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 FTW97LA011Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAvian Balloon Skyhawk · Albuquerque, NMThe ground crew member's failure keep clear from the gondola during take off. A factor was the pilot's failure to insure crew coordination during take off.NTSB FTW97LA008Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Tuttle, OKfailure of the pilot to maintain directional control during takeoff roll, which resulted in a ground swerve. Factors relating to the accident were: tall grass along the edges of the runway, and the proximity of the fence, fence posts, and trees.NTSB FTW97LA007Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHispano Aviacion HA-200 Saeta · Elk City, OKThe loss of aircraft control due to a fuel imbalance as a result of a partial failure of the fuel jettison system. A factor was that fuel could not be transferred from the left wing tip fuel tank to the rear fuselage fuel tank.NTSB CHI97LA003Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-16 · Silver Lake, INfuel starvation due to an inadequate preflight and the pilot performed a low altitude maneuver which prevented him from selecting suitable terrain for landing. Additional factors included the loose fuel cap, fuel siphoning, and unreliable fuel gauges.NTSB SEA97LA002Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell S2R · Glide, ORfailure of the pilot to perform an adequate preflight inspection, which led to fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of power. Factors relating to the accident were: false indications of cockpit fuel gauges and unsuitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB SEA97FA001Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing Vertol BV-107 II · Canby, ORfailure of maintenance personnel to install a cotter pin in a clevis bolt in the flight control system, which resulted in the aft directional and lateral control output pushrod to become disconnected from a bellcrank in the forward portion of the first stage…NTSB NYC97LA001Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Coudersport, PAthe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, and his failure to ensure that adequate airspeed would be maintained, while maneuvering at low altitude to photograph a residence. The rising terrain and lack of altitude were related factors.NTSB MIA97LA002Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Hartsville, SCThe student pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (VSO) during a go-around resulting in an inadvertent stall, and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain and nose over.NTSB FTW97LA009Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportYoung Cozy MK IV · Pueblo, COthe pilot/builder's improper design change which resulted in a loss of control following an intentional stall. A factor was an erroneous weight-and-balance calculation.NTSB FTW97LA005Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Colorado Spgs, COthe student pilot attempting to exit the runway onto a taxiway at excessive speed. A factor was the pilot's failure to land the aircraft in the proper touchdown zone.NTSB FTW97LA004Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPZL-Bielsko SZD-59 · Sterling, COLoss of control when the pilot exceeded the velocity of stall while in a turn.NTSB FTW97IA003Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBeech 1900D · Pueblo, COPartial incapacitation of the flightcrew for unknown reasons.NTSB LAX97LA008Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-1B · Kona, HIloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s).NTSB LAX97LA002Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Plymouth, CAfailure of the #3 exhaust valve, which resulted in loss of engine power, a forced landing, and subsequent collision with a fence post.NTSB CHI97LA002Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Finley, NDfailure of the flight instructor (CFI) to ensure that clearance from the dock was maintained, while starting to taxi. The crosswind was a related factor.NTSB CHI97LA001Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140A · Allegan, MIthe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.NTSB ANC97LA003Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Port Ashton, AKThe pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind conditions. Factors associated with the accident were the crosswind and wind gusts.NTSB MIA97LA001Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Jackson, MSthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane resulting in an in flight collision with the runway. A factor in this accident was the pilot diverted his attention away from flying the airplane to fix his shoe lace.NTSB IAD97FA001Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Brandywine, MDThe pilots failure to maintain his assigned altitude in IFR conditions. A related factor was the failure of the radar controller to prevent the descent of N2881W to an altitude below the minimum vectoring altitude. Additionally, the controller's failure to…NTSB FTW97FA002Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell EAA Biplane P · Manzanola, COfailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above the terrain, while performing a low altitude maneuver. A factor relating to the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with this make and model of aircraft.NTSB DCA97RA001Accident · 70 fatalForeign investigationBoeing B-757-23A · Lima, PeruNTSB ANC97FA002Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Palmer, AKthe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. The unfavorable wind condition was a related factor.NTSB SEA96LA221Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Cedar City, UTthe pilot's failure to attain proper airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in a premature lift-off and an encounter with the terrain during the aborted landing. Excessive extension of the wing flaps was a related factor.NTSB FTW97LA001Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportContinental Copters EL Tomcat MK-5A · Lafayette, LAthe pilot's failure to ensure a proper preflight and the groundcrew's failure to remove the tiedown. Factors were pilot and groundcrew fatigue.NTSB