Fatal NTSB investigations, 2012
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\") = 2012
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") = 2012 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 WPR13FA076Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMckenzie Lancair IV-P Turbine · Lakeside, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed while attempting a visual climb through a broken cloud layer, which resulted in a stall/spin.NTSB CEN13WA123Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28-235 · Guatemala City, GuatemalaNTSB ERA13WA103Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28 · Minas City, BrazilOn December 26, 2012, at 2050 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-28-181, Brazilian registration PR-NAX, was destroyed when it impacted the ground after the crew lost control during a go around. The instructor pilot and student were fatally injured. The…NTSB ERA13FA096Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Leesburg, FLThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of power in both engines during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of prescription and illicit drugs, which likely impaired…NTSB WPR13FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCharland Vortex · Wellton, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering in the traffic pattern.NTSB DCA13WA034Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationSwearingen SA227 · Sanikiluaq, CanadaOn 22 December, 2012, at approximately 2313 UTC time, a Swearingen SA227-AC Metroliner, registration C-GFWX, was operated by Perimeter Aviation as chartered flight number PAG993, from Winnipeg, Manitoba (CYWG) to Sanikiluaq, Nunavut (CYSK). During the second…NTSB WPR13FA073Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B100 · Libby, MTThe noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering to land in dark night conditions likely due to his geographic disorientation (lost). Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to fly at night with a…NTSB WPR13FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Payson, AZThe airplane’s inadvertent encounter, in night instrument meteorological conditions, with unforecast strong up- and downdrafts and possibly severe airframe icing conditions (which likely included supercooled large droplets that the airplane was not…NTSB ERA13LA093Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRussom Roy G Hummel H5 · Calhoun, GAThe pilot’s impairment or incapacitation due to the effects of medication, worsening cardiac disease, or cardiac arrhythmia, which resulted in his loss of control of the airplane.NTSB WPR13FA312Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Yosemite Valley, CAThe pilot’s decision to continue flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain situational awareness and sufficient altitude to clear mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA13FA088Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Parkton, NCThe failure of the instrument-rated pilot to maintain control of the airplane while in instrument meteorological conditions after reporting a gyro malfunction. Contributing to the accident was the loss of primary gyro flight instruments due to the failure of…NTSB WPR13FA070Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T1 · Ely, NVThe pilot’s failure to regain airplane control following a sudden rapid descent during cruise flight, which resulted in an exceedance of the design stress limits of the aircraft and led to an in-flight structural failure.NTSB CEN13FA105Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E-90 · Amarillo, TXThe pilot’s loss of control of the airplane after encountering icing conditions and heavy to extreme turbulence and the subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s design limit, which led to an in-flight breakup.NTSB CEN13FA100Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerovodochody L-29 Delfin · Combine, TXThe airplane's impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined during examination of the available evidence because of extensive impact damage and postimpact fire.NTSB ERA13WA089Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA34 · Zulia, ColombiaOn December 12, 2012, about 1530 universal coordinated time (1030 local time), a Piper PA-34-200T, Colombian registration HK4477G, was destroyed when it impacted rising mountainous terrain in the vicinity of La Cuchilla, near Zulia, Norte de Santander,…NTSB ERA13FA083Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 · Lake Park, GAThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s improper decision to depart in dark, night marginal visual flight rules conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN13FA096Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMBB BK 117 A-3 · Compton, ILThe inadvertent encounter with inclement weather, including snow, freezing rain, and reduced visibility conditions, which led to the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of aircraft control.NTSB DCA13RA025Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationLearjet 25 · Monterrey, MexicoNTSB ERA13FA082Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Lake Worth, FLThe pilot's failure to follow established engine-out procedures and to maintain a proper airspeed after the total loss of engine power on one of the airplane’s two engines during the initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the total loss of engine…NTSB CEN13WA092Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-32-301 · Melbach, GermanyOn December 8, 2012, about 1513 coordinated universal time, a Piper PA-32, German registration, D-EUEU, and a Robin Regent DR400, German registration D-EHJP, collided while on cross country flights near Melbach, Germany. Visual meteorological conditions…NTSB ANC13WA013Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Slave Lake, Alberta, CanadaOn December 5, 2012, about 1200 mountain standard time, a Robinson R-44 Raven II helicopter, Canadian registration C-FRSO, impacted terrain approximately 12 miles southwest of Slave Lake, Alberta, Canada. The pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The…NTSB CEN13FA089Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Manhattan, ILAn in-flight loss of control and impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR13LA062Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Kahului, HIThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent failure to maintain airplane control while operating over water in dark night conditions with reduced visibility due to rain in the area.NTSB ERA13LA076Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCassutt Sport Racer · Collegedale, TNImpact with trees and terrain during the landing approach likely