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 WPR16LA004Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSilvaire Luscombe 8F · Georgetown, CAThe pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent runway excursion.NTSB GAA16CA008Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA · Glennallen, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during the approach to land, resulting in a collision with trees.NTSB ERA16LA003Accident · Serious injuriesClass 2 · LimitedFinal reportBeech S35 · Knoxville, TNThe pilot's inadequate preflight weather planning and his improper decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight in night instrument metrological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB GAA16CA020Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech A36 · Jasper, TXThe pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and ditching the airplane in a lake.NTSB GAA16CA009Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Ketchikan, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the engine start sequence, which resulted in the helicopter sliding on a steel deck and impacting a crane. Contributing to the accident was the absence of traction material on the helicopter…NTSB GAA16CA005Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRaytheon A36 · Monterey, CAThe pilot's failure to see and avoid runway signage during taxi after landing, resulting in a collision and substantial damage to the left wing of the airplane.NTSB ERA16WA025Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28R-200 · Brazil, BrazilOn October 6, 2015, about 1433 UTC, A Piper PA-28R-200 (Embraer EMB711C); Brazilian registration PT-NKU, was destroyed when it impacted terrain while flying from Caratinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil to Serra do Caraca, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The two occupants were…NTSB ERA16WA017Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationEmbraer EMB721C · Corumba, BrazilOn October 6, 2015, about 1200 universal coordinated time, an Embraer EMB721C, Brazilian registration PT-RAM, was substantially damaged when it encountered a wind gust and struck a tree, during takeoff from Guanabara Farm, Corumba, Brazil. The pilot and one…NTSB ERA16LA004Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Albany, GAThe mechanic's inadequate inspection of the brake system during the most recent annual inspection, which resulted in the failure of both left and right main landing gear torque plates and a subsequent loss of braking action.NTSB CEN16WA009Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBell 430 · Xalapa, MexicoOn October 6, 2015, at 2355 coordinated universal time (UTC), a Bell 430 helicopter, Mexican registration XC-VER, collided with terrain after departure from the El Lencero Airport, Xalapa, Mexico. A postimpact fire ensued. The pilot and co-pilot were fatally…NTSB CEN16LA012Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRefling RV8 · Bottineau, NDThe pilot/builder’s failure to ensure that the fuel line was properly secured, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent total loss of engine power.NTSB CEN16FA005Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech P35 · Chadron, NEThe pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into rising terrain during cruise flight.NTSB WPR16FA002Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Cedar City, UTThe failure of the pilots to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall from which they did not recover.NTSB GAA16CA007Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBogle Absey C Breezy RLU-1 · Bryan, TXThe pilot's excessive descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing and substantial damage.NTSB GAA16CA006Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Devine, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance during the takeoff, which resulted in the helicopter striking power lines.NTSB CEN16LA006Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Parkston, SDThe pilot’s decision to take off from a confined area and his failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions during the takeoff, which resulted in collision with obstacles.NTSB CEN16LA004Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Dexter, MOThe pilot's impairment due to the ingestion of alcohol, which impaired his decision-making and resulted in his taking off and flying the airplane until the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB CEN16LA003Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G · Huntsville, TXThe pilot's loss of helicopter control during an agricultural application pass for reasons that could not be determined due to the extent of damage to the flight control system.NTSB GAA16CA010Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportGrosch Starduster TOO SA 30 · Lincoln, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop, left main landing gear collapse, and the left wing striking the runway.NTSB GAA16CA003Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBushmaster Super Bushmaster · Marble Canyon, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain descent rate durring the landing resulting in collision with terrain.NTSB WPR16LA003Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna TU206G · Fall City, WAThe airplane’s collision with the ground short of the runway for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB GAA16LA001Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172B · Redding, CAThe pilot’s improper decision to land the airplane on a short runway with a tailwind and his subsequent delayed decision to abort the landing.NTSB ERA16WA002Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-31-325 · Chia, ColombiaOn October 3, 2015, about 1715 UTC, a Piper PA-31-325, Colombian registration HK3909G, registered to and operated by El Caminante Air S.A., collided with a structure then rolled inverted during a forced landing in a field near Hipodromo de los Andes, Chia,…NTSB CEN16WA002Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech 200 · Chigwell, United KingdomThe Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) United Kingdom has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a Beech B200 that occurred on October 3, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the AAIB investigation under the…NTSB WPR16FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportJohnson Coot · Deer Park, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention due to the rough…NTSB GAA16CA011Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · McMinnville, ORThe flight instructor's failure to correct the student pilot's approach path during the final approach, which resulted in a collision with runway threshold lights. