NTSB investigations
20,992 cases where the phase of flight was Approach.
Cases, newest first
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "WITH phase_names(main, name) AS (VALUES (100, 'Prior to flight'), (150, 'Standing'), (200, 'Pushback/towing'), (250, 'Taxi'), (300, 'Takeoff'), (350, 'Initial climb'), (400, 'Enroute'), (450, 'Maneuvering'), (500, 'Approach'), (550, 'Landing'), (600, 'Emergency descent'), (650, 'Uncontrolled descent'), (700, 'Post-impact'), (750, 'After landing'), (800, 'Other'), (990, 'Unknown')),
crosswalk(code, main, name) AS (VALUES (500, 150, 'Standing'), (501, 150, 'Standing - pre-flight'), (502, 150, 'Standing - starting engine(s)'), (503, 150, 'Standing - engine(s) operating'), (504, 150, 'Standing - engine(s) not operating'), (505, 150, 'Standing - idling rotors'), (510, 250, 'Taxi'), (511, 200, 'Taxi - pushback/tow'), (512, 250, 'Taxi - to takeoff'), (513, 250, 'Taxi - from landing'), (514, 250, 'Taxi - aerial'), (520, 300, 'Takeoff'), (521, 300, 'Takeoff - roll/run'), (522, 350, 'Takeoff - initial climb'), (523, 300, 'Takeoff - aborted'), (530, 400, 'Climb'), (531, 400, 'Climb - to cruise'), (540, 400, 'Cruise'), (541, 400, 'Cruise - normal'), (542, 400, 'Maneuvering - holding (IFR)'), (550, 400, 'Descent'), (551, 400, 'Descent - normal'), (552, 600, 'Descent - emergency'), (553, 650, 'Descent - uncontrolled'), (560, 500, 'Approach'), (561, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - downwind'), (562, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - base turn'), (563, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - base leg/base to final'), (564, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - final approach'), (565, 500, 'Go-around (VFR)'), (566, 500, 'Approach - IAF to FAF/outer marker (IFR)'), (567, 500, 'Approach - FAF/outer marker to threshold (IFR)'), (568, 500, 'Circling (IFR)'), (569, 500, 'Missed approach (IFR)'), (570, 550, 'Landing'), (571, 550, 'Landing - flare/touchdown'), (572, 550, 'Landing - roll'), (573, 550, 'Landing - aborted'), (574, 550, 'Emergency landing'), (575, 550, 'Emergency landing after takeoff'), (576, 600, 'Emergency descent/landing'), (580, 450, 'Maneuvering'), (581, 450, 'Maneuvering - aerial application'), (582, 450, 'Maneuvering - turn to reverse direction'), (583, 450, 'Maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)'), (590, 450, 'Hover'), (591, 450, 'Hover - in ground effect'), (592, 450, 'Hover - out of ground effect'), (600, 800, 'Other'), (610, 990, 'Unknown')),
current_codes AS (
SELECT e.case_mkey, TRY_CAST(e.\"tier1Number\" AS INTEGER) AS code,
row_number() OVER (PARTITION BY e.case_mkey ORDER BY coalesce(e.\"isDefiningEvent\", false) DESC, e.position) AS n
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e
WHERE e.aircrafts_position = 1 AND e.\"tier1Number\" GLOB '[1-9][0-9]*'
AND (e.\"isDefiningEvent\" OR e.case_mkey IN (SELECT \"mKey\" FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' WHERE \"isPre1982\"))
),
phases AS (
SELECT case_mkey, 'current' AS scheme, code, CASE WHEN code >= 990 THEN 990 ELSE code // 50 * 50 END AS main
FROM current_codes WHERE n = 1
UNION ALL
SELECT o.case_mkey, 'older', o.\"phaseOfFlightCode\", w.main
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o JOIN crosswalk w ON w.code = o.\"phaseOfFlightCode\"
WHERE o.aircrafts_position = 1 AND o.\"occurrenceNumber\" = 1 AND o.case_mkey NOT IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM current_codes)
),
case_phases AS (
SELECT p.*, c.\"eventDate\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal' AS fatal, a.aircraft_model_code
FROM phases p JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c ON c.\"mKey\" = p.case_mkey
LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = p.case_mkey AND a.position = 1
WHERE c.\"eventDate\" >= DATE '1962-01-01' AND p.main IN (SELECT main FROM phase_names)
)
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 case_mkey FROM case_phases WHERE main = 500)
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.
