NTSB investigations, PA
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 c.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'PA' 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" = 'PA' 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 NYC97LA121Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRobbins Kolb Firestar · Gilbertsville, PAThe noncertificated operator's improper decision to fly low over a congested area, which resulted in an abrupt maneuver to avoid a collision with a tethered blimp, and the subsequent uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.NTSB NYC97LA109Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-15 · Easton, PAA failed aileron pulley which resulted in loss of tension and subsequent loss of aileron control. A factor was the failure of the mechanic to detect the failed aileron pulley during the annual inspection.NTSB NYC97FA099Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Freedom, PAthe pilot's premature lift off, and his failure to maintain proper runway alignment, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, while attempting to avoid an obstruction (telephone pole). Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot allowed the airplane's…NTSB NYC97LA089Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Pottstown, PAwas the flight instructor's diverted attention while standing on the wing behind a turning propeller, which resulted in his departure from the wing, forward into the turning propeller.NTSB NYC97LA083Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPorter Stolp SA-750 · E. Huntingdon, PAwas the pilot's entry into an uncontrolled stall/spin and his inadequate recovery from the maneuver which resulted in collision with terrain. Factors in the accident were the low entry altitude for the maneuver and the pilot's lack of recent flight experience.NTSB IAD97LA070Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMbb BK-117-A1 · Kane, PAThe pilot's decision to perform a low airspeed vertical descent with a tailwind, which resulted in settling with power.NTSB IAD97LA069Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportJaquish Challenger Spec II · Mansfield, PAinadequate visual lookout by the pilot, which led to an in-flight collision with an electrical wire. Related factors were: low altitude flight by the pilot, and the proximity of the transmission line.NTSB NYC97LA079Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Lehighton, PAreplacement of the flap actuating system fuse by the pilot-in-command with the flap actuating handle in the fully retracted position. This resulted in the retraction of the flaps, an inadvertent stall/mush, and the subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB IAD97FA065Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLockheed PV2 · Blandburg, PAPilot in command misjudged his maneuvering altitude. Factors to this accident were the mountainous terrain, windy conditions, turbulence in the area, and smoke.NTSB NYC97LA075Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Butler, PAthe pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed on final approach; his failure to attain the proper touchdown point; and his failure to perform a go-around, while there was still sufficient airspeed and runway remaining, which resulted in an overrun and…NTSB IAD97LA056Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Pittsburgh, PAthe student pilot inadvertently became lost/disoriented during a cross-country flight, and failed to use his radio for assistance, which led to fuel exhaustion, loss of engine power, and a forced landing.NTSB IAD97FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 337D · Hickory, PAServicing of the pilots portable oxygen system with compressed air, which resulted in pilot incapacitation due to Hypoxia.NTSB NYC97LA066Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLowe Super Koala · Perry Township, PAimproper construction by the builder which led to the failure of the strut and wing assembly.NTSB NYC97LA058Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-355F · Washington, PAThe malfunction of a cyclic servo which resulted in a cyclic hard over at a hover.NTSB NYC97LA050Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBerry Vans RV-4 · York, PAthe pilot's delay in initiating a go-around, and his failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush and contact with the terrain.NTSB NYC97FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172F · Conrad, PAVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and spatial disorientation of the pilot, which led to loss of aircraft control, an uncontrolled descent, and subsequent collision with wooded terrain. Factors relating to the accident…NTSB NYC97LA047Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 650 · Wilkes-Barre, PAThe collapse of the left main landing gear as a result of the malfunction of the downlock actuator for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC97LA046Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Thorndale, PAInadequate overhaul of the crankshaft that failed to detect fatigue cracks, which resulted in a total loss of engine power when the crankshaft separated in two.NTSB IAD97LA044Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAerospatiale TB-20 · University Park, PAthe pilot's inability to control the airplane due to a damaged/bent elevator control lever and resultant lack of elevator authority.NTSB NYC97FA043Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Collegeville, PAThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing, which resulted in a stall and collision with the ground. A contributing factor was wind gusts.NTSB IAD97LA041Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Blue Bell, PAthe pilot's inadequate handling of the airplane and failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall, and collision with the ground.NTSB NYC97FA025Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Felton, PAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, and his failure to refuel which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent collision with trees during the forced landing.NTSB NYC97LA024Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-350P · Myerstown, PAfatigue failure of the connecting rod to crankshaft attachments, due to inadequate overhaul of the engine by the manufacturer, which resulted in a loss of engine power and a forced landing. Factors relating to the accident included the discharge of oil from…NTSB NYC97LA023Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Long Pond, PAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and improper inflight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the loss of engine power, due to an inadequate supply of fuel. Darkness and trees in the emergency landing area were related…NTSB