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 ANC12FA066Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Fairbanks, AKThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions likely leading to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and in-flight structural failure.NTSB CEN12LA453Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402B · Britt, IAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power transmission lines during an agricultural application operation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distracted attention due to personal cell phone use during flight operations.NTSB ERA12WA457Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech B36TC · Nassau, BahamasNTSB ERA12FA458Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A23 · Laytonsville, MDThe pilot’s failure to ensure that the fuel selector handle was correctly positioned, which resulted in an interruption of fuel to the engine and a loss of engine power during the takeoff, which necessitated a turn away from the trees at the end of the runway…NTSB WPR12FA305Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Salina, UTThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB DCA12RA110Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationGulfstream GIV · Le Castellet, FranceNTSB CEN12LA440Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164A · Darksville, MOThe pilot did not maintain clearance from a tree line at the completion of an agricultural spray run.NTSB WPR12WA334Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA34 · Broome, Australia, AustraliaOn July 11, 2012, at 2020 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-34-200, VH-LCK, collided with terrain near Broome, Australia. The airplane was a charter flight operating under the pertinent civil regulations of Australia. The pilot was fatally injured and…NTSB WPR12LA302Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBunch COZY-CANARDIII · Winslow, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during climb in high-density altitude conditions and with the airplane’s weight in excess of its maximum allowable gross weight.NTSB ERA12WA446Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Sao Paulo, BrazilOn July 11, 2012, at 1300 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Robinson R22 Beta, Brazilian registration PT-HOL, operated by Master Escola Aviacao Civil Ltda, was destroyed following a loss of in-flight control and collision with a building near Sao Paulo,…NTSB ERA12FA438Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · Moscow, TNThe non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation, a loss of airplane control, and subsequent impact with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN12WA685Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-30 · Soyapango, El SalvadorOn July 11, 2012, at 1212 coordinated universal time, a Piper PA-30, El Salvador-registered YS-125P, operated by Escuela De Pilotos Dargonza, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Soyapango, El Salvador. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the…NTSB ANC12FA073Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206G · Homer, AKThe pilot’s improper evaluation of the weather conditions and his subsequent downwind water landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a nose-over.NTSB ERA12WA463Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA36 · San Alberto, ColombiaOn July 10, 2012, about 1230 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-36-375, Colombian registration HK2210, operated by Aeropenort LTDA. Agropecuaria del Norte, was substantially damaged when it collided with trees, during an aerial application flight near San…NTSB WPR12FA298Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Murrieta, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from high vegetation while making a hovering turn, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.NTSB ERA12WA447Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 208 · Sao Paulo, BrazilOn July 9, 2012, at 1700 UTC, a Cessna 208, Brazilian registration PT-OQR, was substantially damaged when it collided with a parachutist during a local skydiving flight from Boituva Airport (SDOI), Boituva Municipality, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The parachutist…NTSB ERA12FA433Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · New Site, MSThe pilot's decision to operate into a known area of adverse weather, which resulted in the inadvertent penetration of a severe thunderstorm, a subsequent loss of control, and in-flight breakup of the airplane.NTSB WPR12WA331Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · Chuxiong City, China, ChinaOn July, 7 2012, about 1525 UTC, a Bell 206L, P2 HCY, crashed into the Qingshanzui Reservoir in Chuxiong City, China. The helicopter was operated by Yunnan General Aviation Co. Ltd., under the pertinent civil regulation of China. The aircraft was…NTSB CEN12FA421Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E90 · Karnack, TXThe pilot's inadvertent flight into thunderstorm activity, which resulted in the loss of airplane control and the subsequent exceedance of the airplane's design limits and in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the failure of air traffic control…NTSB ERA12WA451Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationEmbraer EMB820 · Espinosa Municipality, BrazilOn July 6, 2012, at 1340 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Piper PA-31-350 (Embraer 820C), Brazilian registration PT-ENG, operated by Microsurvev Aerogeof. E Cons. Cient. Ltda, was destroyed during a forced landing following a loss of power to both engines.…NTSB WPR12FA295Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportTL Ultralight Sro Stingsport · Piru, CAThe pilot’s failure to recover from a stall, which resulted in a spin. Contributing to the accident was the instructor’s inadequate remedial action.NTSB ERA12WA444Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLancair · Concepcio, ArgentinaOn July 3, 2012, about 1230 coordinated universal time (0930 local time), a Lancair IV-P, Argentine registration LV-X243, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain in Concepcion, Corrientes Province, Argentina. The pilot and the passenger were…NTSB CEN12WA418Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBell 412 · Valencia, SpainOn July 2, 2012, about 1430 universal coordinated time (UTC), a Bell 412EP helicopter, Spanish registration EC-KSJ, impacted the Forata reservoir near Valencia, Spain. The pilot, the sole occupant, is missing. Pieces of the helicopter have been located on the…NTSB WPR12FA282Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS350B · Camp Verde, AZThe pilot's improper decision to fly at a low altitude through a river canyon, contrary to voluntary guidance within the Special Conservation Area, which led to collision with a cable. Contributing to the pilot’s decision were his cognitive and psychomotor…NTSB ERA12FA423Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31P · Dalton, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control following loss of power in the right engine for reasons that could not be determined because of fire and impact damage. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s delayed feathering of the right propeller…NTSB CEN12WA412Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationHughes 369 · Lieser, GermanyOn June 29, 2012, at 0705 UTC, a Hughes HU369D helicopter, German registration D-HLUX, owned and operated by Hahn Helicopters Flugdienste GmbH, was destroyed when it struck a powerline and subsequently impacted terrain near Lieser, Germany. The pilot, the…NTSB WPR12FA280Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAviat A-1C-180 · Kooskia, IDThe pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff with a gusty tailwind, which resulted in his loss of airplane control during the initial climb and an aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB WPR12LA277Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRehn Kitfox IV · Vancouver, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during an attempt to return to the runway immediately after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was foreign debris in the right-hand carburetor bowl, which precipitated a loss…NTSB CEN12WA397Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 152 · Cascais, PortugalOn June 26, 2012, about 2135 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 152, Portuguese registration CS-AUR, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain near Cascais, Portugal. The pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. Night conditions prevailed…NTSB CEN12FA395Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNappi Tito C Lancair 235M · Monroe Center, ILThe in-flight fire for a reason that could not be determined due to extensive damage from the fire.NTSB ERA12FA412Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TB21 · Gold Hill, NCAn inflight fire, the origin of which could not be determined because of postaccident fire damage. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper modifications to the airplane.NTSB ERA12LA411Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportUniversal Stinson 108 · Portland, MEA fatigue failure of the No. 3 piston skirt, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and the subsequent ditching in the ocean.NTSB WPR12FA274Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Veneta, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude to clear trees during the initial climb after takeoff.NTSB ERA12FA409Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon C90GT · Morgantown, WVThe pilot's inadequate preflight route planning and in-flight route and altitude selection, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a communications tower in possible instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's…NTSB CEN12WA411Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 150 · Strasswalchen, AustriaOn June 21, 2012, at 1332 UTC, a Reims Aviation F-150L, Austrian registration OE-ATV, was destroyed when it departed controlled flight and impacted terrain 3 miles east of Strasswalchen, Austria. The pilot and passenger on board were fatally injured. Visual…NTSB CEN12FA378Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportIar Brasov IS-28B2 · Wallis, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an emergency situation, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s acute coronary event, which resulted from his severe…NTSB ERA12FA395Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRemos Acft Gmbh Flugzeugbau Remos GX · Westminster, MDThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to ensure that the elevator quick-fastener was properly secured, resulting in an inflight elevator control disconnect and subsequent loss of control during the ensuing emergency landing. Contributing…NTSB WPR12LA259Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · East Wenatchee, WAThe pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the environment and maintain clearance from the power lines while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB WPR12FA255Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Mountain Home, IDThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA12FA387Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPhillips William L Challenger · Plant City, FLThe non-certificated pilot’s loss of control during approach and landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of both total and recent flight experience.NTSB CEN12WA351Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Teisendorf, GermanyOn June 9, 2012, at 1515 UTC, a Robinson R44 helicopter, Austrian registration OE-XKS, was destroyed when it crashed into trees and mountaneous terrain near Teisendorf, Germany. The pilot and three passengers on board the helicopter were fatally injured.…NTSB CEN12LA349Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFlower Roger P J D · Spring Valley, OHThe in-flight failure of the left wing spar, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the left wing.NTSB ERA12LA386Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBowen Christopher W Dogbee · Wrens, GAThe pilot’s loss of control during a low-altitude maneuver for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision…NTSB ERA12FAMS2Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 150F · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)Undetermined (airplane and pilot missing).NTSB CEN12WA365Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper Pawnee PA25-260 · Caserio Las Msareas, GuatemalaOn June 8, 2012 at 1230 UTC, a Guatemalan registered Piper PA-25-260, TG-KOD, impacted terrain in a rural area near Caserio Las Mareas, Municipio de Ocos Departamento De San Marcos, Guatemala. The pilot, the sole person on board the airplane was fatally…NTSB CEN12FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-31-325 · Duluth, MNUndetermined because the airplane was not found.NTSB ERA12FA385Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportPilatus PC-12/47 · Lake Wales, FLThe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane while climbing to cruise altitude in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) following disconnect of the autopilot. The reason for the autopilot disconnect could not be determined during…NTSB DCA12WA119Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationFairchild SA-227 · Montevideo, UruguayOn June 6, 2012, at approximately 2300 UTC time, a Fairchild SA227, s/n AC-482, operated by Aero VIP Ltd as a cargo flight, departed from Carrasco/General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport, Montevideo, Uruguay. During initial climb, radar contact with…NTSB DCA12WA089Accident · 14 fatalForeign investigationSikorsky S58 · Cusco, PeruThe Comisión de Investigación de Accidentes de Aviación of Peru (CIAA) has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Sikorsky S58 helicopter that occurred on June 06, 2012. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the CIAA…NTSB CEN12LA340Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuicksilver Sport II · Manchester, IAAn inadvertent aerodynamic stall while maneuvering at a low altitude.