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 MIA85LA219Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · South Bay, FLThe eng lost pwr during a sightseeing flt at 1200 ft MSL and the plt selected a divided hwy for an emergency landing to the west. Because he was overtaking a truck on the westbound lanes, the plt tried to land on the median strip. The acft was caught in the…NTSB LAX85LA330Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHuff Sonerai IIL · Prescott, AZThe plt reptd that during the takeoff off roll, he applied back pressure to the control stick when the acft reached 60 knots. The aircraft began an immediate climb at a steep angle, stalled and crashed on to the rwy. This was the initial flight for this…NTSB DEN85LTE05Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportGordon Thorpe T-18 · Alamosa, COThe plt of the amateur built acft was on a flt to ashkosh, WI with an en route stop at pueblo, CO. Due to wx in the pueblo area, he diverted to Alamosa, CO. On his 1st apch to land on rwy 20, he made a go-around. On his 2nd apch, the acft landed long & at…NTSB DEN85LA201Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna U206 · Greystone, COThe plt lost control of the acft during an attempted takeoff from a 7000 ft gravel road. The takeoff was being made to the north-northeast and the plt reported winds were from 180 degs at 10 KTS gusting to 15 KTS. The acft veered left, contacted a tree and…NTSB DEN85FA200Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Santa Rosa, NMThe plt departed dalhart, TX on a night x-country to quemedo, NM. En route he stopped and picked up a friend at hereford, TX. He did not file a flt plan. He was lost off of radar just west of Santa Rosa, NM, where the wreckage was later found. The acft was…NTSB CHI85FA315Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportChristopher D. Brown Gyroplane · Oshkosh, WIThe pilot was practicing low altitude maneuvers, adjacent to the runway. When he turned to make a downwind, at the southeast end of the runway, he impacted with the terrain. Witnesses stated that they observed the gyroplane making steep turns at a low…NTSB CHI85FA314Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech J35 · Eden Prairie, MNThe plt's windscreen became covered with oil shortly after takeoff. The plt returned to the arpt attempting to set up a pattern for landing. The acft was observed in a descent and turn to final apch. The acft collided with the ground in a descending left…NTSB ATL85LKG08Accident · No injuriesFinal reportSchweizer AG CAT · Samson, ALThe acft was damaged in a forced lndg after a pwr loss during a swath run. During the ldg a pwr line was struck and the acft was pulled sideways which caused a groundloop and resulted in damages. Lyon flying services of welsh la dismantled the eng & found no…NTSB ATL85IA225Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Gilbertsville, KYThe acft made a precautionary lndg after the plt feathered the left eng because of vibration. Post accident exam showed a failed cylinder in the engNTSB SEA85LA177Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Mitchell, ORA go-around was attempted and the pilot was unable to outclimb rising terrain. The field elevation was over 3400 feet and the temperature was above 90 degrees. The pilot made a turn to avoid terrain and stalled. The density altitude was around 7,800 feet.NTSB SEA85LA176Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A-24-R · Tuscarora, NVThe plt was attempting to land on a dirt road uphill at about 6,200 ft with gear and flaps down a go-around was attempted at about 50 ft AGL when the plt decided not to land. The acft failed to climb and a barn was struck before it hit the ground. The density…NTSB MIA85LA218Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Lawtey, FLThe acft had not been flown for two years. During the preflt inspecton, the fuel sumps were drained repeatedly & each time, a quantity of water was observed in the collected fuel sample. Aprx 30 mins after takeoff, the eng failed & a forced landing was…NTSB FTW85MA297Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech H35 · El Reno, OKThe acft took off at 1054 CDT in VMC with no flt plan. At that time, there was a rprtd ceiling of 1800 ft. at 1112 CDT, the plt rprtd he was at 10,000 ft, 'just reaching the tops.' At 1137 CDT, he stated 'we're about 60 west of oke city, westbound to sayre…NTSB FTW85LA298Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT301 · Bonita, LAThe plt stated he was the second of two acft in a formation takeoff and he encountered severe wake turbulence from the other acft (same type). He stated that he dumped his load of chemicals but could not get above the pwr curve and the acft settled into a…NTSB DEN85LTE04Accident · No injuriesFinal reportWoolsey Quickie Q2 · Rawlins, WYAfter taking off, the plt noted that the acft's CG had shifted, & as fuel was consumed, the elevator down authority seem to decay. He suspected that baggage (stowed behind the plt's seat & inaccessible during flt) had shifted aft requiring greater than usual…NTSB DEN85LA199Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Buena Vista, COThe left engine failed during takeoff at an altitude of about 40 ft AGL. During the forced landing, the plt used incorrect emergency procedures and failed to maintain lateral and directional control of the acft. Inspection of the acft revealed a disintegrated…NTSB