, PolandOn September 13, 2013, about 0750 coordinated universal time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, SP-WNP, impacted terrain near Wygonin, Poland. A postimpact fire ensued. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured and the helicopter was destroyed. The flight…NTSB WPR13FA405Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportKamtz RV-7A · Jackson Hole, WYA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Also causal was the pilot’s failure to adequately compensate for the…NTSB ANC13WA097Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationMesserschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BO 105-S · McClure Strait, CanadaOn September 9, 2013, about 1845 Mountain standard time, a Canadian Coast Guard Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm (MBB) BO105-S helicopter, Canadian registration C-GCFU, crashed into ocean waters near McClure Strait, Canada. The three crew members on board were…NTSB ERA13WA411Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationDornier 228 · Valparaiso, ChileOn September 9, 2013, about 0940 universal coordinated time (UTC), a Dornier 228-202K CC-CNW impacted terrain while on approach for landing at Viña del Mar Airfield/NAS Base Aeronaval Viña del Mar in Chile. The airplane was destroyed, and the commercial pilot…NTSB ANC13FAMS2Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Yakutat, AKUndetermined because the pilot and airplane were not found.NTSB ANC13FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportZenith 701 · Big Lake, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in a stall and subsequent spin from which he could not recover.NTSB WPR13FA400Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCantrell LW Challenger II SP · Prineville, ORThe in-flight failure of the left elevator control torque tube. Contributing to the accident was the improper assembly of the elevator control torque tubes.NTSB WPR13FA399Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTyler Ives SD-1 TG · Spanish Fork, UTThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while performing prohibited aerobatic maneuvers and the deployment and separation of the ballistic parachute system from the airframe for reasons that could not be determined due to the severity of impact…NTSB ANC13FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Glennallen, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and impact with the ground.NTSB CEN13WA527Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna T303 · JerseyNTSB ERA13FA402Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T-50 · Lenox Twp., PAThe pilot's intentional visual flight into night instrument meteorological conditions and thunderstorms and his improper decision to takeoff without getting updated weather information after a briefer cautioned him during a previous flight that visual flight…NTSB WPR13FA393Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportStuart Vortex · Scappoose, ORThe student pilot's unintentional takeoff followed by his failure to maintain control of the gyroplane during the landing approach. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot’s lack of both flight training and flight experience and his lack of a solo…NTSB CEN13FA517Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 II · Caballo, NMThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid power lines while maneuvering near the ground because dust stirred up by the rotor wash obscured his visibility.NTSB ANC13FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18A · Nikolai, AKThe pilot’s improper decision to load the airplane beyond its allowable takeoff weight and center of gravity limits, which resulted in a loss of control during the initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the external load and the downwind takeoff.NTSB ERA13FA388Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Limington, MEAn impairing medical event of undetermined origin that led to a loss of control during takeoff.NTSB ERA13FA385Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Danville, VAThe student pilot's failure to maintain control and climb the airplane during a go-around maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to provide adequate oversight of the student pilot by ensuring that the cockpit was free of…NTSB ANC13FA090Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Sutton, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of marijuana, which likely degraded his psychomotor…NTSB CEN13WA512Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPalmer Rans S6-ESD · Redhill, United KingdomOn August 28, 2013, about 1118 coordinated universal time, a Rans S6-ESD, United Kingdom registration G-MYSP, impacted terrain following a touch-and-go at the Redhill Aerodrome, Redhill, Surrey, United Kingdom. The pilot was fatally injured. The Air Accidents…NTSB CEN13WA516Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-32T · Wickede, GermanyOn August 27, 2013, at 1521 coordinated universal time, a Piper PA-32T, German registered D-EERB, was destroyed when it impacted terrain under unknown circumstances near Wickede, Germany. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.…NTSB CEN13WA511Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28R-201 · Sarnen, SwitzerlandNTSB CEN13FA509Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Paris, ILThe pilot's failure to abort the takeoff during the ground roll after detecting the airplane's degraded performance. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt a flight with a known problem with the left engine and the likely partial…NTSB WPR13FA388Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Desert Center, CAThe pilot's abrupt maneuver, which resulted in an accelerated stall and a loss of airplane control at low altitude.NTSB CEN13WA505Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna T210F · Culiacan, MexicoOn August 25, 2013, a Mexican registered Cessna T210F, XB-MYI, impacted terrain near Culiacan, Mexico. The pilot and three passengers received fatal injuries. The airplane was destroyed by post impact fire. The flight originated from La Noria, Mexico, but the…NTSB ERA13FA372Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Taunton, MAThe pilot/owner’s inadequate preflight inspection and inadequate pretakeoff check of the flight controls, which resulted in a takeoff with the rudder gust lock installed. