NTSB investigations, 1985
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\") = 1985 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") = 1985 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 BFO85FA068Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-20-125 · Culpeper, VAWitnesses stated that the takeoff roll began about 2000 ft from the departure end of the 2300 ft sod rwy. The a/c lifted off from a 3-point attitude and climbed at a high angle of attack, 'mushing along' until it fell off on the rt wing and struck the ground…NTSB BFO85FA067Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-31A · Woodbridge, VAThe acft departed saratoga springs, NY, en route to manassas, VA. Wx was VFR and as the acft approached gaithersburg, MD, at 2132 LCL the plt contacted dulles apch for vectors through the area to manassas. The acft was issued a heading to manassas. Shortly…NTSB NYC85LA208Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom F-28F · Groton, CTEnstrom F28F, N8623X was performing auto rotation at Groton-new london, Connecticut when a loss of power was experienced, the student pilot was at the controls and entered auto rotation with the understanding that it would terminate in a power recovery. After…NTSB MIA85LA230Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Vieques, PRThe CFI and student plt utilized a homemade dipstick to check the fuel tanks & determined they had about 8 gals of fuel in the tanks. About 30 minutes after takeoff the eng failed and all restart attempts were negative. The acft was ditchedin about 25 ft of…NTSB MIA85LA229Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Jacksonville, FLPilot stated that while enroute he experienced an electrical system failure. During approach to the airport he could not get the landing gear to extend and he made a gear up landing. As the aircraft was raised after the accident the landing gear extended and…NTSB MIA85FA233Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna C-150 · Kissimmee, FLThe acft collided with another acft at about 300 ft AGL during the aproach to a practice precision lndg. After the collision both acft landed saftely.NTSB LAX85LA345Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAerospatiale SF3130 · Buckeye, AZDuring a hover in a confined area the plt misinterpeted his passg signal to move to a diferent location as a signal that the tail rotor was in danger. The plt used abrupt control movements that resulted in the toe of a skid hooking into a wire fence. The…NTSB LAX85LA344Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2 · Big Bear City, CAOn August 12, 1985, a Bell 47G2 helicopter collided with a yucca tree and rolled over during a landing near Big Bear City, CA. The acft sustained substantial damage and the plt and his two passengers were not injured. The purpose of the flight was a aerial…NTSB FTW85MA317Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Quinlan, TXN100HC and N33177 collided due to the failure of both plts to maintain adequate visual separation. The PIC of N100HC made a poor decision by performing the simulated emergency descent on a low alt airway. The southerly descending maneuver was performed…NTSB FTW85LA316Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Mcallen, TXThe acft lost eng pwr while on downwind for rwy 12. The plt was cleared to land on any rwy and he chose rwy 36. (The south end of this rwy joins rwy 13 at midfield). However, a strong tail wind prevailed and the acft was high and fast. It touched down on rwy…NTSB CHI85LA346Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Hillsdale, MIThe acft contacted trees during a forced landing following fuel exhaustion. The acft was in cruise flt when the plt noted the fuel gages indicated a low fuel state. He had turned toward an arpt which was closer than his destination and the eng quit. He…NTSB BFO85FID03Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportBeech A36 · Roanoke, VAThe plt had boarded two pax and started the eng. When he attempted to taxi he realized he still had a chocked gear. Leaving the eng running he got out and found the nose gear chocked. When he removed the chock, the acft which was parked on an incline began to…NTSB ATL85LA246Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Goodway, ALDuring aerial application the acft lost total pwr and the plt made an emergency landing in a fld. The plt stated that shortly after the eng lost pwr, he noticed smoke coming from the eng nacelle. After landing in the fld, the acft began to burn and was…NTSB ATL85LA245Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T188C · Athens, ALThe acft experienced a gradual loss of pwr followed by an in-flt fire which lead to an off arpt forced landing. During the forced landing ihe acft collided with trees and was destroyed by fire.NTSB ANC85LA151Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna C-207 · Mountain Villag, AKThe pilot-in-command was aware of the weather he was operating in and intended to fly through a locally well known pass. He misidentified the pass and found himself in a narrow valley. There was insufficient width to effect a 180 degree turn and the rising…NTSB SEA85LA195Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-3 · Vashon, WAPlt reported a loss of power on initial climb from takeoff; stalled acft while manuvering for best lndg place in orchard. Fire broke out as occupants evacuated the act. Consuming most of the cabin/fuselage. Investigation failed to reveal cause of power loss.NTSB