MIA96TA236Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBell 206B III · Flamingo, FLthe wire strike protection guide became entangled in a mangrove branch which resulted in helicopter control not being maintained.NTSB LAX96LA346Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Fillmore, CAthe flight instructor's inadequate supervision and delay in taking remedial action to stop the aircraft's lateral movement, which resulted in a dynamic rollover after touchdown.NTSB IAD96LA155Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMerritt Acro Sport II · Cumberland, MDThe pilot's failure to select the electric fuel boost pump during take off which resulted in loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and the subsequent forced landing. A factor to this accident was the owner/builder alteration of the fuel system by…NTSB FTW96LA405Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportIsrael Aircraft Industries 1125 Westwind Astra · Aspen, COfailure of the right brake antiskid, due to corrosion of a canon plug; and failure of the flight crew to revert to the normal brake system.NTSB FTW96LA404Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRepublic RC-3 · Santa Fe, NMThe pilot's failure to obtain/maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush. Factors were the high density altitude and the lack of suitable terrain for the landing.NTSB CHI96LA356Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201 · Chesterfield, MOimproper flare by the dual student during the landing, and delayed remedial action by the flight instructor (CFI).NTSB MIA96LA235Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-3B-1 · Borinquen, PRthe pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft while hover taxing. Factors in this accident were wind gusts and a tailwind.NTSB CHI96LA354Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Delavan, WIthe pilot's failure to assure the airplane was properly secured prior to hand-propping the engine.NTSB ANC96LA168Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 · Kodiak, AKthe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. The gusty wind was a related factor.NTSB NYC96LA190Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBins Kitfox IV · Pittsfield, MAthe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of directional control, the airplane veering off the runway, and a subsequent nose over. The adverse wind condition and uneven terrain were related factors.NTSB NYC96LA189Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Deal, NJthe pilot's improper decision/planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing.NTSB NYC96LA188Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-30 · Chillicothe, OHfailure of the pilot to follow the published emergency procedures after loss of power in the left engine. Factors relating to the accident were: fatigue failure of the left torque sensor and gear assembly, which resulted in the loss of engine power, failure…NTSB FTW96LA403Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Watkins, COthe pilot-in-command's failure to use proper procedures and engage the turbochargers for takeoff from a high altitude airport. A factor was the high density altitude.NTSB ANC96LA165Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Nome, AKfailure of the pilot to maintain proper alignment of the selected landing area. Subsequent encounter with rocks was a related factor.NTSB MIA96LA234Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-310 · Wassau Island, GAthe pilot's inadequate preflight and planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion.NTSB MIA96FA233Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Birmingham, ALThe pilot-in-command's improper in-flight planning/decision for electing to continue the flight after observing that the fuel gauges indicated empty. Contributing to the accident was an improperly adjusted economizer jet and an out of adjustment float. Also…NTSB LAX96FA344Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportThunder and Colt Colt 240A · Phoenix, AZThe pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to drugs which led to his misjudgment of his descent rate during landing. Contributing factors were: his failure to activate the deflation device (rip line) and turn off the pilot lights, improper use of…NTSB CHI96FA353Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 195 · Greenville, MOthe pilot's decision to fly into known adverse weather which resulted in an overload failure and separation of the left wing.NTSB SEA96WA222Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationDouglas DC-3 · Holland, NetherlandsNTSB SEA96LA223Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Paisley, ORTotal loss of engine power secondary to geartrain failure.NTSB SEA96LA220Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRalph Taylor Royal T · Kent, WAin-flight collision with an unknown object.NTSB NYC97LA084Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth CIRRUS-S · Wadsworth, OHThe pilot's inadvertent activation of the speed brakes while being towed for takeoff. Subsequently, the glider pilot lost sight of the tow airplane due to excessive altitude, released the tow rope, and performed an off airport landing during which the glider…NTSB IAD96LA154Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Kansas, OHthe pilot's improper inflight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion during cruise flight and subsequent loss of engine power. A related factor was the lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing.NTSB IAD96LA153Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 188 · Pataskala, OHdeterioration and fuel leakage from an engine fuel hose (with a service life that had been exceed, due to inadequate maintenance), which resulted in an engine compartment fire and subsequent damage to the airplane.NTSB FTW96LA401Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-151 · Falcon, COFailure by the pilot to select suitable terrain for landing. Factors were inadequate preflight planning and preparation for the flight by the pilot by failing to check NOTAMS and failing to use communication aids available to him.NTSB MIA96LA232Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor 402 · Slocomb, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed.