Fatal NTSB investigations, AZ

180,610 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,589 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 per year

19642026
Fatal NTSB investigations, AZ per year, 1964–2026: 819 cases
196411
196512
19668
196716
196815
196919
197018
197127
197214
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Latest cases

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.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'AZ' AND c.\"eventCountry\" = 'USA'
    AND 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.

NTSB WPR26FA301Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportNew Glasair Sportsman 2 Plus 2 · Pine, AZOn August 10, 2026, at about 1835 mountain daylight time, an experimental amateur built Glasair Sportsman 2 Plus 2 airplane, N202AZ, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Pine, Arizona. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The…Aug 11, 2026 · N202AZ · DestroyedNTSB WPR26FA281Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPiper PA-28-180 · Chandler, AZOn July 28, 2026, about 1949 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, N9062J, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Chandler, Arizona. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part…Jul 29, 2026 · N9062J · DestroyedNTSB WPR26LA219Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · LimitedInvestigation openCessna 208B · Marana, AZJun 13, 2026 · N593EX · No damageNTSB WPR26FA151Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Marana, AZOn April 08, 2026 at 1710 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-32R-301T, N4190E, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Marana, AZ. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of…Apr 9, 2026 · N4190E · Substantial damageNTSB CEN26FA109Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportRobert G Elves Tarragon (Tarr) · Shawmut, AZOn February 6, 2026, at 1532 mountain standard time, a Tarragon airplane, N35RR, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Shawmut, Arizona. The pilot was fatally injured and the passenger received serious injuries. The airplane was…Feb 6, 2026 · N35RR · Substantial damageNTSB WPR26FA098Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportBell 407 · Flagstaff, AZOn February 4, 2026, at 2216 mountain standard time, a Bell 407 helicopter, N56AZ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Flagstaff, Arizona. The pilot and tactical flight officer (TFO) were fatally injured. The helicopter was…Feb 5, 2026 · N56AZ · DestroyedNTSB WPR26FA097Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportSocata TB21 · Prescott, AZOn February 4, 2026, about 1950 mountain standard time, a Socata TB21, N967WM, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Prescott, Arizona. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91…Feb 5, 2026 · N967WM · DestroyedNTSB WPR26FA074Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportMD Helicopters 369FF · Superior, AZOn January 2, 2026, at about 1100 mountain standard time, an MD Helicopters MD369FF helicopter, N3502P, was substantially damaged when it impacted a highline/slackline near Superior, Arizona. The pilot and three passengers were fatally injured. The helicopter…Jan 2, 2026 · N3502P · Substantial damageNTSB WPR25FA253Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPitts S-1T · Goodyear, AZOn August 12, 2025, about 1019 mountain standard time, a Pitts S-1T, N51HC, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Goodyear, Arizona. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…Aug 12, 2025 · N51HC · Substantial damageNTSB WPR25FA240Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportBeech 300 · Chinle, AZOn August 5, 2025, about 1245 mountain daylight time, a Beech 300, N534AW, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Chinle, Arizona. The pilot, co-pilot and two medical crew members were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14…Aug 5, 2025 · N534AW · DestroyedNTSB CEN25FA212Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna A150L · Three Points, AZOn June 18, 2025, about 0922 mountain standard time, a Cessna A150L airplane, N6436F, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Three Points, Arizona. The student pilot and flight instructor were fatally injured. The airplane was…Jun 18, 2025 · N6436F · Substantial damageNTSB WPR25FA097Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportLancair 360 · Marana, AZOn February 19, 2025, about 0828 mountain standard time, a Lancair 360 Mk II, N3602M, was destroyed, and a Cessna 172S, N463ER, sustained minor damage when they were involved in a mid-air collision near Marana Regional Airport (AVQ), Marana, Arizona. The…Feb 19, 2025 · N3602M · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB WPR25FA088Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldPreliminary reportGates Learjet 35A · Scottsdale, AZOn February 10, 2025, about 1438 mountain standard time, a Gates Learjet 35A, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Scottsdale, Arizona. The captain was fatally injured, the first officer (FO) and one passenger were seriously…Feb 10, 2025 · N81VN · Substantial damageNTSB WPR25FA031Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportHonda HA420 · Mesa, AZOn November 5, 2024, at 1639 mountain daylight time, a Honda HA-420, N57HP, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Mesa, AZ. The pilot and three passengers were fatally injured, one passenger was seriously injured, and the single occupant of…Nov 5, 2024 · N57HP · DestroyedNTSB WPR24FA185Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRans S-12XL Airaile · Picacho Peak, AZThe pilot’s decision to conduct