Fatal NTSB investigations, VA
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 | 10 |
|---|---|
| 1965 | 8 |
| 1966 | 8 |
| 1967 | 9 |
| 1968 | 11 |
| 1969 | 13 |
| 1970 | 15 |
| 1971 | 10 |
| 1972 | 11 |
| 1973 | 8 |
| 1974 | 14 |
| 1975 | 6 |
| 1976 | 12 |
| 1977 | 13 |
| 1978 | 12 |
| 1979 | 11 |
| 1980 | 7 |
| 1981 | 11 |
| 1982 | 8 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1984 | 13 |
| 1985 | 9 |
| 1986 | 11 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 10 |
| 1989 | 9 |
| 1990 | 10 |
| 1991 | 4 |
| 1992 | 11 |
| 1993 | 10 |
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 10 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 6 |
| 1998 | 6 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 8 |
| 2001 | 7 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2003 | 7 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2006 | 11 |
| 2007 | 7 |
| 2008 | 7 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 2 |
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\" = 'VA' 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" = 'VA' 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 CEN26FA253Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportMontana Coyote · Fredericksburg, VAOn July 14, 2026, about 1105 eastern daylight time, an experimental Montana Coyote airplane, N448VQ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fredericksburg, Virginia. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a…NTSB ERA26LA207Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportI.C.A.-Brasov IS-28B2 · Scotts Fork, VAThe photographer’s failure to remain clear of an active taxiway.NTSB ERA25FA185Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMX Aircraft Tech PTY MXS · Hampton, VAA counterweight plug that loosened during the accident flight, jammed the elevator, and resulted in loss of control during landing.NTSB CEN25FA124Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Danville, VAOn March 15, 2025, about 1500 eastern daylight time, a Robinson R44 helicopter, N331ES, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Danville, Virginia. The pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…NTSB ERA25FA103Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportBeech V35B · Charlottesville, VAOn January 25, 2025, about 1235 eastern standard time, a Beech V35B, N2UZ, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Charlottesville, Virginia. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of…NTSB ERA25FA065Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportTruitt James B Vans RV-8A · Fort Blackmore, VAOn December 4, 2024, about 1451 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Vans RV-8A, N627TT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fort Blackmore, Virginia. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was…NTSB ERA24FA219Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportM-Squared Breese 2 · Culpeper, VAOn May 17, 2024, about 1430 eastern daylight time, an M-Squared Aircraft Inc. Breese 2 airplane, N99VY, was involved in an accident near the Culpeper Regional Airport (CJR), Culpeper, Virginia. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was…NTSB ERA24FA209Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRockwell International 690A · Palmyra, VAThe pilot’s loss of control following an encounter with structural icing, which resulted in an inflight breakup of the airplane.NTSB ERA24FA136Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportIsrael Aircraft Industries 1125 Westwind Astra · Hot Springs, VAThe PIC’s continuation of an unstabilized approach in gusting wind conditions and his failure to monitor the airplane’s altitude during the approach, which led to a descent into terrain short of the runway. Contributing was the flight crew’s failure to set…NTSB ERA24FA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C23 · Midland, VAThe pilot’s decision to descend below the minimum decision altitude of the instrument approach without having the appropriate runway visual references distinctively identified and with the visibility and ceiling below the minimum that was prescribed for the…NTSB ERA23FA260Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV6 · Colonial Beach, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA23FA256Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 560 · Montebello, VAPilot incapacitation due to loss of cabin pressure for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s and owner/operator’s decision to operate the airplane without supplemental oxygen.NTSB ERA23FA131Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150G · Hillsville, VAThe pilot’s continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA23FA108Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Dayton, VAThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while descending over mountainous terrain at night.NTSB ERA23FA103Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Suffolk, VAThe pilot’s decision to fly the airplane without confirming it had been released from maintenance, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to loose magnetos. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and…NTSB ERA23FA008Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Newport News, VAThe flight instructor’s failure to monitor the student pilot on takeoff and her delayed remedial action to stop him from exceeding the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in a low altitude aerodynamic stall from which she was unable to recover.NTSB ERA22FA418Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32 · Afton, VAA catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation, which resulted in a total loss of engine power at night over mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA22FA114Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 310 · Danville, VAThe pilot’s impairment due to exposure to carbon monoxide as a result of undetected engine exhaust penetration into the cockpit, resulting in the pilot's failure to maintain a minimum controllable airspeed after partially securing an engine after takeoff.NTSB ERA21FA148Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C23 · Purcellville, VAThe pilot's improper decision to depart from the short turf runway with a tailwind.NTSB ERA21LA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech V35 · Deltaville, VAAn uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain following an in-flight collision with seagulls.NTSB ERA20LA305Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA20 · Luray, VAThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation, a loss of control, and collision with terrain.NTSB ERA20FA097Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAviastroitel AC 4C · Front Royal, VAThe pilot's exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.NTSB ERA19FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEipper Quicksilver · Fredericksburg, VAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which led to an aerodynamic stall while turning in the traffic pattern at low altitude.NTSB ERA19FA036Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTitan Tornado 1 · Louisa, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and the airplane's exceedance of its critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin at a low altitude.NTSB ERA19FA010Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportVans RV8 · Culpeper, VAThe pilot's loss of attitude orientation while maneuvering at low altitude in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB ERA19FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · Fancy Gap, VAThe non-instrument-rated pilot's improper decision to undertake a flight into forecast instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and his subsequent decision to continue the flight after encountering IMC, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.