NTSB investigations, PA
180,616 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,594 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 c.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'PA' AND c.\"eventCountry\" = 'USA' 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 c."eventStateOrRegion" = 'PA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA' 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 NYC89LA103Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A100 · Johnstown, PAFailure of the down lock plate, which allowed the landing gear to collapse.NTSB NYC89LA102Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Honesdale, PAThe loss of directional control by the pilot during landing.NTSB NYC89LA108Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech TC-45J · Johnstown, PAFailure of the pilot to maintain runway alignment. The crosswind and snow covered runway were related factors.NTSB NYC89FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Douglas Twsp, PAPoor judgement of the student pilot by flying while under the influence of alcohol, and his VFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without the required qualification or training. Factors factors related to the accident were: failure of the…NTSB NYC89FA088Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-76A · Washington, PAThe pilot's inadvertent VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) which resulted in his loss of aircraft control. Factors related to the accident was: the pilot's flight into known weather, the adverse weather, and trees at the accident sight.NTSB NYC89LA077Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Craley, PAThe loss of control during takeoff due to a pilot induced stall. Contributing to the accident was the wrong runway selected by the pilot which put the aircraft in a downwind takeoff situation and the pilots misjudgement of the distance it would take the…NTSB NYC89FA073Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman GA-7 · Spartansburg, PAThe pilots decision to disregard the weather forecast and attempt flight into known icing conditions. After the wings started to ice up, the pilot initiated a climb but could not maintain airspeed and inadvertantly stalled the aircraft which entered an…NTSB NYC89LA061Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNavion NA-1 · Allentown, PAThe pilot stated that he experienced a loss of power shortly after takeoff and landed back on the runway. The landing was hard and the right wing was damaged. The FAA investigator checked the engine and fuel system for possible contaminants and water. No…NTSB NYC89FA053Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Franklin Twp, PABefore takeoff, the crew indcd the flt would be for 'check rides' & that they planned to 'shoot approaches' & proceed to the practice area to do some airwork. ATC advised the plts that the cloud bases were at 3500 feet MSL. Elevation of the terrain (where the…NTSB NYC89LA047Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · New Alexandria, PALoss of control experience during landing rollout after an off airport landing was made due to a power loss caused by contaminated fuel. Water had been removed prior to departure.NTSB NYC89LA042Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Chambersburg, PAThe pilot of the Piper PA-28 was at cruise altitude and getting advisories from ATC. ATC gave him a SIGMET for turbulence when he noted his fuel was getting low. He decided to land at a nearby airport and was told by ATC that the airport he wanted was at his…NTSB NYC89LA040Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 7ECA · Erwinna, PAOff airport landing in unsuitable terrain due to a power loss caused by carburetor icing.NTSB NYC89FA036Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201T · Gans, PAPilot's bad judgement in flying in weather conditions beyond the capabilities of his aircraft. The pilot overstressed the aircraft and sheared the left wing by making an abrupt turn in turbulent air above the design maneuvering speed (VA). The accumulation of…NTSB NYC89LA031Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-5 · Latrobe, PALoss of directional control while taxiing at an excessive speed.NTSB NYC89FA029Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportRyan Navion A · Franklin, PADue to improper grade of fuel in the airplane and bent and binding exhaust valves, the airplane engine had a partial loss of power during the takeoff ground run. The pilot did not abort the takeoff and the airplane stalled and collided with trees when the…NTSB NYC89FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · Monoghan, PAEvidence indicates that the airplane flew straight into the side of a 1320 ft mountain at the 1280 ft level. The recommended minimum flight altitude for this designated mountainous area, at night, is 3500 ft. there was no evidence of any mechanical problems.NTSB NYC89LA020Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Ebensburg, PAThe acft experienced a total loss