NTSB investigations, 1986
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\") = 1986 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") = 1986 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 MIA87FA041Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 320 · Panama City, FLWhile executing an ILS approach with aircraft radios that were not operating properly and using a hand held transceiver, the right engine failed due to a broken fuel pressure sensor wire, and the pilot lost control of the aircraft in IMC conditions and…NTSB FTW87LA024Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20D · Kerrville, TXThe pilot was unable to extend the landing gear in preparation for landing. Troubleshooting and several attempts to extend the gear failed. The pilot then made a 360 degree turn over the airport to lose altitude during which, he secured the engine and stopped…NTSB DEN87LA027Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152A · Great Falls, MTThe student plt was cleared to make a touch-&-go landing on rwy 21. As he was lndg, he noticed the arresting barrier (cable) was raised. He added full pwr & pulled back on the yoke to avoid hitting the cable. The acft lifted off, but its tail hit the cable.…NTSB CHI87IA039Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportDouglas DC-9-51 · Madison, WIAircraft slid off the right side the runway during the rollout from a cross wind landing and struck 6 runway edge lights causing minor damage to the inboard trailing edge of the right flap. At the time of the incident there was 1/2 inch of snow on the runway…NTSB CHI87FA040Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Hanna City, ILThe aircraft struck power lines and crashed two miles from the end of the runway on final approach ground track after being cleared for an ILS approach. The accident occurred at the end of a three leg cross-country flight from the Bahamas which began aprx 8…NTSB LAX87DUM01Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBell UH-1B · Calipatria, CADuring the initial climb at the beginning of an aerial application flight, the pilot made a climbing 180 degree right turn in the reverse direction when the rotor RPM began to drop. The pilot continued to raise collective, lost directional control and…NTSB NYC87LA043Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Pine Bush, NYThe CFI and student were practicing a simulated eng failure when the accident occurred. At 1700 ft MSL, during the simulated emergency descent, the CFI applied full throttle to terminate the simulation and eng pwr could not be regained. During the forced…NTSB NYC87LA041Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 441 · Erie, PAReason for the Cessna to veer in a semi-circle and collide with another aircraft is undetermined. Examination of the start lock assemblies could not be completed due to the extensive impact and fire damage. The acft was being prepared for a flt. During a…NTSB NYC87DFA02Accident · No injuriesFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-33A · Wurtsboro, NYThe pilot was landing a Schweizer SGS-233 when he started to get into a pilot induced oscillation. The oscillations increased and the aircraft impacted in a nose low attitude. The pilot said the accident could have been prevented with less control input,…NTSB MKC87LA029Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Dumas, ARThe plt stated that he was operating VFR out of ft. lauderdale, Florida, when he encountered IMC weather close to valdosta, Georgia. At this point, the plt further stated, he air-filed an IFR flight plan but elected not to land and refuel. According to ATC…NTSB MKC87FA027Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Colby, KSThe non-instrument rated pilot filed an IFR flight plan after being briefed. There was freezing drizzle to the west that was moving toward the departure area. The airplane took off into a low ceiling with near freezing temperature. Pilot attempted to climb to…NTSB LAX87LA058Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182L · Oceano, CAWitnesses stated that while the acft was climbing after takeoff, it appeared to be lower than normal. One witness rprtd that the eng sounded as if it was running rough. Another witness stated that the acft had begun making a left turn when he saw flames…NTSB LAX87DUJ01Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Tucson, AZAfter 50 minutes of cruise flight, the pilot observed a decrease in oil pressure to zero and the illumination of the low oil pressure light. The pilot landed the helicopter and had an airframe and powerplant mechanic inspect the aircraft. There were no…NTSB ATL87LA033Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20G · Painesvile, OHThe plt reported a complete engine failure while conducting a pleasure flt. Following the failure, the plt attempted to restart the engine, but failed. At this point the acft was about two miles south of casement arpt. The reported winds were gusting to 25…NTSB ATL87IA032Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Columbus, GAPlt rpted he was descending in IMC for instrument approach when eng quit, restarted for 30 sec after switching fuel tanks, and quit again. Acft broke out of clouds about 700 feet, plt landed on interstate. Eng exam showed alternate air door seal blocking…NTSB MKC87LA026Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Harrison, ARThe routine business flt had progressed normally until approaching bentonville, Arkansas. The PIC rptd his eng ran rough for a very brief period and quit. Emerg procedures were conducted but a restart was impossible. Only 1.5 hrs of flt had transpired since…NTSB MIA87FA040Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-6 · San