NTSB investigations, 2015
180,611 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,590 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\") = 2015 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") = 2015 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 WPR16FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28R-180 · Morongo Valley, CAThe non-instrument rated pilot's improper inflight decision-making to attempt to outclimb clouds along his planned route rather than reverse course, which resulted in his inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, spatial disorientation, and…NTSB GAA16CA024Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 120 · McKinney, TXThe pilot's use of excessive brake input during the recovery from the ground loop, which resulted in a nose over.NTSB ERA16LA058Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · Sanford, FLA collapse of the nose landing gear due to a separation of the drag attachment fitting from the airframe. The separation was likely due to preexisting damage from an undetermined event.NTSB CEN16LA016Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Lancaster, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper glidepath during a night visual approach, which resulted in impact with a power line. Contributing to the accident was an inoperative precision approach path indicator.NTSB CEN16LA015Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBobby Martin Autogyro MTO Sport · Wallisville, TXFracture of the pusher propeller blade due to impact damage from an unknown object while in flight, which resulted in a severe vibration and a loss of thrust.NTSB CEN16FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportZidek Vans RV-4 · Cortland, NEThe pilot's decision to intentionally maneuver at a low altitude and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the climbing right turn, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.NTSB GAA16CA025Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportDonham Timothy J RV 6A · Grenada, MSThe pilot's loss of directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.NTSB GAA16CA021Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 18-150 · Old Harbor, AKThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, resulting in a collision with terrain.NTSB ANC16WA004Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna 207 · Taylor, CanadaOn October 16, 2015, about 2330 Coordinated Universal Time, a Cessna 207 airplane, C-GNVZ, impacted terrain near Taylor, British Columbia, Canada, under unknown circumstances. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The Transportation Safety Board…NTSB WPR16FA013Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAviat A-1C-200 · Swan Valley, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in high density altitude conditions over mountainous terrain, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.NTSB GAA16CA015Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMaule M 7-260C · Grace, IDThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose over.NTSB ERA16LA016Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportTitan Tornado · Mitchells, VAA total loss of engine power due to fatigue cracking and separation of the No. 3 cylinder exhaust valve stem.NTSB ERA16LA015Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206L 3 · Dickinson, ALThe improper installation by company maintenance personnel of the securing hardware of a tail rotor driveshaft section, which resulted in that section of tail rotor driveshaft disconnecting and a complete loss of tail rotor thrust.NTSB CEN16LA017Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportComp Air CA8 · Ray, MIThe pilot's improper use of the trim, which created a cross-controlled situation and resulted in an aerodynamic stall during the attempted go-around.NTSB WPR16LA011Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChristopher Tom Kitfox 5 · Battle Ground, WAThe total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR16FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBucker Jungmeister BU 133 · Missoula, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while executing a return to the runway after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…NTSB GAA16CA042Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 421 · Amarillo, TXThe loss of directional control during taxi to the runway as a result of insufficient brake fluid level in the right brake master cylinder, resulting in a taxiway excursion and collision with a drainage culvert.NTSB GAA16CA017Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 195A · Aztec, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in runway excursion and collision with terrain.NTSB GAA16CA016Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCentral Missouri State Univ HP 14 · Jackson, NHThe glider pilot's decision to descend into a broken to overcast cloud layer, which resulted in encountering instrument meteorological conditions and the pilot parachuting from the glider. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of planning for an…NTSB ERA16WA013Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208B · Yumbillo, ColombiaOn October 14, 2016, about 1645 coordinated universal time, a Cessna 208B, Brazilian registration PR-MIC, operated by Microsurvey Aerogeofisica E Consultoria Cientifica of Brazil, was destroyed when it impacted mountainous terrain during a survey flight near…NTSB ERA16LA014Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGross Michael E Stol CH 701 · Eufala, ALA partial loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined, because postaccident examination revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. Also causal was the pilot's decision to continue the takeoff…NTSB CEN16FA013Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Hammond, LAThe loss of right engine power on takeoff due to maintenance personnel's failure to properly tighten the crankcase through-studs during cylinder replacement, which resulted in crankshaft fracture. Also causal were the pilot's failure to feather the propeller…NTSB WPR16LA008Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210K · Boise, IDThe pilot’s improper in-flight fuel management due to distraction and self-induced pressure, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to conduct the descent checklist, which…NTSB ERA16FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-180 · Lake Worth, FLA loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB