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.
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\") = 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 DCA97WA023Accident · Serious injuriesForeign investigationBoeing DC-10-30 · Fort du France, WNNTSB CHI97LA064Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Dowagiac, MIthe pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor was the snowbank.NTSB CHI97LA062Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Fort Wayne, INthe pilot's inadequate fuel management and fuel system exhaustion. A factor involved was the inadequate in-flight planning/decision.NTSB CHI97LA061Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182K · El Dorado, KSthe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. A factor relating to the accident was: the ditch, which the airplane contacted.NTSB ATL97FA034Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A150L · Trinity, ALfailure of the pilot to maintain flying airspeed, while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with a tree, utility line, and the ground.NTSB ANC97LA025Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Skwentna, AKThe pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and subsequent failure to maintain control of the airplane. Factors associated with the accident are the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, his becoming lost/disoriented, and…NTSB LAX97LA098Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Scottsdale, AZfuel exhaustion due to the pilot's improper fuel management.NTSB FTW97FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Guthrie, OKThe flight instructor's failure to obtain/maintain clearance with the power line. A factor was the sunglare from the setting sun, which could have impaired the flight instructor's ability to see the power line.NTSB ATL97LA036Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Wiggins, MSthe student pilot misjudged rotor blade clearance from a utility pole, which resulted in a collision. The proximity of the pole was a related factor.NTSB ATL97IA035Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 757-232 · Atlanta, GAfailure of the Stage 1 High Pressure Turbine due to a fatigue fracture in a disk blade retention lug.NTSB FTW97LA095Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Boswell, OKThe student pilot's improper inflight planning and decision, after becoming lost/disoriented, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, before landing in a suitable landing area. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot of another aircraft did not accurately…NTSB FTW97LA094Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom F-28C · Lake Jackson, TXThe failure of the #2 cylinder for an undetermined reason which resulted in an exhaust leak that melted an oil line.NTSB ANC97FA024Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-4A · Sparrevohn, AKloss of the right engine propeller control oil, which led to an overspeed of the right engine and propeller, and necessitated a shut-down of the right engine; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate altitude/distance from terrain during visual approach…NTSB NYC97LA049Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · North Andover, MAFuel vents blocked by frozen moisture which resulted in restricted fuel flow to the engine and subsequent loss of engine power.NTSB LAX97LA095Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Corona, CAFailure of the pilot in command to follow the airplane's before landing checklist and verify the landing gear was fully extended before landing. Factors in the accident were anxiety and diversion of the pilot's attention due to fuel gauge readings.NTSB FTW97FA092Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Mayhill, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with trees and terrain. Factors were the mountainous terrain, the snow obscuring the visibility, the dark night illumination, and the pilot's fatigue.NTSB CHI97LA060Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas DC-9-51 · Cape Girardeau, MOclear air turbulence encountered by the flight.NTSB MIA97LA076Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna U206D · Tampa, FLInadequate torque of the cylinder base nuts and through bolt nuts by company maintenance personnel which allowed movement of the crankcase halves. As a result the No. 2 main bearing failed which allowed excessive movement of the crankshaft resulting in…NTSB FTW97LA090Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Brownsville, TXthe pilot's failure to refuel the airplane which led to fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. Factors were the pilot's lack of preflight planning and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB CHI97LA066Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Springfield, MOthe pilot's continued flight into known icing conditions with an inadequate windscreen deicing system and the diminished visual lookout. Factors were the icing weather conditions and the windscreen ice.NTSB SEA97LA053Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Toledo, WAThe pilot's excessive application of the brakes on a tailwheel equipped aircraft. Factors include the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and a crosswind blowing at the time of the landing.NTSB SEA97LA052Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · Chehalis, WAThe failure of the first pilot to conduct an adequate preflight inspection, and his failure to properly manage the aircraft fuel supply. This led to fuel starvation and a subsequent loss of engine power. Factors contributing to the accident are the false…NTSB FTW97LA089Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Brownsville, TXThe pilot's delayed go-around and subsequent inadvertent stall. A factor was the gusty winds.NTSB NYC97FA048Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172F · Conrad, PAVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and spatial disorientation of the pilot, which led to loss of aircraft control, an uncontrolled descent, and subsequent collision with wooded terrain. Factors relating to the accident…NTSB MIA97LA075Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAerospatiale SA315B · Whiteville, NCThe pilot's intentional operation of the helicopter with known deficiencies in equipment and a false indication of the fuel gauge, resulting in the total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was inadequate maintenance of…NTSB MIA97LA074Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS-2-33A · Clermont, FLthe pilot's improper planning/decision by electing to be towed aloft with a cold front