NTSB investigations, 1997
180,624 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,602 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\") = 1997 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") = 1997 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 FTW97LA284Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Pine Bluff, ARloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a related factor.NTSB CHI97LA229Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Mapleton, IAthe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the cornfield in which the pilot was forced to land.NTSB CHI97LA226Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech D50A · Mitchell, NEthe pilot's improper fuel selector position and the fuel starvation. Factors contributing to the accident were: the pilot's inattentiveness of the refueling, inadequate aircraft preflight, and the rough terrain/ditch.NTSB ANC97LA112Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 206 · Palmer, AKA fatigue failure of the engine crankshaft, and an inadequate engine cylinder replacement by maintenance personnel. A factor in the accident was unsuitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB SEA97LA177Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182G · Big Creek, IDThe flightcrew's failure to maintain clearance from trees. A factor was trees north of the departure end of the airstrip.NTSB NYC97LA155Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)Failure of the aft flight attendant to secure her seat belt. Related factors were turbulence in clouds, and the flight attendant not receiving the crew briefing.NTSB NYC97LA153Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Norway, METhe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering to avoid an obstacle.NTSB MIA97FA219Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Gainesville, GAloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). Factors relating to the accident were: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing, and obstructions (trees and building) that were encountered during the emergency landing.NTSB MIA97FA217Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGulfstream American AA-5B · Naples, FLleaking fuel cap(s), due to inadequate maintenance/repair, which resulted in water contamination of the fuel; inadequate preflight by the flight crew; and improper planning/decision by the flight crew. Factors relating to the accident were: high obstructions…NTSB LAX97LA260Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Chandler, AZThe CFI's failure to recognize and correct for a vortex ring state, and his improper use of the flight controls, which resulted in the loss of control and uncontrolled descent.NTSB LAX97LA258Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCentrair ASW20F · Minden, NVthe pilot's improper planning/decision and subsequent encounter with gusty winds and strong downdrafts, which precluded reaching the airport and induced an unrecoverable high sink rate during an off-airport landing.NTSB FTW97FA280Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 150D · Fort Collins, COInadequate preflight planning by loading the aircraft over the maximum certificated gross weight, failure to follow procedures and directives by using flaps for takeoff and failing to properly lean the engine for optimum power, and stalling the aircraft.…NTSB MIA97LA215Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 65 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)Failure of the aircraft to maintain altitude for undetermined reasons following loss of power in one engine.NTSB MIA97LA212Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportContinental Copters MK5A · Sylacauga, ALThe failure of the pilot to maintain main rotor rpm resulting in the helicopter descending and colliding with trees.NTSB LAX97LA265Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth DUO Discus · Minden, NVThe pilot's failure to ensure that the wings were maintained at a lateral level attitude during the initial landing rollout. A factor in the accident was the rough, uneven nature of the terrain chosen for the landing.NTSB LAX97LA255Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Corona, CAthe pilot's improper landing flare. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the pilot to correct a landing induced porpoise, and go-around.NTSB FTW97LA281Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Fort Worth, TXfailure of the pilot in the Cessna 172 to maintain clearance from the Cessna 152 aircraft.NTSB CHI97LA224Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech B-23 · Watertown, WIa loss of engine power due to undetermined reason(s).NTSB ANC97LA111Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Umiat, AKThe collapse of the right main landing gear while taxiing to parking.NTSB NYC97LA152Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportKenneson Merlin GT · Kensington, NHthe pilot's inability to obtain and/or maintain control of the airplane after takeoff.NTSB NYC97LA151Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-6-200 · Sussex, NJthe pilot's improper management of the fuel supply. A related factor was the inoperative low fuel quantity light for the rear tank.NTSB LAX97LA254Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 77 · Lakeport, CAcarburetor ice, and the failure of both pilot's to use (or properly use) carburetor heat. Factors relating to the accident were: the weather (carburetor icing) conditions, and obstructions in the forced landing area (grape vineyard).NTSB LAX97FA334Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNavion G · Gabbs, NVThe pilot's attempted visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in his spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control. A contributing factor was his overconfidence in his personal ability.NTSB CHI97LA237Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182F · Haviland, KSthe pilot's improper planning/decision and failure to obtain and/or maintain proper runway alignment during a night landing. Factors relating to the accident were: the airplane's inoperative landing lights, the airport's