WITH phase_names(main, name) AS (VALUES (100, 'Prior to flight'), (150, 'Standing'), (200, 'Pushback/towing'), (250, 'Taxi'), (300, 'Takeoff'), (350, 'Initial climb'), (400, 'Enroute'), (450, 'Maneuvering'), (500, 'Approach'), (550, 'Landing'), (600, 'Emergency descent'), (650, 'Uncontrolled descent'), (700, 'Post-impact'), (750, 'After landing'), (800, 'Other'), (990, 'Unknown')),
crosswalk(code, main, name) AS (VALUES (500, 150, 'Standing'), (501, 150, 'Standing - pre-flight'), (502, 150, 'Standing - starting engine(s)'), (503, 150, 'Standing - engine(s) operating'), (504, 150, 'Standing - engine(s) not operating'), (505, 150, 'Standing - idling rotors'), (510, 250, 'Taxi'), (511, 200, 'Taxi - pushback/tow'), (512, 250, 'Taxi - to takeoff'), (513, 250, 'Taxi - from landing'), (514, 250, 'Taxi - aerial'), (520, 300, 'Takeoff'), (521, 300, 'Takeoff - roll/run'), (522, 350, 'Takeoff - initial climb'), (523, 300, 'Takeoff - aborted'), (530, 400, 'Climb'), (531, 400, 'Climb - to cruise'), (540, 400, 'Cruise'), (541, 400, 'Cruise - normal'), (542, 400, 'Maneuvering - holding (IFR)'), (550, 400, 'Descent'), (551, 400, 'Descent - normal'), (552, 600, 'Descent - emergency'), (553, 650, 'Descent - uncontrolled'), (560, 500, 'Approach'), (561, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - downwind'), (562, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - base turn'), (563, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - base leg/base to final'), (564, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - final approach'), (565, 500, 'Go-around (VFR)'), (566, 500, 'Approach - IAF to FAF/outer marker (IFR)'), (567, 500, 'Approach - FAF/outer marker to threshold (IFR)'), (568, 500, 'Circling (IFR)'), (569, 500, 'Missed approach (IFR)'), (570, 550, 'Landing'), (571, 550, 'Landing - flare/touchdown'), (572, 550, 'Landing - roll'), (573, 550, 'Landing - aborted'), (574, 550, 'Emergency landing'), (575, 550, 'Emergency landing after takeoff'), (576, 600, 'Emergency descent/landing'), (580, 450, 'Maneuvering'), (581, 450, 'Maneuvering - aerial application'), (582, 450, 'Maneuvering - turn to reverse direction'), (583, 450, 'Maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)'), (590, 450, 'Hover'), (591, 450, 'Hover - in ground effect'), (592, 450, 'Hover - out of ground effect'), (600, 800, 'Other'), (610, 990, 'Unknown')),
current_codes AS (
SELECT e.case_mkey, TRY_CAST(e."tier1Number" AS INTEGER) AS code,
row_number() OVER (PARTITION BY e.case_mkey ORDER BY coalesce(e."isDefiningEvent", false) DESC, e.position) AS n
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e
WHERE e.aircrafts_position = 1 AND e."tier1Number" GLOB '[1-9][0-9]*'
AND (e."isDefiningEvent" OR e.case_mkey IN (SELECT "mKey" FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' WHERE "isPre1982"))
),
phases AS (
SELECT case_mkey, 'current' AS scheme, code, CASE WHEN code >= 990 THEN 990 ELSE code // 50 * 50 END AS main
FROM current_codes WHERE n = 1
UNION ALL
SELECT o.case_mkey, 'older', o."phaseOfFlightCode", w.main
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o JOIN crosswalk w ON w.code = o."phaseOfFlightCode"
WHERE o.aircrafts_position = 1 AND o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o.case_mkey NOT IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM current_codes)
),
case_phases AS (
SELECT p.*, c."eventDate", c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AS fatal, a.aircraft_model_code
FROM phases p JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c ON c."mKey" = p.case_mkey
LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = p.case_mkey AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."eventDate" >= DATE '1962-01-01' AND p.main IN (SELECT main FROM phase_names)
)
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 case_mkey FROM case_phases WHERE main = 500)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESCRun 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 NYC00FA067Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C-90 · Somerset, KYthe failure of the pilot to follow his approach clearance, and subsequent descent into unprotected airspace which resulted in a collision with the guy wire. Factors were the failure of the air traffic controller to verify the approach he cleared the pilot to…NTSB FTW00LA066Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Brownsville, TXThe hard landing of the aircraft resulting from the pilot's excessive rate of descent on the VFR approach. A factor