NTSB investigations, VA
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\" = 'VA' 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" = 'VA' 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 NYC95LA130Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Ashland, VAa loss of engine power due to a subsurface fatigue crack in the crankshaft which led to failure of the crankshaft.NTSB NYC95FA123Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-A55 · Wise, VAThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed, after the right engine lost power, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with the ground.NTSB NYC95LA115Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPitcher W-8 · Mineral, VAan electrical system problem that resulted in a blown (failed) fuze and an inoperative electric fuel pump, which in turn resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an…NTSB BFO95FA050Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172F · Tappahanock, VAThe student pilot's misjudgment of distance/speed during the approach to land, and her failure to go around while there was still sufficient runway remaining. Factors related to the accident were: inadequate supervision by the flight instructor, the student's…NTSB NYC95FA103Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 Beta · Toano, VAThe pilot misjudged altitude and distance which resulted in an undershoot of the landing area and collision with water. Contributing factors are inadequate helipad lighting and a dark night light condition.NTSB BFO95FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Louisa, VAthe non-instrument rated private pilot's continued VFR flight into IMC and failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from terrain/obstacles. Related factors were the pilot's lack of total experience in IMC operations, his failure to obtain a preflight…NTSB NYC95LA085Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Tangier Island, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance which resulted in an inflight collision with a tree. Contributing factors are a crosswind and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for wind conditionsNTSB BFO95LA034Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182K · Gretna, VAThe pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB NYC95FA068Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Suffolk, VAThe pilot's inadequate preflight and improper in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Darkness was a factor related to the improper planning/decision-making for the emergency landing.NTSB NYC95LA066Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 175 · Quantico, VAthe failure of a connecting rod, which resulted in the total loss of engine power. Subsequently, the airplane was ditched.NTSB NYC95LA024Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAlon A-2 · Goode, VAthe inadequate preflight by the pilot, resulting in engine failure due to water ingestion.NTSB NYC95LA014Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-44 · Haymarket, VAThe pilot's failure to extend the landing gear which resulted in a gear up landing. A factor was the pilot's diverted attention.NTSB NYC95LA009Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-355 · Jonesville, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.NTSB BFO95FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Fancy Gap, VAThe pilot's inadequate inflight planning and his failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Other related factors are: fog, rain, VFR flight into IMC, inexperience and mountainous terrain.NTSB NYC94LA177Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 195 B · Richmond, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control which resulted in a ground loop. Contributing factors are excessive airspeed, fatigue, and improper recovery from a bounced landing.NTSB BFO94FA140Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Roanoke, VAThe disconnection of the throttle cable from the throttle arm on the fuel injector servo.NTSB BFO94FA144Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Front Royal, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance, his improper in-flight decision and his inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) which resulted in in-flight collision with terrain. The high terrain and weather conditions were…NTSB BFO94LA132Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Waynesboro, VAThe pilot's misjudgement of speed and distance which resulted in a landing overrun. A contributing factor is the pilot's delay in intiating a go-around.NTSB NYC94FA119Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Kiptopeka, VAInadequate visual lookout by the flightcrew of the helicopter. A factor related to the accident was: failure of the departure controller to issue a traffic advisory.NTSB NYC94LA118Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8F · Leesburg, VAThe pilot's inadequate incompensation for wind conditions resulting in loss of directional control.NTSB NYC94LA115Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Leesburg, VAThe student pilot's failure to attain adequate airpseed during an aborted landing which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the ground. A factor is the the student pilot's inexperience.NTSB NYC94LA107Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Newport News, VAThe pilot's (1) improper recovery from a bounced landing and (2) failure to maintain aircraft control.NTSB DCA94MA061Accident · 12 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportLearjet 25D · Chantilly, VAThe poor decisionmaking, poor airmanship, and relative inexperience of the captain in initiating and continuing an unstabilized instrument approach that led to a descent below the authorized altitude without visual contact with the runway environment.