NTSB investigations, DE
180,610 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,589 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\" = 'DE' 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" = 'DE' 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 NYC00LA167Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38 · Cheswold, DEThe instructor's delayed remedial action. Factors included the instructor's failure to take positive control of the airplane, and the student's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach.NTSB NYC00LA052Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Greenwood, DEthe failure of the pilot to use full power for takeoff, which resulted in not obtaining a positive rate of climb and the inadvertent collision with trees. A factor was the fog.NTSB NYC99GA197Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportBell 407 · Georgetown, DEThe pilot's improper preflight evaluation of the weather, which resulted in inadvertent flight into IMC. Factors were the fog, and night conditions.NTSB NYC99LA188Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Cheswold, DEThe pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing.NTSB NYC99LA183Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172G · Dover, DEThe student pilot's failure to execute a go-around. Factors include excessive airspeed on the final approach, and the student pilot's attempt to land beyond a safe touchdown point.NTSB IAD98LA081Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172G · Dover, DEThe pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point.NTSB IAD98LA067Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Selbyville, DEInadequate compensation for wind conditions by the pilot, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane. High, gusting winds were contributing factors.NTSB NYC98LA086Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGlobe Swift · Milton, DEimproper flare by the pilot, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB IAD98LA003Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Dover, DEThe pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed which resulted in an overrun of the runway.NTSB NYC98LA002Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Georgetown, DEThe student pilot's improper recovery from the bounced landing and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.NTSB NYC97LA093Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · New Castle, DEthe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. A contributing factor was the gusty wind conditions.NTSB IAD96LA064Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Dover, DEthe overhaul maintenance personnel's improper major overhaul procedure (improper torque on the engine block center through bolts), which resulted in an in flight loss of engine power. A related factor was the lack of suitable terrain available for a forced…NTSB NYC95LA107Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom 280C · Newark, DEThe pilot's improper use of throttle and collective controls, resulting in the loss of rotor rpm and the inflight loss of control.NTSB BFO95LA013Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22B · Magnolia, DEthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm while hovering.NTSB BFO94LA157Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A-23 · Felton, DEThe pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain directional control. A factor is the pilot's failure to do a go around.NTSB BFO94LA150Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 36 · Georgetown, DEThe issuance of a NOTAM with inadequate information. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and the lack of visual cues concerning the construction barrier.NTSB BFO94LA058Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · New Castle, DEInadequate clearance from obstacles, which resulted in birds strike. A factor was night conditions.NTSB BFO94LA033Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Georgetown, DEThe failure of ground personnel to maintain clearance from the engine propeller.NTSB BFO94LA024Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · New Castle, DELoss of partial engine power due to undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC93FA102Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150E · Selbyville, DEThe pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin and collision with the terrain. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the banner towing operation.NTSB BFO92FA125Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-602P · Georgetown, DEThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, while circling to land, resulting in an inadvertent stall. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's excessive maneuvering of the airplane and his insufficient altitude for recovery from the stall.NTSB NYC92LA167Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188A · Felton, DEThe pilot's failure to abort the takeoff at a timely point which resulted in an inadequate climb rate an a collision with trees.NTSB NYC92FA118Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-200 · New Castle, DEThe pilot's improper execution of an emergency procedure, after an engine failure, which resulted in a loss of airspeed and subsequent stall at an altitude too low for recovery. A factor related to the accident was the fatigue failure of a compressor turbine…NTSB BFO92LA079Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRichard N. Burns KR-2 · Middletown, DEThe pilot's lack of familiarity with the aircraft and his inadequate handling of the aircraft.NTSB BFO92LA060Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172XP · Milton, DEThe pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed for climb.NTSB BFO91LA085Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 35 · Cheswold, DEThe pilot's failure to arrest an excessive sink rate and crab angle while landing his aircraft.NTSB BFO91FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Odessa, DEThe pilot's failure to recover from a stall. Contributing was an intentional stall of the aircraft, pilot inexpereince and inadequate altitude.NTSB BFO91LA044Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · New Castle, DEThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the unfavorable wind condition.NTSB BFO91LA023Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHolmes Special S2C · Ellendale, DEThe pilot's failure to recover from an aerobatic manuever in time to avoid inflight collision with the ground.NTSB NYC91LA036Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Cheswold, DEA loss of control in flight, by a non-instrument