NTSB investigations, 1987
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\") = 1987 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") = 1987 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 LAX88FA060Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46 · Long Beach, CAPilot's failure to land the aircraft after experiencing the pilot's faulty decision was his previous experience with a gear up landing a couple of years before.NTSB CHI88DEP02Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportBeech V35B · Waukesha, WIShortly after liftoff in IMC, the acft descended to the ground. The plt had been cleared for a rt turn but the controller noticed the acft turning left at about 50 ft AGL. The plt later could not stop the drifting to the left. The lndg gear was raised and the…NTSB BFO88FA009Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182D · South Hill, VAThe plt was on the third leg of a trip between tampa, FL and sussex, NJ. The previous two stops were made because of adverse wx conditions. Before this flight he was advised by fss that VFR flight was not recommended. He filed a VFR flight plan but did not…NTSB ATL88MA048Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech C90 · Beaufort, SCAt 0938, while clbg thru 9000', the plt was clrd to clb to FL 210. Aprx 10 min later, the ATC ctlr noted the acft's mode c rtrn wasn't being displayed on his scope. He tried to adz the plt, but couldn't establish radio contact. The acftbroke up in flt & the…NTSB MIA88LA048Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Pensacola, FLThe pvt plt flying the acft for the first time from the rt seat landed it aprx 170 ft short of the runway on soft grass. The acft rolled 6-10 ft, after which the nose gear sank & the acft then nosed over & came to rest inverted.NTSB MIA88LA047Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Quincy, FLThe plt stated that he performed a prelanding check on final apch but failed to lower the landing gear. He continued the apch, & just prior to touchdown, was advised that the gear was not down. The apch to landing was continued & the acft slid to a stop. He…NTSB MIA88LA046Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · New Port Richey, FLThe pilot experienced an engine failure due to a heavily coked #4 cylinder exhaust valve while on climb out at 500 ft AGL. He attempted a turn back to the airport and stalled in the turn and crashed.NTSB ATL88LA047Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Northport, ALBefore reaching the arpt, the eng lost power. Subsequently, the acft was damaged during an emerg landing on an embankment about 1.5 mi short of rwy 29. Only about 1 cup of fuel was found in each fuel tank. The plt thought there was about 12 gal of fuel…NTSB NYC88LA047Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · E.Harwich Port, MAThe pilot departed chatham airport for a local pleasure flight. Shortly after takeoff and while turning left in the pattern, the engine suffered a power loss. The pilot prepared for an emergency landing and transmitted a 'may day'. The aircraft crashed in a…NTSB MKC88LA022Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Springdale, ARDrg a wx briefing bfr tkof, the plt was adzd that VFR flt was not rcmdd due to low ceiling & icing conds. He was adzd the freezing lvl was forecast to be at 4000' over little rock & to slope down to the surface in se Missouri. Also, he was briefed on pireps…NTSB LAX88FA061Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-11 · San Marcos, CAThe 2 plts took off on an instructional flt which was to be a biennial flt review for the acft owner. During the flt, the plts flew to a dirt strip on a saddleback between 2 mtn peaks near San Marcos. Subsequently, the acft struck a boulder & crashed near the…NTSB FTW88FA033Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Commerce, TXThe purpose of the flight was to satisfy an insurance requirement that the owner receive 10 hours of dual instruction in this aircraft. The dual controls had been removed and the single control was on the left side. The aircraft was observed in a clockwise…NTSB DEN88LA032Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Telluride, CODuring a downwind landing, the plt experienced difficulty in controlling his acft. Approximately 2,500 feet from the west end of the rwy the acft ground looped into some rocks and was substantially damaged. The plt stated that he was landing downwind and…NTSB CHI88LA031Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Danville, ILEarlier in the day, the acft was flown from Danville to rochelle, IL. While on a return flt without refueling, the eng began losing power, so the plt moved the fuel selector to the rgt tank (which indcd 1/4 full) & power was restored. However, about 2 min…NTSB SEA88LA027Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Tacoma, WAThe Cessna was at the runup area for runway 35 preparing to do his runup. Three pitts aircraft were taxiing abreast of each other, when one of the pitts's propeller struck the right wingtip of the Cessna causing substantial damage to the Cessna and minor…NTSB SEA88LA025Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-108 · Cornelius, ORThe pilot was attempting to land in a field near a farmhouse. On final approach the pilot cleared large power lines, but had not seen small power lines ahead and below the aircraft. The