NTSB investigations, 1996
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\") = 1996 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") = 1996 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 ATL97LA017Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWaco YMF5 · Punta Gorda, FLthe pilot's improper flare during touchdown.NTSB MIA97RA011Accident · 34 fatalForeign investigationBoeing 707-323 · Manta, EcuadorNTSB CHI97LA013Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Alliance, NEthe instructor-pilot's inadequate supervision by not taking timely action after the student started losing directional control. A factor was the loss of directional control by the student pilot.NTSB MIA97FA010Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 172F · Venice, FLinadequate maintenance servicing of the airplane during an oil change by the owner/pilot for his failure to secure the oil temperature probe securing nut. Also, inadequate maintenance of the airplane by the owner/pilot for his failure to operate the engine…NTSB IAD97FA011Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRyan Navion · New Hartford, NYA loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB SEA97LA018Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Ogden, UTthe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, while landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and an inadvertent ground swerve. The crosswind was a related factor.NTSB MIA97LA012Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor 400 · Sylvester, GAWas the pilots intentional disregard for operating the engine contrary to the flight manuals for intentionally exceeding the maximum engine temperature, resulting in creep failure of one of the compressor turbine blades.NTSB SEA97TA012Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportGarlick UH-1H · Detroit, ORthe pilot's misjudgement of rotor clearance from the terrain. The proximity of the berm was a related factor.NTSB NYC97RA006Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31-350 · Eel River Cross, CanadaNTSB MIA97LA008Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 21OK · Tampa, FLThe failure of the pilots of both airplanes to see and avoid each other. Contributing to the accident was the improper planning/decision of the pilot of the Cessna 210 to depart the traffic pattern on the downwind leg rather than on the upwind leg as…NTSB LAX97LA024Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer 2-33-A · Los Alamitos, CAThe student pilot's failure to properly handle the glider, and the instructor pilot's inadequate supervision.NTSB IAD97LA010Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca BL28 · Ledbetter, KYthe pilot's delay in executing a go-around, and his failure to obtain/maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall and collision with the ground.NTSB IAD97LA009Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172A · Lebanon, OHimproper aircraft handling by the tow pilot and/or the glider pilots, which allowed the tow plane and glider to get out of position with one another; and failure of the aircrews (in both aircraft) to ensure a timely release of the glider tow rope.NTSB CHI97LA012Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Mancelona, MIthe worn fuel system pump (actuator arm). A factor was the unsuitable terrain encountered by the pilot.NTSB SEA97FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Halsey, ORThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain main rotor RPM, resulting in loss of control of the helicopter and collision with terrain. Factors included the pilot's lack of experience in helicopters, and interpersonal relationship problems between the pilot and…NTSB NYC97MA005Accident · Minor injuriesClass 1 · MajorFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas MD-88 · Flushing, NYThe Safety Board's full report is available at www.ntsb.gov/publictn/publictn.htm. NTSB Report AAR-97/03. the inability of the captain, because of his use of monovision contact lenses, to overcome his misperception of the airplane's position relative to the…NTSB NYC97LA007Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · Pasadena, MDthe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and inadequate management of the airplane's fuel supply, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing at night. Factors related to the accident were: an inaccurate fuel quantity indicating…NTSB MIA97LA007Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Fruitland Park, FLThe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain proper runway alignment during takeoff. The unfavorable wind condition was a related factor.NTSB MIA97LA006Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Lexington, TNfailure of the pilot to abort the takeoff after encountering excessive ground roll, and failure (or inability) of the pilot to obtain/maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors relating to the accident were: restricted…NTSB FTW97LA021Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · Watkins, COThe flight instructor's improper decision to attempt a hovering autorotation during gusty wind conditions. A factor was the gusty wind.NTSB CHI97LA011Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 685 · Eden, WIa partial loss of engine power due to improper adjustment of the fuel pump by an unqualified person (pilot-in-command) and the pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in his selection of unsuitable terrain for the attempted takeoff. The pilot's…NTSB SEA97LA017Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Pocatello, IDinadequate preflight by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, due to an inadequate supply of fuel. Soft terrain at the emergency landing site was a related factor.NTSB MIA97WA015Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 404 · Bolognesi, PeruNTSB FTW97LA024Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Clinton, ARthe pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to obtain or maintain sufficient airspeed during the aborted landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain.NTSB FTW97LA020Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 320A · Longmont, COThe partial failure of the fuel