IAD97LA026Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 205 · Columbia, PAThe pilot's failure to obtain/maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and collision with trees during the initial climb. A factor in the accident was a tailwind condition.NTSB NYC97LA020Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportZukowski EAA Biplane · Williamsport, PAthe pilot's inadequate preflight preparation, which resulted in opening of the unsecured canopy during the takeoff roll, and subsequent loss of directional control and a nose over. A factor was: the pilot's failure to use a checklist.NTSB NYC97FA013Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Lehman Township, PAThe failure of the forward fuselage nose assembly for an undetermined reason, which resulted in an in-flight breakup of the airplane.NTSB NYC97FA004Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Doylesburg, PAcontinued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain altitude and/or clearance from high terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, low ceiling, fog, and high (mountainous) terrain along the…NTSB IAD97LA004Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWsk Pzl Krosno KR-03A · Kutztown, PAthe glider pilot's improper decision to takeoff despite the presence of a glider winch cable lying on the runway area, which led to the glider snagging the winch cable during the takeoff roll and a subsequent forced landing. A related factor was: the airport…NTSB IAD97LA002Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Sunbury, PAfailure of the cluster gear attaching bolts (of which one failed from fatigue), resulting in a disconnect of the gear and loss of engine power. An obstruction (rock) in the emergency landing area was a related factor.NTSB NYC97LA001Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Coudersport, PAthe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, and his failure to ensure that adequate airspeed would be maintained, while maneuvering at low altitude to photograph a residence. The rising terrain and lack of altitude were related factors.NTSB IAD96LA152Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182B · Hanover, PAthe pilot's improper planning/decision and failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during the landing roll. Related factors were: darkness, the lack of usable runway lights, and the road grading equipment parked 50 feet from the edge of the grass runway.NTSB IAD96FA147Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportShort Brothers SC7 · Findlay Twnshp, PAThe pilot's improper in-flight decision to continue to his destination when known en route delays were encountered which resulted in fuel exhaustion.NTSB NYC96LA171Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Coatsville, PAloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, and the lack of suitable landing areas.NTSB NYC96LA170Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-1B · Tafton, PAThe pilot's misjudgment of speed and distance during the landing.NTSB IAD96LA135Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Hanover, PAthe pilot's delay in aborting the landing. Factors related to the accident were: the lack of braking action on the wet grass runway, the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model of airplane, and the sign near the departure end of the runway.NTSB IAD96LA133Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Pottstown, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff/ground run resulting in in-flight collision with a fence. Related factors were the pilot's poor planning/decision making, and the fog.NTSB IAD96LA131Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Greenfld Twnshp, PAloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). A high obstruction in the forced landing area was a related factor.NTSB IAD96FA126Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerotek Pitts Special S-1S · Pittsburgh, PAThe pilot's utilization of airspeeds greater than the manufacturer recommended maneuvering airspeeds which exceed the design limits of the airplane and resulted in the subsequent failure of the wing spar.NTSB NYC96LA161Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAmerican Champion 8KCAB · Pittsburgh, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain alignment with the runway, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane during the aborted landing, which resulted in the inadvertent stall/mush, and collision with the runway.NTSB NYC96LA146Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Cherry Tree, PAthe pilot's failure to assure that adequate takeoff distance was available to clear an obstacle.NTSB IAD96LA105Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Harrisburg, PAFailure of the right engine due to a fatigue fracture of the crankshaft resultant from heat cracks from an undetermined source.NTSB NYC96LA136Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Newry, PAfailure of the pilot to identify the inoperative airspeed indication and abort the takeoff, while there was sufficient runway remaining; excessive speed during the approach/landing; and the pilot's failure to perform a go-around after not attaining a proper…NTSB NYC96LA134Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWsk Pzl-Krosno KR-03A · Hilltown, PAfailure of a bolt on the tow hook which resulted in an uncommanded release of the tow rope, and forced landing of the glider.NTSB NYC96LA132Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140A · Edinboro, PAThe pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent nose over. The tailwind was a related factor.NTSB NYC96LA114Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWaco UPF-7 · East Canton, PAthe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent collision with obstacles. The gusty crosswind condition was a related factor.NTSB NYC96LA112Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 7EC · New Castle, PAthe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground swerve and an encounter with high grass and a ditch off the side of the runway.NTSB IAD96LA077Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHiller UH-12E · Hellam, PAthe pilot's loss of directional control during aerial application for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC96LA108Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Kittanning, PAthe pilot's inadequate inflight planning/decision and improper fuel management, which resulted in a precautionary landing on unsuitable terrain.NTSB NYC96LA099Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportElves Rotorway Exec 90 · Somerset, PAthe kit manufacturer's inadequate design of a throttle bushing, which resulted in insufficient clearance after the bushing became heated, restricted throttle movement, lack of engine response, hard landing, gear (skid) collapse, and rollover.