Final NTSB investigations, 2012
180,658 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,636 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\") = 2012
AND c.\"completionStatus\" = 'Completed'
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") = 2012 AND c."completionStatus" = 'Completed' 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 CEN13CA108Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Okaton, SDThe pilot's failure to perform an adequate preflight inspection of the airplane and obstruction of the aileron control system by snow and ice, which led to a loss of control during flight.NTSB ERA13LA084Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMerritt Leslie R Kelly D · Brandon, MSA total loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR13CA065Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBellanca 7ECA · Tehachapi, CAThe non-instrument-rated pilot's continued descent into instrument meteorological conditions during the landing approach and his loss of situational awareness, which resulted in a collision with terrain.NTSB ERA13FA082Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Lake Worth, FLThe pilot's failure to follow established engine-out procedures and to maintain a proper airspeed after the total loss of engine power on one of the airplane’s two engines during the initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the total loss of engine…NTSB CEN13LA097Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American T-28C · Moody, TXThe total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB CEN13FA101Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 501 · Detroit Lakes, MNA loss of airplane control due to an undetermined avionics malfunction and the pilots’ inattention, which resulted in excessive airframe forces during the unusual attitude recovery. The reason for the avionics malfunction could not be determined because…NTSB WPR13CA071Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHughes 369 · Pasadena, CAAn unsecured headset, which struck the leading edge of a tail rotor blade. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate safety briefing.NTSB WPR13CA064Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Roosevelt Lake, AZThe pilot's visual disorientation, which resulted in a collision with the lake.NTSB CEN13LA104Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Arcola, TXThe loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB CEN13LA099Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom F-28C · Abilene, TXThe flight instructor's failure to conduct an autorotation following the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the flight instructor and the student pilot to visually check fuel levels to ensure adequate…NTSB CEN13LA094Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLsa America Allegro · Adrian, MIThe student pilot’s improper flight control input during a go-around and his interference with the flight instructor’s attempted remedial actions.NTSB CEN13CA093Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Eden Prairie, MNThe pilot's failure to ensure the airplane was secured prior to attempting an engine start by handpropping.NTSB DCA13CA066Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBombardier CL-600-2B19 · New York, NYan inadvertant birdstrike on approach.NTSB CEN13LA095Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Gurdon, ARThe total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because no mechanical engine malfunctions were identified and because the actual fuel load and distribution at the time of the accident could not be determined.NTSB CEN13LA091Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-2 · Halfway, MOThe pilot's failure to properly maintain the airplane and engine, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to improperly installed magnetos and a broken camshaft.NTSB ERA13CA079Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Easton, MDThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing.NTSB CEN13FA089Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Manhattan, ILAn in-flight loss of control and impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB ERA13CA081Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech F90 · Knoxville, TNThe pilots’ decision to maneuver the airplane in close proximity to a hangar.NTSB CEN13LA088Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Rochester, MNThe pilot’s spatial disorientation during the instrument approach in night, instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the airplane descending below decision height and impacting terrain outside the lateral limits of the localizer. Contributing…NTSB ANC13LA012Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Mekoryuk, AKThe total loss of engine power as a result of a fractured first-stage compressor blade due to fatigue cracking. The source of the fatigue crack could not be determined due to secondary damage sustained to the fracture surface.NTSB WPR13LA063Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAerotek Pitts S-1T · Billings, MTThe pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll because of the failure of the tailwheel support bracket.NTSB WPR13LA062Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Kahului, HIThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent failure to maintain airplane control while operating over water in dark night conditions with reduced visibility due to rain in the area.NTSB ERA13LA076Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCassutt Sport Racer · Collegedale, TNImpact with trees and terrain during the landing approach likely due to the physiological incapacitation of the pilot.NTSB ERA13LA075Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172F · Albemarle, NCThe student pilot's failure to remain clear of the airplane’s rotating propeller.NTSB ERA13CA077Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-33A · Middletown, NYThe pilot's improper altitude management in the landing pattern that caused the glider to impact trees on final approach.NTSB