Fatal NTSB investigations, SD
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 | 5 |
| 1966 | 4 |
| 1967 | 5 |
| 1968 | 7 |
| 1969 | 3 |
| 1970 | 4 |
| 1971 | 4 |
| 1972 | 2 |
| 1973 | 5 |
| 1974 | 4 |
| 1975 | 6 |
| 1976 | 2 |
| 1977 | 7 |
| 1978 | 3 |
| 1979 | 2 |
| 1980 | 4 |
| 1981 | 7 |
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 4 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 2 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 |
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\" = 'SD' 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" = 'SD' 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 CEN26LA296Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportPara-Ski VX · Westport, SDOn August 19, 2026, about 1920 central daylight time, a Para-Ski VX powered parachute, C-IFBY, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Westport, South Dakota. The pilot sustained serious injuries, passenger 1 sustained fatal…NTSB CEN25FA289Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPiper PA-22-150 · New Underwood, SDOn July 28, 2025, about 0604 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-22-150 airplane, N9642D, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near New Underwood, South Dakota. The pilot was seriously injured and the passenger sustained fatal…NTSB CEN25FA248Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPiper PA-25 · Hot Springs, SDOn July 12, 2025, about 1322 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-25, N8186K, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Hot Springs, South Dakota. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…NTSB CEN24FA295Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Irene, SDThe pilot’s poor decision to continue the flight into deteriorating weather conditions and his failure to maintain a safe altitude, which resulted in controlled flight into trees and terrain.NTSB CEN24LA020Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 46-350P · Pierre, SDThe total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s improper configuration of the automatic fuel transfer system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the header tank’s fuel quantity.NTSB CEN22FA433Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAirgyro AG915 · Yankton, SDA loss of control while an in-flight fire occurred, which resulted in an impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/builder’s improper engine build procedures.NTSB CEN22FA109Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportChristavia MK1 · Oral, SDThe noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and subsequent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt a flight with no…NTSB CEN20LA389Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportChampion 8KCAB · Groton, SDThe pilot’s loss of airplane control during a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver.NTSB CEN20LA309Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna A188 · Corsica, SDThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.NTSB CEN20LA215Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMitsubishi MU2B · Sioux Falls, SDThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN20FA022Accident · 9 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPilatus PC12 · Chamberlain, SDThe pilot’s loss of control shortly after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent, low-altitude aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper loading of the airplane, which resulted in reduced static longitudinal stability and his…NTSB CEN20FA010Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Aberdeen, SDThe noncertificated pilot’s decision to fly in dark night instrument conditions, resulting in impact with terrain.NTSB CEN19FA307Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 140 · Lakeview, SDThe student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack, an aerodynamic stall, and subsequent impact with terrain, and the student pilot’s non-compliance and lack of…NTSB CEN19LA053Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Salem, SDThe incapacitating effects of an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), which resulted in the pilot's loss of airplane control and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN19LA049Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 58 · Sioux Falls, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the instrument approach which led to an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN19FA021Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Bradley, SDThe non-instrument-rated pilot's improper decision to conduct a flight in which instrument meteorological conditions existed along the route of flight, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN17FA132Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210B · Opal, SDThe pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined due to a lack of evidence.NTSB CEN16FA344Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAves Douglas James RV 6 · Viborg, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack, an aerodynamic stall, and subsequent flat spin into terrain.NTSB CEN16FA209Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPruss Richard S Kitfox IV · De Smet, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle-of-attack during a steep turn at a low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at too low of an altitude to recover.NTSB CEN15FA264Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Kadoka, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in the airplane’s wing exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN14FA224Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32R-300 · Highmore, SDThe pilot's decision to continue the flight into known deteriorating weather conditions at a low altitude and his subsequent failure to remain clear of an unlit wind turbine. Contributing to the accident was the inoperative obstruction light on the wind…NTSB CEN13FA324Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportWeatherly 620B · Ludlow, SDThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was task- and/or work-related fatigue.NTSB CEN12LA634Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth Wing Design Apache Sport · Vermillion, SDThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the