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 FTW85FA310Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell UH-1B · Saint James, LAAcft was at a 150' hover preparing to pick up a log when it experienced a power loss. Witnesses stated that they heard a loud 'bang' and the pilot radioed 'get out of the way'. Acft autorotated thru 60' to 80' trees with very low rotor RPM and impacted with…NTSB DEN85LTE06Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna 180 · Mule Creek Jct, WYThe plt was spotting cattle during a cattle herding operation. He saw 2 cows with calves in a cove of a canyon that personnel on the ground were leaving behind. The plt stated that he made a sharp turn & flew over the cows to show their location to riders on…NTSB CHI85LA342Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Lansing, ILThe student plt stated that he began the flt with 13 gallons of fuel. Following 1 3/4 hrs in the traffic pattern he turned onto left base leg for a full-stop landing on rwy 09. At this point the eng began to lose pwr. He could not reach the rwy and performed…NTSB CHI85IA339Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-10-10 · Detroit, MIOn August 7,1985 at 2000 EDT, a Mcdonnell Douglas DC-10-10 N111AA registered to American airlines, inc., had a piece of the engine exit the engine case and cowling. On climb to cruise at Detroit airport, Detroit, Michigan, while on a passenger flight. Visual…NTSB ATL85LA241Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Peachtree City, GAPilot was renewing proficiency in light acft. On first touch and go landing, according to his statement during phone interview, he flared, acft ballooned, landed hard and porpoised. During ensuing roll out nose of acft settled and prop contacted runway. Acft…NTSB ANC85LA188Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMaule M-5-235C · Mccarthy, AKThe pilot departed a sand bar near the bernard glacier on 8/8/85, and never returned to pick up the passenger he had dropped off earlier. On 8/12/91 the wreckage was found by hunters at 61-11N 141-42W at the 1,000-FT level in mountainous terrain. The wreckage…NTSB SEA85FA190Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeachner Quick Silver · Vancouver, WAPlt was observed working on engine distributor prior to departure for weekend demo at airshow for design sales promotion. Witnesses noted engine sound on takeoff seemed less than normal. Acft lifted off, gear were retracted and acft climbed to about 200 ft…NTSB MKC85LA178Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing E75 · Fairfield, IAA Beech baron departed just prior to N3994B. N3994B was heavily loaded and encountered turblence after lifting off. The acft drifted to the rt until it was over a corn field about 100 ft to the rt of the rwy. The plt tried to correct back to the rwy but the…NTSB FTW85LA309Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Tallulah, LADuring an aerial application operation, the eng lost power & the plt made an emergency landing in a soy bean field. While on the landing roll, the acft nosed over. The operator reported that he did not see or smell any fuel around the acft; he believed that…NTSB FTW85FA308Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportFairchild Swearingen SA226TC · Dallas, TXThe aircraft sustained substantial damage when it landed with the gear up. The pilots reported lowering the gear, but did not confirm the gear position. The tower transmitted a warning, but the crew did not respond. Subsequent investigation revealed a…NTSB CHI85LA338Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-5 · Pickett, WIThe fld where this accident occurred had been sprayed one week prior to the accident by a fixed-wing acft at an alt of 20 ft. no wires were noted to be a hazard at that time. On the day of the accident the plt of the helicopter was talking to a spotter on the…NTSB CHI85LA337Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Moline, ILThe acft was landed on soft terrain 1500 ft short of the rwy following a total loss of pwr. The plt reported he failed to use fuel from the aux tanks during the flt and he exhausted the fuel in the main tanks. The fuel boost pumps are located in the main…NTSB ATL85LA240Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Lexington, NCStudent pilot was on solo flight. He stated that another acft called on final as he was on runway for takeoff . Unsure of action to take since taxiway behind him was blocked, he rushed takeoff. A soft field takeoff was attempted. Nose was raised, tail dragged…NTSB ANC85LA150Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12D · Wasilla, AKThe instructor initiated a simulated engine failure at 250 foot above the ground with no forced landing area in sight except of the lake behind them from which they had just departed. The student attempted a 180 degree turn back to the lake and the instructor…NTSB ANC85LA149Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-20-135 · Anchorage, AKLow time student plt lost control during attempted go-around & crashed into two parked acft. 8 to 12 kt crosswind was reported.NTSB SEA85LA188Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Cold Meadows, IDThe plt was attempting to land on an airstrip with a density alt of 9000 ft. during a go-around the acft was unable to out climb rising terrain due to the density alt. A departure stall into trees resulted. A post-impact fire destroyed the acft. The plt…NTSB