NTSB investigations
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 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 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 WPR20CA250Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna A185 · Kalispell, MTThe pilot's excessive speed while landing on a wet grass runway, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a fence.NTSB ERA20LA273Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter EC130 · Knoxville, TNThe pilot's entry into vortex ring state and his inability to arrest the helicopter's descent while maneuvering for landing.NTSB CEN20LA327Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman G164 · Alicia, ARInadequate maintenance of panel fasteners, which led to a side panel coming loose during takeoff and the pilot having to make a subsequent forced landing to a flooded rice field when the airplane became difficult to control.NTSB WPR20LA256Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · San Jose, CAThe airplane’s collision with a bird while maneuvering in the airport traffic pattern.NTSB WPR20LA249Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportNorth American Navion · Cedar City, UTA total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper fuel planning and failure to see and avoid the communications tower support guy wire.NTSB GAA20WA151Accident · Serious injuriesClass 5 · ForeignCessna 182 · Steiermark, AustriaNTSB ERA20LA272Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 30 · Alabaster, ALA loss of control and lack of climb performance shortly after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence, resulting in a collision with terrain.NTSB CEN20LA322Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportQuad City Challenger · Jonesboro, LALoss of engine power due to the use of improper fuel in the airplane by the non-certificated pilot.NTSB CEN20CA351Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Conway, ARThe pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.NTSB ANC20WA079Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationCessna 172 · Valdau, RussiaThe government of Russia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 172 airplane that occurred on August 02, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Russia's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB WPR20CA275Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna A185 · Susanville, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff with a tailwind, which resulted in a subsequent collapse of the right main landing gear.NTSB ERA20LA274Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32RT · Honesdale, PAThe pilot’s premature rotation for takeoff, which resulted in a tail strike and subsequent runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, which failed to accurately determine and account for the effects of…NTSB ERA20LA271Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican AA 5 · Dunnellon, FLA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of improper installation and inspection of the airplane’s fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of certification and knowledge in aircraft maintenance.NTSB ERA20LA270Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA31 · Sumter, SCThe pilot’s fuel mismanagement during flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power from both engines due to fuel starvation.NTSB CEN20LA321Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28R · Seiling, OKThe pilot’s incorrect takeoff performance calculations and delayed aborted takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with trees.NTSB CEN20CA349Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna T206 · Bentonville, ARThe pilot's misjudgment of the landing flare which resulted in a bounced landing.NTSB WPR20WA248Accident · Serious injuriesForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Steam Plains, AustraliaThe government of Australia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Robinson R44 helicopter that occurred on July 31, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Australia's investigation under the…NTSB WPR20LA247Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell OH58A · Holtville, CAThe total loss of engine power due to the decoupling of the engine's turbine and compressor sections, which resulted from improper maintenance.NTSB CEN20CA320Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna A188 · Memphis, MOThe pilot did not remove the rudder gust lock during the preflight inspection, which resulted in a forced landing and collision with a tree.NTSB ANC20LA074Accident · 7 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportDe Havilland DHC-2 · Soldotna, AKThe failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other airplane. Contributing to the accident were (1) the PA-12 pilot’s decision to fly with a known severe vision deficiency that had resulted in denial of his most recent application for medical certification…NTSB WPR20LA246Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT802 · Elgin, NVThe trailing pilot’s failure to maintain separation from the lead airplane during a fire retardant deployment flight, which resulted in the trailing airplane flying through a plume of retardant and the trailing pilot’s subsequent loss of visibility that led…NTSB WPR20LA245Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 337 · Ennis, MTThe pilot-in-command’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed while attempting an evasive maneuver from a boxed canyon, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and impact with mountainous terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-in-command’s…NTSB GAA20WA125Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna R172 · Tarapaca-Amazonas, ColombiaNTSB CEN20CA324Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportGrob G102 · Midlothian, TXThe unstabilized landing approach in gusty wind conditions that resulted in a hard, bounced landing.NTSB WPR20LA244Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican Eurocopter AS350 · Pioche, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude from terrain and subsequent loss of helicopter control due to entanglement of the external load cable with the tail