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 CEN13LA186Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFisher Michael E Celebrity · Terrell, TXThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s design stress limits while performing aerobatic maneuvers.NTSB ANC13FA027Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182B · Nikolai, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering inside a box canyon and the airplane’s subsequent aerodynamic stall, which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s visual…NTSB WPR13FA138Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Saratoga, WYThe pilot’s decision to attempt flight into approaching adverse weather, which led to his low-level flight, encounter with mountain obscuration and moderate turbulence, and his subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the severity of the pilot’s…NTSB CEN13FA183Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Angel Fire, NMThe pilot's loss of control while flying in a turbulent mountain-wave environment. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's overconfidence in his ability to safely pilot the airplane in gusting wind conditions and his lack of experience operating in…NTSB WPR13LA137Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369HS · Latangai Island, Papua New GuineaThe failure of both the pilot and the fish master of the vessel to adequately monitor their environment, which resulted in a collision.NTSB ERA13WA176Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCirrus Design SR-22 · Tiros, BrazilOn February 27, 2013, about 1840 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Cirrus Design Corporation, SR-22, Brazilian registration PR-SLS, was destroyed when it impacted the ground shortly after takeoff from a farm field in the Tiros Municipality, in the State of…NTSB CEN13LA179Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Deming, NMThe pilot's physical incapacitation, including loss of vision, which led to a loss of control and the subsequent in-flight breakup of the airplane.NTSB ERA13FA144Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · Lutz, FLThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of instrument…NTSB CEN13FA174Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B2 · Oklahoma City, OKThe loss of engine power due to engine ice ingestion during initial climb after takeoff in dark night light conditions. Contributing to the accident were the lack of an installed engine air inlet cover while the helicopter was parked outside, exposed to…NTSB ERA13MA139Accident · 5 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 390 · Thomson, GAThe pilot's failure to follow airplane flight manual procedures for an antiskid failure in flight and his failure to immediately retract the lift dump after he elected to attempt a go-around on the runway. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of…NTSB CEN13FA172Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule MXT-7-180 · Parkers Parairie, MNThe pilot’s failure to transfer fuel from the auxiliary fuel tanks to the main fuel tanks in a timely manner, which resulted in fuel starvation to the engine.NTSB WPR13GA128Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell 206B · Eureka, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a wire while maneuvering during low-altitude operations. Contributing to the accident was task- and/or work-related fatigue.NTSB ERA13LA136Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuicksilver MX2 · Poplarville, MSThe noncertificated pilot’s decision to make the flight and his failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at a low altitude.NTSB CEN13LA163Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPZL Mielec M-18A · Jennings, LAThe pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in a collision with guy wires during an aerial application flight.NTSB WPR13FA123Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAvions Fairey Tipsy Nipper T-66 · Winters, CAThe airplane's impact with a turkey vulture in cruise flight, which resulted in the structural failure of the right wing and the subsequent loss of control.NTSB ERA13WA165Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-36-300 · Quevedo, EcuadorOn February 14, 2013, about 1310 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Piper PA-36-300, Ecuadorian registration HC-BJM, operated by CIA FAP S.A., was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground during an aerial application flight. The Ecuadorian pilot was…NTSB ERA13FA133Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310H · Yeehaw Junction, FLThe noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his subsequent spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the copilot's improper evaluation of the weather…NTSB ERA13FA131Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T337C · New Smyrna Beach, FLMaintenance personnel's failure to follow procedures and published directives in calibrating the continuous flow fuel system and failure to accurately diagnose debris in the throttle assembly, resulting in a loss of power in one engine. Contributing to the…NTSB ERA13WA157Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172S · Mersin, TürkiyeOn February 12, 2013, at about 1414 Universal Time Coordinated, a Cessna 172S, Turkish registration TC-CDA, operated by the Turkish Aeronautical Association, impacted terrain during an instructional flight, near Mersin, Turkey. The flight instructor was…NTSB CEN13WA181Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationAmerican Champion 8KCAB · Cozumel, MexicoOn February 15, at 1615 central standard time, an American Champion 8KCAB decathalon, El Salvador registered YS-175P, owned by a private individual, was destroyed when it impacted terrain under unknown circumstances near Cozumel, Mexico. The pilot and one…NTSB WPR13FA119Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Acton, CAThe pilot's decision to conduct a flight in dark night conditions with an illuminated cockpit light that degraded his visibility and his ability to identify and arrest the helicopter's descent while maneuvering, which resulted in controlled flight into…NTSB ANC13WA022Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210 · Waskada, CanadaOn February 10, 2013, about 1317 central standard time, a Cessna 210C airplane, (Canadian Registration C-FWUX) was on a flight from a private airport located 9 nautical miles east of Weskada, MB, to Brandon, MB, Canada. The airplane crashed 12 nautical miles…NTSB CEN13WA156Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationCessna P210N · Charloeri, BelgiumOn February 9, 2013, about 0840 hours universal coordinated time, a Cessna P210N, United States registration N240PW, impacted terrain after takeoff from the Brussels South -- Charleroi Airport (EBCI), Charleroi, Belgium. The intended destination was Lyon,…NTSB WPR13FA118Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Tucson, AZThe pilot's incapacitation due to his preexisting cardiac disease, which resulted in his degraded or complete loss of ability to control the airplane.NTSB ERA13WA135Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · La Matanza, ArgentinaOn February 8, 2013, at 2250 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), a Cessna 172, Argentine registration LV-GEU, impacted terrain while maneuvering at an altitude of approximately 500 feet in the vicinity of