control servo, causing an excessive flow/output of fuel to, and flooding of, the right engine.NTSB FTW97LA019Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502 · Throckmorton, TXfailure of the pilot to maintain clearance of a transmission wire during pullup from a swath run. The proximity of the transmission wire was a related factor. The installation of wire cutter equipment on the landing gear might have prevented or reduced the…NTSB ANC97LA004Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBurns Burn Experimental · Sitka, AKthe pilot's failure to follow the checklist and secure the cockpit door/canopy.NTSB LAX97LA022Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Imperial, CAthe student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout, which resulted in a ground swerve. Soft terrain on the shoulder of the runway was a related factor.NTSB LAX97LA021Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas 369E · Mesa, AZthe selection of an unsuitable landing area by the flight instructor (CFI). Factors relating to the accident were: soft/wet terrain in the selected landing area, and the crosswind condition.NTSB SEA97LA015Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B-3 · Casper, WYloss of power for undetermined reason(s). A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot was operating outside height/velocity curve parameters, when the loss of power occurred.NTSB ATL97LA007Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Olive Branch, MSThe farmer's failure to maintain security of his livestock/animals.NTSB LAX97LA020Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech S35 · Palo Alto, CAfuel starvation, due to the pilot's improper positioning of the fuel tank selector to an empty tank. Swampy terrain in the emergency landing area was a related factor.NTSB LAX97LA019Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 690 · Phoenix, AZfailure of the main landing gear to fully engage in the down-and-locked position for undetermined reason(s). Loss of hydraulic pressure to the main gear for undetermined reasons(s) was a related factor.NTSB LAX97LA018Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Kingsburg, CAthe student pilot's use of an excessively lean mixture, which led to engine overheating, detonation, subsequent failure of the number 2 piston, and a forced landing.NTSB CHI97LA008Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369E · Hesston, KSthe pilot selected unsuitable terrain for landing. The factors involved were: an inoperative landing light, dusk light conditions, and the terrain condition.NTSB FTW97LA016Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Venice, LAa loss of engine power due to frogs being ingested into the engine as a result of the pilots failure to perform a thorough preflight, and the pilot's improper touchdown technique.NTSB CHI97LA015Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · New Richmond, WIthe dual student's failure to recover from the bounced landing and the instructor pilot's failure to correct the situation in time.NTSB ATL97LA005Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M-20F · Griffin, GAFuel system contamination that resulted in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was rough terrain at the emergency landing site.NTSB LAX97LA014Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCunningham Rotorway Exec · Mather, CAexcessive maneuvering by the pilot, which allowed the main rotor blades to contact and sever the tail rotor system and allowed mast bumping to occur.NTSB IAD97LA008Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Germantown, KYimproper maintenance with the installation of an improper oil ring on the number four piston, which led to failure of both the ring and pistion, oil starvation, and subsequent loss of engine power.NTSB IAD97LA007Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Harlan, KYthe pilot's misjudged distance and speed, and his faiure to attain the proper touchdown point during the landing, which resulted in overrun of the runway and an encounter with terrain.NTSB IAD97LA006Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Springfield, OHfailure of the pilot to maintain obstacle clearance, while maneuvering at low altitudes. A related factor was the quartering tail wind.NTSB FTW97LA018Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 11BC · Oil City, LAthe failure of the pilots of both aircraft to maintain an adequate visual lookout. Factors were: different traffic pattern altitudes flown by the two pilots, and the sunglare encountered by the pilot of the ultralight.NTSB CHI97LA010Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDellicker Starduster TOO SA300 · Eaton Rapids, MIthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and subsequent inadvertent stall of the airplane. A factor was the ostentatious display.NTSB CHI97LA007Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Hillsdale, MIthe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision and failure to refuel which led to fuel exhaustion.NTSB ATL97LA006Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 337G · Fayetteville, NCThe unapproved maintenance modification of the landing gear electrical system by maintenance personnel that prevented the extension of the landing gear.NTSB ATL97LA004Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 65-C · Angier, NCThe Aeronca 65's pilots selection of the wrong taxi route, and his inadequate visual lookout during back taxi.NTSB ATL97LA003Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHarper W-8 Tailwind · Macclenny, FLthe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.NTSB ANC97FA001Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 · Ketchikan, AKcontinued flight by the pilot into adverse weather condition, and his failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from mountainous terrain. Factors related to the accident were the high/mountainous terrain, and weather conditions that included low…NTSB SEA97LA014Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Albany, ORfailure of the SA-750 pilot to see-and-avoid the Cessna 172, which had landed ahead of him on the same runway. The inherent visual restrictions of the SA-750 (a tandem two-place biplane) was a related factor.