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 ERA13FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Savannah, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while operating in night, instrument meteorological conditions, due to spatial disorientation.NTSB CEN13LA062Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJabiru USA Sport J250-SP · Jacksonville, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb following an aborted landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin at a low altitude.NTSB CEN13FA060Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA-1B · Burlington, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and spin.NTSB ANC13WA010Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208 · Snow Lake, CanadaOn November 18, 2012, about 1000 central standard time, a Cessna 208B airplane, (Canadian Registration C-GAGP) was on a VFR flight plan from Snow Lake (CJE4) to Winnipeg (CYWG), Manitoba, Canada. The airplane crashed in a wooded area near the Snow Lake…NTSB WPR13FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182D · Bondurant, WYThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering around weather.NTSB ANC13WA011Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA46 · La Crete, CanadaOn November 17, 2012, about 1650 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-46-500TP airplane, (Canadian Registration C-GWEI) was on a VFR flight plan from High Level, Alberta to LaCrete, Alberta, Canada. The airplane crashed during an instrument approach to the La…NTSB ERA13WA431Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBeech 95B55 - B · Concepcion, ParaguayOn November 16, 2012, about 0813 local time (1113 coordinated universal time), a Beech BE-55, Paraguayan registration ZP-BLV, was destroyed when it impacted terrain about 500 meters short of the runway at a ranch in Departamento Presidente Hayes, about 50…NTSB ERA13FA059Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Owls Head, METhe vehicle driver's failure to verify that the runway was not occupied by an airplane before crossing the runway, which resulted in the vehicle being struck by a departing airplane, and the pilot's continued takeoff with flight control damage, which…NTSB CEN13WA065Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Ostermaima, SwedenOn November 16, 2012, about 1600 UTC, a Cessna 172N, Swedish registration SE-KHX, owned by a private individual, was destroyed when it impacted in a forest near a public road at Ostermaima, Gnesta, Stockholm, Sweden, under unknown circumstances. A post impact…NTSB WPR13FA041Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1 · Morgan, UTThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in frost remaining on the airplane's surfaces and led to its inability to produce enough lift to clear rising terrain.NTSB ERA13LA057Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Corning, NYThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate altitude while conducting a power line aerial observation flight, which resulted in an in-flight collision with wires. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of total experience in the type of operation.NTSB ERA13FA055Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Jackson, MSThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in his failure to note the water in the fuel tank due to condensation, which subsequently shut down the engine in flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to…NTSB WPR13FA037Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Shaver Lake, CAThe pilot's failure to regain airplane control following a sudden rapid descent during cruise, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to make the flight with a failed vacuum pump, particularly at high…NTSB CEN13WA061Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationReims-Cessna F150 · Birr, Ireland, IrelandOn November 11, 2012, about 1655 Western European time, a Reims-Cessna, model F150H, single engine airplane, EI-AST, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Birr Airfield (EIBR), Birr, Ireland. The two pilots were fatally injured. The airplane was…NTSB WPR13FA036Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth Wing Scout X-C · Waterville, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in a stall and subsequent spin from which he was unable to recover.NTSB CEN13LA054Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Conway, ARThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect the lack of fuel and resulted in fuel exhaustion during climb, and the pilot's subsequent failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude from…NTSB ERA13WA074Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31T · Curitiba, BrazilOn November 6, 2012, at 2030 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), a Piper PA-31T, Brazilian registration PT-MFW, was destroyed when it impacted terrain while approaching Bacacheri Airport (SBBI), Curitiba, Brazil. The flight was operated by Taxi Aereo Hercules,…NTSB CEN13FA051Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Anadarko, OKThe pilot’s use of excessive bank angle while maneuvering in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in an accelerated stall.NTSB CEN13FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Wichita, KSThe total loss of engine power as a result of a fractured compressor turbine blade due to high-cycle fatigue.NTSB CEN13LA046Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSorensen Sprint Mxii · Groesbeck, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the noncertificated airplane during a go-around. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s physical and psychological impairment.NTSB CEN13FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310 · Stotts City, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control after he shut down the right engine in flight due a loss of oil pressure. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to reposition the unairworthy airplane during twilight after extensive maintenance…NTSB ERA13GA046Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportHughes OH-6A · Atlanta, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude during maneuvering flight, which resulted in his failure to see and avoid a power pole and wires.NTSB CEN13FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Gothenburg, NEThe student pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed on final approach, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ERA13WA068Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationEmbraer 810D · Chapada dos Guimaraes, BrazilOn November 1, 2012, at 1950 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), an Embraer Aircraft model EMB-810D (Piper Design PA-34-220T), Brazilian registration PT-VRV, operated by a private owner, was substantially damaged following an encounter with weather and a…NTSB CEN13FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320E · San Marcos, TXThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to takeoff in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB WPR13WA030Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Ballarat, Australia, AustraliaOn October 29, 2012, at 1300 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 172N, VH-TKI, operated by a private individual under the pertinent civil regulations of the government of Australia, collided with a wire while on approach for landing near Ballarat Aerodrome,…NTSB CEN13LA034Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportUS Light Hornet · Mont Belvieu, TXThe pilot’s inadequate airspeed management while maneuvering in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the airplane’s low altitude, which did not allow for a stall recovery.NTSB CEN13WA036Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 206B · Nueva Concepción, GuatemalaOn October 27, 2012, a Bell 206B helicopter, TG-PMR, impacted terrain near Nueva Concepcion, Guatemala. The pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The accident investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the government of Guatemala. This…NTSB ERA13FA039Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Hooksett, NHThe pilot's total incapacitation in flight due to an acute heart attack.NTSB CEN13FA030Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Maryland Heights, MOThe pilot’s failure to activate the carburetor heat while operating in conditions conducive to carburetor icing, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.NTSB WPR13FA022Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBehne Glasair III · Byron, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, which resulted in a stall and subsequent spin.NTSB CEN13LA029Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuad City Challenger · Castroville, TXThe pilot’s steep 180-degree turn to final approach for landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and spin at an altitude from which he could not recover.NTSB CEN13WA020Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationMooney M20E · Speichersdorf, GermanyOn October 21, 2012, about 1520 coordinated universal time, a Mooney M20E, D-EMHE was destroyed following a loss of control during initial climb from Rosenthal Field Ploessen Airport (EDQP), near Speichersdorf, Germany. The pilot and passenger were fatally…NTSB ERA13FA032Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSwift Museum Foundation GC-1A · East Moriches, NYThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed, while attempting a precautionary landing for reasons that could not be determined from the available evidence. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s pitch-up reaction to birds that took flight during his…NTSB WPR13FA017Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Yucca, AZThe pilot’s failure to take corrective action to avoid terrain during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB ERA13FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS 355 · Erwinna, PAThe pilot’s decision to depart under visual flight rules in dark night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in subsequent spatial disorientation, uncontrolled descent, and impact with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN13WA014Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationLake 250 · Pickle Lake, Ontario, CanadaOn October 16, 2012, about 1930 central daylight time, a Lake model 250, Canadian registration C-GZLC, impacted terrain during approach near Pickle Lake, Ontario, Canada. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. A third passenger was seriously…NTSB ERA13WA031Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R-44 · Moscow, RussiaNoneNTSB WPR13FA013Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeropro CZ A240 · Half Moon Bay, CAThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR13FA010Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Marana, AZThe pilot’s flight in dark night conditions with no visual reference and his subsequent spatial disorientation.NTSB CEN13FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Simpson, LAThe pilot’s loss of airplane control while maneuvering between areas of precipitation during a night cross-country flight.NTSB ANC13FA004Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman Aircraft ENG C-1A · Willow, AKThe pilot’s loss of control of the airplane for reasons that could not be determined because the wreckage was not recovered from the accident site.NTSB ERA13LA020Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAirborne Windsports PTY XT-912 · Winter Haven, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff in crosswind conditions, which resulted in collision with terrain.NTSB ERA13LA019Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Charlotte AmalieThe pilot's attempted visual flight rules (VFR) flight into marginal VFR conditions on a dark night over water and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude, which resulted in the airplane’s controlled flight into water. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB ANC13FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Kenai, AKUndetermined. The airplane and pilot were not found.NTSB CEN13FA010Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Blanco, TXThe pilot's loss of helicopter control as a result of spatial disorientation due to dark night conditions and marginal visual flight rules weather conditions.NTSB ERA13FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Coolbaugh Township, PAThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions due to self-imposed pressure to complete the trip, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN13FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Crowley, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the broadcast tower guy-wires.NTSB WPR13FA008Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Laramie Peak, WYThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient clearance from rising terrain.NTSB ANC13FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman G-44 · Aleknagik, AKThe pilot's decision to make multiple low passes over the glassy surface water, which resulted in an impact with the surface of the lake.