NTSB investigations, VA
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 c.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'VA' 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" = 'VA' 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 BFO92FA011Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Sandston, VAThe loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and the pilots selection of unsuitable terrain for the force landing. A factor was the pilot's improper inflight decision.NTSB BFO92LA009Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Portsmouth, VAThe pilot's improper flare attitude during the landing flare/touchdown and his failure to initiate recovery from a bounced landing.NTSB BFO92LA006Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Portsmouth, VACollisiion with the deer on the runway. A factor was the dark night.NTSB BFO92LA008Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney 20F · Basye, VAThe pilot misjudged the altitude and distance to the runway. Factors were the gusty weather conditions and the pilot's delay in executing a go around.NTSB BFO92LA003Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-33A · Waynesboro, VAImproper in-flight planning/decision by the instructor (CFI). Contributing to the accident was the instructor's failure to properly monitor the student's performance.NTSB BFO92LA001Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Saluda, VAThe pilot's decision to abort the takeoff with inadequate runway to stop. A factor in the accident was the failure of the exhaust muffler baffle.NTSB BFO91LA084Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRolladen-Schneider LS-4A · Clifton Forge, VAThe pilot's misjudgement of altitude, distance and speed which resulted in landing overshoot.NTSB BFO91LA083Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152U · Burnt Chimney, VAImproper planning/decision by the pilot. The uphill runway and obstructions (trees) near the departure end of the runway were related factors.NTSB BFO91LA082Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Venus CM · New Castle, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall mush. Contributing was a high density altitude causing deteriorated aircraft performance, and an inadequate preflight preparation which resulted in an overgross aircraft condition.NTSB BFO91LA074Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportClifton Dixon Polliwagen · Chesterfield, VAThe partial loss of engine power caused by a misaligned rocker arm spring resulting in a reduction of exhaust valve opening.NTSB BFO91FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210N · Petersburg, VAThe pilot's inadequate pre-takeoff check and his failure to abort the takeoff. Inadequate maintenance of the engine was a factor.NTSB BFO91LA071Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172G · Fredericksburg, VAThe pilot's selection of the improper fuel tank. Contributing to the accident was the pilot did not use the check list.NTSB BFO91LA075Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC-12D · Warrenton, VAThe pilot's inadequate preflight operations, which failed to detect the presence of water contamination in the fuel system, and resulted in the loss of power and subsequent forced landing. Other related factor: standing water on the grassy area.NTSB BFO91FA068Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35A · Jonesville, VAFailure of the pilot-in-command (PIC) to assure that the instrument departure procedure was followed and that the aircraft remained clear of mountainous terrain.NTSB BFO91LA073Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech H50 · Hartwood, VAThe parachutist failure to properly monitor and secure his release handle to protect against accidental parachute deployment.NTSB BFO91LA063Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · New Market, VAThe pilot's inadequate inflight decision that resulted in VFR flight into IMC.NTSB BFO91LA062Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · South Boston, VAThe lost of engine power for undetermined reasons and the lack of suitable terrain to make a forced landing.NTSB BFO91FA061Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Waynesboro, VAThe pilots failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in overstress of the airplane. Contributing was VFR flight into IMC and thunderstorms.NTSB NYC91LA159Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269A · Manassas, VAThe pilot's improper inflight decision and his failure to maintain proper airspeed at a low altitude which resulted in the helicopter settling with power. A factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to follow prescribed procedures/directives.NTSB BFO91LA059Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Stuart, VAThe pilot's failure to observe a hidden object while landing in an open field.NTSB BFO91LA054Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-1C · Union Hall, VAThe loss of engine power brought on by a failure of the number three clyinder exhaust valve. Contributing to the accident was a hidden object on the emergency landing field.NTSB BFO91DIA01Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportHagaman Pitts Pitts S · Warrenton, VAThe pilot misjuded altitude and clearance above the terrain. Contributing to the accident was aerobatic maneuver performed at low altitude.NTSB BFO91LA051Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSmith, Ted Aerostar STP1 · Quinton, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a moving aircraft.NTSB BFO91LA050Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Danville, VAAn inadequate preflight inspection which resulted