Fatal NTSB investigations, 1985

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

19622026
Fatal NTSB investigations, 1985 per year, 1962–2026: 30,830 cases
196211
196313
1964539
1965560
1966581
1967625
1968718
1969655
1970643
1971664
1972697
1973731
1974727
1975692
1976707
1977713
1978800
1979691
1980672
1981705
1982638
1983651
1984617
1985555
1986507
1987496
1988502
1989484
1990499
1991482
1992494
1993437
1994445
1995456
1996421
1997402
1998422
1999404
2000443
2001412
2002417
2003440
2004418
2005428
2006408
2007387
2008373
2009359
2010363
2011398
2012389
2013344
2014360
2015365
2016341
2017338
2018361
2019381
2020294
2021321
2022330
2023295
2024292
2025275
2026242

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 year(c.\"eventDate\") = 1985
    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.

NTSB DCA86AA012Accident · 7 fatalFinal reportDouglas DC-3 · Dekalb, TXAt 1708:48, while cruising at 6000', a pilot of N711Y advised ATC, 'I think I'd like to turn around, head for texarkana here, I've got a little problem.' He was provided a vector & advised of closest airports. Shortly after, he stated he would be unable to…Dec 31, 1985 · N711Y · DestroyedNTSB SEA86FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportStinson 108 · Hoquiam, WAThe acft contacted terrain 680 ft north of rwy 06 at bowerman airfield. The acft departed elma arpt, ocean shores, WA, sometime around 2330 PST, on 12-29-85. Prior to the departure the passenger stated to persons they were waiting for the fog to clear for…Dec 30, 1985 · N40199 · DestroyedNTSB SEA86FA033Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Des Moines, WAThe weather briefer informed the pilot that VFR was not recommended due to current/forecast condtions. The non instrument rated pilot then filed a VFR flight plan responding that he was IFR rated and would file inflight if necessary. Witnesses reported…Dec 30, 1985 · N1152T · DestroyedNTSB FTW86FA028Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B33 · Arlington, TXInspite of an adverse weather forecast, the non-instrument rated pilot took off into pre-dawn fog and low ceilings. The acft impacted the ground in a steep descending turn after being observed maneuvering at a low altitude. No eng, airframe, or instrument…Dec 30, 1985 · N8948M · DestroyedNTSB DEN86FA232Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Salina, UTThe non-instrument rated plt did not obtain a wx briefing nor file a flight plan. He and his wife took off from bullfrog basin airport, glen canyon, UT, en route to heber city, UT, on 12-30-85. Acft did not arrive. Civil air patrol search was conducted from…Dec 30, 1985 · N27CF · DestroyedNTSB LAX86FA077Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Hyder, AZWitnesses observed the acft depart the ranch airstrip, level off at about 200 ft AGL & make a turn back over the ranch house. The acft occupants were seen to wave to the people on the ground as the acft began an abrupt climbing turn. The witnesses then saw…Dec 29, 1985 · N4592Y · DestroyedNTSB DEN86FA056Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · West Valley, UTDuring apch to rwy 34L, the rt horizontal stab, elevators and wings separated in-flt. Investigation revealed the plt was not instr current. Ntap data revealed N2082S at an alt of 7,400 ft and 203 KTS grnd speed at outer marker. The mca at the marker is 6,100…Dec 29, 1985 · N2082S · DestroyedNTSB FTW86FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172B · Caddo Mills, TXMid-air occurred at uncontrolled arpt with the S-2B executing rt traffic, as published, and the C-172 executing a long final or an arcing lft turn to final. Both acft were attempting to land on rwy 17R. Acdt occurred during late afternoon and there was…Dec 28, 1985 · N6876X · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB DEN86FA054Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206-L3 · Monument Valley, UTThe helicopter contacted power lines and the terrain during an attempted takeoff from a hospital after a cancelled med-evac flt. The hospital is located in a box canyon surrounded by high terrain and power lines. The plt was aware of the power line that…Dec 25, 1985 · N10UB · DestroyedNTSB LAX86MA074Accident · 7 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 95-A55 · Concord, CADrg arr, the acft was vectored for an lda rwy 19R apch. After being clrd for the apch, the plt was advised that radar svc was terminated & told to contact the twr. At 2033 PST, he rprtd inbnd at the final apch fix & was clrd for the apch. Aprx 2 min later, he…Dec 24, 1985 · N1494G · DestroyedNTSB ANC86FA020Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Lake Clark Pass, AKThe acft collided with rising terrain while maneuvering in a mountain Pass. Low ceilings, 40 to 50 kt winds and rain showers were reported in the