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 SEA97LA146Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Sweet Home, ORThe pilot's inadequate preflight preparation and his inadequate inflight planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A factor was lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB SEA97LA145Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRoss/Stonecipher Vans RV-6 · Woods Cross, UTa bird strike, which penetrated the aircraft canopy. High grass (hay crop) in the forced landing area was a related factor.NTSB MIA97LA190Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer G-164B · Edwards, MSfailure of the distributor drive gear in the right magneto, resulting in loss of engine power and a forced landing. The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a related factor.NTSB LAX97LA218Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369HS · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)The unapproved field modification of the cyclic trim switch, including the use of non-standard parts, which resulted in a hard-over lateral trim failure, and the pilot's subsequent failure to maintain control of the helicopter during a landing approach. A…NTSB LAX97FA217Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 31-310 · San Diego, CAThe loss of power in the left engine for undetermined reasons and the pilot's subsequent failure to maintain minimum single-engine control airspeed. A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to fly with known deficiencies in the equipment.NTSB FTW97LA231Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWsk Pzl Mielec M-18A · Waldenburg, ARthe pilot's improper planning/decision. The short runway and failure to use up to 10 degrees of flaps were related factors.NTSB DCA97WA067Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 737-548 · Copenhagen, DenmarkNTSB CHI97LA178Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman-Schweizer G-164A · Benton, MOthe pilot's inadequate preflight by failing to insure that the secondary flight control lock was stowed properly, and subsequently the secondary flight control lock becoming engaged during the takeoff run. A factor relating to the accident was: inadequate…NTSB ATL97LA087Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301A · Labelle, FLfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during a turn-around maneuver, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/mush and collision with the terrain.NTSB NYC97LA122Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Manchester, KYThe pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff. A factor in the accident was the high, wet grassy runway.NTSB NYC97IA123Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBeech 1900D · Clarksburg, WVThe right outboard flap detaching from the flap aft roller bearings, at the flap track, which was a result of the manufacturer's inadequate inspection program.NTSB MIA97LA187Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSpencer Pitts S-1S · Greenwood, MSloss of directional control during the landing rollout for undetermined reason(s), resulting in the airplane veering to the right and subsequently nosing over.NTSB FTW97FA229Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Las Animas, COin-flight collision with terrain, while maneuvering, for undetermined reason(s).NTSB CHI97LA173Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Kaiser, MOwas fuel starvation for undetermined reasons. A factor was the failure of the pilot to refuel the aircraft.NTSB CHI97LA172Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150K · Ypsilanti, MIthe pilot's failure to use carburetor heat, which resulted in carburetor ice, loss of engine power, and a forced landing. Factors relating to this accident were: the icing (weather) condition and sign(s) in the emergency landing area.NTSB ANC97LA086Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185F · Sitka, AKfailure of the pilot(s) to properly flare the airplane during a simulated forced landing. The excessive rate of descent on final approach was a related factor.NTSB LAX97IA209Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas MD-83 · Las Vegas, NVthe maintenance/overhaul facility's improper repair, which led to obstructed oil supply hole(s) at the #5 bearing inner race, then oil starvation and subsequent uncontained engine failure.NTSB FTW97LA230Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300T · Del Norte, COThe pilot's failure to attain proper runway alignment. Factors were his attention being diverted by a rough running engine because the fuel injectors were partially blocked.NTSB FTW97LA228Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell S-2R · Pond Creek, OKloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB CHI97LA171Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRoe-Wayne Mustang II · Portage, MIinadequate fuel system design by the owner/builder, which led to fuel starvation as the airplane was on a 'flat' approach to land. The pilot's inadequate flight planning was a factor, in that he did not fly the traffic pattern of this first test flight, in a…NTSB SEA97LA143Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188 · Richland, WAthe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. Inadequate in-flight planning and high obstructions that restricted evasive maneuvers were factors.NTSB LAX97LA216Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Hollister, CAthe pilot's excessive use of right rudder during the initial stages of the takeoff ground roll, which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control. The unfavorable wind was a related factor.NTSB LAX97LA215Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Nimbus 3/24.5 · Macdoel, CAthe pilot's failure to see and avoid a set of power lines while making an off-airport landing due to a lack of lift.NTSB CHI97LA169Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Minneapolis, MNthe student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain proper runway alignment during a go-around (aborted landing). Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's improper flare for landing, the reduced light conditions at…NTSB CHI97LA168Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Franklin, INthe instructor pilot stalled the aircraft as a result of inadequate preflight planning. Factors included the transmission wire, the rising terrain, and the trees at the departure end of the runway.NTSB SEA97LA144Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech N35 · Hillsboro, ORthe pilot's failure to ensure the landing gear was down and locked for landing. The unlatched passenger door, the uphill (unidirectional) landing area, and trees off the departure end of the landing runway were related factors.NTSB SEA97LA141Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWood Murphy Rebel · Marion, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain/water. Factors include gusty winds and downdrafts.NTSB NYC97LA116Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGoodwin Rans S-4 · Cedar Bluff, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the initial takeoff climb which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A related factor was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane.NTSB LAX97TA213Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBell 47G-3B-1 · Fallon, NVexhaustion of the aircraft's fuel supply, due to improper planning and/or decision. A factor related to the accident was the high density altitude which made a successful autorotative landing unlikely.NTSB LAX97LA214Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Jean, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall/mush. Also causal was the pilot's failure to retract the flaps during the go-around.NTSB LAX97LA212Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer G-164B · Rio Linda, CAthe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation by failing to ensure that sufficient airspeed would be obtained and/or maintained to remain clear of obstacles at the departure end of the runway. The obstacles (power lines & poles) were a related factor.NTSB NYC97LA120Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoccher P51 Mustang · North Rose, NYwas the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during takeoff which resulted in the airplane striking trees.NTSB NYC97LA117Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Harrisonburg, VAthe pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point. A contributing factor was the transmission line.NTSB NYC97LA114Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8F · New Town, PAThe pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in an intermittent fuel supply, and a loss of engine power.NTSB NYC97FA118Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Edgewater, MDThe pilot's excessive maneuver at a low altitude, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the pilot, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.NTSB MIA97LA184Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Greer, SCthe student pilot's improper management of fuel, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, loss of engine power, and subsequent collision with trees and terrain.NTSB MIA97LA183Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech B19 · New Smyrna Bch, FLthe private pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear and the nose gear.NTSB IAD97LA090Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Punxsutawney, PAPilot in command became disoriented and continued flight until fuel exhaustion. A factor to this accident is the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision by over flying several airports during his disorientation.NTSB FTW97FA221Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Greenbrier, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a low altitude maneuver. Factors were the pilot's lack of total experience in the type of operation and inadequate training by the company management.NTSB SEA97LA142Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGlaser-Dirks DG-400 · Weston, ORThe pilot's failure to attain a proper descent rate during the forced landing. Factors include: the pilot's failure to use an 'engine start' checklist, failure to turn the ignition switch to the 'on' position, failure to use the landing checklist, failure to…NTSB SEA97LA139Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Wendover, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors include the pilot's improper decision to continue his flight into an area where he had observed thunderstorms, and a thunderstorm outflow which created strong wind gusts that the aircraft…NTSB NYC97WA115Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 185F · Bagotville, CanadaNTSB LAX97LA211Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMaule M-4-220C · Gualala, CAcontinued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from tall trees. The weather conditions (low ceiling and fog) were related factors.NTSB IAD97LA089Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Morgantown, PAThe pilot's improper decision to attempt a landing on and his failure to align with an unlighted runway at night. Factors were the lack of runway lighting and the night light condition.NTSB FTW97LA226Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · San Antonio, TXThe flight instructor's inadequate supervision during the practice autorotation and his failure to maintain rotor RPM.NTSB FTW97IA222Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportAerospatiale ATR-72-12 · Dallas, TXthe engine fire during descent resulting from a loose, leaking fuel transfer tube due to improper installation and alignment of the transfer tube's retaining clip. Contributing factors were the inadequate design of the clamp, the failure of the operator to…NTSB FTW97FA220Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAyres S2R-T34 · Corning, ARThe in-flight separation of the left wing as result of fatigue crack of the lower spar cap due to inadequate materials by the manufacturer. A factor was the operator's failure to comply with a published service bulletin on the airframe.NTSB CHI97LA170Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWaco YMF · Longville, MNfailure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors relating to the accident were: the gusty wind condition and the ditch.NTSB CHI97LA167Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164 · Council Grove, KSthe pilot's selection of an unsuitable area for landing and the fence post. Factors relating to this accident were the pilot's inability to see the fence post due to the high vegetation, and the soft dirt.NTSB SEA97LA140Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRepublic RC-3-1 · Monument Valley, UTthe pilot's inadequate preflight planing/preparation, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from the terrain. Factors relating to the accident included: high, gusty, variable winds, and terrain induced downdrafts.