in water contaminated fuel. Contributing was noncompliance with an airworthiness directive.NTSB BFO91LA046Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 310D · Christiansburg, VAInadequate maintenance. Contributing was an obstructed air filter.NTSB BFO91LA039Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235D · Chesapeake, VAThe pilot's failue to maintain adequate airspeed after the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB BFO91LA034Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-33 · Buchanan, VAThe pilot's decision to attempt the takeoff with unfavorable winds.NTSB BFO91LA032Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA32-260 · Roanoke, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance on a night visual approach.NTSB BFO91LA029Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Chesapeake, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing was the pilot's lack of experience.NTSB BFO91LA028Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22B · Garrisonville, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with the terrain. Contributing to the accident was VFR flight into IMC.NTSB BFO91LA026Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Harrisonburg, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was premature raising of the flaps, and inadequate airspeed.NTSB BFO91LA027Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Wise, VAThe loss of engine power brought on by a failure of the number three clyinder exhaust valve. Contributing to the accident was unsuitable terrain on the emergency landing field.NTSB BFO91LA024Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Fredericksburg, VAThe pilot's misjudgment of distance (runway remaining) after the aircraft touched down and/or his failure to go-around when there was still sufficient speed to do so.NTSB BFO91LA021Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · South Boston, VAThe student pilot's delay in taking appropriate action while encountering adverse weather conditions. Factors which contributed to the accident were: the weather conditions that were worse than forecast, and the unsuitable terrain.NTSB BFO91LA020Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 402 · Richland, VAFailure of the left main landing gear scissor assembly.NTSB BFO91LA016Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Axton, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with an obstacle. Contributing was an unmarked powerline and the pilot's lack of familiarity with the geographical area.NTSB BFO91LA018Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47J2A · Matoaca, VAThe failure of four propeller retention and the pilot's misjudgement of the forced landing approach.NTSB BFO91LA012Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylor Rotorway Executive · Keysville, VAA jammed engine throttle cable. Factors related to the accident are inadequate maintenance inspection and low rotor RPM.NTSB BFO91DID01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportAeronca Champion 7BCM · Suffolk, VAA loss of engine power due to low cylinder compression. The low compression was a result of exhaust valve leakage and inadequate maintenance and inspection. In addition, the pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in the airplane stalling.NTSB BFO91LA010Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca L3B · Farmville, VAThe failure of the pilot to properly secure the aircraft while starting the engine by hand proping.NTSB BFO91LA009Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Elkton, VAThe pilot's failure to use carburetor heat which resulted in a reduction in engine power. A factor was the rough terrain.NTSB BFO91T#001Incident · No injuriesFinal reportLockheed 188C · Wallops Island, VANTSB BFO91LA004Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Amelia, VAThe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision and his intere uphill runway and tailwind.NTSB BFO91LA003Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20M · Culpeper, VAIntergranular cracking (fatigue) failure of the exhaust clamp, which resulted in a disconnected exhaust manifold (tailpipe), and subsequent fire in the engine compartment.NTSB BFO90LA078Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland DH-82A · Bealeton, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain a vigilent watch for other aircraft operating on the uncontrolled airport. The uneven terrain on the airport restricted visibility and contributed to the accident. Another contributing factor was the improper signals given by…NTSB BFO90DID02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 182R · Evington, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft because of spatial disorientation. A contributing cause is failure of the vacuum system.NTSB BFO90FA073Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Richland, VAThe pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and failure to maintain proper clearance from high terrain. Darkness and the adverse weather conditions were related factors.NTSB BFO90DID01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 172RG · Onancock, VAThe inflight loss of control because the pilot experienced spatial disorientation. Other factors related to the accident are VFR flight into IMC, night conditions.NTSB BFO90FA070Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Ridgeway, VAFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall and inflight collision with the terrain.NTSB BFO90LA068Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Tangier Island, VAThe pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and premature raising of the flaps.