Fatal, Final NTSB investigations, ND

180,598 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,578 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, Final NTSB investigations, ND per year, 1964–2026: 128 cases
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19662
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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\" = 'ND' AND c.\"eventCountry\" = 'USA'
    AND c.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal'
    AND c.\"completionStatus\" = 'Completed'
  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 CEN23FA412Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502B · New Rockford, NDThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from overhead power lines during an aerial application flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to fly under the power lines with a small area of clearance available for the airplane.Sep 19, 2023 · N502NB · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23FA409Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportThrush S2R-T660 · Ardoch, NDThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a guy wire during an aerial application flight.Sep 12, 2023 · N710TY · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22FA017Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Buxton, NDThe pilot’s intentional flight into terrain as an act of suicide.Oct 19, 2021 · N820ND · DestroyedNTSB CEN21FA368Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRockwell International S2R · Strasburg, NDThe pilot’s intentional flight under power lines and his failure to maintain clearance from the lines during an aerial application flight.Aug 10, 2021 · N4956X · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21LA044Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Dunn Center, NDThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control.Nov 8, 2020 · N3606A · DestroyedNTSB CEN20LA227Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV8 · Mandan, NDThe pilot's failure to remove the seat belt used as a flight control lock from the aft cockpit control stick before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff and collision with terrain.Jun 13, 2020 · N836JC · DestroyedNTSB CEN19FA030Accident · 3 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna 441 · Harmon, NDThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane in dark night conditions that resulted in an in-flight positive overload failure of the wings and the subsequent in-flight breakup of the airplane.Nov 18, 2018 · N441CX · DestroyedNTSB CEN18FA277Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna 152 · Fort Rice, NDThe pilot's failure to use carburetor heat in conditions that were conducive to serious carburetor icing, which resulted in a loss of engine power, an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the…Jul 17, 2018 · N24515 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN17LA244Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT 602 · Stirum, NDThe pilot's decision to attempt flight with low-level fog in the area, which resulted in an encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and impact with terrain.Jun 29, 2017 · N4196Y · DestroyedNTSB CEN17FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340 · Fargo, NDThe loose fuel fitting on the combustion heater that leaked a lean fuel-air mixture into the nose baggage compartment. The mixture was most likely ignited by the combustion heater, blowing off the nose baggage compartment doors and starting an in-flight fire.Dec 1, 2016 · N123KK · DestroyedNTSB CEN16FA212Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-140 · Wishek, NDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a climbing turn after takeoff, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to…Jun 9, 2016 · N6223W · Substantial damageNTSB CEN14FA400Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLarry Ketterling FEW P-51 Mustang · Lisbon, NDThe partial loss of engine power for a reason that could not be determined because of extensive impact and postcrash fire damage, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in the airplane's wing exceeding its critical…Aug 1, 2014 · N116LK · DestroyedNTSB CEN12LA615Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGoodyear F2G · Valley City, NDThe pilot’s decision to initiate the aerobatic maneuver at an altitude that did not allow for full recovery of the airplane before ground impact.Sep 7, 2012 · N5577N · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12LA336Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 8GCBC · Zahl, NDThe non-certificated pilot's improper preflight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and his failure to maintain airplane control after a total loss of engine power.Jun 4, 2012 · N88095 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN11FA508Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Williston, NDThe pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a partial loss of engine power while maneuvering at a low altitude.Jul 26, 2011 · N41MK · Substantial damageNTSB CEN09LA277Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7GCBC · Surrey, NDThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during an abrupt pull-up maneuver, which resulted in an aerodynammic stall at low altitude.May 3, 2009 · N5106T · DestroyedNTSB CHI08LA101Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Roseglen, NDThe pilot failed to maintain obstacle clearance from the TV antenna during a low altitude maneuver. Contributing factors were the antenna, the night conditions, and pilot impairment due to alcohol.Apr 11, 2008 · N7490G · Substantial damageNTSB CHI07LA162Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander S2R · Watford City, NDThe agricultural pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain while maneuvering to avoid power lines. The power lines were a contributing factor in the accident.Jun 5, 2007 · N8835Q · DestroyedNTSB CHI06FA275Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Kulm, NDThe non-instrument rated pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in his inadvertent encounter with a thunderstorm and his loss of aircraft control. A factor to the accident was the thunderstorm.Aug 24, 2006 · N9714W · DestroyedNTSB CHI06LA223Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Underwood, NDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the power line during the aerial application flight.Aug 3, 2006 · N4693Y · Substantial damageNTSB CHI05LA188Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Langdon, NDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain while attempting an abrupt turning maneuver at a low altitude.Jul 15, 2005 · N3159N · DestroyedNTSB CHI05LA012Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Ashley, NDThe non-instrument rated pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions and his not maintaining aircraft control during cruise flight. Factors present were the night condition and low ceilings.Oct 21, 2004 · N63439 · DestroyedNTSB CHI04LA225Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Mylo, NDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the windmill. The windmill was a contributing factor.Aug 12, 2004 · N92806 · DestroyedNTSB CHI02FA269Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Tappen, NDThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout and his failure to maintain clearance of the transmission wires. Also causal was inadequate preflight planning. Factors associated with the accident were the low altitude and airspeed when the abrupt maneuver was made and…Sep 4, 2002 · N756WF · DestroyedNTSB CHI01LA294Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Alice, NDThe pilot's unsuccessful recovery from an intentional aerobatic stall/spin maneuver. