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 CEN13WA275Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172P · Den Helder, NetherlandsOn May 8, 2013, about 0645 hours universal coordinated time, a Cessna 172P, Dutch registration PH-ACM, impacted the North Sea near Den Helder, Netherlands, during a photo reconnaissance flight. The pilot was fatally injured. The passenger (photographer) was…NTSB CEN13LA256Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEskildsen Steen Skybolt · Easton, MNThe pilot's medical incapacitation due to an acute cardiac event after performing aerobatic maneuvers.NTSB ERA13WA232Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLearjet 60 · Valencia, VenezuelaOn May 5, 2013, about 1345 coordinated universal time (0915 local time), a Learjet Inc. 60, N119FD, was destroyed when it impacted terrain and a building while approaching Arturo Michelena Airport (SVVA), Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela. The two crew members…NTSB CEN13FA259Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Lamar, MOThe pilot's in-flight loss of control, which was likely due to a sudden cardiac event.NTSB ERA13FA227Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNewgent, Barry S6S · Suffolk, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while turning from the downwind to the base leg of the traffic pattern, which resulted in a subsequent aerodynamic stall, spin, and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of currency…NTSB ERA13FA225Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman G-44 · Catskill, NYThe pilot’s misjudgment of the airplane’s altitude above the water and early flare for a landing on water with a glassy condition, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN13WA314Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBede 5J · Baumkirchen, AustriaThe Civil Aviation Safety Investigative Authority of Austria has informed the NTSB of an accident involving a BeDe 5J, N53EJ, experimental, amateur-built airplane near Baumkirchen, Austria. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the…NTSB CEN13WA248Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationBeech King Air · Zacatecas, MexicoNTSB WPR13FA211Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172RG · Calabasas, CAThe failure of the pilots in both aircraft to maintain an adequate visual lookout, which resulted in a midair collision.NTSB ERA13FA219Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDaniels Dominator · Valkaria, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate power and airspeed, which resulted in a loss of control, abrupt descent, and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain adequate experience in the gyroplane before making the…NTSB DCA13MA081Accident · 7 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBoeing 747-400 BCF · Bagram, AfghanistanNational Airlines' inadequate procedures for restraining special cargo loads, which resulted in the loadmaster's improper restraint of the cargo, which moved aft and damaged hydraulic systems Nos. 1 and 2 and horizontal stabilizer drive mechanism components,…NTSB CEN13FA241Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Norfolk, NEThe pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude and his subsequent failure to see and avoid power lines.NTSB WPR13FA208Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Shepherd, MTThe pilot’s loss of control while maneuvering during low-altitude operations due to sudden neurological impairment or incapacitation and the helicopter’s subsequent collision with power lines.NTSB ERA13FA215Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-32 · Shirley, NYThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during final approach, which resulted in a stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s likely impairment due to an over-the-counter sedating antihistamine.NTSB CEN13LA244Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDean Leslie N Highlander · Bryan, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ERA13WA226Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210L · Belem, BrazilOn April 26, 2013, about 1215 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 210L, Brazilian registration PR-LJI, operated by Brabo Taxi Aereo Ltda., was substantially damaged during a forced landing while on approach to the Brigadeiro Protasio de Oliveira Airport…NTSB CEN13LA237Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAlon A2 · Greenbrier, ARThe pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and porpoise. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's limited recent flying experience and proficiency and the challenging runway environment.NTSB WPR13LA203Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHoffman RV-4 · Bullhead City, AZThe pilot’s suicidal act.NTSB ERA13FA209Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210E · Williamsburg, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during a base-to-final turn with a gusting wind and potential turbulence/wind shear, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.NTSB WPR13FA201Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182D · Wellington, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain during a night, visual descent to the destination airport, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA13FA201Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchoonover John D KIT FOX IV 1200 · St. Lucie, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the turn to final, which resulted in an exceedance of the wing’s critical angle-of-attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s combined use of two sedating…NTSB ERA13WA203Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA-23-250 · Georgetown, GuyanaOn April 13, 2013, about 1854 coordinated universal time, a Piper PA-23-250, N27FT, was destroyed when it impacted a residence shortly after departing from Ogle International Airport (SYGO), Georgetown, Guyana. The certificated airline transport pilot and one…NTSB DCA13WA089Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBeech 1900 · Unkown, São Tomé & PríncipeThe Sao Tome and Principe Civil Aviation Authority (STPCAA) has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Beech 1900 that occurred on April 07, 2013. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist STPCAA investigation under the…NTSB CEN13FA221Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Collinsville, OKThe pilot’s loss of control of the airplane for reasons that could not be determined because an examination of the airplane did not find an abnormality that would have precluded normal operations.NTSB WPR13FA183Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182C · Circle, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control as a result of spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue flight into low visibility conditions.NTSB ERA13FA186Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Miami, FLThe mechanic's failure to properly secure the pitch link hardware of one main rotor blade to the rotating swash plate, which resulted in the pitch link separating in flight and the pilot's subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB WPR13WA182Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210H · Darwin Aerodrome, Australia, AustraliaOn April 1, 2013, about 1700 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 210H, Australian registration VH-EFB, impacted the water under unknown circumstances near Darwin Aerodrome (Anson Bay), Australia. