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Fatal NTSB investigations, 2003

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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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\") = 2003
    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 MIA04FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 441 · Greenacres City, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and subsequent uncontrolled descent into a canal. A factor was the pilot's impairment by the drug chlorpheniramine.Dec 30, 2003 · N111RC · DestroyedNTSB ATL04LA064Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAtkinson SA 102.5 · Trenton, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall, and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.Dec 28, 2003 · N8117L · DestroyedNTSB ATL04FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney 20F · Campobello, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering for an emergency landing resulting in an inadvertent stall and a collision with trees and the ground during an uncontrolled descent. A factor in the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight…Dec 28, 2003 · N2996L · DestroyedNTSB ANC04FA016Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Peoria, AZThe inadequate visual lookout by the pilots of both aircraft, which resulted in their failure to see-and-avoid each other's aircraft and a subsequent midair collision. A factor associated with the accident was the airplane pilot's failure to determine that…Dec 28, 2003 · N2094M · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB LAX04WA080Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPacific Aerospace 750XL · Pacific Ocean, New ZealandDec 26, 2003 · ZKUAC · DestroyedNTSB LAX04LA089Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Vacaville, CAthe pilot's inadequate hand prop starting procedure.Dec 26, 2003 · N7668G · No damageNTSB WAS04RA010Accident · 141 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 727-223 · Cotonou, BeninDec 25, 2003 · 3X-GDONTSB LAX04FA078Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · North Las Vegas, NVAn in-flight collision with terrain for an undetermined reason while the pilot was maneuvering to return for a landing during an unknown emergency.Dec 25, 2003 · N364JR · DestroyedNTSB LAX04FA077Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Avalon, CAThe failure of both pilots to properly execute the published missed approach procedure.Dec 24, 2003 · N3747U · DestroyedNTSB LAX04FA076Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportAgusta A109A · Redwood Valley, CAThe pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent in-flight encounter with instrument meteorological conditions and a collision with rising…Dec 24, 2003 · N25RX · DestroyedNTSB LAX04FA075Accident · 2 fatalClass 1 · FieldFinal reportLearjet 24B · Helendale, CAA loss of airplane control for undetermined reasons.Dec 23, 2003 · N600XJ · DestroyedNTSB FTW04WA050Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Shiona, EcuadorDec 23, 2003 · HC-BAS · DestroyedNTSB FTW04FA045Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Grand Saline, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while on final approach. Factors were the high winds and prevailing crosswind.Dec 21, 2003 · N78189 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI04FA045Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney 20E · Webster, WIThe pilot's inadequate decision to conduct a low altitude flight maneuver without sufficient altitude to maintain clearance from the terrain. Low altitude flight and ostentatious display are contributing factors.Dec 20, 2003 · N1275X · DestroyedNTSB ATL04LA057Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportInterplane Skyboy-2 · Covington, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and collision with the ground. A factor was the unqualified person (pilot).Dec 20, 2003 · UNREG · Substantial damageNTSB MIA04FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206G · Thonotosassa, FLThe pilot's failure to retract the landing gear prior to landing on the water, resulting in a loss of control, and the airplane nosing over.Dec 18, 2003 · N603DK · Substantial damageNTSB CHI04FA044Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Brooklyn, IAThe pilot's inadequate planning/decision resulting in VFR flight into IMC, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance resulting in in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing factors to the accident were the pilot's lack of an instrument rating, his…Dec 18, 2003 · N3733W · Substantial damageNTSB CHI04FA043Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA46-500TP · Daytona Beach, FLThe unqualified pilot's continued flight into known instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of aircraft control. Factors were the pilot's lack of instrument flight experience and the low ceiling.Dec 17, 2003 · N155BM · DestroyedNTSB ATL04FA056Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 206H · Sanford, NCThe pilot's loss of control of the airplane during takeoff initial climb due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an inflight collision with trees and the ground. Factors were the dark night, fog, and low ceilings.Dec 17, 2003 · N9562L · Substantial damageNTSB SEA04LA027Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportErickson SHA Glasair TD · Vansycle, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the anemometer pole/wires during low altitude flight. Contributing factors were the pole and the pilot's low altitude flight.Dec 15, 2003 · N434SW · DestroyedNTSB LAX04FA081Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Corona, CAThe student pilot's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain aircraft control as a result of spatial disorientation.Dec 15, 2003 · N61303 · DestroyedNTSB LAX04FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Redlands, CAa loss of engine power due to the pilot inadvertently turning off the magnetos and his failure to initiate an autorotation and to maintain main rotor rpm. A factor in the accident was the pilot's use of an over-the-counter medication that impaired his…Dec 15, 2003 · N1225D · DestroyedNTSB LAX04FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Claremont, CAthe pilot became lost/disoriented during the approach, failed to maintain course alignment with the missed approach procedure, and subsequently lost control of the airplane.Dec 15, 2003 · N6887L · DestroyedNTSB FTW04FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech H-35 · Mena, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude and clearance from terrain. Contributing factors were the mountainous terrain, fog, clouds, and turbulence.Dec 15, 2003 · N7929D · DestroyedNTSB FTW04LA040Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHackney Vans RV-6A · Carthage, TXThe loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall,Dec 14, 2003 · N528DH · DestroyedNTSB ANC04FA015Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Tonopah, NVThe pilot's failure to follow approved instrument flight procedures, and his failure to maintain clearance from obstacles/terrain, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. Factors associated with the accident are snow and low clouds.Dec 14, 2003 · N4674A · DestroyedNTSB FTW04WA048Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-46 · Guaymas, MexicoDec 13, 2003 · N9223X · DestroyedNTSB SEA04LA026Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportUpright RV-7A · McMinnville, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Cloudy weather, continued flight into adverse weather, inadequate preflight planning and mountainous terrain were factors.Dec 11, 2003 · N29CV · DestroyedNTSB ATL04FA051Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Greeneville, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in icing conditions on a circling approach for landing resulting in an inadvertent stall and collision with trees and terrain. A factor in the accident was a partial loss of engine power due to the…Dec 11, 2003 · N1592T · DestroyedNTSB FTW04FA037Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Sugar Land, TXThe pilots failure to maintain clearance with powerlines during a VFR approach. Contributing factors were the prevailing dark night conditions,and the high winds.Dec 10, 2003 · N47413 · DestroyedNTSB ATL04FA049Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 441 · Vestavia Hills, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during climb in icing conditions, which resulted in an inadvertent stall / spin of the airplane and subsequent uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain. A factor was the accumulation of airframe ice.Dec 10, 2003 · N441W · DestroyedNTSB MIA04WA033Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationEurocopter France AS 350 B3 · Guayaramerim, BrazilDec 9, 2003 · N32TJ · DestroyedNTSB FTW04FA038Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Livingston, TXThe pilot's failure to compensate for the wind conditions and maintain control of the airplane during the final approach. Contributing factors were the gusty and high wind conditions.Dec 9, 2003 · N98287 · DestroyedNTSB LAX04FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportIniziative Industriali Italian Sky Arrow 650 TC · Placerville, CAthe pilot's failure to fully remove an accumulation of ice and frost on the wings, which led to an inadvertent stall/mush and collision with the ground. A factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to correctly configure the flaps for takeoff.Dec 8, 2003 · N14XL · Substantial damageNTSB LAX04FA061Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Chino Hills, CAthe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision by which he conducted VFR flight into night instrument meteorological conditions. Mountainous terrain, dark night conditions and the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing are contributing…Dec 8, 2003 · N16264 · DestroyedNTSB DCA04WA009Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationSocata TBM-700 · Oxford, United KingdomDec 6, 2003 · N30LT · DestroyedNTSB ATL04FA046Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 11AC · San Antonio, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance above objects on approach, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees and the subsequent collision with terrain.Dec 5, 2003 · N9085F · Substantial damageNTSB ATL04FA045Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B200 · Morlan, GAThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision when he continued the flight below the decision height and collided with trees. A related factor was the low ceiling.Dec 5, 2003 · N85BK · DestroyedNTSB LAX04FA057Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportWing D-1 · Rosamond, CAThe flying pilot's failure to obtain/maintain control of the airplane during practice stalls, which resulted in the inadvertent entry into a spin.Dec 4, 2003 · N8602J · DestroyedNTSB FTW04FA036Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech S35 · Harrison, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedures, and his failure attain the proper glidepath.Dec 4, 2003 · N350JL · DestroyedNTSB NYC04LA043Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBarness Pulsar I · Bardstown, KYThe pilot's loss of aircraft control, resulting in a subsequent impact with terrain. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's unfamiliarity with the airplane.Dec 3, 2003 · N97JW · DestroyedNTSB SEA04LA024Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportShear Titan Tornado · Brooks, ORThe failure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering due to a hypoglycemic condition.Dec 2, 2003 · N183T · Substantial damageNTSB FTW04WA034Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna R172E · Macas, EcuadorDec 1, 2003 · HC-BRE · DestroyedNTSB FTW04FA029Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · High Island 573The loss of engine power due to the failure of the 3rd stage turbine wheel and subsequent catastrophic failure of the turbine assembly.Dec 1, 2003 · N457PH · DestroyedNTSB SEA04FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFairchild Swearingen SA227-AT · Spokane, WAThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain proper glidepath alignment during an ILS approach in poor weather resulting in collision with trees and terrain. Contributing factors were the unreliable status of the primary (NAV 1) ILS receiver (leaving the pilot…Nov 29, 2003 · N439AF · DestroyedNTSB MIA04FA029Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSwearingen SA-26-AT · Jacksonville, FLThe pilot's descent below decision height while performing an ILS approach with low ceilings and fog, resulting in an in-flight collision with trees and the ground. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt the instrument…Nov 27, 2003 · N698X · Substantial damageNTSB SEA04FA022Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech S35 · Warren, ORThe vacuum pump failure and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane. Factors contributing to the accident included the instrument meteorological weather conditions and the pilot's improper recovery from the descent.Nov 25, 2003 · N10BX · DestroyedNTSB MIA04WA030Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28R-201T · Caracas, VenezuelaNov 23, 2003 · YV-1528P · DestroyedNTSB LAX04GA051Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Big Bear City, CAThe pilots inadequate preflight planning and intentional flight into known adverse weather conditions. Contributing to this accident was the fact that it was a dark night with no moon illumination.Nov 22, 2003 · N7292W · DestroyedNTSB FTW04WA033Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech BE-36 · Santa Cruz, BoliviaNov 22, 2003 · CP-2376 · Destroyed