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's impairment (alcohol), and his psychological condition.Aug 22, 2001 · N4329Z · Substantial damageNTSB CHI01LA273Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164B · Hazelton, NDthe pilot's ostentatious display when he performed a low level manuever and stalled the airplane.Aug 11, 2001 · N48624 · DestroyedNTSB CHI00LA178Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWeatherly 201C · Tolna, NDthe wing spar fatigue and wing separation while maneuvering. A factor was that the fatigue was not detected by the mechanic during the last annual inspection.Jun 30, 2000 · N9228W · DestroyedNTSB CHI00LA043Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMcCarty Wittman W-8 Tailwind · Jamestown, NDthe wing spar failure due to its inadequate construction by the owner/builder.Dec 12, 1999 · N654 · DestroyedNTSB CHI99FA196Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C-23 · Mandan, NDthe pilot failed to maintain aircraft control on approach to the airport after encountering high winds, gusts, rain, and thunderstorms in the area.Jun 26, 1999 · N9703Q · DestroyedNTSB CHI99LA020Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBecker Wag Aero Super Sport · Hamilton, NDthe fatigue failure of the lower wing strut attachment bracket.Nov 3, 1998 · N285BB · DestroyedNTSB CHI98LA361Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChampion BL-7-GCBC · Upham, NDThe pilot's steep pull and failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall/spin. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane's handling qualities, and a lack of recent experience in the airplane.Sep 26, 1998 · N311DM · DestroyedNTSB CHI98LA259Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAnderson T Craft Special · Pick City, NDThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance with terrain. A factor was the pilot's attempted low altitude acrobatic maneuver.Jul 18, 1998 · N91XX · DestroyedNTSB CHI98FA119Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Bismarck, NDthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach which resulted in an inadvertant stall. Factors associated with the accident were the icing conditions and the pilot's low level experience in this make and model of airplane.Apr 7, 1998 · N868FE · DestroyedNTSB CHI97LA278Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer G-164B · Larimore, NDthe pilot delaying the swath run turnaround maneuver at the end of the field boundary, and his failure to maintain clearance between the airplane and the high tension wires. A factor was the pilot's inattentiveness regarding the time to begin the swath run…Sep 3, 1997 · N8326K · DestroyedNTSB CHI96LA220Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA5B · Fryburg, NDthe pilot's VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors were the fog, low ceiling, and rising terrain.Jun 25, 1996 · N6249L · Substantial damageNTSB CHI95LA323Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHaugen Kolb Firestar II · Souris, NDthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the ultralight vehicle.Sep 17, 1995 · N42996 · DestroyedNTSB CHI95FA285Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Ardoch, NDthe pilot-in-command's continuing flight into adverse weather. Factors were the pilot-in-command's failure to obtain a weather observation and the adverse weather.Aug 18, 1995 · N85115 · DestroyedNTSB CHI95FA124Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 65-B80 · Great Bend, NDthe pilot/mechanic's inadequate maintenance (inspection) of aircraft and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (VMC). Factors were icing conditions, deteriorated induction air ducting, and failure of a piston assembly.Apr 12, 1995 · N7057J · DestroyedNTSB CHI94GA093Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportCessna 401A · Minot, NDFailure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude during a missed approach. Factors related to the accident were: the unfavorable weather and snow covered terrain.Feb 24, 1994 · N4071Q · DestroyedNTSB CHI93FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Bowman, NDThe non instrument rated private pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance after inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions.Dec 17, 1992 · N7243Y · DestroyedNTSB CHI93LA017Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-260 · Trenton, NDThe pilot's improper aircraft handling while maneuvering at low altitude.Oct 24, 1992 · N8675L · DestroyedNTSB CHI92FA220Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Northwood, NDSpatial disorientation of the pilot in command during initial climb.Jul 31, 1992 · N8BL · DestroyedNTSB CHI92LA196Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8E · Napoleon, NDThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed above a stall.Jul 4, 1992 · N2264K · DestroyedNTSB CHI91FA291Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95 · Killdeer, NDThe pilot's disregarding the weather forecast; his improper in-flight decision to continue a VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions; and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain. The mountainous hilly terrain and low ceiling were…Sep 11, 1991 · N393B · DestroyedNTSB CHI91DTG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 172P · Bismarck, NDSpatial disorientation. Factors related to the accident are failure to obtain a preflight weather brief, vrf flight into IMC conditions and lack of total experience.Jun 1, 1991 · N5478K · DestroyedNTSB CHI90FA214Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Donnybrook, NDThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in hilly terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and the surrounding steeply rising terrain.Aug 5, 1990 · N10094 · DestroyedNTSB DEN90FA161Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Hettinger, NDThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during climbout. Contributing factors were: the pilot's lack of recent experience, and the over maximum gross weight condition of the aircraft.Jul 13, 1990 · N11580 · DestroyedNTSB DEN90DTG02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportEugene N. Rausch RV-4 · Erie, NDAn inadvertent stall.Jun 23, 1990 · N319ER · DestroyedNTSB DEN90FA099Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-160 · Scranton, NDPilot factor in that he failed to maintain aircraft control while performing an inflight maneuver.Apr 24, 1990 · N2911Z · DestroyedNTSB DEN89DTG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 188A · Valley City, NDInadequate visual lookout by the pilot. The power line was a related factor.Aug 6, 1989 · N188TV · Destroyed