nearby, which resulted in an in-flight encounter with wind gusts from the nearby cold front and subsequent in-flight collision with trees.NTSB LAX97LA092Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCrane Thorp T-18 · San Diego, CAInstallation by the pilot/owner of an unairworthy check valve in the fuel system of the amateur built aircraft, which resulted in inadequate fuel flow to the engine and subsequent engine failure. A factor in the accident was the owner's operation of the…NTSB IAD97IA045Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCessna 402C · Provincetown, MAthe pilot's inadequate inflight planning/decision, and his misjudgment of speed and distance. Related factors were: fog, tailwind, and soft terrain on the overrun area at the end of the runway.NTSB FTW97LA091Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Midland, TXThe pilot's failure to periodically clear the engine during an extended glide. Factors were the carburetor icing weather conditions and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB NYC97LA047Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 650 · Wilkes-Barre, PAThe collapse of the left main landing gear as a result of the malfunction of the downlock actuator for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA97LA073Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCress Cress B-8-M (Bensen) · Williston, FLfailure of the pilot to maintain rotor rpm, while maneuvering, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.NTSB MIA97LA072Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNavion G · Indiantown, FLTotal loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. Findings of the follow-up investigation were 1) The airplane had not been operated and no annual inspections…NTSB FTW97LA088Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech B90 · Longmont, COFailure of the pilot to refuel the airplane, resulting in fuel exhaustion. Factors were the pilot's reference to similar but different aircraft performance charts, and the operator's failure to provide the pilot with the proper performance charts.NTSB MIA97FA070Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206-B3 · Fort Lauderdale, FLThe pilot's incapacitation by carbon monoxide from undetermined sources which led to his diminished ability to see and avoid a radio tower.NTSB FTW97LA087Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Sulphur, OKThe loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and the pilot's improper use of the fuel tank selector. Factors were the pilot's failure to follow the checklist and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB MIA97LA071Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSocata TB-9 · Daytona Beach, FLthe student pilot's failure to maintain direction control of the airplane during takeoff. The crosswind was a factor.NTSB LAX97FA093Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R172K · Bagdad, AZcontinued flight by the pilot into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude or clearance from terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the high/mountainous terrain and adverse weather conditions.NTSB FTW97LA093Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180K · Valentine, TXThe pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and the excessive airspeed during the approach and landing. A factor was the dirt bank paralleling the airstrip.NTSB FTW97IA084Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 727-100 · Oklahoma City, OKexistence of fumes from the cargo compartment and activation of the cargo smoke detector for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI97IA075Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-8-102 · Charleston, WVa fractured fusion weld in the piston of the roll spoiler servoactuator, which allowed the plug at the base of the piston to separate and jam the piston. A factor relating to the incident was: the inadequate design of the airplane's roll spoiler servoactuator…NTSB CHI97FA059Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 401 · Crystal, MNfailure of the pilot-in-command to ensure adequate removal of airframe ice from the aircraft during preflight.NTSB SEA97IA051Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBeech 1900D · Seattle, WAan axial shift of the aft flap track bearing's outer roller, resulting in erosion and failure of the flap track bracket/bearing assembly. A factor relating to the incident was: inadequate inspection of the flap roller bearing/bracket assemblies.NTSB CHI97LA065Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182J · Gaylord, MIthe student pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in a failure to maintain proper runway alignment. Factors associated with the accident were: the gusty, crosswind condition, the pilot's failure to perform a go-around, and the…NTSB CHI97LA057Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 300 · Bloomington, INthe pilot's excessive distance/speed during the landing which led to his failure to attain a proper touchdown point on the runway. The factors involved were: the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision, his failure proceed to the destination airport,…NTSB CHI97FA058Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Cottage Grove, MNfailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during an ILS approach. Factors relating to the accident were: the IFR weather conditions, the pilot's lack of recent instrument experience, and the pilot's lack of familiarity in flying the accident…NTSB CHI97FA056Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210N · Highland, MIin-flight breakup of the airplane for undetermined reason(s).NTSB SEA97LA050Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180J · Lopez, WAThe pilot's improper decision to initiate flight into marginal VFR conditions at night which led to inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain. Factors contributing to the accident…NTSB MIA97LA068Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108 · Winter Haven, FLFailure of the pilot to use carburetor heat for descent resulting in engine failure due to carburetor induction icing.NTSB SEA97FA049Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7-GCBC · Creswell, ORthe pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the aircraft, while recovering from a spin, which resulted in failure and separation of the right wing tip and adjacent wing fabric (skin).NTSB NYC97LA044Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney 20F · Jaffrey, NHThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a go around attempt, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with trees.