area at the time of the accident.Dec 23, 1985 · N5009D · DestroyedNTSB CHI86MA052Accident · 6 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 177B · Brooklyn, MIThe pilot took off with five passengers approximately 170 pounds over maximum allowable gross weight into known moderate icing conditions. His aircraft was not equipped to fly in these conditions. Radio and radar contact were lost at approximately 3500 feet…Dec 22, 1985 · N34046 · DestroyedNTSB MKC86FA037Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L · Ainsworth, NEThis med-evac helicopter was being positioned to pick up a patient. The plt obtained a wx briefing which included a forecast for a chance of marginal VMC along the planned route, although at the time of the briefing the dest weather was VMC. The flt departed…Dec 21, 1985 · N110LG · DestroyedNTSB FTW86FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150E · Shawnee, OKThe unlicensed plt was conducting an unauthorized flt when the accident occurred. The plt took off from a sod fld adjacent to a closed rwy at Shawnee, OK. Witnesses stated that the acft assumed an excessively nose high attitude immediately after takeoff and…Dec 21, 1985 · N4066U · DestroyedNTSB MKC86FA036Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Kansas City, MOThe plt was seen to enter the acft for a short time and then get out, go to the front of the acft and pull down on the prop. The eng fired and the prop struck the pilot's head. A plt who approached the acft moments after the acdt looked into the cockpit and…Dec 20, 1985 · N761YS · No damageNTSB CHI86FEM03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRobinson R22A · Grand Rapids, MIThe plt reported he flew into the wolverine power plant for the purpose of picking up a passenger to whom he was to demonstrate the helicopter's ability to survey power lines. He continued to report, shortly after landing during normal engine shut down…Dec 20, 1985 · N8488H · Substantial damageNTSB LAX86FA069Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Newport Beach, CAThe plt contacted coast TRACON (terminal radar control) & requested VFR traffic advisories to torrence. At aprx 0747 psthe declared an emergency, said the eng had quit & requested vectors to the john wayne/orange county arpt. The controllerprovided a hdg to…Dec 19, 1985 · N9044P · DestroyedNTSB ATL86FA041Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Langhorne, PAAcft collided with marked but unlighted transmission lines 670 ft fm rwy threshold. The lines are 81 ft above the threshold elevation and are marked but unlighted. They are also 1193 ft from the displaced threshold. The pilot did not have a current medical or…Dec 15, 1985 · N231A · Substantial damageNTSB ATL86FA040Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Springfield, TNThe acft collided with the ground inverted. Witnesses stated that the acft was performing loops prior to the accident. Reportedly, the plt was giving a female companion a 'joy ride'. The plt had recently received his commercial cert. Instrument rating & CFI…Dec 15, 1985 · N2697Z · DestroyedNTSB MIA86FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-23 · Pensacola, FLShortly after takeoff on initial climb the aircraft was seen to crash back on the runway. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right stabilator attach/hinge bolt was not installed, and the left stabilator attach/hinge bolt was found partially…Dec 14, 1985 · N6636B · DestroyedNTSB CHI86MA047Accident · 5 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech B-60 · Carp Lake, MIDrg arrival, the plt reported a problem with his #1 nav, but said he would try to make an ILS apch. He said he would return to pontiac, if his ILS did not work. ARTCC cleared him for the ILS rwy 32 apch & instructed him to contact pellston radio (fss). At…Dec 14, 1985 · N24RT · DestroyedNTSB LAX86FVA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRobert D. Campbell KR-1 · Oakdale, CAThe acft crashed in a cow pasture in VMC wx. The acft left wing struck the ground in a steep angle of bank and the acft nosed in throwing the eng 450 ft farther across the field. The canopy & canopy latch were found prior to the impact point of the left wing.