Fatal NTSB investigations, 1998

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, 1998 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
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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\") = 1998
    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 DEN99FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · West Jordan, UTThe pilot's poor judgement by intentionally flying into instrument meteorological conditions without proper certification. Factors were the resulting spatial disorientation, the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft, the in-flight wing…Dec 31, 1998 · N7283P · DestroyedNTSB NYC99FA041Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Randolph, NHThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions which led to spatial disorientation and loss of aircraft control. Also causal was the pilot exceeded the design limits of the aircraft which resulted in an in-flight separation.…Dec 28, 1998 · N4591J · DestroyedNTSB FTW99FA055Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Midland, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, resulting in an inadvertent stall.Dec 26, 1998 · N182FE · DestroyedNTSB LAX99LA068Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Thermal, CAThe occurrence of an in-flight incapacitating heart rhythm to the pilot. A factor was the pilot's ingestion of over-the-counter medications that made him more susceptible to an abnormal heart rhythm.Dec 25, 1998 · N7776W · DestroyedNTSB CHI99FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C-172R · Angola, INThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for undetermined reasons.Dec 25, 1998 · N989CP · DestroyedNTSB LAX99FA058Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Yucaipa, CAThe flight instructor's failure to maintain control of the airplane.Dec 24, 1998 · N11829 · DestroyedNTSB LAX99FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell UH-1H · Quincy, CAAn inaccurate exhaust gas temperature gauge, that allowed the engine to be run over-temperature unknowingly by the pilot, which resulted in the subsequent failure of the turbine sections. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM during the…Dec 23, 1998 · N4590 · DestroyedNTSB NYC99WA039Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206G · St John'S, CanadaDec 19, 1998 · N4688C · DestroyedNTSB LAX99FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Santa Clarita, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors were the night weather conditions and the lack of total and recent instrument flight time.Dec 19, 1998 · N6272J · DestroyedNTSB DCA99WA026Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 206 · St. Johns, CanadaDec 19, 1998 · UNK · DestroyedNTSB LAX99FA052Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportParkman VARI-EZE · Tucson, AZThe pilot's failure to attain and maintain an adequate flying airspeed during the aircraft's maiden flight, which resulted in a stall/mush condition. Also causal was the pilot/builder's decision to modify the engine and the fuel system control microchip,…Dec 18, 1998 · N81EZ · DestroyedNTSB DCA99WA025Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech 95 · Camarines Provi, PhilippinesDec 17, 1998 · UNK · DestroyedNTSB DCA99WA024Accident · 5 fatalForeign investigationBeech 200 · Libreville, GabonDec 17, 1998 · UNK · DestroyedNTSB CHI99FA052Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Sherrill, IAthe pilot continued flying with a known discrepancy and he failed to maintain airspeed and lost control of the airplane while attempting a forced landing. Factors included the tailwind and the undetermined loss of power.Dec 17, 1998 · N5314B · DestroyedNTSB MIA99RA048Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31-310 · Las Mesitas, HondurasDec 16, 1998 · YS14CNTSB FTW99FA049Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Marksville, LAThe pilot's failure to visually identify the hazardous condition of the runway. Factors were the dusk light condition and the pilot's failure to obtain NOTAMs.Dec 15, 1998 · N22038 · Substantial damageNTSB NYC99FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Greenville, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during touch-and-go landing, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. A factor was the tree.Dec 12, 1998 · N43778 · Substantial damageNTSB DCA99WA021Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationAirbus Industrie 300-200 · Surat Thani, ThailandDec 12, 1998 · UNK · DestroyedNTSB MIA99FA043Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Pahokee, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during the approach.Dec 9, 1998 · N788SP · Substantial damageNTSB FTW99FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Newcastle, OKthe pilot's loss of control due to his inadvertent encounter with severe turbulence and wind shear during an instrument approach. Factors contributing to the accident were the severe turbulence and the wind shear.Dec 6, 1998 · N1826S · DestroyedNTSB DCA99WA017Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech Kingair 300 · Istanbul, TürkiyeDec 5, 1998 · TC-DH · DestroyedNTSB CHI99FA047Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Waterford, MIthe pilot's descent below the decision height for the instrument approach.Dec 5, 1998 · N59902 · DestroyedNTSB NYC99FA033Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream American AA-1 · Brooklyn, CTThe student pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin.Dec 4, 1998 · N6166L · DestroyedNTSB DEN99FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 Beta II · Deming, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance of the transmission wire. Factors were the transmission wire, and the glaring sunlight condition.Dec 4, 1998 · N8340J · DestroyedNTSB FTW99FA041Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 501 · Umpire, ARThe pilot's in flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.Dec 2, 1998 · N501EZ · DestroyedNTSB IAD99FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportArmbruster MINI-500 · Midland, VAthe improper repair of the engine following a previous engine seizure which resulted in the loss of engine power over unsuitable terrain.Nov 29, 1998 · N500GH · DestroyedNTSB CHI99FA042Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172F · Coleman, WIpilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees and his intentional flight into IMC conditions. Factors contributing to this accident were the pilot's lack of instrument certification, his becoming lost in the poor weather, his inadequate preparation for…Nov 29, 1998 · N72RE · DestroyedNTSB FTW99FA038Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBlanton RAF 2000 · The Colony, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the gyroplane during cruise flight. A factor was the gusty wind condition.Nov 28, 1998 · N14GR · DestroyedNTSB NYC99LA027Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · London, KYThe pilot's inadequate start procedure in which he fail to secure the aircraft from movement during an attempt to handprop the engine.Nov 25, 1998 · N244L · No damageNTSB FTW99FA033Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Bacliff, TXThe pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his inability to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from the wire. Contributing to the accident were the fog, low ceilings and his lack of instrument time.Nov 24, 1998 · N4908D · Substantial damageNTSB LAX99FA038Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Oakland, CAThe pilot-in-command's inadequate fuel management which led to fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and his ostentatious display.Nov 21, 1998 · N9222T · DestroyedNTSB LAX99FA036Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Scottsdale, AZthe failure of the solo student pilot in the other aircraft to acquire and maintain separation from this aircraft, which was departing the airport traffic pattern and had been issued as traffic by the local controller. Also causal was the failure of the pilot…Nov 21, 1998 · N99064 · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB IAD99FA020Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBurgess RV-6 · Edgewater, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from the trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's unfamiliarity with the geographic location and dark night conditions.Nov 21, 1998 · N956DB · DestroyedNTSB NYC99FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414A · Mattapoisett, MAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after an undetermined failure of the airplane's attitude indicator. A factor in this accident was fog.Nov 20, 1998 · N6820J · DestroyedNTSB ATL99FA019Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Santee, SCThe pilot continued VFR flight into IMC conditions and lost control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation. Factors were foggy weather conditions and self-induced stress.Nov 16, 1998 · N6522M · DestroyedNTSB MIA99FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Olive Branch, MSThe pilot's failure to follow IFR procedures when he descended below the published minimum descent altitude.Nov 15, 1998 · N83396 · DestroyedNTSB NYC99LA025Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHorner-Ryan Wichawk · Pine Island, NYThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain control while maneuvering.Nov 14, 1998 · N30HR · DestroyedNTSB CHI99FA029Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182F · Wichita, KSThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and contaminated fuel supply.Nov 14, 1998 · N3240U · Substantial damageNTSB ATL99FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Daytona Beach, FLAn interior cabin fire of undetermined origin. A factor was the power lines impacted during the emergency descent.Nov 14, 1998 · N48882 · Substantial damageNTSB LAX99FA027Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Yerington, NVthe failure of the pilot to see and avoid the aircraft ahead, which was already established in the traffic pattern. The failure of both pilots announce their intentions on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency was a factor in this accident.Nov 12, 1998 · N19281 · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB SEA99FA013Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHiller UH-12E · Marshall, WAThe loss of the bolt that connects the lateral cyclic linkage push rod to the lower end of the upper firewall-mounted lateral cyclic linkage bellcrank, resulting in an uncontrolled descent into the terrain.Nov 10, 1998 · N752GB · DestroyedNTSB FTW99IA024Incident · 1 fatalIncident investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-235 · Mineral Wells, TXThe pilot-in-command's incapacitation due to cardiovascular disease.Nov 10, 1998 · N4927P · No damageNTSB FTW99FA022Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChallenger II · San Antonio, TXThe pilot's inadvertent stall. A factor was the pilot's lack of experience in type of vehicle.Nov 8, 1998 · UNREG · DestroyedNTSB FTW99FA021Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Conroe, TXThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Factors were the dark night light conditions prevailing for the ensuing forced landing and the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model…Nov 8, 1998 · N4726R · Substantial damageNTSB FTW99FA020Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B19 · Hobart, OKThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Factors were the low ceiling, fog, dark night conditions, and the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing prior to the flight.Nov 8, 1998 · N9740L · DestroyedNTSB SEA99TA010Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna TR182 · Desert Aire, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and/or clearance over a power line crossing the river, resulting in collision with a static wire at the top of the crossing structure. Factors included the static wire, and inadequate marking of the static…Nov 6, 1998 · N756YE · Substantial damageNTSB LAX99FA028Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Bishop, CAThe failure of the pilot-in-command, after encountering a downdraft, to maneuver and maintain clearance from mountainous terrain. Physical impairment due to hypoxia was a factor in the accident.Nov 6, 1998 · N2737R · DestroyedNTSB CHI99LA024Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Liberty, MOThe excessive rotation by the pilot-in-command. The climb not obtained by the pilot-in-command, the fence and the trees were contributing factors.Nov 6, 1998 · N42342 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI99FA023Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-60 · Rock, KSthe pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft and made an improper evaluation of the weather. Additional factors were flying a test flight at night with the icing conditions in the clouds.Nov 5, 1998 · N5LN · DestroyedNTSB MIA99LA026Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSaab-Scania 340A · Memphis, TNThe ground crewmembers inadvertent walking into the path of a rotating propeller resulting in her being struck and fatally injured.Nov 4, 1998 · N325PX · Minor damage