rated pilot in instrument meteorological conditions. Factors related to the accident were: his decision to fly after he received weather briefings which inlcuded 'VFR flight not recommended'.NTSB BFO90LA011Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom F-28F · Wilmington, DEA loss of engine power as a result of the student pilot inadvertently pulling the mixture control to the idle cut-off position, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision. A contributing factor to the accident was the rough and uneven terrain.NTSB BFO89LA073Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Selbyville, DEExcessive wear of the number four exhaust lobe on the camshaft and poor condition (wear) of the number four exhaust tappet. The soybean crop in the emergency landing area was considered to be a factor.NTSB BFO89LA041Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Dover Afb, DEThe pilot's improper flare, improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his delay in initiating a go-around, which resulted in an uncontrolled porpoise, loss of directional control, and an uncontrolled ground swerve. His lack of experience, a crosswind, and…NTSB BFO89FA020Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Townsend, DELoss of aircraft control for unknown reasons.NTSB BFO89LA005Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Dover, DEAfter takeoff the plt began a cruise climb to 5500 ft. he rprtd that when the acft reached 5200 ft, he noticed oil spraying from underneath the front of the eng cowling. The oil eventually covered the windscreen. The plt diverted toward a nearby arpt, but the…NTSB BFO88LA070Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150K · Selbyville, DEThe plt was in the process of picking up a banner when the aircraft stalled and crashed into a wooded area. The banner was picked up at an airspeed of 80 mph and the acft altitude was increased to 250 ft AGL. The pilot reported that the wings of the acft…NTSB FTW88IA141Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 737-300 · Kenton, DEA flameout of the #1 engine occurred due to water ingestion when the aircraft penetrated a vip level 5 thunderstorm and encountered heavy rain while descending with the throttles a flight idle. The engine suffered overtemperature damage to the turbine section…NTSB BFO88LA052Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Milford, DEThe plt stated the landing apch was too fast and the acft bounced on touchdown. The plt stabilized the acft and attempted another touchdown, however, the acft bounced again. Having used over half the rwy by this time, the plt elected to abort the landing by…NTSB BFO88FA050Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportEnstrom F-28A · Middletown, DEShortly after takeoff, at an alt of aprx 400 ft, a loud bang was heard and the helicopter developed a moderate to severe vibration. The CFI took control of the helicopter and initiated an autorotation. The helicopter contacted small tree branches and landed…NTSB BFO88DHD02Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBoeing A75N1 · Milton, DEThe pilot's improper brake application during a 'wheel' landing, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over. The slight downslope of the airstrip, a quartering tailwind, inadequate supervision on the part of the check pilot, and the pilot's lack of…NTSB BFO87DHD08Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportBede BD5B · Wilmington, DEThe pilot's failure to attain sufficient altitude to clear obstacles located off the departure end of the runway. His overconfidence in the homebuilt aircraft's performance was a contributing factor.NTSB BFO87LA038Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150K · Selbyville, DEDuring takeoff the pilot stated that at about 150 to 200 feet he experienced a slow sinking of the aircraft. The engine was at full throttle, the flaps set at 10 degrees and the airspeed at 70 knots. The aircraft continued to sink and collided with trees.…NTSB BFO87LA028Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Dover, DEThe rockwell was in level flight at 2800 ft and the Piper was climbing when midair collision occurred. Neither acft was operating under ATC. Neither plt saw the otr acft before the collision occurred. The bottom of the rockwell cabin and the left tiptank of…NTSB ATL87FA100Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Georgetown, DEThe plt was cleared for approach with instructions to close flt plan upon landing. Aprx thirty min later approach control called the fss and asked if the plt had been in contact. The reply was negative. No further action was taken by approach control.…NTSB BFO87DHD02Accident · No injuriesFinal reportHughes 369D · Newark, DEThe acft was being flown on a maintenance check flt. As the plt was returning to land, the eng lost power from fuel exhaustion. During an autorotative landing, the main rotor blades & tail boom were extensively damaged. The plt rprtd the fuel quantity gage…NTSB BFO86FHD04Accident · No injuriesFinal reportWhite Lightning WLAC-1 · Wilmington, DEDuring a vfr-on-top flt with no flt plan, the eng lost power from fuel starvation. The plt did not recognize that fuel was still remaining in a non-selected aux tank. Subsequently, the acft was damaged during a forced landing on the median of a highway.…NTSB BFO86LA026Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Selbyville, DEThe acft impacted trees while attempting to release a banner at the drop zone. The acft was reportedly equipped with separate towing and release mechanisms, so that up to four banners could be towed in succession without the acft having to land. The plt…NTSB BFO86LHD01Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna 414 · Georgetown, DEThe acft impacted trees during a VOR apch and descended to ground impact. The plt flew the apch with the autopilot coupled. The alt hold and alert were set for the mda. When visual contact with the arpt enviroment was established, the plt disconnected the alt…NTSB BFO85LA076Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 401 · Cheswold, DEAfter landing on runway 27, the pilot slowed the aircraft to approximately 30 mph. The aircraft had rolled out about 1000 feet when the gear horn sounded and all three landing gear collapsed. The pilot reached for the gear switch, which was in the up…NTSB BFO85LA058Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Middletown, DEFollowing takeoff, at about 350 feet AGL, the engine quit abruptly. The plt attempted to land in a field which was located about 15 degrees east of the acft's heading. While attempting to avoid pwr lines near the field, the right wing collided with the wires.…