…Dec 13, 1985 · N12YC · DestroyedNTSB LAX86FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Oxnard, CAThe acft took off, pitched up steeply, stalled, nosed over to the right and crashed, nose down into the grass south of the rwy. Post accident inspection of the acft disclosed that the 2 inch bolt the plt used as a control gust lock for the elevator and…Dec 13, 1985 · N7310X · DestroyedNTSB FTW86FA025Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGates Learjet 35A · College Station, TXThe acft rolled to the right and crashed after a catastrophic (uncontained) failure of the rt eng during takeoff for a night flt. The rt eng fan rotor disc separated from the hub which damaged the cowling and some disc fragments buried in the fuselage but…Dec 13, 1985 · N723GL · DestroyedNTSB DCA86RA010Accident · 256 fatalForeign investigationDouglas DC-8-63 · Gander, CanadaDec 12, 1985 · N950JWNTSB ATL86FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Corning, NYDuring ILS runway 6 approach acft hit high terrain short of the outer marker. When on downwind for approach pilot said he was not receiving the localizer and asked for a surveillance approach. Controller said he could not provide. When cleared for the ILS…Dec 11, 1985 · N7770Y · DestroyedNTSB LAX86FA063Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Independence, CAWhile en route, the acft collided with moutainous terrain (trrn) at an aprx elev of 13,500 ft. previously, the plt had requested & was rcvg traffic advisories fm ARTCC. Bfr the acdnt, the acft's psn & alt (mode c reply) were noted by the controller (ctlr). No…Dec 10, 1985 · N737SG · DestroyedNTSB CHI86FA046Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale SA365N · Adrian, MIThe purpose of this flight was to pick up an injured patient and return him to a medical center. The weather was adequate for a VFR takeoff. However, enroute weather reports indicated fog and probable low ceilings. According to the single survivor of the…Dec 10, 1985 · N5800H · DestroyedNTSB LAX86FA061Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-201T · So. Lake Tahoe, CAPrior to departing on a VFR flt from south lake Tahoe, CA, to tracy, CA, the plt failed to obtain a wx briefing or file a flt plan. Wx at the arpt of departure was reported as scattered clouds at 1500 ft, broken ceiling conditions at an estimated 3000 ft,…Dec 9, 1985 · N2854R · DestroyedNTSB NYC86FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Peru, MADuring IFR flight at 12000 feet both aircraft vacuum pumps failed. Aircraft descended in right turn off radar. Witnesses observed aircraft at low altitude above trees, circle, make steep left turn, climb and descend to ground.Dec 8, 1985 · N36888 · DestroyedNTSB CHI86FA042Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportLearjet 35A · Rochester, MNThe aircraft had just successfully completed a series of practice approaches to a full stop. The training flight was being conducted to give refresher training to the pilot who had not flown a lear jet in over a year and had never flown a lear model 35. The…Dec 8, 1985 · N15TW · DestroyedNTSB DEN86FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35-B33 · Columbia Falls, MTThe acft contacted snow covered terrain in an uncontrolled descent aprx 3 minutes after takeoff. The plt obtained a wx briefing from kalispell, MT, NWS and updated briefings from missoula and great Falls, MT, fss, for proposed night VFR flt to ogden, UT. VFR…Dec 6, 1985 · N5637K · DestroyedNTSB CHI86FA041Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320 · Ada, OHThe pilot overflew a planned intermediate stop before running low on fuel. He was unable to find the airport he was being vectored to & attempted to land in a plowed field during dark conditions. As the aircraft passed over powerlines the aircraft was…Dec 6, 1985 · N5755X · DestroyedNTSB NYC86FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Selinsgrove, PAThe afct was seen flying at low alt before it collided with unmarked transmission lines at a height of 170 ft AGL. The acft pitched up and then descended to the ground. The top of the rudder and vertical stabilator were severed from the acft. The collision…Dec 5, 1985 · N652FL · DestroyedNTSB LAX86FUJ02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 182G · Gila Bend, AZOn December 4, 1985, at 1928 MST, a Cessna 182, N3205S, collided with a power utility pole near paloma, AZ. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was destroyed and the two people on board the…Dec 5, 1985 · N3205S · DestroyedNTSB LAX86FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Sacramento, CAOn December 4, 1985 at 2230 PST, a Beech F33A, operated by the owner, collided with trees during a missed approach at Sacramento metropolitan airport, Sacramento, California, while on a business flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the…Dec 5, 1985 · N6541A · DestroyedNTSB LAX86FVD03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAero Commander 680T · Concord, CAOn 12/3/85 at aprx 0830, the acft was fnd lying inverted in a canal adjacent to the arpt where it had been on 24 hr standby for medical flts. Twelve days later, the plt's body was also fnd in the canal. An investigation revealed the acft had been taken…Dec 3, 1985 · N17690 · DestroyedNTSB ATL86FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Dacula, GAThe acft collided with trees 3.5 miles from the arpt during an