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 CHI85FEE02Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly AX-7 · Somonauk, ILThe Balloon collided with powerlines during takeoff. The wind was reported as 10-15 mph with gusts. The operation was canceled due to the wind after 6 successful launches. The last plt was reportedly pressured to go by his pass'g and a gust of wind blew them…NTSB SEA85LA140Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 188A · Pocatello, IDDuring aerial application the aircrafts engine ceased operating. During engine tear down it was discovered that the engine's #2 connecting rod was broken and had come through the top of the crankcase. Recommended overhaul time is 1200 hours. This engine had a…NTSB MKC85FA133Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportHildebrand Spezio Sport DAL-1 · Gravois Mills, MOWitnesses reported that the acft made at least two complete circles over a cove on lake of the ozarks at low alt. Part of the acft track took it over the southeast shoreline where several lake homes are located. During the third circle, as the acft approached…NTSB LAX85LA279Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Apple Valley, CAEng failed due to fuel exhaution while the acft was on final apch to rwy 18 at Apple Valley. A forced landing on rough terrain short of the rwy resulted in substantial damage to the acft.NTSB LAX85FA283Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportBeech 35 · Cameron Park, CAIt could not be determined which of the two private plts on board the acft was serving as PIC & at the controls of the acft. The density alt was computed to be 4100 ft. there was very little wind & the max allowable gross weight was exceeded by aprx 123…NTSB DEN85LA161Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Clovis, NMAs the plt was pulling up over a power line at the end of a spray run, the eng lost power & smoke began coming from the right side of the eng. The plt turned to land in a field, but was unable to align the acft with forrows. During a forced landing, the acft…NTSB DEN85FA167Accident · 8 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Bailey, COGround witnesses observed the acft enter low clouds going south, then emerge from clouds going went. Acft collided with mountain in wings-level and powered attitude. Mountains were reported to be obscured by clouds and fog.NTSB CHI85LA235Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Boscobel, WIThe engine failed on final approach. The aircraft did not clear a wooded area resulting in an uncontrolled descent. The camshaft had failed at the number 1 journal oil groove.NTSB ANC85LA096Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Mulchatna River, AKPlt reported that left wheel axle broke during aborted takeoff from gravel bar, causing acft to ground loop. Plt failed to provide complete info & broken axle for analysis.NTSB SEA85LA141Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGreat Lakes 2T-1A-2 · North Plains, ORAn overrun occurred due to excess speed and touching down 1/4 of the way down the 2100 foot glider strip. The aircraft rolled onto two foot high alfalfa where it then nosed over. The pilot previously landed gliders on the gliderport but never an engine…NTSB NYC85LA149Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-108 · Champlain, NYDuring the landing in a pasture with tall grass, the main wheels contacted the grass, the acft slowed rapidly and nosed over.NTSB NYC85LA148Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC-12D · Peru, NYThe acft nosed over while landing on a private sod airstrip. The plt reported touchdown was made on an unmowed portion of the airstrip. The acft slowed quickly and nosed over just prior to coming to a stop.NTSB MKC85FCD01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportJoel K. Senter RV-4 · Jefferson, IAThe acft crashed out of control after & low alt demonstration passes above rwy at about 50 ft AGL. After the last pass, a low airspeed maneuver. The plt executed a steep turn and descended in a nose low attitude to ground impact.NTSB MIA85LA194Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing B-737-201 · Vero Beach, FLThe acft was deviating around thunderstorm cells when it encountered heavy turbulence. The cabin attendants were conducting beverage service at the time. The passengers andybeen advised to gasten their seat belts and the 'fasten seat belts' lights were on.…NTSB LAX85LA278Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Van Nuys, CAAn eng failue was experienced while on final apch to rwy 16R and the plt elected to make the forced landing on a sod farm near the arpt. He stated he had plenty of alt to reach the selected touchdown point, but he made a slight left turn to avoid large trees.