NTSB investigations, CA
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, 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.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'CA' AND c.\"eventCountry\" = 'USA' 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA' 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 WPR22LA049Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportTaylorcraft BL-65 · New Cuyama, CAThe pilot’s decision to intentionally crash the airplane.NTSB WPR22FA048Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportZenith Zodiac CH601XL · Temecula, CAThe failure of the airplane’s canopy latch system, which resulted in the canopy opening in flight and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a secondary canopy latch as recommended by the kit manufacturer.NTSB WPR22FA044Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportJahnke Lionel G Glasair III · Big Bear City, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR22LA042Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPhoenix Air U-15 Phoenix · Carlsbad, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain distance with an airport sign while taxiing.NTSB WPR22FA033Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportZenith Stol CH701 · Randsburg, CAThe pilot’s improper landing approach, which failed to account for wind conditions, and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack following an overshoot of the runway extended centerline, resulting in an accelerated aerodynamic stall.…NTSB WPR22LA032Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell OH-58A · Holtville, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control after becoming spatially disoriented when the helicopter entered low-level haze/fog.NTSB WPR22LA028Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBearhawk 4 · Redding, CAThe pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent ground loop.NTSB WPR22FA026Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAyres S-2R · Shafter, CAThe pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB WPR22LA031Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Covelo, CAA passenger’s unsecured object departed the cabin resulted in a collision with the tail rotor drive shaft.NTSB WPR22FA022Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Ukiah, CAA power interruption due to water-contaminated fuel, which resulted in the student pilot aborting the takeoff and landing hard. Contributing to the accident were a leak in the left fuel tank that allowed water to enter and damage to the fuel tank that…NTSB WPR22FA021Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150L · Dunsmuir, CAThe non-certificated pilot’s improper decision to continue the flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB WPR22LA015Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportWsk-Mielec AN-2TD · Wilton, CAThe pilot’s inability to control the airplane’s pitch during departure for reasons that could not be determined because of the extensive fragmentation and thermal damage the airplane sustained in the accident sequence.NTSB WPR22FA004Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 340A · Santee, CALoss of control due to spatial disorientation.NTSB WPR22LA006Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBevilacqua Jeffrey L Dragonfly Mkiih · Camarillo, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during takeoffNTSB WPR22LA007Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-32 · San Juan Baptista, CAThe glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, which necessitated a forced landing.NTSB WPR22LA005Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech B36TC · Los Banos, CAThe total loss of engine power due to the improper installation of the No. 4 connecting rod bolt nut during a recent overhaul.NTSB WPR22LA008Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Garberville, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent collision with an unoccupied parked airplane.NTSB WPR21LA366Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSharp Ralph R Zenith Stol CH 701 · Bishop, CAA loss of airplane control for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR21LA349Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBeech D17S · San Diego / El Cajon, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent collision with runway signage.NTSB WPR21LA364Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Auburn, CAThe student pilot’s inadequate flare which resulted in a hard and bounced landing.NTSB WPR21LA348Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Grass Valley, CAThe pilot’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point on the runway while landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a runway overrun. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction due to an electrical issue.NTSB WPR21LA342Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 58 · Palo Alto, CAThe fuelers addition of the incorrect fuel to the fuel tanks which resulted in a total loss of engine power.NTSB WPR21LA343Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-24-400 · Fullerton, CAThe pilot’s failure to monitor the environment and maintain a proper glidepath on approach which, resulted in a collision with the airport perimeter fence.NTSB WPR21LA329Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150D · Chino, CAThe pilot’s delayed use of carburetor heat, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.NTSB WPR21LA326Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Del Mar, CAThe partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a forced landing on an interstate highway and subsequent collision with vehicles.NTSB WPR21LA331Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Hayward, CAThe pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced hard landing.NTSB WPR21LA317Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCzech Sport Piper Sport · Santa Monica, CAThe student pilot’s improper landing flare.NTSB WPR21LA312Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportLake LA-4 · Lake Isabell, CAThe pilot’s failure to establish a positive climb rate after takeoff, which resulted in an impact with an object.NTSB WPR21FA300Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R66 · Colusa, CAThe pilot’s abrupt flight control input that led to mast bumping and a subsequent in-flight breakup.NTSB WPR21LA299Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer G-164B · Tracy, CAA loss of thrust during a low-level agricultural application flight, which resulted in a descent and impact with terrain. The reason for the loss of thrust could not be determined based on available information.NTSB WPR21FA298Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150 · Banning, CAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.NTSB WPR21FA286Accident · 6 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBombardier CL-600-2B16 · Truckee, CAThe first officer’s (FO’s) improper decision to attempt to salvage an unstabilized approach by executing a steep left turn to realign the airplane with the runway centerline, and the captain’s failure to intervene after recognizing the FO’s erroneous action,…NTSB WPR21LA311Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Kernville, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing after an encounter with a wind gust which resulted in a collision with trees.NTSB WPR21FA273Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35 · Angwin, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during an aborted landing after an unstabilized approach and hard landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…NTSB WPR21LA271Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV6 · Riverside, CAA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined from available evidence.NTSB WPR21FA272Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · Dinsmore, CAThe airplane’s degraded engine performance due to wear to the intake cam lobes, which diminished the airplane’s takeoff and climb performance, resulting in a subsequent collision with trees.NTSB WPR21FA270Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 421C · Monterey, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control due to spatial disorientation during an instrument departure procedure in instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of…NTSB WPR21LA269Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172R · Petaluma, CAThe pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing following a partial loss of electrical power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction and hampered visual function.NTSB WPR21LA268Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 212HP · Weed, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during an approach to a lake. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to release the full water bucket as the helicopter was settling, which reduced the helicopter’s out-of-ground-effect performance.NTSB WPR21LA257Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportWheeler C / Wheeler K Lancair 235 · Borrego Springs, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during a crosswind landing which resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB WPR21LA248Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportDewsnup Dave Zenair CH 701 SP · Chester, CAThe pilot’s failure to properly position of the fuel selector valve, which resulted in a loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation.NTSB WPR21LA240Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T206 · Apple Valley, CAThe pilot's distraction due to adjusting the radio while taxing at night, which resulted in a taxiway excursion and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR21LA245Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Big Bear City, CAThe pilot’s inadequate flare and subsequent loss of airplane control during an aborted landing in gusting wind, which resulted in impact with trees.NTSB WPR21FA232Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportKitfox Series 6 · Likely, CAThe pilot’s poor decision making in attempting a takeoff from a field with high vegetation and a high-density altitude, which resulted in decreased takeoff performance and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR21FA228Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · Truckee, CAThe student pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a turn and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and a subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB OPS21LA003Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing 737-8H4 · San Diego, CAThe blocked go-around radio instruction from the air traffic control tower to the arrival aircraft which resulted in the arrival aircraft continuing the landing approach. This led to a loss of separation between the landing aircraft and the aircraft awaiting…NTSB WPR21FA223Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV6 · Porterville, CAA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.NTSB WPR21LA282Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportJabiru USA Sport J230-SP · Oceano, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control after landing fast and hard which damaged the right main landing gear wheel pant which lodged under the wheel.NTSB WPR21LA224Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172G · Washington, CAA total loss of engine power during an enroute climb due to a stuck exhaust valve and multiple failed piston compression rings.NTSB WPR21LA217Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182 · Carlsbad, CAThe student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of directional control.