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot and three…NTSB CEN13FA217Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Guymon, OKThe noninstrument-rated pilot's encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and his subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to take off in deteriorating…NTSB ERA13FA184Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLancair LC42 - 550FG · Winston-Salem, NCThe pilot's failure to detect multiple indications and cues in the cockpit of the steady loss of engine oil pressure, which resulted in a catastrophic engine failure over terrain unsuitable for landing. Also causal was the loss of internal engine lubrication…NTSB CEN13FA219Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Castle Rock, COThe pilot's loss of airplane control while maneuvering between two convective storms that likely produced low-level windshear. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's relatively low overall flight experience and low night flight experience, which…NTSB ANC13GA036Accident · 3 fatalClass 1Final reportEurocopter AS350 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot's decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in the pilot's spatial disorientation and loss of control. Also causal was the Alaska Department of Public Safety's punitive culture and…NTSB CEN13FA213Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchleicher Alexander · Littlefield, TXThe pilot’s improper decision to conduct aerobatic maneuvers in a glider not approved for such maneuvers. Contributing to the accident was the degradation of the adhesive holding the wing together, which should have been detected either during the last annual…NTSB WPR13WA177Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech G58 · Kawhia, New ZealandNTSB ERA13LA183Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAndrews Zodiac · Collegedale, TNThe pilot's failure to ensure that his seatbelt was fastened and the pilots' failure to ensure that the canopy was latched properly, which resulted in the pilot's ejection from the cockpit following the opening of the canopy and the subsequent in-flight upset.NTSB CEN13FA214Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Hawley, MNThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to conduct a flight into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB WPR13FA169Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20A · Wikieup, AZThe manufacture and installation of a nonstandard part by unknown maintenance personnel to compensate for a bent, misaligned crankshaft propeller flange, which resulted in the improper clearance of the bearings on the crankshaft journal, a loss of oil…NTSB CEN13FA205Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes OH-6A · Caddo, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter during landing.NTSB WPR13WA176Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna T210N · Roma, Australia, AustraliaOn March 25, 2013, at 0550 universal coordinated time, a Cessna T210N, VH-MEQ, collided with terrain shortly after takeoff near Roma, Australia. The airplane was operated under the pertinent civil regulations of Australia. The airplane was substantially…NTSB WPR13WA157Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Bulli Tops, Australia, AustraliaOn March 21, 2013, about 1207 local time, a Robinson Helicopter R44, VH-HWQ, collided with terrain near Bulli Tops, Australia. The pilot was operating the helicopter under the provisions of the Australian Civil Aviation Regulations. The pilot and three…NTSB CEN13FA196Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHawker Beechcraft 390 · South Bend, INThe private pilot's inadequate response to the dual engine shutdown during cruise descent, including his failure to adhere to procedures, which ultimately resulted in his failure to maintain airplane control during a single-engine go-around. An additional…NTSB ERA13FA168Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Fort Lauderdale, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control following an emergency, the nature of which could not be determined because of crash and fire damage, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN13FA192Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-76A++ · Grand Lake, LAFracture of the red tail rotor blade spar, which resulted in the separation and departure of the red tail rotor blade from the helicopter and subsequent compromised tail gearbox. The red tail rotor blade was not recovered, thus the cause of the initial…NTSB ERA13WA178Accident · 10 fatalForeign investigationEmbraer EMB-820C · Almeirim Municipality, BrazilOn March 12, 2013, about 2330 UTC, an Embraer Aircraft EMB-820C, PT-VAQ, operated by Fretax Taxi Aereo Ltda, crashed during approach to Monte Dourado Airport (SBMD), Almeirim, Brazil. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and flight plan…NTSB WPR13WA149Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R66 · Turangi, New Zealand, New ZealandOn March 9, 2013, at an unknown time, a Robinson R66, ZK-IHU, collided with mountainous terrain near Turangi, New Zealand. The helicopter was registered to and operated by Heli Sika Limited under the pertinent civil regulations of New Zealand. The pilot was…NTSB WPR13FA141Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M5 · Woodinville, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination, which resulted in a stall/spin and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ERA13WA162Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBeech 35 · Los Amores, Santa Fe, ArgentinaOn March 9, 2013, about 2030 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Beech 35, Paraguayan registration ZP-BAM, was destroyed when it impacted terrain in Los Amores, Santa Fe Province, Argentina. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The flight…NTSB ANC13FA030Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 1900C · Aleknagik, AKThe flight crew's failure to maintain terrain clearance, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the flight crew's failure to correctly read back and interpret clearance…NTSB ERA13WA158Accident · 9 fatalForeign investigationBeech B200 · La Libertad, PeruOn March 6, 2013, about 1245 UTC, a Beech B200, OB-1992, registered to Dearborn and Flint Aviation Co, Inc., operated by Aero Transporte Sociedad Anonima ATSA, collided with a wire then terrain during visual approach to Aerodrome Pias (SPIS), La Libertad,…NTSB CEN13WA572Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28 - 161 · Persan, FranceOn March 6, 2013, about 1920 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA28-161 airplane, F-GHPN, impacted terrain during final approach to land on runway 10, at the Persan-Beaumont Airport (LFPA), near Persan, France. The pilot was fatally injured. This…NTSB CEN13WA184Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationHawker Beechcraft 390 · Cranves-Sales, FranceOn March 4, 2013, at 0740 universal coordinated time, a Hawker Beechcraft model 390 (Premier IA) business jet, Cayman Islands registration VP-CAZ, collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from Aérodrome d'Annemasse (LFLI), near Cranves-Sales, France. The…