CHI85LA375Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P II · Detroit, MIThe pilot was on a VFR VASI approach to the ATC controlled arpt 5091 ft runway. During ld round out the pilot said it feld like the acft was 'pushed' down onthe runway. The acft bounced and then ld on the nose wheel. The pilot said a helicopter was in a hover…NTSB CHI85LA313Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Valparaiso, INThe acft nosed over during landing. The plt said that he made a wheel lndg and after the acft slowed to 20 mph the tail lifted and the acft nosed over.NTSB CHI85FEP02Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportNeyman-Pietenpol GN-2 · Brodhead, WIThe acft was observed making steep turns at about 500 ft AGL just prior to the acdnt. One witness stated that the airspeed was decaying during these turns & the acft stalled while in a steep bank. Reportedly, the acft began spinning, then the plt stopped the…NTSB CHI85FAMS2Accident · 2 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 170B · Chicago(L.Mich), ILAt an unknown time during the night of July 25/26 the acft crashed into lake Michigan. Exact wx conditions are unknown. The passenger was recovered from the lake the next morning, along with the two crushed front seats and two buckled interior side panels.…NTSB ANC85LA133Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Palmer, AKPlt stated, '... On the go-around attempt I got behind the power curve & could not clear the trees. It stalled & turned to the left, hitting the trees about 15 ft off the ground which cushioned the fall & then slid down to the ground.' The plt was attempting…NTSB NYC85LA193Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Worcester, MAThe instructor (CFI) & student were practicing touch-&-go landings. On the 4th landing, the apch & touchdown were made with full flaps extended. The CFI began to retract the flaps while the student applied full power for takeoff. The acft became airborne &…NTSB NYC85LA191Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-33A · Plymouth, MAThe aircraft was towed to an alt of 3000 ft. the plt set up for landing and entered the pattern at the initial point at about 1200 ft. the apch went normally until the base leg. After turning onto the base leg, the plt experienced a high sink rate. The plt…NTSB MKC85LA166Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportJames Gress Quickie · Fenton, MOWhile taking off, the plt noted a partial loss of eng power during the initial climb. He was unable to maintain alt & tried to maneuver around trees near the departure end of the rwy. However, the acft descended into the tree tops, then crashed onto the roof…NTSB MIA85IA217Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · West Palm Beach, FLAircraft experienced unsafe right main gear indication several days prior to the incident. Mechanics found a damaged micro switch mounting plate which they repaired enough to hold until a new plate could be ordered and installed. On day of incident pilot…NTSB DEN85LTG04Accident · No injuriesFinal reportPiper PA-25 · Antler, NDThe left wing of the acft received substantial damage when it contacted trees during a pull-up at the end of a swath run. The plt then flew the acft to a fld aprx 1 mile away and a precautionary landing was made.NTSB BFO85FA062Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Oakland, MDThe acft had been observed on the day of this flt and on the 'past couple of days' to be flying low and very slow at tree top level. Ground witnesses heard the sounds of the crash but could not see the acft at the time. The acft impactedthe ground in a near…NTSB NYC85LA192Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna P206D · Limerick, MEDuring the short field approach, as the aircraft passed over the tree line, the sink rate suddenly increased. The pilot applied power and increased the pitch but the aircraft touching down hard and bounced. A second touch down was made and as the nosewheel…NTSB MKC85LA167Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Queen City, MOThe plt was turning into takeoff position at the end of the rwy when the rt wheel encountered a low spot and the rt wingdipped down and hit a fence post.NTSB LAX85LA329Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-3 · Anza, CADuring a cross country personal flight, the aircraft experienced fuel exhaustion for undertermined reasons and nosed over during the subsequent forced landing in a soft sand and scrub brush covered area. Prior to departure of the flight (a measured straight…NTSB LAX85FA325Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Goleta, CAAt 0242 PDT, the student plt tried to call the tower for a radio check. The tower was closed, but a fss specialist heard the transmission & provided advisories. Subsequently, the student plt took off with a passenger aboard. Shortly, after takeoff, the acft…NTSB DEN85LA204Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 14-19-3 · Logan, NMThe plt lost directional control while landing on a gravel road. Subsequently, the acft was damaged when it veered to the right & went into a ditch.NTSB DEN85LA197Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Bountiful, UTThe student plt departed the arpt to practice touch-&-go landings. On the 5th apch, the acft was observed to be low. The plt failed to add pwr and the acft contacted an arpt boundary fence.NTSB DEN85FA196Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 7 · Brighton, COA hot air Balloon owned and flown by the plt collided with electrical power lines during an attempted landing. The basket of the Balloon caught fire upon contact with the wires. The occupants leaped from the burning basket sustaining serious injuries. The…NTSB CHI85LA311Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Culver, INThe student plt was attempting his first solo landing and had difficulty correcting for the crosswind. When he was over the threshold, he initiated a go-around. The acft drifted to the left of the rwy and collided with trees 200 ft from the rwy centerline.