NTSB investigations, 1986
180,624 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,602 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\") = 1986 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") = 1986 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 CHI87LA016Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Lafayette, INDuring an instructional flight a bird strike was encountered while practicing steep turns at about 2500' MSL. The horizontal stabilator was damaged to the point that it was barely operative. Landing was accomplished by using extreme forward pressure to the…NTSB ATL87LA015Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-2 · Ada, OHPlt stated that elevator control was lost during the landing roll. Acft nosed over inverted and received substantial damage. Investigation revealed that the lower cable to elevator bellcrank forward turnbuckle was fractured. Bellcrank was badly corroded. Last…NTSB ATL87FA016Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportKoons-Donald Sonerai II · Macon, GADuring climbout, the pilot allowed the aircraft to stall while turning to a left crosswind. The acft impacted the ground in a nose low attitude after colliding with two trees. The pilot was unable to exit the aircraft and local residents were unable to assist…NTSB NYC87LA029Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 19 · Selkirk, NYPilot attempted a landing without left aileron control. The aircraft turned right then went into an uncontrollable slow spiral to the ground. The failed control rod end bearings showed evidence during post acc invest that they had not been lubricated for a…NTSB MIA87FA020Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBushby MM-1 · New Smyrna Bch, FLWitnesses, including the victim's son riding as a pax in another acft flying at 800 ft, observed the midget mustang coming up from the right, behind and below them. While still below their alt, the mustang was observed to roll to the right, away from them,…NTSB MIA87FA019Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Jacksonville, FLThe flt, transporting banking records, had executed a VOR apch to the rwy after being given the arpt wx which was ceiling indefinate with 1 mi visibility in fog. The plt stated that after landing, he realized he had touched down too FAR down the rwy to…NTSB LAX87LA031Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Half Moon Bay, CAThe acft collided with the terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The plt indicated that he retarded the throttle and applied the carburetor heat to descend from 3,000 to 2,000 ft when the engine quit. He was unable to restart the…NTSB FTW87LA012Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech P-35 · Clarendon, TXThe plt was attempting a takeoff with a 12 kt quartering tailwind when the accident occurred. Immediately following rotation and gear retraction, the acft settled and impacted the terrain.NTSB FTW87LA011Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Plainview, TXThe plt rprtd that aprx 25 min after he took off, the eng lost power. He made an emergency landing in a plowed field where the acft nosed over. During an investigation, only traces of fuel were found in the acft. There was no evidence that fuel had drained…NTSB FTW87FA007Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Mustang IslandAcft experienced a power loss immediately after takeoff from an offshore platform in the gulf of Mexico. The plt held collective to clear the rig and then popped the floats and autorotated to the water. The auto was successful, however, the acft was struck by…NTSB FTW87DPJ01Accident · No injuriesFinal reportSnow AT-301 · Hennessey, OKThe acft collided with a street sign during takeoff. Unablt to maintain flight, the plt landed the acft in a field collapsing the right landing gear.NTSB BFO87FA006Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Bloomington, MDWitnesses observed 2 aircraft flying near treetop level and reported that one appeared to be about 10 feet behind the other. The lead aircraft collided with trees when the pilot delayed his pullup to a point where he was unable to climb over a ridge on his…NTSB ATL87LA014Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing B-75-N1 · Columbus, OHDuring a landing attempt on asphalt surfaced runway 23, the pilot reported that the aircraft swerved to the left upon touchdown. Right alleron and rudder was applied to stop the turn. Wheel brakes were applied and the aircraft nosed over on the side of the…NTSB NYC87LA028Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Linden, NJThe flight experienced an engine power loss during cruise. Pwr was restored and the acft proceeded the pilot was able to return to the airport and made a soft field landing, collapsing the nose wheel during landing roll. The reason for the pwr loss was not…NTSB MIA87LA018Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Ft. Pierce, FLA USCG helicopter had landed on rwy 4 moments before the accident and had cleared the rwy. The helicopter had advised the acft on UNICOM frequency of his intent to land. The acft advised the helicopter that he had him in sight and would follow him in. The…NTSB LAX87LA030Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Eleele Kauai, HIA Piper pa 31-350 lost power and collided with sign posts after landing on a road. It was reported to the FAA that the aircraft's right engine was producing partial power and the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude on the left engine. The pilot never…NTSB LAX87IA029Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBritish