NTSB investigations, 2015
180,610 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,589 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\") = 2015 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") = 2015 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 DCA16CA026Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBoeing 737 7H4 · St Louis, MOan inadvertent encounter with clear air turbulence.NTSB CEN16WA057Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationCessna 560 · Farnborough, United KingdomThis is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. The foreign authority was the source of this information. On November 29, 2015, at 1350 UTC, a Cessna Citation 560XL, SE-RHJ, experienced an in-flight cowling departure during descent…NTSB GAA16CA081Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 182 · Salisbury, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing flare, causing the airplane to balloon and land hard.NTSB GAA16CA072Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSkaggs Ronnie Lynn Rans S6S · Oldtown, MDThe pilot's failure to visually inspect the fuel level during the preflight inspection, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent off-field landing and impacted terrain.NTSB ERA16CA057Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBoeing A75N1(PT17) · Farmington, DEBoth pilots' failure to maintain visual separation during landing at an uncontrolled airport. Contributing to the accident was the Mooney pilot's lack of prompt evasive action once the biplane had been spotted on the same runway. In addition, the biplane…NTSB DCA16WA025Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Mexico City, MexicoThe DGAC of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Boeing 737 that occurred on November 26, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the DGAC's investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13 as the State of…NTSB ANC16CA009Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Manley Hot Springs, AKThe pilot's decision to depart from an unsuitable, off-airport site, which resulted in a collision with a tree.NTSB ERA16LA054Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Destin, FLThe overstress fracture between the tail rotor driveshaft and intermediate flex plate for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB WPR16LA033Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 28-140 · Wickenburg, AZA partial loss of engine power due to a separation of the mixture control cable clamp, which was either not installed or secured correctly during maintenance.NTSB WPR16LA032Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Carlisle, WAA total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the improper calibration of the fuel quantity gauge.NTSB GAA16CA064Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Gaithersburg, MDThe student pilot's improper flare during landing, which resulted in a bounced landing, and a runway excursion.NTSB GAA16CA063Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 182D · Hamlet, NEThe student pilot's incorrect brake application which resulted in a runway excursion and a nose over.NTSB GAA16CA061Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMelvin K Callen Backcountry Supercub · Fort Morgan, COThe pilot's excessive braking during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose over.NTSB ERA16LA051Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Lawrenceville, GAThe flight instructor's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation and a subsequent forced landing.NTSB ERA16CA056Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Danbury, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from obstructions while on approach to landing.NTSB CEN16LA064Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 305A · Sulphur, LAThe loss of engine power due to water and contaminants in the carburetor, which resulted in a forced landing to a wet field.NTSB DCA16CA023Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportAirbus Industrie A319 112 · Philadelphia, PAan inadvertent encounter with clear air turbulence.NTSB GAA16CA111Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Covington, TNThe pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion, ground loop, and impact with the ground.NTSB GAA16CA060Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech 56 · Hudson, COThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing. Contributing to the accident was the distraction of the open cabin door.NTSB ERA16LA052Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 95 B55 · Albany, NYThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper flare while landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing, overstress fracture of the nose landing gear trunnion, and a subsequent nose landing gear collapse.NTSB ERA16LA046Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20 · Fort Meade, MDA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB DCA16WA024Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Osh, KyrgyzstanThe government of Kyrgyzstan has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Boeing 737-300 airplane that occurred on November 22, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Kyrgyzstan's investigation under the…NTSB ANC16WA008Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R22 · Annaka City, JapanOn November 22, 2015, at 0157 coordinated universal time, a Japanese registered Robinson R22 helicopter, JA7963, operated by a private individual, impacted the slope face of a speedway in Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The pilot and sole passenger…NTSB ANC16WA007Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · New Taipei City, TaiwanOn November 22, 2015, about 0302 Coordinated Universal Time, a Bell 206 helicopter, Taiwan Island registration number B-31127, operated by Emerald Pacific Airlines, was destroyed following an impact with terrain about 7 nautical miles southwest of Taipei…NTSB WPR16WA034Accident · 7 fatalForeign investigationEurocopter AS350 · Fox Glacier, New ZealandThe Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Eurocopter AS350BA helicopter, which occurred on November 21, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the New Zealand Transport Safety…NTSB ERA16LA045Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPhantom Aeronautics Phantom X 1 · Monroe, NCThe partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB CEN16WA049Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationPiper PA31 · Guatemala City, GuatemalaOn November 21, 2015, at 1800 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-31, C6-TAK, was destroyed on impact with a house following a loss of control during takeoff from La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City, Guatemala. The airplane was destroyed. The…NTSB CEN16WA048Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationBell 407 · Justo Romero, NicaraguaOn November 21, 2015, at 1000 central standard time (cst), a Bell model 407 helicopter, Honduran registration HR-AWI, serial number 53978, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power near Justo Romero,…NTSB ERA16FA043Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Orlando, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while turning to join the final approach leg of the airport traffic pattern with full airplane-nose-up trim, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an…NTSB CEN16CA070Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Rush City, MNThe student pilot did not maintain directional control of the airplane and applied excessive right rudder during landing.NTSB WPR16LA031Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Coalinga, CAA partial loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined, because postaccident examination revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR16LA030Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · La Verne, CAThe total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB WPR16FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAirbus Helicopters AS350B3E · Carlsbad, CAThe pilot's loss of control during landing on a dolly. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's decision to conduct the flight without an instructor despite multiple flight instructors' recommendations to the contrary, his failure to land on the ramp…NTSB GAA16LA056Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAirbus EC135 · Apple Valley, CAThe ingestion of a towel from an unsecured storage container at the landing site into the helicopter's fenestron during the landing.NTSB ERA16FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · North Salem, NYA loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical deficiencies.NTSB GAA16CA054Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Fowlerville, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB GAA16CA051Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 31-350 · Portland, ORThe failure of the fuel truck driver to see and avoid the taxiing airplane.NTSB ERA16WA047Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 402B · Choco, ColombiaOn November 17, 2015, about 1550 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 402B, Colombian registration HK4981G, was destroyed when it descended and impacted the ground in a residential area, during takeoff from Acandi Airport (SKAD), Choco, Colombia. The pilot…NTSB CEN16WA044Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · San Carlos, NicaraguaOn November 17, 2015, about 1140 coordinated universal time, a Bell 206L4 helicopter, Nicaraguan registered YN-ISA, impacted the San Juan River near San Carlos, Rio San Juan, Nicaragua. The pilot and three passengers were fatally injured and the helicopter…NTSB GAA16CA059Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172R · Westminster, MDThe student pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB GAA16CA057Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Eufaula, ALThe student pilot's decision to land with a quartering tailwind, resulting in a loss off directional control, excessive brake application, and a nose over.NTSB CEN16WA075Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationLearjet 60 · Zihuatanejo, MexicoThe Direccion General de Aeronutica Civil (DGAC) of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an fatal accident involving a LearJet 60, XA-UQP, that occurred on November 16, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the DGAC under the…NTSB CEN16LA047Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter EC120B · Goshen, INThe failure of the Thomas coupling at the interface with the main gear box tail rotor output shaft, which resulted in the helicopter's loss of tail rotor control.NTSB CEN16FA042Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182G · Sandia Park, NMThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB GAA16CA058Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Greeley, COThe pilot of the following airplane failed to maintain adequate spacing during the taxi to the runway, resulting in a collision with the lead airplane.NTSB ERA16LA041Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWoodrow Larry W Sonex · Morganton, NCThe pilot/owner’s inadequate maintenance inspection following a propeller strike, which resulted in the subsequent in-flight propeller separation due to propagation of fatigue cracks in the crankshaft.NTSB CEN16LA043Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHickham Lancair IV-P · Shawano, WIA total loss of engine power due to a dual magneto failure, as a result of an exceedance of the engine’s operating limitations while maneuvering.NTSB GAA16CA074Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 177 · Palm Springs, CAThe failure of a shaft seal at the nose gear retraction/extension actuator, which resulted in a loss of hydraulic fluid and a main landing gear collapse during landing.NTSB GAA16CA062Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportConsolidated Aeronautics Lake LA-4 · Morganton, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the departure, resulting in substantial damage to the airplanes right wing.NTSB GAA16CA049Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCurtiss Wright Travel Air · Carlsbad, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, resulting in a ground-loop, and substantial damage to the right wing and wing strut.