ERA16CA011Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Salisbury, NCThe pilot's inadvertent switching of the fuel selector to the "off" position on final approach, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB CEN16FA011Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · Eaton, COThe pilot's loss of airplane control in gusting wind conditions and low-level wind shear, following a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to properly monitor the fuel level inflight because of his…NTSB GAA16CA034Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 182R · Abilene, TXThe pilot's diverted attention while taxiing, which resulted in a collision with a fence post.NTSB GAA16CA018Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportFurgason James E Vans RV 4 · San Marcos, TXThe pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and an impact with an airport sign.NTSB GAA16CA013Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech F33 · Marana, AZThe student pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the base to final turn resulting in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain during recovery by the flight instructor.NTSB ERA16LA010Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMurray Blair L Free Bird Classic · Kylertown, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during approach for landing, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of flight experience in the accident airplane make and model.NTSB CEN16LA018Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDiamond DA20-C1 · Waskom, TXThe pilot's decision to operate the airplane without the owner’s permission and his lack of preflight planning, which resulted a total loss of engine power due fuel exhaustion.NTSB CEN16LA008Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeechcraft A36 · Dallas, TXThe pilot’s improper navigation onto a vehicle service road while taxiing and his subsequent distraction while looking at an airport diagram, which led to the airplane impacting a fence post.NTSB WPR16FA007Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · South Lake Tahoe, CAThe pilot's inability to maintain airplane control due to an encounter with a downdraft that exceeded the airplane’s climb performance capabilities and resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to depart without…NTSB GAA16CA019Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMaule M 7-235C · Mankato, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the go-around, which resulted in a collision with terrain.NTSB GAA16CA012Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 46-350P · Kanab, UTThe pilot's failure to monitor the airplane's movement on the ground while programming the GPS, which resulted in a collision with a pole.NTSB ERA16LA009Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Miami Beach, FLA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not recovered from the ocean after the ditching.NTSB CEN16LA007Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRich Harry A Woodstock I · Decatur, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while turning from the downwind to the base leg of the pattern in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the glider exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and entering an aerodynamic stall/spin at a low…NTSB WPR16LA015Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 310J · Tucson, AZThe insufficient right main landing gear (MLG) down-lock tension due to maintenance personnel's failure to perform a rigging procedure during the airplane's most recent inspection, which resulted in the right MLG collapsing during landing.NTSB ERA16LA008Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Seville, FLThe airplane’s encounter with a downdraft, and the pilot's decision to maneuver the airplane at a low altitude and airspeed, which provided insufficient time and altitude to recover before impacting terrain.NTSB ERA16LA007Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28R · Savannah, GAThe pilot's inadequate preflight fuel planning and in-flight fuel management, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power during approach. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his…NTSB CEN16LA030Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAerostar RX8 · Albuquerque, NMThe pilot's delay in deflating the balloon envelope completely after landing, which resulted in a loss of control due to a wind gust.NTSB ERA16FA006Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportColumbia Aircraft Mfg LC41 550FG · Erwin, TNThe pilot's decision to fly into a known area of adverse weather, which resulted in the airplane entering a severe thunderstorm and a subsequent loss of control.NTSB DCA16CA008Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBoeing 737 3H4 · Pound Ridge, NYhot water spilled from a cup onto the flight attendant's arm resulting in a 2nd degree burn.NTSB CEN16LA019Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportQuest Kodiak 100 · Sheridan, WYThe loss of airplane control during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB WPR16FA006Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Hope, IDThe pilot's selection of an inadequate altitude to cross mountainous terrain and her subsequent failure to maintain terrain clearance. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight evaluation of the weather conditions and flight plan.NTSB GAA16CA014Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportKubicek BB · Albuquerque, NMA hard landing which resulted in serious injury to a passenger.NTSB ERA16FA005Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 38-112 · Jasper, GAThe student pilot's failure to accurately determine the airplane's fuel state, subsequent fuel exhaustion, and a total loss of engine power during initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate oversight of the student…NTSB CEN16LA032Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Red Oak, IAThe improper torque of the engine’s No. 3 cylinder intake pipe bolts, which resulted in the separation of the pipe and a partial loss of engine power.NTSB ANC16FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Big Lake, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack while maneuvering, which resulted in a stall at too low an altitude to allow recovery.NTSB WPR16LA005Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Compton, CAA total loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident engine examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.