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Fatal NTSB investigations, 1997

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

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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\") = 1997
    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 MIA98WA049Accident · 10 fatalForeign investigationBritten-Norman Islander · Rio Sidra, PanamaDec 31, 1997 · HP986 · DestroyedNTSB CHI98LA073Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Watertown, SDthe pilot's failure to perform an aircraft preflight and to remove the ice which had accumulated on the airframe. A factor involved in the accident was the icing weather conditions which existed and the ice which accumulated on the airplane.Dec 31, 1997 · N5087Q · DestroyedNTSB LAX98FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-11 · Willow Beach, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft for undetermined reasons.Dec 30, 1997 · N5532H · DestroyedNTSB CHI98FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-30 · Wayne, ILthe pilot in command failed to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor was the lack of experience of the pilot and copilot in the type and model of aircraft. An additional factor was the pilot did not follow the proper procedure when the flaps were raised…Dec 30, 1997 · N999WB · DestroyedNTSB MIA98FA047Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414A · Guyton, GAInadequate maintenance of the cabin pressurization system, which resulted in inadequate pressurization and incapacitation of the pilot due to the hypoxia. Also causal was the pilot's failure to adequately monitor the cabin pressurization system.Dec 29, 1997 · N414MT · DestroyedNTSB CHI98LA126Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Ft. Leonardwood, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance and his inadequate inflight decision which resulted in VFR flight in to instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot's overconfidence in his ability is a contributing factor.Dec 29, 1997 · N30255 · DestroyedNTSB DCA98MA015Accident · 1 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBoeing 747-122 · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)The pilot-in-command's inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions, and the difficulty of obtaining adequate weather forecasts of over-ocean turbulence. Factors contributing to the accident include the presence of clear air turbulence, and the failure…Dec 28, 1997 · N4723U · Minor damageNTSB MIA98FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Raleigh-Durham, NCWas loss of control of the airplane on initial climb after entering instrument flight conditions resulting in a turn opposite in direction from that given by ATC, and eventual collision with terrain.Dec 25, 1997 · N12172 · DestroyedNTSB FTW98LA075Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Monticello, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and clearance from obstacles. Also causal was the pilot becoming lost and disoriented. Contributing factors were his lack of familiarity with the geographical area, lack of experience, night conditions, and…Dec 24, 1997 · N1596V · Substantial damageNTSB CHI98LA072Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30/A · Hastings, NEThe pilot's improper IFR procedure, by which he failed to maintain minimum descent altitude. Fog, a low ceiling, and night condition were a contributing factor.Dec 24, 1997 · N9WG · DestroyedNTSB CHI98FA070Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-301 · Hampshire, ILthe pilot's intentional flight into known icing conditions, and the accumulation of ice on the leading edges of the airplane's empennage and wings leading to the inadvertent stall/mush. A factor contributing to this accident was the icing conditions.Dec 23, 1997 · N2586Y · DestroyedNTSB ATL98FA030Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Tallahassee, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath and adequate obstacle clearance which resulted in collision with a power transmission line.Dec 23, 1997 · N8074Z · DestroyedNTSB ATL98LA029Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLutz EAA Biplane P-2 · Wellington, FLfailure of the pilot to ensure the fuel selector was properly positioned to a tank with adequate fuel before takeoff, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power; failure of the pilot to accomplish the emergency procedure (restart the engine…Dec 22, 1997 · N913AM · Substantial damageNTSB NYC98FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Spring City, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.Dec 21, 1997 · N22LU · DestroyedNTSB FTW98FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A100 · Colo Springs, COFailure of the pilot to follow IFR Procedures and maintain the minimum descent altitude (MDA). A related factor was fog.Dec 21, 1997 · N100BE · DestroyedNTSB NYC98FA047Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCady LONG-EZ · West Milford, NJFailure of the pilot to use carburetor heat, which resulted in carburetor ice. Carburetor icing conditions and terrain conditions were contributing factors.Dec 20, 1997 · N18CC · Substantial damageNTSB IAD98FA018Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A 36 · Findlay, OHThe pilot-in-command's failure to obtain/maintain clearance with objects during the initial climb. Contributing factors were trees, fog, and the flying pilot's failure to maintain runway heading during the initial climb.Dec 20, 1997 · N5050G · DestroyedNTSB FTW98FA073Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSwearingen SA226-T · Byers, COThe pilot inadvertently stalling the airplane and his subsequent spatial disorientation which prevented him from maintaining airplane control. Factors were excessive workload on the pilot and the dark night light conditions.Dec 20, 1997 · N950TT · DestroyedNTSB NYC98LA049Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBihn Mini 500 · Gettysburg, OHA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, followed by the main rotor striking the tailboom, which resulted in the separation of a main rotor blade.Dec 19, 1997 · N727EB · DestroyedNTSB DCA98RA013Accident · 97 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 737-300 · IndonesiaDec 19, 1997 · 9VTRFNTSB CHI98FA068Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Evansville, INImproper maintenance by the use of a loose fitting unapproved fuel line, which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power.Dec 17, 1997 · N782D · Substantial damageNTSB ATL98FA025Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A150K · Jacksonville, FLthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate flying speed following a banner pick up, which resulted in a stall and an uncontrolled collision with the ground. A related factor was: the pilot allowed the maximum certificated gross weight of the airplane to be…Dec 17, 1997 · N1218M · Substantial damageNTSB NYC98LA043Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Belle Vernon, PAThe pilot's improper out-of-ground hover procedure, which resulted in a loss of tailrotor effectiveness.Dec 16, 1997 · N55TP · DestroyedNTSB FTW98FA068Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Littleton, COThe pilot's inability to maintain adequate visual lookout due to the lighting conditions and his failure to follow company procedures for departure from a landing zone. Factors were dark night conditions, bright lights in the landing zone which prevented…Dec 15, 1997 · N771AL · DestroyedNTSB SEA98FA023Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 690A · Yakima, WAA loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.Dec 13, 1997 · N72VF · DestroyedNTSB DCA98RA011Accident · 10 fatalForeign investigationFairchild SA-226-TC · La Veriente, BoliviaDec 13, 1997 · CP1635NTSB CHI98LA061Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Sturtevant, WIThe pilot's misjudgment of altitude/distance and her failure to maintain adequate visual lookout. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance. A contributing factor was the pilot experiencing a visual illusion.Dec 13, 1997 · N5454S · DestroyedNTSB NYC98FA041Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Pittsville, MDthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, his resultant improper planning/decision and flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude while flying over wooded terrain. Factors…Dec 12, 1997 · N3448W · DestroyedNTSB FTW98RA076Accident · 10 fatalForeign investigationFairchild SA-2226-TC · La Vertiente, BoliviaDec 12, 1997 · CP-1635NTSB ATL98FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A100 · Charlotte, NCThe pilot's continued approach below decision height without reference to the runway environment, and his failure to execute a missed approach.Dec 11, 1997 · N30SA · DestroyedNTSB IAD98FA015Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TB-20 Trinidad · Roanoke, VALoss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A related factor was the low ceiling.Dec 10, 1997 · N3041J · DestroyedNTSB NYC98LA039Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · New Salem, MAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance above the water due to his impairment by drugs. A factor in this accident was the glassy water condition.Dec 9, 1997 · N12219 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI98LA059Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30 · Independence, KSthe pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather. Contributing factors were low ceilings, fog, and the guy wire.Dec 8, 1997 · N4854V · DestroyedNTSB LAX98FA052Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Lytle Creek, CAthe non-instrument rated pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and subsequent loss of aircraft control, due to spatial disorientation. Factors relating to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions (low ceiling…Dec 7, 1997 · N3548E · DestroyedNTSB FTW98FA063Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPitts S-2B · Bozeman, MTThe failure of both pilots to maintain visual lookout. Factors were the pilot of N693SB not following procedures and directives, and the pilot of N693SB using poor judgment.Dec 7, 1997 · N693SB · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB FTW98LA064Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAdams A55S · Gallup, NMfailure of the ground crewman to follow proper procedures. A factor relating to the accident was: the passenger failed to follow the pilot's verbal instructions.Dec 6, 1997 · N1063V · No damageNTSB ATL98LA019Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSiggi's Airplane Works D-4 Fascination · Leesburg, FLstructural failure of the right wing, during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent to the ground.Dec 6, 1997 · DMSMV · DestroyedNTSB ATL98LA018Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJohn T. Simpson Challenger II · Rainbow City, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the ground. A related factor was the pilot's lack of flying experience.Dec 6, 1997 · N11644 · DestroyedNTSB MIA98FAMS1Accident · 2 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportBeech G35 · Missingundetermined.Dec 3, 1997 · N4404D · DestroyedNTSB LAX98FA050Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Sedona, AZthe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate terrain clearance during the climb. Contributing factors were dark night conditions, mountainous/hilly terrain, and mountain wave weather conditions.Dec 3, 1997 · N301JL · DestroyedNTSB MIA98FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChristen Industries A-1 · Lansing, NCthe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a wire.Dec 2, 1997 · N9613P · DestroyedNTSB SEA98LA018Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 112 · Kettle Falls, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering. Factors include the physiological impairment of the pilot's judgement due to alcohol.Dec 1, 1997 · N1054J · DestroyedNTSB MIA98FA038Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C-182E · Townsend, TNthe pilot's failure to maintain VFR flight conditions in a mountainous area resulting in inflight collision with rising terrain.Dec 1, 1997 · N9033Y · DestroyedNTSB MIA98FA040Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCommander 114B · Cross City, FLVFR flight by the noninstrument-rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft, due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with the terrain (tree,…Nov 30, 1997 · N302RS · DestroyedNTSB NYC98FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · St Mary'S, PAwas the pilot's descent below the minimum descent altitude and his failure to comply with published procedures.Nov 28, 1997 · N6923 · DestroyedNTSB NYC98FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-S35 · Chatham, MAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact into trees. Related factors were high wind and turbulence.Nov 27, 1997 · N5667K · DestroyedNTSB LAX98FA048Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Carson City, NVThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed after being distracted by the nose baggage door opening in-flight resulting in a stall/spin. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and lack of experience in the type…Nov 27, 1997 · N6933Y · DestroyedNTSB ATL98FA017Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMark Ewart Velocity Standard RG · Florence, SCimproper maintenance procedures used by the pilot/repairman, which resulted in the loosening and eventual failure of the propeller. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's self-imposed pressure to hurry to the destination, and trees in the forced…Nov 26, 1997 · N907ME · Substantial damageNTSB LAX98FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · El Cajon, CAThe solo student's failure to see and follow the other aircraft on the downwind as he had been instructed. Factors influencing this accident was the failure of the pilots in the other aircraft to see and avoid the aircraft encroaching on his flight path; the…Nov 25, 1997 · N757FT · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB DCA98RA009Accident · 9 fatalForeign investigationBell UH-1H · La Palma, PanamaNov 25, 1997 · N124