NTSB investigations, 1997
180,582 investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board since 1962: 174,566 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 per year
| 1962 | 72 |
|---|---|
| 1963 | 78 |
| 1964 | 5,253 |
| 1965 | 5,377 |
| 1966 | 5,912 |
| 1967 | 6,339 |
| 1968 | 5,199 |
| 1969 | 5,027 |
| 1970 | 4,915 |
| 1971 | 4,825 |
| 1972 | 4,430 |
| 1973 | 4,398 |
| 1974 | 4,565 |
| 1975 | 4,403 |
| 1976 | 4,314 |
| 1977 | 4,412 |
| 1978 | 4,624 |
| 1979 | 4,165 |
| 1980 | 3,921 |
| 1981 | 3,836 |
| 1982 | 3,545 |
| 1983 | 3,514 |
| 1984 | 3,405 |
| 1985 | 3,055 |
| 1986 | 2,831 |
| 1987 | 2,774 |
| 1988 | 2,685 |
| 1989 | 2,502 |
| 1990 | 2,479 |
| 1991 | 2,419 |
| 1992 | 2,328 |
| 1993 | 2,283 |
| 1994 | 2,229 |
| 1995 | 2,281 |
| 1996 | 2,150 |
| 1997 | 2,121 |
| 1998 | 2,195 |
| 1999 | 2,175 |
| 2000 | 2,183 |
| 2001 | 2,031 |
| 2002 | 2,000 |
| 2003 | 2,062 |
| 2004 | 1,930 |
| 2005 | 2,001 |
| 2006 | 1,826 |
| 2007 | 1,984 |
| 2008 | 1,882 |
| 2009 | 1,783 |
| 2010 | 1,786 |
| 2011 | 1,848 |
| 2012 | 1,834 |
| 2013 | 1,561 |
| 2014 | 1,534 |
| 2015 | 1,581 |
| 2016 | 1,662 |
| 2017 | 1,635 |
| 2018 | 1,687 |
| 2019 | 1,626 |
| 2020 | 1,396 |
| 2021 | 1,645 |
| 2022 | 1,700 |
| 2023 | 1,678 |
| 2024 | 1,693 |
| 2025 | 1,655 |
| 2026 | 1,342 |
Where
Latest cases
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\") = 1997 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") = 1997 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 NYC98LA058Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-355 · New York, NYthe pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed on final approach with a tailwind, and his failure to perform a go-around in a timely manner. A factor in the accident was the strong tailwind.NTSB MIA98WA049Accident · 10 fatalForeign investigationBritten-Norman Islander · Rio Sidra, PanamaNTSB FTW98LA083Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna R172K · Lakeview, ARthe pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment during the approach, and his delayed decision to execute a go-around. A related factor was the sunglare interfering with the pilot's view.NTSB CHI98LA076Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 35-33 · Chesterfield, MOthe pilot's failure to position the fuel selector to the proper fuel tank which led to fuel starvation.NTSB CHI98LA075Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Boone, IAfailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from obstruction(s), while flying low over a river. The obstruction (power line) was a related factor.NTSB CHI98LA073Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 402B · Watertown, SDthe pilot's failure to perform an aircraft preflight and to remove the ice which had accumulated on the airframe. A factor involved in the accident was the icing weather conditions which existed and the ice which accumulated on the airplane.NTSB LAX98LA065Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Van Nuys, CAThe student and flight instructor's failure to verify that the landing gear was in the down position, and the design of the electrical system in which a single-point aircraft system malfunction (one open circuit breaker) disabled both the landing gear warning…NTSB LAX98FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-11 · Willow Beach, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft for undetermined reasons.NTSB FTW98LA081Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 310R · Grants, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to secure the right engine oil cap, resulting in oil exhaustion and the loss of engine…NTSB FTW98LA080Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Dfw Airport, TXfailure of the pilot in the 2nd airplane (N4980V) to see-and-avoid the standing airplane (N2069C). Related factors were: darkness, and inadequate (vague) instructions issued by the UPS ramp controller.NTSB CHI98FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMitsubishi MU-2B-30 · Wayne, ILthe pilot in command failed to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor was the lack of experience of the pilot and copilot in the type and model of aircraft. An additional factor was the pilot did not follow the proper procedure when the flaps were raised…NTSB MIA98FA047Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 414A · Guyton, GAInadequate maintenance of the cabin pressurization system, which resulted in inadequate pressurization and incapacitation of the pilot due to the hypoxia. Also causal was the pilot's failure to adequately monitor the cabin pressurization system.NTSB CHI98LA126Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Ft. Leonardwood, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance and his inadequate inflight decision which resulted in VFR flight in to instrument meteorological conditions. The pilot's overconfidence in his ability is a contributing factor.NTSB NYC98LA057Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Elkins, WVThe flight instructor's failure to identify an unsafe runway condition and his delay in aborting the takeoff. Contributing was the aircraft's maximum takeoff weight exceeded, and a snow-covered runway.NTSB NYC98LA056Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Ferncliff, VAthe improper installation of the engine oil temperature probe which resulted in oil starvation and a total loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the pilot's overflight of available airports in an effort to reach the 'Nearest Airport' displayed on…NTSB NYC98LA055Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Mansfield, MAThe pilot's failure to remove snow and ice from the aircraft prior to takeoff resulting in degraded climb performance and a subsequent stall/mush condition.NTSB NYC98LA051Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3C-65 · Albany, OHthe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision and failure to turn off the carburetor heat during the go-around. Related factors were: the pilot's lack of experience in make and model, and the proximity of trees.NTSB MIA98WA075Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationRockwell 690A · Villavicencio, ColombiaNTSB FTW98LA078Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 35 · Springdale, ARThe fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to refuel and his inadequate pre-flight planning. Factors were the pilot's disorientation due to instrument meteorological conditions. Another factor, was the lack of suitable terrain for the pilot to execute a…NTSB FTW98LA077Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180J · Fort Worth, TXthe pilot's improper planning/decision, by allowing the airplane to get in a situation, where he could not compensate for wind conditions. A related factor was the gusty crosswind.NTSB DCA98MA015Accident · 1 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBoeing 747-122 · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)The pilot-in-command's inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions, and the difficulty of obtaining adequate weather forecasts of over-ocean turbulence. Factors contributing to the accident include the