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's failure to attain and maintain the…NTSB GAA16CA004Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 18-150 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot's excessive brake application during landing, which resulted in a nose-over.NTSB ERA16FA001Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32R · Westminster, SCThe pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB ENG16IA001Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 747 · Russian airspace, JapanThe PW4056 engine experienced an in-flight loss of power because of damage to the low-pressure turbine (LPT) because of the inadequate overhaul inspection and repair instructions that existed at the time of the LPT module's last overhaul. A vane hook in the…NTSB CEN16WA010Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA31 · Veracruz, NicaraguaNTSB CEN16FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-140 · Huntsville, TXThe pilot's mismanagement off the fuel supply to the engine, which resulted in fuel starvation.NTSB GAA16CA002Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Avalon, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the critical angle of attack in turbulent and downdraft conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain on final approach.NTSB GAA15CA286Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 170A · Springfield, COThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing flare, which resulted in a collision with terrain, and a nose over.NTSB DCA16CA001Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportAirbus A319 · Nassau, Bahamasan inadvertent encounter with convective turbulence.NTSB GAA15CA295Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech V35B · Houston, TXThe pilot's failure to properly secure the cabin door prior to takeoff, resulting in the door opening during takeoff, an aborted takeoff, runway overrun, and collision with terrain.NTSB GAA15CA291Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMaule M 7-235C · Kemmerer, WYA hard landing which resulted in a loss directional control and ground loop.NTSB ERA15FA378Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 30 · St. Petersburg, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain single-engine minimum controllable airspeed following a loss of right engine power during initial climb. Also causal was the loss of right engine power for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the…NTSB DCA15WA204Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationDe Havilland DHC8 · Saarbrucken, GermanyThe government of Germany has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a DE HAVILLAND DHC8 airplane that occurred on September 30, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Germany's investigation under the…NTSB CEN15LA437Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCapella Aircraft Corporation ( FW2TDXLS · Bartlesville, OKThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after takeoff.NTSB GAA15CA293Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCubcrafters CC11-160 · Lake City, COThe pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a parked airplane and impact with terrain.NTSB GAA15CA292Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCubcrafters CC11-160 · Lake City, COThe pilot's failure during takeoff to attain sufficient airspeed for conditions, and to maintain yaw control and a positive rate of climb, resulting in a loss of directional control, an uncontrolled descent, and collision with trees and terrain.NTSB ERA15LA377Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28RT-201T · Dawson Springs, KYThe fatigue failure of a crankshaft counterweight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during cruise flight.NTSB CEN15LA432Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRans S18 · Shattuck, OKThe noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain control of the unregistered airplane during initial climb and his subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack, which resulted in a stall/spin.NTSB WPR15FA268Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Port Townsend, WAThe loss of engine power due to the mechanic's inadequate tightening of the crankshaft gear retaining bolts during an engine overhaul, which resulted in fatigue failure of the bolts and the crankshaft gear dowel pin that allowed the crankshaft gear to…NTSB CEN15LA431Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEdward M Van Morlan Rans S-12 · Gardner, KSThe pilot's inadequate airspeed control and the airplane’s exceedance of its critical angle-of-attack during the forced landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation caused by…NTSB CEN15LA428Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSukhoi SU-26 · Slidell, TXThe pilot's attempt to recover from an aerobatic maneuver at too low of an altitude to make a safe recovery.NTSB GAA15CA288Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 305F · Bentonville, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain yaw control during a go-around, which resulted in a right main landing gear collapse and the right wing impacting terrain during a runway excursion.NTSB ERA15LA380Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 550 · Sarasota, FLThe pilot’s failure to attain the proper touchdown point and to adequately slow the airplane within the available runway, which resulted in a runway overrun.NTSB CEN15LA434Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLindstrand LBL69A · Albuquerque, NMThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent rate on approach, which resulted in a hard landing and the pilot sustaining a serious injury. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent experience flying a standard-shaped balloon.NTSB CEN15LA430Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182G · Glenwood Springs, COA loss of engine power during cruise flight due to carburetor icing and the pilot's failure to apply carburetor heat, which resulted in a forced landing on rough/uneven terrain.