was the loss of right engine power for an undetermined reason.NTSB CHI00LA058Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Liberal, KSthe pilot not maintaining proper glidepath on the ILS approach, the pilot's improper decision to continue the approach below the glidepath, and the pilot's failure to perform a missed approach. Factors relating to the accident were the low ceiling and…NTSB NYC00FA064Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerostar 601P · Coatesville, PAThe pilot's failure to follow the published instrument approach procedure, and his failure to establish a climb after passing the missed approach point.NTSB LAX00LA070Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHawker Siddeley Hunter F MK 4 · Chino, CAA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the particulate contamination in the fuel.NTSB NYC00FA063Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310N · Old Forge, PABoth pilots' failure to adequately manage the fuel supply, which resulted in fuel starvation.NTSB CHI00FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D-95A Travelair · Dunbar, WIthe pilot failed to maintain a proper glidepath and obstacle clearance during an instrument approach. Additional factors to the accident included the dark night, icing conditions, flight into known adverse weather, and conditions conducive to pilot fatigue.NTSB LAX00LA071Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRotorway Exec 90 · Chandler, AZthe fatigue fracture and separation of the secondary drive shaft, which resulted from the manufacturer's inadequate quality control process.NTSB ATL00FA021Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Cordesville, SCThe pilot's inadequate inflight planning that resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power.NTSB LAX00LA065Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Fallbrook, CAthe pilot's misjudged altitude and distance during a night landing approach, which resulted in an undershoot.NTSB LAX00LA058Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportO'Hara Bob Bakeng Duce · Carson City, NVThe pilot's misjudged distance/altitude during final approach to landing, which led to an undershoot and subsequent collision with obstacles.NTSB NYC00FA058Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Leominster, MAThe student pilot's failure to see and avoid the private pilot's airplane. Factors included the student pilot's non-standard traffic pattern entry, the private pilot's failure to check for other traffic before turning onto final, and the position of the sun…NTSB ATL00FA017Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 551 · Cordele, GAThe pilot's failure to follow the published missed approach procedures, and to maintain proper altitude. Factors contributing to the severity of the accident were the low ceilings and trees.NTSB FTW00LA051Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Bulverde, TXThe total loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.NTSB MIA00GA057Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportHughes OH-6A · Fort Myers, FLimproper maintenance inspection of the helicopter by unknown maintenance personnel, resulting in a worn control rod bearing being continued in service, and subsequent separation, resulting in an in-flight loss of control and a crash.NTSB MIA00LA055Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-400 · Naples, FLThe pilot's improper fuel management and selection of an empty fuel tank (auxiliary) on approach for landing. This resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, forced landing, and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB MIA00LA053Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSwertfeger Velocity 173 Elite · Murfreesboro, TNThe failure of an unknown maintenance person to comply with an Airworthiness Directive (replace center body bellows seal assembly and tube bushings) and Service Bulletin (replace fuel diaphragm) resulting in an in-flight power loss due to an over rich…NTSB DEN00LA029Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech N-35 · Englewood, COA forced landing on unsuitable terrain due a complete loss of power. A factor was the pilot inadvertently placing the fuel selector to the off position while executing the approach for landing checklist.NTSB CHI00LA041Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Mankato, MNthe pilots failure to maintain a proper glidepath. Factors were the dark night and the pilots lack