Fatal NTSB investigations, KY
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
| 1964 | 3 |
|---|---|
| 1965 | 8 |
| 1966 | 7 |
| 1967 | 8 |
| 1968 | 3 |
| 1969 | 5 |
| 1970 | 7 |
| 1971 | 8 |
| 1972 | 8 |
| 1973 | 8 |
| 1974 | 7 |
| 1975 | 6 |
| 1976 | 10 |
| 1977 | 8 |
| 1978 | 8 |
| 1979 | 10 |
| 1980 | 10 |
| 1981 | 11 |
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 5 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 5 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 4 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 5 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 4 |
| 2003 | 8 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2007 | 6 |
| 2008 | 3 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Where
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\" = 'KY' 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" = 'KY' 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 WPR26FA223Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportComp Air CA6-WB · Nicholasville, KYOn June 20, 2026, about 0846 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Comp Air CA6-WB, N82BT, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Nicholasville, Kentucky. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated…NTSB DCA26MA024Accident · 14 fatalClass 1 · MajorPreliminary reportMcdonnell Douglas MD-11F · Louisville, KYOn November 4, 2025, about 1714 eastern standard time (EST), United Parcel Service (UPS) flight 2976, a Boeing (McDonnell-Douglas) MD-11F airplane, N259UP, was destroyed after it impacted the ground shortly after takeoff from runway 17R at Louisville Muhammad…NTSB ERA25LA023Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBuckeye Dream Machine · Nicholasville, KYThe pilot’s loss of control in flight, which resulted in a collision with terrain.NTSB ERA25FA005Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportBell 206L-3 · Owenton, KYOn October 7, 2024, at 1730 eastern daylight time, a Bell 206L3+, N230AE, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident in Owenton, Kentucky. The pilot, a flight nurse, and a flight medic were fatally injured. The helicopter was operated by Air Evac Life…NTSB ERA24FA304Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT802 · Cuba, KYImpact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB ERA23FA380Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Whitesville, KYThe flight instructor’s improper decision to continue flight into a known area of thunderstorms, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.NTSB ERA23FA048Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Harlan, KYThe pilot’s visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions during an approach to land at an airport in mountainous terrain, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s hazardous…NTSB ERA22FA397Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRotorway Jetexec · Arthur, KYThe pilot’s decision to attempt the cross-country flight in thunderstorm conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain a weather briefing.NTSB ERA22LA362Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportDiamond DA-40 · Bardstown, KYThe pilot’s failure to provide adequate instructions to remain seated until the engine was shut down, which resulted in the passenger’s decision to exit the cockpit while the engine was operating and subsequently being struck by the rotating propeller.NTSB ERA22FA354Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Cynthiana, KYThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall while maneuvering to land with approaching convective activity.NTSB ERA22FA085Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35 · Crab Orchard, KYThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB ERA21FA229Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMunson Roger J RV-8 · Van Cleve, KYA loss of engine power due to loss of engine oil pressure.NTSB ERA21FA135Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV7 · Mayfield, KYThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, loss of airplane control, and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ERA20FA026Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32R · Paducah, KYThe pilot’s failure to fully seat the fuel selector in the proper tank position during the descent for landing, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.NTSB ERA19FA155Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportBellanca 1730 · Henderson, KYThe student pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack at a low altitude, in the airport traffic pattern, following a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing…NTSB ERA18FA022Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32 · Fountain Run, KYThe noninstrument-rated pilot's intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to complete…NTSB ERA18FA005Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBryant C Crosby BC Ultra PUP · Bardstown, KYThe pilot's improper decision to initiate a flight in an airplane he had never flown and with no currency in any airplane nor a medical certificate, which resulted in his loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's psychiatric…NTSB ERA17LA297Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTukan Trike · Nicholasville, KYThe noncertificated pilot's failure to maintain control of the weight-shift-control aircraft during takeoff.NTSB ERA17FA180Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Hopkinsville, KYThe noninstrument-rated pilot's intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's overreliance on his…NTSB ERA16FA248Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Hickory, KYCompany maintenance personnel's inappropriate removal without replacement of the safety wires on the collective lever pin screws during a recent maintenance inspection, which resulted in the screws backing out and led to a loss of collective control in flight.NTSB ERA16LA201Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCriquet Aviation Bogota Columb Storch FI-156 · Fordsville, KYThe steep descent to ground impact for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB ERA15FA220Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream American AA-5A · Rowdy, KYThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to continue visual flight rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB ERA15FA088Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA34 · Kuttawa, KYThe