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 DCA85AA027Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-10-10 · San Juan, PRAfter landing at San Juan, the acft was parked at the customs area, then was towed to gate 15 & loaded for the next flt. The push-back was such that the crew had to taxi to the gen avn parking area & turn around bfr proceeding to rwy 8 for departure. When…NTSB ATL85LA192Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164 · Ashford, ALThe plt was returning to the private ag strip after completing a spray run. During the landing the pilot found that the left brake was inop. In order to prevent running off end of the 1500 ft rwy, the plt elected to ground loop the aircraft. During the…NTSB ATL85FLT08Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportCessna A188B · Marks, MSThe plt reported that while he was on an aerial application flt, a rain storm suddenly began & forced him to quickly return & land. He reported that the rain was so heavy that he could only see straight down. He contacted his ground crew & asked them to help…NTSB MKC85LA141Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Rushville, MOShortly after the plt departed on a flt, the eng lost power while the acft was cruising at 1800 ft MSL over hilly terrain. The plt reported that the eng speed dropped to 800 RPM & he was unable to correct the situation. During a forced landing on soft…NTSB MIA85LA200Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Daytona Beach, FLThe student plt had been practicing touch and go landings. On his third landing, he permitted too steep an apch and the nose gear contacted the rwy prior to the main gear. A porpoising action then developed which was not arrested prior to failure of the nose…NTSB FTW85FA265Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS35OD · Dallas, TXThe eng to transmission short shaft became disconnected in flt. This resulted in complete loss of pwr to the main rotor assembly. However, the tail rotor assembly was still being powered by the eng. Upon collective pitch application to stop the descent the…NTSB DEN85LA172Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Angle Fire, NMOn June 26, 1985, a Piper pa 28-180, descended and crashed after takeoff from angel Fire airport, NM. The plt reported no mechanical difficulties. The density alt was 10609 ft. the takeoff distance chart indicates a maximum da of 7000 ft. the plt was not…NTSB CHI85LA262Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Davison, MIAcft touched donw hard and became airborne. On the second ground contact the nose gear collapsed. Plt previously aborted two landings because of excessive airspeed.NTSB CHI85LA255Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Kankakee, ILThe aircraft while clearing the runway, shot wide of the taxiway taxiing onto the grass and into a culvert which was difficult to see resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.NTSB CHI85LA254Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-4 · Lakeville, MNThe acft was being landed on a trailer for transportation. Upon touchdown the right skid hooked on the landing guides and the helicopter rolled to the right side. The main rotor blades struck the ground, the left fuel tank ruptured and an explosion and fire…NTSB CHI85FA253Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Reedsburg, WINo known witnesses observed the plt preflt the acft or takeoff. He departed in the evening while the arpt was not attended. At aprx 2012 CDT, his son observed & recognized the acft. At that time, the son was at his own home about 1/2 mi from the plt's home.…NTSB SEA85LA151Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell UH-1B · Hoquiam, WAThe helicopter was being used during an external load operation to move large blocks of wood. However, while hovering, the sling broke. Subsequently, a block of wood struck a company employee on the head while he was working on the ground. The employee was…NTSB SEA85LA150Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 · Gustavis, AKWhile taxiing the float plane in a gusty x-wind, the wind & water current drifted the acft toward a parked boat. Subsequently, the left wing tip struck the boat & was damaged. But there was no damage to the boat.NTSB SEA85LA149Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235-C · Wenatchee, WADuring an aerial applications maneuver the engine ceased operating and a forced landing was made in an orchard in between apple tree rows. Engine and aircraft inspection could not reveal any abnormalities with the exception of a very dirty, partially clogged…NTSB SEA85LA148Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Bellevue, WAThe plt reported that during the pre-flt check, she neglected to untie the rear seat belt from the aft control stick. Standard procedure for taxi & takeoff in this float plane was to keep the stick full aft. Since the acft was low on fuel & was taking off in…NTSB SEA85LA145Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 310L · Albany, ORThe plt was attempting to bracket the low bar on the 2 bar VASI to avoid landing long on the rwy. On final, the acft landing gear struck unmarked powerlines. The acft then struck the ground in a level attitude. A small fire ensued in the left tip tank. The 4…NTSB MIA85LA199Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Opa Locka, FLThe plt was landing after a x-country flt when the right wing & the prop contacted the rwy. The plt stated that the gear had collapsed during a go-around. However, the