NTSB investigations
3,485 cases where the first occurrence was “In flight collision with terrain/water”.
Cases, newest first
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 c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o.\"occurrenceNumber\" = 1 AND o.\"occurrenceCode\" = 230) 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 c."mKey" IN (SELECT o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 230) 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 FTW89DRA07Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportLowe/Bensen KB-2 · Wharton, TXPoor judgement by the student pilot by performing excessive/low altitude maneuvers, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient clearance (altitude) above the open field. His lack of familiarity with the aircraft was a contributing factor.NTSB ANC89LA123Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDe Havilland DHC-2 · Kodiak, AKPilot-in-command's continued VFR flight into know IFR flt conditions, resulting in a collision with rising terrain.NTSB ANC89LA121Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Parker Lake, AKImproper preflight planning by the pilot and his failure to attain and/or maintain adequate speed, which resulted in a stall/mush after lift-off.NTSB NYC89LA161Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Doylestown, PAImproper preflight preparation by the pilot by taking off with the flaps extended, which resulted in an inadequate rate of climb to clear obstructions beyond the end of the runway, and the pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff and his failure in maintaining…NTSB DEN89LA168Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Hatton, NDImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot and his failure to maintain sufficient clearance above the ground. The tailwind, high obstruction (shelter belt), and downdraft were contributing factors.NTSB DEN89LA167Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25 · Wh Sulphur Spgs, MTThe pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed during an aerial application maneuver and inadvertently allowed the aircraft to mush into the ground. Unfavorable wind and turbulence were considered to be contributing factors.NTSB LAX89LA335Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Napa, CASuicide.NTSB ATL89DLT04Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportPitts S-1 · Butler, TNThe failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from the surface during an impromptu acrobatic maneuver.NTSB ATL89FA175Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A45 · Troy, ALThe pilot's improper use of the airplane flight controls during a aerobatic maneuver at low altitude due to his lack of aerobatic experience. A contributing factor was the pilot's overconfidence in his ability to perform the maneuver.NTSB FTW89LA125Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Bulverde, TXFailure of the pilot to obtain and/or maintain sufficient airspeed to climb after takeoff and his delay in aborting the takeoff. A contributing factor was the rough/uneven terrain.NTSB ANC89LA113Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Duffys Tavern, AKThe selection of the soft sandy strip for takeoff by the pilot and his premature liftoff combined to make it impossible to attain climb airspeed before colliding with bushes at the end of the runway.NTSB LAX89FA229Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Cordes, AZThe pilot misjudged his altitude, while maneuvering at low altitude over mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident were: high density altitude, mountainous terrain, and diversion of the pilot's attention.NTSB CHI89LA126Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Sebewaing, MIPilot's inattentive aircraft handling which resulted in his failure to detect and prevent the aircraft's descent into the wheat field.NTSB DEN89FA154Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · Crestone, COImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot and his failure to attain sufficient altitude to safely clear the mountains. Contributing factors were: mountainous terrain, box canyon, and high density altitude.NTSB ANC89LA104Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportInterstate S-1A · Iliamna, AKPilot failed to maintain directional control during the attempted go-around. Factors in the accident were the rough/uneven terrain and the brush beside the runway.NTSB MKC89LA140Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 188B · Grygla, MNInadequate preflight planning and preparation by the pilot. Tall grass (high vegetation) at the end of the strip was a contributing factor.NTSB DEN89FA146Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35 · Glenrock, WYProper altitude not maintained by the pilot. The weather/night conditions and pilot fatigue were considered to be contributing factors.NTSB MKC89LA137Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Clayton, KSThe failure of the pilot to compensate for the unfavorable wind conditions.NTSB LAX89LA219Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Banning, CAInadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot.NTSB CHI89LA110Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMaule MX-7-235 · Indianapolis, INImproper compensation for wind conditions by the pilot, his failure to maintain runway alignment, and his misjudgement of wingtip clearance above the ground as he was maneuvering to avoid the runway & VASI lights. The crosswind and runway/vasi lights were…NTSB BFO89LA045Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2 · Moundsville, WVThe pilot failed to maintian directional control and obstacle clearance while hovering at low altitude. A tail rotor blade struck an obstacle causing an overload separation failure of the blade.NTSB DCA89MA058Accident · 11 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech H18 · Waipio Valley, HIThe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision to maneuver with insufficient altitude over or in a a canyon area. Factors related to the accident were: the terrain conditions and scenic air tour's lack of specific direction to its pilots concerning safety…NTSB ANC89FA090Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30 · Near Fairbanks, AKImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude while entering a box canyon and/or crossing mountainous terrain in restricted weather condition. The terrain and weather were related factors.NTSB