aircraft struck the power lines in flight with the nose gear. The…NTSB LAX88WA067Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationPiper PA46 · Guaymas, MexicoNTSB LAX88LA062Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech P35 · Maricopa, CADuring a pleasure cross country flt, a precautionary landing was made due to smoke in the cockpit and a low oil pressure indication. After landing, it was found that the oil line to the oil pressure gauge was broken. After repairs, the plt took off and 10…NTSB LAX88FA058Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Fullerton, CAWhile on final appr to runway 24 at Fullerton arpt, the pilot experienced a total engine power loss. The airplane's alt was insufficient to land on the runway & the plt elected to land in an open area adjacent to the arpt. The airplane's left wing collided…NTSB DEN88LA031Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Conner, MTOn takeoff from a private, grass strip the pilot stated the engine began to lose power at approximately 20 to 30 feet AGL. A ravine was ahead and he attempted to stretch his glide to the FAR side of the ravine; however, the aircraft stalled and crashed into…NTSB BFO88FA008Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260B · Willis, VAThe acft was on a night IFR flight at 7000 ft MSL in IMC when the plt reported the directional gyro was inoperative. The acft was outbound from the pulaski VOR on V45 headed southeast. The plt further reported the turn&bank and the mag compass were operative.…NTSB ATL88FA046Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Oliver Springs, TNThe plt had deptd from a small airport nr kingston, TN mid afternoon and had landed at another about 30 nmi to the NE. He remained on the ground 30-45 min departing between 1530-1545. According to info gathered, the aircraft was observed to fly over the oak…NTSB ANC88FA021Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Fairbanks, AKThe pilot and his two passengers were returning from a hunting trip when the airplane crashed 7 miles from the Fairbanks international airport. The airplane struck the ground in a vertical attitude at a high rate of speed. Evidence at the scene suggests that…NTSB NYC88LA049Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Gloucester, NJThe flight departed leddon's farm for an engine check in an extended traffic pattern. Shortly after takeoff, the engine suffered a power reduction from 2200 RPM to about 1000 RPM. A short plowed farm field was selected for a forced landing. The aircraft…NTSB NYC88FA045Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Skaneateles, NYPrior to departure from holland, mi the pilot received a briefing which included flight precautions for IFR conditions over his entire route of flight and occasional light to moderate rime and/or mixed icing in clouds below 18,000 feet. The pilot elected to…NTSB MIA88LA045Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M-22 · Fort Pierce, FLPlt stated that on landing roll at approximately 30 to 35 knots the nose landing gear began to shimmy and turn to the left. Full right brake and rudder could not correct the left turning tendency of the aircraft. The aircraft ran off the left side of the…NTSB LAX88WA068Accident · Minor injuriesForeign investigationCessna 182 · Punta Pescadero, MexicoNTSB LAX88LA059Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369HS · Lihue, Kauai, HIPilot failure to maintain adequate main rotor RPM.NTSB DEN88FA030Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech J35 · Knolls, UTThe last comm with the flt was when the plt contacted elko radio and requested the salt lake city wx. He reported that he was at 11500 ft and VFR on top. The specialist on duty was unable to provide the wx info due to a computer sys outage but recommended…NTSB SEA88FA023Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Hillsboro, ORThe daily radio traffic reporting flight was cleared for an IFR departure from Hillsboro airport in IMC. The owner/ operator of the aircraft stated the company had a 'no ifr' policy. On takeoff witnesses observed the aircraft to be lower and slower than…NTSB LAX88LA056Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Sacramento, CAA Cessna 172N veered off runway 30. The pilot reported that a gust of wind lifted the left wing resulting in the right wing scraping the runway surface. The airplane subsequently ground looped to the right and departed the runway. The winds were reported to…NTSB LAX88FA057Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportBoeing 737-387 · Los Angeles, CAThe Boeing 737-387, N383AU, operating as usair flt 20, a regularly scheduled domestic flight, returned to lax shortly after takeoff, when the capt was advised of a bomb threat. After landing on rwy 24L, the capt parked the airplane on the west end of the rwy.