a low-altitude flight in mountainous terrain and his subsequent loss of airplane control after encountering mechanical turbulence, which resulted in an impact with the terrain.Jun 8, 2024 · N518D · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24FA112Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportHolmes William B AIR Creation Twin · Gila Bend, AZThe pilot’s loss of control and subsequent collision with a mesquite tree on approach to land.Mar 17, 2024 · N4425L · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24FA072Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportKubicek BB85Z · Eloy, AZThe pilot’s decision to open the rapid deflation valve during flight as a means of descending, which resulted in the deflation of the envelope and hard impact with terrain.Jan 14, 2024 · N4961D · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24FA054Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Topock, AZThe failure of the No. 4 connecting rod due to oil starvation, which resulted in a loss of engine power, inflight fire, and a subsequent off-airport emergency landing on rough desert terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt a…Dec 10, 2023 · N4171S · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24FA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeauchamp Norm Kitfox · Eloy, AZThe separation of a propeller blade during the initial climb due to insufficient blade retention forces. Contributing to the accident was the propeller blade retention design, manufacturing defects that prevented the propeller from achieving adequate grip…Dec 8, 2023 · N66180 · DestroyedNTSB WPR24FA014Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Williams, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed and exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during initial climb after takeoff, resulting in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing was the pilot’s inadequate preflight airplane performance…Oct 17, 2023 · N6192J · Substantial damageNTSB WPR23FA223Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCompagnie Daher TB 30 Epsilon · Apache Junction, AZThe pilot’s controlled flight into the mountainous terrain due to diminished depth perception as a result of the shadowing effect from the sun’s position. Contributing to the accident was the decision by all three pilots to fly low altitude around the…Jun 10, 2023 · N759F · DestroyedNTSB WPR22FA361Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA-5B · Sahuarita, AZThe pilot's loss of control following a separation of the aileron carry-through cable.Sep 28, 2022 · N74349 · DestroyedNTSB WPR22FA348Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTrom Wayne Vans RV6A · Aztec, AZThe total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to turn away from a suitable emergency landing surface, his failure to maintain adequate airspeed as the…Sep 16, 2022 · N646RV · DestroyedNTSB WPR22FA345Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46 · Seligman, AZThe student pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation, a loss of control, exceedance of the airplane’s design limitations, and in-flight breakup.Sep 13, 2022 · N43605 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22FA303Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna T207A · Page, AZThe total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during low altitude cruise flight, which resulted in a water ditching. Contributing to the severity of the accident was the pilot’s failure to extend the flaps during the ditching, which increased the…Aug 13, 2022 · N9582M · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22FA215Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech E35 · Buckeye, AZThe pilots’ failure to climb and complete a normal traffic pattern after making a low approach and their failure to extend the flaps for reasons that could not be determined, and the flight instructor’s failure to ensure adequate airspeed and bank control…Jun 18, 2022 · N13AR · DestroyedNTSB WPR22FA188Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172F · Show Low, AZThe pilot’s improper leaning of the engine during an extended period of time, which caused an exhaust valve to become stuck and led to the partial loss of engine power during the accident flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to…May 26, 2022 · N5532R · Substantial damageNTSB ANC22FA030Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Gila Bend, AZThe student pilot’s failure to maintain control during the landing approach.Apr 15, 2022 · N7516G · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22FA100Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMoynihan Richard D Vans RV-7A · White Hills, AZThe pilot’s improper aerobatic maneuver leading to an airspeed that exceeded the airplane’s design limits, which resulted in rudder flutter and an in-flight breakup.Feb 19, 2022 · N787NV · DestroyedNTSB WPR22FA073Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20C · Marana, AZThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation after entering instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to use of methamphetamine before the flight.Dec 31, 2021 · N6796N · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22FA067Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV6 · Show Low, AZThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack following an aborted landing approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control at an altitude too low for recovery.Dec 22, 2021 · N6000Z · DestroyedNTSB WPR22FA012Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRockwell 112 · Three Points, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and the airplane entering an aerodynamic stall.Oct 17, 2021 · N112LS · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22FA001Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 · Chandler, AZThe failure of the pilots onboard the airplane to see and avoid the helicopter while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, which resulted in a midair collision.Oct 1, 2021 · N412TL · 2 aircraft · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21FA352Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Page, AZThe pilot’s improper fuel planning for a cross-country flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.Sep 22, 2021 · N3906X · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21FA340Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 177RG · Lake Havasu City, AZA partial loss of engine power during the airplane's initial climb due to wear of internal engine components, which prevented the engine from developing full-rated power and resulted in a loss of altitude.Sep 12, 2021 · N2085Q · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21FA288Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBorom Long-EZ · Tucson, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and to retract the speed brake during the approach, which resulted in a hard landing short of the runway. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s decision to conduct a flight review in an…Jul 27, 2021 · N966EZ · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21FA266Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C90 · Wikieup, AZThe failure and separation of the left wing’s outboard section due to a fatigue crack in the lower spar cap. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s decision to repair the wing spar instead of replacing it as recommended by the aircraft manufacturer.…Jul 10, 2021 · N3688P · DestroyedNTSB WPR21FA227Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCovey Tri Quickie · Gila Bend, AZThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the reduced airplane performance due to high density…Jun 15, 2021 · N8054Y · DestroyedNTSB WPR21FA175Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSwearingen SA226-T(B) · Winslow, AZThe loss of engine power to the right engine for reasons that could not be determined. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane.Apr 23, 2021 · N59EZ · DestroyedNTSB WPR21LA166Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 140 · Williams, AZThe pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff in night visual meteorological conditions.Apr 16, 2021 · N2506N · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21FA025Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLancair 235 · Cordes Lakes, AZThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during an aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin and a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of aerobatic experience in the accident…Oct 24, 2020 · N25NL · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA211Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell UH1H · Payson, AZA flight control malfunction due to either a hydraulic hardover or a flight control stiffness event, which resulted in a loss of control.Jul 7, 2020 · N623PB · DestroyedNTSB WPR20LA177Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportZenair CH601 · Maricopa, AZThe pilot’s loss of situational awareness and descent below pattern altitude during the landing approach, which resulted in collision with terrain at night.Jun 10, 2020 · N6402X · DestroyedNTSB WPR20LA176Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV4 · Safford, AZA loss of pitch control during the landing approach due to a jammed elevator control system.Jun 9, 2020 · N173CW · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA130Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell UH 1H · Mesa, AZAn in-flight separation of the tail rotor gearbox from the airframe due to fatigue failure of the gearbox attachment studs, resulting in a loss of directional control and subsequent ground impact. Contributing to the accident were 1) the improper application…Apr 24, 2020 · N3276T · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20FA079Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Payson, AZThe pilot's decision to fly into a canyon with rising terrain, and his subsequent loss of aircraft control while maneuvering away from rising terrain.Jan 24, 2020 · N3672K · DestroyedNTSB WPR20FA049Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Goodyear, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines due to his impairment from cannabis.Dec 22, 2019 · N3371U · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20FA034Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20C · Flower Pot, AZThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to initiate and continue the visual flight rules flight into an area of forecast instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of airplane control. Contributing was…Dec 8, 2019 · N5557Q · DestroyedNTSB WPR19FA109Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206 · Fort McDowell, AZThe separation of the main rotor head from the mast as a result of a sudden displacement of the cyclic stick during a low-G maneuver, leading to mast bumping. Contributing to the accident were the unsecure positioning of the flight test engineer’s laptop…Apr 16, 2019 · N61PH · DestroyedNTSB WPR19LA063Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA22 · Kingman, AZThe student pilot's failure to secure the fuel caps, which led to the fuel being siphoned overboard, fuel exhaustion, and the total loss of engine power.Jan 13, 2019 · N9227D · Substantial damage