NYC85LA212Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Doylestown, PAAccording to the plt, on touchdown the acft braking was ineffective due to morning dew on the grass rwy. The acft slid off the end of the rwy and collided with bushes.NTSB NYC85LA203Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Allentown, PAThe acft touched down hard and bounced while landing at Allentown, PA. The plt stated that upon making the landing, the controls felt like the acft's nose wheel had gone flat. As he attempted to pull the nose up, the acft ballooned and came down to the side…NTSB NYC85FGT02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportJones Marquart MA-5 · New Oxford, PABefore flying a short distance to thomasville to refuel, the plt added 3 to 4 gal of auto fuel to the acft. At thomasville, the acft was serviced with 20.1 gal of aviation fuel. While taxiing to takeoff, the eng stopped & was restarted twice. After departing…NTSB MIA85LA225Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Longwood, FLThe acft was 12 miles out & cleared for a visual apch when the plt reported total loss of eng power. Examination of the wreckage disclosed about four fluid ounces of fuel remaining in fuel tanks. Entry on maintenance discrepancy sheet read 'fuel gauges are…NTSB LAX85LA343Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American F-51D · Van Nuys, CAThe private plt attempted to make his first, solo, take off in the F-51D model acft. The acft became airborne & immediately attained a noise high pitch attitude. The angle of attack was then reduced & the acft bounced hard off the rwy blowing out its right…NTSB LAX85LA341Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201T · Hesperia, CAUpon completing a x-c flt, the plt placed the landing gear selector in the down position, & thereafter observed 'three in the green.' The plt reported that the acft touched down normally, & as weight placed onto the gear the right main gear retracted. The…NTSB FTW85LA307Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell S-2R · Olton, TXThe pilot stated that when he touched down on the dirt landing strip the aircraft immediately turned right and no amount of corrective action helped. He further stated the mechanic had to remove the brake pads to get the tire to roll. The aircraft's owner…NTSB FTW85FA306Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A150M · Levelland, TXThe plt had been observed to make takeoffs using maximum up elevator for liftoff. The elevator was found in a nineteen degree up position and both the left horizontal stabilizer and elevator were bent upward at the tip. The down elevator clevis was observed…NTSB DEN85LA210Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Cheyenne, WYThe flt was a pipeline patrol operation. While in flt, smoke was observed in the cabin. The plt made an unsuccessful autorotation resulting in substantial damage to the helicopter. Investigation revealed the smoke was from an inflight eng compartment fire.…NTSB DEN85FQA04Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportStar Duster Too SA-300 · Grants, NMThe pilot-in-command of N65010, a starduster ii on 8/6/85 took off from Grants, NM at about 1100 MDT, south bound to intercept winslow, AZ VOR, radial 255. When trying to gain altitude the pilot stated the aircraft felt the effects of density altitude making…NTSB CHI85LA341Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Whitewater, WIAccording to the plt he planned to use max performance takeoff procedures out of the owner's manual for the takeoff. After brake release the acft began to roll down the sod rwy. Acceleration continued, but according to the plt, his airspeed increase seemed…NTSB CHI85LA336Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-36-300 · Red Lake Falls, MNThe acft contacted wires during an aerial application flt. The plt stated he was maintaining extra alt to avoid tall weeds and the clearance below the wires was misjudged. The wires severed the vertical fin and rudder.NTSB ANC85LA148Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-3 · Montague Island, AKThe plt stated that during the takeoff roll, the acft was kept close to the waterline to stay on the hard sand. After rolling aprx 700 ft, the tail wheel was raised. At about that time, the left gear sank in soft sand & pulled the acft to the left.…NTSB ANC85LA147Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Chickaloon Flat, AKThe plt made an off-arpt landing on an area of clay silt with sparse grass. After slowing the acft to about 20 to 25 mph, the nosewheel went into a shallow gully of soft clay. The acft then stopped abruptly & nosed over.NTSB NYC85LA202Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Wildwood, NJN21521 taxied onto runway 10 at the intersection of runway 14 after observing another aircraft taxi and take off from that point. N21521 did not attain sufficient airspeed for takeoff prior to running out of available runway. The pilot did not apply hard…NTSB MKC85FA177Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Dodge City, KSThe plt was was making east & west runs over a milo field as he was dispensing parathion. He reported that he had been working under high voltage power lines each time he flew past the west edge of the field. He stated that on the last pass, the acft…NTSB FTW85LA328Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J4A · Duncan, OKThe plt was practicing short fld landings when the accident occurred. He stated the acft ballooned and he advanced the