NTSB investigations, 1985
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 year(c.\"eventDate\") = 1985 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") = 1985 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 CHI85FEP03Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportRoger W. Stigen EAA Biplane SR-1 · Sprimg Greem, WIEaa bi plane N3541, piloted by john boatright, and registered to freeborn county aircraft inc., albert lea, Minnesota, sustained substantial damage during a landing approach to runway 27 at the lone rock airport at approximately 1900 CDT on August 26, 1985.…NTSB SEA85LA202Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182R · Reno, NVThe student pilot had only 1.9 hours of flt time in the Cessna 182R and a ttl PIC time of 6.6 hrs. After practicing turns around a point at 800 ft AGL a climb was initiated. The acft was unable to clear the rising terrain due to a density alt of aprx 8200 ft.…NTSB MIA85IA238Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Ft. Lauderdale, FLThe plt stated that while taxing for takeoff the acft encountered a gust of wind. Nosed over & the propeller & right wing tip struck the ground.NTSB MIA85FA239Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSilvaire Luscombe 8E · Ocala, FLThe acft was observed to take off, make a steep turn, a few seconds later, at an altitude of about 200 ft AGL, enter another steep turn and spin into the ground. Witnesses report that the pilot exhibited lack of control coordination while performing turns in…NTSB LAX85LA369Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Grass Valley, CAAt the conclusion of a local solo instructional flt, the plt lost control during a go around attempt and crashed off the left side of the runway. While approaching the airport, the plt said the UNICOM advised the winds as light and variable. On short final…NTSB LAX85LA367Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Glendale, CAAs the acft approached its home arpt, on a westerly heading and looking into the sun, the plt began the descent. The acft's left wing severed the left horizontal stabilizer and elevator from an approaching acft. The plt continued his approach and landed…NTSB LAX85FJA06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportEmroth Emair MA-1B · Pahala, HIWitnesses reported seeing pieces of wood and fabric coming off the acft during it's second swath run. At the end of the run, the acft climbed abruptly to clear trees after which it entered an uncontrolled descent to ground impact. The acft was destroyed by…NTSB DCA85AA035Accident · 8 fatalFinal reportBeech 99 · Auburn, MEDrg arr, aprx 12 mi south of the final apch fix (faf), flt 1808 was clrd for an ILS rwy 4 apch. Aprx 3 min later, ATC controller (ctlr) noted acft was tracking east of the localizer (LOC) course. He asked if the flt was rcvg the ILS LOC. Capt replied 'not yet…NTSB CHI85FEE04Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportJauch Coot/Amphib · Mendota, ILThe acft touched down in a bean fld during a forced landing following a loss of pwr on takeoff. The plt reported the acft had low pwr during the takeoff run, however, he elected to continue the takeoff and make a 180 deg turn back to the airstrip. Once…NTSB NYC85FA219Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Lewiston, NYWitnesses reported seeing the acft circling at low altitudes up to 30 minutes prior to the accident. One witness stated the plt appeared to be performing power stalls at an alt of aprx 500 ft AGL. The acft then entered a spin and descended to ground impact.…NTSB LAX85LA366Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA38-112 · San Martin, CAThe acft stalled & collided with the ground during an attempted go-around. The plt was a student on her 1st solo ftl. During the maneuver the flaps remained fully extended and the plt tried to turn rt at slow airspeed.NTSB LAX85FA368Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportDuce Project Bakeng Duce · St. Helena, CAAccording to witnesses, the plt had attempted a landing on the private ranch airstrip and a go around was performed. The acft then reversed direction and descended, striking a 6 foot high metal fence post before coming to rest. The acft was destroyed by post…NTSB FTW85LA333Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 305A · League City, TXThe plt, while setting up for an aerial banner tow pick up, failed to properly divide his attention between his flt duties and observing another acft which was also in the traffic pattern. He allowed the acft to stall without sufficientalt to recover before…NTSB CHI85FA357Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Worthington, MNThe acft had progreesed 16 miles on a 95 mile x-country flt when it was witnessed in low flt over a corn fld. The acft was about 200 ft AGL when it entered a descending right power on turn until ground impact. An autopsy report on the plt disclosed,…NTSB ATL85LA259Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Elizabethtown, KYAfter takeoff from off airport landing zone, the acft encountered heavy raninshowers and the plt attempted to return to the landing zone. Visibility was such that the plt was unable to see the ground and the tailrotor contacted a lake adjacent to the landing…NTSB ANC85LA161Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 11AC · Dillingham, AKThe pilot stated that approximately 200 ft into the rollout the right wing lifted into the air, veering the plane to the right losing directional control of the aircraft causing the aircraft to exit the runway into a gravel pit.NTSB ANC85FA163Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180H · Mt. Palmer, AKAircraft collided with Cessna 180 and crashed on mountain side about one-quarter mile apart. Piper was sightseeing and Cessna was spotting sheep. Scattered clouds were reported about 300 feet above the points of ground impact.NTSB NYC85LA221Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Ronkonkoma, NYDuring a local training flight the student was attempting a lift off and began to drift to the left. The students control input was to the left aggravating the situation. The instructor took control of the aircraft however the roll over had progressed to an…NTSB NYC85LA220Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Morrisville, VTAccording to the plt, a post maintenance test flt was performed about 45 mins before the landing occurred. The plt stated that he allowed the right seat passenger a student plt and owner of the Cessna 170, to fly and land the acft. Upon landing the plt…NTSB FTW85LA334Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172B · Ada, OKThe student plt, who had been executing touch and go landings, stated that the acft bounced on touchdown and began porpoising. The student over-corrected and the acft subsequently impacted the runway in a nose low attitude damaging the prop, nose gear and the…NTSB FTW85LA332Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper Aerostar 601P · San Angelo, TXThe plt had recently purchased the acft and received 25 hrs dual instruction to comply with his insurance requirements. Shortly thereafter he went out solo to practice steep turns. He climbed to 12,500 ft and leveled off. He then rolled into a 60 deg left…NTSB FTW85FQG02Accident · No injuriesFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Big Spring, TXThe acft cockpit/cabin filled with smoke after takeoff. The plt & passg smelled an odor of electrical wiring burning and saw fire at the firewall near the rudder pedals. The acft was turned 180 degrees and landed on rwy 35. The 2 occupants immediately…NTSB FTW85FA331Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportValentin Taifun 17E · Abilene, TXThe glider was thermaling in a slow right climbing turn about 600 feet above ground level. Witnesses stated it started a right spiraling descent and the nose suddenly dropped until it was in a near vertical attitude. The spiral then developed into a tight…NTSB DEN85LTK02Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Yankton, SDThe acft descended uncontrolled into the terrain after it contacted a power line during an aerial application flt. Witnesses reported the acft appeared to pull up at the west end of the 40 acre fld, however, it did not clear the lines and it nosed over into…NTSB BFO85FID04Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportCessna A188B · Farmville, VAThe pilot stated that while making his third swath run over a field, the engine started to run rough. He stopped spraying and attempted to gain altitude, but the roughness increased. Shortly thereafter, the manifold pressure dropped and he was unable to keep…NTSB BFO85FA071Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · Browntown, VADrg a wx briefing, flt prctns for ocnl mtn obscn & IMC were relayed to the plt, but he was not provided a forecast for thunderstorms, nor advised VFR flt was not rcmdd. The route of flt was portrayed as marginal VFR, as was the destn at morgantown (mgm).…NTSB BFO85FA070Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Afton, VAThe plt and his wife departed waynesboro arpt in reported VFR wx conditions at aprx 1700 hrs. According to the assistantarpt mgr the ceiling was about 2500 ft however, the mountain tops were obscured in the direction the acft flew towards. At about 1710 hrs…NTSB ATL85LKG11Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportLet L-13 · Huntsville, ALThe commercial plt was in training for a glider rating & was on a supervised solo flt to practice a landing. During the traffic pattern, he rolled out hi on final & extended the spoilers to adjust to the desired glide path, then retracted the spoilers to the…NTSB ATL85LA258Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Clarksburg, WVThe pilot ran into less than VFR weather and turned around and attempted to make an airport. He became boxed in by weather all around and attempted to land on the highway. He did not make a pss over his intended landing area. When he was on short final, a car…NTSB ATL85LA257Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Portland, TNThe plt made a visual aprch to the wrong airport & attempted to go-around. During the go-around the acft coll ided with trees on the departure end of the rwy.NTSB ATL85FA256Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T · Flat Rock, NCAcft hit northwest side of ridge in level attitude,cruise speed,heading southeast. Conditions were dark night and the cloud ceiling was about 40 feet above the ridge. Pilot received wx brief before take off and en route which reported a ceiling of 10,000 feet…NTSB ANC85LA162Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Ancorage, AKThe aircraft nosed over during the landing roll. The pilot stated during the landing he lost directional control of the his aircraft causing the aircraft to nosed over on its back.NTSB SEA85LA201Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Snohomish, WAThe acft nosed down during the landing flare. Rwy contact was hard on the main landing gear. The acft bounced and the plt added pwr and re-flared the acft.NTSB LAX85LA365Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Newport Beach, CAThe acft was circling to photograph a sailboat race. The plt rptd that when he attempted to