In order to understand the causes and distribution of oil and gas pipeline failure, an analysis and research of oil and gas pipeline failure data was carried out based on the failure data in the 20 years from 1995 to 2014 in the United States PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) pipeline failure database. The research studies the reporting criteria and classification requirements of the United States pipeline failure incident data, analyses the number and developing trend of incidents, consequences and causes. The analysis results show that the number of major incidents in the United States has decreased significantly year by year since 2002 when the authority introduced more stringent pipeline management requirements. Meanwhile the number of reported incidents and serious incidents has basically remained stable. The causes of failure of oil and gas pipelines were studied, and the proportion of incidents caused by seven risk factors was studied. The hazard occurrence probability and severity of hazard consequences were evaluated. The results show that the main causes of failure of all reported incidents and serious incidents were material/welding, corrosion and excavation damage, and the main causes of failure of major incidents were excavation damage, other unknown causes and maloperation. Finally, some suggestions on the development of pipeline incident management and statistical analysis in China are put forward.