presence of clear air turbulence, and the failure…NTSB FTW98LA090Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Ruidoso, NMthe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. Related factors were: the gusty crosswind condition, icy runway, and proximity of the snowbank.NTSB FTW98LA079Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 35-B33 · Englewood, COThe pilot's improper decision to land in wind conditions that exceeded the airplane's crosswind component, and his failure to divert to an alternate airport with runways more nearly aligned with the wind. Factors were the icy runway and crosswind.NTSB CHI98LA067Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 35-B33 · Troy, MIloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). Factors associated with the accident were: the lack of a suitable forced landing site, and the embankment (dirt bank), which the airplane contacted.NTSB SEA98IA027Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 737-522 · Eugene, ORA checklist procedure was not followed. The initiation of an evacuation was a factor.NTSB NYC98LA054Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMayers SEA REY · Gloucester, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing, which resulted in a nose over.NTSB NYC98LA053Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 Beta · Riverside, PAthe pilot's improper response to the low rotor RPM warning. Factors in the accident were the pilot's failure to turn for the forced landing area and the carburetor icing conditions.NTSB MIA98LA046Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Columbia, SCThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning, and his poor in-flight decision making.NTSB MIA98FA045Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Raleigh-Durham, NCWas loss of control of the airplane on initial climb after entering instrument flight conditions resulting in a turn opposite in direction from that given by ATC, and eventual collision with terrain.NTSB SEA98LA026Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Kenmore, WAthe pilot's inadequately planned approach and failure to maintain directional control. The pilot's lack of total experience in kind of aircraft and haze were factors.NTSB NYC98LA052Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech BE-33A · Lancaster, PAPassenger control interference which resulted in pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during landing.NTSB LAX98LA054Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Stoil, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance and his inadequate visual outlook.. Factors were a severed fuel line which resulted in an in-flight fire, which diminished the pilot's ability to land the airplane with smoke and fire in the cockpit.NTSB FTW98LA075Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Monticello, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and clearance from obstacles. Also causal was the pilot becoming lost and disoriented. Contributing factors were his lack of familiarity with the geographical area, lack of experience, night conditions, and…NTSB DCA98WA025Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 757 · Amsterdam, NetherlandsNTSB CHI98LA072Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30/A · Hastings, NEThe pilot's improper IFR procedure, by which he failed to maintain minimum descent altitude. Fog, a low ceiling, and night condition were a contributing factor.NTSB NYC98LA050Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 1900D · Windsor Locks, CTThe inadequate snow removal by airport personnel. Contributing factors were the snowbank and whiteout conditions.NTSB CHI98FA070Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-301 · Hampshire, ILthe pilot's intentional flight into known icing conditions, and the accumulation of ice on the leading edges of the airplane's empennage and wings leading to the inadvertent stall/mush. A factor contributing to this accident was the icing conditions.NTSB ATL98FA030Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Tallahassee, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath and adequate obstacle clearance which resulted in collision with a power transmission line.NTSB MIA98LA044Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Everglades City, FLthe pilot's improper fuel management and improper in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, loss of engine power, and a forced landing. Related factors were: the light conditions at dusk, and the lack of suitable terrain for a forced…NTSB DCA98WA019Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationBell UH-1H · Columbia, ColombiaNTSB ATL98LA029Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLutz EAA Biplane P-2 · Wellington, FLfailure of the pilot to ensure the fuel selector was properly positioned to a tank with adequate fuel before takeoff, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power; failure of the pilot to accomplish the emergency procedure (restart the engine…NTSB ATL98LA028Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Eustis, FLfailure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground swerve and subsequent collision with a parked airplane. Related factors were: the pilot's lack of experience in tailwheel aircraft, the…NTSB NYC98FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Spring City, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB LAX98LA062Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Healdsburg, CAthe pilot's misjudged distance and altitude relationship to the runway during a short field approach, which resulted in an undershoot and a hard landing.NTSB FTW98LA071Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportUnknown Quicksilver GT-500 · San Antonio, TXthe kitplane builder's improper installation of the bolts attaching the left leading edge wing strut fitting to the leading edge spar, which resulted in the eventual failure of the fitting and the ensuing loss of control. Related factors were: the…NTSB FTW98FA074Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A100 · Colo Springs, COFailure of the pilot to follow IFR Procedures and maintain the minimum descent altitude (MDA). A related factor was fog.NTSB NYC98FA047Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCady LONG-EZ · West Milford, NJFailure of the pilot to use carburetor heat, which resulted in carburetor ice. Carburetor icing conditions and terrain conditions were contributing factors.NTSB LAX98LA059Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Safford, AZThe pilot's poor in-flight judgement and intentional flight into known adverse weather conditions. Related factors were, mountainous terrain, rain and fog.NTSB LAX98LA058Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 8KCAB · Truckee, CAinternal mechanical failure of the engine due to a progressive failure of the No. 3 connecting rod assembly. A contributing factor was the snow pack which covered the only accessible emergency landing area.NTSB LAX98IA061Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas MD-80 · San Francisco, CAAn emergency evacuation due to fumes from a failed hydraulic line that entered into the cabin.