rollout of the turn the acft flt controls did not respond. In order to prevent a stall the plt applied full power and pushed the nose downwards. The acft collided with…NTSB LAX85LA363Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Turlock, CAOn August 22, 1985, a Cessna 172N, N7338F, collided with a 3FT tall pole while taking off from Turlock, CA. VMC existed at the time. The ac was substantially damaged and the plt and his 2 pax were not injured. The plt stated that he was on the rwy when in…NTSB LAX85IA370Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBeech B19 · Van Nuys, CAAfter departure, at about 800 feet, the right airleron became disconnected. The pilot was able to make a left turn, fly a left hand traffic pattern and land successfully. Examination of the aircraft revealed that the right inboard aileron control push rod had…NTSB FTW85LPJ03Accident · No injuriesFinal reportJames/Viking Dragonfly · Okmulgee, OKThe acft bounced 3 times during a landing after the engine failed to preduce full power for takeoff. After the 3rd bounce the rt canard broke off at the fuselage. The plt stated that the fuel filter was found to be blocked by some type of residue.NTSB FTW85LA330Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-400 · Oak Ridge, LAThe plt stated the acft 'sagged' (settled) during an aerial application maneuver and he leveled the wings to let it recover. However, he did not add power, flaps, or dump the load of almost 300 gallons of spray material he was carrying since he thought it…NTSB DEN85LA228Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Angel Fire, NMThe aircraft collided with the ground off to the side of the runway during a go around. The pilot had retracted the flaps and gear prior to ground contact. The pilot said he should not have retracted the flaps to the full up position.NTSB DEN85FTM06Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportMitchell/Bede BD-4 · Woods Cross, UTThe acft crashed after the eng quit during takeoff. The acft hit the ground off the arpt in a left descending bank which collapsed the left lndg gear. Investigation revealed corrosion of the carburetor float bowl. The plt was using auto fuel. The fuel tanks…NTSB CHI85LA358Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-36-285 · Fergus Falls, MNWhen the plt entered a steep right turn at the end of a swath run the acft began to loose alt so the plt added full pwr and leveled the wings. When the acft was close to the ground and slow the plt noticed a row of trees along the flt path. During a pull up…NTSB ANC85LA160Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Yuki River, AKDuring a normal cruise the aircraft engine quit. The pilot attempted a emergency landing on the Yuki River. During the examination of the aircraft engine no mechanical failure or malfunction was noted. Water was located in both the fuel tanks and fuel lines.NTSB NYC85FHD03Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportCessna 172 M · Lumberton, NJThe plt landed hard after a long and fast approach to a night landing at a strange and his total night experience was about 5 hours of dual. When the acft bounced during the landing the plt decided to try a go-around. During the attempt the acft stalled nose…NTSB MKC85LA193Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Meade, KSThe plt reported that when he attempted to climb at the end of a swath run the acft began to mush. The acft was over tall corn and despite the use of full power it would not climb. The acft flew about one mile in the semi-stalled condition and then began to…NTSB MIA85LA237Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47D1 · Panama City Bch, FLThe helicopter contacted a fence and slid nose down into a ravine during a forced landing. The plt reported that after takeoff at an alt of 35 to 40 ft AGL, a load bang was heard and gray/white smoke was emitted from the transmission/eng area. The throttle…NTSB LAX85LA362Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Sylmar, CAThe pilot reported that the aircrafts engine experienced mechanical trouble and a forced landing on a freeway was attempted. The aircraft's left wing struck a metal center divider during the landing rollout. The results of an engine oil analysis revealed high…NTSB LAX85LA361Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Buckeye, AZThe plt had just completed a spray run and was executing a procedure turn when the engine's no. 8 cylinder connecting rod failed. Engine oil covered the windshield. The plt attempted to land on the departure airstrip but he could not align the acft with the…NTSB CHI85FEM01Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportSkyranger Silver Cloud · Bellaire, MIThe acft crashed after colliding with wires during a forced landing after a power loss during climbout. The plt. Builder had rigged a temporary plastic fuel container on the cockpit floor because the main wing tanks had not been installed. This floor tank was…NTSB ATL85LA255Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172E · Villa Rica, GAThe plt took off from the stockmar arpt on a local flt. After flying in the local area, he returned at dusk to land, but inadvertently made an approach to another arpt that was located about 1/2 mi from the stockmar arpt. He did not realized that he was…NTSB ANC85LA159Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Gulkana, AKThe acft crashed shortly after the plt had departed an airstrip to proceed on a hunting trip. Impact occurred in a wooded area about 1 mi from the strip. According to witnesses, the plt had made 2 low approaches over the trees before the acdnt. The acft was…