NTSB investigations, 2020
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 year(c.\"eventDate\") = 2020 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") = 2020 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 ERA21LA056Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Atlanta, GAThe Cessna pilot’s failure to tune his radio to the common traffic advisory frequency, which resulted in a lack of awareness of the other aircraft operating at the airport. Contributing to the accident was the Cessna pilot’s lack of understanding of the…NTSB WPR21WA063Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignGrob 120A-1 · Beer-Sheba, IsraelNTSB ERA21LA055Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Manville, NJThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper glidepath while on approach to the runway, and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in the airplane colliding with a tree on final approach.NTSB ERA21LA054Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32 · Greenville, SCA partial loss of engine power due to the pilot’s delayed application of carburetor heat, which resulted in carburetor icing.NTSB ERA21LA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech V35 · Deltaville, VAAn uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain following an in-flight collision with seagulls.NTSB ERA21LA052Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportLancair Legacy FG · Hollywood, FLThe pilot/owner’s failure to properly reinstall the number 1 cylinder spark plug, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during the initial climb. Contributing was the pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during an attempted…NTSB CEN21LA087Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA12 · Gilliam, LAThe non-instrument rated pilot’s encounter with poor weather conditions resulting in his performing a precautionary landing to a cornfield and subsequently nosing over.NTSB ERA21LA051Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportJ&J Ultralights Sea-Wing · Placida, FLThe pilot/owner’s improper preflight inspection of the weight-shift trike, which resulted in a loss of control at takeoff due to an improperly adjusted wingtip.NTSB DCA21WA033IncidentClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 737 · Capetown, South AfricaNTSB WPR21LA059Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna TU206 · Twentynine Palms, CAThe pilot’s decision to takeoff with a known mechanical engine anomaly, and the failure of the No. 2-cylinder exhaust valve, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during the initial climb and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR21FA057Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBlevins Kamron Odyssey · Arlington, WAThe pilot’s loss of airplane control for reasons that could be determined based on available evidence.NTSB ERA21LA049Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Lititz, PAThe pilot’s inadvertent attempt to takeoff on a taxiway, rather than a runway, which resulted in a collision with a fence during takeoff.NTSB CEN21LA066Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Lawrence, KSThe student pilot’s improper landing flare/touchdown which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB CEN21LA065Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32R · Canon City, COThe failure of the alternator drive belt, which resulted in insufficient electrical power to extend the landing gear and a subsequent gear-up landing. .NTSB ERA21LA050Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Cynthiana, KYThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper glide path during a visual approach that was conducted at night, resulting in a collision with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN21LA064Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · El Paso, TXThe pilot’s loss of control on takeoff during a touch and go landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.NTSB WPR21WA062Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 172 · Katale, UgandaNTSB ERA21LA046Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Austell, GAThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain adequate clearance above the gravel surface in a hover, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.NTSB ERA21LA045Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Manville, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in a gusty crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and noseover.NTSB WPR21LA071Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCo Z Cozy · Compton, CAThe partial loss of engine power due to an improperly installed sparkplug.NTSB GAA21WA173Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA11 · Open Door, ArgentinaNTSB CEN21LA062Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 120 · Johnson City, KSThe pilot’s improper decision to fly the airplane at too low an altitude resulting in the airplane impacting terrain.NTSB ERA21LA047Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican Legend AL3 · Greenville, NCThe airplane’s collision with a bird during initial climb, which resulted in a forced landing.NTSB ERA21LA042Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRepublic RC3 · Advance, NCThe pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB ANC21LA007Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150L · Colton, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain positive control of the airplane in mountainous terrain during dark night conditions as a result of spatial disorientation which led to a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR21LA058Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Creation Tanarg · Pahrump, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain control while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB ERA21WA064Accident · Serious injuriesClass 5 · ForeignCessna 188 · Esperanza, Dominican RepublicNTSB CEN21LA074Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportZlin Savage Cub-S · Francis, OKThe pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for the landing, which resulted in a nose over when the airplane encountered soft sand during the landing roll.NTSB WPR21LA056Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Howe, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain after an encounter with a downdraft, which resulted in a collision with terrain.NTSB WPR21LA055Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 152 · San Bernardino, CAA total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident was an inadequate preflight inspection.NTSB GAA21WA005Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBeech 95B55 · Sao Pedro, SP, BrazilNTSB ERA21LA048Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV4 · Milton, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing.NTSB ERA21LA044Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 305 · Ellenville, NYThe failure of the right brake master cylinder lock seal spring washer.NTSB ERA21LA043Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAerospatiale AS355 · Hammonton, NJThe pilot's decision to continue the takeoff with a perceived mechanical deficiency.NTSB DCA21LA024Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBombardier CL600 2C10 · Phoenix, AZThe flight attendant’s use of improper procedures when opening the main cabin door.NTSB WPR21LA054AccidentClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGeneral Atomics MQ-9 · Sierra Vista, AZThe pilot’s incorrect automated landing profile selection, which resulted in an impact with a runway trench. Contributing to the accident was the pilot receiving instruction's and instructor's failure to spot the incorrect landing profile selection during…NTSB WPR21LA053Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Creation Buggy · Benson, AZThe non-rated pilot’s unstable approach and failure to maintain aircraft control, which resulted in a hard landing and collision with terrain.NTSB WPR21LA051Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMaule MX7 · Moab, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff from an unimproved airstrip, which resulted in a nose-over.NTSB WPR21FA048Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Los Angeles, CAMaintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the throttle control hardware during recent maintenance, which resulted in its disconnection and a subsequent loss of engine power on approach for landing.NTSB CEN21WA063Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRotorsport UK Cavalon · Avoch, United KingdomNTSB CEN21LA060Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA22 · Salem, INThe pilot’s failure to avoid an obstacle during his approach to land.NTSB CEN21LA055Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182R · Rockwall, TXThe pilot’s decision to continue an unstabilized approach and his delayed go-around decision, which resulted in the airplane’s impact with power lines and the ground. Contributing to the accident was the inaccurate wind direction reporting as a result of a…NTSB WPR21LA052Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Fallbrook, CAA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined with the available evidence.NTSB WPR21FA045Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 177 · Langley, WAThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control while attempting to conduct an emergency landing. Contributing to the accident was a total loss of engine power as a result of…NTSB CEN21LA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportTrick Trikes Stss · Holden, MOThe noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff.NTSB WPR21WA066Accident · Serious injuriesClass 5 · ForeignBell 407 · Kala, TanzaniaNTSB WPR21FA044Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA38 · Grass Valley, CAA total loss of engine power due to the pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation.NTSB WPR21LA061Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Arch Cape, ORThe pilot’s descent into the ocean for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB WPR21LA042Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportDiamond DA40 · Mesa, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with a vehicle while taxiing.NTSB ERA21LA041Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20C · Laconia, NHThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during an approach in sun glare and hazy conditions.