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 CEN15FA427Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Lexington, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a climbing turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at too low of an altitude to recover.NTSB GAA15CA287Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 24 · West Bend, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain his descent rate during the landing, which resulted in a hard landing and runway excursion.NTSB CEN15WA449Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationTrendak Tercel · Odorheiul Secuiesc City, RomaniaThis is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. On September 26, 2015, at an unknown time, a Trendak Tercel gyroplane, A11-DUN, impacted terrain after takeoff from an airfield near Odorheiul Secuiesc city, Harghita County, Romania.…NTSB CEN15WA429Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28 · Sandstedt, GermanyOn September 26, 2015, at 1138 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-28, German registration D-EBVM and a Reims F172, German registration D-EGJA, collided over Sandstedt, Germany. The pilot on board the PA-28 was fatally injured. The pilot and two passengers…NTSB CEN15LA436Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Belen, NMThe total loss of engine power due to contamination in the fuel system.NTSB CEN15LA433Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Fort Wayne, INThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB CEN15FA426Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportJones Ralph D Zodiac CH 601 HD · Ama, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack following a loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and…NTSB GAA15CA294Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHoward DGA 15P · Englewood, COThe separation of the elevator control system linkage at a push/pull tube and cable joint, for an unknown reason, because the bolt and associated hardware securing the joint was not found for examination.NTSB GAA15CA283Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportStinson HW75 · Bremerton, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, resulting in the left main landing gear collapse and substantial damage to the left wing strut attachment points.NTSB GAA15CA278Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 182A · Ama, LAThe pilot's decision to takeoff on a partially obstructed runway, which resulted in a collision with trees.NTSB ERA15LA376Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269 · Eustis, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain yaw control as he slowed the helicopter during a landing approach, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB CEN15FA425Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T310Q · Wichita, KSThe separation of the attachment hardware connecting the elevator trim tab pushrod to the elevator trim actuator, which resulted in the elevator trim tab jamming in a position outside the limits of normal travel and a subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN15FA424Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech S35 · Pagosa Springs, COImproper engine assembly by unknown maintenance personnel, which resulted in the failure of the No. 6 connecting rod due to oil starvation from the shifting of the crankshaft's No. 4 main bearing.NTSB CEN15FA422Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPierce, Henry Bushby Mustang II · Granbury, TXThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack resulting in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.NTSB WPR15LA267Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Thermal, CAA fire in the engine compartment due to the pilot overpriming the hot engine.NTSB GAA15LA296Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Ozark, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while hovering, which resulted in the helicopter's skid impacting terrain, subsequent abnormal airframe vibrations, and a hard landing during the subsequent hovering autorotation.NTSB GAA15CA285Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna T182T · Ely, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and a collision with an airport sign.NTSB GAA15CA282Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 170B · Arctic Village, AKThe pilot exceeded the critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a collision with terrain.NTSB GAA15CA276Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 28 · Van Nuys, CAThe pilot's failure to compensate for turbulence during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and runway excursion.NTSB GAA15CA275Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 180 · McCall, IDThe pilot's excessive application of brake pressure during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose over. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue the landing after noting he was high on final approach.NTSB ERA15LA375Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Ventus 2CT · Blacksburg, VAA loss of thermal lift during a motor glider flight, which resulted in an off-airport landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from power lines during the off-airport landing attempt.NTSB ERA15LA373Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportVanek Jim Sport Copter Vortex · Lake Wales, FLA loss of engine power due to a lean fuel/air mixture as a result of a disconnected fuel primer line.NTSB CEN15WA447Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationBell 407 · San Agustine Guatemala, GuatemalaThe Direccion General de Aeronutica Civil (DGAC) of Guatemala has notified the NTSB of a non-fatal accident involving a Bell 407GX Helicopter, registration TG-PDF, that occurred on September 24, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to…NTSB CEN15LA423Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Woodville, TXThe loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel system. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel tanks and the operator’s inadequate inspection of the fuel supply truck that did not detect water…NTSB WPR15LA266Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28 · Elko, NVThe pilot's failure to sufficiently lean the engine’s fuel-to-air mixture for the given density altitude, which resulted in reduced engine power output and the airplane’s inability to climb.NTSB GAA15CA289Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 195 · Merritt Island, FLThe pilot's excessive braking during the landing roll, resulting in a nose over.NTSB GAA15CA271Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 305A · Show Low, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in quartering tailwind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and a right main landing gear collapse.NTSB ERA15WA370Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationBell 206 · Maceio, BrazilOn September 23, 2015, at 1350 universal coordinated time, a Bell 206L-3, Brazilian registration PP-ELA, was destroyed when it impacted terrain in Maceio, Brazil. The four occupants were fatally injured. The local police patrol flight originated at Zumbi dos…NTSB GAA15CA280Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · West Palm Beach, FLThe flight instructor's improper use of pitch control during a demonstrated 180 degree autorotation which resulted in damage to the tail boom.NTSB GAA15CA279Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBrunzlick Larry R Seawind 3000 Experim · Pelican Lake, WIAbnormal runway contact which precipitated a loss of directional control and impact with water.NTSB CEN15LA421Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLerch RV6A · Deckerville, MIThe in-flight loss of engine oil after the oil filter separated from the engine adapter assembly because of an incorrect modification of the oil filter adapter assembly, which resulted in a precautionary landing in a field.NTSB WPR15LA265Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 680 E · Boise, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control following an engine problem for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of both engines and the rudder revealed no malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal…NTSB WPR15LA262Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGraves Bryon S Vans RV-7A · Byron, CAImproper overhaul of the right magneto, which eliminated system redundancy, and resulted in a loss of engine power when the left magneto failed during aerobatic flight maneuvers.NTSB WPR15IA263Incident · Minor injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCessna T206H · Idaho Falls, IDAn in-flight fire during initial climb due to the separation of the engine's turbocharger wastegate overboard exhaust tailpipe. Contributing to the accident was the owner's decision to not comply with a service bulletin that addressed the tailpipe separation.NTSB GAA15LA284Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot's failure to properly calculate the fuel consumption rate and to properly monitor the fuel status in flight and his decision to continue the flight despite signs of an engine problem, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel…NTSB GAA15CA300Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 177RG · Aztec, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and an impact with shrubs.NTSB GAA15CA270Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 32-260 · Jackpot, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and a collision with a fence.NTSB ERA15LA366Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Bally, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude during low-level aerobatic maneuvers. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's improper decision to attempt the low-level aerobatic maneuvers and his impairment due to psychiatric conditions and the medications he…NTSB CEN15LA418Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Platteville, WIThe partial loss of right engine power for undetermined reasons with insufficient runway remaining for the aborted takeoff.NTSB GAA15LA265Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108 · Palmer, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack during final approach to landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB GAA15CA290Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Shiocton, WIThe pilot's decision to continue to land at an unlighted airstrip, at night, after the landing light failed on approach, which resulted in a bounced landing, runway excursion, and collision with terrain.NTSB ERA15LA374Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206 · Thomaston, GAThe loss of tail rotor control due to a fractured pin in the tail rotor control system; the reason the pin fractured could not be determined as the fractured pin was lost in shipping.NTSB ERA15FA362Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Morrisville, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and her exceedance of the airplane's critical angle-of-attack, which led to an aerodynamic stall, following a total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the…NTSB CEN15WA456Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationAmateur Construction Glasair RG · Muhen, SwitzerlandOn September 20, 2015, about 1000 hours universal coordinated time, a Glassair RG airplane, Swiss registration HB-YEA was destroyed when it impacted an automobile and burst into flames during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Muhen,…NTSB GAA15CA277Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMooney M20M · Manville, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a fence.NTSB GAA15CA273Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 20 · Marshfield, MAThe pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and impact with terrain.NTSB GAA15CA272Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 20 C1 · Sanford, NCThe student pilots failure to maintain a climb after takeoff, which resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB ERA15LA369Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-161 · Pittsburg, PAAn engine fire, which resulted from the overpriming of a hot engine.NTSB ERA15LA368Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Mount Airy, MDThe in-flight fatigue failure of the No. 4 cylinder barrel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.NTSB ERA15LA367Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchleicher ASW 19B · Saratoga Springs, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain glider control while attempting to land.