Juan, PRThe plt stated that on takeoff roll as the nose wheel was lifted at aprx 60 knots, the acft veered sharply to the left, ran off the runway and collided with the glide slope building. The left eng and propeller were examined and both components were found to…NTSB LAX87LA056Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPitts Special S1-D · Phoenix, AZAt the end of a local pleasure flight, the aircraft ground looped while the pilot was turning off of runway 7R onto a high speed taxiway. The pilot reported that near the end of the landing roll, he tapped the brakes lightly in preparation to turn when the…NTSB DEN87LA026Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A23-24 · Vernal, UTThe plt attempted to land on a dirt road near two oil rigs. He said he made several low passes to view the road surface. During the landing roll, the wheels of the acft dug into the soft surface. A loss of control occurred which resulted in the acft traveling…NTSB DEN87LA025Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Ellicott, CODuring the initial climb phase of takeoff the plt encountered a wind shear with strong gusty tail winds. The acft entered an uncontrolled descent from 25 feet AGL, struck a wire fence off the end of the rwy and nosed over.NTSB DEN87FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Stugis, SDThe plt agreed to ferry the acft for another plt who was not IFR rated & who had been forced to land at kadoka on the previous evening due to low fuel & apchg darkness. IMC prevailed thru-out the area. The commercial/ifr rated plt did not obtain a wx briefing…NTSB DEN87FA023Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Steamboat Sprgs, COPlt and four paxs were returning home from a ski vacation. A witness at the arpt observed a normal takeoff and saw the acft turn towards an area of high terrain located approximately 1.5 miles from the Steamboat arpt. The witness observed N36TS continue on a…NTSB CHI87LA045Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHiller UH-12B · Capac, MITen minutes after takeoff and just prior to letdown from 350 feet AGL a main rotor blade drag strut failed due to progressive fatigue through a threaded portion of the strut. Only partial control of the helicopter was possible after the failure. The pilot…NTSB CHI87DER01Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna 185D · St. Paul, MNDuring landing after the skis had touched down the acft began to swerve. As the acft left the rwy the plt attemtped a go-around, however, one ski dug into the ground and the acft flipped over onto it's back. Post accident exam revealed the right ski had…NTSB NYC87FA039Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportBell 47-G2A · Jamesburg, NJThe CFI and private student were practicing lifting off to a hover. The CFI allowed the student to preform one or two under supervision and they were satisfactory. The CFI then allosed the student to start preforming the manuevers. The CFI heard the right…NTSB NYC87DGM01Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportMooney M20F · Eighty Four, PAThe pilot reported experiencing a rise in the acft's EGT and a loss of power during cruise flt. A forced landing was made during which the acft contacted trees. Examination of the fuel system showed that both the main fuel screen and the micro screen in the…NTSB NYC87DFA03Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna 150M · Guilderland Cnt, NYThe student pilot, on a solo 30 NM x-country training flt, became lost while using VOR navigation. A precautionary landing was made in an industrial park. The acft collided with a stack of slate during the landing roll.NTSB LAX87LA054Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American-Maslon SNJ-4 · El Cajon, CAA North American SNJ-4 ground looped after a loss of control during takeoff roll on runway 27R. The aircraft swerved to the left twice and then lifted off the ground with a high angle of attack and low airspeed. The aircraft then 'mushed along' at…NTSB LAX87FA057Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Santa Paula, CAA Cessna 172 & a Dehavilland gipsy moth collided at 150 ft. AGL while on short final approach to the uncontrolled arpt. On base leg the plt flying the moth failed to observe & yield the right of way to the Cessna which was already established on the final…NTSB LAX87FA055Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Eloy, AZIn cavu weather conditions, the acft crashed into open, level desert terrain at a 30 deg, nose low and near wings level attitude. No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were found with the aircraft. There were no witnesses to the accident.NTSB FTW87LA023Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American Navion A · Springtown, TXThe pilot told rescue personnel that he had taken off with empty tanks selected. The engine quit, and the aircraft impacted the ground before he could restart. Initial reports of serious injury only, but both occupants expired two weeks later.NTSB CHI87LA038Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Rockford, ILShortly after takeoff at about 100 feet AGL, pilot reports the engine lost power, aircraft stalled, entered a spin, and collided with the ground. Inspection of the aircraft and magnetos did not disclose any discrepancies other than possible coil deterioration.NTSB CHI87LA037Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Watertown, WIFollowing an engine power loss due to fatigue of the #1 cylinder, the plt force landed the acft on a highway. The highway was the only available landing area, according to the plt. On landing rollout, the plt was forced to swerve the acft off the paved…NTSB