of recent night flying experience.NTSB CHI00LA036Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Ava, MOthe improper in-flight decision made by the pilot. Factors to the accident were the charts/other manuals depicting the incorrect frequency, the dirt bank, and the rocks.NTSB CHI00FA040Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Branson, MOthe pilot descended below the minimum altitude for the segment of the GPS approach. Factors relating to the accident were low ceilings, rain, and pilot fatigue.NTSB MIA00LA040Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Pelzer, SCThe student pilot's failure to recognize and compensate for changing wind conditions while on final approach and landing and his failure to initiate a timely go-around, resulting in collision with trees and a utility pole.NTSB MIA00FA041Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · Deland, FLThe inadequate visual lookout by the pilot-in-command (PIC)/certified flight instructor (CFI) of both aircraft. Contributing factors in the accident were: 1) the frequency congestion of the CTAF 2) the poor in-flight planning decision by the PIC/CFI of the…NTSB MIA00LA036Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Sanford, FLThe inadequate supervision of the student pilot by the pilot-in-command (CFI) for his failure to take the controls from the student and initiate a go-around earlier following the airplane drifting off the runway centerline.NTSB MIA00LA035Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHoward DGA-15P · Daytona Beach, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an attempted go-around, and the subsequent wing tip strike of the ground and collision with a tree. A factor in the loss of control was the crosswind conditions present during the landing attempt.NTSB MIA00LA031Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 175-235 · Mint Hill, NCThe PIC's improper preflight fuel planning and preparation and the PIC's improper en route fuel consumption calculations resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and damage to the aircraft during the subsequent forced landing.NTSB LAX00LA045Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLewis Stewart S-51 · Aguila, AZThe jamming of a main landing gear in its wheel well for undetermined reasons.NTSB FTW00LA037Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Hillsboro, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the go-around. A factor was the gust of wind.NTSB SEA00LA025Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDassault DA-20 · Boise, IDFailure of the forward gear door lock pin. An inoperative landing gear door and inadequate maintenance inspection of the aircraft were factors.NTSB LAX00TA051Accident · No injuriesFinal reportde Havilland DHC-7 · Kwajalein, Marshall IslandsThe failure of the flight crew to properly execute the emergency landing gear extension procedure in response to a landing gear unsafe cockpit indication.NTSB NYC00IA036Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 767-200 · Jamaica, NYTotal failure of the stabilizer control system for undetermined reasons.NTSB FTW00FA035Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · New Orleans, LAthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in a stall/spin. A contributing factor was the dusk light condition.NTSB NYC00LA037Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech C23 · Fincastle, VAThe restricted movement of the fuel selector and the pilot-in-command's failure to verify the fuel selector was in a proper position.NTSB FTW00LA034Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Carrolton, TXThe pilot's failure to refuel, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB LAX00LA035Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAmerican General AG5B · Van Nuys, CAThe pilot's encounter with unknown and unanticipated wake turbulence from a heavy transport aircraft, which was landing at another airport. A factor in the accident was the tower controller's failure to repeat a previously broadcast wake turbulence cautionary…NTSB CHI00LA033Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS-1-34 · East Lynne, MOinadequate airspeed and a subsequent stall. Factors associated with the accident were the tailwind, the pilot's misjudgment of the wind condition, and poor inflight planning.NTSB SEA00LA017Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Astoria, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed after a delayed go-around. