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 WPR20LA325Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T210 · Bridgeport, CAAn inadvertent retraction of the flaps during a go-around by the pilot-rated passenger, which caused the airplane to settle onto the runway with the landing gear retracted.NTSB WPR20LA320Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGreat Lakes 2T1A · San Diego, CAA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a hard landing off airport.NTSB WPR20LA323Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMD Helicopter 369 · Chemehuevi Valley, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control during an approach with a gusting variable wind, which resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB WPR20LA311Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportNorth American B25N · Stockton, CAA total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the erroneous fuel gauge indications and inadequate preflight planning and inspectionNTSB WPR20LA303Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportNavion B · Van Nuys, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during an abrupt turn after takeoff at a low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR20LA295Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 35 · Three Rivers, CAThe pilot’s controlled flight into terrain while operating in conditions of reduced visibility due to smoke.NTSB WPR20CA296Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna Ector 305A · Amboy, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during a precautionary landing which resulted in a ground loop.NTSB WPR20CA312Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportBeechcraft C90A · Fortuna, CAA collision with a deer while landing at night.NTSB WPR20LA289Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech A36 · Redding, CAThe pilot’s failure to recognize the airplane’s inadequate takeoff performance given the length of the available runway and to abort the takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion.NTSB WPR20LA288Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 210 · Chino, CAThe failure of the engine-driven hydraulic pump, which resulted in the main landing gear not fully extending and locking into place during landing. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the emergency gear extension system for reasons that could not…NTSB WPR20CA284Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportBell 205 · LaVerne, CAThe pilot’s delayed decision to initiate a go-around while landing in an unimproved area which resulted in a collision with debris.NTSB WPR20LA306Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Upland, CAThe failure of the right landing gear due to fatigue cracking.NTSB WPR20LA280Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportArrow-Falcon Exporters UH-1H · Coalinga, CAThe pilot’s inability to maintain control of the helicopter due to a hydraulic system failure for reasons that could not be fully determined due to the thermal destruction from the postimpact fire.NTSB DCA20LA138Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing 767 · Los Angeles, CAThe left main landing gear’s failure to extend due to the separation of the brake rod retaining hardware from the aft inboard wheel for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB WPR20LA270Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 14 · Susanville, CAThe pilot’s decision to conduct a steep departure at a high-density altitude and the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a climb, which resulted in an accelerated stall and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB WPR20CA273Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportSchweizer SGS233 · Warner Springs, CAThe pilot's inability to maintain altitude due to a loss of thermal lift, which resulted in an off-airport landing.NTSB WPR20LA259Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRutan Vari EZE · Kelso Valley, CAThe pilot’s failure to secure the fuel cap, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB WPR20CA261Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportAviat A1 · Kernville, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during a go-around, which resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB WPR20LA257Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSportine Aviacija LAK17 · Lake Port, CAThe pilot’s exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack during flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR20CA253Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportRobert D Carr Jr Cavalon · Upper Lake, CAThe pilot’s distraction and failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low altitude maneuver, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and collision with terrain.NTSB WPR20LA256Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · San Jose, CAThe airplane’s collision with a bird while maneuvering in the airport traffic pattern.NTSB WPR20CA275Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna A185 · Susanville, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff with a tailwind, which resulted in a subsequent collapse of the right main landing gear.NTSB WPR20LA247Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell OH58A · Holtville, CAThe total loss of engine power due to the decoupling of the engine's turbine and compressor sections, which resulted from improper maintenance.NTSB WPR20LA237Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans Vans RV-8 · Tehachapi, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at too low of an altitude to recover.NTSB WPR20LA234Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMontana Coyote · Jamul, CAA total loss of engine power due to an obstructed fuel line and fuel starvation, which resulted in a forced landing and collision with a fence. Contributing to the accident was the long duration of aircraft storage that allowed for contaminants to develop and…NTSB WPR20LA228Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMd Helicopter 600 · San Andreas, CAThe failure of the output shaft of the overrunning clutch inner race due to frictional overheating of the shaft, which resulted from the failure of the output bearing’s stainless-steel grease seal.NTSB WPR20LA225Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV 8 · Grimes, CAA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not examined.NTSB WPR20CA222Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna 152 · Hayward, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during landing in gusting wind conditions, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in the left wing striking the runway.NTSB WPR20CA219Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Concord, CAThe student pilot's failure to maintain airplane control when the airplane drifted off of runway centerline and subsequently collided with a taxiway sign during a go-around.NTSB WPR20CA255Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportAir Creation/Sides Rick A Manta 503 · Ramona, CAThe solo student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent nose over.NTSB WPR20LA212Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Lake Tahoe, CAThe partial loss of engine power due to carbon buildup in the No. 4 cylinder resulting from the pilot’s inadequate mixture-leaning procedures.NTSB WPR20LA226Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing B75 · Chino, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.NTSB WPR20CA204Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna A185 · San Diego, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during landing with a crosswind and excessive braking action, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.NTSB WPR20LA193Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportThatcher CX4 · Upland, CAThe inflight separation of the propeller assembly due to a fatigue fracture of the crankshaft. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s restricted visibility during landing, which resulted in an excessive approach speed, a long landing, and subsequent…NTSB WPR20CA178Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Santa Barbara, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a fence.NTSB WPR20LA169Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 175 · Redlands, CAThe noncertificated pilot’s visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR20CA181Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportMooney M20J · Healdsburg, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a landing gear collapse.NTSB WPR20LA175Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman G164 · Lincoln, CAThe pilot’s loss of directional control on takeoff for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR20CA199Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportBeech D 45 · Ione, CAThe pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR20LA163Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Fairfield, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from powerlines while conducting external load operations, which resulted in the main rotor contacting a wire and a subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB WPR20LA157Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCub Crafters CCK-1865 · Valley Center, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.NTSB WPR20CA159Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportGrumman G164 · Maxwell, CAThe pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff when the airplane was not attaining sufficient airspeed for takeoff and subsequently departed the end of the runway and collided with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight…NTSB WPR20CA153Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportAyres S 2R · Artois, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during a go-around.NTSB WPR20LA152Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus SR20 · Santa Maria, CAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a steep and descending turn to final approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.NTSB DCA20LA107Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing 737 · Victorville, CAImproper installation of dorsal fin attach bolts which caused the dorsal fin to separate during flight, substantially damaging the left horizontal stabilizer.NTSB WPR20LA148Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Blythe, CAThe excessive wear of one magneto’s wiring harness, which resulted in a loss of engine power during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed following the loss of engine power, which resulted in exceedance of the…NTSB WPR20LA172Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAyres S2R · Imperial, CAThe pilot's loss of control during a landing roll due to a failure of the main O-ring in the right brake assembly, which resulted in a loss of brake pressure and subsequent brake failure.NTSB WPR20LA141Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 8GCBC · Byron, CAThe tow airplane pilot’s loss of control resulting from the glider pilot’s failure to maintain a proper altitude behind the tow airplane, which caused the tail of the tow airplane to be lifted upward and the tow airplane to pitch nose down while at a low…NTSB WPR20CA146Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna 182 · Perris, CAThe pilot's diverted attention while taxing which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from the skip loader during taxi.NTSB WPR20LA136Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Fresno, CAThe partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.