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 ERA13WA376Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBeech 58 · Jundiai Municipality, BrazilOn August 3, 2013, at 1524 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Beech model 58, Brazilian registration PT-LKG, operated by a private owner, was destroyed following a collision with terrain on approach to Jundiai Airport (SBJD), State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The…NTSB ERA13FA348Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D55 · Conway, SCThe pilot's loss of airplane control, which resulted from his failure to follow the loss of single engine power checklist procedures after a total loss of right engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper…NTSB CEN13FA456Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Chesterfield, MOThe pilot’s failure to establish and maintain a positive climb rate during the initial climb in night instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CEN13WA578Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCirrus Design SR20 · Poncins, FranceOn July 31, 2013, about 1420 universal coordinated time, a Cirrus SR-20 airplane, F-HCPT, impacted terrain near Poncins, France. The two occupants were fatally injured. This investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of France. Any further…NTSB WPR13WA350Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Guangdong Province, China, ChinaOn July 29, 2013 about 0710 Beijing time, a Robinson R22, B-7036, crashed in the Guangdong Province of China. The helicopter was operated as an instructional flight by Guangzhou Suilian Helicopter Aviation. The helicopter was substantially damaged and both…NTSB WPR13LA347Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAirborne Windsports PTY Edge XT-912-L · Red Bluff, CAThe pilot's failure to properly secure himself in the cockpit with the seat belt, which resulted in his inability to control the airplane after takeoff.NTSB ERA13FA340Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFolland Gnat T 1 · Georgetown, SCThe loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined due to postcrash fire damage. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to perform an aerobatic maneuver at low altitude, which did not allow sufficient time for him to regain…NTSB CEN13FA446Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCampbell Earl S JR RV-6A · Knox, INThe incapacitation of the pilot due to a cardiovascular event that prevented him from maintaining control of the airplane during the landing approach.NTSB ERA13FA336Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R66 · Noxen, PAThe pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB CEN13LA439Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWoods Rufus III Vans RV-8A · Lucas, KSThe noninstrument-rated pilot's inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR13FA343Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Thompson Falls, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while operating in conditions conducive to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB CEN13FA438Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Lake Michigan, WIAn encounter with wake turbulence, which resulted in the pilot’s loss of control of the airplane and its subsequent in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the approach controller’s failure to issue a wake turbulence advisory to the pilot.NTSB CEN13LA433Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportClayton Gerald H Glastar GS-1 · Columbus, INSlippage in the engine clutch and gear reduction module and a resultant uncommanded movement of the propeller blades into reverse thrust.NTSB CEN13FA432Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Amarillo, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after a loss of left engine power due to water-contaminated fuel. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a proper preflight that could have detected water accumulation in the fuel system before takeoff.NTSB WPR13WA340Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 407 · Kedaranath, India, IndiaIn July 24, 2013 at 1005 universal coordinated time, a Bell 407, VT-TBE, crashed under unknown circumstances near Kedaranath, India. The helicopter was substantially damaged and the pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The helicopter was operating under…NTSB WPR13GA338Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell HH-1H · Mount Charleston, NVThe premature hoisting operation and the inadvertent disengagement of the hoist hook on the rescuer’s harness in dark night conditions. Contributing to the accident was a lack of direct audio communication between the rescuer and the hoist operator.NTSB CEN13WA483Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28-161 · Kagiswil, Canton of Obwalden, SwitzerlandOn July 23, 2013, at 1525 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-28-161, HB-PNR, impacted terrain during a go-around from runway 21 at Kaegiswil Airport (LSPG), Kagiswil, Canton of Obwalden, Switzerland. The airplane was destroyed. Two pilots and one…NTSB WPR13FA335Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · South Lake Tahoe, CAThe pilot’s decision to turn into rising terrain that would have required performance in excess of the airplane’s maximum climb rate to clear after taking off at a high density altitude.NTSB ERA13FA330Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Fredericksburg, VAThe pilot's intentional descent into the ground to commit suicide.NTSB CEN13WA427Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCirrus Design SR22 · English Channel, United KingdomNTSB CEN13LA428Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCooper, David W. Challenger II · Mill Creek, INThe noncertificated pilot's improper fuel planning, which led to fuel exhaustion and a loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to obtain adequate instruction or an endorsement to solo in the accident airplane model, which…NTSB ERA13WA356Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech G36 · Bonito, BrazilOn July 19, 2013, about 1330 universal coordinated time (UTC), a Hawker Beechcraft G16, Brazilian registration PR-KEX, registered to a private owner and operated by a private individual, impacted terrain during flight in the vicinity of the Bonito…NTSB CEN13FA420Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7KCAB · Oak Ridge, LAThe private pilot’s and the flight instructor’s failure to maintain airplane control while performing agricultural operations turns low to the ground, which resulted in a stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the private pilot’s impairment due to his…NTSB CEN13FA416Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-65 · Flushing, MIThe student pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during the landing approach, which led to a stall/spin, and the flight instructor’s failure to monitor the approach and provide remedial action before the stall.NTSB ERA13WA334Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBeech 58 · Manaus, BrazilNTSB ERA13WA332Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172N · Buenos Aires, ArgentinaOn