throttle but the eng failed to respond immediately. The acft stalled at 2 ft above the ground according to the plt. Hardcontact with the…NTSB FTW85LA305Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Sand Springs, OKThe plt allowed the acft to get too low on the VFR final apch. He added pwr and stated a gust of wind tipped the acft tothe left. When he corrected for this the acft's nose dropped and the nose sheel contacted the ground and separated. The acft then nosed…NTSB DEN85LA209Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-1 · Superior, MTThe plt was flying with his wife on a pleasure flight to Idaho when smoke started coming into the cabin. Engine oil pressure went to zero. The plt secured the engine and made a forced landing to a farmer's field. The acft was substantially damaged; however,…NTSB CHI85FA334Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Walworth, WIThe pilot took off with weather conditions of 100 ft ceiling & visibility of 1/4 mile. Theflight tookd off to the south & crashed in a corn field south of the airstrip tracking 058. The engine was heard at a high power setting just prior to impact.NTSB ATL85LA239Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Wilmington, NCDuring landing roll the plt lost directional control of the acft & ran off the side of the rwy. The acft nosed down in soft soil resulting in substantial damage. The plt reported a gust of wind was encountered which resulted in the control loss.NTSB ATL85LA236Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Trenton, ALThe pilot stated that the eng lost power while he was maneuvering for another spray run over the field. The aircraft settled into the trees and a post-crash fire developed.NTSB ATL85FA237Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172A · Glencoe, KYThe acft crashed in a field next to where a friend of the plt was baling hay. The plt had called the friend earlier in the day & ask the friend to go fly with him. Just prior to the acdnt, the plt flew over & circled a couple of times at low alt. Two…NTSB ANC85LA145Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Eureka, AKPlt approach strip high and fast, struck a dirt berm and turned over.NTSB ANC85FA146Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Kodiak, AKDuring a wx briefing at 0719 adt, the plt was advised that VFR flt was not recommended. Later, at 0827. He called the fss to update his wx & filed an IFR clearance. At 0938, the acft departed anchorage. During arrival at Kodiak, the acft was cleared for an…NTSB SEA85LYA01Accident · No injuriesFinal reportRockwell S2R · Caldwell, IDAn aero commander S2R had been modified by the installation of an air research TPE-331-43A power plant. During an aerial application flight the pilot heard a loud bang and experienced a loss of power. Investigation revealed the first stage turbine whee, part…NTSB MIA85LA226Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210N · Melbourne, FLAct swerved left after landing and crashed at drainage ditc h appx 50 ft north of rwy. The pilot stated he was unable to effect a timely recovery from the left swerve and that 'a more consistent training effort could sharpen my reactions to this sort of…NTSB LAX85LA340Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American T-6G · Tucson, AZThe tailwheel equipped acft nosed over after the plt lost iirecitional control during lndg. There were no reports of mechanical difficulties or weather facotrs to be considered in the area of cause. The plts flt experience is unknown since repeated attempts…NTSB LAX85LA338Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Santa Paula, CAOn aug 4, 1985 an Aeronca 7AC collided with the ground while buzzing over a sand bar near Santa Paula, CA. VMC existed at the time. The ac sustained substantial damage and the pvt plt received minor injuries. He reported no mechanical problems with the ac…NTSB CHI85LA335Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A23A · Griffith, INThe preflight and takeoff were uneventful. Shortly after takeoff the plt experienced a partial pwr loss and discovered that he could not maintain level flt. He then performed a forced landing in a fld. Following the accident an FAA airworthiness inspector…NTSB ATL85LA233Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer G-164B · Leesburg, GAThe aircraft suffered a loss of power due to water in fuel and made an emergency landing in a field. During landing roll the aircraft collided with trees at the end of the field.NTSB ATL85FA234Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-355F · Chamblee, GAReportedly, the plt & passengers had gone to a local establishment, where the entire party had consumed an unspecified amount of alcoholic beverages. One passenger reported that after arriving at the arpt, the plt made a walk-around inspection of the…NTSB ANC85LA158Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna C-172M · Wasilla, AKThe pilot-in-command was on a personal flight with the purpose of observing a hunting camp from the air. While maneuvering in the canyon, the pilot stated he encountered a downdraft. He applied full power and lowered the flaps 20 degrees. The airplane…NTSB ANC85LA143Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Mccarthy, AKThe plt stated that while executing a 180 deg right turn the acft drifted 50 ft to the east of rwy 19 where it struck a row of trees. The acft continued in a steep descending turn. The acft stalled and crashed into a wooded area.