weight-shift-control aircraft during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB CEN12FA579Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLee Paul SQ 2000 · Pierre, SDThe airplane's entry into a pilot-induced oscillation and the pilot’s loss of airplane control during the takeoff initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the left entrance door opening in flight for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN12FA100Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Sioux Falls, SDThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed after shutting down one engine, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow the guidance contained in the pilot’s…NTSB CEN12LA059Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Sturgis, SDThe student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff with extended flaps.NTSB CEN12FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R66 · Philip, SDThe in-flight separation of the main rotor mast following a mast bumping event. The reason for the mast bumping event could not be determined due to postaccident damage.NTSB CEN11LA581Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Whitewood, SDThe pilot's collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN11FA437Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican Champion 7GCBC · Hayti, SDThe pilot's decision to attempt low-altitude flight and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from power lines.NTSB CEN11LA399Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-36-300 · Highmore, SDThe pilot did not maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN10LA430Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Spearfish, SDThe pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB CEN10LA429Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWarth Dennis J Classic Sport S-18 · Tea, SDA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot's loss of airplane control, which led to an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN10LA275Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Watertown, SDThe pilot's loss of airplane control while conducting aerobatic, low-altitude maneuvers. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairmant due to alcohol.NTSB CEN09LA523Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFrom Here To There PDQ RV-8 · Tea, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during recovery from an aerobatic maneuver.NTSB CHI07LA147Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportThrush S2RHG-T65 · Tyndall, SDThe pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance from a powerline while maneuvering. A factor was the low visibility associated with the thunderstorm and the powerlines.NTSB CHI06FA264Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-95-B55 · N. Sioux City, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during cruise flight, and subsequent inadvertent flat spin from which he could not recover. Contributing to the accident were clouds, turbulence, and rain showers.NTSB CHI06FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Pierre, SDThe loss of engine power during takeoff-initial climb due to the pilot's failure to correctly position the fuel selector, which resulted in fuel starvation and a forced landing.NTSB CHI05LA261Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Faulkton, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation during initial climb after takeoff into night instrument meteorological conditions. Factors were the fog and the dark night.NTSB CHI05LA164Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell S-2R · Bristol, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the static lines between the transmission towers. A factor associated with the accident were the static lines.NTSB CHI05LA023Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Wasta, SDThe pilot inadvertently pulled the fuel shut off valve resulting in fuel starvation and a subsequent loss of engine power. The pilot also failed to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in the airplane stalling.NTSB CHI03LA227Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportUllrich Auriga FT · Aberdeen, SDA loss of engine power due to the lack of design fuel pressure for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI03FA141Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Gettysburg, SDThe pilot not maintaining aircraft control in cruise flight leading to his inadvertent spiral. A factor was the pilot's in-flight encounter with moderate to heavy rain.NTSB CHI03LA133Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir & Space 18A · South Shore, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. The pilot's lack of experience, the rain, the dark night, the low ceiling, and the rising terrain were contributing factors to the accident.NTSB CHI02FA288Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Doland, SDPilot spatial disorientation while flying in dark night conditions, resulting in a loss of aircraft control; and the company's inadequate remedial actions after identifying the pilot's night flying deficiency over areas without lighted references. A factor to…NTSB CHI02LA159Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGalbraith Piel Emeraude · Hot Springs, SDThe loss of engine power due to the connecting rod fatigue failure during takeoff climb.NTSB CHI01LA151Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-402B · Mount Vernon, SDthe pilot not maintaining aircraft control while maneuvering close to the ground.NTSB CHI01FA113Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Norris, SDThe pilot encountering instrument meteorological conditions and his subsequent loss of control of the airplane.NTSB CHI01FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · Rapid City, SDSuicideNTSB CHI00FA288Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-108 · Custer, SDThe pilot not maintaining clearance from the tree. Factors relating to this accident were the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, the high density altitude, the inadequate rate of climb, the pilot's improper in-flight decision to fly into…NTSB CHI00FA265Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Mission, SDthe aircraft control not maintained by the pilot. A contributing factor was pilot fatigue.