…NTSB ERA18FA187Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Williamsburg, VAThe pilot's failure to safely operate the helicopter due to his impaired cognitive and physical abilities, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB ERA18FA150Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Chesapeake, VAThe pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during the departure climb in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA18FA127Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Crozet, VAThe pilot's loss of control while operating in night instrument meteorological conditions as a result of spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate an airplane after consuming alcohol and his resulting…NTSB ERA18FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 25-235 · Front Royal, VAThe tow plane pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence. Contributing to the accident was the glider instructor's diversion of attention away from the tow airplane which resulted in his delay in…NTSB ERA17LA280Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCostruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2004 Bravo · Quinton, VAThe flight instructor and commercial pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in water contamination of the fuel supply, and a total loss of engine power.NTSB ERA17FA274Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Charlottesville, VAThe pilot's loss of helicopter control after entry into vortex ring state, leading to a high rate of descent to the ground with a right spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent and recurrent training in vortex ring state recognition…NTSB ERA16FA288Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95 B55 (T42A) · Fredericksburg, VAThe pilot(s) failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an attempted go-around, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA16FA194Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportJihlavan Airplanes Sro KP 5 ASA · Rhoadesville, VAThe pilots' loss of control that necessitated the activation of the parachute system and the airplane manufacturer's inadequate design of the front parachute anchor attachment structure, which resulted in a failure of the parachute after it was deployed in…NTSB ERA16FA089Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCaughran Terry Flightstar II · Wake, VAFailure of the left wing in flight due to compression loading from wing loads combined with preexisting damage.NTSB ERA15FA215Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95 B55 (T42A) · Saltville, VAThe pilot’s flight into developing rain showers and updrafts, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s continued flight into forecast adverse weather conditions, and his reliance on…NTSB ERA15FA170Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Orange, VAThe student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA15FA144Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Norfolk, VAThe pilot's failure to properly execute the instrument approach procedure. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's improper preflight planning and his decision to conduct the flight in instrument meteorological conditions at night into forecast moderate…NTSB ERA15FA076Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTitan Tornado II · Catlett, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA15FA046Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Hinton, VAThe flight instructor’s decision to conduct a night training flight in mountainous terrain without conducting or allowing the student to conduct appropriate preflight planning and his lack of situational awareness of the surrounding terrain altitude, which…NTSB ERA14FA445Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T 28C · Alton, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude while performing low-level aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to attempt aerobatics at such a low altitude.NTSB ERA14LA415Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Wallops Island, VAThe pilot’s impairment and subsequent incapacitation for reasons that could not be determined because the pilot and airplane were not recovered.NTSB ERA14FA328Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Topping, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB ERA14FA231Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportEagle C-7 · Ruther Glen, VAThe pilot’s inadequate approach and his failure to maintain clearance from power lines, which resulted in a subsequent fire.NTSB ERA14FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Chatlottesville, VAThe pilot’s failure to position the fuel selector handle in a fuel tank detent, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the pilot’s fatal injuries was the separation of his shoulder harness due to overload in an…NTSB ERA14LA006Accident · 4 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Hampton Roads, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control due to spatial disorientation in low-visibility conditions while maneuvering during a missed approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s ineffective use of the onboard GPS equipment.NTSB ERA13FA385Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Danville, VAThe student pilot's failure to maintain control and climb the airplane during a go-around maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to provide adequate oversight of the student pilot by ensuring that the cockpit was free of…NTSB ERA13FA330Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Fredericksburg, VAThe pilot's intentional descent into the ground to commit suicide.NTSB ERA13FA227Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNewgent, Barry S6S · Suffolk, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while turning from the downwind to the base leg of the traffic pattern, which resulted in a subsequent aerodynamic stall, spin, and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of currency…NTSB ERA13FA209Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210E · Williamsburg, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during a base-to-final turn with a gusting wind and potential turbulence/wind shear, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.