NTSB investigations, AL
180,610 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,589 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\" = 'AL' 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" = 'AL' 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 ATL90DKJ01Accident · No injuriesFinal reportSteen Skybolt · Bessemer, ALThe improper use of the flight controls by the pilot in command during an aerobatic maneuver. While attempting a snap roll, the pilot failed to introduce sufficient elevator input to complete the maneuver.NTSB ATL89LA215Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Semmes, ALImproper replacement of the fuel cap gasket by the pilot, which resulted in a blocked fuel cap vent and fuel starvation. Trees in the emergency landing area contributed to aircraft damage.NTSB ATL89FA214Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Gordon, ALThe improper installation of the fuel gascolator bowl by maintenance personnel, which resulted in fuel leakage and a loss of fuel pressure to the engine.NTSB ATL89LA210Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Hanceville, ALImproper flare by the pilot/owner and his failure to obtain/maintain proper airspeed for the go-around; and inadequate supervision and remedial action by the instructor pilot (other crew member). The uneven surface of the private strip was a contributing…NTSB ATL89DKJ10Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportPiper PA-36-285 · Atmore, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles (the crop) during an agricultural spray run.NTSB ATL89FA200Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Fruithurst, ALPilot's failure to maintain main rotor RPM while executing an autorotation which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to follow autorotation procedures after the reported engine failure.NTSB ATL89DKJ09Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 188B · Prattville, ALFailure of the pilot to maintain clearance from obstructions (trees).NTSB ATL89DKJ08Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportCessna A188B · Atmore, ALPilot's failure to maintain visual lookout for obstacles. Contributing to the accident was the low (dawn) position of the sun which interfered with the pilot's vision.NTSB ATL89LA184Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-26E · Alabaster, ALThe glider pilot's poor evaluation of area weather conditions during the flight, which necessitated an off-airport precautionary landing and led to a collision with rough terrain during the landing rollout. Factors contributing to the accident were the…NTSB ATL89DKJ07Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna A188B · Town Creek, ALThe inadvertent stall at an altitude inadequate to effect a safe recovery.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 ATL89DKJ06Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Goodway, ALThe in-flight separation of the left wing which failed because of a corrosion induced fatigue fracture.NTSB ATL89LA168Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Centreville, ALThe student pilot's failure to remove all remaining water from the airplane fuel system during pre-flight inspection which led to a total loss of power.NTSB ATL89FA163Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172F · Vernon, ALImproper maintenance of the spark plugs by the pilot/mechanic which resulted in a partial loss of engine power, and the pilot's failure to clear trees during an emergency landing in an open field resulting in an inadvertent stall.NTSB ATL89LA170Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna R172E · Birmingham, ALImproper flare by the pilot, which resulted in a hard landing. The fact that the pilot was asked twice to expedite the landing created pressure on the pilot and was considered to be a factor.NTSB ATL89DKJ05Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportHadley Teenie TWO · Guntersville, ALUndetermined. Factors related to the accident were: lack of a suitable landing area, high obstructions, and a dirt bank.NTSB ATL89DKJ04Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportGlassair III · Auburn, ALThe pilot's premature lift-off which resulted in a stall into trees.NTSB ATL89DKJ03Accident · No injuriesFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Loxley, ALThe loss of engine power due to carburetor ice, and the pilot's improper use of carburetor heat.NTSB ATL89LA145Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269A · Ozark, ALThe pilot's excessive use of the cyclic control and the misjudged flare during a practice touchdown autorotation.NTSB ATL89FA113Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Ashland, ALThe pilot continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Factors related to the accident were: high terrain, the adverse weather conditions, and trees.NTSB ATL89DKJ02Accident · No injuriesFinal reportAircraft Parts & Dev. A-9B · Athens, ALThe pilot's inadequate preflight preparation/planning to assure sufficient runway length for clearing obstructions.NTSB ATL89LA085Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177B · Oneonta, ALInadequate preflight by the pilot and fuel exhaustion. Trees contributed to the aircraft damage.NTSB ATL89FA078Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Bagley, ALInadequate maintenance by other maintenance personnel which allowed a foreign object to remain in the engine and damage/short the spark plugs in the #2 and #3 cylinders. Trees in the emergency landing area contributed to the accident. If shoulder harnesses…NTSB ATL89LA076Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A90 · Montgomery, ALThe instructor pilot (CFI) inadvertently actuated the landing gear handle to the up position.NTSB ATL89LA067Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Theodore, ALPilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and subsequent collision with the ground.NTSB ATL89LA064Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Perdido, ALWhile descending to 6000 feet the pilot experienced a complete loss of engine oil supply. The windscreen was covered with oil and the pilot had to use the side window to gain forward visibility. After completing the emergency landing check the engine seized.