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 LAX88FA052Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Camp Verde, AZNTSB FTW88IA029Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-10-10 · Newark, NJImmediately after the hard landing the captain was observed by the copilot and flight engineer to be incapacitated. The copilot took control of the airplane and guided it onto a high speed taxiway. With the aid of a flight attendant and the flight engineer…NTSB CHI88LA029Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Lake City, MIThe student pilot initiated a takeoff from a snow covered runway. During the initial ground run, he lost directional control. Subsequently, the aircraft ran off the side of the runway & collided with trees. The plt rprtd the wind was from the south at 8 to 10…NTSB ATL88LA041Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-5A · Thomson, GAThe airplane struck high-tension power lines while maneuvering at about 100 ft AGL. The collision occurred about 2/10 of a mile from the residence of the plt's girlfriend. One of the wires fell to the ground, damaging an auto and setting a field on fire. The…NTSB LAX88LA055Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · San Jose, CAAt the conclusion of a cross country instructional flight, the pilot made three approaches to land. On the first two attempts, the aircraft touched down on the nose wheel and porpoised, then the pilot initiated a go-around. On the third landing, the aircraft…NTSB LAX88DUQ02Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportIsgrigg Elite · Tehachapi, CAThe homebuilt gyroplane became uncontrollable during take-off roll on runway 27R. The aircraft pitched up and then rolled on its left side. The national weather service reported the winds in the area at the time of the accident to be from 290 degrees at 12-15…NTSB CHI88LA030Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 337 · Kankakee, ILThe pilot was attempting to land on runway 22 at an uncontrolled airport when he heard another pilot transmit he was about to depart from the same runway. According to the pilot, while he was turning on to final approach, he observed an aircraft taxiing to…NTSB ATL88FA040Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Lewisburg, KYThe pilot experienced a loss of engine power at 5500 feet. He was not able to start the engine after completing an emergency procedure. The pilot established an approach to a landing area, and stalled the aircraft on short final. The aircraft moved about 30…NTSB MKC88FA019Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R · Fayetteville, ARThe airplane was cleared to land while on downwind. Tower saw lights and said airplane appeared to be flying around hill north of airport. Investigation revealed airplane had turned left and impacted trees below the top of the hill.NTSB MIA88LA043Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American 500 · San Juan, PRWhile on a part 135 non-scheduled domestic passenger flt in VFR conditions, the plt landed the acft gear up. Operational check of the landing gear & warning horn revealed no failure or malfunction.NTSB LAX88LA051Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Honolulu, HIThe pilot estimated that the aircraft's reduced fuel quantity was adequate for the flight during his preflight inspection. As the aircraft descended for the traffic pattern near the destination airport both engines failed. After the loss of power the pilot…NTSB FTW88LA030Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Burnet, TXDuring landing roll, the aircraft drifted to the left of the runway centerline. Witnesses then observed the aircraft veer to the right and ground loop coming to rest off the end of the runway. Attempts to contact the student plt have not been successful.NTSB SEA88LA020Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Sequim, WADuring dark night visual meteorological conditions, the aircraft struck trees while in cruise flt at about 2,000 feet MSL. Although the pilot had requested VFR traffic advisories, he did not solicit the use of the low altitude alert system. This system was…NTSB MKC88FA018Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · Augusta, KSThe airplane departed to the south and made a left turn. Approximately 1/4 of a mile east of the airport, the airplane impacted straight down with gear down and flaps at 15 degrees. No preimpact problems were found with airframe or powerplants. No indication…NTSB MIA88LA041Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201 · Roseland, FLThe acft was preflighted approx 20 min after refueling with no discrepancies noted. The plt had difficulty starting the acft. Mechanics flushed the acft fuel lines and declared the acft ok. No water was found in the fuel sumps or strainer during the plts…NTSB MIA88FA042Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Okeelanta, FLThe acft crashed into a wildlife management area in a steep nose down attitude with about 20 degs flaps extended. The stated purpose of the flt was to spot deer & a suitable area in which to hunt. Torsional damage to the airframe suggested that the acft was…NTSB LAX88FA033Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Rialto, CAThe pilot lost control of the recently painted helicopter during the takeoff. The paint shop personnel had moved the helo to a airplane parking spot. The helo skids straddled the tie-down chains. Two wing tie-down chains were incorrectly attached to the right…NTSB DEN88LA026Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B III · Albuquerque, NMWhile attempting to retrieve a parachute retarded rocket that came to rest in a tree by hooking the right front skid shoe under the chute, the parachute got hung up in the tree. The helicopter lifted the rocket approx 6 ft into the air before it swung into…NTSB DEN88LA025Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Grand Forks, NDThe CFI was instructing the pvt rated dual student in simulated forced landings. During the power recovery following a practice autorotation, the engine failed to regain RPM at full throttle. During the forced landing, the helicopter nosed over at touchdown…NTSB CHI88LA028Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCAA · Belle Plaine, MNAfter the acft was in the traffic pattern, the instructor (CFI) initiated a simulated forced landing. Just before touchdown on final apch, the student (a rated pvt plt) allowed the acft to drift to the right. The CFI attempted a go-around, but was delayed in…NTSB CHI88FA024Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportBeech TC-45J · St Clair Shores, MIWhile enroute to home base after delivery of revenue cargo, the pilot experienced a total loss of engine power in both engines due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot performed emergency procedures and set the aircraft up for a forced landing in a grassy field on…NTSB BFO88FA007Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Warrenton, VAThe acft was observed to be flying straight and level when the sounds of the eng were heard to increase. The only witness saw the acft nose over and dive into the ground. Radar tracking of the acft flt path confirms this. Investigation revealed that the this…NTSB ANC88LA017Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 208 · Atmautluak, AKThe pilot stated that he landed at a distance approximately one-third of the way down the 2,000 foot ice covered gravel runway. After touchdown the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft causing the aircraft to exit the departure end of the runway.…NTSB SEA88IA019Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBeech 99-A · Port Angeles, WABoth generator lights came on along with the left and right fuel pressure lights. The aircraft was being flown back to the airport for a precautionary landing, when the annunciator panel lights began to flicker. When landing flaps were selected they did not…NTSB LAX88LA049Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Honolulu, HIThe pilot stated that the engine lost power while he was flying low over the ocean on a fish spotting flight. Subsequently, he ditched the aircraft in the ocean & it was not retrieved.NTSB CHI88LA027Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Patoka, INWhile enroute to Patoka airport for fuel the aircraft experienced fuel exhaustion and the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in a field. The aircraft landed approximately two miles northeast of the airport. The nose gear of the aircraft became…NTSB NYC88LA043Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Montoursville, PAAfter takeoff, the plt remained in the traffic pattern to practice takeoffs & landings. He made a touch-&-go, then rprtd on a right downwind for another landing. He acknowledged a clearance to continue, but moments later, an ELT signal began transmitting.…NTSB MKC88FA021Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Mena, AROn the day of this accident, there was a well-publicized weather system affecting the weather along the pilot's route: warm moist gulf air was moving northward toward a cold front that extended from Mexico to Canada. Residents in the area said the region had…NTSB MIA88LA038Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · Melbourne, FLDuring an instructional flt while practicing accuracy touch-and-go landings, the student plt flared the acft for landing at low altitude, aprx 45-60 feet from the apch end of the rwy. The acft landed hard short of the runway. As a result the landing gear…NTSB MIA88LA037Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMandley Steen Skybolt · Placida, FLWhen attempting to start the eng the plt heard it backfire & then observed smoke coming from under the eng cowling. He then immediately exited the acft & left the scene to summon the fire department. He later returned to find the aircraft consumed by fire.…NTSB LAX88FA047Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Bakersfield, CAThe recently rated private pilot and his passenger were flying low and waving to people on the ground. As the aircraft neared electrical service lines across its flight path ground witnesses observed it to enter an abrupt climb, roll left and dive into the…NTSB LAX88FA045Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 441 · Mexicali, MexicoA Cessna 441 operated by the uscs collided with terrain while on a authorized night tactical flight. The copilot did not meet the currency standards as required by uscs and was not qualified in the acft. The flight originated during the daylight hours and…NTSB CHI88MA026Accident · 8 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 200 · Jefferson, WIWhile cruising abv frzg lvl at 12,000', the flt was clrd to dscnd & maint 9000'. Abt 1-1/2 min ltr, the flt declared a mayday (emergency). Radio & radar ctc were lost & the acft crashed in a nr vertical dscnt. Radar data showed that after starting a dscnt,…NTSB NYC88FA041Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · St. Marys, PAWhile getting fuel, the pilot of the Mooney M20C and his 3 pals were attempting to remove frost with