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 ERA12FA194Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportStrout Frank Aventura II · Laceys Spring, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a low-altitude maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of the required rating to operate the airplane.NTSB CEN12FA170Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · San Antonio, TXThe pilot's inadvertent overboost of the turbocharged engine during initial climb, which resulted in detonation and a partial loss of engine power followed by the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and the instructor's delayed remedial action, which…NTSB ERA12WA221Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-34 · Belém, BrazilOn February 25, 2012, about 1150 coordinated universal time, a Piper PA-34-220T, Brazilian registration PR-LAB, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain shortly after departure from Belém-Brigadeiro Protásio de Oliveira Airport (SBJC), Belém,…NTSB CEN12WA178Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna T210N · Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico, MexicoOn February 25, 2012, about 1130 central standard time, a Cessna T210N, N6YY, struck high tension wires and impacted terrain near Torreon International Airport (MMTC), Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally…NTSB ERA12FA193Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Key West, FLThe non-night-qualified pilot's improper decision to depart in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in his subsequent spatial disorientation, loss of control, and impact with water.NTSB WPR12WA133Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 150 · Lahore, Pakistan, PakistanOn February 23, 2012, at 1420 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 150, AP-BCS, collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from Lahore, Pakistan. The airplane was operated by M/S. Hybrid Aviation LTD as an instructional flight under the pertinent civil…NTSB DCA12WA137Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationRockwell 695 · El Refugio, MexicoOn 21 February 2012, a Rockwell Gulfstream 695 Commander 980, registration XC-PFB, crashed near El Refugio Mexico, after slowing and departing controlled flight at 20,000 feet. Ther aircraft was destroyed, and the three occupants were fatally injured. The…NTSB CEN12FA164Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Albany, TXThe loss of flight instrumentation due to a failed vacuum pump while flying a night without a discernable horizon, which resulted in the pilot's spatial disorientation and an in-flight loss of control and impact with terrain. Contributing was the continued…NTSB CEN12LA167Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCrain Jac A BD-4 · Clarinda, IAA loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB CEN12FA161Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414A · Hayden, COThe pilot’s inadvertent stall during a missed approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s operation of the airplane in forecasted icing conditions without using all of its anti-ice systems.NTSB CEN12WA400Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationSafari 400 · Lahr, GermanyOn February 18, 2011, a Canadian Home Rotors (CHR) Safari 400 kit-built helicopter, German registration D-HEDV, operated by a private owner, was destroyed when during takeoff the helicopter departed controlled flight and impacted on the runway at Lahr,…NTSB CEN12RA186Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationEurocopter AS350 · Cultus Lake, CanadaOn February 17, 2012, about 1350 pacific standard time, a Eurocopter AS350 B3, Canadian registration C-FMPG, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Cultus Lake, British Columbia, Canada. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The…NTSB ERA12WA238Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBeech 95B55 · Cameta, BrazilOn February 16, 2012, about 1230 universal coordinated time, a Beech 95-B55, Brazilian registration PT-LOU, was destroyed when it impacted trees and terrain shortly after takeoff in Cameta Municipality, State of Mato Para, Brazil. The foreign certificated…NTSB WPR12GA106Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell 407 · Moran Junction, WYThe pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control while hovering at high density altitude, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB WPR12FA105Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · North Bend, WAThe pilot's physical impairment due to alcohol, which adversely affected his ability to operate the airplane and to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain while operating in dark night conditions.NTSB CEN12FA158Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Osborn, MOThe pilot’s decision to conduct low-level passes above a residence and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude.NTSB DCA12RA037Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationGulfstream Aerospace G-IV · Bukavu, Congo - KinshasaOn February 12, 2012 at about 1120 UTC, a Gulfstream, G-IV, registration N2SA, operated by Trident Aviation of Wilmington, Delaware, crashed at Bukavu-Kamenbe Airport (BKY), Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The domestic private flight departed…NTSB CEN12WA155Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLiberty Aerospace Incorporate Liberty XL-2 · Coelbe-Bernsdorf, GermanyOn February 11, 2012, at 1530 UTC, a Liberty Aerospace, Incorporated, XL-2, German registration D-ELXL, crashed in a field under unknown circumstances near Coelbe-Bernsdorf, Germany. The two crewmembers on board were fatally injured and the airplane was…NTSB CEN12FA154Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Floresville, TXThe medical incapacitation of the pilot due to a sudden cardiac arrhythmia or acute myocardial infarction.NTSB WPR12FA098Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Morgan, UTThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s poor planning and continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA12FA175Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T182T · Lebanon, NHThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during a return to the airport after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN12FA152Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportVarga 2150A · Frankston, TXThe loss of engine power due to carburetor ice, which resulted in the pilot ditching the airplane into the lake. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision not to apply carburetor heat.NTSB WPR12LA093Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Fresno, CAThe non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to performance-impairing drugs.NTSB WPR12WA094Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Nowra, AustraliaOn February 4, 2012, at 1555 local time, a Robinson R44 II, Australian registry VH-COK, collided with terrain near Nowra Aerodrome, NSW, Australia. The helicopter was operated by Bankstown Helicopters PTY Limited, of Georges Hall, NSW, Australia, under the…NTSB WPR12FA091Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T206H · Show Low, AZThe pilot’s encounter with low clouds/low visibility conditions during the initial climb, which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN12LA149Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPipistrel Virus 912 · Ray, MIA loss of engine power due to fuel starvation for reasons that could not be determined because the postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR12FA089Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGarza Lancair IV-TP · Boise, IDA loss or commanded reduction of engine power during the initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because of postaccident impact damage and fire destruction to engine systems and components. Also causal were the pilot's failure to maintain…NTSB WPR12LA085Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · San Diego, CAThe pilot's failure to turn the magneto switch to the off position before moving the propeller to start the engine by hand.NTSB ERA12FA163Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Thomasville, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during an approach in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN12WA145Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper Piper J3C-65 · Norfolk, United KingdomOn January 28, 2012, at 1523 universal coordinated time, a Piper J3C-65, G-BHPK, was involved in an accident at the Priory Farm, Tibenham, Norfolk, United Kingdom. The pilot and passenger had completed a personal flight and had landed. After landing the pilot…NTSB ERA12FA161Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Ocala, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude on final approach, resulting in an impact with terrain short of the airport.NTSB ERA12FA151Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Quincy, FLThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s spatial disorientation in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his inability to maintain controlled flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to take off in deteriorating…NTSB CEN12FA143Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177A · North Vernon, INThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to fly into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot's spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA12FA149Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Vodochody L39C · Rainbow City, ALAn in-flight loss of control in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CEN12FA139Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 II · Centerville, LAThe pilot allowed the helicopter to settle with power while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB ERA12WA155Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · Montana Auyantepui, VenezuelaOn January 18, 2012, about 1715 universal coordinated time, a Bell 206 L-4 helicopter, Venezuelan registration YV1985, was destroyed when it collided with a mountain during a sightseeing flight near Montaña Auyantepui, Parque Nacional Canaima, in the State of…NTSB ERA12FA146Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerostar PA-60-601P · Philadelphia, MSThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff following loss of power to the left engine due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the loss of control was the pilot’s failure to feather the left propeller following the loss of left engine…NTSB DCA12FA024Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 214 · Camp Bastion, Afghanistanthe overtravel of the collective sleeve, which led to a severe and sudden reduction in main rotor blade collective pitch, resulting in a loss of control of the helicopter. The reason for the collective sleeve overtravel could not be determined since much of…NTSB ERA12LA145Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Brewster, MAThe flight crew’s loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA12WA159Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBeech A36 · Mato Grosso, BrazilOn January 14, 2012, about 1000 universal coordinated time, a Beech A36, Brazilian registration PR-RGF, was destroyed when it impacted terrain, following a loss of control during cruise flight into deteriorating weather near Mato Grosso, Brazil. The…NTSB ERA12LA141Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBowers Fly Baby 1-A · Jefferson, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin. Also causal was the partial loss of engine power during the initial climb due to the improper installation of a magneto. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB CEN12WA504Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 152 · Moisselles, FranceOn January 8, 2012, about 1615 UTC, a Cessna 152, French registration F-GLPO, operated by Aero-Club Les Ailerons d'Enghien-Moisselles, was substantially damaged when it abruptly dove toward the ground and crashed on the Enghien-Moisselles Airfield,…NTSB ERA12FA130Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Jacksonville, FLThe pilot's in-flight loss of control during climb after a banner pickup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to marijuana.NTSB ERA12WA133Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28 · Andres Bello,Tachira, VenezuelaOn December 29, 2011, about 1415 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA28-161, Columbian registration HK3934, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while in cruise flight near Andres Bello, Tachira, Venezuela. The two pilots were fatally injured.…NTSB ERA12MA122Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Green Cove Springs, FLThe pilot’s improper decision to continue visual flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the pilot’s improper decision was his self-induced pressure to complete the trip.NTSB ERA12FA123Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 560-F · Venice, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a single-engine approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the total loss of power in the left engine due to a failed No. 2 connecting rod bearing.NTSB CEN12FA115Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 19A · McArthur, OHThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted go-around.NTSB ERA12FA120Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 441 · Nashville, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain minimum control airspeed after a loss of power to the right engine, which resulted in an uncontrollable roll into an inadvertent stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the airplane's right engine for…NTSB CEN12LA112Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAmerican Champion 8KCAB · Marysville, OHThe pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude from the terrain while performing low-level aerobatics.NTSB ERA12FA115Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TBM 700 · Morristown, NJThe airplane’s encounter with unforecasted severe icing conditions that were characterized by high ice accretion rates and the pilot's failure to use his command authority to depart the icing conditions in an expeditious manner, which resulted in a loss of…