NTSB investigations, 1985
180,610 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,589 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 NYC86LA041Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Palmyra, NYOn landing the acft encountered wind gusts forcing the left wing upward, and hitting the right wing on the ground. The acft then spun around striking the prop and left wing on the rwy.NTSB MIA86FA034Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Sarasota, FLWitnesses reported that shortly after takeoff from a touch and go landing the aircrafts engine sputtered and quit completely. As the pilot was attempting a forced landing the aircraft struck a tree causing the pilot to lose control. The aircraft struck the…NTSB DEN86LA029Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna C-152 · Franktown, COAccording to the plt, upon initiating a pwr recovery after a simulated forced landing, the acft in which he and his pax were in, encountered turbulence. The plt stated that the acft contacted the ground shortly thereafter. The plt said he allowed the acft to…NTSB CHI86FEX04Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBeech E18S · Fort Wayne, INThe acft experienced a right eng fire during eng start. The plt reported the right eng would not start during the first attempt. During the second attempt at starting the eng, it started. While running the eng on the primer, the plt heard a loud bang and saw…NTSB ATL86LA031Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Huntsville, ALDuring a cross country flight, the pilot elected not to refuel at his proposed refueling point and continued to another airport. While on a visual approach to the runway, the aircraft lost power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB ATL86LA030Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A23-19 · Gurley, ALAbout 5 min into third flt of the day, the plt reported a loss of power. During the forced ldg roll out in a pasture field acft struck a ditch causing substantial dmg. Exam of engine revealed failed exh. Value. Eng had been operated 2341 hrs without overhaul.NTSB NYC86LA040Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · West Point, NYThe acft was returning to university park arpt after passengers were dropped off at waterbury oxford arpt. Aprx 20 minutes into the flt, the acft collided with two birds. The left wing tip was damaged along with a portion of a section of the left wing 3 1/2…NTSB MIA86MA032Accident · 6 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Boca Raton, FLAccording to witnesses, the plt took off on rwy 4, then turned left toward the southwest & flew parallel with the rwy at a distance of about 1/4 to 1/2 mi. He leveled the acft at aprx 200' AGL, just below the clouds, until aprx abeam of midfield, then he…NTSB MIA86FA033Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth American T-28A · Lantana, FLThe pilot/mechanic had recently re-installed a rebuilt engine in the aircraft and performed a very short run-up prior to takeoff. Witnesses stated the aircraft engine made popping noises and was belching black smoke during the takeoff roll. The aircraft…NTSB LAX86LA046Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Tustin, CAThe plt's mechanic performed a pre-purchase inspection of the acft. No malfunctions were detected with the fuel system, & the mechanic informed the plt that the acft was overall 'in good condition.' Later in the day the plt purchased the acft, & after…NTSB LAX86LA045Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172A · Sunizona, AZWhile performing 'low level surveillance for deer' a pax pointed outside the acft to a familiar camp site. The plt stated this action distracted him & thereafter he flew up a narrow canyon. Unable to reverse course because of rising terrain, the plt stated he…NTSB FTW86FPA07Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportBill Mccarley RV-4 · Gatesville, TXThe acft collided with trees after performing aerobatic maneuvers. The PIC said that the pass'g/plt had flown the last part of the flt. Following a maneuver at aprx 500 ft AGL, the acft was maneuvered into a climbing left turn during which it continued to…NTSB CHI86FEM02Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Holland, MIThe acft crashed during a forced lndg after a loss of power during initial climb. After the accident the plt said that he drained fuel from the main fuel strainer and found no water in the fuel prior to takeoff. The acft carburetor was disassembled after the…NTSB MIA86LA031Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom F-28F · Miami, FLThe plt stated he felt the eng RPM decrease, so he opened up the throttle and lowered the collective. When these actionsdid not produce the desired RPM he tried to land in a plowed fld, the skids dug in the soft dirt and caused the helicopter to roll over.…NTSB LAX86LA044Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Stockton, CAAfter performing a preflight inspection of his acft, the PIC along with a CFI who was acting as his safety plt, and another passenger departed. The CFI reportedly had logged over 19,000 hours & possessed an ATP certificate. The PIC did not report having any…NTSB DEN86LA030Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140D · Albuquerque, NMAccording to the plt, the eng lost pwr shortly after takeoff, requiring the plt to make a forced landing. During the investigation, it was determined that the plt had flown into, and later attempted to depart from Albuquerque, NM, with the mixture full rich.