Fatal NTSB investigations, 1990
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
| 1962 | 11 |
|---|---|
| 1963 | 13 |
| 1964 | 539 |
| 1965 | 560 |
| 1966 | 581 |
| 1967 | 625 |
| 1968 | 718 |
| 1969 | 655 |
| 1970 | 643 |
| 1971 | 664 |
| 1972 | 697 |
| 1973 | 731 |
| 1974 | 727 |
| 1975 | 692 |
| 1976 | 707 |
| 1977 | 713 |
| 1978 | 800 |
| 1979 | 691 |
| 1980 | 672 |
| 1981 | 705 |
| 1982 | 638 |
| 1983 | 651 |
| 1984 | 617 |
| 1985 | 555 |
| 1986 | 507 |
| 1987 | 496 |
| 1988 | 502 |
| 1989 | 484 |
| 1990 | 499 |
| 1991 | 482 |
| 1992 | 494 |
| 1993 | 437 |
| 1994 | 445 |
| 1995 | 456 |
| 1996 | 421 |
| 1997 | 402 |
| 1998 | 422 |
| 1999 | 404 |
| 2000 | 443 |
| 2001 | 412 |
| 2002 | 417 |
| 2003 | 440 |
| 2004 | 418 |
| 2005 | 428 |
| 2006 | 408 |
| 2007 | 387 |
| 2008 | 373 |
| 2009 | 359 |
| 2010 | 363 |
| 2011 | 398 |
| 2012 | 389 |
| 2013 | 344 |
| 2014 | 360 |
| 2015 | 365 |
| 2016 | 341 |
| 2017 | 338 |
| 2018 | 361 |
| 2019 | 381 |
| 2020 | 294 |
| 2021 | 321 |
| 2022 | 330 |
| 2023 | 295 |
| 2024 | 292 |
| 2025 | 275 |
| 2026 | 242 |
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 year(c.\"eventDate\") = 1990
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 year(c."eventDate") = 1990 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 SEA91FA038Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182B · Estacada, ORA power loss due to carburetor ice, and missing muffler cones as a result of inadequate maintenance inspection. In addition, the pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing which resulted in a stall.NTSB ATL91FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B95 · Austell, GAThe loss of engine power which resulted from the pilot's failure to properly use the carburetor heat. The pilot failed to maintain flying speed during the emergency descent which resulted in a stall on final approach. A factor in the accident was weather…NTSB ATL91FA031Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182E · Saluda, NCThe continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing factor were fog, rain, and low ceiling.NTSB MIA91FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Pensacola, FLThe pilot's failure to use carburetor heat resulting in loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. A factor in the accident was the pilot's medical condition.NTSB CHI91FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Gardner, KSA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Darkness was a related factor.NTSB NYC91DGT01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportKolb Twin Star · Carlisle, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude above the ground.NTSB LAX91LA053Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Douglas, AZAn inflight loss of control of the airplane due to the pilot's physical impairment from the consumption of alcohol. A factor which contributed to the accident was an inoperative vacuum system.NTSB ANC91FA018Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208 · False Pass, AKThe pilot's improper decision to continue flight into an area of mountainous terrain and adverse weather conditions. The terrain and weather were factors.NTSB SEA91FA120Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182H · Thompson, UTThe pilot's misjudged descent. Contributing to the accident was the dark night conditions.NTSB CHI91LA047Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 175 · Boscobel, WIThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and his failure to remain clear of the trees. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions and the pilot's lack of instrument experience.NTSB ANC91FA017Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Evanston, WYThe pilot's premature descent. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's fatigue and poor weather.NTSB FTW91FA025Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-181 · Olla, LAThe collapsed carburetor float and restricted movement of the fuel metering needle. Factors were the darknight, the unsuitable terrain, and the operator's maintenance personnel failure to inspect (repair) the engine.NTSB SEA91LA034Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech D50C · Snohomish, WAThe obstruction (protruding door support bracket) in the doorway of the aircraft; failure of the company/operator personnel, the pilot, and the skydivers to assure that the doorway was clear of obstructions; and subsequent snagging of the d-ring, which…NTSB LAX91LA055Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Fresno, CAThe pilots intentional flight into known adverse weather conditions and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors in the accident were: the foggy weather conditions; spatial disorientation; and the pilot's over confidence in his own personal…NTSB LAX91FA059Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182C · Globe, AZThe pilot's failure to conduct a weather evaluation prior to flight and his attempt to conduct his flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions. Low ceilings along his flight route and self induced pressure to reach his…NTSB NYC91FA046Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerostar S-60A · Columbus, OHImproper planning/decision by the pilot. The unfavorable wind and temperature inversion were related factors.NTSB CHI91DEM02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D1 · North Muskegon, MIThe pilot-in-command's not maintaining sufficient airspeed and entering into an inadvertent stall. Factors related to this accident were fuel starvation and the pilot-in-command's not selecting a proper fuel tank selector position.NTSB LAX91LA054Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas 369D · Haleakla Nat Pk, HIFuel starvation due to the unporting of the fuel supply pick-up.NTSB SEA91LA033Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportErco 415-C · Ola, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude for terrain clearance. Also causal was the pilot's impairment due to alcohol. Contributing factors were the night light condition and the hilly terrain.NTSB ATL91FA025Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Ripley, TNPerforming a stall maneuver at an altitude below prescribed minimums, and his failure to apply correct flight control inputs to recover from the stall and spin.NTSB SEA91LA030Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Wenoso · Olympia, WAThe inadvertant stall/spin and loss of aircraft control by the pilot in command while performing aerobatic maneuvers.NTSB NYC91FA042Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A24R · Owls Head, NYThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Factors related to the accident were: darkness, adverse weather conditions, and mountainous terrain.NTSB DCA91MA010Accident · 8 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-9-14 · Romulus, MILack of proper crew coordn, including virtual reversal of roles by the DC-9 plts, which led to their failure to stop taxiing & alert gnd ctlr of their positional uncertainty in a timely manner bfr & after intruding onto the active rwy. Contribuing to cause of…NTSB BFO91LA016Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Axton, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with an obstacle. Contributing was an unmarked powerline and the pilot's lack of familiarity with the geographical area.NTSB SEA91FA027Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 690A · Ryderwood, WAThe pilot's improper inflight planning and failure to maintain proper altitude in mountainous terrain at night.NTSB SEA91FA026Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Salt Lake City, UTThe pilot's intentional buzzing of uninhabited island in the great Salt lake and his misjudging the timing of a pull-up maneuver to clear rising terrain of a ridgeline.NTSB MIA91FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Bunnell, FLFailure of the pilot to maintain altitude, while maneuvering at night over an unlighted area, which resulted in a collision with trees. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and possible spatial disorientation of the pilot due to lack of visual ques.NTSB CHI91FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T2 · Des Moines, IAThe pilot's improper emergency procedures by not feathering the left engine after it lost power and/or was shut down, and his failure to keep the aircraft at or above the minimum control airspeed (VMC), which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. A factor…NTSB LAX91FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201 · Show Low, AZThe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in loss of engine power, due to induction system icing. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather condition and lack of a suitable area for a forced landing.NTSB LAX91FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210-F · Fontana, CAThe pilot-in-command's decision to continue flight into known adverse weather conditions during the hours of darkness in mountainous terrain.NTSB CHI91FA033Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150K · Valley Center, KSContinued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft after becoming spatially disoriented. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, adverse weather conditions, and the…NTSB ANC91FA014Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 170 · 40 W Of Clear, AKThe non-instrument rated pilot-in-command's loss of control while attempting to operate under visual flight rule while in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the whiteout condition created by the vast expanse of white lake…NTSB NYC91FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414A · Atlantic City, NJFailure of the pilot to follow the published ILS procedure and his continued descent below the decision height. Darkness and the adverse weather conditions were related factors.NTSB LAX91FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22Beta · Simi Valley, CAA divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for an undetermined reason, which resulted in rotor contact to the tailboom and cockpit.NTSB FTW91DRD02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-J3C-65 · Mer Rouge, LAAn inadvertent stall at an altitude too low to allow for recovery.NTSB NYC91LA036Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Cheswold, DEA loss of control in flight, by a non-instrument rated pilot in instrument meteorological conditions. Factors related to the accident were: his decision to fly after he received weather briefings which inlcuded 'VFR flight not recommended'.NTSB NYC91FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Perham, METhe pilot initiating flight into known icing conditions which resulted in an accumulation of airframe ice and a failure to maintain airspeed. The contributing factor was the existing icing conditions.NTSB FTW91FA017Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B55 · England, ARThe pilot's misjudgement of altitude, which resulted in his failure to arrest descent from a dive. The pilot's impaired judgment from consumption of ethanol (alcohol) was a factor.NTSB SEA91FA021Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-55 · Hayden Lake, IDThe pilot's improper IFR procedure in failing to intercept the proper glideslope path.NTSB LAX91FA036Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-A55 · Woodland, CAThe pilot's misjudgement of his altitude to assure terrain clearance during a night visual approach. Contributing factors were the dark night, unlit terrain, the pilot's lack of recent night time, the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airport, and an…NTSB CHI91FA031Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-RT300 · Gaylord, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the dark night, adverse weather conditions, and the pilot's overconfidence in continuing VFR flight into these conditions.NTSB ATL91FA018Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182E · Blairsville, GAFuel exhaustion resulting in engine stoppage, and the pilot's failure to obtain fuel earlier in the flight.NTSB SEA91FA020Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Albion, IDThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain control of the airplane in instrument meteorological conditions. Factors which contributed to the accident were the pilot's apprehension of flying in the forecasted weather, and the adverse weather conditions…NTSB MIA91FA029Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Homestead, FLThe failure of the pilot to insure adequate fuel was present in the aircraft for the flight resulting in loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB LAX91FA040Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech S-35 · Kingman, AZProper altitude not maintained. Contributing to the accident was: the lack of supplemental oxygen on board the aircraft, pilot fatigue, improper use of the auto pilot, and pilot complacency.NTSB FTW91FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMBB BO 105CB4 · Cameron, LAThe company's maintenance personnel's failure to install the cyclic interconnect tube and their failure to inspect the helicopter prior to flight.NTSB SEA91FA019Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 206 · Pullman, WAThe pilot displayed inadequate inflight planning and decision making. Factors to the accident were: the weather was obscured, the dark night condition, and a proper altitude not maintained.NTSB CHI91DCQ01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRobert Bressler Pitts S-1E · St. Francis, KSThe failure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control.NTSB MIA91LA027Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)Delay of the pilot to obtain assistance and, as a result, he ditched the airplane near a boat due to a low fuel supply.NTSB LAX91LA032Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · San Clemente, CAThe pilots selection of improper cruise altitude while operating under a low overcast on a dark night. A factor in the accident was fatigue and lack of sleep.