…NTSB BFO94LA106Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Leesburg, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain the minimum descent altitude until the published approach fix. Factors related to the accident was pilot fatigue, low ceilings, obscuration, and fog.NTSB BFO94FA096Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210B · Culpepper, VAthe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and loss of control of the aircraft. Contributing factors were the low ceilings and clouds.NTSB NYC94LA095Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-E · Warrenton, VAthe pilot did not maintain directional control of the airplane during an aborted takeoff, which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway and nosing over. A factor in this accident was the pilot's lack of experience on grass strips in this make and…NTSB NYC94LA092Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Fredericksburg, VAThe pilot's premature lift-off, resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush back onto the runway, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the aborted takeoff, which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway and colliding with a dirt…NTSB NYC94LA091Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 305A · Franklin, VAThe loss of airplane directional control during landing as a result of a tire failure, and the subsequent collision with soft terrain.NTSB NYC94LA081Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLet Super Blanik L-33 · New Castle, VAThe pilot's improper use of the flight controls resulting in failure to maintain a proper descent rate during the approach for landing. A factor in this accident was the pilot's lack of total experience in this type of glider.NTSB NYC94LA084Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 421A · Richlands, VAThe hard landing, as a result of the pilot's misjudged rate of descent. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's limited experience in this make and model airplane.NTSB BFO94FA071Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 412/SP · Bluefield, VAThe pilot's failure to intercept the final approach course, and his improper execution of the instrument approach procedure. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the weather conditions, and the failure of the air traffic controller to adequately…NTSB BFO94LA062Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Gloucester, VAThe pilot-in-command's failure to perform adequate pre-flight inspections and planning for the flight, and his failure to refuel the airplane. This led to fuel exhaustion of the engine and a forced landing.NTSB NYC94FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSwearingen SA-26AT · Winchester, VAThe pilot's decision to operate the airplane with known deficiencies in the fuel quantity measuring system which resulted in a power loss due to fuel starvation, followed by improper emergency procedures which resulted in a loss of control inflight and…NTSB BFO94LA040Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHiller UH-12E · Farmville, VAthe pilot's failure to refuel the helicopter with the correct fuel. Factors in the accident were the unclear information given by the passenger and airport line service personnel, the insufficient information regarding the labeling of the airport's fuel…NTSB BFO94LA038Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Norfolk, VAFatigue failure of the engine mounting bolt which resulted in loss of engine power and subsequent on ground collision with the terrain.NTSB DCA94IA032Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportDouglas DC-9-32 · Chantilly, VAThe flightcrew's failure to maintain directional control during a rejected takeoff. Contributing factors were the wet and icy runway.NTSB NYC94LA045Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 206A · Williamsburg, VAan exhaust valve failure that created a hole in the piston, which allowed the complete loss of engine oil, resulting in the subsequent forced landing.NTSB NYC94LA037Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Christianburg, VAThe pilot's improper use of carburetor heat which prevented the accumulation of carburetor ice and resulted in the loss of engine power. A factor was unsuitable terrain.NTSB BFO94LA004Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Manassas, VAThe loss of total engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor in the accident was the lack of suitable terrain to enable the completion of a power-off forced landing.NTSB BFO94LA001Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportUnivair Ercoupe 415E · Willis, VAthe failure of the airplane's throttle cable fitting due to undetermined reasons, which prevented the pilot from applying power above engine idle. A factor in this accident was the lack of suitable terrain for the pilot to complete a forced landing without…NTSB DCA94GA010Accident · 3 fatalClass 1Final reportBeech 300/F · Front Royal, VAthe failure of the pilot-in-command to ensure that the airplane remained in visual meteorological conditions over mountainous terrain, and the failure of the Federal Aviation Administration executives and managers responsible for the FAA flying program to:…NTSB NYC94LA008Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFeatherston Titan Tornado · Mechanicsville, VAFailure of the pilot to correct the descent. Factors related to the accident were: the light conditions at dusk, impairment of the pilot from use of a medication (prescription drug), and possible lack of visual ques (pilot's visual perception).NTSB BFO93FA188Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-CD · Charles City, VAthe pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane which resulted in an in-flight break-up.NTSB BFO93LA187Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150B · Woodford, VAThe pilot misjudging his altitude and airspeed and not attaining the proper touchdown point resulting in the airplane exiting the runway and colliding with pine trees. Factors in this accident were: 1) the wet runway, 2) rain which resulted in poor braking…NTSB BFO93LA184Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Emporia, VAThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for a takeoff. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's delay in initiating an aborted takeoff.NTSB BFO93FA178Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-4-210C · Staunton, VAInadequate preflight by the pilot which resulted in inadequate altitude to clear the embankment during the initial climb. Factors in this accident were a tailwind on takeoff and rising terrain at the departure end of the grass airstrip.NTSB BFO93LA170Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Tangier Island, VAFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft during a go-around. A factor related to the accident was: the crosswind condition.NTSB BFO93FA167Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Marshall, VAAn inadequate annual inspection of the airplane and non-compliance with airworthiness directives by company maintenance personnel.NTSB BFO93LA156Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Pembroke, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude while manuevering in mountainous terrain.NTSB NYC93LA168Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-225 · Chesapeake, VAThe loosening of the crankshaft geardrive as a resulted of a sheared bolt and guide pin which resulted in the loss of engine power. A factor was a forced landing on a crop field.