…NTSB LAX85LA277Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Healdsburg, CAThe plt stated his apch was normal but when reaching the rwy threshold, the descent seemed to stop. There was a reportedheadwind of 30 KTS. He then applied full flaps. Seconds lat er lift was lost and the plt applied full pwr for a go around. The acft touched…NTSB LAX85FA280Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Manhattan Beach, CAThe helicopter was to fly in formation with a banner towed by an acft 'to attract attention.' Numerous witnesses along a 20-mile stretch of Beach saw the helicopter 'flying erratically' & 'buzzing the Beach' just prior to the accident. Witnesses saw the…NTSB FTW85LA260Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Houston, TXThe pilot stated he first saw another aircraft ahead of and below him on final to the runway. He maneuvered to establish interval, then decided to go around. He added fullthrottles but left the flaps and gear down. Unalbe to climb,he decided to land behind…NTSB FTW85LA258Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Girard, TXThe plt stated he had just buzzed a friend's house when the eng began running rough. He was making a precautionary landing on a country road when a wing dropped and drug on the side of the adjacent ditch. The acft spun around 180 degs,sustaining substantial…NTSB CHI85LA243Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 M · Decatur, INThe pilot landing rnwy 36 winds were 210 degrees, 12 knots gusts 18 knots stalled out high onthe wet on the wet sod runway the nose wheel dug in and then broke off the acft then nosed over inverted.NTSB CHI85LA239Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing A75N1 · Deckerville, MIPurpose of the flt was a 'flour bombing contest'. After dropping a 'flour bomb' the plt entered a right bank to avoid trees along the flt path. The acft then stalled and impacted the ground on the main gear after which it nosed over.NTSB CHI85LA238Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-108 · Starbuck, MNPlt landed in crosswind conditions, veered off the edge of tha rwy onto rough, unleveled terrain. The nosewheel collapsed and the aircraft nosed over.NTSB CHI85FA234Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRepublic RC-3 · Eveleth, MNOn takeoff from ely lake the acft turned sharp left at an altitude of 80-100 ft. at this point the acft ceased rated to climb and decended into trees and a lakeside house. The a cft was in excess of 400 lbs over gross weight. The lading gear and nose ballast…NTSB ATL85FA189Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Hendersonville, NCThe plt reported that during takeoff, the eng lost power as the acft was climbing thru about 100 to 125 ft AGL. He made a rgt turn back toward the arpt to land. However, the acft stalled, then impacted in a parking lot near the departure end of the rwy &…NTSB ANC85LAG01Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportBrians Puffin · Eagle River, AKThe plt was conducting taxi tests on his homebuilt acft when it started to sustain a hull structure failure and control interference from separating parts. The acft pitched off the water, climbed to aprx 100 ft AGL, stalled and spun to ground impact.NTSB ANC85LA094Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Anchorage, AKThe acft dragged the left wing tip during lndg in a x-wind. The plt stated that he knew the wind was gusty before his takeoff but he felt certain that he could handle it. He stated after the accident that during the landing he had the acft in a crabbed…NTSB SEA85LA139Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMaule M-5-180C · Ontario, ORThe plt reported that when he landed, the wind was gusting to 25 KTS. He stated that when the acft touched down, it encountered a whirlwind that lifted the tail. Subsequently, the acft nosed over & was damaged. According to the 1700 PDT wx observation at…NTSB NYC85LA151Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBurkhart Grob G-103-II Aero · Erwinna, PAThe glider contacted tall hay in a fld and ground looped during an off arpt forced landing. The plt stated the glider was released downwind from the arpt at an alt of aprx 3000 ft AGL. A sink rate of 1000 fpm developed preventing the plt from returning to…NTSB NYC85LA150Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Red Hook, NYThe acft contacted trees following a loss of directional control during a landing roll on rwy 19.NTSB NYC85LA147Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210M · Linden, NJDuring the preflt inspection, the plt visually checked the fuel tanks and determined them to be full. The flt was made with the fuel selector on the left wing tank. During the apch to Linden arpt, the eng stopped operating. The plt attempted to restart the…NTSB NYC85LA081Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-3 · Plainsboro, NJThe helicpopter crashed shortly after takeoff with 55 gallons of fertilizer on board. The plt stated that each time he made a swath run over the field the blades of the helicopter were picking up some of the liquid fertilizer. On takeoff helicopter felt…NTSB MKC85LA132Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Pratt, KSStudent pilot was on his second cross-country flight to this airport. He stated that after touchdown, he reached to raise the flaps and the airplane started to drift. He overcorrected and went off left side of the runway and nosed over when he went through a…NTSB MIA85FA193Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American SNJ-5 · Stuart, FLThe acft was observed by witnesses flying slow at an estimated alt of 700 ft. the acft was observed to stall, enter an over the top spin which immediately evolved into an upright spin. Recovery was not executed prior to the acft crashing into the ocean.