…NTSB DEN86IA026Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportNorth American NA-265-40 · Denver, COAfter to from a snow covered rw, the lg dwn and locked lights in the cockpit remained illuminated on lg retract the crew did not recognize this as a log gear ino sys malfunction nor were they familiar with the correct proc to lower lg when this malfunction…NTSB DEN86FA028Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201T · Cheyenne Wells, COThe plt obtained a wx briefing prior to departing apa. There was a cold frontal system moving down from the north but wx was forecast to be VFR for the remainder of the day. The plt and a plt-pax flew to jln where the plt-pax disembarked. The plt did not…NTSB CHI86LA032Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell 112 · Pekin, ILFollowing a top overhaul of the engine a test flight was planned to break in the cylinders and rings. Prior to this flight the engine was operated for a short period on the ground then shut down and checked for oil leaks with negative results. The takeoff and…NTSB CHI86FA031Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Washington Twp., INThe pilot and pax were returning from a xcountry flt. While on a long final approach the acft was witnessed to stall and fall off on the left wg. The acft then descended into a wooded area causing left wg separation and then impacted a creek bank. At the time…NTSB NYC86FA037Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Cheshire, CTThe helicopter was flying at or near the base of the overcast when it contacted a tree and descended to ground impact. Witnesses reported hearing the eng operating during the accident sequence and the area was covered with heavy fog. No mechanical malfunction…NTSB NYC86LA038Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGensen B8M · Mars, PAThe plt reported that after climbing to an alt of aprx 200 ft after takeoff, the airspeed dropped from 50 to 40 mph. The acft then lost alt and mushed to ground impact. The plt did not hold a medical or student plt certificate.NTSB MIA86LA030Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210M · Ft.Lauderdale, FLWhile in cruise flight the pilot attempted to lower the landing gear and the right main landing gear would not extend. During this process the aircraft generator went off the line. The pilot attempted to manually lower the landing gear and extended the nose…NTSB LAX86LA043Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Kunia, Oahu, HIWhile cruising the plt detected a loss of engine power & elected to make a precautionary landing. During landing flare engine power was lost & the acft touched down hard & with excessive ground speed. Exam of the acft's fuel control valve governor failed to…NTSB ATL86FA029Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182R · Bryson City, NCThe acft made a normal apch and had the flaps down to about 15 deg. Touch down as about one third down the rwy. There was a bounce and the right wing came up and the acft veered to the left off the rwy. Power was applied and the acft paralleled the rwy. The…NTSB NYC86FHM02Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportGrumman 164-A · Walden, NYThe pilot of a Grumman 164A was crop dusting when he experienced an engine failure. He decided not to dump the load due to possible later repercussions. The aircraft lacked sufficent airspeed or altitude to make a safe landing. The aircraft received…NTSB LAX86LA040Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-151 · San Jose, CAWhile on final apch for San Jose muni airport at the end of a cross country flt, the acft experienced total fuel exhaustion. Plt diverted a/c to ried hillview airport & established power-off glide. On final for rwy 31R, plt said he realized the a/c would not…NTSB LAX86FA042Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-151 · Lebec, CAAfter receiving a preflight wx briefing that forecast strong headwinds, over mountainous terrain, severe turbulence and pireps of severe turbulence on the proposed flt route. The instructor plt and his student instrument plt took off for a night IFR training…NTSB FTW86LRD03Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna 185 · Leeville, LAThe acft collided with a power line during an off arpt landing on a canal. It was an intentional landing to transport company employees of la-tex gulf drilling, inc. the wx was VMC and no flt plan was filed.NTSB ATL86LA027Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Jacksonville, NCDuring the takeoff phase of a touch & go landing the student plt lost directional control of the acft and ran off the side of the rwy. The student plt was on his third solo training flight.NTSB ATL86FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Chester, SCWitnesses at the accident site estimated the ground visibility to be 100 yds or less. The instrument rated plt on the 32 NM flt had not filed a flt plan even though he had obtained a wx briefing from fss. The acft collided with the steel cables atop steel…NTSB NYC86LA039Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Atlantic City, NJThe acft experienced a collapse of the nose gear during the landing roll after what the plt said was a normal landing. The right main gear was further damaged during removal of the acft from the rwy.NTSB NYC86LA036Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna C182 · Gardiner, NYThe acft contacted power lines on final apch and descended uncontrolled to ground impact. The plt reported that turbulence was encountered when he entered the traffic pattern. He then proceeded onto final apch at a 'normal altitude'and full flaps were added.