paper towels and plastic credit cards after being told by the fuel truck driver that the arpt had no ice removal solution. A witness stated that as the…NTSB LAX88LA044Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech D18S · Mokuleia, HIThe plt rprtd that he had made a normal preflight, but after the acft had rolled about 200 to 250 ft on the takeoff roll, the nose gear collapsed. The acft came to rest with damage to the nose section, props & engs. Drg an inspn of the acft, the landing gear…NTSB LAX88FA042Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Grand Canyon, AZWhile cruising en route all engine power was suddenly lost and the plt attempted an emergency ldg at the Grand Canyon arpt. During the glide, the acft crashed into an outcrop of rocks on a steep cliff, 0.5 mi from the end of the rwy. Exam of the engine…NTSB DEN88LA024Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260B · Akron, COBfr tkof, snow was melted off the acft in a heated hangar. The flt was bgn in blowing snow with a forecast of ocnl mod icing to 20,000'. The plt said the snow lasted only 5 to 10 min & only a trace of ice (less 1/16 inch) accumulated drg the 1st 15 min of…NTSB DCA88MA004Accident · 28 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-9-14 · Denver, COThe Safety Board's full report on this investigation is provided as Aviation Accident Report number AAR-88/09. To obtain a copy of this report, or to view the executive summary online, please see the Web site at http://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/publictn.htm…NTSB ATL88LA038Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172A · Dayton, OHThe plt rptd that the engine began to sputter and lose power shortly after takeoff. A forced ldg was subsequently made in a nearby river. The acft nosed over on ldg and came to rest partially submerged in about 4 feet of water. Post-crash exam of the airplane…NTSB ATL88IA037Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportDouglas DC-9-31 · Cleveland, OHWhile descending into Cleveland from 25,000 feet the pilot, experienced a violent lurch in the airframe. The flight continued and landed without incident. An aircraft examination disclosed that the right upper thrust reverser drive link was broken. Further…NTSB SEA88FA024Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180G · Cambridge, IDDuring a fuel stop at elko, NV the pilot requested a weather briefing for VFR flight to lander, WY or to couer d'alene, ID. The FAA fss briefed him on adverse weather to both destinations, with flight advisories for mountain obscurations, occasional severe…NTSB NYC88LA040Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Schenectady, NYDuring landing, the left main gear collapsed. A metallurgical examination revealed that the left main gear saddle assembly was fractured into three pieces through the area near the forward edge of the landing gear strut. When examined further, the faces and…NTSB NYC88LA038Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-1B · Tewksbury, MAThe student pilot was attempting a landing at Tewksbury, Massachusetts when he flared above the runway, bounced several times and collapsed the nose wheel. The aircraft slid down the runway, made contact with the right side of the runway edge, spun around,…NTSB NYC88FA042Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Danby, VTThe pilot was on a VFR cross country flight when the aircraft descended rapidly and collided with trees. Several witnesses reported hearing extensive engine surges. Witnesses reported seeing the acft maneuvering in a highly erratic manner, then begin a nose…NTSB NYC88DGM03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Spartansburg, PAThe pilot landed at the franklin, PA airport after encountering fog. After making several phone calls and remaining on the ground for about 37 minutes he departed. About 30 minutes later the aircraft was seen circling at a low altitude, flying in and out of…NTSB LAX88LA048Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Jackson, CAThe plt rprtd that prior to reaching the destn, he received an adzy on the UNICOM freq that rwy 19 was in use & that there was a direct x-wind. Drg arrival, he tried to contact UNICOM again to get a wx update, but was unable. He elected to lnd on rwy 19.…NTSB LAX88LA046Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Colusa, CAThe pilot executed a missed approach at the destination because of fog and reduced visibility. The pilot elected to divert to Colusa due to the weather and on approach to calusa the engine quit. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful and the pilot…NTSB LAX88LA043Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Honolulu, HIThe plt rprtd that during an external load operation, the helicopter ran out of fuel. Subsequently, it was damaged when it touched down hard during a forced landing.NTSB LAX88DVG01Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportStoopin Scorpion · Browns Valley, CADuring the local flight, the acft was observed at 300 ft when a power loss apparently occurred. The aircraft descended steeply into a wooded area. The witness stated that the pilot/manufacturer had performed maintenance on the aircraft,s engine immediately…NTSB FTW88FA028Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Lancaster, TXThe pilot received a weather report indicating that IFR conditions prevailed. After takeoff the airplane traveled approximately 1/2 mile before it crashed. Pilot was not instrument rated and had very little total time. He did have three hours of night time…