of power and crashed in trees near Ebensburg, PA. A teardown inspection revealed extensive preimpact damage to the engine. The #3 main bearing had failed, causing the interruption of oil supply to the #4 and 5 bearings and…NTSB MIA89MA023Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportRockwell 1121A · Oak Grove, PAFailure of the pilot in command to observe the rapid accretion of ice on the airplane due to his attention being diverted.NTSB NYC89LA017Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Trumbauersville, PAAn off airport landing in which the aircraft struck trees and a swing set, following a power loss caused by the failure of the pilot to determine that the fuel selector was in the off position and to turn it on prior to the power loss.NTSB NYC89LA016Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Easton, PALanding short of the runway due to a power loss of unknown reason(s).NTSB NYC89FA015Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A24R · Blue Bell, PAImproper VFR procedures, the pilot failed to maintian adequate airspeed for the attitude of flight of the airplane causing it to stall and collide with trees and a powerline during recovery.NTSB NYC89LA012Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna P210 · Collegeville, PAThe plt rprtd that as he was arriving to land, he entered left traffic & moved the fuel selector to the fullest tank. Shortly after moving the fuel selector, the eng lost power as though it was fuel starved. He said he operated the fuel boost pump & switched…NTSB ATL89MA012Incident · No injuriesMajor investigationFinal reportAerospatiale ATR-42-300 · Yardley, PABfr tkof, corrected flt plan was put in ATC computer for airforce 1 (AF1) to take nonstandard rte to newark. After tkof,AF1 was vctrd nw with handoff to NY ARTCC (zny), then east via Yardley (ard) to newark; 15 mi west of ard, zny initiatedhandoff to NY…NTSB NYC89LA011Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Lancaster, PAThe pilot of the Cessna 172 was returning solo from atlantic city when the aircraft ran out of fuel. He landed in a corn field and the aircraft flipped over. Examination of the wreckage revealed no fuel in the aircraft. The plt said he fueled the acft with 20…NTSB NYC89FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Renovo, PAImproper VFR procedures the pilot's visual lookout was improper and he collided with a static wire.NTSB NYC89LA004Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · New Castle, PAThe CFI and student plt were practicing touch and go landings. The CFI said the landing was long and the aircraft was not quite aligned with the rwy. By the time the aircraft was realigned and under control the CFI thought there was insufficient rwy to stop…NTSB NYC88DGM02Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportBarker Quickie Q2 · Martinsburg, PAThe pilot reported he was practicing takeoffs and landings, and that he was 'determined to hold the approach speed to 80 and rate of descent to 500 feet per minute . . .' The approach was flown at dusk as light was beginning to fail. The pilot stated, 'I…NTSB NYC88DHA04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBanks/Mong Sport · Marshalls Creek, PAThe homebuilt airplane impacted the ground in a steep nose down attitude among three tall pine trees. After impact, it bounced back about three feet & came to rest. There was no damage to the trees. An exam of the prop revealed no evidence of the engine…NTSB NYC88LA233Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Parker City, PAThe purpose of the flt was to perform landings at some nearby apts to prepare the student for an upcoming check flt. Landings were completed at two apts and the PIC, an atp/cfi, requested radar vectors to another apt. Approach control was unable to find the…NTSB NYC88LA228Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Doylestown, PAThe CFI and student plt took off from a 2330 ft turf rwy. Witnesses said the wind was calm and it was hot. The pilots both said that everything seemed normal until the acft reached about 200 ft AGL at which time they lost lift due to either a power loss or…NTSB NYC88LA223Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Freeport, PAThe plt said that he had landed on the 2268 ft long, sod strip on several previous occasions. He said there was a right crosswind at about 6 KTS. The acft was too high and go-arounds were made following the first two approaches. On the third approach, the…NTSB NYC88DHA03Accident · No injuriesFinal reportDebarry/Starduster SA100 · Slatington, PAAs the homebuilt acft was climbing thru about 300 ft AGL during initial climb after takeoff, the eng lost power. The plt was able to restart the eng (once), but as he turned the acft back toward the arpt, the eng lost power again. During an emerg landing, the…NTSB NYC88LA222Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 II · Coatesville, PAThe student plt was returning to the airport following a 1 hr local flight. He stated that the engine sputtered and lost power. The