SEA85LA194Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Pocatello, IDUpon arrival in the vicinity of his destination the plt commenced a reduced pwr descent while in conditions which were conducive to carburetor iceing. During the descent the plt applied carburetor heat with a resultant drop in RPM and, apprehensive of this…NTSB NYC85LA173Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Lakewood, NJWhile returning to Lakewood airport,, power was lost suddenly. The pilot elected to land in a stand of pine and oak trees instead of landing on a busy highway. The pilot decided that the distance was too great for a glide to the airport. A post crash…NTSB MKC85LA185Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 7 · Shawnee, KSThe commercial Balloon plt was giving a ride to three paying passengers. Plt stated that during the landing apch higher than normal winds were present so he briefed the passengers to lean against the side of the basket. He stated that he pulled the deflation…NTSB FTW85LA314Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Falfurrias, TXThe plt experienced in-flt directional gyro problems (exessive precessing) which resulted in large deviations on either side of his planning flt path. After realizing it was inaccurate he continued using it for some of his heading info. The acft continued to…NTSB FTW85LA312Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Morton, TXAfter completing several passes, the acft was crossing a road under power lines when the propeller struck a road sign. The acft subsequently became uncontrollable and impacted in an adjacent field, flipped over and slid to a stop. The pilot stated that he was…NTSB DEN85FA214Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-600 · Denver, COPilot in command stated that he waited aprx 90 seconds after a B-727 departed on rwy 8R due to possible wake turbulence. Plt continued to state that he used a short field takeoff procedure to climb above the flt path of the B-727. He stated that during…NTSB CHI85LA348Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Little Falls, MNPilot had dept with minimum fuel for the 60 mi x-country flt. He overflew dest by 25 mi and after correcting course ran out of fuel 2 mi short of the aprt. While landing on a country road acft veered into a ditch.NTSB CHI85LA343Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Marlette, MIThe student plt was cleared by his CFI for his second solo flt immediately following a period of dual traffic pattern instruction. As he began his takeoff run he failed to use sufficient right rudder quickly enough to prevent the acft from eventually…NTSB BFO85IA065Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 727-225 · Richmond, VAThe flt was in cruise at FL 350 when the cabin crew reported a cabin fire in the vicinity of seat 28A. Shortly after, a lower aft body overheat warning was recvd. The flt diverted to Richmond, VA. During descent, the flt crew performed the appropriate…NTSB ATL85FA243Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Selma, ALAcft took off from sod strip on hot humid day near max weight. PIC said he used 10 degrees flaps and was airborne. At about runway mid point. When over first tree line after passing threshold acft descended. When over brown terrain acft climbed. When over…NTSB NYC85LA206Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna C150 · Eliot, MEAircraft collided with trees when the aircraft stalled during an attempted go around. The student pilot was on his first solo supervised flight. On landing he came in long and prior to the wheels touching down, power was added. However during the climb, with…NTSB NYC85LA181Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Altoona, PAThe helicopter with cfi/owner and student who was flying from the left side over high terrain at about 70 mph reported a gradual loss of power. The CFI took control and attempted to effect an airstart. This was without success. The plt then attempted to…NTSB MKC85LA186Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Hays, KSThe student plt, who was taking his pvt plt chk ride with an faa-designated examiner, reduced power prematurly on final approach for landing at Hays. The acft dropped, striking the ground in a level attitude, which jammed the nose gear upwards, distorting and…NTSB MKC85FA181Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Moscow, ARWitnesses saw three acft in a loose trail formation at low alt near the plt's pvt farm strip. The last acft in the trail position (N9060P) broke off to the left and made a steep pull up. After a short climb, the nose of the acft dropped and the acft dove to…NTSB MKC85FA180Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRyan ST-A · Versailles, MOThe plt of another (accompanying) acft, had briefed the plt of N17351, on wx that could be expected en route. Instead of following the other acft as he had been briefed, the plt of N17351 got in the lead. While en route, he was observed to fly under the edge…NTSB MKC85FA179Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Palisade, NEWhile on a swath run over a cornfield, the plt attempted to maneuver under power lines that were spanning a large ditch. The right wing struck one of the three lower cables which cut into the wing structure. The cable finally separated releasing the acft. The…NTSB MIA85LA228Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · St.Petersburg, FLThe pilot of the helicopter was executing a quick stop in a downwind condition. As he increased collective pitch control, the rotor RPM bled down. The pilot stated that he increased collective pitch to increase RPM and the aircraft crashed.NTSB MIA85FA227Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Cedar Key, FLThe manager of the destination arpt said the plt had called earlier in the evening & had asked to be picked up at the arpt. The plt said that he would fly over the manager's house after he arrived. The manager heard the acft fly over from east to west.