inoperative runway edge lights, and…NTSB CHI97LA223Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 188B · Adams, NEinadequate maintenance/annual inspection, and subsequent exhaustion of hydraulic (brake) fluid, which resulted in loss of braking action (right brake) and impact with a tree. The proximity of tree(s) was a related factor.NTSB CHI97LA221Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGoble RV-4 · Rosemount, MNthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff, which resulted in a stall/spin and collision with the terrain. His excessive climb rate after takeoff was a related factor.NTSB ANC97LA110Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilots failure to maintain terrain clearance during the downslope, downwind, high altitude, takeoff. Factors were the snow and lighting conditions, and the tailwind takeoff.NTSB SEA97LA176Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGarner RAF 2000 GTX-SE · Bandon, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient rotor RPM. A factor was the pilot's limited flight experience in gyroplanes.NTSB SEA97LA175Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210H · Stehekin, WAThe pilot's misreading of the windsock and subsequent downwind landing. Factors in the accident were the sunglare and tailwind.NTSB SEA97LA174Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-3B1 · Idaho Falls, IDThe pilot-in-command's failure to verify the proper chemical and fuel load aboard prior to takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident were: excessive fuel and chemical loading by ground personnel, tailwind conditions, and high density altitude.NTSB NYC97LA150Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172E · Fitchburg, MAA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB FTW97LA279Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Carlisle, ARthe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll (at night).NTSB ATL97LA110Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Portland, TNThe pilot's attempt to perform a short field takeoff in unsuitable terrain. A related factor was the pilot's desire to impress his co-workers.NTSB ANC97LA109Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 208 · Naknek, AKThe pilots decision to continue the landing into adverse weather conditions and failure to maintain runway alignmet. A factor was the rain shower which resulted in reduced forward visibility.NTSB LAX97LA250Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-6-300 · Elko, NVThe failure of maintenance personnel to correctly diagnose and correct a reoccurring nose gear steering problem, and the improperly tensioned nose wheel steering actuator cables which provided the pilot with an erroneous cockpit indication that the nose gear…NTSB LAX97LA248Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2 · Buttonwillow, CAfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate clearance from a utility pole (obstruction) during aerial application. The obstruction was a related factor.NTSB LAX97LA246Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMaule MX-7-180A · Long Beach, CAThe pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and his failure to maintain directional control during rollout.NTSB IAD97LA102Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLardas Renegade Spirit · Boonsboro, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain control of his homebuilt airplane during a low level maneuver after a loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons. A factor in the accident was the pilot's alcohol impairment.NTSB FTW97LA277Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Blackwell, OKpartial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Factors relating to the accident were: the high vegetation and ditch in the emergency landing area.NTSB FTW97LA276Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGulfstream-Schweizer G-164B · Palestine, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the wire transmission line due to his diverted attention.NTSB DCA97WA054Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationLearjet LR-31 · Southern Thaila, ThailandNTSB CHI97LA217Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-36-285 · Hill City, KSthe sustained partial loss of engine power due to low compression on one cylinder and the rough, uneven terrain.NTSB ATL97LA111Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAvid IV · Memphis, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during takeoff. A factor in the accident was the repositioning of the control stick.NTSB SEA97LA172Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Pingree, IDThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the power lines. A contributing factor was the unmarked power lines.NTSB SEA97LA171Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Yamhill, ORLoss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB SEA97LA170Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Donnelly, IDThe pilot's failure to perform proper preflight planning for the flight, and his failure to obtain/maintain clearance from trees during takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident include the pilot's delayed remedial action, his improper use of flaps, and…NTSB FTW97LA275Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEichman Aerobat III · Brownsville, TXinadequate design by the pilot/builder/designer. Related factors were: the porpoise that was encountered by the pilot during the takeoff, and the subsequent jammed rudder.NTSB FTW97FA274Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHillam Rans S-9 · Mckinney, TXloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in a stall and collision with the terrain.NTSB CHI97LA216Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-8 · Menominee Falls, WIthe slippage of the glider launch equipment (winch). Factors were the pilot's encounter with a stall/spin and the lack of possibility for remedial action to avoid impact with the terrain.NTSB CHI97LA215Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Chippewa Falls, WIthe pilot's misjudgment of the fuel supply, and subsequent fuel exhaustion.