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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.

Defining event

Finding

Phase of flight

Aircraft model

Cases, newest first

Query with SQL

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

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 FTW97LA152Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Stillwater, OKthe pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a ground swerve and collapse of the nose gear. The crosswind was a related factor.Mar 29, 1997 · N194BA · Substantial damage NTSB CHI97FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Big Lake, MNThe pilot's maneuvers which exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane and resulted in structural overload of the horizontal tail followed by a structural overload of the wings.Mar 29, 1997 · N77166 · Destroyed NTSB NYC97LA067Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Clayton Lake, MEthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and uncontrolled descent to the frozen lake surface.Mar 28, 1997 · N2852M · Destroyed NTSB MIA97WA124Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationBeech E-90 · Choque, PeruMar 28, 1997 · N90DA · Substantial damage NTSB MIA97LA103Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes TH-55 · Cullman, ALa loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain control of the helicopter. Factors in this accident were: an improper autorotation as a result of improper collective use and resulting failure to maintain main…Mar 28, 1997 · N818D · Substantial damage NTSB LAX97LA134Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 14-13 · Oroville, CAa loss of engine power due to connecting rod bolt failure. The reason for the bolt failure was not determined. A contributing factor was the presence of trees in the emergency landing path.Mar 28, 1997 · N86851 · Substantial damage NTSB IAD97LA058Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Warrenton, VAthe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. The crosswind was a related factor.Mar 28, 1997 · N1118E · Substantial damage NTSB FTW97LA146Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech G33 · Bixby, OKfailure of a number two connecting rod bolt, possibly from being either over-torqued or under-torqued during installation, and failure of the pilot to see-and-avoid the transmission line, while performing a forced landing.Mar 28, 1997 · N166B · Substantial damage NTSB FTW97LA145Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Glenwood Spgs, COThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane directional control, and his use of excessive rudder control.Mar 28, 1997 · N7273G · Destroyed NTSB NYC97LA064Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLockheed L-1011 · Jamaica, NYThe failure of the right wing walker, also the push back supervisor, to identify and avoid a hazardous condition, which resulted in his activity near the airplane's nose wheel during tow operations, and where he was subsequently caught under the nose wheel. A…Mar 27, 1997 · N762DA · No damage NTSB MIA97LA108Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Pompano Beach, FLthe pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in overload failure of the nose gear.Mar 27, 1997 · N5123H · Substantial damage NTSB MIA97LA102Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A23-19 · Bessemer, ALthe student pilot's misjudged landing flare and the CFI's inadequate supervision by not taking timely remedial action.Mar 27, 1997 · N300JL · Substantial damage NTSB LAX97LA133Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom F-28C · Sacaton, AZthe pilot's improper use of the collective by not maintaining rotor rpm during takeoff from a confined area.Mar 27, 1997 · N294SB · Substantial damage NTSB LAX97LA132Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 100 · San Carlos, CAthe pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing; his improper adjustment of the landing gear warning horn squat switch(es); and his decision to attempt flight with known equipment deficiencies.Mar 27, 1997 · N60TJ · Substantial damage NTSB FTW97LA143Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180D · Erie, COThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane directional control. A factor was the crosswind.Mar 27, 1997 · N6484X · Substantial damage NTSB FTW97IA144Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 767-232 · Dfw Airport, TXThe manufacturer's improper installation of the flap, which resulted in fatigue cracking of the flap attach bolts and separation of the flap.Mar 27, 1997 · N105DA · Minor damage NTSB CHI97LA128Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRochette Rans S-12 XL · Hays, KSthe pilot improperly flared the airplane and the pilot's lack of experience in the type of airplane.Mar 27, 1997 · N102EY · Substantial damage NTSB CHI97LA094Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 195 · Cedar Rapids, IAoverload failure of the left main landing gear for undetermined reason(s). A factor associated with the accident was the gusty crosswind condition.Mar 27, 1997 · N4666T · Substantial damage NTSB CHI97LA092Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · South St. Paul, MNThe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance which resulted in collision with a snowbank. The pilot's lack of recent experience, the crosswind, and snowbank are contributing factors.Mar 27, 1997 · N11023 · Substantial damage NTSB CHI97FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportStinson 108 · Greenfield, INa loss of engine power due to restricted movement in the exhaust valve and rotted/weathered ignition harness, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertant stall.Mar 27, 1997 · N97120 · Destroyed NTSB ANC97LA042Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · Grayling, AKThe partial loss of engine power due to a fractured connecting rod bolt, which was precipitated by fatigue. A factor associated with the accident was the snow covered terrain in the emergency landing site.Mar 27, 1997 · N1747U · Substantial damage NTSB ANC97LA041Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Nome, AKa fuel leak from an engine driven fuel pump which initiated an engine fire, and the fuel pump manufacturer's inadequate quality control of the fuel pump.Mar 27, 1997 · N4105D · Substantial damage NTSB ANC97LA040Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Chugiak, AKThe pilot's improper installation of the main landing gear wheel penetration skis, which allowed the skis to rotate to a vertical position in flight and subsequently separate during landing.Mar 27, 1997 · N4855C · Substantial damage NTSB ANC97LA039Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Chugiak, AKthe pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site.Mar 27, 1997 · N4055Z · Substantial damage NTSB ANC97LA038Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Kake, AKThe pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to fuel exhaustion. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's lack of familiarity with the geographic area, the pilot's becoming lost/disoriented, and rocks and boulders in the emergency landing…Mar 27, 1997 · N1295K · Substantial damage NTSB SEA97LA077Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-8 · Wenatchee, WAfailure of the ground marshaller to marshal the airplane into a correct parking place on the ramp, her failure to verify clearance between the right wing of the airplane and the ground de-ice cart, and failure of the flight crew to ensure clearance of the…Mar 26, 1997 · N826PH · Substantial damage NTSB SEA97FA076Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Burlington, WYloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a related factor.Mar 26, 1997 · N97527 · Destroyed NTSB FTW97RA151Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell UH-1H · Mariquita, ColombiaMar 26, 1997 · PN160 NTSB FTW97LA141Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-17 · N Little Rock, ARloss of engine power due to failure of the crankshaft. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.Mar 26, 1997 · N4802H · Substantial damage NTSB CHI97LA091Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Ft. Leavenworth, KSfatigue failure and separation of the number 2 cylinder. A factor was the rough terrain.Mar 26, 1997 · N6359M · Substantial damage NTSB ATL97LA055Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDassault Falcon 900B · Chamblee, GAan encounter with clear air turbulence, which led to injury of the flight attendant. A factor associated with the accident was: that the flight attendant was not being restrained by a seat belt.Mar 26, 1997 · N332MC · No damage NTSB NYC97LA063Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Lincoln Park, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance due to his diverted attention in attempting to re-illuminate the runway lights, which resulted in an inflight collision with a tree.Mar 25, 1997 · N3604W · Destroyed NTSB NYC97FA062Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportGrumman American G-1159 · Flushing, NYthe tower controller's inadequate service by clearing the airplane to land on the same runway, where he had previously cleared a maintenance vehicle to perform maintenance to the runway centerline lights. Factors related to the accident were: darkness,…Mar 25, 1997 · N117FJ · Substantial damage NTSB FTW97LA138Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Telluride, COThe pilot's misjudged landing flare and his improper bounced landing recovery technique. A factor was the snow bank.Mar 25, 1997 · N686JF · Substantial damage NTSB CHI97LA090Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCurtiss-Wright P-40E · Grand Forks, NDthe pilot's improper flare during landing.Mar 25, 1997 · N7205A · Substantial damage NTSB ATL97FA054Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Marco Island, FLinadvertent flight by the pilot into adverse weather conditions (severe thunderstorms), which led the design stress limits of the airplane being exceeded, subsequent in-flight break-up of the airplane, and an uncontrolled collision with water.Mar 25, 1997 · N9049S · Destroyed NTSB ANC97FA037Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportShort Brothers SC7 · Nunapitchuk, AKinadequate visual look-out by the pilots of both airplanes, which resulted in their failure to see-and-avoid each other's airplanes.Mar 25, 1997 · N451SA · 2 aircraft · Destroyed NTSB SEA97LA078Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177B · Everett, WAfailure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane after landing. Factors relating to the accident include: a blown (failed) nose tire, and soft terrain beside the runway.Mar 23, 1997 · N35034 · Substantial damage NTSB SEA97FA075Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Dillon, MTflight by the pilot into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintaint altitude/clearance from terrain. The adverse weather condition was a related factor.Mar 23, 1997 · N22219 · Destroyed NTSB NYC97LA061Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Bowling Green, OHthe pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in airframe ice and the loss of adequate lift to maintain continued flight. The adverse weather (icing) condition was a related factor.Mar 23, 1997 · N6561P · Substantial damage NTSB LAX97LA131Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportZenair 601 · Penn Valley, CALoss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Factors in the accident were the pilot's lack of recent experience, lack of experience in the type aircraft, and physical impairment due to drugs.Mar 23, 1997 · N4073T · Destroyed NTSB FTW97LA140Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502 · Watson, ARThe pilot's failure to attain lift off speed and the ground loop/swerve encountered. Factors were the gravel and soft terrain at the end of the runway.Mar 23, 1997 · N9185G · Substantial damage NTSB CHI97LA089Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Petersburg, INThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall. Low altitude flight is a contributing factor.Mar 23, 1997 · N8196S · Substantial damage NTSB SEA97LA074Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWeatherly 620B · Wasco, ORthe partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for a precautionary landing. A factor was the rough terrain.Mar 22, 1997 · N20113 · Substantial damage NTSB SEA97LA073Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Arlington, WALanding long (improper touchdown point) and collapse of the main landing gear during an intentional swerve or groundloop. Factors include excessive airspeed on approach.Mar 22, 1997 · N1184K · Substantial damage NTSB NYC97LA065Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Middletown, OHthe pilot's improper decision to taxi on a motor vehicle access road at night, and his inadequate visual look out which resulted in the collision with an aluminum lamp post. A factor in this accident was the night condition.Mar 22, 1997 · N733LK · Substantial damage NTSB FTW97LA136Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Swifton, ARthe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision and failure to maintain positive control of the airplane, while performing an aerobatic maneuver.Mar 22, 1997 · N8922H · Destroyed NTSB CHI97IA096Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 747-269B · Manaus, Brazilthe pilot-in-command's (non-flying pilot) improper flare. Related factors were inadequate crew/coordination, haze and sunglare.Mar 22, 1997 · N707CK · Minor damage NTSB ATL97LA058Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Southern Pines, NCthe student pilot's improper landing flare and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the training flight, which led to a hard landing.Mar 22, 1997 · N9221T · Substantial damage NTSB ATL97LA052Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBurkhart Grob G-103-TWIN II · Lancaster, SCthe pilot's improper use of the spoilers, while approaching to land, which allowed the glider to get low on final approach and strike trees. The pilot's lack of recent flying experience and lack of experience in the make and model of glider were related…Mar 22, 1997 · N54553 · Substantial damage