pilot's failure to properly set the left engine fuel selector before takeoff and to recognize the incorrect setting during the flight, which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power on both engines.NTSB ERA13FA273Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Manchester, KYThe pilot’s loss of helicopter control due to spatial disorientation when he inadvertently encountered night, instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the main rotor and tailboom.NTSB ERA12FA280Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportManzitto Michael A Mwlancair 235 · Hudson, KYThe pilot's decision to operate the airplane with known electrical system problems, which resulted in the in-flight failure of the electrical wiring interconnect system, loss of electrical power, and subsequent fuel starvation and loss of engine power.NTSB ERA12FA262Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Calhoun, KYThe failure of the pilot to maintain airplane control after experiencing a loss of power from the left engine due to water contamination of the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane and…NTSB ERA11FA512Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHeronimus Kevin A Glasair III · Falls of Rough, KYThe failure of the propeller power speed reduction unit, which resulted in a loss of engine power at low altitude.NTSB ERA11FA218Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Pikeville, KYThe pilot's flight below the published minimum descent altitude in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of nighttime cold medication at doses above…NTSB ERA10LA348Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Marion, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.NTSB ERA10FA246Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Bear Branch, KYThe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, his continued flight into adverse weather (icing conditions), and failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the emergency descent.NTSB ERA10FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Springfield, KYThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's impairment due to alcohol. Contributing to the accident was the Federal Aviation Administration's failure to adequately oversee…NTSB ERA10LA102Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDavis Michael J Longez · Dexter, KYThe loss of engine power due to the chaffing and grounding of the single magneto's ignition lead.NTSB ERA09LA250Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGladstone Kitfox · Dubre, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA09FA215Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Lexington, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA09LA132Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Hardin, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and his impairment from illegal drug use.NTSB ERA09FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 36 · Louisville, KYThe pilot’s continued operation of the aircraft with known deficiencies. Contributing to this accident was the improper sealing of the engine case during overhaul.NTSB NYC08LA263Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportOsborne Challenger II · Fairdealing, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while climbing into rising terrain at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and uncontrolled descent.NTSB MIA08FA122Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportYates Lancair IV-P · Springfield, KYA total loss of engine power due to a loss of engine oil as a result of the installation of the wrong oil adapter O-ring seal.NTSB MIA08FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Bloomfield, KYthe pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane, which resulted in the in-flight break up. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's loss of control in-flight due to spatial disorientation.NTSB NYC08FA046Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Owensboro, KYA loss of control during approach for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA07LA155Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-5A · Worthington, KYThe separation of the engine's No. 4 piston from the crankshaft for unidentified reasons and the pilot's continued operation with known equipment deficiencies.NTSB NYC07LA212Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchrack Starduster Too · Verona, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the inadvertent stall.NTSB NYC07LA177Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech BE-23 · Science Hill, KYA loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.NTSB NYC07FA159Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Brooks, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the aborted landing. Contributing to the accident was the exceedance of the airplane's maximum gross weight, and the pilot's inadequate preflight planning.NTSB NYC06LA214Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150K · Shelby Gap, KYThe pilot's improper decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an impact with mountainous terrain. A factor was the low ceiling.NTSB NYC06FA209Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 401A · Whick, KYThe non-instrument-rated pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his subsequent failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Contributing was the instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB DCA06MA064Accident · 49 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBombardier CRJ-100 · Lexington, KYthe flight crewmembers's failure to use available cues and aids to identify the airplane's location on the airport surface during taxi and their failure to cross-check and verify that the airplane was on the correct runway before takeoff. Contributing to the…NTSB NYC06LA171Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBuckeye Dream Machine · Monticello, KYThe misplaced parachute suspension line, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control. A factor was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.NTSB NYC06LA165Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American Navion · Sturgis, KYA total loss of engine power due to a leaking fuel pump gasket.NTSB CHI06FA141Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210N · Ft. Thomas, KYThe pilot failed to maintain altitude/clearance with trees while attempting to return to the airport.