due to the physiological incapacitation of the pilot.NTSB CEN13FA085Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 46-350P · Greensburg, INThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering in night instrument meteorological conditions due to spatial disorientation.NTSB CEN13FA082Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech P35 · Correctionville, IAThe pilot’s failure to perform a go-around after encountering thick fog at night.NTSB ERA13FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGreen Gary E Thorp T-18 · Pahokee, FLThe descent and overstress of the airplane during the descent, which resulted in the in-flight breakup of the airplane.NTSB CEN13LA086Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2 · Walkerville, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude while maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude, which did not provide enough margin to recover from the descent.NTSB ERA13FA070Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta II · Apollo Beach, FLMast bumping for reasons that could not be determined because one main rotor blade was not recovered.NTSB CEN13FA081Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Blair, NEThe pilot's loss of control due to physical incapacitation.NTSB CEN13FA078Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Clutier, IAThe pilot’s failure to monitor, recognize, and identify obstacles on approach to landing, which resulted in an inadvertent collision with power lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s expectation and assumption that there were no above-ground…NTSB CEN13FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369 · Childress, TXThe improper maintenance of the helicopter fuel system that resulted in erroneous fuel gauge indications and the pilot’s inadequate fuel management, both of which resulted in fuel exhaustion during a long-line hover. Also causal was the lack of company…NTSB CEN13FA073Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Wells, TXThe pilot’s decision to continue the flight into an area of extreme weather, which led to the in-flight encounter with a thunderstorm and structural failure of the wings and tail.NTSB WPR13FA056Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcdaniel RV-6-CH · Scio, ORThe pilot's decision to perform aerobatics in an airplane that was prohibited from aerobatics as stated in its operating limitations document, which resulted in the failure of the right wing spar.NTSB WPR13FA054Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Corona, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance between the helicopter’s main rotor blades and the metal canopy of a fuel island.NTSB WPR13FA061Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Aurora, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain while maneuvering in a remote mountainous region. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to traverse the remote mountainous area in high-density altitude conditions with the…NTSB WPR13LA050Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSater Coot A-Amphib · San Andreas, CAThe pilot's excessive flight control inputs, which led to flight that exceeded the structural limits of the airplane and resulted in structural failure of both wings.NTSB WPR13FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Tacna, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to acute psychosis with paranoid thoughts.NTSB ERA13WA080Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-25-260 · El Viento, ColombiaOn November 22, 2012, at 1705 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Piper PA-25-260, Colombian registration HK588,operated by Fuminorte Ltda. Fumigaciones Aereas Norte, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during an agriculture spraying…NTSB ERA13WA066Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAerospatiale AS-355F1 · Great Guana Cay, BahamasOn November 22, 2012, about 1310 eastern standard time, an Aerospatiale AS 355F1, Bahamian registration C6-APV, registered to Pioneer Caribbean Logistics Ltd., impacted terrain while attempting to land at Baker's Bay Resort, Great Guana Cay, Bahamas. The…NTSB CEN13FA069Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310B · Mancelona, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after a loss of right engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no preimpact malfunction or anomaly that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB CEN13FA067Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Hillsdale, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a straight-in night visual flight rules approach to land in hazy weather conditions. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of recent night flying experience, the nonfunctional…NTSB CEN13FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBrian P North RAF SE5A Replica · Watkins, COThe pilot’s loss of airplane control and inadvertent stall while attempting to return for landing.NTSB ERA13WA078Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna R172K · Cuchilla La Laja, ColombiaOn November 19, 2012, about 1030 hours local, a Cessna R172K, Colombian registration HK4890G, collided with mountainous terrain near Cuchilla La Laja – Municipio de San Francisco, Departmento de Cundinamarca, Colombia. Instrument meteorological conditions…NTSB ERA13FA064Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Canton, CTThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while performing a night visual approach to an airport. Contributing to the accident were the dark night and the pilot's lack of recent experience flying at night.NTSB CEN13LA063Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRedd Tom Quicksilver GT 400 · Oak Grove, LAThe total loss of engine power, the specific cause of which could not be identified during the postaccident examination, and the airplane’s subsequent impact with trees.NTSB WPR13LA045Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32 · ObyanA partial loss of engine power shortly after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation and the pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during…NTSB ERA13FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Savannah, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while operating in night, instrument meteorological conditions, due to spatial disorientation.NTSB CEN13LA062Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJabiru USA Sport J250-SP · Jacksonville, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb following an aborted landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin at a low altitude.NTSB CEN13FA060Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA-1B · Burlington, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and spin.