rotor.NTSB ERA20LA262Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech F33 · Malbis, ALThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart in deteriorating weather conditions, which led to restricted visibility and the pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the pilot’s poor decision-making was…NTSB ERA20CA269Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Hudson, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with vegetation.NTSB ERA20CA267Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportPiper PA28 · Indian Trail, NCThe pilot's failure to attain the proper landing approach speed and touchdown point, which resulted in a runway overrun.NTSB CEN20WA319Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationRans S12 · Sergio Perez de Leon, MexicoThe government of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a RANS S12 airplane that occurred on July 29, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Mexico's investigation under the provisions of ICAO…NTSB ANC20CA075Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportPiper PA18 · Chisana, AKThe pilot's overapplication of brakes during landing in gusting tailwind conditions, which resulted in a nose-over.NTSB WPR20CA243Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportQuest Kodiac 100 · Hunts Point, WAThe pilot’s failure to retract the landing gear during a water landing, which resulted in a nose over. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to properly use a prelanding checklist.NTSB DCA20WA133Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Wamena, IndonesiaThe KNKT of Indonesia has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a Boeing 737 airplane that occurred on July 28, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the KNKT of Indonesia's investigation under the provisions of ICAO…NTSB CEN20LA314Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28R · Houston, TXThe loss of engine power for a reason that could not be determined based on available evidence.NTSB ANC20WA073Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 140 · Abbotsford, CanadaThe government of Canada has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 140 airplane that occurred on July 28, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Canada's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB CEN20LA309Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna A188 · Corsica, SDThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.NTSB CEN20CA331Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna A188 · Hartington, NEThe pilot's failure to ensure that the engine oil cap was installed before takeoff, which resulted in the oil obscuring the pilot’s view through the windshield and necessitated a forced landing on unsuitable terrain. Contributing to the accident were the…NTSB CEN20CA316Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Hebron, NEA loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight to sump the fuel tanks prior to flight.NTSB CEN20CA313Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Dakota, ILThe pilot’s failure to maintain main rotor clearance from a ground obstacle during a landing.NTSB CEN20CA312Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT 602 · Tiro, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance while attempting to fly under power lines during an aerial application pass.NTSB CEN20CA311Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT 401 · Burlington, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from guy-wires during low-altitude agricultural operations.NTSB ANC20CA080Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportPiper PA 18 · Fairbanks, AKThe pilot's improper decision to depart from an off-airport surface that had standing water, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR20LA239Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV7 · Henefer, UTThe total loss of engine power due to the separation of the idler gear shaft bolts as a result of improper installation, which allowed for the idler gear to become disengaged.NTSB ERA20CA276Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna 177RG · Lakeland, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the attempted engine start.NTSB CEN20CA308Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportMaule MXT7 · Hillsboro, ILThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while attempting to avoid a deer during landing, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR20LA238Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32R · West Jordan, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain the airplane’s speed during takeoff near the airplane’s maximum gross weight in high-density altitude conditions, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and led to an aerodynamic stall, loss…NTSB GAA20WA130Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationCessna 208 · Holbox, MexicoThe government of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 208 airplane that occurred on July 25, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Mexico's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB GAA20WA126Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCessna 172 · Blatten - VS, SwitzerlandThe government of Switzerland has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 172 airplane that occurred on July 25, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Switzerland's investigation under the…NTSB ERA20CA265Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportPiper PA28R · Fernandina Beach, FLThe failure of the right main landing gear to extend prior to landing, which could not be duplicated during postaccident tests.NTSB CEN20LA306Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT502 · Grant, NEThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering during an agricultural flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a loss of control at too low of an altitude to recover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…NTSB CEN20LA305Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · San Antonio, TXThe pilot’s improper decision to take off in an airplane over maximum gross weight and with a tailwind, which prevented the airplane from climbing.