Fatal NTSB investigations, CA
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
| 1962 | 2 |
|---|---|
| 1963 | 1 |
| 1964 | 88 |
| 1965 | 65 |
| 1966 | 77 |
| 1967 | 85 |
| 1968 | 100 |
| 1969 | 85 |
| 1970 | 88 |
| 1971 | 88 |
| 1972 | 80 |
| 1973 | 104 |
| 1974 | 94 |
| 1975 | 94 |
| 1976 | 87 |
| 1977 | 89 |
| 1978 | 105 |
| 1979 | 92 |
| 1980 | 97 |
| 1981 | 82 |
| 1982 | 101 |
| 1983 | 108 |
| 1984 | 82 |
| 1985 | 67 |
| 1986 | 61 |
| 1987 | 75 |
| 1988 | 78 |
| 1989 | 62 |
| 1990 | 64 |
| 1991 | 71 |
| 1992 | 72 |
| 1993 | 57 |
| 1994 | 65 |
| 1995 | 53 |
| 1996 | 47 |
| 1997 | 38 |
| 1998 | 50 |
| 1999 | 29 |
| 2000 | 55 |
| 2001 | 39 |
| 2002 | 38 |
| 2003 | 53 |
| 2004 | 31 |
| 2005 | 43 |
| 2006 | 47 |
| 2007 | 33 |
| 2008 | 32 |
| 2009 | 36 |
| 2010 | 27 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2013 | 23 |
| 2014 | 24 |
| 2015 | 28 |
| 2016 | 22 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2018 | 23 |
| 2019 | 29 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 22 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 16 |
Where
Open the mapLatest 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\" = 'CA' 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.
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" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA' AND 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 WPR27FA012Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldInvestigation openGugger David RV-7A · Petaluma, CANTSB WPR26FA363Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportEurocopter Deutschland EC 135 P2+ · Avalon, CAOn September 30, 2026, about 1946 Pacific daylight time, a Eurocopter Deutschland GMBH EC-135 P2+, N313RX, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Avalon, California. The pilot, flight nurse, and patient were fatally injured; the…NTSB WPR26FA355Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportAeronca 7AC · Hesperia, CAOn September 24, 2026, about 0945 Pacific daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC, N12DF, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Hesperia, California. The flight instructor and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a…NTSB WPR26FA346Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportAirbus AS332 · Yosemite Valley, CAOn September 20, 2026, at 1356 Pacific daylight time, an Airbus AS332 L1 Super Puma, N332N, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Yosemite Valley, California. The two pilots were fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a public use…NTSB WPR26FA345Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportEurocopter AS 350 B2 · Chatsworth, CAOn September 15, 2026, about 1855 Pacific daylight time, an Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) AS-350 B2 helicopter, N358TV, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Chatsworth, California. The pilot, passenger and one person on the ground…NTSB WPR26FA330Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 172N · San Diego, CAOn September 7, 2026, about 1720 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N734ZK, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near San Diego, California. The flight instructor and student pilot were fatally injured. The airplane was being operated as a…NTSB WPR26FA329Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportGrumman American Avn. AA-5 · Fresno, CAOn September 5, 2026, about 1345 Pacific daylight time, a Grumman AA-5, N6510L, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Fresno, California. The pilot and 3 passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…NTSB WPR26LA287Occurrence · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportCameron Balloons A-315 · Menifee, CAOn August 2, 2026, about 0710 Pacific daylight time, a Cameron Balloons A-315, N315U, was not damaged when it was involved in an accident near Menifee, California. The pilot and one passenger were not injured, and one passenger was fatally injured. The…NTSB WPR26FA262Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportVans RV-4 · Yuba City, CAOn July 16, 2026, at 0701 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur built Vans RV-4, N98GB, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Yuba City, California. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14…NTSB WPR26FA198Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportMooney M20J · Woodlake, CAOn May 23, 2026, about 1034 Pacific daylight time, a Mooney M20J, N4452H, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Woodlake, California. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 91…NTSB ANC26FA039Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 182T · Armistead, CAOn May 7, 2026, about 1055 pacific daylight time (PDT), a Cessna 182T airplane, N227TF, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Armistead, California. The flight instructor and the pilot receiving instruction were fatally injured. The airplane…NTSB ANC26FA024Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportAirplane Factory Ltd The Sling · Avalon, CAOn April 09, 2026, about 1224 Pacific daylight time, an Airplane Factory (Pty) Ltd. Sling 2 airplane, N166TW, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Avalon, California. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The…NTSB WPR26FA130Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportBeech A36 · Olympic Valley, CAOn March 22, 2026, at 1716 Pacific daylight time, a Beech A36, N2882W, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Olympic Valley, California. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title14 Code of Federal…NTSB WPR26FA121Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportMD Helicopters 369FF · Mojave, CAOn March 9, 2026, about 1517 Pacific daylight time, an MD Helicopters 369FF, N530XX, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Mojave, California. The pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…NTSB WPR26FA109Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPiper PA-22-150 · Oroville, CAOn February 28, 2026, about 0948 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-22-150, N3170Z, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Oroville, California. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations…NTSB WPR26FA103Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 210B · Camarillo, CAOn February 15, 2026, about 1805 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 210B, N9735X, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Camarillo, California. The pilot was fatally injured and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane…NTSB WPR26FA069Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPiper PA-32-260 · Rio Linda, CAOn December 24, 2025, at approximately 1230 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-32-260, N2785Q, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Rio Linda, California. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the pilot-rated passenger was…NTSB WPR26FA043Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 172M · Poleta, CAOn November 10, 2025, at about 1515 Pacific standard time, Cessna 172M, N13221, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Poleta, California. A pilot-rated passenger and a passenger were fatally injured, and the pilot was seriously…NTSB WPR26FA008Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportAirbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 · Sacramento, CAOn October 6, 2025, about 1905 Pacific daylight time, an Airbus Helicopters EC-130 T2, N414RX, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident in Sacramento, California. The pilot and flight paramedic sustained serious injuries; the flight nurse…NTSB WPR25FA277Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportLawson Thomas O Lancair Super ES · Mount Hamilton, CAOn September 12, 2025, about 1421 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Lancair Super ES, N905ET, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Mount Hamilton, California. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a…NTSB WPR25FA264Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 172S · Los Banos, CAOn August 26, 2025, about 1905 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N5203H, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Los Banos, California. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part…NTSB WPR25FA257Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 140 · Shelter Cove, CAOn August 17, 2025 about 1521 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 140, N89447, was involved in an accident near Shelter Cove, California. The student pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14…NTSB WPR25FA224Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportBeech 95-B55 (T42A) · Pacific Grove, CAOn July 26, 2025, about 2237 Pacific daylight time, a Beech 95-B55, N8976R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Pacific Grove, California. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title…NTSB WPR25FA208Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPiper PA-28-180 · Needles, CAOn July 13, 2025, about 2128 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180, N8375W, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Needles, California. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of…NTSB WPR25LA212Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T240 · San Diego, CAImpact with the ocean for reasons that could not be determined because the pilot and airplane were not located.NTSB WPR25FA169Accident · 6 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 414 · San Diego, CAOn June 08, 2025, at 1230 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 414A, N414BA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident in San Diego, California. The pilot and five passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of…NTSB WPR25FA161Accident · 6 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna S550 · San Diego, CAOn May 22, 2025, at 0347 Pacific daylight time (PDT), a Cessna Citation S550, N666DS, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near San Diego, California. The pilot and five passengers were fatally injured. Eight people on the ground received minor…NTSB WPR25FA147Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPaul Berkovitz Vans RV-10 · Simi Valley, CAOn May 3, 2025, about 1350 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Van’s RV-10, N626PB, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Simi Valley, California. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a…NTSB WPR25FA146Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 177RG · Grass Valley, CAAn improperly tightened B-nut fitting at the fuel flow divider, which resulted in a fuel leak and loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, and the inadequate maintenance inspection, which failed to detect and correct the discrepancy.NTSB WPR25FA145Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Cottonwood, CAThe flight instructor’s delayed response to an improper landing approach and runway overshoot, which resulted in an impact with an airport perimeter fence and trees.NTSB WPR25FA072Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportVans RV-10 · Fullerton, CAOn January 2, 2025, about 1409 Pacific standard time, an experimental amateur built Vans Aircraft RV-10, N8757R, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Fullerton, California. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured, and there were 19…NTSB WPR25FA062Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAmerican Eurocopter AS350B3 · Potrero, CAThe pilot’s loss of control during cruise flight due to incapacitation for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB WPR25FA007Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportBeech 95-B55 · Avalon, CAOn October 8, 2024, at 2005 Pacific daylight time, a Beech 95-B55, N73WA, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Avalon, California. The pilot, two pilot rated passengers, and two student pilot passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was…NTSB WPR25LA003Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRaytheon C90A · Bakersfield, CAThe pilot’s incapacitation by an in-flight cardiac event that led to cardiac arrest.NTSB WPR24FA309Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportNanchang China CJ-6A · Lancaster, CAThe CJ-6A pilot’s failure to maintain separation and the Yak pilot’s failure to monitor the other airplane during a detachment, which resulted in a midair collision.NTSB WPR24FA290Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAero Commander 200D · Novato, CAThe pilot’s failure to abort takeoff or compensate for gusty crosswind conditions during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent runway excursion.NTSB WPR24FA252Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTextron T206H · Kneeland, CAThe pilot’s delayed decision to perform a go-around after an unstabilized approach, which resulted in a loss of control, runway overrun, and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR24FA196Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLockheed 12A · Chino, CAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude insufficient for recovery. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to ensure that the airplane was…NTSB WPR24FA195Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLuscombe 8A · South Lake Tahoe, CAThe pilot’s decision to continue low-altitude flight toward rising mountainous terrain in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in collision with trees and terrain.NTSB ANC24FA038Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSchweizer G-164B · Richvale, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a trailer located on the edge of the runway during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the location of the trailer on the side of the runway.NTSB WPR24LA142Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportUltramagic Z-90 · Del Mar, CAThe passenger’s intentional departure from the balloon in flight as an act of suicide.NTSB WPR24FA124Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGulfstream 695A · San Bernardino, CAThe pilot’s continued use of the airplane’s autopilot after flight into moderate to severe icing conditions, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR24FA123Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAyres S2R-G10 · Derner, CAThe pilot’s failure to adequately monitor his fuel supply, resulting in fuel exhaustion, a total loss of engine power, and the airplane’s impact with terrain.NTSB WPR24FA119Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportDaher TBM700 · Truckee, CAOn March 30, 2024, at 1837 Pacific daylight time, a Daher TBM 700 (960), N960LP, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident in Truckee, California. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code…NTSB CEN24MA111Accident · 6 fatalClass 2 · MajorFinal reportAirbus Helicopters EC 130 · Halloran Springs, CAThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the company’s inadequate oversight of its…NTSB WPR24FA080Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSwanson R/Swanson S RV-6 · Concord, CAA total loss of engine power during takeoff due to a separated fuel line and the pilot’s subsequent failure to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's medical condition and the effects of multiple impairing substances.NTSB WPR24FA073Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportOstroth Thane L Cozy MK IV · Half Moon Bay, CAThe airplane’s impact with the ocean for undetermined reasons after departing into night, instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB WPR24FA056Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV8 · Corona, CAFuel contamination from the pilot’s improper application of a sealant to the fuel tank, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power on takeoff.NTSB WPR24FA037Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna P210N · San Diego, CAA total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s inadequate flight and fuel planning and his decision to fly in night instrument meteorological conditions despite his lack of recent instrument flight.NTSB WPR24FA018Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Covelo, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees after entering a steep banked turn for unknown reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to take off toward rising terrain.