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 NYC85LA198Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Quakertown, PAThe acft collided with wires during a lndg attempt. The acft was thrown out of control and dragged a wing after which it nosed over. The plt said that he thought the wires had been cleared. He was trying to put the acft right at the edge of the field because…NTSB MKC85LA176Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Cape Girardeau, MOWhile on a solo x-country flt, the student plt became lost/disoriended. When the acft's fuel level became low at dusk, the student elected to land on a gravel road. As the acft was on the landing roll-out, the left wing struck a brace wire for a power line…NTSB LAX85LA342Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPitts S-2A · Van Nuys, CAAfter practicing acrobatics the plt returned to the arpt for the purpose of practicing landings. He made the first one successfully, but flared out high on the second landing. The acft bounced 'hard' on the rwy twice, & the plt elected to go around. After…NTSB FTW85LA321Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Katy, TXThe plt stated he had his destination arpt in sight and then lost sight of it. While attempting to locate the arpt the eng lost pwr. He attempted a emergency landing on an interstate hwy 10 west of houston, TX. After touchdown and during rollout the right…NTSB FTW85LA304Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 M · Arcadia, LAThe plt stated he heard a 'boom' and experienced a partial power loss when he was about 10 ft above the rwy during the initial takeoff climb. He was about half way down the 3000 foot rwy at this time. He aborted the takeoff and landed. However, he was not…NTSB FTW85LA294Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American AT-6 · Port Isabel, TXThe acft was substantially damaged when it undershot the runway and cartwheeled during an emergency landing following an engine failure in the traffic pattern. The plt reported that initial examination of the engine revealed that initial examination of the…NTSB CHI85LA332Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMcfarland Quickie 2 · Port Clinton, OHThe pilot failed to release the parking brakes before landing after setting the brakes while enroute. The acft swerved off the runway and nosed over.NTSB CHI85LA331Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150K · Romeo, MIThe acft nosed over after contacting a ditch during a landing roll. The student plt, on his second solo flt, was practicing touch & go landings when the accident occurred. He stated he rushed on final apch because other acft were lined up waiting to takeoff.…NTSB CHI85LA330Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Lansing, ILOne of the pilot's eyes became irritated. He attempted to scratch it on short final. A hard landing resulted. The aircraft became airborne & the pilot added power. His glasses became dislodged. At this time the pilot was attempting to regain control as the…NTSB CHI85FAMS3Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 172The aircraft was seen to depart racine, WI on August 3, for ft meyers, FL, but never arrived at its destination. On the fourth day of the search a ramp check at albany-dougherty county airport, Georgia indicated that the aircraft was refueled there at approx…NTSB ATL85LA238Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEipper MX-2 · Greenville, SCWhile climbing altitude the parachute , which was secured to the right seat, was inadvertently deployed and became tangled in the propeller. The acft descended to the ground while inverted at a slow rate.NTSB ATL85LA235Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Burnsdie, KYThe acft bounced during touchdown on a grass airstrip and veered off the left side of the rwy. Before proper alignment was gained the left wing struck a parked acft and both acft incurred substantial damage.NTSB ATL85LA232Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Hattiesburg, MSDuring a full-flap approach to landing, the pilot saw that the acft was going to land long and he initiated a go-around. He began retracting the flaps at the same time, and the acft started to settle. The pilot then elected to continue the landing straight…NTSB ATL85LA231Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Hilton Head Is., SCThe commercial/cfi plt and a passenger were flying just off shore at about 700 ft when the engine quit. He could not clear trees along the shore and the beach was unusable due to fallen trees. The plt landed in the ocean and both occupants swam to shore. The…NTSB ATL85FA230Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 210N · Chamblee, GAPlt had obtained check out in acft prior to departure on x-cflt. About 3.35 hrs into flt called atl ctr exp concern about fuel. At that time acft was about 4 mi w of rome ga VOR and about 15 mi from rome apt. Plt nor center were sure if fuel was avail at rome…NTSB NYC85FNE02Accident · No injuriesFinal reportEarl F. Folsom Sonerai II · Waterbury, CTThe homebuilt sonerai ii made an off airport landing 3 minutes after takeoff. The aircraft received substantial damage and the sole occupant was uninjured. Post crash examination of the aircraft showed the fuel tank was empty. However, there was fuel in the…NTSB NYC85FGM05Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportJames Postlewait RV-4 · Zelienople, PAA witness reported that