Fatal NTSB investigations, WV
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
| 1963 | 1 |
|---|---|
| 1964 | 4 |
| 1965 | 3 |
| 1966 | 6 |
| 1967 | 4 |
| 1968 | 8 |
| 1969 | 6 |
| 1970 | 7 |
| 1971 | 2 |
| 1972 | 7 |
| 1973 | 7 |
| 1974 | 6 |
| 1975 | 7 |
| 1976 | 5 |
| 1977 | 7 |
| 1978 | 4 |
| 1979 | 7 |
| 1980 | 5 |
| 1981 | 7 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1990 | 7 |
| 1991 | 2 |
| 1992 | 7 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2006 | 4 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 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\" = 'WV' 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" = 'WV' 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 ERA27FA004Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldInvestigation openHughes 269B · Lahmansville, WVNTSB ERA26FA266Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportSikorsky S76 · Huntersville, WVOn July 10, 2026, about 0745 eastern daylight time, a Sikorsky S-76D helicopter, N93RT, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Huntersville, West Virginia. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14…NTSB ERA22FA368Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32 · Metz, WVThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s intentional visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions based on latent weather information, which resulted in the airplane entering extreme precipitation, a loss of aircraft control, and in-flight break-up.NTSB ERA22FA279Accident · 6 fatalClass 1 · FieldFinal reportBell UH-1B · Amherstdale, WVthe operator’s failure to adequately inspect the former military turbine powered helicopter, which allowed an engine issue to progress and result in a loss of engine power and a subsequent loss of control after the helicopter struck powerlines during a forced…NTSB ERA21FA377Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C23 · Lansing, WVThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering to avoid trees and terrain after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Also causal was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane outside of…NTSB ERA20FA088Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAeropro CZ A220 · Grafton, WVThe pilot’s decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and conditions favorable for airframe icing, which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane.NTSB ERA20FA019Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20A · Summit Point, WVThe pilot’s decision to conduct a practice stall maneuver at low altitude, which resulted in inadequate altitude remaining in which to recover before impacting terrain.NTSB ERA17FA313Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · Jacksonburg, WVThe pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while flying in instrument meteorological conditions in the vicinity of adverse weather conditions.NTSB DCA17FA109Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportShort Bros. & Harland SD3 30 · Charleston, WVthe flight crew's improper decision to conduct a circling approach contrary to the operator's standard operating procedures (SOP) and the captain's excessive descent rate and maneuvering during the approach, which led to inadvertent, uncontrolled contact with…NTSB ERA16FA141Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Charleston, WVThe flight instructor's failure to ensure that her seat was properly secured before initiating the takeoff, which resulted in a subsequent loss of control. Contributing was the lack of an installed secondary seat stop.NTSB ERA14FA192Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Hugheston, WVThe pilot's loss of airplane control while operating in instrument flight rules conditions.NTSB ERA14FA138Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33 · Lumberport, WVA stroke or cardiovascular event, which resulted in the pilot’s acute impairment or incapacitation and his subsequent flight into terrain.NTSB ERA12FA409Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon C90GT · Morgantown, WVThe pilot's inadequate preflight route planning and in-flight route and altitude selection, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a communications tower in possible instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's…NTSB ERA12FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHarry L. Weber Arion LI · Hedgesville, WVAn aerodynamic stall at low altitude due to the pilot’s acute cardiac event.NTSB ERA12FA012Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Peru, WVThe non-instrument rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA11FA495Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T-28C · Martinsburg, WVThe pilot's impairment or incapacitation that occurred during a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver due to complications from a recent heart attack, resulting in his inability to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the Federal…NTSB ERA11FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMD Helicopters 369E · Thomas, WVThe pilot's failure to clear the helicopter and its external load from surrounding structures and his failure to execute a timely release of the external load, which resulted in an inadvertent entanglement and collision with wires and terrain. Contributing to…NTSB ERA10FA088Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Raneille, WVThe pilot's improper decision to attempt visual flight into deteriorating night weather conditions, and his subsequent controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA09FA429Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus SR-22 · Ravenswood, WVThe pilot's improper modification of the certified, on-board oxygen system, which resulted in incapacitation due to hypoxia, and the airplane's subsequent uncontrolled descent into terrain.NTSB ERA09FA377Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 400 · Huntington, WVThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation.NTSB ERA09FA145Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Huntington, WV(1) The pilot’s failure to perform adequate preflight planning and to use available in flight resources in a timely manner and (2) his decision to continue visual-flight-rules flight in instrument meteorological conditions despite his lack of an instrument…NTSB NYC08FA012Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 560-F · Wiley Ford, WVA partial power loss in the right engine due to the failure of the number one exhaust valve, and the airplane's inability to maintain a climb on one engine for unknown reasons. Contributing to the accident were fog and rising terrain. [This report was…NTSB NYC07FA041Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20R · Summersville, WVThe airplane's encounter with in-flight icing, which resulted in a loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's improper weather evaluation, the in-flight icing conditions, the reduced visibility from a snow squall during the forced…NTSB