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 WPR18LA101Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28R · Paso Robles, CAThe pilots' inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to ensure that the oil filler cap was secured and resulted in oil starvation and a total loss of engine power.NTSB WPR18CA096Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 47G · Pixley, CAA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from the pilot’s failure to ensure that adequate fuel was on board for the flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-induced pressure to complete the flight due to impending…NTSB GAA18CA140Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Woodland, CAThe pilot’s distraction due to her malfunctioning iPad, which led to her inadvertent forward cyclic application.NTSB WPR18FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22T · San Diego, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during an attempted return to the runway following a total loss of engine power after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the excessive amount of…NTSB GAA18CA137Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech C90 · Montague, CAThe failure of pilot to extend the landing gear during landing.NTSB WPR18LA089Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportShanks V Roger Vari EZE · Santa Monica, CAAn undetected fluid leak in the right brake line, which resulted in a reduction of braking effectiveness at the right wheel and a loss of directional control during the landing roll.NTSB WPR18FA088Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportHastings Thomas G Cirrus VK 30 · Agua Dulce, CAThe driveshaft fracture due to overstress loading and rotational bending as a result of the under-torqued nuts on the elastomeric couplings backing off and the subsequent in-flight separation of the horizontal fairing due to contact with the separated end of…NTSB WPR18FA084Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182T · Santee, CAThe pilot's decision to take off into instrument meteorological conditions that resulted in spatial disorientation, and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB GAA18CA120Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAmerican Champion 7GCBC · Santa Paula, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing due to being distracted by another airplane and her delayed initiation of a go-around, during which the right wing struck a parked helicopter.NTSB GAA18CA117Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHughes Helicopters 369 · Wrightwood, CAThe pilot’s high altitude, high gross weight landing with insufficient tail rotor thrust resulting in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB WPR18FA077Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Newport Beach, CAThe pilot's failure to perform weight and balance calculations before departing on the flight, which resulted in his operation of the helicopter outside of its published weight and balance limitations and a subsequent loss of control shortly after takeoff.NTSB WPR18FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Concord, CAA loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB GAA18CA114Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportWayne Miller Sport Copter II · Van Nuys, CAThe pilot’s decision to takeoff in gusting wind conditions with insufficient rotor rpm.NTSB WPR18CA072Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172P · Cloverdale, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the approach and his delayed decision to go around.NTSB WPR18LA069Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Skyforest, CAThe pilot’s failure to establish the proper airspeed after departure and to maintain adequate clearance from a ridgeline in high-density and downdraft conditions and his subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an…NTSB GAA18CA103Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportHarrop Blake RV 7 · Death Valley National Park, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the landing flare, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB GAA18CA102Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 28 · Corona, CAThe student pilot and flight instructor’s failure to see and avoid powerlines during a simulated emergency landing, which resulted in a wire strike during a go-around.NTSB GAA18CA107Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell UH 1H · Van Nuys, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a stationary helicopter during landing. Contributing to the accident was the ground crew’s failure to ensure that the helicopter would clear the stationary helicopter.NTSB WPR18LA058Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · San Bernardino, CAThe fatigue failure of the left main landing gear (MLG) saddle, which resulted in the pilot's inability to extend the left MLG. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to fly the airplane before the annual inspection was completed and…NTSB GAA18CA096Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAeropro CZ Eurofox · Upper Lake, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the approach to land, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR18CA059Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 182 · Santa Ana, CAThe pilot’s failure to follow ground control instructions and to see and avoid ground obstacles while taxiing.NTSB WPR18LA056Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150L · Perris, CAThe presence of debris in the carburetor and blockage of the fuel delivery system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the lack of maintenance to the carburetor.NTSB WPR18LA049Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American Navion · El Cajon, CAA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR18CA048Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172P · Valley Springs, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering for landing and his decision to land on a surface with obstructions.NTSB WPR18FA046Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · San Diego, CAA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB GAA18CA077Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCzech Sport Aircraft a.s. Sport Cruiser · Sacramento, CAThe pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to securely lock the canopy before takeoff.NTSB WPR18LA043Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech A36 · Rio Oso, CAAn in-flight fire due to electrical arc corrosion of the fuel line.NTSB GAA18CA079Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBoeing A75N1(PT17) · Chino, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during a touch-and-go landing.NTSB WPR18LA041Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 · Truckee, CAThe flight instructor’s failure to execute a power recovery from a non-stabilized autorotative descent, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB GAA18CA076Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 152 · Fullerton, CAThe student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.NTSB WPR18LA036Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportDoshier Wilbert A GT-500 · Willows, CAA loss of engine power during takeoff due a coolant leak and the subsequent overheating of the engine, and the student pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall…NTSB WPR18FA035Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Tehachapi, CAThe pilot's loss of situational awareness shortly after takeoff over a sparsely lit area in dark night conditions, which resulted in a rapid descent to ground impact.NTSB GAA18CA063Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172N · San Diego, CAAn in-flight collision with a bird.NTSB WPR18LA034Accident · Serious injuriesClass 2 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172P · San Jose, CAThe pilot's delayed decision to execute an emergency landing and his attempt to return to the airport following a partial loss of power due to wear on internal engine components, which prevented the engine from developing full-rated power during the…NTSB GAA18CA054Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportQuicksilver MXL Sport · Point Mugu, CAThe pilot’s failure to see and avoid power wires.NTSB GAA18CA050Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBoeing A75N1(PT17) · Rosamond, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.NTSB GAA18CA048Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Chico, CAAn in-flight collision with a bird.NTSB DCA18CA074Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBoeing 737 7H4 · Los Angeles, CAThe provisioning agent's lack of situational awareness while stepping from the airplane to the provisioning van. Contributing to the accident was the provisioning vans failed switch.NTSB WPR18LA033Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 28R-201T · Nipton, CAA loss of engine power due to the detonation of the No. 5 cylinder due to excessive leaning at high power settings, which resulted in a forced landing and the subsequent hard touchdown.NTSB WPR18LA039Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172R · Redding, CAThe fatigue separation of the crankshaft due to a fatigue fracture, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and a subsequent off-airport landing and impact with a fence.NTSB WPR18LA021Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMetcalfe Robert B Vans RV 6 · Selma, CAThe pilot’s failure to properly secure an alternator ground cable swage that led to problems with the electrical system and/or electronic engine controls, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.NTSB WPR18LA015Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer G 164B · Tracy, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll.NTSB GAA18CA018Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAeronca 7DC · Salinas, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing with a tailwind.NTSB WPR18LA012Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22T · San Carlos, CAThe pilot's failure to follow the Before-Takeoff checklist and properly set the flaps before takeoff, which altered the airplane’s flight characteristics, and the pilot’s failure to recognize the problem and abort the takeoff in a timely manner, which…NTSB WPR18FA013Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFlugzeugproduktions-und Vertri EA 300/L · Four Corners, CACollision with terrain after the pilot was unable to regain airplane control during an aerobatic maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the operator's failure to provide effective internal oversight to identify and prohibit exceedance of the airplanes'…NTSB WPR18LA004Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportWestern International Avia UH 1H · Arbuckle, CAA collective control malfunction for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB GAA18CA010Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT 402B · Brawley, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions.NTSB GAA18CA002Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportUltralight America Spitfire II · Camarillo, CAThe pilot’s failure to track the runway centerline during an attempted go-around, which resulted in impact with a hangar.NTSB WPR18LA007Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportThomas Stephen Glasair Super II RG · Santa Ynez, CAA partial loss of engine power for reasons that were not determined.NTSB WPR18LA018Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Blythe, CAMaintenance personnel's failure to properly torque an oil supply line fitting, which resulted in oil starvation, a subsequent engine failure, and an off-airport landing.