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 WPR12FA378Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAircraft Mfg & Development CH 2000 · Nephi, UTThe pilot's inability to maintain airplane control due to an encounter with a microburst/downdraft that exceeded the climb performance capabilities of the airplane.NTSB ERA12LA537Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuad City Ultralights Challenger II · Ocala, FLThe pilot's inadvertent overstress of the airplane, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the outer section of the right wing.NTSB ENG12RA034Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBritten Norman BN2B · Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C., TaiwanOn August 30, 2012, a Britten-Norman BN-2B-26 Islander plane, registration number B-68801, powered by two Lycoming 0-540-E4C5 reciprocating engines crashed in a high mountain area in northern Taiwan Republic of China while performing an aerial photography…NTSB ERA12LA535Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 95-A55 · Millville, NJThe pilot receiving instruction failed to maintain airplane control during the simulated engine-out landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to take timely remedial action.NTSB CEN12FA586Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-150 · Canton, MOThe pilot's improper decision to attempt to execute a forced landing to an open field with obstacles. Contributing to the accident was the left engine’s total loss of power due to fuel starvation as a result of the introduction of air into the fuel system…NTSB CEN12FA579Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLee Paul SQ 2000 · Pierre, SDThe airplane's entry into a pilot-induced oscillation and the pilot’s loss of airplane control during the takeoff initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the left entrance door opening in flight for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN12LA584Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTop Dog TD2 · Bemidji, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and his inadequate flare during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain training on the operation of the accident aircraft.NTSB WPR12FA369Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-301T · South Lake Tahoe, CAA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because examinations revealed no evidence of mechanical anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation and the pilots’ decision to continue the departure…NTSB ERA12FA526Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B24R · Dayton, VAThe pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions…NTSB ERA12WA544Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210N · Agua Clara, BrazilOn August 25, 2012, at 1215 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Cessna 210N, Brazilian registration PT-OKZ, operated by a private individual, was destroyed following a collision with terrain near Agua Clara, Brazil. The flight originated at Tres Lagoas,…NTSB ERA12LA528Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchleicher ASW-19 · Dansville, NYThe pilot’s failure to maintain glider control while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to an over-the-counter sedating antihistamine.NTSB ERA12FA527Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Abingdon, VAThe pilot's improper decision to make a low-level departure over water in dark night conditions without lights, which resulted in controlled flight into the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's likely spatial disorientation due to a vestibular…NTSB CEN12WA575Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Moorefield, CanadaOn August 24, 2012, about 2030 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172S, Canadian registration C-FNET, was substantially damaged on impact with terrain near Moorefield, Ontario, Canada. The pilot and three passengers sustained fatal injuries. Visual…NTSB CEN12FA570Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1 · Llano, TXThe flight instructor’s delayed remedial action and inadequate supervision during practice traffic pattern work. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s use of sedating medication on the day of the accident and airplane’s high angle of attack…NTSB WPR12WA374Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA31 · Bontang, Indonesia, IndonesiaOn August 24, 2012, at 0551 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-31-350, PK-IWH, operated by PT. Intan Angkasa Air Service under the pertinent civil regulations of Indonesia, collided with Mt. Tundung Mayang, near Bontang, Indonesia, at an elevation of…NTSB ERA12WA534Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationGulfstream G-164B · Calabozo, VenezuelaOn August 24, 2012, about 2000 universal coordinated time, a Gulfstream G-164B, Venezuelan registration YV264A, registered to Fumiwan C.A, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during an aerial application. The pilot was fatally injured. The…NTSB CEN12WA674Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPilatus PC12 · Solemont (Doubs), FranceNTSB CEN12LA578Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDestiny XLT · Hart, MIThe partial deflation of the powered parachute canopy when the pilot flew the aircraft into an area with gusty wind conditions. Contributing to the accident were the modifications that changed the flying characteristics of the parachute.NTSB CEN12FA571Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Milner, COThe student pilot's impairment from alcohol, marijuana, and hypoxia, which adversely affected his ability to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB ERA12FA514Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TB 10 · Shirley, NYThe pilot/owner's operation of the airplane with known deficiencies, and the mechanic's failure to reattach the mixture control cable to the mixture control arm following maintenance of the carburetor.NTSB ERA12WA530Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationEmbraer EMB711 · Sta Barbara D'Oeste, BrazilOn August 18, 2012, at 1140 UTC an Embraer EMB-711C (Piper PA-28R-200), Brazilian registration PT-NKA, registered to a private owner, and a Embraer EMB-711C (Piper PA-28R-200), Brazilian registration PT-NIR, registered to a private owner, collided in cruise…NTSB ERA12FA513Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcleod Alan FW-190 1/2 Scale · Columbus, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering following a partial loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision not to land on the remaining runway ahead, and the partial loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.NTSB CEN12WA560Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPaulistinha 56-C1 56-C1 · Braga, PortugalThis report is under the jurisdiction and control of the Portuguese Government.NTSB CEN12WA562Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-38-112 · Bruera, Cheshire, United KingdomOn August 16, 2012, about 1940 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-38-112 airplane, United Kingdom registration G-BODP, impacted terrain during an instructional flight near Bruera, Cheshire, United Kingdom. The flight instructor and student pilot were…NTSB ERA12FA508Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Clifton Park, NYA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during the postaccident investigation and testing.NTSB ANC12WA087Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-30 · Kelowna, CanadaOn August 13, 2012, about 1729 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-30 airplane, (Canadian Registration C-GLGJ) was on a VFR flight plan from Penticton to Boundary Bay, British Columbia. The Canadian Joint Rescue Coordination Centre received an ELT signal, and a…NTSB ERA12WA512Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCirrus SR22 · Marmara Sea, TürkiyeOn August 12, 2012, at 1115 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Cirrus SR-22, Turkish Registration TC-SAS, was destroyed when it impacted the Marmara Sea during an instructional flight. The two pilots on board were fatally injured. The flight originated from…NTSB WPR12FA349Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Santa Monica, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude during a return to the airport following an unspecified emergency; the nature of the emergency could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would…NTSB CEN12FA534Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech G18 - S · Taylorville, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and use the appropriate flaps setting during sport-parachuting operations, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and a subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to…NTSB ANC12FA084Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 600N · Delta Junction, AKThe pilot’s failure to clear the left landing gear skid, which resulted in the entanglement of the left landing gear skid with a log, and his subsequent application of collective pitch, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.NTSB CEN12FA517Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Imperial, NEThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from rising terrain while flying toward the rising sun, which interfered with his ability to see the terrain.NTSB WPR12FA339Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Truckee, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment by prescription pain medication.NTSB ERA12WA497Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna A188A · Casanare, ColombiaOn August 2, 2012, about 1830 universal coordinated time, a Cessna A188A, Columbian registration HK-1477, was substantially damaged when it impacted wires and terrain during an aerial application flight near Casanare, Columbia. The foreign certificated pilot…NTSB CEN12WA506Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 500 · Santiago de Compostela, SpainOn August 2, 2012, at 0440 UTC, a Cessna 500 Citation, Spanish registration EC-IBA, owned and operated by AIRNOR, was destroyed when it impacted terrain 1.2 miles from the Santiago de Compostela Airport, Lavacolla, Galacia, Spain. The two pilots on board the…NTSB ANC12FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-301 · Hoonah, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain while in cruise flight in marginal visual meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA12FA491Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSilvaire Luscombe 8A · St. Petersburg, FLThe flight instructor’s and the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed after a partial loss of engine power after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane…NTSB ERA12WA488Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationBeech 200 · Juiz de Fora, BrazilThis investigation is being conducted by the Brazilian Aeronautical Accident Prevention and Investigation Center This report is for information purposes only and contains only information released by the government Brazil. All inquiries should be directed to…NTSB DCA12WA135Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationAgusta A109 · Jiquipilco, MexicoThe Mexican Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC) has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a AgustaWestland 109SP helicopter that occurred on July 28, 2012. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the DGAC investigation…NTSB CEN12LA488Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJoseph C. Andrews, Jr. Vans · Valentine, NEThe RV-6 pilot's failure to monitor the location of the RV-4, resulting in the on-ground collision. Contributing to the accident was the RV-6 pilot not ensuring proper separation from the RV-4 and his expectation that the pilot of RV-4 would roll out to the…NTSB WPR12FA326Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B60 · Sedona, AZThe airplane’s failure to rotate and the pilot’s failure to reject the takeoff, which resulted in a runway overrun for reasons that could not be undetermined because postaccident examination of the airplane and engines did not reveal any malfunctions or…NTSB ERA12FA483Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Plainville, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath during final approach in visual meteorological conditions, resulting in collision with a berm.NTSB ERA12FA484Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · San Juan, PRMaintenance personnel’s improper lubrication of the right direct aileron control cable and failure to detect the severe corrosion of the cable during a maintenance inspection, which resulted in the in-flight failure of the cable, the pilot’s subsequent…NTSB WPR12FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportJeffko Glasair · Tonasket, WAThe cause of the accident is undetermined as the airplane has not been located and remains missing.NTSB CEN12LA466Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportToman Jack JR Skystar Kitfox 4 · Cross Lake, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to marijuana.NTSB CEN12WA478Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Portreath, United KingdomOn July 21, 2012, at 1421 UTC, a Cessna F172M, United Kingdom registration G-ROUP, was substantially damaged when it impacted a cliff near Portreath, Cornwall, England. A post impact fire ensued. The pilot, the sole person on board was fatally injured. Visual…NTSB CEN12FA462Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNanchang China CJ-6A · Walsenburg, COThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while turning from base to final leg in the traffic pattern.NTSB WPR12WA327Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationEurocopter EC120B · Triso, MalaysiaOn July 20,1012, at 1335 universal coordinated time, a Eurocopter EC120B, N8899, ditched into the Batang Lupar River, near Triso, Malaysia. The helicopter had a United States registration and was operated by the Sebiro Holding Company under the provisions of…NTSB ERA12FA467Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBrenholt Larry R RV-4 · Cedartown, GAThe non-instrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.NTSB CEN12LA460Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChamberlain Gerald Escapade · Rutland, OHThe pilot’s inadequate fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the inadvertent stall during the pilot’s emergency landing and the pilot’s decision to continue flight in deteriorating…NTSB ERA12FA465Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Berlin, MDPilot incapacitation of unknown origin, which resulted in the airplane’s loss of control and an inadvertent aerodynamic stall/spin.