…NTSB FTW88FA032Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech H35 · Port Mansfield, TXThe plt rcvd svrl wx briefings bfr tkof & was adzd of convective activity along the initial route of flt north of the arpt. The planned dep route was twd the wx. While discussing altn routing possibilities, the plt indcd he would ask ATC for deviation arnd…NTSB DEN88LA029Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182RG · Boulder, MTWhile on a cross country flt at 6000 ft MSL, the eng lost power. Exam of the acft revealed that the left fuel tank contained 23 gallons while the right was empty. The fuel selector was found on the empty tank. The acft was destroyed during the emergency…NTSB DEN88LA028Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Aberdeen, SDThe private plt was returning home with his son and encountered marginal VFR weather. The flight continued through freezing rain and snow at below freezing temperatures for over twenty minutes. When carburetor heat was applied for landing, the plt reported…NTSB SEA88LA022Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269B · Las Vegas, NVDuring practice autorotation the pilot flared excessively high and the tail boom struck the ground. The pilot then lost control of the aircraft. The density alt was 2616 feet. A rt quartering tailwind was present.NTSB NYC88LA046Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Mendham, NJThe flight instructor had simulated an engine failure. The instructor pulled the throttle to idle and the student went through the checklist procedure for emergency landing. When the student plt applied power for the go-around the engine restarted for about…NTSB NYC88LA044Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Beverly, MAThe helicopter was on a normal approach to Beverly airport and was cleared to cross runway 27 from the southeast. The pilot entered an autorotation but realized that the ground was under construction and was very muddy. In an attempt to shift directions at…NTSB MIA88FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Palm Coast, FLThe student plt was flying the acft on a solo instructional flt in the north practice area & was assigned to practice landings, takeoffs, stalls & slow flt. Witnesses stated they observed the acft flying at a very low altitude just before it collided with a…NTSB LAX88LA054Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · San Clemente, CAA partial loss of eng power occurred while the student plt was on a solo x-country flt. He applied carb heat, but to no avail. The eng continued to run rough & the plt made an emergency landing on upward sloping terrain. During the landing roll, the nose gear…NTSB FTW88LA031Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · New Orleans, LAThe pilot was attempting to start the unsecured aircraft by hand-propping it. The aircraft started and rolled forward striking a fuel truck, damaging the left wing, fuselage, and propeller.NTSB ATL88LA045Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Waynesboro, GAThe student plt lost control of the airplane while landing, during his second supervised-solo flt. The airplane veered off of the rwy into a ditch where the nosegear collapsed and the airplane nosed over. The wind was reportedly calm.NTSB ATL88FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Commercial Pt, OHThe acft crashed on a wheat field during a night instrument training flt. The plt had declared a vacuum system failure about 40 minutes after take-off but he declined ATC assistance for a no-gyro approach to columbus. Two minutes after the radio call radar…NTSB ATL88FA043Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Blanchester, OHThe aircraft departed before dawn from a private sod airstrip owned by the pilot, and collided with trees shortly thereafter. The pilot's wife said that the airstrip was not foggy when her husband took off, but the witness reported that the fog at the…NTSB NYC88LA039Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWaco ZKC-5 · No. Canaan, CTThe aircraft touched down in a 3-point landing attitude at north Canaan, Connecticut. The left landing gear wheel rotated 90 degrees and the left gear was dragged 144 yards before the aircraft became inverted. It was revealed that the braze joint at the top…NTSB DEN88LA027Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Broomfield, COThe private pilot was flying to build time. After an hour of flight, the plt returned to the home airport and attempted to land. Landing gear would not extend properly and manual gear extension did not help. All gear was partially extended and would not…NTSB DCA88MA005Accident · 18 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 1900C · Homer, AKDrg arr, the acft (ryan flt 103) crashed short of rwy 3. The fuselage stayed intact drg impact, but the belly structure was compressed & vertical deceleration forces exceeded the design capability of the seats. Rescue psnl had difficulty shutting off the…NTSB ATL88LA042Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182C · Hazel Green, ALThe airplane hit a tree and crashed about 300 yds short of the rwy while on final appch to land. The plt indicated that he became preoccupied with the airspeed indicator and allowed the airplane to descend below the proper glide path. The plt had less than 1…NTSB SEA88FA021Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210E · Port Townsend, WAThe aircraft flew into the side of maynard mountain, the point of a coastal land mass, while on a night VFR flight in IMC wx conditions. Radar data showed the aircraft on a straight course at cruise airspeed.NTSB LAX88LA053Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 8GCBC · San Diego, CAAs the plt was completing a banner towing opn, he applied pwr to climb from 500' to 1500' to return to the arpt. As he advanced the throttle, the eng began running rough, then lost pwr. He said the cockpit filled with smoke & he released the banner. He…