NTSB investigations, 1997
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\") = 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 CHI97FA220Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B-60 · Springfield, MOThe pilot's fuel mismanagement and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in fuel exhaustion followed by the loss of power in one engine and the loss of aircraft control. Contributing was the pilot's failure to refuel the aircraft, the…NTSB ATL97LA109Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Athens, TNthe pilot's failure to initiate a go-around. The pilot's misjudged approach was a factor.NTSB ATL97LA108Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Arcadia, FLfailure of the right nose wheel steering linkage. The close proximity of the fence was a related factor.NTSB ATL97LA107Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Leesburg, FLthe pilot's inadvertent entry into a secondary stall and spin, as engine power faltered during application of power, while recovering from an intentional stall. The hesitation (faltering) of power and the pilot's diverted attention were related factors.NTSB ANC97LA108Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGoode Avid Flyer MK-IV · Nikiski, AKThe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors were the sudden windshift, and the pilot's lack of seaplane certification.NTSB ANC97LA107Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Wasilla, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff. Factors were the intentional relinquishing of controls by the pilot, and interference with the rudder controls by the nonpilot passenger.NTSB SEA97LA173Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170 · Graham, WAInadequate aircraft preflight by the pilot-in-command, and water contamination in the fuel resulting in a loss of engine power. A factor was a power transmission line in the forced landing area.NTSB IAD97LA101Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Edgartown, MAThe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control. Related factors were the crosswind, wind gusts and high vegetation.NTSB FTW97LA272Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Chickasha, OKthe pilot's improper positioning of the fuel selector, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's failure to follow the checklist, and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB CHI97LA222Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMorgan MINI-500 · Ava, MOLoss of engine power due to loss of engine cooling fluid. Related factors were maintenance service bulletin not complied with by the owner/pilot mechanic resulting in low output of the carburetor, and unsuitable terrain.NTSB CHI97FA218Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Chicago, ILthe pilots not maintaining visual separation between their airplanes. A factor in this accident was the pilot of the southbound airplane not reporting her position abeam the airport as directed by the ATC controller.NTSB ATL97LA106Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 8GCBC · Bunnell, FLthe pilot's failure to ensure the airplane had adequate airspeed for banner pickup/towing operations, which resulted in a stall/mush and subsequent contact with the terrain.NTSB ANC97LA106Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 · Alagnak River, AKA partial loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, and the pilot's intentional operation of the airplane with known deficiencies.NTSB SEA97LA162Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 320E · W. Yellowstone, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing when asymmetric power was applied. A factor was the crosswind conditions.NTSB NYC97GA148Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Baltimore, MDA total loss of engine power which was a result of incomplete and improper engine overhaul by company maintenance personnel. A factor in the accident was the unsuitable forced landing area terrain.NTSB LAX97LA257Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportFronsman Rotorway Exec · Lakeport, CAan undetermined failure of the oil system (lines or filter), while hovering, which resulted in an engine compartment fire that erupted and subsequently destroyed the helicopter after it was landed.NTSB LAX97LA252Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182N · Sacramento, CAFailure of maintenance personnel to adequately repair the pitch trim system and ensure that it was properly rigged, and the pilot's failure to maintain pitch control due to the distraction at liftoff of the mistrim condition.NTSB LAX97LA247Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-58T · Page, AZan engine failure resulting from the fracture of two power turbine blades, which had been previously subjected to a hot or hung start.NTSB LAX97FA253Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Placerville, CAA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB FTW97LA273Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChristen Industries Pitts S-2B · Englewood, COInaccurate compensation for wind conditions and improper recovery from a bounced landing by the CFI pilot in command. A factor was a crosswind.NTSB CHI97LA219Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWeatherly 201C · Stephen, MNthe pilot's exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft. A factor was the crosswind.NTSB SEA97LA169Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWeatherly 620B · Newdale, IDThe pilot's inadequate preflight/planning preparation which resulted in the aircraft exceeding the maximum gross weight, and inability to climb. A factor was high density altitude.NTSB NYC97LA147Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Napoleon, OHThe pilot's decision to take off with inadequate fuel.NTSB FTW97LA270Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Amelia, LApartial loss of engine power due to frog(s) being ingested into the engine. Factors relating to the accident were: the lack of altitude and lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB CHI97LA213Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Fessenden, NDthe pilot's premature liftoff and/or failure to abort the takeoff while there was sufficient runway remaining.NTSB LAX97LA245Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportClassic Waco YMF-5 · Pahoa, HILoss of the propeller retaining nut and associated hardware for undetermined reasons. A factor in the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB FTW97LA271Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Sherman, TXThe pilot's delayed landing flare and his improper bounced landing recovery technique.NTSB CHI97LA214Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Ottumwa, IAthe improper flare performed by the student and the inadequate recovery from the bounced landing. A factor related to the accident was the student lack of experience.NTSB ATL97LA104Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Knoxville, TNthe pilot's inadequate preflight by failing to ensure the oil filler cap was secured during his preflight inspection, and loss of engine oil (oil exhaustion), which resulted in subsequent engine failure. