Fatal NTSB investigations, 2023
180,630 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,609 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 | 248 |
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\") = 2023
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") = 2023 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 ERA24FA078Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46R-350T · Mooresville, NCA missing induction clamp, which allowed the induction hose to the left side intercooler to become disconnected, resulting in a total loss of engine power due to an overly rich fuel/air mixture.NTSB GAA24WA062Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna A185 · Dorotea, ColombiaNTSB ERA24FA077Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportZenith Stol CH701 · Marienville, PAThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into deteriorating visibility conditions at night, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent descent that continued to ground contact.NTSB GAA24WA061Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignAir Tractor AT502 · Carletonville, South AfricaNTSB ERA24FA075Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportHughes Helicopters 369E · Miami, FLMain rotor contact with the tail boom for unknown reasons, resulting in the separation of the tail boom.NTSB CEN24FA073Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Canton, TXThe pilot’s failure to attain the runway while landing at night, which resulted in an impact with trees.NTSB ERA24FA072Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportHawker Beechcraft G36 · Buford, GAA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to significant thermal damage from postimpact fire.NTSB ERA24FA069Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAmerican Eurocopter AS350B2 · Hammonton, NJThe helicopter’s gradual descent and impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB WPR24FA057Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172G · Independence, ORThe pilot’s decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in collision with an obstacle while landing.NTSB WPR24FA056Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV8 · Corona, CAFuel contamination from the pilot’s improper application of a sealant to the fuel tank, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power on takeoff.NTSB CEN24FA064Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPilatus PC-12/45 · Christoval, TXThe instrument-rated pilot and a passenger departed on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight. After about 4.5 hours, while approaching the first planned fuel stop, the airplane was in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). According to air traffic…NTSB WPR24FA054Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Topock, AZThe failure of the No. 4 connecting rod due to oil starvation, which resulted in a loss of engine power, inflight fire, and a subsequent off-airport emergency landing on rough desert terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt a…NTSB CEN24FA057Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A23-24 · Oklahoma City, OKA total loss of engine power due to multiple connecting rod failures from oil starvation associated with an extensive before takeoff oil system leak, the source of which could not be identified due to postaccident fire damage.NTSB WPR24FA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeauchamp Norm Kitfox · Eloy, AZThe separation of a propeller blade during the initial climb due to insufficient blade retention forces. Contributing to the accident was the propeller blade retention design, manufacturing defects that prevented the propeller from achieving adequate grip…NTSB ANC24FA008Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Anchor Point, AKAn impact to the left wing, at an undetermined time, for reasons that could not be determined, which partially separated the left wing and rendered the airplane uncontrollable.NTSB ERA24FA058Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 35-C33 · Pulaski, TNThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in pilot-induced oscillations and a subsequent loss of control and impact with terrain.NTSB DCA24WA149Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R22 · Tindal, AustraliaNTSB GAA24WA052Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · ForeignBell 412 · Arau, GuyanaNTSB GAA24WA049Accident · 5 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA-32-260 · Terre-de-Haut, GuadeloupeNTSB ERA24FA055Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech E95 · Elkmont, ALThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during slow flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin from which he was unable to recover.NTSB ERA24FA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C23 · Midland, VAThe pilot’s decision to descend below the minimum decision altitude of the instrument approach without having the appropriate runway visual references distinctively identified and with the visibility and ceiling below the minimum that was prescribed for the…NTSB GAA24WA068Accident · 4 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 210 · Guayaibi, ParaguayNTSB CEN24FA049Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMD Helicopters 600 · Sterling City, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line pole’s static arm during forecasted gusting wind conditions, un-forecasted light turbulence, and un-forecasted low-level wind shear conditions, resulting in main rotor blade contact with the static…NTSB ERA24FA050Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32R · Attalla, ALThe undetected wear of both pawl retaining rivets of the left magneto impulse coupling and fatigue failure of one pawl retaining rivet, which led to cascading fractures of the second pawl retaining rivet, left gear retainer assembly, and gear teeth of…NTSB WPR24FA040Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Mertzon, TXThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued visual flight into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s overconfidence.NTSB GAA24WA044Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · ForeignRobinson R66 · Ramallo, ArgentinaNTSB CEN24FA046Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSocata TBM 700 · Ludington, MIThe pilot’s decision to take off with ice/snow contamination on the airplane’s wings, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB GAA24WA043Accident · 4 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRockwell 112 · Kasberg, Grünau im Almtal, AustriaNTSB GAA24WA039Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 402B · Panama City, PanamaNTSB CEN24FA045Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22T · Fairland, INBoth pilots’ failure to maintain adequate airspeed during departure from the airport, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack, entering an aerodynamic stall, and impacting terrain.NTSB CEN24FA042Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20C · Plano, TXThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a climbing turn during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.NTSB GAA24WA036Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 172 · Dinslaken, GermanyNTSB WPR24FA037Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna P210N · San Diego, CAA total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s inadequate flight and fuel planning and his decision to fly in night instrument meteorological conditions despite his lack of recent instrument flight.NTSB ERA24FA038Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportXtremeair XA42 · Union City, TNThe pilot receiving instruction’s loss of airplane control while performing aerobatics, which resulted in a stall/spin at an altitude too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision.NTSB WPR24FA035Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172G · Provo, UTThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a chandelle maneuver, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and descent into trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to maneuver into a canyon and…NTSB ERA24FA036Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Micanopy, FLThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s improper inflight decision making and his flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s…NTSB GAA24WA034Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 421C · Sunshine Coast, AustraliaNTSB GAA24WA032Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 150 · Ponte de Sor, PortugalNTSB GAA24WA028Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignGulfstream 695A · Cloncurry, AustraliaNTSB GAA24WA025Accident · 4 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCirrus SR20 · St. Andrä im Lunga, AustriaNTSB GAA24WA024Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · ForeignRobinson R44 · Cirque de Salazie, RéunionNTSB ERA24FA026Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Marion, OHA descent and impact with terrain for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN24FA028Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46 · McCook, NEThe pilot exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the initial climb, resulting in an aerodynamic stall from which he could not recover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to take off with the airplane well above its maximum…NTSB GAA24WA022Accident · 12 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 208 · Rio Branco, BrazilNTSB WPR24FA024Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna T206H · Orangeville, UTThe pilot's controlled flight into mountainous terrain for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB GAA24WA023Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R66 · Williamtown, AustraliaNTSB CEN24FA024Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLancair 320 · Manitowoc, WIThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain during an unapproved instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…NTSB CEN24FA021Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502B · Vidalia, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s cell phone use and the position of the sun, which reduced the pilot’s ability to perceive the location of the power…NTSB CEN24LA020Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 46-350P · Pierre, SDThe total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s improper configuration of the automatic fuel transfer system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the header tank’s fuel quantity.NTSB WPR24FA018Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Covelo, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees after entering a steep banked turn for unknown reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to take off toward rising terrain.