Matanza Airport (SADZ), La Matanza, Argentina. The local…NTSB WPR13FA116Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Minden, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering over mountainous terrain.NTSB WPR13FA115Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E90 · Casa Grande, AZThe pilot’s loss of control of the airplane after pitching it excessively nose up during a go-around, which resulted in a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB ERA13WA128Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationBeech C90 · Candido Mota, BrazilOn February 3, 2013, about 2230 coordinated universal time, a Beech C90A, Brazilian registration PP-AVG, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Cândido Mota, Brazil. The pilot and four passengers were fatally injured. The flight originated from Regional…NTSB ERA13RA125Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Asuncion, ParaguayOn February 2, 2013, about 2115 local time (February 3, 2013, 0015 coordinated universal time), a Robinson R44, Paraguayan registration ZP-HAH, operated by Helitactica S.A., was destroyed when it impacted sparsely populated terrain about 27 nautical miles…NTSB DCA13WA050Accident · 21 fatalForeign investigationBombardier CL600 2B19 · Almaty, KazakhstanThe Accident Investigation Department of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Kazakhstan has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Bombardier Challenger CRJ-200, registration UP-CJ006, which occurred on January 29, 2013. The…NTSB ANC13WA025Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Fox Creek, Alberta, CanadaOn January 27, 2013, about 1500 Mountain standard time, a Robinson R-44 Raven II helicopter, Canadian registration C-FRSO, broke up in flight over a wooded area, approximately 21 nautical miles southwest of Fox Creek, Alberta, Canada. The pilot, the sole…NTSB CEN13FA143Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon A36 · Richwood, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA13WA124Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 206B · Sao Paulo, BrazilOn January 21, 2013, at 1448 universal coordinated time, a Bell Helicopter 206B, Brazilian registration PR-JBN, sustained substantial damage when it impacted a dwelling. One crewmember and one passenger received fatal injuries and the two other passengers…NTSB WPR13FA095Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Boulder, UTThe pilot’s improper decision to maneuver at a low altitude and failure to adequately monitor the environment to maintain clearance from power lines.NTSB CEN13FA137Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 (T42A) · Mangum, OKThe airplane's aerodynamic stall/spin at low altitude and subsequent impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examinations. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of currency/proficiency.NTSB CEN13WA235Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31-325 · Tuxtla Gutierrez, MexicoOn January 17, 2013, about 1353 universal time coordinated, a Piper PA-31-325, XB-EZY, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Angel Albino Corzo (MMTG), Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico. The pilot and six passengers on board were fatally injured. The…NTSB ERA13FA115Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPilatus PC-12/45 · Burlington, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control due to spatial disorientation during the initial climb after takeoff in night instrument flight rules conditions.NTSB CEN13WA296Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationAgusta 109E · London, United KingdomOn January 16, 2013, at 0759 UTC, an Agusta A109E, United Kingdom registration G-CRST, was substantially damaged when it struck a crane and subsequently impacted terrain near Vauxhall Bridge, Central London, England. A post impact fire ensued. The pilot, the…NTSB CEN13FA135Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Pellston, MIThe pilot's inadvertent controlled descent into terrain due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was lack of visual reference due to night conditions.NTSB ERA13LA113Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Manteo, NCThe pilot's attempted visual flight in instrument meteorological conditions while maneuvering at a low altitude in the traffic pattern, which resulted in spatial disorientation and impact with the water. Contributing was the pilot's lack of experience flying…NTSB ERA13LA111Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Dover, DEThe pilot's failure to land the airplane at multiple airports that were equipped with adequate instrument approach procedures while operating in low instrument meteorological conditions and his delay in declaring a fuel-related emergency, which resulted in a…NTSB ERA13FA109Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBenton Fred D Seawind 3000 · Sarasota, FLThe pilot's inability to establish a normal climb rate after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB CEN13FA131Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA46-500TP · Paris, TXThe pilot's encounter with convective weather, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN13FA130Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon 58 · Maxwell, NEThe pilot’s inadvertent encounter with severe icing conditions, which resulted in structural icing and the subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR13FA086Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35A · Woody, CAAn in-flight encounter with icing conditions during descent, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall followed by an in-flight breakup.NTSB ERA13RA106Accident · 7 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBoeing-Vertol 234 · Pucallpa, Peru, PeruOn January 7, 2013, about 2002 universal coordinated time (1502 local time), a Boeing-Vertol 234, N241CH, operated by Columbia Helicopters Peru, S.A.C., was destroyed during an inflight breakup and subsequent impact with terrain near Pucallpa, Peru. The U.S.…NTSB CEN13WA126Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA34 · Saint Pierre de Bressieux, FranceOn January 5, 2013, at 1235 coordinated universal time, a Piper PA-34-200T airplane, Morocco registration, CN-DAY, crashed in mountainous terrain near Saint Pierre de Bressieux, France. The pilot and four passengers were fatally injured. The accident…NTSB ERA13FA105Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech H35 · Palm Coast, FLA total loss of engine power after the failure of the No. 4 connecting rod due to oil starvation, which resulted in a subsequent forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to clearly state that the aircraft had lost all power and the…NTSB WPR13FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Oceano, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control and his improper decision to begin a low-level maneuver at an altitude that was not sufficient for recovery before ground impact. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from marijuana use.NTSB ERA13WA282Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R66 · Caraguatatuba, BrazilOn January 3, 2013, about 1600 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Robinson R-66 Helicopter, Brazilian registration PR-DUB, was destroyed when it impacted a dense forest and the side of a hill in the Caraguatatuba Municipality, in the State of São Paulo,…