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of…NTSB ANC97LA104Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Gakona, AKThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing.NTSB MIA97FA213Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportGates Learjet 35A · Avon Park, FLa loss of engine power as a result of the thrust reversers being deployed and subsequent in-flight collision was wires. Factors in this accident were the pilot's disregard for procedures, and the improper use of the thrust reversers.NTSB LAX97LA242Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180K · Lake Mead, NVFailure of the number 4 piston for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX97IA243Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 737-522 · Ontario, CAa laser light source of undetermined origin directed toward the cockpit window of an aircraft in-flight by a person or persons unknown.NTSB LAX97FA241Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Panamint Spring, CAfailure of the pilot to attain a proper touchdown point for landing, and his delay in initiating a go-around. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's attempt to land at the wrong airport, uphill slope of the runway, high density altitude, and…NTSB FTW97LA267Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Denver, COinadequate visual lookout by the bus driver. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness and bright background lighting.NTSB FTW97FA269Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Sarepta, LAThe pilot's impairment (drugs) resulting in his becoming disoriented and the ensuing loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Factors were the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing and the inaccurate navigation chart.NTSB ATL97LA105Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Lakeland, FLthe student pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain proper runway alignment during the landing, which resulted in a collision with a runway marker. The rear-quartering tailwind (crosswind) and gusts were related factors.NTSB ANC97LA103Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Fairbanks, AKThe pilot's initiation of an abrupt, evasive maneuver, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors in the accident were an undetermined object crossing the runway and the passenger's rudder control interference during the evasive…NTSB SEA97LA168Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-3B · Idaho Falls, IDThe pilot mismanaged his fuel supply which led to fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. Factors contributing to the accident were the lack of adequate altitude and airspeed to successfully execute an autorotation.NTSB NYC97LA143Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Manville, NJThe pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed. A factor was the pilot's lack of recent flight experience.NTSB NYC97LA138Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269B · Paducah, KYThe failure of maintenance personnel to identify and correct the worn holes on the lower fuselage fairing and the failure of the flight instructor to maintain main rotor RPM during the autorotative landing. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's…NTSB LAX97LA249Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182G · Fresno, CAthe pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing and damage to the airplane.NTSB FTW97LA268Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Lufkin, TXThe loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, which resulted from the student pilot becoming disoriented. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB NYC97LA142Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Jersey City, NJThe pilot's mismangement of the fuel supply, by which he failed to switched fuel tanks, which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power.NTSB NYC97FA144Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna TR182 · Seaside Heights, NJfailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above water, while maneuvering over the ocean during a dark moonless night. Related factors were: darkness, the pilot's probable illusion of altitude, spatial disorientation, and lack of…NTSB MIA97LA210Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman-Schweizer G-164A · Woodeberry, TNin-flight collision with a fence during takeoff. Factors in this accident were the pilot's inadequate pre-flight by not calculating the total weight of the airplane, and high temperatures.NTSB IAD97LA098Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182K · Ellington, CTThe pilot's misjudgment of speed and distance and his failure to execute a go around.NTSB FTW97LA264Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-3B-1 · Crossett, ARfailure of maintenance personnel to perform an adequate inspection of the fuselage center frame and detect a fatigue fracture of a longeron tube on the upper left side of the center frame, which resulted in a disconnect of the tail rotor drive shaft from the…NTSB CHI97LA210Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Aitkin, MNloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). A factor relating to the accident was: the wet/soft terrain in the emergency landing area.NTSB ATL97LA103Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Johnston, SCfailure of the pilot to maintain the proper rotor RPM during the approach and flare for landing.