landing gear was intact, except for impact damage on the right main gear. No gear…NTSB LAX85LA294Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLeslie J. Royal VARI- EZE · Rio Linda, CAAs the acft began its' climb, after takeoff, the canopy partially opened. The pilot lost control of the aircraft as he attempted to relatch the canopy. The acft turned off its previous flight path and collided with a parked acft and truck.NTSB FTW85LA266Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportI.C.A. Brasov IS-28B2 · Georgetown, TXThe accident occurred during an glider launch. The tow acft was unable to gain alt, and turned back to the arpt to release the glider. The tow acft began to sink into the trees and was forced to release the glider beyond safe gliding distance to the rwy. The…NTSB ATL85LA196Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Mt. Airy, NCWhile nearing completion of a solo x-country flt, the eng quit. The student plt selected an open area, but overshot the intended touchdown point & the acft crashed in the backyard of a single family dwelling. An investigation failed to disclose any system…NTSB ANC85LA108Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 7DC · Talkeetna, AKWhile in flt, the plt smelled smoke. Within 30 sec, smoke was observed coming from around the firewall & under the floorboards. The acft was over an airstrip, so the plt made a 360 deg turn & landed there. The plt said that he immediately applied brakes when…NTSB NYC85FA155Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B95A · Readington, NJPapers were observed to fly out of the acft during takeoff. The acft was observed to 'waver' with the gear down & crash to the ground several minutes later. An exam of the cabin door revealed that it had popped open in flt.NTSB MIA85LA198Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)The plt reported that during an overwater flt, a fire began in the front section of the acft while he was cruising at 10,500 ft. he radioed his position on the emergency freq (121.5 mhz) & squawked an emergency code (7700) on his transponder. Subsequently, he…NTSB MIA85IA203Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2K · San Juan, PRAfter departure the nose gear unsafe light remained illuminated peter gear retraction. Attempts to get a safe light on the nose gear in the extended position was unsuccessful and when the aircraft landed it settled onto a partially retracted nose gear.…NTSB LAX85LA291Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Murrieta, CAAt the conclusion of a personal cross country flight, the pilot stated he made a hard landing after which, the aircraft got away from him and ground looped.NTSB LAX85LA290Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · San Jose, CAThe pilot lost directional control,during the takeoff phase of a touch and go landing. The acft swerved off the runway as it entered a ground loop that collapsed the right landing gear strut.NTSB LAX85LA289Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Lincoln, CADuring arrival at dusk, the plt attempted to lower the landing gear, but did not observe a gear dowm light indication. He recycled the gear several times, then utilized the emergency gear extention sys. He stated that when he used the extention sys, he…NTSB LAX85FVD02Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna 188B · Lodi, CAOn June 24, 1985, at 0520 hours PDT, a Cessna ag truck 188B, N9966J, registered to james l. thomas and operated by ag- flight, inc. collided with the brim of an irrigation canal during take-off from the thomas ranch strip and impacted the ground in a field…NTSB LAX85FA293Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRolladen-Schneider LS3-A · Callahan, CAThe plt was participating in a x-country soaring competition. He released from the tow at 5,000 ft above sea level. About one hour later he imformed his crew by radio that he had covered 80 percent of the first leg and that he was 'doing fine.' The flt did…NTSB DEN85LA174Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Glen Canyon, UTThe plt became lost/disoriented near the end of a x-country flt from west jordan to blanding, Utah. When fuel quantity became low, the plt decided to make a precautionary landing on a dirt road. During the landing falre, a x-wind gust drifted the acft to the…NTSB DEN85LA171Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Gallup, NMOn June 23, 1985, a student plt flying a C-172 departed the side of the rwy whole landing at Gallup, NM. He said that the landing was made at too high an airspeed. Upon departing the rwy the acft proceeded into a ditch causing substantial damage.NTSB DEN85LA169Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Yuma, COOn June 23, 1985, a Piper PA24 crashed immediately after takeoff from Yuma arpt while avoiding another acft. The plt made a right turn immediately after takeoff. He then saw the traffic and pushed the control wheel forward. The acft impacted the ground. The…NTSB CHI85FA251Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNeumann-Everett N2 · Cambridge, MNThe newly rated prt plt was on his 12th flt in the recently certificated homebuilt that he had designed and built himself. While performing an unknown maneuver both horizontal stabilizers and both wings separated from the acft. The acft was restricted from…NTSB SEA85LA144Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Orofino, IDDuring strong gusting winds the private plt was attempting to give dual instruction. During short final for rwy 27 