Fatal NTSB investigations, 2002
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\") = 2002
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") = 2002 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 DEN03FA028Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Steamboat Spgs, COthe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision making resulting in insufficient altitude to fly over the mountain, and the subsequent inadvertent stall/mush into tree covered mountainous terrain. Contributing factors were the tail wind and high density…NTSB LAX03LA055Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLipscomb Lancair 235 · Payson, AZthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during an aborted landing that resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. A contributing factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane.NTSB FTW03LA068Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBarber Glasair · Conroe, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall and a subsequent loss of control.NTSB FTW03FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F-35 · Addison, TXThe pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply by his failure to switch fuel tank positions which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB MIA03FA034Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Manteo, NCThe pilot's continued descent below the minimum descent altitude, for undetermined reasons, while performing a NDB approach, resulting in the airplane crashing into water 1.5 miles from the airport. A factor in the accident was a cloud ceiling below the…NTSB DEN03FA025Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421 · Akron, COThe fractured connecting rods and the pilot not maintaining aircraft control following the engine failure. Factors contributing to the accident were the low altitude, the pilot not maintaining minimum controllable airspeed following the engine failure, the…NTSB FTW03FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-58 · Egypt, ARThe pilot's inadvertent flight into severe icing conditions. A contributing factor was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning.NTSB LAX03FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Dolan Springs, AZthe pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from power lines. A factor was the pilot's decision to conduct cruise flight at a low altitude.NTSB IAD03FA024Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Woodbury, CTAn engine fire for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the pilot's loss of control, and the airplane's subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ATL03FA025Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Macon, GAThe loss of engine power due to oil starvation.NTSB SEA03WA030Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationLancair IV · Geelong, AustraliaNTSB FTW03LA061Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCreekmore Team Rocket F-1 · Rosenberg, TXThe in-flight separation of the vertical stabilizer as a result of the builder's failure to install the upper attachment fitting for the vertical fin aft spar.NTSB MIA03WA032Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-46-500TP · Badearic Island, SpainNTSB ANC03GA020Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAviat A-1B · King Salmon, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB CHI03FA041Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Rockford, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the ILS approach. Factors associated with the accident were the low ceilings, high winds, crosswind, and wind shear conditions that existed.NTSB LAX03WA221Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31-325 · Fielding, New ZealandNTSB LAX03FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Anaheim Hills, CAthe pilot's encounter with forecast severe turbulence during an inadvertent penetration of an intense weather cell, which resulted in the pilot exceeding the design structural limits of the airplane. A factor in the accident was the pilot's inadequate…NTSB MIA03WA042Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 206 · El Carmen, ColombiaNTSB LAX03FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)undetermined, missing aircraft.NTSB MIA03WA031Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-23-250 · Freeport, BahamasNTSB ANC03LA022Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Petersburg, AKAn in flight collision with ocean water for an undetermined reason.NTSB CHI03LA037Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-1 · Frankenmuth, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB CHI03LA036Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American T-28B · Glenwood, MNThe altitude/clearance not maintained by the pilot-in-command. The low altitude maneuvering by the pilot-in-command was a contributing factor.NTSB FTW03FA059Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 1900C · Eagleton, ARIn-flight collision with terrain due to the pilot's failure to maintain clearance and altitude above rapidly rising terrain while on a VFR approach. Contributing factors were the obscuration of the terrain due to clouds.NTSB MIA03WA027Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206G · Pucallpa, PeruNTSB MIA03FA025Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon 58 · Fort Myers, FLthe pilot's spatial disorientation during instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing factors included the pilot's distraction to the low fuel status and the low cloud conditions.NTSB MIA03FA024Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAaa Aircraft Leasing 192 · Miami, FLThe inflight fire of undetermined origin, which resulted in pilot incapacitation, loss of aircraft control and an inflight collision with a building.NTSB DEN03FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell Commander 114 · Hot Springs, ARthe loss of engine power due to the failure of the engine ignition system's single-drive dual-magneto, and the magneto's improper installation by unknown maintenance personnel. Contributing factors were the improper installation of the magneto by unknown…NTSB ATL03FA023Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Arecibo, PRThe