Fatal NTSB investigations, 2017
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
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\") = 2017
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") = 2017 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 WPR18WA060Accident · 6 fatalForeign investigationDe Havilland DHC2 · Cottage Point, AustraliaOn December 31, 2017, at 1515 local time, a De Havilland DHC-2, VH-NOO, collided with water during takeoff initial climb near Cottage Point, Australia. The airplane was destroyed and the pilot and five passengers were fatally injured. The flight was operated…NTSB CEN18FA063Accident · 12 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208 · Punta Islita, Costa RicaThe flight crew's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering to exit an area of rising terrain, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the flight crew's…NTSB ERA18WA061Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna A188 · Dom Pedrito, BrazilThe government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA A188 airplane that occurred on December 30, 2017. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under the provisions…NTSB CEN18WA067Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationConstrucciones Aeronauticas C.A.S.A. 1.131 · Alicante, SpainOn December 30, 2017, at 1642 universal time coordinated, a Construcciones Aeronauticas SA C.A.S.A. 1.131 (Bucker BU-131), N1950M (NX-1950M), and a Bell 412SP, EC-MMC, experienced a mid-air collision during final approach for landing to runway 20 at Muchamiel…NTSB WPR18FA063Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Ogden, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water while flying over a lake with glassy surface conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of three impairing medications.NTSB ERA18WA057Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Providenciales, Turks & Caicos IslandsThe government of the United Kingdom has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Cessna 172S airplane that occurred on December 24, 2017, in Turks and Caicos Islands. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the Air Accidents…NTSB CEN18FA061Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 340 · Bartow, FLThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation during takeoff in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CEN18FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportX-Air XA85 · Oskaloosa, IAThe pilot's low altitude flight into a power line due to his impairment from an acute physiologic event during the flight. Contributing to the pilot's impairment was his use of two sedating medications.NTSB WPR18FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBrowning Gregory S Zodiac 601XL · Thompson's Station, TNThe sport pilot's decision to depart in and continue flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA18FA056Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · Cross City, FLThe pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN18FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Reeds Spring, MOThe noninstrument-rated pilot's inadequate pre-flight planning and in-flight decision-making, which resulted in flight into known instrument meteorological conditions and the subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB ERA18WA051Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBeech A36 · Itapua, ParaguayNTSB CEN18FA053Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Oldenburg, INA total loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 4 piston, which resulted in an attempted forced landing in dark night conditions and a subsequent in-flight collision with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's situational…NTSB ERA18LA048Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Castalia, NCThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while performing a turning takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt the takeoff, which he believed…NTSB ANC18WA015Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA23 · Baldur, CanadaOn December 16, 2017, about 0037 Coordinated Universal Time, a Piper PA-23 airplane, CFIPK, impacted terrain near Baldur, Manitoba, Canada, under unknown circumstances. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries.The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of…NTSB WPR18WA078Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBeech 58 · Qaroun Lake, EgyptOn December 15, 2017, about 0930 Coordinated Universal time, a Textron/Beech Model 58 Baron twin engine airplane, SU-BLD, was substantially damaged when it impacted desert terrain about 18 kilometers north of Qaroun Lake, Egypt. The training pilot and the two…NTSB ERA18WA047Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna T210 · West End, BahamasNTSB CEN18WA055Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 510 · Waldburg, GermanyOn December 14, 2017, about 1620 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 510 airplane, OE-FWD, impacted terrain near Waldburg, Germany. The pilots and passenger were all fatally injured and the airplane was destroyed.The accident investigation is under the…NTSB ERA18WA060Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAir Tractor AT502 · Rivadavia, ArgentinaThe government of Argentina has notified the NTSB of an accident involving an Air Tractor AT-502B airplane that occurred on December 13, 2017. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Argentina's investigation under…NTSB WPR18FA046Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · San Diego, CAA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB CEN18FA050Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSmith Aerostar 601 · Miami, FLThe pilot's loss of control while returning to the airport after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB ANC18FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206 · Maunaloa, HIThe pilot's decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions while conducting an instrument approach, which resulted in a loss of visual reference and subsequent controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR18FA045Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C90 · Geneva, FLThe pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's impairment…NTSB ERA18FA046Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · St. CroixThe non-multiengine rated pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during a single-engine approach. Contributing to the accident was a total loss of engine power on the left engine due to detonation for reasons that could not be determined based on the…NTSB CEN18FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon B36TC · Chesterfield, MOThe pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB ERA18WA042Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Dubovaya Balka, RussiaThe government of Russia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a ROBINSON R44 helicopter that occurred on December 05, 2017. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Russia's investigation under the…NTSB CEN18FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper Titan Tornado II D · Ravenna, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a loss of engine power during final approach for landing, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA18LA039Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKevin Leue Sparrow Hawk · Hernando, MSImpact with trees and terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.NTSB ERA18RA045Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28 · Vereda El Mortillo, ColombiaimportNTSB ERA18FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Starke, FLThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing was the pilot's lack of instrument currency and his self-induced pressure to complete the flight.NTSB CEN18WA046Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationMD Helicopter 369HS · La Morita, MexicoOn November 22, 2017, about 1437 pacific standard time, a MD Helicopters 369HS single-engine helicopter, serial number 920414S, Mexican registration XC-TIJ, crashed while providing aerial support for police activity near La Morita, Mexico. The pilot and his…NTSB CEN18FA037Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172G · Pittsford, VTThe pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR18FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Tehachapi, CAThe pilot's loss of situational awareness shortly after takeoff over a sparsely lit area in dark night conditions, which resulted in a rapid descent to ground impact.NTSB CEN18FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Electra, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from powerlines while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB CEN18FA033Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Stuttgart, ARAn in-flight loss of control due to bird strikes.NTSB ERA18WA028Accident · 11 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208 · Ngorongoro, TanzaniaOn November 15, 2017, about 0805 coordinated universal time, Cessna 208B, Tanzanian registration 5H-EGG, operated by Coastal Aviation LTD., was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Ngorongoro, Tanzania. The pilot and 10 passengers were fatally…NTSB ERA18WA160Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-25-235 · Itapolis, BrazilThe government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a PIPER AIRCRAFT PA-25-235 airplane that occurred on November 14, 2017. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under…NTSB ERA18FA022Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32 · Fountain Run, KYThe noninstrument-rated pilot's intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to complete…NTSB CEN18FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTemco GC 1B · Pineville, LAThe loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from the unporting of the fuel during a right turn due to the auxiliary fuel tanks' improper configuration.NTSB ERA18FA016Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32 · Morrison, TNThe pilots' loss of control during a missed approach in night instrument meteorological conditions as a result of spatial disorientation.NTSB CEN18LA026Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Sulphur, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate separation between a long line being used to hoist linemen from a shield wire during an external load flight, which resulted in the long line being severed.NTSB ANC18FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportIcon A5 · Clearwater, FLThe pilot's improper decision to perform aggressive, low-altitude maneuvers due to his impairment from the use of multiple psychoactive substances, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB CEN18FA024Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Hatch, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB CEN18FA023Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Alva, OKThe flight instructor's and pilot's failure to recognize that a high descent rate had developed on short final, likely due to their distraction by an open engine cowling, and the unexpected strong pitch-down force during flap extension due to the installation…NTSB WPR18FA026Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA 18-150 · Murphy, IDFailure of the left aileron control cable that resulted in a loss of aircraft control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was inadequate maintenance inspections to the aileron cable connections.NTSB ERA18FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35C33 · Whiteville, NCThe pilot's mismanagement of the available fuel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, and his delayed reaction to the loss of engine power, which led to impact with trees as he was attempting to switch fuel tanks.…NTSB WPR18WA019Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna T310 · Kew, New South Wales, AustraliaOn October 28, 2017, at 1600 local time, a Cessna T310R, VH-JMW, was destroyed when it collided with terrain near Kew, New South Wales, Australia. The airplane was operated under the pertinent civil regulations of the government of Australia. The pilot and…NTSB ANC18WA076Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA34 · Calgary Springbank, CanadaOn October 26, 2017, about 0952 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-34-200T airplane, C-GCCM, departed controlled flight and impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Calgary Springbank Airport (CYBW), Alberta, Canada. The flight instructor and pilot…NTSB WPR18WA017Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210 · Albany, AustraliaOn October 24, 2017, at 1115 local time, a Cessna 210B, VH-DBU, was destroyed when it impacted the ground following a collision with terrain near Albany, Western Australia. The airplane was operated under the pertinent regulations of the Australian…NTSB WPR18FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Arlington, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the water while maneuvering at low altitude.