MKC89LA127Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Pine Bluff, ARImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot by continuing the approach when the runway lights did not activate. Contributing factors were: dark night and soft terrain.NTSB CHI89DEV06Accident · No injuriesFinal reportHughes 269C · Millersville, ILLoss of rotor RPM for an undetermined reason during a turn to reverse direction while applying agricultural chemicals.NTSB BFO89DIG01Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Preston, MDPilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the wheat crop as he passed under the powerline during an aerial application swath run.NTSB ANC89FA075Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 180J · Anchorage, AKPilot-in-command's poor judgement, and his lack of initial training (none) in seaplane operations.NTSB FTW89DRG06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHughes 269C · Rocksprings, TXThe pilot diverted his attention from operation of the helicopter, failed to maintian proper rotor RPM, and failed to maintain altitude (clearance) above the ground, while maneuvering at low altitude. A contributing factor was his impairment from use of a…NTSB ANC89LA073Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Harding Lake, AKThe pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the existing wind conditions. A factor related to the accident was: the gusty/variable wind condition.NTSB DEN89DTM02Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportHiller UH-12E · Mack, COThe pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude during a swath run.NTSB DEN89LA118Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom F-28C · Regina, NMThe pilot's poorly planned approach and disregard of the helicopters performance data. Contributing to the accident was the high density altitude conditions which existed at the time of the accident.NTSB ATL89DMG03Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportSmithgall Pitts Special S-1C · Fuquay-Varina, NCPilot did not maintain sufficient altitude to insure recovery from an aerobatic maneuver and spin.NTSB LAX89LA168Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108 · Avalon, CAThe pilot's inadequate compensation for the downdrafts he encountered and the delay in his decision to perform a go-around.NTSB NYC89FA121Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B19 · Augusta, MEFailure of the pilot to maintain the proper altitude during the approach. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's psychological condition.NTSB MKC89LA089Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Osceola, ARImproper planning/decision by the pilot, and his misjudgement of clearance between the airplane, wires, and the ground during the aerial application maneuver. Factors relating to the accident were: the dirty windshield, sunglare, transmission line (wires),…NTSB DEN89LA103Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna P172D · Crested Butte, COThe pilot selected a runway with unsuitable conditions for taking off. The unfavorable wind and terrain conditions were related factors.NTSB BFO89FA081Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Stuarts Draft, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance above the terrain after flying VFR into IMC. Contributing to the accident were the low ceiling and fog conditions and the mountainous terrain.NTSB SEA89LA065Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150K · Seattle, WAThe decision of a student pilot to continue to land the aircraft with a crosswind that exceeded his ability level.NTSB LAX89DUJ06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMurphy VARI-EZE · Parker, AZUndetermined.NTSB CHI89LA068Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Chicago, ILThe pilot's failure to compensate for the crosswind condition which existed during the landing. Contributing to the accident was the gusty, crosswind which existed and the failure of the aircraft manufacturer to provide crosswind performance data for the…NTSB LAX89LA139Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Santa Barbara, CAThe improper inflight planning/decisions by the plt when he decided to intentionally fly low over rough water in the pacific ocean and the partial loss of power for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC89FA105Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale TB-10 · Pittsfield, MAFailure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude. Factors related to the accident were: inadequate briefing provided by the flight service station (fss) specialist, dark night, low clouds, and terrain conditions.NTSB CHI89FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Corunna, MIThe failure of the student pilot to maintain sufficient altitude to recover from a practice stall maneuver. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's visual perception over snow covered terrain.NTSB SEA89FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Longmire, WAPhysical incapacitation of the pilot.NTSB SEA89LA075Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150E · Hillsboro, ORThe improper landing flare performed by an unqualified person at the controls who had no flight training.NTSB FTW89FA065Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · New Orleans, LAThe pilot diverting his attention from flying the aircraft while complying with the departure control instructions, and allowing the aircraft to descend into the water.NTSB MIA89FA101Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T-28C · Titusville, FLThe pilot's improper execution of an aerobatic maneuver resulting in inadequate airspeed and loss of control.NTSB LAX89LA116Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Yuba City, CAInadequate supervision by the instructor (CFI) which resulted in a delayed go-around, inadequate airspeed, and a stall/mush into the ground. A poor approach by the student pilot was a contributing factor.NTSB NYC89FA089Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-350D · Spring Valley, NYFailure of the FAA flight examiner (f/e) to follow proper procedures concerning the autorotation, and improper remedial action by the pilot-in-command (PIC). Factors related to the accident were: lack of information in the flight manual concerning…NTSB CHI89LA052Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Quincy, ILThe pilot's failure to achieve a proper touchdown point and to maintain adequate visual lookout during the landing.