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 NYC97LA101Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHiller UH-12E · Granby, NYfailure of the pilot/owner to replace the torsional clutch as specified by the manufacturer, and subsequent failure of the helicopter's clutch, which resulted in a forced landing (autorotation). A related factor was: the encounter with trees in the emergency…NTSB LAX97LA207Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft F19 · Tracy, CAThe pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind gust, and his failure to maintain runway alignment after encountering the wind gust.NTSB CHI97LA150Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G164 · Illinois City, ILfailure of the pilot to see and maintain clearance from a static wire. The proximity of the wire was a related factor.NTSB ANC97LA079Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-5 · Wasilla, AKThe loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, and the noncertificated pilot's decision to perform a go-around after a suitable landing site had been attained. A factor associated with the accident was the rough and uneven terrain.NTSB FTW97LA206Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Greeley, COunlatching of the left outboard engine cowling latches for undetermined reason(s), which allowed the left engine cowling to separate inflight and strike the vertical stabilizer.NTSB ATL97LA076Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Perry, GAthe pilot misjudged his distance/airspeed during the approach to land, and touched down long on the runway.NTSB SEA97LA123Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38 · Fruitland, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors include his improper inflight decision to attempt to fly through a mountain pass under high density altitude conditions in an aircraft that was operating near the limits of its…NTSB SEA97LA122Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNoe SA-300 · Bountiful, UTthe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Related factors include: an area of standing water on a portion of the runway, and soft terrain just off the edge of the runway.NTSB NYC97LA100Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Baltimore, MDthe pilot's inadequate preflight of the airplane which failed to detect water in the fuel, and resulted in a power loss after departure due to fuel contamination.NTSB LAX97LA196Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Tinian, Sarkthe pilot's improper takeoff abort. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper preflight planning and preparation.NTSB LAX97LA191Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Payson, AZan animal (elk) on the runway. Factors associated with the accident included: darkness, the pilot's inability to see the animal in sufficient time to avoid a collision, and the lack of a taller fence around the airport.NTSB FTW97LA204Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Olney, TXthe pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind, which resulted in a loss of dirctional control, a ground loop, and a collapsed main gear. The crosswind was a related factor.NTSB FTW97LA202Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Lamar, COFailure of the left magneto and crank shaft idler drive gears. Factors were failure to perform a 100 hour inspection and unsuitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB CHI97FA149Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportBell 206L3 · Boise, IDthe improper torque meter installation by maintenance personnel, attempting flight with known discrepancies by the pilot-in-command and the check airman, and an improper autorotation by the pilot-in-command with improper oversight of the autorotation maneuver…NTSB SEA97LA121Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201 · Pocatello, IDinadequate remedial action of the pilot-in-command (CFI). Related factors include: the dual student's failure to maintain the proper airspeed and descent rate.NTSB NYC97FA099Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Freedom, PAthe pilot's premature lift off, and his failure to maintain proper runway alignment, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, while attempting to avoid an obstruction (telephone pole). Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot allowed the airplane's…NTSB IAD97LA076Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDresbach RV-4 · Bainbridge, OHfailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during the initial climb after takeoff. The pilot's physiological conditions was a possible factor.NTSB FTW97LA198Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Ward, ARThe loss of engine power resulting from fuel starvation due to the pilot's mismanagement of available fuel. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB CHI97FA146Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHenry Barracuda · Antonia, MOinadvertent flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), spatial disorientation of the pilot, which led to his loss of aircraft control, and the pilot exceeding the design stress limits of the airplane, which led to an in-flight…NTSB ATL97LA075Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLockheed L-1011-385-3 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)The failure of the flight attendants to maintain control of loose cabin service equipment, a salt shaker, that resulted in an uncorrected tripping hazard.NTSB MIA97FA173Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 205 · Homestead, FLThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed as he slowed for a parachutist to jump from the aircraft, and his failure to apply spin recovery emergency procedures prior to ground impact. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-in-command's lack of…NTSB LAX97LA193Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Rota, Sarkthe unauthorized use of automobile gasoline which led to the loss of engine power due to fuel vapor generation.NTSB FTW97LA205Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMaule M-4-220C · Englewood, COfailure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. The gusty crosswind condition was a related factor.NTSB FTW97LA201Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCentrair 101C · Santa Fe, NMthe pilot's improper planning/decison. Factors relating to the accident were: lack of thermal lift, which resulted in an off-airport landing, and the lack of suitable terrain for the landing.NTSB CHI97LA148Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Houghton, MIthe pilot's improper starting procedures and failure to set the parking brakes.NTSB SEA97FA120Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-301T · Bend, OROverload of the airframe structure. Thunderstorms and turbulence were factors.NTSB IAD97LA077Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Wentworth, NHPilot's inadequate preflight planning to determine the suitability of an unimproved field for landing.NTSB FTW97LA203Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Bridgeport, TXThe pilot's misjudgment of distance and altitude. A contributing factor was a tailwind.NTSB CHI97LA147Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Crystal, MNthe student pilot's misjudged flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing. A factor was the lack of recent flight time.NTSB CHI97LA145Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-G · Colusa, ILimproper installation of the rocker arm assembly by maintenance personnel which led to the failure of the rocker arm. A factor was the soft terrain.NTSB CHI97LA144Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Arcadia, INimproper planning/decision by the pilot. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's selection of the wrong runway for takeoff, and the resultant tailwind.NTSB LAX97LA192Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCrosby GEE BEE Sportster · Watsonville, CAan unknown failure of the engine oil system, which resulted in loss of oil and a seized engine.NTSB FTW97LA200Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech BE-56TC · Spring, TXThe pilot's failure to perform an adequate preflight (did not remove pitot tube protective covering prior to flight) which resulted in an inaccurate cockpit airspeed indication during takeoff roll and subsequent emergency landing. Factors were, the pilot's…NTSB FTW97FA199Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Shawnee, OKThe pilot's inadvertent entry into a spin. A factor was the pilot's initiated flight into adverse weather.NTSB SEA97LA119Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGarlick UH-1H · Lolo, MTFuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to refuel.NTSB NYC97FA098Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportBoeing 767-300 · Newark, NJThe improper landing flare by the co-pilot and the inadequate supervision of the flight by the pilot-in-command. Other related factors were the gusty crosswind, windshear, and the lack of familiarity with the airplane by both pilots.NTSB MIA97LA174Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportConvair CV-240 · San Juan, PRfailure of the aft master rod in the right engine, and failure of the front master rod bearing in the left engine, which resulted in a forced landing on a beach and a subsequent encounter with ocean water.NTSB MIA97FA172Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Winter Park, FLThe pilots improper in-flight planning/decision to conduct an out of ground effect hover with a tailwind resulting in an in-flight loss of directional control due to loss of tailrotor effectiveness/unanticipated right yaw, and subsequent in-flight collision…NTSB LAX97LA190Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Lamont, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel for the flight.NTSB FTW97LA197Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Rio Hondo, TXfailure of the pilot to use all of the available runway during landing, and his resultant failure to attain a proper touchdown point for a safe rollout. Factors relating to the accident were: the wet runway with hydroplaning conditions, the uneven terrain…NTSB FTW97LA196Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAyres S2R-T34 · Welsh, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with a moving vehicle. Factors were: the lack of runway signs and a runway safety area, and the difficulty for the pilot and driver of the vehicle to visually detect each other due to high vegetation at the edge of…NTSB CHI97LA143Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Fulton, MOa malfunction of the engine's carburetor that was associated with a spalled carburetor float fulcrum pin which resulted in fuel starvation.NTSB ATL97LA074Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Sophia, NCimproper maintenance performed by an unknown person, which resulted in the reduction of airflow through the engine induction system and subsequent loss of engine power. A factor related to the accident was: failure of the pilot to attain a proper touchdown…NTSB SEA97LA118Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Moclips, WAInadequate installation of the fuel control by company maintenance personnel and a loose nut on a line. A disconnected Pc line was a factor.NTSB SEA97LA117Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHiller UH-12E · Miltonfreewater, ORThe main rotor blade separated due to fatigue. Factors were: an Airworthiness Directive was not properly performed, and inadequate inspection of the main rotor blades.NTSB NYC97LA097Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom 280-C · Clarksburg, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the hangar.NTSB MIA97LA171Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech E55 · Griffin, GAthe pilot's failure to extend the landing gear, which resulted in a wheels up landing.NTSB LAX97FA189Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportEmbraer EMB-120 · San Diego, CAThe failure of maintenance personnel to allow adequate time for the engine oil to drain back into the engine oil reservoir prior to adding additional oil, thereby overfilling the reservoir, which resulted in an engine fire and subsequent damage to hydraulic…NTSB CHI97LA165Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182RG · Kansas City, MOthe pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. A factor relating to the accident was the excessive airspeed.NTSB CHI97LA140Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-365-N2 · Indianapolis, INinadequate visual clearance by the passenger resulting in his being struck with the rotor blade. A factor relating to this accident was the gusting winds.