# NTSB investigations: Emergency descent initiated

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA071.md): Cirrus Design SR22T · Lake Elsinore, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 23, 2025 · N272HM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s intentional deployment of the airframe parachute system due to task-saturation in instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB GAA26WA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA26WA035.md): Robinson R22 · Chillagoe, Australia · Accident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 2, 2025 · VH-HFQ · Destroyed
- [NTSB GAA25WA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA25WA070.md): Cessna 182 · Región del Bio Bio, Chile · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Foreign · Jan 26, 2025 · CC-KKM · Substantial damage
- [NTSB WPR24LA265](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA265.md): Bell 407 · Raft River, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 3, 2024 · N20BH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s misdiagnosis of an erroneous engine instrument indication and his subsequent decision to enter an autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing due to degraded visual cues and low ambient light conditions. Contributing to the accident were the…
- [NTSB ERA24LA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA211.md): Piper PA32 · Apopka, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 8, 2024 · N908DK · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to sticking exhaust valves. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s failure to use available engine data while troubleshooting a known engine issue and maintenance personnel’s failure to comply with…
- [NTSB WPR24LA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA067.md): Bell 206B · El Centro, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 24, 2023 · N111PM · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight failure of the engine-to-transmission driveshaft due to a fatigue fracture of the forward-most flex plate in the forward KAflex coupling that resulted from a loose bolt attachment between the flex plate and the forward driveshaft coupling.…
- [NTSB WPR23LA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA294.md): Cessna 195 · Ravensdale, WA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 30, 2023 · N195JL · Substantial damage
  > Partial loss of power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the siphoning of fuel from the left-wing fuel filler port due to wear on the fuel filler cap.
- [NTSB CEN23LA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA166.md): Protech PT2 · Columbia, MS · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 25, 2023 · N44048 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s lack of proper maintenance, which allowed the fuel filters to become obstructed, leading to fuel starvation and a subsequent engine power loss.
- [NTSB WPR22LA291](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA291.md): Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 · Chino, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 4, 2022 · N833SB · Substantial damage
  > The subsequent delamination of the main rotor blades as a result of an unidentified main rotor blade impact with vegetation during a previous flight by another pilot.
- [NTSB WPR22LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA005.md): Beech B36TC · Los Banos, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 9, 2021 · N7220B · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to the improper installation of the No. 4 connecting rod bolt nut during a recent overhaul.
- [NTSB ERA21LA349](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA349.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Grant-Valkaria, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 30, 2021 · N864LM · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB WPR21LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA108.md): Abbett Gerry Lancair Evolution · Saratoga, WY · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 8, 2021 · N7569A · Substantial damage
  > A windshield failure during cruise flight due to stress concentrations in the bond area as a result of improper assembly of the windshield.
- [NTSB ERA21LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA087.md): Piper PA46 · Naples, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 19, 2020 · N662TC · Substantial damage
  > The inadvertent activation of the unguarded ferry tank fuel selector valve, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB GAA20WA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20WA125.md): Cessna R172 · Tarapaca-Amazonas, Colombia · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jul 30, 2020 · HK2129 · Destroyed
- [NTSB GAA20WA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20WA122.md): Robinson R22 · Rio De Janeiro, Brazil · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Foreign · Jul 6, 2020 · PR-OEA · Substantial damage
  > The government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a ROBINSON R22 helicopter that occurred on July 06, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under the provisions…
- [NTSB CEN20LA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA286.md): Robinson R44 · Welsh, LA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 2, 2020 · N7511D · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power while in flight due to corrosion of engine components, which resulted in a loss of control and a subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC20LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20LA028.md): Eurocopter EC130 · Kalapana, HI · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 5, 2020 · N11QK · Substantial damage
  > A loss of control due to the fatigue fracture of a tail rotor fenestron blade due to the geometry of the water drain hole positioning on the rib.
- [NTSB CEN19LA245](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA245.md): Robinson R22 · Water Valley, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 8, 2019 · N334DC · Substantial damage
  > The loss of helicopter performance for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB WPR19LA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA187.md): Beech C23 · Ludlow, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 30, 2019 · N24580 · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s failure to properly tighten an oil line fitting, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ANC19LA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC19LA016.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Bethel, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 12, 2019 · N4466T · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to a fatigue failure of the crankshaft. A contributing factor was the inadequate inspection during the engine’s last overhaul.
- [NTSB WPR17FA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA179.md): Michaelian Lancair IV-TP · Rio Linda, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2017 · N420M · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
- [NTSB WPR17LA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA176.md): Cessna 172S · Seattle, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 31, 2017 · N957TA · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to oil starvation as a result of the loose right magneto, which allowed oil to escape and the engine to seize. Contributing to the accident was inadequate maintenance, which failed to identify the loose magneto bolt.
- [NTSB WPR17LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA104.md): Evolution Air Lancair Evolution · Firebaugh, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 15, 2017 · N846PM · Substantial damage