…NTSB FTW85LA311Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Pearland, TXThe acft contacted a ditch during a forced landing. According to the plt, the takeoff and climb were normal until the acft reached aprx 120 ft AGL when the eng quit as if the ignition key was turned off. The arpt elevation is 51 ft MSL. The rwy is asphalt…NTSB DEN85LA216Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Ventus B · Colorado Sprgs, CODuring takeoff the glider left wing touched the ground. The glider then cartwheeled sustaining substantial damage.NTSB DEN85LA215Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna U-206 · Bullfrog Basin, UTThe plt was flying on a VFR x-county flt when he allowed the rt fuel tank to run dry which resulted in eng stoppage. After switching fuel an attempted eng restarted was unsuccesfull. The subsequent forced lng resulted in substantial damage to the acft.NTSB CHI85LA333Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172XP · Int'L Falls, MNThe acft veered hard to the rt & collided with the water during takeoff at about 45 mph. It was discovered that the left float failed and allowed the left float to turn rt and go under the rt float.NTSB ATL85LA244Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Benton, MSThe plt attempted to takeoff on the rwy a during takeoff ground run the acft lifted off prematurely and stalled into high vegetation. The plt stated that the grass on the runway should have been cut before it got too tall.NTSB SEA85LA192Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-20 · Seattle, WAA ground loop occurred and the steering spring failed. The aircraft's steering spring had failed prior to the accident away from a repair station. The pilot made a temporary repair that failed during this ground loop. The pilot stated that a combination of a…NTSB NYC85FA205Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Cape May, NJCrew members of a coast guard helicopter, observed an acft flying at about 1500 ft above the water. According to them, the acft pitched down into a 60 to 70 deg nose low attitude & collided with the water. The helicopter was immediately flown to the acdnt…NTSB LAX85LXQ02Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportRonald C. Render Long EZ · Lee Vining, CADuring arrival, the acft was aligned slightly right of the rwy centerline while landing with a left x-wind component. The plt stated that the acft landed on the dirt apron, rolled to the right & he could not lift the downwind wing. Subsequently, the right…NTSB LAX85LA346Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Santa Paula, CAThe CFI, who was a retired airline captain, and his student pilot, embarked on a round-robin flight which included landings at four arpts. The fuel tanks were not completely filled prior to th initial departure and no additional fuel was obtained during the…NTSB FTW85LA319Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · Lubbock, TXThe plt made a hard landing at the town and country arpt at Lubbock, TX, and a collapse of the nose gear resulted.NTSB FTW85LA315Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Damon, TXThe plt experienced an eng deceleration to flt idle while cruising 1000 MSL. He autorotated into trees in a heavily wooded area. A subsequent eng disassembly and examination revealed the pwr control line, p/n 6848471-B, was broken at its attaching 'b' nut…NTSB FTW85LA313Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Follett, TXThe passenger had deplaned to remove unnecessary articles from the aircraft and apparently was not cautioned by the PIC to be careful of the rotating propeller. As she returned to the aircraft to re-board she walked into the observed rotating propeller and…NTSB DEN85LA213Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Riverton, WYThe student plt attempted to land on rwy 17. The wind was reported to be from 010 degs at 13 KTS. The acft touched down halfway down the rwy. The plt attempted to go around but aborted because of the tailwind. The acft ran off the end of the rwy and collided…NTSB DEN85FTE07Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportRichard A. White Glasair SH-2 · Rawlins, WYThe acft crashed in a slightly nose low high velocity impact with the eng operating at low pwr by the signatures on the prop. The radar plot shows that the flight descended from aprx 15000 ft to about 10000 ft in aprx 1 minute. The acft continued to descend…NTSB CHI85LA347Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · N. Philadelphia, OHThe plt landed at the wrong arpt at dusk, colliding with a ditch during rollout on the turf rwy. The destination arpt was 10 miles away on the same course with the sod rwy alignment.NTSB ATL85FA242Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Abbeville, SCThe acft crashed into trees & the ground after going into a left turn during a go-around initiated after a bouncy landing. After power was added for the go-around the acft seemed to be uncontrolled so that the CFI on the ground, who had just exited the acft…