NTSB investigations, 1997
180,616 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,594 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\") = 1997 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") = 1997 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 FTW97RA323Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBell 206L-1 · Arica, PeruNTSB FTW97LA322Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell S-2R · Columbus, NMa loss of engine power due to failure of an exhaust side rocker box and valve mechanism, and pilot incapacitation due to loss of consciousness after being struck in the head by parts separating from the engine.NTSB CHI97LA268Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · Belleville, MIthe pilot's improper planning/decision by failing to assure that the airplane was either tied down or chocked prior to pulling the propeller through, which started the engine with no one at the controls.NTSB ANC97GA126Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBell BH-206B · Dillingham, AKThe pilot's intentional VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Factors associated with the accident are the pilot's failure to activate the cabin heating system, the lack of an operable windshield defogger, the pilot's overconfidence in…NTSB FTW97LA320Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Hayden, COThe pilot in command's inadequate visual lookout.NTSB CHI97LA266Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSwearingen SA226TC · Des Moines, IAthe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision and failure to perform the emergency procedure for shut-down of the right engine. Factors relating to the accident were: the power lever cable became disconnected from the fuel control unit, due to improper…NTSB CHI97LA265Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna P210 · Grayslake, ILexcessive airspeed and the pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point during landing. Factors associated with the accident were inadequate aircraft preflight and the ditch.NTSB SEA97LA194Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLet Blanik L-13 · Hamilton, MTThe pilot's excessive speed taxispeed and failure to maintain wing clearance from a taxiway sign.NTSB NYC97LA167Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Brickerville, PAFuel starvation as a result of the pilot performing a takeoff with the fuel selector in the 'OFF' position.NTSB LAX97LA295Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Prescott, AZThe pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.NTSB FTW97LA319Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-3B-2 · Montrose, COfailure of the flight instructor (CFI) to properly supervise the flight and ensure that adequate rotor rpm was maintainted during the autorotation/landing. The high density altitude was a related factor.NTSB FTW97LA315Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Gila, NMthe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane, which resulted in a ground swerve, and collision with vegetation (cactus) and a fence. Related factors were: the soft runway…NTSB FTW97FA313Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B24R · Albany, TXThe flight instructor's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff/initial climb. A factor was the flight instructor's lack of experience in the make and model of aircraft.NTSB ANC97LA125Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Karluk, AKthe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. Related factors were: the direct left crosswind, and the soft sand.NTSB SEA97LA193Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna TU206G · Edwall, WAA fatigue failure of the engine crankshaft. Factors contributing to the accident were the rolling terrain, and the fence.NTSB MIA97LA236Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Butler, ALThe failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during a landing attempt after adding power to recover from a bounced landing.NTSB LAX97LA294Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Chandler, AZThe student's failure to maintain directional control due to excessive use of the rudder, and the instructor's delayed remedial action.NTSB LAX97FA292Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Kernville, CAThe partial loss of engine power due to the operator's inadequate engine maintenance relating to excessively rich mixtures (high fuel flow rates) and spark plug/magneto deficiencies. Contributing factors were degraded climb performance resulting from the high…NTSB FTW97LA318Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 175 · Rock Springs, WYThe delayed landing flare by both student pilot and flight instructor, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student. Factors were the no flap steep approach at low airspeed.NTSB FTW97LA316Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Caldwell, TXThe loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion which resulted from a leaking fuel cap. Factors were the dark night conditions, and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB ANC97LA124Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180H · Arctic Village, AKThe pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty wind conditions. Factors were the gusty wind conditions, and the pilot's misjudging the wind information.NTSB SEA97LA192Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 175 · Lynnwood, WAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, which led to fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power.NTSB SEA97LA191Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G · Wellpinit, WAThe pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site, and his failure to maintain rotor blade clearance from terrain during landing.NTSB NYC97LA166Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 425 · Perkasie, PAthe pilot's inadequate preflight, by failing to verify the fuel supply, which led to subsequent fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power. A related factor was: the inaccurate fuel quantity gauge.NTSB MIA97LA235Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-20 · Villa Rica, GAInadequate runway maintenance by the pilot for allowing trees to be in close proximity of the runway and failure to maintain clearance from the trees.NTSB LAX97FA291Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHefner Pitts S1S · Van Nuys, CAthe operation of the propeller beyond the design rpm limitations and the resultant gyroscopic loads from aerobatics. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a required instrument panel rpm restriction for the propeller mandated by an airworthiness…NTSB FTW97LA317Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Vernon, TXfailure of the pilot to maintain clearance from an irrigation pipe. Factors relating to the accident were: the poor light condition at dusk, the object (vertical piece of irragation pipe), loss of engine power from foreign object damage, and the lack of…NTSB CHI97LA264Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Glenwood, MNfailure of the student pilot to maintain the correct airspeed for a go-around maneuver, which resulted in a stall/mush and collision with terrain.NTSB CHI97LA262Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Jefferson City, MOthe pilot's incomplete preflight of the airplane's stabilizer and rudder trim settings for takeoff, his failure to correct for the high pitch during the initial climb, his failure to recover from the bounced landing, and the inadvertent stall. Factors…NTSB CHI97LA260Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Derby, KSthe Airworthiness Directive and propeller overhaul not being complied with. Factors to the accident were the propeller blade retention failure and rough/uneven terrain condition.NTSB SEA97LA190Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLaister LP-49 · North Plains, ORThe pilot's selection of an inadequate landing site, and his failure to adequately plan his return glide back to his home gliderport. A factor contributing to the accident was rough terrain.NTSB MIA97LA234Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Siler City, NCFailure of the pilot to obtain a preflight weather briefing, inaccurate weather evaluation by the pilot, and his poor in-flight planning decision for descending too low to read a road sign.NTSB MIA97LA233Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Waynesboro, GAThe obscured vision of the pilot due to oil covering the windscreen. Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of engine power due to a cracked head of one of the cylinders and unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing.NTSB IAD97LA111Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Westfield, MAThe pilot's inadequate preflight preparation which fail to include a weight and balance check and his subsequent failure to maintain aircraft control.NTSB CHI97LA263Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164B · Burlington, WIthe deer which contacted the airplane.NTSB CHI97LA261Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Hinckley, ILthe failure of the glider pilot to properly handle his airplane during the initial takeoff climb which resulted in the tow pilot's inability to maintain control of his airplane.NTSB CHI97LA259Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Bradshaw, NEthe pilot not maintaining clearance from the terrain. Factors contributing to this accident were the pilot's diverted attention due to the problems with his global positioning flagger equipment and the other ag- airplane, and the crop.NTSB SEA97LA189Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRotz RAF 2000 GTX SE · Olympia, WAThe pilot's failure to attain adequate rotor rpm prior to takeoff.NTSB NYC97LA190Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 58TC · E. Farmingdale, NYthe pilot's improper starting procedure, which led to an engine fire; and his failure to follow the emergency checklist, which contributed to the level of damage that the airplane received.NTSB MIA97LA231Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman-Schweizer G-164A · Pinehurst, GAThe failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with the cotton crop while maneuvering to begin a spray pass over a 5 foot-tall cotton crop, resulting in the in-flight collision with the crop and terrain.NTSB LAX97TA289Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportBell UH-1H · Tahoe City, CAThe pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff in environmental conditions which exceeded the helicopter's performance capability, and his improper use of the collective, which caused a decay of the main rotor rpm, the collision with the lake, and the subsequent…NTSB LAX97LA293Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 188 · Eloy, AZThe pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and his failure to maintain directional control due to inadequate rudder use.NTSB LAX97FA288Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Corcoran, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain separation from ground obstacles.NTSB FTW97RA314Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationBell 412HP · Cuernavaca, MexicoNTSB FTW97LA312Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Longmont, COThe pilot in command's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft, resulting in an inadvertent ground loop.NTSB FTW97LA310Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWaco KNF · Wamsutter, WYThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the precautionary landing. A factor was a wind gust.NTSB SEA97FA188Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportBeech 1900C · Seattle, WAA stall/mush condition resulting from an aft center of gravity which was inaccurately provided to the pilot-in-command by contractual cargo-loading personnel. Additional causes were overloading of the aircraft's landing gear and fuel leakage resulting in a…NTSB NYC97LA165Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDassault DA-20 · Lexington, KYThe pilot misjudged distance and altitude to the runway after transition from an instrument approach to a visual approach. Factors related to the accident were the rain, and uphill runway conditions at a dark night.NTSB MIA97FA232Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Dalton, GAthe pilot's improper IFR procedure, by failing to maintain the minimum descent altitude (MDA) during the ILS localizer approach, until the runway environment was in sight, which resulted in a collision with terrain short of the runway. Factors relating to the…NTSB LAX97LA290Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Buckeye, AZThe pilot's misjudgement of the clearance between the aircraft and the tree.