CEN13FA085Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 46-350P · Greensburg, INThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering in night instrument meteorological conditions due to spatial disorientation.NTSB CEN13FA082Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech P35 · Correctionville, IAThe pilot’s failure to perform a go-around after encountering thick fog at night.NTSB CEN13CA083Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMooney M20TN · Durango, COThe pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to maintain airplane control during the go-around maneuver.NTSB ERA13LA072Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHansen David Daniel RV-4 · Carthage, NCA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examinations of the engine and fuel system revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Contributing to the severity of the accident was the…NTSB ERA13FA071Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGreen Gary E Thorp T-18 · Pahokee, FLThe descent and overstress of the airplane during the descent, which resulted in the in-flight breakup of the airplane.NTSB ERA13CA073Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech B19 · Fort Lauderdale, FLThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.NTSB CEN13LA086Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2 · Walkerville, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude while maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude, which did not provide enough margin to recover from the descent.NTSB CEN13CA090Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172N · McKinney, TXThe pilot’s inadequate flare, which resulted in a hard nosewheel landing.NTSB CEN13CA084Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAmerican Champion 8KCAB · Melbourne, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing.NTSB ERA13FA070Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta II · Apollo Beach, FLMast bumping for reasons that could not be determined because one main rotor blade was not recovered.NTSB CEN13FA080Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Bryans Corner, OKThe total loss of engine power as a result of a fractured compressor turbine blade due to fatigue cracking.NTSB CEN13FA081Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Blair, NEThe pilot's loss of control due to physical incapacitation.NTSB CEN13CA079Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-32 · Boulder, COThe glider pilot's inability to locate an area of thermal lift.NTSB ERA13LA069Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLawson J/Bowie R/Smith M CA-8 · Merritt Island, FLThe pilot's improper decision to continue a cross-country flight as a primary control (aileron) system anomaly progressively worsened. Contributing to the accident was an aileron control system anomaly, the reason for which could not be determined because the…NTSB CEN13LA076Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Lansing, MIA loss of engine power due to the loss of fuel flow through the airplane's fuel tank selector valve.NTSB CEN13FA078Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Clutier, IAThe pilot’s failure to monitor, recognize, and identify obstacles on approach to landing, which resulted in an inadvertent collision with power lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s expectation and assumption that there were no above-ground…NTSB WPR13CA057Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportHughes 369D · Sheridan, ORThe pilot’s failure to prevent the helicopter from entering a vortex ring state (settling with power) condition during an external load operation, which resulted in the helicopter’s main rotor blades impacting the truck.NTSB CEN13FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369 · Childress, TXThe improper maintenance of the helicopter fuel system that resulted in erroneous fuel gauge indications and the pilot’s inadequate fuel management, both of which resulted in fuel exhaustion during a long-line hover. Also causal was the lack of company…NTSB CEN13FA073Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Wells, TXThe pilot’s decision to continue the flight into an area of extreme weather, which led to the in-flight encounter with a thunderstorm and structural failure of the wings and tail.NTSB WPR13FA056Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcdaniel RV-6-CH · Scio, ORThe pilot's decision to perform aerobatics in an airplane that was prohibited from aerobatics as stated in its operating limitations document, which resulted in the failure of the right wing spar.NTSB WPR13FA054Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Corona, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance between the helicopter’s main rotor blades and the metal canopy of a fuel island.NTSB WPR13LA052Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna U206 · Van Nuys, CAA partial loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fatigue fractures of two crankshaft gear teeth from corrosion pitting, which resulted in an off-airport forced landing and collision with obstacles on the ground.NTSB WPR13FA061Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Aurora, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain while maneuvering in a remote mountainous region. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to traverse the remote mountainous area in high-density altitude conditions with the…NTSB CEN13LA072Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech S35 · DeRidder, LAA total loss of engine power due to oil starvation after the oil filler cap separated from the oil filler tube during flight due to corrosion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during low altitude operations, which…NTSB WPR13LA060Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA30 · Phoenix, AZThe pilot's failure to properly inhibit the landing gear transmission motor consistent with the emergency landing gear extension procedure, which precluded the full extension of the landing gear. Contributing to the accident was the airplane's electrical…