…NTSB MKC86FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Osage Beach, MOWitnesses observed N80426 lt of the final apch course for rwy 14 heading toward the arpt for landing. One witness said the acft was at 300 to 400 ft AGL when the nose of the acft rose abruptly, the lt wing went down and the acft descended to the ground. Other…NTSB FTW86FQG04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportLagatore Thorp T-18 · Lubbock, TXThe acft contacted the terrain in a 75 to 85 deg nose down attitude following a loss of control. The plt was reportedly circling a friend's house at an alt of 800 to 1000 ft AGL when the acft stalled, entered a spin and descended to ground impact.NTSB DEN86LA025Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 6B · Englewood, COThe plt stated that while on a Balloon flt, the blast valve, which operates the burner flame, stuck open during one of the burns. The plt attempted unsuccessfully to disengage the blast valve. When the plt could not stop the flame with the blast valve, he…NTSB DEN86LA024Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7KCAB · Berthoud, COThe plt stated that he made 7-9 high speed taxies to pack the snow on the grass strip, aborting mid-strip when flying speed was not attained. On the final run, the plt said the acft again failed to reach flying speed and decided to abort mid-strip. The plt…NTSB CHI86LA030Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Coldwater, OHThe plt flying at a low altitude during a civil air patrol training maneuver struck a 30-FT high power line with the nose gear. The acft then nosed over and impacted the ground.NTSB CHI86FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Mt Carmel, ILAccording to the survivor, the plt & 2 pax all had a beer, then went to the arpt. After taking off at night, the plt flew over Mt Carmel, then flew toward his home. He elected to make a low pass over his house. During the pass, the acft struck a tree & some…NTSB BFO86FA006Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEipper Quicksilver MXL II · Parkton, MDWitnesses in the area observed the vehicle flying in the local area at other times however this was the first time they had seen two people in it. They also observed the vehicle flying erratically after liftoff and noted that the winds were gusty. Upon…NTSB SEA86LA024Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Idaho Falls, IDDuring initial apch inflight icing was encountered. The windscreen failed to heat due to an inoperative inverter. A small area on the right bottom portion of the windscreen de-iced due to defrost heat. The plt elected to land using the small clear area of the…NTSB LAX86LA041Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177A · Springerville, AZThe plt stated that the eng oil pressure dropped to zero while the acft was in cruise flight. He selected an open field in which to make a precautionary landing. He said that as he approached the field the acft entered a downdraft. He stated he had reduced…NTSB FTW86LPJ03Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna 182 · Goldsby, OKThe plt stated the purpose of the flt was to drop parachute jumpers. The jumpers deplaned at 8500 ft MSL and the plt reduced pwr for a descent and landing at the arpt of departure. He stated he did not apply carb heat during the entire descent and he entered…NTSB DEN86LA027Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Ft. Collins, COThe acft collided with large chunks of snow on the rwy during takeoff roll. The plt stated that during the roll about mid-way down the rwy he spotted the snow and decided to abort but was unable to avoid the snow. The left gear contacted the snow and the acft…NTSB ANC86FA009Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Quinhagak, AKThe aircraft crashed on the frozen level tundra at night while on a part 135 air taxi flight from bethel to quinhagaki Alaska. The investigation revealled the commericial rated air taxi pilot did not have a 135 air taxi check ride or competency check. The…NTSB NYC86LA035Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLake LA4-200 · Millbrook, NYDuring a go-around the aircraft stalled and crashed on the airport.NTSB DEN86FA023Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportBeech A45 · Albuquerque, NMWhile maneuvering to enter traffic at alameda arpt, the plt experienced severe acft vibrations. He attempted but was not able to reach the arpt due to rapid loss of airspeed andaltitude. The acft crashed 1/2 mile from the landing rwy. The one pax and a…NTSB SEA86LA023Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBrisbin Pientenpol Aircamper · Gig Harbor, WAA total loss of power occurred for unknown reasons shortly after takeoff. A 75 foot tree was struck with the aircraft striking the ground nose first and then coming to rest inverted. The engine was tested and ran normally with no abnormalities with the…NTSB LAX86FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Cottonwood, AZWitnesses saw the plt depart with frost covering the acft & without either a runup or warmup. The witnesses reported that the plt 'scraped the frost from a small square directly in front of him on the windshield' just prior to takeoff. Temp & dew point were…NTSB CHI86LA028Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Piper City, ILThe pilot elected to land on a paved road because his rla was too wet. The aircraft landed on top of a moving automobile. The aircraft remained on top of the automobile as it ran off the side of the road.