Aerospace BAE 146-200 · Santa Ana, CAJust after takeoff the aircraft experienced a fire in the number 3 engine which was extinguished by the on board fire bottles. Investigation revealed that a secondary fuel line had pulled out of a b-nut ferrule fitting at the fuel flow divider manifold which…NTSB LAX87FA028Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportFairchild Swearingen SA-226TC · Santa Barbara, CAOn a dark night, in cavu weather, the captain directed the first officer (who was flying) to disarm the landing gear warning horn system by pulling its circuit breaker. The f/o complied & did not challenge the captain. On final approach the f/o failed to…NTSB CHI87LA013Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-236 · Harrisburg, ILAccording to the plt, the winds at the destination arpt were variable and gusty. During an approach to land, the acft was high. Reportedly, the wind shifted to a tail wind as the plt was landing & the acft continued off the end of the rwy & went thru a fence.NTSB ATL87LA013Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Winston-Salem, NCWhile conducting touch and go landings, N2373G lost power during a go-around. The flight was instructed to go-around due to another aircraft on runway 03. The pilot reversed his course toward runway 21. The aircraft crashed into trees short of runway 21.…NTSB NYC87FA027Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-325 · Mansfield, MAPiper PA-31, N200GG, was on a VFR flt to boston, MA. The PA-31 plt contacted boston TRACON & adzd he had ATIS info & would be lndg at boston. TRACON suggested a hdg & alt of 070 deg & 2500' for rwy 33R & told the plt to maint VFR. At aprx the same time, a…NTSB MKC87LA011Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G164B · Memphis, MOThe aerial application acft was en route to seed a wheat field when smoke came into the cockpit. The plt made a precautionary landing on a blacktop road. The road was the best available, but was not adequate and acft flipped forward to the inverted position.…NTSB MIA87LA017Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Boca Raton, FLThe plt stated that he was about to conduct his first touch-&-go ldg after a local solo training flt. On the first ldg, he said he made a 'slight bounce' & he leveled the acft & set up for another flare. He said the acft touched down again on the mains but…NTSB MIA87LA016Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Melbourne, FLThe plt was making her 1st solo ldg when the acft began to balloon & porpoise. The acft hit the rwy on the nose & prop then came to rest beside the rwy. A witness stated that the acft had 'got away from her'. The plt stated the accident could have been…NTSB DEN87FA011Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Gallup, NMWhile flying at a low level spotting deer in mountainous terrain the plt attempted to fly over a ridgeline with terrain that rose faster than the acft climb capability. At low airspeed and altitude he initiated a turn to reverse course toward lower terrain.…NTSB CHI87DEM03Accident · No injuriesFinal reportRalley 3A · Gowen, MIThe pilot stated that the aircraft stalled while practicing an emergency landing. He also stated that he should have pulled up from the practice emergency procedure sooner.NTSB NYC87LA026Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna U206F · Marshfiled, MAElectrical failure occurred in flight due to an alternator belt failure. The acft landed in the grass beside the rwy and was damaged. The landing was difficult due to darkness, fog and no lights. The plt tried to use flaps but failed due to no elec power. The…NTSB NYC87FA025Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Brattleboro, VTThe helicopter crashed into a wooded ridge aprx 2 NM from it's liftoff location. Persons who reside under the flt path were awakened by the acft as it was descending into IMC at what sounded like full power. The plt's heliport was at an elevation of 950 ft…NTSB MIA87FA015Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-3 · San Juan, PRWitnesses stated that the acft used most of the rwy to takeoff, reached an aprx altitude of 60 feet, then pulled up to clear an embankment. However, the acft struck a tall palm tree & crashed between 2 roads, near an intersection, where the roads merged. The…NTSB LAX87IA027Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 727-222 · Los Angeles, CADrg arr, united flt 282 (Boeing 727, N7255U) was vectored by Los Angeles (lax) TRACON for an ILS rwy 25L apch. While in a dscndg turn at 2100' MSL to intercept the ILS LOC at 2000', the capt saw a helicopter (hel) ahead & pulled up. He estdhis acft passed w/i…NTSB FTW87LA013Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182J · England Afb, LAThe plt was on an apch into England Afb, LA, behind a flt of 4 jet fighters. He stated that at aprx 200 ft past the threshold, while at about 3 ft AGL & 80 mph, the acft suddenly fell & touched down on the main gear. It then porpoised btn the main & nose gear…NTSB FTW87LA010Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Lake Dallas, TXDuring a local flt, the plt elected to make a touch-&-go landing on a 2800 ft rwy at Lake Dallas, TX. He said that the acft touched down on the 1st quarter of the rwy, then he lowered the nose, retracted the flaps & applied full power to takeoff. However, he…NTSB DEN87FA046Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Leyba, NMThe plt departed albuquerque on October 29, 1986, in his acft for an unknown destination. When he failed to return to his home, relatives notified local authorities. A search was begun and