  > A failure in the windshield, frame, or windshield-to-frame bond, which resulted in a rapid decompression during cruise flight.
- [NTSB CEN17FA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA071.md): Columbia Aircraft Mfg LC41 550FG · Gurdon, AR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 5, 2017 · N972JK · Destroyed
  > The loss of control in flight for reasons that could not be determined because of the severe impact and postcrash fire damage to the airplane and the lack of information about the airplane emergency that the pilot was experiencing.
- [NTSB ERA16LA293](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA293.md): Cessna 150G · Shirley, NY · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 13, 2016 · N3666J · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s inadequate maintenance and inspection of the airplane, which resulted in the left elevator attachment bolt backing out of the nutplate, and partial inflight separation and damage of the elevator.
- [NTSB WPR16FA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA153.md): Piper PA-31T · McKinleyville, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 2016 · N661TC · Destroyed
  > An inflight fire in the floor area near the main bus tie circuit breaker panel that resulted from chafing between an electrical wire and a hydraulic line and/or airplane structure.
- [NTSB GAA16CA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA259.md): Cessna 182 · Reno, NV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 24, 2016 · N4793D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate fuel planning, resulting in fuel exhaustion and substantial damage to the firewall during the forced landing.
- [NTSB WPR16FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA072.md): Bell 206B · Honolulu, HI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 18, 2016 · N80918 · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight failure of the engine-to-transmission drive shaft due to improper maintenance, which resulted in low main rotor rpm and a subsequent hard landing to water.
- [NTSB ERA15IA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15IA198.md): Dassault-Breguet Mystere Falcon 900 · Orlando, FL · Incident · No injuries · Class 2 · Incident · Final report · Apr 16, 2015 · N610RL · Minor damage
  > Unknown maintenance personnel’s inadequate securing of a wiring bundle during a maintenance, repair, or modification event, which led to chafing of the wiring bundle, an electrical short and arcing, and a subsequent in-flight fire.
- [NTSB WPR14CA334](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA334.md): Jabiru USA Sport J250 SP · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 8, 2014 · N526FL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate approach which resulted in a long landing and runway overrun.
- [NTSB ERA14LA252](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA252.md): Cessna 182 · Elkton, MD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 21, 2014 · N182PJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to attain the proper touchdown point during a no-flap landing to a wet, down-sloping runway, and the airplane's dynamic hydroplaning after touchdown, which resulted in a runway overrun. Contributing to the accident was a total loss of…
- [NTSB DCA13WA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA13WA031.md): Boeing 737 · Bogota, Colombia · Incident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Nov 24, 2012 · HP1371CM · No damage
  > On 24 November, 2012, at approxiumately 1636 UTC time, a Boeing B737-7V3, registration HP1371CM, operated by Copa Airlines Columbia between Bogota and Cartegna, Coulmbia, experienced a depressurization while climbing through FL240 and the oxygen masks…
- [NTSB CEN12FA290](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA290.md): Cessna 401 · Chanute, KS · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 11, 2012 · N9DM · Substantial damage
  > The malfunction of the cabin heater, which resulted in an inflight fire and smoke in the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of understanding concerning the status of the airplane's heater system following and earlier overheat event…
- [NTSB WPR11LA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA167.md): Rotorway A600 · Chandler, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 15, 2011 · N602RW · Substantial damage
  > A design modification that changed the fasteners and components used to attach the main rotor drive pulley to the engine, which resulted in fatigue failure of those fasteners and a complete loss of power to the main rotor.
- [NTSB CEN11CA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA046.md): Hughes J/Hughes J Rand-Robinson · Pearland, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 29, 2010 · N128JH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was an engine oil leak which partially obscured the pilot’s forward vision.
- [NTSB ANC10LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10LA074.md): Cessna U206G · Homer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 2010 · N9815M · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, resulting in an off-airport emergency landing and subsequent nose over.
- [NTSB CEN10LA449](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA449.md): Cessna 172P · Santa Fe, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 2010 · N52708 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power following a loss of oil pressure for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB DCA09FA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA09FA065.md): Boeing 737 · Charleston, WV · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 13, 2009 · N387SW · Substantial damage
  > Fuselage skin failure due to preexisting fatigue at a chemically milled step.
- [NTSB DFW08CA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08CA236.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Augusta, KS · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 18, 2008 · N6822J · Substantial damage
  > A loose oil line that resulted in a total loss of engine oil, causing the engine to cease.
- [NTSB CHI08CA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA264.md): Cessna 172 · Pullman, MI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 24, 2008 · N3901R · Substantial damage
  > A complete loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the rough terrain encountered during the forced landing.
- [NTSB ANC08LA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08LA089.md): Dehavilland DHC-3 · Iliamna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 2008 · N61FE · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to the separation of the number 8 cylinder from the engine, which separated an oil line, resulting in a loss of oil and oil pressure. Contributing to the accident was the float-equipped airplane's forced landing on a road.
- [NTSB NYC08CA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA083.md): Robinson R44 II · Fenner, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 15, 2008 · N122AA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed decision to perform a precautionary landing. Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility in snow and the soft terrain.

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
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 c."mKey" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '130' AND s.case_mkey IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' WHERE "isDefiningEvent"))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/130/sequence

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OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.