…NTSB CHI85LA309Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150D · Lincoln, ILWhen the plt added pwr on final apch, the eng did not respond. An emergency landing was made in a rough fld. The relative humidity was aprx 60%. No mechanical failures/malfunctions were discovered during an eng examination.NTSB BFO85LA060Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Charlottesville, VAThe student plt entered a left base for rwy 03, and according to a witness, made a hard landing on the main gear. After touchdown, the nose gear collapsed and the acft slid approximately 80 feet down the rwy.NTSB BFO85FA061Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Mechanicsville, MDAfter completing several low altitude passes over the family business, the student pilot extended 10 degrees of flaps and pulled the power back to slow the airplane in order to lengthen his viewing time. According to the pilot, after the accident, at between…NTSB ANC85FA135Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportStinson SR6 · Port Lions, AKThe pilot continued the flight into less than visual conditions; became spatially disoriented and crashed while the aiplane was out of control.NTSB LAX85LA339Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 310D · Kahului, HIOn July 22, 1985, a Cessna 3100, N6740T experienced a loss of engine power while on final approach to the Kahului arpt in maui, Hawaii. The ac sustained substantial damage and the plt received minor injuries. The ac has a fuel capacity of 90 gal useable. The…NTSB LAX85LA327Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Avalon, CAThe plt and a gnd witness reptd the acft touched down, main wheel first, in a smooth, soft manner. Upon touch down the nose gear collapsed. The acft slid for 200 ft before coming to rest. Examination of the nose gear assembly disclosed the gear actuator rod…NTSB LAX85FA328Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Columbia, CAOn July 21, 1985 at about 2115 hours p.d.t., Cessna 150, N2209J, registered to laurence p. thompson, auburn, California,and operated by sunshine flyers, inc., auburn, California, crashed after colliding with some trees about 1 mile north northwest of Columbia…NTSB DEN85LA198Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Durango, COThe plt reported that prior to landing, the UNICOM operator reported that the wind was from the northwest at 10 to 20 KTS & was gusty. Also, he said that while on base leg, he encountered a severe downdraft. He stated that he applied pwr & retracted the flaps…NTSB DEN85LA195Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer G-164B-600 · Riverton, WYThe plt was crop spraying a field in a Schweizer ag-cat acft when the left landing wire broke. The plt returned to Riverton, WY. During the landing roll, in attempt to stop the acft as soon as possible, he inadvertently applied the brakes too hard, causing…NTSB DEN85LA193Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Missoula, MTThe pilot lost directional control during the touchdown phase of landing. The aircraft was substantially damaged when it veered off the runway and nosed over in the soft dirt.NTSB CHI85LA312Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportFrank H Marchetti Avenger Gyro Plane · Shelbyville, ILThe gyroplane was running up on the end of the rwy when the varieze landed on top of him, striking thr rotor system. The varieze flew a non=std flt pattern & did not make a radio call in the traffic pattern.NTSB CHI85LA308Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Mt Pleasant, MIThe student plt was on a solo x-country flt between maple grove arpt & houghton lake arpt. During the flt, the plt requested radar assistance to locate houghton lake. Due to her solo student status & the close proximity of Mt Pleasant arpt, she was advised to…NTSB CHI85LA306Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Hart, MIThe pilot on the return leg of a x.country flt failed to visually check his fuel supply and selected an empty tank for takeoff. On liftoff the engine stopped and the pilot attempted to ld on the remaining 300 ft of runway. After touchdown the acft veered off…NTSB CHI85LA305Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportKauffman BD4 · Acme, MIThe plt was on the second flt of newly certificated acft and had been airborne aprx 10 minutes when a total loss of pwr was experienced. Unable to return to the arpt the plt landed the acft in an open fld. During the landing roll the acft struck a road…NTSB SEA85LA175Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150C · Chesaw, WAThe student plt landed on an unnamed, 1200 ft landing strip in calm wind conditions. He stated that during the landing, he misjudged the distance & overran the rwy. After departing the rwy, the acft encountered terrain with a tree root system & nosed over.