on January 23, 1987, the wreckage was found. The pilot was deceased…NTSB MIA87LA014Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Pompano Beach, FLThe plt stated that during touch-&-go landing practice on his final landing, he landed hard, the nose gear collapsed and the acft slid to a stop on the runway.NTSB MIA87FA013Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman G-73 · St. CroixThe plts lost aileron control shortly after takeoff while in a left turn. The left turning tendencies of the acft could not be corrected and the acft crash landed in the carribean sea. Post crash inspection of the acft revealed the left aileron control cable…NTSB LAX87DJA01Accident · No injuriesFinal reportMurrayair MA-1 · Hilo, HIAfter returning from a spraying flt, the acft was refueled. After refueling, the plt used fuel to wash oil from the side of the acft & the wing step. When the eng was restarted about 2 min later, fuel fumes ignited & fire spread to the fuel truck. Both the…NTSB FTW87LA009Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Pollok, TXThe dual student was receiving emergency landing training. Power was reduced while on approach which resulted in a loss of airspeed and a high sink rate. Corrective action was initiated too late and the aircraft touched down a few feet short. The landing gear…NTSB CHI87LA011Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna U206F · Grand Ledge, MIThe aircraft experienced engine failure during takeoff and nosed over in an open field. The pilot stated that he did his runup on the right fuel tank and took off on the left fuel tank. Inspection of the aircraft found water in the left fuel tank. The pilot…NTSB ATL87FA012Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Lawrenceville, GAAbout 20 min after takeoff, while cruising at 6500', the eng lost power. Rprtdly, the eng went to either idle or a wind-milling cond & the fuel pressure dropped to zero. The plt tried to restart the eng by using emerg procedures, but was unable. He initially…NTSB SEA87LA015Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20D · Hillsboro, ORThe pilot elected to land with a 12 to 15 knot tailwind. An excessive ground speed resulted with an overshoot. The pilot elected to go-around too late and once the go-around was attempted the aircraft struck trees at the departure end of the runway at about…NTSB MKC87LA010Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Oakley, KSThe plt stated his landing apch was too fast and the acft touched down long. He then applied brakes and the acft nosed down resulting in the propeller striking the rwy. The acft then proceeded to flip over onto it's back. The plt stated he should not have…NTSB DEN87LA010Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Richardton, NDThe plt attempted a landing on an unlighted dirt strip at dusk. He stated he intentionally flew low because it was getting dark. On final apch acft struck trees and then impacted the terrain, nosing over.NTSB SEA87FA014Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38 · Port Townsend, WAThe plt had flown this acft over the same route many times. While en route, the acft collided with tall trees on rising terrain about 3 miles south of a direct course to the destination. The wx in the vicinity was characterized by low clouds, fog & haze. Aprx…NTSB DCA87AA006Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportBoeing 737-222 · Charlotte, NCDrg arr, piedmont flt 467 was vectored for an ILS rwy 36R apch. At 2001 CDT (aprx 7 min bfr lndg), all arrg flts were adzd the wx was (in part): 400' ovc, vis 2 mi with lgt rain & fog, wnd fm 090 at 8 KTS. Rwy 5/32 was out-of-svc at that time. Flt 467 was…NTSB BFO87FA004Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Mount Pleasant, MDThe acft was on the second apch attempt for ILS rwy 23 when the accident occurred- on the first attempt the pilot flew outbound instead of inbound on the localizer course. For the second attempt the pilot was cleared for a full apch for ILS rwy 23; which…NTSB ATL87LA011Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269B · Danville, KYDuring a local pleasure flight to film the color change of autumn leaves, the low fuel warning light illuminated. Aprx 2 minutes later the engine lost power and the pilot executed an emergency landing in a field. The helicopter lost main rotor RPM prior to…NTSB NYC87DFA01Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna 150M · Oriskany, NYThe student & instructor plt (CFI) were making a night, touch-&-go landing, when the acft struck a deer on the rwy. They were unable to see the deer in time to avoid a collision.NTSB CHI87FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Int'L Falls, MNThe acft was observed maneuvering over the passengers house just prior to the accident. The plt circled the residence with the acft wings almost perpendicular to the ground at an alt between 150 and 200 ft AGL. According to witnesses, as the wings reached the…NTSB LAX87LA026Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Weed, CADuring a cross country flight, the engine quit approximately 6 miles north of Weed, California. The pilot initiated a forced landing and the aircraft collided with the terrain 150 feet short of the airport. An examination of the aircraft revealed that both…NTSB FTW87LA008Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Monahans, TXThe acft was destroyed during a forced landing following a partial loss of pwr after liftoff from a trailer. The acft settled back down onto the front of the trailer and subsequently rolled over. The eng continued to run following the roll over. The plt…