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-rated passenger’s failure to detect that the…NTSB ANC13FA084Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Anchorage, AKA loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a low fuel state and a nose-high attitude during a go-around, which unported the fuel tank feed line, and the pilot's decision to make a low-altitude turn back to the airport, which resulted in an…NTSB CEN14WA225Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationAirbus Helicopters 332L2 · Shetland Islands, United KingdomOn August 23, 2013, about 1717 UTC, an Airbus Helicopters AS332 L2, G-WNSB (s/n 2582) ditched into the North Sea near the Shetland Islands. The helicopter was destroyed and four passengers were fatally injured. This investigation is under the jurisdiction and…NTSB WPR13FA380Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNelson KR-2 · Cataldo, IDThe pilot’s decision to intentionally enter a spin in the airplane, which had unknown spin characteristics due to the engine modification, from which he was unable to recover.NTSB CEN13FA496Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Kansas City, MOThe pilot's improper decision to attempt continued flight after a momentary loss of engine power with usable runway remaining. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's premature retraction of the landing gear, the loss of engine power due to fuel system…NTSB ERA13WA367Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Bolzano, ItalyOn August 17, 2013, at 1400 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Cessna FR172J, German registration D-EDQL, operated by a flying club, was destroyed following a collision with mountainous terrain near San Pellegrino, Italy. The local flight originated in…NTSB WPR13FA376Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportUrban Air Sro Samba XXL · Carson City, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the improper location of the parachute…NTSB CEN13LA500Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 206 · Brooklyn, IAThe improper routing of the seatbelt, which resulted in the inadvertent deployment of the reserve parachute, and the open jump door, which allowed the passenger to be pulled from the airplane.NTSB DCA13MA133Accident · 2 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportAirbus A300 - F4 622R · Birmingham, ALthe flight crew's continuation of an unstabilized approach and their failure to monitor the aircraft's altitude during the approach, which led to an inadvertent descent below the minimum approach altitude and subsequently into terrain. Contributing to the…NTSB WPR13FA370Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7GCAA · Paradise, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during low-altitude maneuvering after encountering an updraft.NTSB WPR13FA368Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E35 · West Yellowstone, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while aligning the airplane with the runway for landing, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's…NTSB CEN13WA492Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAerostar International S-55A · Mont-St-Grégoire, CanadaOn August 11, 2013, at 0730 eastern daylight time, an Aerostar International Inc. model S-55A, United States registration N25QL, serial number S55A1-1017, was not damaged when a member of the balloon ground-support team was fatally injured after falling to…NTSB CEN13FA476Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeechcraft F33A · Ennis, TXThe loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examinations due to postcrash fire damage.NTSB ERA13FA358Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell International 690B · East Haven, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while banking aggressively in and out of clouds for landing in gusty tailwind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and uncontrolled descent.NTSB CEN13WA480Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationSocata TBM-700 · Vertaizon, FranceNTSB CEN13WA471Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech B200 · Akureyri, IcelandOn August 7, 2013, at 1328 coordinated universal time, a Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, B200, multi-engine airplane, TF-MYX, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Akureyri Airport, (BIAR), Akureyri, Iceland. The three crewmembers were fatally injured.…NTSB ERA13WA359Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R-44 · Davidovo, RussiaOn August 6, 2013, at 1506 coordinated universal time (August 7, 2013, 0006 local time), an emergency locator beacon signal was detected for a Robinson R44, RA-06302, which was subsequently found destroyed on rising terrain about 7 nautical miles southwest of…NTSB CEN13LA461Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Ackerly, TXThe pilot’s failure to identify and maintain adequate clearance from a shield wire that was suspended between power transmission line towers.NTSB CEN13FA465Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-400 · Balko, OKThe pilot's failure maintain clearance from a meteorological tower while en route at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the sun's glare.NTSB ERA13WA387Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationEmbraer 711ST · Paragominas, BrazilOn August 4, 2013, about 2230 universal coordinated time, an Embraer EMB-711ST (Piper PA-28RT-201T), Brazilian registration PT-RHI, operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while on approach to the Aeroporto de…NTSB ERA13FA349Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Alma, GADescent from cruise flight until impact with trees and the ground for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation and the pilot's autopsy and…