Fatal NTSB investigations, DE

180,616 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,594 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, DE per year, 1964–2026: 41 cases
19642
19671
19691
19702
19711
19722
19733
19741
19752
19781
19811
19821
19842
19871
19891
19901
19911
19922
19931
20011
20033
20052
20061
20072
20101
20131
20161
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20191

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\" = 'DE' 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 ERA19FA250Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 95B55 · Wilmington, DEThe pilots’ failure to place the left fuel selector into the proper position, which resulted in a total loss of the left engine’s power due to fuel starvation. Contributing was their failure to properly secure the left engine and their failure to maintain…Aug 18, 2019 · N678DM · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17FA190Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland EC 135 · New Castle, DEThe pilot's loss of helicopter control during a missed approach in instrument meteorological conditions due to spatial disorientation and the cumulative effects of task saturation.May 25, 2017 · N62UP · DestroyedNTSB ERA16LA253Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 429 · Georgetown, DEThe emergency response team's failure to ensure that the system operator was secured to the helicopter, which resulted in his fall during the recurrent rescue hoist training operation.Jul 11, 2016 · N1SP · No damageNTSB ERA13LA111Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Dover, DEThe pilot's failure to land the airplane at multiple airports that were equipped with adequate instrument approach procedures while operating in low instrument meteorological conditions and his delay in declaring a fuel-related emergency, which resulted in a…Jan 13, 2013 · N4975S · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10LA203Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLopez Phillip Jabiru J250 · Middletown, DEThe pilot's failure to apply carburetor heat, which resulted in the formation of carburetor icing and a total loss of engine power.Apr 2, 2010 · N464PP · Substantial damageNTSB NYC08FA051Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 60 · New Castle, DEThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a split flap takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident were the failure of the right flap drive mechanism and the pilot's failure to verify that both flaps were…Dec 4, 2007 · N105PP · DestroyedNTSB NYC08LA024Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBlondin 601HDS · Farmington, DEThe reason for this occurrence could not be determined.Nov 4, 2007 · N27S · DestroyedNTSB NYC07FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Dagsboro, DEThe pilot's improper decision to depart under visual flight rules into night instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the fog and the dark night conditions.Dec 14, 2006 · N407JJ · Substantial damageNTSB IAD05FA110Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Georgetown, DEThe pilot's misjudged distance/altitude while on final approach to land, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a vehicle. Factors associated with the accident are the pilot's improper use of the flaps, and the state of Delaware's insufficient…Jul 26, 2005 · N59RK · Substantial damageNTSB NYC05FA117Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCarlstrom Long EZ · Lewes, DEThe Long EZ pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the RV-8 airplane, which resulted in a mid-air collision during a formation flight.Jul 10, 2005 · N78LC · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB NYC04LA007Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Cheswold, DEThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path to the runway, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance which resulted in an in-flight collision with an unlit utility pole. Factors related to the accident were the unlit utility pole, and the dark…Oct 12, 2003 · N5320L · Substantial damageNTSB NYC03FA079Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon V35A · Delaware City, DEThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor in the accident was instrument meteorological conditions.Apr 8, 2003 · N7144N · Substantial damageNTSB NYC03FA043Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Delaware City, DEThe mechanic's improper engine overhaul. A factor was the night condition.Jan 26, 2003 · N6432X · Substantial damageNTSB NYC01FA172Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A23-24 · Bridgeville, DEThe pilot's incapacitation, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control while maneuvering. A factor was the FAA Aeromedical Certification Division's inadequate certification/approval of the pilot's medical certificate. Findings were the pilot's inappropriate…Jul 15, 2001 · N5962S · Substantial damageNTSB NYC93FA102Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150E · Selbyville, DEThe pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin and collision with the terrain. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the banner towing operation.Jun 7, 1993 · N3981U · DestroyedNTSB BFO92FA125Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-602P · Georgetown, DEThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, while circling to land, resulting in an inadvertent stall. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's excessive maneuvering of the airplane and his insufficient altitude for recovery from the stall.Sep 5, 1992 · N3647T · DestroyedNTSB NYC92FA118Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-200 · New Castle, DEThe pilot's improper execution of an emergency procedure, after an engine failure, which resulted in a loss of airspeed and subsequent stall at an altitude too low for recovery. A factor related to the accident was the fatigue failure of a compressor turbine…Jun 16, 1992 · N32HG · DestroyedNTSB BFO91FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Odessa, DEThe pilot's failure to recover from a stall. Contributing was an intentional stall of the aircraft, pilot inexpereince and inadequate altitude.May 5, 1991 · N9285 · DestroyedNTSB NYC91LA036Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Cheswold, DEA loss of control in flight, by a non-instrument rated pilot in instrument meteorological conditions. Factors related to the accident were: his decision to fly after he received weather briefings which inlcuded 'VFR flight not recommended'.Nov 23, 1990 · N7400J · DestroyedNTSB BFO89FA020Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Townsend, DELoss of aircraft control for unknown reasons.Mar 6, 1989 · N24236 · DestroyedNTSB ATL87FA100Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Georgetown, DEThe plt was cleared for approach with instructions to close flt plan upon landing. Aprx thirty min later approach control called the fss and asked if the plt had been in contact. The reply was negative. No further action was taken by approach control.…Mar 28, 1987 · N2221E · DestroyedNTSB BFO84FA003Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper L-21-A · Selbyville, DEAt the conclusion of towing banners with no pax on board, the acft was landed and topped off with fuel. The plt then reentered the acft and an additional employee got in the rear seat with the intension of flying to a nearby airport for a plt exchange. During…Aug 8, 1984 · N10468 · DestroyedNTSB BFO84FA001Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Selbyville, DEThe student pilot and one passenger departed on the flight without a wx briefing despite the existence of low ceilings and rain. Witnesses related hearing the engine accelerate and seeing the acft start a climb before it broke up and impacted the ground.…Jul 21, 1984 · N9014W · DestroyedNTSB NYC82FA203Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Lewes, DEAbout 15 min after takeoff, the aircraft was observed to enter a maneuver from low altitude over a beach area. During the maneuver, the plane pulled up, entered a steep climb and then banked or rolled left and entered a nose down attitude. Before recovering,…Aug 17, 1982 · N1886G · DestroyedNTSB NYC82FA012Accident · 1 fatalClosedBeech 35 · Wyoming, DENov 26, 1981 · N2732V · DestroyedNTSB IAD78FA051Accident · 3 fatalClosedPiper PA-28 · Wilmington, DEMar 18, 1978 · N55645 · DestroyedNTSB IAD76AI015Accident · 1 fatalClosedEmstrom F28A · Harrington, DESep 12, 1975 · N281Q · DestroyedNTSB IAD75AI065Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 150 · Cheswold, DEJun 21, 1975 · N5778G · Substantial damageNTSB IAD75AI036Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-28 · Frederica, DEDec 1, 1974 · N9184J · DestroyedNTSB IAD73AI020Accident · 1 fatalClosedChampion 7GCBC · Selbyville, DEJun 30, 1973 · N5241X · DestroyedNTSB IAD73A1001Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-12 · Selbyville, DEMar 13, 1973 · N2454M · DestroyedNTSB NYC73AN106Accident · 1 fatalClosedBellanca 17-31A · Dover, DEJan 27, 1973 · N8296R · DestroyedNTSB NYC73AN014Accident · 4 fatalClosedBellanca 17-30A · Bridgeville, DEJul 20, 1972 · N8801V · DestroyedNTSB NYC72AN152Accident · 2 fatalClosedBeech 35 · Port Mahon, DEJun 10, 1972 · N3422V · DestroyedNTSB IAD71AI044Accident · 2 fatalClosedFleet 16B · Ellendale, DEMar 28, 1971 · N222F · DestroyedNTSB IAD71AI012Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-28R · New Castle, DEOct 16, 1970 · N7667J · DestroyedNTSB IAD71AI003Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 170B · Montchanin, DEJul 4, 1970 · N2377D · DestroyedNTSB IAD70A0004Accident · 1 fatalClosedBeech 23 · Selbyville, DEJul 19, 1969 · N2329J · DestroyedNTSB DIA67A0011Accident · 2 fatalClosedBeech C-45H · Middletown, DEFeb 28, 1967 · N830K · DestroyedNTSB UNK64X4087Accident · 1 fatalClosedTaylorcraft BC-12D · Middletown, DESep 21, 1964 · N43542 · DestroyedNTSB UNK64X1792Accident · 1 fatalClosedAeronca 7FC · Harrington, DEMay 16, 1964 · N9066B · Destroyed