and the wind from 270 at 8 to 12 knots gusting to 18 knots an approach stall was entered into a about 50 feet AGL. Although an attempted…NTSB NYC85LA154Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMcCulloch J-2 · Cortland, NYAccording to the pilot, the rotor blade contacted the tail rudders because of insufficient rotor speed. The rotor bladeswere thrown out of track and the gyroplane lost control. The insufficient rotor RPM was due to a rotor or pulley belt stripping.NTSB MKC85LA140Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · St. Charles, MOThe student plt was on her 1st solo flt. She said that during a landing, she flared too hi & the acft bounced. A porpoise developed & the nose gear failed. About 11 mi southeast at the lambert-st louis arpt, the 1048 CDT wind was from 240 deg at 12 KTS.NTSB MKC85LA139Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Sheldon, IAThe student plt was on a solo x-country flight. After the nose wheel touched down on landing, the acft veered left, went into a corn field & nosed over. The plt stated that he may have let the nose wheel contact the rwy before he neutralized the rudder…NTSB MKC85LA138Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Manhattan, KSThe plt said he put the landing gear selector switch to the down position and thought that he observed a green, down andlocked indicator light; however, the acft landed with the gear retracted. Examination of the acft after the accident revealed that the…NTSB MKC85FA137Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Independence, MOStudent pilot and instructor were practicing pre-solo landings. When airplane was 30 feet AGL and on very short final approach, airplane dropped to ground, went through top of two dikes and two ditches, impacted bank of second ditch and flipped forward to…NTSB LAX85LA288Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStarduster II · Glendale, AZThe plt crossed the arpt at midfield and made a left turn for a close in downwind. Witnesses estimated that he made a 180 deg descending turn to final. While on final the plt observed another acft which was already on final slightly aheadand slightly below…NTSB FTW85FA261Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Temple, TXA midair collision occurred between a Cessna 150 in the traffic pattern and a Cessna 152 on a long low final to the same runway. The Cessna 152'S radio was mistuned, and the Cessna 150 had no radio installed. Neither could have heard warnings broadcast by…NTSB DEN85FTM03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportKillian Briegleb BG-12B · Heber City, UTThe acft was a george Killian/briegleb BG-12B, experimental, home built glider. An owner reported that the plt had come from new Mexico to buy the glider. After spending about 3 hrs in familiarization training, the plt went on his 1st flt which was…NTSB CHI85LA252Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech BE-19A · Appleton, WIThe left main landing gear collapsed following a loss of directional control during landing. The landing was made on rwy 21 with winds from 240 degs at 18 KTS gusting to 30 KTS. The plt reported the acft drifted left during the landing and side loads on the…NTSB CHI85LA250Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Lancaster, OHThe acft collided with a fence during landing the wind was from 230 degrees at 14 KTS and the landg was on rwy 28 the plt said that may be she would have had better control with less than full flaps.NTSB CHI85LA248Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · East Alton, ILThe acft was blown inverted by wind gusts shortly after landing. The plt stated the wx was fine until after touchdown when the wind began gusting to 35 KTS. The plt turned the acft left off the rwy, contacted ground control and initiated a right turn onto the…NTSB CHI85LA247Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLet L-13 · Gregory, MIThe glider landed in trees after the spoiler 'popped' open in flt during a towed takeoff. The tow plane released the glider at 300 ft AGL after the spoilers opened. The plt landed without retracting the spoilers. Two FAA inspectors stated that they checked…NTSB CHI85FER01Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportPZL PZL-104 Wilga 35A · St. Paul, MNThe acft contacted the rwy following a loss of control during takeoff. At an alt of 50 to 100 ft AGL after a maximum performance takeoff, the plt rapidly raised the flaps from 44 to 0 degs and the acft suddenly pitched nose down. The plt attempted remedial…NTSB CHI85FA249Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportBoeing 727 · South Haven, MIWhile en route on an IFR flt plan (1st officer at ctls), American flt 803 (a Boeing 727, N1965) bgn a dscnt fm FL 190 TO9000'. The seat belt sign was turned on at 18,000'. While dscndg btn cld layers, at aprx 13,000 to 12,000', the capt sawa Cessna 421C,…NTSB ANC85FA107Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Lake Beverley, AKThe plt stated that he & his student plt was flying around the lake well below the tree line, & after a steep right bank the acft struck the trees & crashed in the lake, the acft sank into 10 to 12 ft of water.NTSB SEA85LA146Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman 164B · Twin Falls, IDA partial loss of power occurred during aerial application due to a crack around one of the cylinders. While the plt was attempting to dump chemicals, the acft settled onto the ground tearing off the rt main gear. The plt then flew on to Twin Falls to land.…