ATL87LA031Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Waynesboro, GAThe plt called apch control & asked for vectors to the nearest field & said he was low on fuel. Vectors were provided but the eng lost power & the acft was damaged during a landing in a wooded area. An investigation revealed the acft had been flying for aprx…NTSB MIA87LA039Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNavion H · Ft. Pierce, FLThe plt stated that while en route to boca raton, FL, he experienced complete electrical failure near labelle, FL. He continued inbound but when in the boca raton area, encountered other traffic and because of the congestion decided to fly north along the…NTSB MIA87IA038Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBeech BE-95-55 · Ft. Lauderdale, FLThe private pilot suffered a massive heart attack in cruise flight shortly after take-off. The pilots wife who held an expired private pilots certificate took over and landed successfully. The pilot was pronounced deceased upon arrival at a local hospital. No…NTSB LAX87MA052Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Bakersfield, CAOn an instructional flt, the student plt & instructor (CFI) made an ILS low apch to rwy 30R. Drg a go-arnd (missed apch)a twr ctlr obsvd a 'light trace of smoke' emanating fm the eng exhaust. Shortly thereafter, the acft 'banked hard to the left and appeared…NTSB LAX87DVM01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMoore-Van RV-3 · Carmel, CAThe experimental homebuilt acft was performing aerobatics consisting of loops, rolls and high speed climbs from pull-outs. The acft limitations allowed for the performance of aerobatics, which included the maneuvers the plt was performing at the time of the…NTSB FTW87FA022Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 172C · Amarillo, TXThe certificated stu plt of the citabria was making touch and go landings at the uncontrolled arpt when the accident occurred. He took off to the south flying a left hand traffic pattern. The base to final turn was made aprx 1/4 mile from the rwy in front of…NTSB CHI87DEX03Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportCessna 172N · Raymond, OHThe accident aircraft impacted in an open field shortly after a predawn departure from an unattended airport. IMC prevailed an no flight plan was in effect. In a conversaton held the day before with a local pilot the pilot of the accident aircraft stated his…NTSB SEA87LA032Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172D · Kennewick, WAThe private pilot was seated in the right front seat with the student pilot in the left front seat. The pvt pilot allowed the student pilot to takeoff. The student over rotated and the stall warning was sounding. The pvt pilot took command of the aircraft but…NTSB NYC87FA038Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Glen Mawr, PADrg arrival, the acft was vectored to intercept the ILS rwy 27 localizer (LOC) bfr reaching the munci initial apch fix (iaf), which was 21.5 mi fm the rwy. The ATC controller (ctlr) told the plt to maint 4000' until on the LOC, then clrd him for the apch.…NTSB MKC87LA025Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Nevada, MOThe PIC preflighted his acft prior to departure, but the preflight did not include refueling the acft which contained about 8 gallons of fuel. Normally the 8 gallons of fuel would have been sufficient to reach the destination arpt which was 21 statute miles…NTSB MIA87LA037Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182E · Chiefland, FLThe plt stated that he was on final apch & attempted to go around due to gusting winds. He applied power, the eng quit & he collided with the trees at the end of the rwy. No determination could be made as to the malfunction of the eng as described by the plt.NTSB DEN87LA022Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · St. George, UTDuring a touch and go landing, the acft's left landing gear tangled in loose wire. The acft swerved to the the left, struck a used tire barrier then nosed over. The landing was made on a closed rwy.NTSB ATL87IA027Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBritish Aerospace BA-31 · Louisville, KYWhile taxiing for takeoff, a jetstream 31 operating as a commuter carrier to dayton, Ohio, collided with the fourth baggage cart of a four car train. The visibility on the ramp was reduced due to rain and fog. The baggage cart driver stated that he was…NTSB ATL87FA030Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper Aerostar 601P · Clinton, NCWhile en route on an IFR flt plan at FL180, the plt acknowledged instructions to dscnd to 16,000'. Later, the radar controller (cltr) noticed the acft had deviate fm course & was not replying with mode 'c' alt info. The ctlr reqd alt info & the plt responded,…NTSB ATL87FA029Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35-B33 · Winston-Salem, NCThe flt departed rochester, NY, and received and IFR clearance. The flt and ATC handling were normal. The plt was cleared for the ILS rwy 33 apch to Winston-Salem, NC. The flt was established on the final apch but collided with trees about 2 miles southeast…NTSB SEA87LA033Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Waitsburg, WAThe pilot elected to circle coyotes at a very low altitude. During the second turn the aircraft felt mushy. The aircraft's left wing tip struck the ground followed by the aircraft striking the ground hard and flat.NTSB SEA87FA031Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Republic, WAA witness observed the acft taxi out ot the rwy in light snow showers and taxi to the north end of the rwy. During the takeoff the area was covered with a heavy snow shower, with winds from the north gusting T0 20-25 mph. The acft was observed to depart to…