plt selected a field for a forced landing and approached it from west to east. The plane struck a road short of the field and…NTSB NYC88LA221Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing A75N1 · Wellsville, PAA private plt on a local flight made a stopover landing on runway 28. The plt reported that during the landing flare, he was temporarily blinded by the setting sun directly in the flight path. At touchdown the airplane weathervaned into the right crosswind,…NTSB NYC88LA217Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300 · Wellsboro, PAThe pilot attempting a takeoff in an over grossed aiarcraft in high density altitude and flew off the end of the runway into high grass.NTSB NYC88LA215Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Montgomeryville, PAThe plt reported that the flt took off with light & variable winds. He said he used the short fld, obstacle clearance procedure to avoid powerlines which are located 1000 ft from the end of the rwy. After the acft became airborne it would not climb. A turn…NTSB NYC88LA211Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · E. Stroudsburg, PAThe plt said that during an attempted landing the acft floated during the flare. After using about half the rwy he decided to go-around. The temp was 90 deg f resulting in a density alt of 3200 ft. the plt said he applied full pwr but the acft did not climb…NTSB NYC88LA206Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-34 · Kutztown, PALoss of control during takeoff after the canopy came open. Contributing was the failure of the pilot to properly close the canopy prior to takeoff.NTSB NYC88DGM01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportHiller UH-12E · Lovely, PAThe undetermined loss of engine power while performing low level aerial application operations.NTSB NYC88LA200Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Hillsville, PAEngine power loss due to fuel starvation which resulted in an emergency landing in a field.NTSB NYC88LA192Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Smoketown, PAThe plt reported that the eng lost power at about 300 ft AGL after takeoff. A forced landing was made in a corn field. During the landing roll the aircraft nosed over. The wreckage was examined after the accident and water was discovered in the fuel system.…NTSB NYC88LA189Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 7 · Saltsburg, PAThe plt launched on a local Balloon sight-seeing flight at 1850 local time with the forecast of thunderstorm activity to commence in the area after midnight. After 40 mins of smooth flt, the temp dropped sharply and shortly thereafter turbulence was…NTSB NYC88LA194Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Bally, PAThe plt was taking off with a left tailwind/crosswind. At liftoff, the left wing dropped and the pilot attempted to correct with rudder. The acft collided with the terrain.NTSB NYC88FA166Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-1 · Springtown, PAWhile in cruise flight, ground witnesses observed the helicopter make two violent roll maneuvers followed by an in-flight breakup. Aircraft wreckage was spread over an area of approximately 10 acres. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the collective…NTSB NYC88LA163Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Lehighton, PAThe student pilot, on his third solo, experienced a loss of directional control during a go-around and settled into low trees and brush on the south side of the runway. The pilot reported the winds as calm. He stated that the left main wheel went off the left…NTSB NYC88FA158Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Enon Valley, PAThe aircraft was observed maneuvering at low altitude. The nose was observed to drop and a left rotation started. One witness said the rotation stopped before the aircraft disappeared behind a tree line. The aircraft caught fire within one minute of impact…NTSB NYC88LA159Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS-2-33 · Erwinna, PAAccident was a loss of directional control during landing which followed a hard landing. Contributing was the improper use of spoiler control by the private pilot and the failure of the flight instructor to adequately supervise the actions of the private…NTSB NYC88LA153Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60 · Latrobe, PAAccident was pilot loss of directional control during landing.NTSB NYC88LA148Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-1B · Dover, PALoss of engine power for an unknown reason. Contributing factors were: failure of the pilot to maintain runway alignment obstructions near the end of the runway (sign, stone fence & tree).NTSB NYC88DGT02Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportBell 47G3B1 · Cove Gap, PAThe helicopter plt was taking off from an area surrounded by trees & buildings for a local spray operation. The wind was calm. Reportedly, during the attempted departure, the plt 'exhausted all power available then made right turn to return to field.' After…