pilots failure to follow the normal takeoff checklist (Wing Flaps-Up) and failure to maintain airspeed after takeoff that resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB LAX03FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Phelan, CAthe student pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering that lead to a stall spin and impact with flat desert terrain.NTSB FTW03FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Harrison, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft and the exceedance of the manufactured limits, which resulted in an in flight break-up. Contributing factors were the dark night conditions and the clouds.NTSB FTW03FA055Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Tajique, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. Factors contributing to the accident were the high mountains, mountain obscuration, the dark night condition, and the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision making.NTSB FTW03FA054Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402C · Lewisville, TXThe failure of the attitude indicator, and the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control as a result of spatial disorientation following the failure of the attitude indicator. Contributing factors were a low ceiling, clouds, and dark night conditions.NTSB SEA03FA015Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCaron Seawind · Bryant, WAA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the failure of the flying pilot to maintain flying speed resulting in an inadvertent stall, loss of control and subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB FTW03FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Lindsay, OKThe in-flight separation of the right wing due to the missing nut that secures the right wing's strut to fuselage fitting to the fuselage.NTSB IAD03FA019Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300 · Bastian, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate altitude above terrain. Factors in the accident were the dark night conditions and the low cloud ceiling.NTSB FTW03FA051Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-220T · McAlester, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain the airplane's minimum controllable airspeed during a single-engine go-around which resulted in his loss of control. Contributing factors to the accident included the loss of power from the left engine as a result of…NTSB SEA03FA013Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Malaga, WAThe pilot's attempted VFR flight into IMC resulting in the aircraft colliding with trees and up sloping terrain. Contributing factors were clouds, trees, and uphill terrain. The pilot’s performance and judgment were likely impaired by the effects of…NTSB LAX03FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B36TC · Union City, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude, which resulted in controlled flight into rising mountainous terrain. Contributing factors were the pilot's loss of situational awareness to his terrain proximity, the dark night, and the…NTSB FTW03LA049Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGirard RV-4 · Homer, LAThe pilot's VFR flight into IMC conditions and his failure to obtain/maintain altitude/clearance from trees during the initial climb after takeoff. Contributing factors were fog and trees.NTSB FTW03FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Salem, UTThe pilot's inadequate inflight planning/decision to continue flight from visual to instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from terrain while in cruise flight. A low ceiling, obscuration, mountainous terrain…NTSB NYC03FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TB-20 · Massena, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in a stall. Factors in this accident were the icing conditions, deteriorated airplane performance due to ice accumulation, and control interference by the passenger as reported by the pilot.NTSB FTW03FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Kentwood, LAThe failure of the #1 and #2 connecting rods during climb to cruise due to overheating, resulting from oil starvation. A contributing factor was the low cloud conditions limiting the pilot's visibility during the ensuing emergency landing.NTSB ATL03FA017Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Cornelia, GAThe pilot's failure to follow IFR approach procedures and continue below the minimum descent altitude, which resulted in an inflight collision with trees, and the ground. A factor was the pilot's impairment from a prescription drug.NTSB MIA03LA019Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJohn H. Heiring Express · Moncks Corner, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed following a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, resulting in an inadvertent stall and subsequent uncontrolled descent and in-flight collision with water.NTSB NYC03FA022Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182D · NewPhiladelphia, OHThe pilot's improper decision to disregard the weather briefing, and to conduct an intentional flight into known icing conditions, with an airplane not equipped for that flight, and his failure to maintain airspeed. Factors were the clouds and icing…NTSB MIA03WA017Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-23-250 · San Carlos, ArgentinaNTSB FTW03LA041Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Houston, TXThe dual student's intentional suicide by exiting from the airplane during descent. A contributing factor was the psychological condition of the dual student.NTSB NYC03FA021Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M10 · Fairfield, NJThe inadequate visual lookout of both pilots. Factors in the accident were the FAA controller's failure to provide a traffic advisory, the improper decision among the three controllers to leave only one controller in the cab, and night conditions.NTSB MIA03FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Climax, NCThe pilot's operation of the airplane at a low altitude during final approach that resulted in an in-flight collision with a tree, a witness reported pitch-up, and subsequent stall and in-flight collision with terrain.