…NTSB LAX85LA282Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B-III · Lahaina, HIThe pilot reported that the engine failed at an altitude of 800 feet MSL during the climb to cruise phase of a sightseeing flight with 3 passengers on board. The acft landed in the surf of the pacific ocean and damaged the tail rotor. The pilot and passengers…NTSB LAX85LA281Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportOtis G. Lyons Marquart Charger MA5 · Upper Lake, CAThe plt elected to take off in his taildragger on rwy 19 which is 4050 ft long & 200 ft wide during a period when the wind was estimated at 270 deg, 20 KTS, with gusts to 25 KTS. The plt stated that at rotation full rt rudder was applied, but his homebuilt,…NTSB LAX85FUG04Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportBriegleb Amature Built BG-12-BD · Hemet, CAIn was reported that Mr. Campbell departed perris airport, perris, CA at approximately 1215 PDT. It is unknown in what area he was flying. Mr. Campbell was sighted a few minutes prior to attempting to land in a field near 36875 menlo street, Hemet, CA. A…NTSB FTW85FA257Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Mineral Wells, TXThe pilot experienced engine power failure due to fuel exhaustion for unknown reasons since about 30 gallons of fuel should have been on board when the crash occurred. The pilot was vectored toward the nearest airport but was unable to reach it and crashed…NTSB DEN85LA166Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25 · Leonard, NDDuring an aerial spray operation, the plt returned to a field with his 2nd chemical load. As he descended over trees to begin a swath run, he began a flare, but the acft continued descending & impacted the ground. The right landing gear was torn off & the…NTSB DEN85LA156Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Englewood, COOn June 15, 1985, a Cessna 170B ground looped during a touch and go landing at contennial arpt, Englewood, CO. The plt said a gust of wing caught him by surprise. The acft departed the runway and flipped over on its back. The plt was not injured.NTSB ATL85LA187Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7AC · Barnardsville, NCDuring a supervised solo x-country flt, the student acft experienced a loss of pwr at cruise. After reaching his first check point, the student reversed course because he departed on the wrong heading. Before reaching the first check point for the second…NTSB ATL85LA186Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Abbeville, SCWhile practicing touch & go landings the student plt lost directional control of the acft & ran off the side of the rwy. The acft flipped to an inverted attitude when the nose wheel dug into the soft soil. The student was on his second solo flight.NTSB ANC85FA093Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · Eek, AKThe pilot-in-command stated that during the takeoff roll he was moving the flap control lever up and down to effect a lift off. The airplane never left the runway and ran off the end of the ten foot embankment, traveled 140 feet before striking a bank and…NTSB SEA85LA138Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Long Valley, NVThe plt chose to land on a country road due to low fuel. After refueling the plt attempted to depart the rough road. During the takeoff roll the acft veered left and struck a wire fence.NTSB SEA85FA137Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportHiller UH-12C · Warm Springs, ORDuring a flt from madras, OR to walla walla, WA, a loss of eng power occurred due to a fuel flow problem & the plt made a successful autorotation near Warm Springs, OR. A company mechanic was dispatched to the helicopter & he repaired a loose fuel line…NTSB MIA85LA192Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · West Palm Beach, FLTwo helicopters had just completed a mail delivery operation as a flt of two. N159L had landed and the plt left the eng running so as to let the eng operting temp stabilize. N156L approached in a ground hover and collided with N159L. The two plts received…NTSB LAX85LA276Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152II · Fremont, CAThe acft contacted the terrain after dragging a wing during an attempted soft fld takeoff. The student plt reported the acft veered right on takeoff and the left wing dropped. The acft then turned 45 degs to the left and the wing contacted the terrain and the…NTSB LAX85FA275Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 31OQ · Chino, CAThe acft collided with the terrain following a total loss of power while circling for landing. The left fuel selector was in the auxiliary tank position and the right fuel selectorwas in the left main tank position. A limited quanity of fuel was drained from…NTSB FTW85LA256Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Brownsville, TXThe ag acft was destroyed when it failed to pull out of an aerial application maneuver following the initial swath run over a field. The plt stated that after making his turn to return to the field, he attempted to level the acft and received no response from…NTSB DEN85LA165Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Clearfield, UTThe plt/owner was receiving a cap check ride with an instructor plt & a passenger aboard the acft. The plt reported that during a simulated eng out excercise, the acft got within 200 ft of the ground when the insturctor 'gave me engine power back.' The acft…NTSB DEN85LA163Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Sunspot, NMThe plt was flying in the valleys of mountainous terrain. He elected to fly to the left around what appeared to be a small hill, but was actually part of a ridge line. Subsequently, the acft entered a 'draw' & would not out-climb rising terrain. The acft…