NTSB investigations, 2015
180,624 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,602 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 year(c.\"eventDate\") = 2015 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") = 2015 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 ERA15FA308Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech N35 · Weirsdale, FLA partial loss of engine power during takeoff. The reason for the partial loss of power could not be determined due to the extensive fire and impact damage to the engine.NTSB DCA15RA171Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationSikorsky S76 - C · Lagos, NigeriaThe Nigeria Accident Investigation Bureau (NAIB) has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a SIKORSKY S76 - C helicopter that occurred on August 12, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the NAIB investigation under the…NTSB CEN15LA377Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G 164B · Sac City, IAThe loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB CEN15CA356Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Pearland, TXThe student pilot inadvertently shut off the fuel valve while on the downwind leg, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and a forced landing short of the runway.NTSB GAA15CA223Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 170B · Driggs, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and a nose over.NTSB GAA15CA221Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 47D1 · Clanton, ALThe student pilot's abrupt cyclic and collective inputs during the approach to land which resulted in abnormal runway contact and a subsequent tail boom strike by the main rotor blades.NTSB DCA15WA180Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 747 · Frankfurt, GermanyThe German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a Boeing 747 airplane, which occurred on August 11, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of…NTSB CEN15LA361Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Brookfield, MOThe pilot's failure to visually check the quantity of fuel in the fuel tanks in accordance with the Preflight checklist, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and the subsequent forced landing.NTSB GAA15CA222Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna A185F · Emily, MNThe pilot's failure to retract the landing gear, which resulted in a gear down water landing and a nose over.NTSB ERA15LA306Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWright Daniel J Volksplane VP-1 · Brooksville, FLThe pilot's failure to abort the takeoff after determining that the engine was not producing adequate power. Contributing to the accident was the engine's inability to produce adequate power for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive postimpact…NTSB ERA15FA299Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R · Marathon, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff due to spatial disorientation while turning after takeoff in dark night conditions in a sparsely populated area, which resulted in the airplane’s descent into water. Contributing to the…NTSB CEN15LA350Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportJal R Dennis Trixy Princess · Midland, TXThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning during which he failed to account for the high-density altitude conditions and high gross weight, which degraded the gyroplane's climb performance and resulted in a hard landing.NTSB CEN15FA347Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA 5A · Harrisburg, ILThe student pilot's improper decision to conduct a flight in dark, night conditions and his subsequent controlled flight into terrain.NTSB CEN15FA342Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32R-300 · Harbor Springs, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees during the approach in dark, night conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into trees and terrain.NTSB CEN15CA353Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRatte James Aventura II · Tyler, TXThe loss of airplane control during a go around, which resulted in impact with the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of seaplane rating and inexperience in the accident airplane.NTSB WPR15FA238Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAviat A 1 · Compton, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and/or appropriate pitch attitude during a banner pickup, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall/spin at too low an altitude to allow…NTSB ERA15WA309Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172N · Bajo Baudo, ColombiaOn August 9, 2015, about 2200 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 172N, Colombian registration TI-BAA, was destroyed when it impacted terrain during a rejected landing at Pizarro Airport (SK-195), Bajo Baudo, Colombia. The two pilots and one passenger were…NTSB ERA15LA301Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Kissimmee, FLThe student pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.NTSB ERA15CA302Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 206G · Titusville, FLThe pilot's landing with a tailwind at an excessive speed, which resulted in a runway excursion, and collision with a ditch.NTSB CEN15RA352Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationDehavilland DHC 2 · Akureyri, IcelandOn August 9, 2015, at an unknown time, a De Havilland DHC-2 airplane, United States registration N610LC, was substantially damaged when it impacted mountainous terrain near Akureyri, Iceland. One occupant sustained fatal injuries, and one occupant sustained…NTSB CEN15LA354Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna C421B · Clovis, NMThe pilot's improper management of fuel to the left engine during approach for landing, which resulted in a total loss of left engine power due to fuel starvation, and his subsequent failure to maintain control during the final landing approach, which…NTSB CEN15LA344Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportErickson Larry D RAF 2000 GT · Humboldt, IAThe pilot’s loss of gyroplane control while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB ANC15LA063Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 18-150 · Talkeetna, AKImpact with terrain during low-level cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB OPS15IA020Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportAirbus Industrie A320 211 · Max, NEThe flight crew's continued flight into a closing gap between areas of thunderstorm activity and their failure to maintain the required lateral separation from the thunderstorms, which resulted in the airplane's encounter with hail and subsequent airplane…NTSB GAA15CA218Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 170A · East Haddam, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, and excessive use of brakes, which resulted in a runway excursion and nose over.NTSB ERA15WA305Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 402B · Vereda Guarigua Cajica, ColombiaOn August 8, 2015, 1505 UTC, a Cessna 402B, HK-4990, registered to and operated by AeroExpress, collided with terrain near Vereda Guarigua Cajica, Cundinamarca, Colombia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and flight plan information is…NTSB ERA15WA303Accident · 9 fatalForeign investigationCessna U206F · Istra, RussiaOn August 8, 2015, at 1708 universal coordinated time, a Cessna U206F airplane, Russian registration RA- 67523 registered to a private owner, and a Robinson R44 II helicopter, Russian registration RA- 04383, registered to a private owner, collided while…NTSB ERA15LA300Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Hot Springs, VAA partial loss of engine power during initial climb due to the failure of a magneto. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate the airplane without a current annual inspection.NTSB CEN15LA398Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBuckeye Dream Macine · Zeeland, MIThe noncertificated pilot's impairment due to alcohol consumption, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from a tree.NTSB CEN15LA359Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeros Aeros 2 · Albuquerque, NMThe ultralight airplane’s encounter with a downdraft in mountainous terrain, which resulted in a descent into trees.NTSB CEN15LA343Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172G · Hartington, NEThe pilot’s decision to use an excessive, unapproved flap setting for takeoff, which significantly increased the induced drag and resulted in an aerodynamic stall when the airplane flew out of ground effect.NTSB WPR15LA239Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEmbraer E175 · South Lake Tahoe, CAThe airplane's encounter with moderate turbulence during descent, which resulted in a serious injury to a flight attendant who was not securely seated. Contributing to the accident was the flight attendant's decision to continue to secure items before the…NTSB WPR15LA235Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCleveland Allan B Nieuport 11# · Bellingham, WAA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR15FA236Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182F · Montecito, CAOil starvation that led to the failure of the No. 5 connecting rod and a subsequent loss of engine power.NTSB ERA15LA381Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBrown James W Zenith Stol CH 750 · Charlotte, VTThe pilot’s inadequate compensation for a crosswind during landing, which resulted in a side load application to the nose landing gear and its subsequent collapse.NTSB ERA15LA304Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoard James A Zenith 601 HD · Danville, KYThe pilot's improper adjustment of the propeller blade angle, which resulted in inadequate engine thrust, and his decision to continue the takeoff despite the excessively long takeoff roll.NTSB ERA15FA298Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMchugh Tony Kitfox Model 1 · Montrose, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during final approach, which resulted in the airplane's wing exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA15FA297Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA46 · Saranac Lake, NYThe pilot’s loss of airplane control during takeoff, which resulted from his impairment or incapacitation due to an acute cardiac event.NTSB ENG15RA038Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationATR ATR72 · Lampedusa, ItalyThe Agenzia Nazionale per la Sicurrezza del Volo (ANSV) has notified the NTSB of an incident involving an ATR 72 that occurred August 7, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the ANSV investigation under the provisions of…NTSB CEN15WA363Accident · Minor injuriesForeign investigationBell 206 - L1 · Lake Peten Izta, GuatemalaOn August 7, 2015, about 1128 Universal Coordinated Time, a Bell 206-L1, Guatemalan-registered TG-MIX, operated by Aereo Services, was substantially damaged when it impacted Lake Peten Itza, Guatemala. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of…NTSB CEN15LA355Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWorld Spirit · Granbury, TXThe pilot’s failure to use the fuel boost pump following the loss of engine power and the fuel system’s inadequate design, which did not allow for equalization of fuel between the fuel tanks and led to a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and…NTSB CEN15CA348Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Kansasville, WIThe pilot's inability to see and avoid power lines that were low to the ground and a green color that blended with the background crops.NTSB ANC15FA062Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 18-150 · Chugiak, AKThe loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR15LA233Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRyan Aeronautical ST3KR · Hollister, CAThe pilot's failure to observe the runway environment while operating in the traffic pattern and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from a lawnmower on the runway during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the lawnmower operator's…NTSB GAA15LA217Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMD Helicopter 369E · Whitefish, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude and a level attitude while hovering over water at night during an external load operation, which resulted in the helicopter’s main rotor contacting the surface of the water.NTSB GAA15CA226Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportStick & Rag Flying Club CB 1 · Kingman, KSThe separation of the left wheel from the landing gear assembly during the landing touchdown, which precipitated a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and nose over.NTSB GAA15CA216Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 150M · Ellijay, GAThe pilot's failure to attain and maintain sufficient airspeed during takeoff which resulted in a descent, loss of directional control, and a runway excursion.NTSB GAA15CA215Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 560XL · Spanish Fork, UTThe Captain's decision to taxi on a closed taxiway, which resulted in a collision with a parked construction vehicle. Contributing to the accident was a ground crew employee's decision to move barricades from the closed taxiway.NTSB CEN15WA339Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationKitfox Series 7 · Hundwil, SwitzerlandOn August 5, 2015 about 0840 UTC, a Kitfox Series 7 airplane, Swiss registration HB-YMG, impacted into a forest near Hundwil-Appenzell, Switzerland. The pilot and the passenger were killed, and the airplane was destroyed. Visual Meteorological conditions…NTSB CEN15LA345Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT 401 · Nekoosa, WIThe pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in his attempt to take off for the agricultural application flight with the airplane over its maximum gross weight in high-density altitude conditions and led to the airplane’s degraded climb…