…NTSB ATL89DKJ01Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportSloan RV-4 · Russellville, ALWhile cruising at 2500 feet with ram air gate open, engine began to run rough. The plt closed the ram air gate and applied carb heat but the engine continued to run rough and then stopped. The pilot attempted to land in an open field, clearing several large…NTSB ATL89FA051Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Pinson, ALTwo FAA inspectors were conducting currency training when the helicopter landed hard during a practice power recovery autorotation. The pilot had delayed in applying power and collective pitch. Upon contact with the ground, all engine instruments indicated…NTSB ATL89LA034Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210B · Uriah, ALWhile cruising at 6500 ft, the eng lost power & the prop stopped windmilling. The plt elected to land on a highway. Drg the landing, the right wing hit overhanging tree limbs which yawed the acft off the right side of the road & down an embankment. The eng…NTSB ATL89FA222Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Alexander City, ALOn 10/31/88, the plt obtained wx info & filed an IFR flt plan fm vero beach, FL, to huntsville, AL. At aprx 1513 EST, hectcd ATC & rprtd climbing thru 1500' for 3000'. About 2.4 hrs later, he rprtd a loss of eng pwr. Vectors were provided toward an arpt, but…NTSB ATL89LA022Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Hazel Green, ALThe flight instructor and the pre-solo student crashed after takeoff about 1/2 mile from the Hazel Green airport. The acft had been operated about one hour since the original takeoff from huntsville, Alabama. The instructor pilot reported that about 12…NTSB ATL89FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210N · Alexander City, ALThe airplane crashed about 2 mi short of the destination arpt. Witnesses reported that it impacted nose down after clearing trees; no engine sounds were heard. According to rescue personnel, the plt indicated that there were no engine or other mechanical…NTSB ATL89LA002Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Monroeville, ALAccording to the plt, he had requested the acft be fully svcd with fuel before takeoff; however, he did not visually check the fuel. He rprtd that after takeoff, he had flown about 50 min when he noted the rgt tank, which he was using, indcd empty. He said he…NTSB ATL88FA256Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 14-19-3 · Oak Grove, ALNTSB ATL88LA253Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Luverne, ALThe plt reported that he was flying at about 7-800 ft AGL while inspecting timber for insect damage when the engine suddenly lost power. He could not recover enough power to sustain flt, so he selected a pasture for his impending forced ldg. He reported that…NTSB ATL88LA248Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BL-65 · Calera, ALThe plt reported that the engine lost power during descent. The airplane subsequently crashed into a cornfield after clearing a row of trees, as the plt was attempting to make a forced landing. Post-crash exam of the airplane revealed that both the main & aux…NTSB ATL88LA240Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Fairhope, ALThe plt rprtd the eng lost pwr 'without warning' as he & his pax were flying over water near the shore at aprx 500'. He performed emerg procedures & regained partial pwr, but not enough to cont flt. He maneuvered toward the shore, then elected to ditch the…NTSB ATL88LA237Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMaule MX-7-180 · Eufaula, ALThe plt reported that he landed on a grass strip adjacent to the paved rwy, to 'save the (airplane) tires' from excessive wear. He stated that the airplane groundlooped during the rollout when it encountered a hole in the turf. A mechanic who examined the…NTSB ATL88DKG16Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna 188 · Hazel Green, ALThe plt rprtd he had flown off the strip all day & the temp had risen to 101 deg. As he was on his last takeoff, he realized the chemical load was too great for the conditions. He said he dumped part of the load, but the acft settled back to the ground.…NTSB ATL88DKG13Accident · No injuriesFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Fadette, ALThe pilot reported a partial power loss during an aerial application flight. The aircraft landed in the crops. The pilot stated that he found the number 3 cylinder partially separated from the engine.NTSB ATL88LA221Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Elberta, ALThe plt was on a x-country flt from Elberta, AL, to destin, FL & return. The flt included 4 en route stops to pick up & drop off pax. During an en route stop, the plt checked the fuel by using a home made dip stick & he thought there was sufficient fuel to…NTSB ATL88FA207Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32 · Uniontown, ALNTSB ATL88LA201Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Meridianville, ALThe plt reported that he attempted to make a touch and go ldg at the departure arpt before heading out on the first leg of a cross-country flt. The airplane encountered a gust of wind at touchdown and veered off the side of the rwy. The airplane subsequently…NTSB ATL88FA200Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGlobe GC-1B · Myrtlewood, ALNTSB ATL88LA190Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-55C · Coaling, ALThe helo was approaching a helipad for landing after the last aerial application flight of the day when there was a pop and tail rotor control was lost. After several rotations about the vertical axis, the PIC landed the helo hard, collapsing the landing…NTSB ATL88LA187Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Mc Kenzie, ALThe plt reported that he attempted to takeoff from a pasture that was 'too short'. The airplane began to settle shortly after t/o and one of the MLG wheels struck a short post in the pasture. The airplane hdg was altered and the airplane crashed into a fence.…NTSB ATL88DKG07Accident · No injuriesFinal reportGrumman G164A · Clanton, ALNTSB ATL88FA168Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269A · Ozark, ALThree months prior to the accident a mechanic repaired the left magneto. He reinstalled it and timed it with the right magneto. Both magnetos were found to have advanced timing. Internal examination showed discrepancies which would lead to electrical…NTSB ATL88LA166Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J5C · Gulf Shores, ALA witness reported that the airplane encountered a 'downdraft' while attempting to pick up a banner. The main ldg gear caught the banner pick-up line and carried the banner aloft. The witness radioed the plt to advise him of the situation, but received no…NTSB ATL88IA146Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-8-101/102 · Dothan, ALDuring cruise flight at 12,000 ft, the flight crew of the DHC-8 observed a low oil pressure warning light. About five seconds later, the right engine fire warning light illuminated. Fire was confirmed and the extinguisher discharged. The fire was extinguished…