when the acft was departing, the takeoff run & beginning of the climb appeared to be normal. However, at about 300 to 400 ft AGL, the left wing dropped & the acft pivoted to the left, then the plane crashed in a steep nose down…NTSB LAX85LA337Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 M · Island Mountain, CAUpon arriving over the uncharted, 2000-foot-long dirt airstrip, the plt placed the acft into landing configuration & attempted to land. The acft touched down hard, bounced 3 times, 'floated,' overran the runway's end, went into a ditch & nosed over. The plt…NTSB DEN85LTG05Accident · No injuriesFinal reportGrumman G164A · Colfax, NDThe plt noticed the spray pump was stuck in the off position shortly after takeoff for the aerial application flt. The decision was made to land on a private strip and during landing on the soft fld, the acft contacted high vegetation and nosed down.NTSB DCA85AA031Accident · 135 fatalFinal reportLockheed L-1011-385-1 · Dallas/Ft Worth, TXThe Safety Board's full report on this investigation is provided as Aviation Accident Report number AAR-86/05. To obtain a copy of this report, or to view the executive summary online, please see the Web site at http://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/publictn.htm Psbl…NTSB ATL85LA229Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150K · Orchard Hill, GAThe acft suffered a loss of pwr due to fuel exhaustion and the plt made an emergency landing in a fld. During landing roll the acft collided with trees at the end of the fld. Post accident exam of the acft revealed one gallon of fuel in the right fuel tank…NTSB ANC85LA144Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna C-182K · Port Alsworth, AKThe pilot-in-command stated that he misjudged his height above the runway's surface after making his approach from over the water. He flared 10 to 15 foot above the ground. Upon touchdown he lost control of the airplane and it left the runway's surface and…NTSB ANC85LA142Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Nome, AKThe plt stated on short final apch he noticed a x-wind stronger then expected. After touchdown directional control of the acft was lost. The acft then exited the rwy into a open ditch. At the time of the accident the wind was 280 degs at 12 KTS.NTSB NYC85LA210Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Stormville, NYAccording to the pilot, during the second touch and go landing, at abut 30 feet from touchdown, a wind gust lifted and veered the aircraft left of the runway centerline. The pilot attempted to go around applied full power; however, the left wing collided with…NTSB MIA85LA224Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell TH-13T · Quitman, GAPilot stated that after completing a left turn at the end of a cotton field, the aircraft yawed sharply to the left and the yaw could not be controlled with cyclic control. Another left turn at the oppsite end of the field the aircraft again yawed to the…NTSB MIA85LA223Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2 · Ochopee, FLThe plt stated that he dropped his passenger off at a water station in the everglades, water taxied away from the station, accellerated up to 3100 RPM & just before he added collective pitch the transmission ass'y departed the helicopter, it rolled to the…NTSB LAX85LA336Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206 B3 · Arroyo Grande, CAWhile hovering and slinging an external load over rough terrain the eng chip light illuminated. The plt immediately positioned the acft to release the load and the eng began making a 'whining' noise. Several seconds later all eng power was lost. The plt…NTSB FTW85LA303Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Horntown, OKThe acft experienced an intermittent power loss in cruise flt. The plt's attempts to remedy the problem were not successful and he elected to execute a precautionary landing on a road. During the landing, the acft struck a wire and veered into trees along the…NTSB DEN85LTM05Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportInterstate S-1A · Rock Springs, WYWhile on a x-country flt, the acft encountered turbulence & downdrafts. The plt stated that at 1st, he was not concerned, but then it became apparent that the acft may impact the ground. The acft had limited power (75 HP) & the terrain elevation in that area…NTSB DEN85LA208Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201T · Clovis, NMWhile in level cruise flight at 17,000 ft, pilot noticed sound change in cabin. All instrument readings were normal with the exception of manifold pressure drop from 32 to 25 inches. Engine began to sputter and run rough. Oil pressure warning light blinked…NTSB ANC85LA140Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 8 · Anchorage, AKWhile the plt was approaching a field to land, the wind shifted & gusted, blowing the Balloon toward a light standard. The envelope grazed the standard, ripping the material near the top of the Balloon. The Balloon then landed in the field. The wind was…NTSB NYC85LA200Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 206 · Duanesburg, NYAccordidng to the pilot, he was making a low pass over Duanesburg airport to observe the area before landing. While over the airport, the engine quit and he had to make an emergency landing on route 20. The pass was made at about 300 to 400 feet above the…NTSB NYC85FA201Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C-177B · Macungie, PAWitnesses saw the acft descend in a near nose dive attitude during a severe thunderstorm. The plt was not in radio communication with gnd facilities. Examination of the acft did not disclose evidence of malfunction. There was no evidence of plt impairment or…NTSB LAX85LA335Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 23 · Kamuela, HIOn July 31, 1985, a Beech BE-23 operated by a student pilot, crashed during an attempted go-around at the waimea-kohala airport in Hawaii. The acft sustained substantial damage and the plt received minor injuries. The plt indicated he had not used full flaps…NTSB LAX85LA333Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150E · Sonoma, CADuring a dual instructional flight the student plt practiced a full stop ldg followed by a take off. On initial climb all eng power was suddenly lost. When the CFI took over the controls & maneuvered the acft for an emergency ldg, the eng momentarily coughed…NTSB CHI85FA325Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Eureka, WIPrior to takeoff the pilot calculated that with 48 gallons of fuel he could make the four hour flight to oshkosh with one hour of fuel to spare. Upon arriving at a point 25 mi sw of oshkosh he received a request to descend 1200 ft, a request to climb 1200 ft…NTSB ATL85LA228Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Clanton, ALThe acft collided with a fence & a ditch during a precautionary off-arpt landing in a pasture. The plt reported that following the completion of aerial application operations, thunderstorms were blocking his return to the arpt. He had elected to land to await…NTSB ANC85LA141Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 188 · Dry Creek Mine, AKThe plt reported that while on final apch aprx 100 ft from touchdown, the acft yawed to the left and the left wing dropped. The acft contacted the ground aprx 25 ft left of the rwy and nosed over.NTSB ANC85LA139Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Kustatan River, AKThe plt reported that he landed the float plane on the Kustatan River to fish. Later, when he was departing, he selected an area that required negotiating a turn on the step. He reported that there was a 10 to 12 knot headwind that became a quartering…NTSB SEA85LA187Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman 164A · Shelley, IDThe safety broke in the carburetor and the seat backed out causing fuel starvation. The carburetor had been overhauled 350 hours prior to the accident.NTSB SEA85LA186Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210-L · Las Vegas, NVThe pilot failed to insure that adequate fuel was available for the flight. A visual inspection of the fuel in the fuel tanks was not done. To make matters worse landing was accomplished with gear down and flaps up-contrary to the recommended procedure for…NTSB SEA85LA185Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech B-35 · Auburn, WADirectional control of the acft was lost for unknown reasons just prior to rotation. The acft then veered off the right side of the rwy.NTSB MIA85LA222Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell S-2R · Colquitt, GAThe aircraft was substantially damaged and the pilot uninjured when the aircraft flipped upside down in a field during a forced landing in an open field following engine failure. A post accident examination of the engine revealed the number seven cylinder…NTSB DEN85LTG06Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBell 47G-4A · Minot, NDThe plt was engaged by a deputy sheriff to fly the helicopter about 2-1/2 mi to the Minot intl arpt for impoundment. During takeoff, it began climbing, then the plt lost control & the helicopter entered a descent & crashed. Initial impact occurred about 35 ft…NTSB DEN85LA207Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 205 · Pueblo, COThe plt/owner departed Pueblo, CO, on a VFR pleasure flt to California. During the flt the plt encountered IMC and elected to return to Pueblo. Witnesses observed the plt making low passes over his parent's home in west Pueblo just prior to impacting rolling…NTSB DEN85LA206Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Boulder, COAccording to the plt, he was approaching the Boulder municipal arpt, Boulder, Colorado, for a VFR landing when his engine failed to develop sufficient power to sustain flight. A forced landing was made to a farmer's field. The acft sustained substantial…NTSB DEN85LA205Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Evanston, WYThe plt lost direstional control of the acft while attempting to land in gusty x-wind conditions. The acft was destroyedwhen it impacted terrain in a 50 ft deep ravine.NTSB DEN85FA203Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna C-182 · La Salle, COThe plt and his girlfriend t/o from a pvt airfield north of denver co in a C182 in heavy fog conditions. The pilot was not inst rated. Shortly after t/o the aircraft hit the ground and was destroyed. Both occupants rec'd fatal injuries.NTSB CHI85LA324Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing E75 · Delavan, WIThe acft nosed over during a forced lndg after the eng quit. The plt said he ran out of fuel.NTSB CHI85LA323Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMaule M-6 · Iron Mountain, MIDuring landing rollout the aircraft ground looped and the left wing struck the runway. This was the pilot's first flight in this model conventional gear aircraft.