NYC06FA162Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310D · Sutton, WVThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during takeoff-initial climb to avoid a stall/mush. A factor associated with the accident was the inadvertent stall/mush.NTSB NYC06FA079Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 56TC · Winfield, WVThe pilot's inadequate preflight preparation to ensure an adequate supply of supplemental oxygen, and his inadequate in-flight planning and decision making, which resulted in exhaustion of his oxygen supply, and incapacitation from hypoxia during cruise…NTSB NYC06LA066Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Henderson, WVThe pilot's improper decision to attempt the off-airport takeoff; and his improper decision to continue the takeoff after striking a pole during the takeoff roll.NTSB NYC04LA217Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFirefly Galaxy 9 · Lewisburg, WVThe pilot's improper decision to attempt to board the balloon while it was ascending.NTSB NYC04FA170Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Wheeling, WVThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while executing an instrument approach. A factor was the night instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB NYC04FA139Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Rupert, WVThe pilot-in-command's improper decision to continue VFR flight into IMC conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Factors were the FAA Principle Operations Inspector's inadequate surveillance of the operator, and a low ceiling.NTSB NYC04LA024Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Bruceton Mills, WVThe pilot's physical impairment due to alcohol and his improper decision to attempt flight with a low cloud ceiling, low visibility, after consuming alcohol. A related factor in the accident was the low cloud ceiling.NTSB NYC03FA113Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Bruceton Mills, WVThe pilot's intentional decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance which resulted in the airplane striking a guy wire on the communications antenna. A factor was the fog.NTSB NYC03LA054Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · So. Charleston, WVThe pilot's failure to perform a go-around prior to touchdown. Factors in the accident were the rising terrain and tail wind.NTSB IAD02LA089Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPuhl Genesis · Petersburg, WVThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed after a loss of engine power, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Factors included the pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and the transmission wires in the pilot's glide…NTSB NYC02FA168Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Sanderson, WVPhysiological impairment or incapacitation likely related to the pilot's recent exacerbation of Crohn's disease. A factor in the accident was the pilot's decision to conduct the flight in his current medical condition.NTSB IAD01FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369A · Perry, WVThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. A contributing factor was mountainous terrain.NTSB NYC01LA070Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWhittman Tailwind DN-1 · Grafton, WVThe pilot's improper preflight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A factor was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane.NTSB NYC01FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Bluefield, WVThe pilot's failure to execute the published missed approach procedure. A factor was heavy snowfall during the approach.NTSB NYC01LA050Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMiller Slingshot · Kingwood, WVThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, and subsequent collision with trees.NTSB NYC00FA226Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Davis, WVThe pilot-in-command's inadequate weather evaluation, which resulted in a takeoff with a tailwind, and a subsequent inadvertent stall. Factors were a high gross weight, a high density altitude, and a tailwind.NTSB NYC99FA157Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Hurricane, WVA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm and the transmission wires.NTSB NYC99LA116Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNations Acro Sport II · Pence Springs, WVThe student pilot's improper decision to perform aerobatics, and his failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in an inadvertent spin. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of aerobatic experience.NTSB IAD98FA054Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Davis, WVThe pilot's spatial disorientation, his subsequent loss of control of the airplane, and his overload of the horizontal stabilizer during a recovery attempt. Factors include the pilot's continued flight into icing conditions, his lack of airspeed control, and…NTSB IAD98FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Mcmechen, WVThe pilot's inadequate pre-flight planning and preparation which resulted in fuel exhaustion during takeoff.NTSB IAD98FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C-90 · Newton, WVThe pilot inadequate management of the fuel system which resulted in fuel starvation to both engines. Factors in the accident were the pilot's concern about maintenance being completed prior to executing a scheduled flight later in the day, and operating the…NTSB NYC98FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Morgantown, WVThe loss of engine power due to carburetor ice and the pilot's failure to follow ATC instructions during the emergency descent.NTSB IAD98FA005Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Sago, WVThe improper overhaul of the turbine governor by the manufacturer, which resulted in the loss of power.NTSB NYC97FA057Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E-18S · Mabie, WVThe pilot's disregard of the preflight weather briefing for severe weather along his route of flight, and his departure into the known and forecasted severe weather. A factor in the accident was the inadequate FAA oversight of the operator, which fostered an…NTSB NYC97FA021Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Duo, WVThe pilot's inadequate inflight decision which resulted in VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance which resulted in an inflight collision with terrain. The low ceiling was a factor.NTSB IAD96FA132Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Summersville, WVThe pilot's improper flare, his delay in aborting a landing, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a bounced landing and a stall during climb out in an attempt to avoid collision with trees.NTSB IAD96LA122Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Philippi, WVthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his resultant improper planning/decision, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from trees, while maneuvering at low altitude. Intentional maneuvering at low altitude was a…