July 16, 2013, about 2007 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 172N, Argentine registration LV-BPP, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while on approach to land at the Quilmes Airport (SADQ), Buenos Aires, Argentina. The flight instructor…NTSB ERA13LA320Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportThompson Bruce D Sonerai II · Pulaski, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a near-vertical climb after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB CEN13FA415Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell UH-1H · Dove Creek, COPilot-induced oscillations caused by the loss of hydraulic assist of the flight controls due to an excessive loss of hydraulic fluid during a critical phase of flight, which resulted in ground impact. Contributing to the accident was an inadequate analysis of…NTSB CEN13WA413Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRans S6-ES · Dadlington, United KingdomOn July 14, 2013, about 1744 UTC, a Rans S6-ES, G-BYMV (s/n PFA 204-13444) collided with terrain. The airplane was destroyed and the pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. This investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the British…NTSB ERA13WA319Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationDiamond DA40-180 · Ticlio, PeruNTSB CEN13LA409Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFlight Design Ctsw · Taos, NMThe airplane's unexpected encounter with a dust devil, which resulted in the loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR13LA313Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth Wing Uum Sport X2 · Parker Dam, CAThe student pilot’s abrupt maneuver to avoid transmission wires, which resulted in his loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s decision to perform a low-altitude flight, his distracted attention, and his failure to monitor the…NTSB DCA13MA121Accident · 10 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportDehavilland DHC-3 · Soldotna, AKThe operator's failure to determine the actual cargo weight, leading to the loading and operation of the airplane outside of the weight and center of gravity limits contained in the airplane flight manual, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing…NTSB DCA13MA120Accident · 3 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBoeing 777-200ER · San Francisco, CAThe flight crew's mismanagement of the airplane's descent during the visual approach, the pilot flying's unintended deactivation of automatic airspeed control, the flight crew's inadequate monitoring of airspeed, and the flight crew's delayed execution of a…NTSB CEN13LA401Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJDT 1600R · Chesaning, MIThe failure of the propeller reduction gearbox and the pilot’s subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall and spin. Contributing to the accident were…NTSB ERA13FA309Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNanchang China CJ-6A · Ocean City, MDThe pilot's failure to terminate the intentional aerobatic spin at an altitude adequate to prevent impacting the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's loss of situational awareness due to target fixation during the prolonged aerobatic maneuver.NTSB CEN13WA382Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationGulfstream GA-7 · Veberod, SwedenOn June 30 2013, at 0920 coordinated universal time a Gulfstream GA-7, Swedish registration SE-MBO, owned and piloted by the private individual, was destroyed when it impacted terrain under unknown circumstances near Veberod, Sweden. The pilot was fatally…NTSB WPR13FA300Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAllstar PZL Glider SZD-54-2 Perkoz · Jacumba, CAThe premature release of the towline from the glider and the glider’s subsequent right banking turn at low altitude for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident airframe examination did not reveal any evidence of a mechanical malfunction or…NTSB WPR13FA298Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAyers Less Drag Special · Oxnard, CAA loss of engine power after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, and the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an…NTSB CEN13WA393Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 185 · Vehmersalmi, FinlandOn June 29, 2013, at 1530 local time, a Cessna 185D seaplane, serial number 185-0863, Finnish registration OH-CEG, owned by Werner Air Oy, was destroyed after impacting the surface of Lake Sulasvesi, Vehmersalmi, Finland. The pilot and two passengers were…NTSB WPR13FA296Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Yellow Pine, IDThe pilot's failure to see and avoid the airplane ahead of his position in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in a midair collision while both airplanes were on approach to land. Contributing to the accident was both pilots’ failure to adequately…NTSB CEN13LA377Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDankelman Peter G RV-7A · Marion, TXThe pilot’s sudden incapacitation and natural death as a result of cardiovascular disease.NTSB ANC13FA058Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Cantwell, AKThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.NTSB WPR13WA305Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCirrus SR22 · Shepparton, Australia, AustraliaOn June 27, 2013, at 1930 universal coordinated time, a Cirrus Design SR22, VH-CKS, collided with terrain while on approach for landing at Shepparton Aerodrome, Australia. The airplane was operated under the pertinent civil regulations of Australia. The…NTSB WPR13FA294Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Birdseye, UT***This report was modified on August 18, 2015. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report.*** The operator's improper installation of a supplemental electrical power supply, which caused a short circuit due to inadequate vibration…NTSB WPR13FA289Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P337H · San Luis Obispo, CALoss of engine power from the rear engine for reasons that could not be determined because of the postimpact thermal damage to the engine. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's decision to continue flight with a known deficiency, his failure to abort…NTSB WPR13FA288Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech J35 · Helena, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR13LA283Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportExtra 300/LT · Adrian, ORThe pilot's improper decision to conduct low-level maneuvering in a river canyon with power lines, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.NTSB WPR13FA284Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A45 · Boulder City, NVThe pilot/mechanic's loss of control during an emergency descent following a loss of engine power while in cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/mechanic's incorrect assembly of the No. 6 cylinder at the last cylinder change, which…NTSB CEN13LA368Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNanchang China CJ-6 · Wolcott, COThe pilots decision to perform an aerobatic maneuver at a low altitude from which he was unable to recover.