instrument approach in dense fog. The approach required an adf receiver and the acft did not have one. The mda on the approach was 1600 ft. the acft impacted the trees at 1200 ft MSL. The acft was…Dec 2, 1985 · N9289J · DestroyedNTSB LAX86MA050Accident · 1 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · San Pedro, CATwo Bell 206L'S (N3913Z oprd by helitrans, N5759Y oprd by island express) deptd avalon 2 min apart on flts to San Pedro. Arr route at destn was ovr a RVR with angling fnl acph arnd a floating restaurant (fr). Heliport (HP) was in congested area nr bridge,…Dec 1, 1985 · N3913Z · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB BFO86FA008Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D95A · Millville, NJThe plt & his wife deptd sarasota FL for a 5HR and 10MIN planned flt to Millville, NJ. 5HRS and 8MIN ltr the acft crashed in woods abt 2 miles short of miv. Fuel calculations indicated the acft should have had ovr 11GALS left in the tanks. Witnesses located…Dec 1, 1985 · N26FM · DestroyedNTSB DEN86FA038Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C-182 · Gallup, NMThe plt departed las cruces, NM, on a VFR flt to Gallup,NM. Approx 23 miles from destination, in mountainous terrain, the non-instrument rated plt encountered unforecast snow storm conditons at night. While the plt was maneuvering toward the destination at a…Nov 29, 1985 · N52599 · DestroyedNTSB CHI86FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE 36 · Odell, ILThe plt departed on an IFR flight into known icing conditions after receiving three complete weather briefings clearly indicating the icing conditions with numerous plt reports of icing. Aprx 40 minutes after departure the plt reported he had about an inch of…Nov 29, 1985 · N3807Z · DestroyedNTSB LAX86FA048Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · San Bernardino, CAThe instrument rated plt & his family flew from TX to CA. It was night time upon arrival and the plt did not communicate with any FAA facility. Earlier in the flt, during a refueling stop, the plt had telephoned a friend and his parents to arrange to be…Nov 28, 1985 · N7541V · DestroyedNTSB CHI86FA033Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Duluth, MNThe pilot departed crystal lake for a flight to visit relatives for thanksgiving. He did not obtain a preflight weather briefing nor did he contact any ground facility during the flight. He was qualified to fly in VFR conditions only. The aircraft impacted…Nov 28, 1985 · N8082B · DestroyedNTSB ATL86FA032Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C90 · East Greenwich, RIThe acft crashed about nine miles short of the rwy during an ILS approach to warwick, RI in IMC wx. The acft had been cleared to descend from 13000 to 3000 ft. the acft crashed outside the outer marker. The co-plt had reported the acft as inside the outer…Nov 27, 1985 · N220F · DestroyedNTSB SEA86FVW01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportGriffin, Thomas Modified KR-Z · Panaca, NVA witness to the accident observed the aircraft climb straight ahead and make a shallow left 90 degree turn. The aircraft was then observed to resume level flight. The aircraft then slowly wen into a bank and fell off into a dive striking the ground. This was…Nov 26, 1985 · N999TG · DestroyedNTSB MKC86MA031Accident · 7 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportRockwell 500-S · Des Moines, IAN81589 was flwg a Boeing 727 on ILS apch in IFR conds. Aprx 2.5 mi fm rwy, N81589 suddenly deviated left nrly 90 deg. 39 sec later, plt rprtd he enctrd svr turbc, then said he was trying to clb. N81589 subsequently flew thru tree tops on rising trrn for aprx…Nov 25, 1985 · N81589 · DestroyedNTSB MKC86FA030Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Tontitown, ARAfter completing two erratic 360 deg turns in a holding pattern west of the razorback VORTAC station, the plt was instructed to proceed via the 218 deg radial of the razorback VORTAC until reaching the elmie intersection and to hold. A couple of minutes later…Nov 25, 1985 · N86JB · DestroyedNTSB MIA86FA034Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Sarasota, FLWitnesses reported that shortly after takeoff from a touch and go landing the aircrafts engine sputtered and quit completely. As the pilot was attempting a forced landing the aircraft struck a tree causing the pilot to lose control. The aircraft struck the…Nov 24, 1985 · N201QN · DestroyedNTSB MIA86MA032Accident · 6 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Boca Raton, FLAccording to witnesses, the plt took off on rwy 4, then turned left toward the southwest & flew parallel with the rwy at a distance of about 1/4 to 1/2 mi. He leveled the acft at aprx 200' AGL, just below the clouds, until aprx abeam of midfield, then he…Nov 23, 1985 · N3862Y · Destroyed