Fatal NTSB investigations, 2020
180,616 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,594 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 | 244 |
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\") = 2020
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") = 2020 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 ANC21WA009Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R66 · Ojiro in Shimada-City, Shizuoka, JapanNTSB GAA21WA006Accident · 4 fatalClass 4 · ForeignCessna 177 · Rancador, PR, BrazilNTSB CEN21LA102Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 369D · Tuckers Crossing, MSThe pilot’s loss of helicopter control when the external saw contacted trees during an attempted emergency landing due to a main rotor transmission oil pressure warning. The reason that the pilot did not release the external saw from the helicopter during the…NTSB ERA21LA085Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 210L · Midway, GAThe pilot's intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pressure to complete the flight to work in an emergency room.NTSB CEN21LA096Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportExpress CT · Grand Prairie, TXThe pilot’s loss of airplane control during the departure turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN21LA092Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSonex Tailwheel · Burleson, TXA total loss of engine power due to engine seizure. Contributing to the accident was the pilot decision not to orbit the airport, as originally planned.NTSB ERA21LA080Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSocata TB10 · Pembroke Pines, FLThe pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat in environmental conditions favorable for serious carburetor ice during a prolonged wait with the engine at a low power setting before takeoff, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.…NTSB CEN21LA091Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportExtra Flugzeugproduktions-Und EA 300/L · Aledo, TXThe pilot’s loss of control during an intentional aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an upright spin into terrain.NTSB WPR21LA070Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSilverLight AR-1 · Heber City, UTThe pilot’s failure to follow the procedures for takeoff in the Pilot Operating Handbook, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with the terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to receive additional training in the gyroplane.NTSB CEN21LA089Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Bossier City, LAThe student pilot’s decision to conduct a flight during night instrument meteorological conditions and his loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot’s use of an amphetamine and his attention…NTSB CEN21LA088Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRans S12XL · Port Isabel, TXAn exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and aerodynamic stall following a loss of engine power during an unknown phase of flight, which resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB ERA21LA071Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAnthony Mattioli AR-1 · San Mateo, FLA loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.NTSB ERA21LA068Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech V35A · Attalla, ALA loss of control inflight and the failure of a component of the up elevator flight control system due to fatigue, which rendered recovery from a right descending turn improbable.NTSB ERA21WA086Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBell 206 · Mambucaba, BrazilNTSB CEN21LA084Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Colorado City, TXThe pilot’s loss of control and exceedance of performance and/or structural limitations during low-altitude operations, which resulted in an inflight breakup.. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol.NTSB CEN21LA080Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV6 · Hitchcock, TXThe pilot’s impairment by the effects of ingested alcohol, which resulted in the loss of airplane control and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN21LA075Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32 · Windom, MNThe pilot’s spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of airplane control and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR21WA065Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R44 · Tallong, AustraliaNTSB CEN21LA070Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA38 · Franklin, ARThe impairment of both pilots from carbon monoxide exposure due to a degraded muffler. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance inspection, which failed to detect the degraded muffler.NTSB CEN21LA067Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV4 · Telluride, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the turn from the base leg to final approach, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and entering an inadvertent aerodynamic stall/spin at a low altitude over mountainous…NTSB WPR21WA063Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignGrob 120A-1 · Beer-Sheba, IsraelNTSB ERA21LA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech V35 · Deltaville, VAAn uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain following an in-flight collision with seagulls.NTSB ERA21LA052Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportLancair Legacy FG · Hollywood, FLThe pilot/owner’s failure to properly reinstall the number 1 cylinder spark plug, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during the initial climb. Contributing was the pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during an attempted…NTSB WPR21FA057Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBlevins Kamron Odyssey · Arlington, WAThe pilot’s loss of airplane control for reasons that could be determined based on available evidence.NTSB WPR21WA062Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 172 · Katale, UgandaNTSB GAA21WA173Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA11 · Open Door, ArgentinaNTSB ANC21LA007Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150L · Colton, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain positive control of the airplane in mountainous terrain during dark night conditions as a result of spatial disorientation which led to a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB GAA21WA005Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBeech 95B55 · Sao Pedro, SP, BrazilNTSB WPR21FA048Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Los Angeles, CAMaintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the throttle control hardware during recent maintenance, which resulted in its disconnection and a subsequent loss of engine power on approach for landing.NTSB CEN21WA063Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRotorsport UK Cavalon · Avoch, United KingdomNTSB CEN21LA055Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182R · Rockwall, TXThe pilot’s decision to continue an unstabilized approach and his delayed go-around decision, which resulted in the airplane’s impact with power lines and the ground. Contributing to the accident was the inaccurate wind direction reporting as a result of a…NTSB WPR21FA045Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 177 · Langley, WAThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control while attempting to conduct an emergency landing. Contributing to the accident was a total loss of engine power as a result of…NTSB CEN21LA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportTrick Trikes Stss · Holden, MOThe noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff.NTSB WPR21FA044Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA38 · Grass Valley, CAA total loss of engine power due to the pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation.NTSB WPR21LA061Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Arch Cape, ORThe pilot’s descent into the ocean for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN21WA056Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignQuest Kodiak 100 · Guatemala City, GuatemalaNTSB CEN21LA044Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Dunn Center, NDThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB CEN21WA061Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 182 · Durango, MexicoNTSB WPR21WA050Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCirrus SR22 · Nelspruit, South AfricaNTSB CEN21FA043Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech J35 · Fredericksburg, TXThe pilot of the J35’s failure to maintain clearance from the M35, which resulted in a midair collision and the J35 pilot’s subsequent loss of control and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN21WA042Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA34 · Reus, SpainNTSB ANC21LA004Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAutoGyro MTO Sport · Whitewater, KSA loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB ERA21LA035Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman GA7 · Ellicott, NYThe pilot’s continued descent below the minimum descent altitude while conducting an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR21WA036Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA-25-235 · Kirkwood, South AfricaNTSB WPR21LA032Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Billings, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain the proper descent glide path while on final approach for reasons that could not be determined from available evidence.NTSB WPR21LA030Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 310 · Las Vegas, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain the airplane’s minimum controllable airspeed while maneuvering with one engine inoperative. Also causal was the loss of power in the left engine due to oil starvation. Contributing to the accident were inadequate maintenance…NTSB CEN21LA030Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 210 · Lubbock, TXThe pilot’s improper decision to fly into icing conditions with an airplane that was not equipped for icing, which led to structural icing and a subsequent loss of airplane control, and the pilot’s impairment from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a cracked…NTSB ERA21FA029Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Dunnellon, FLA total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing was the pilot’s exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and loss of control.NTSB CEN21FA026Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGrumman AA5 · Woodbranch, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR21FA025Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLancair 235 · Cordes Lakes, AZThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during an aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin and a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of aerobatic experience in the accident…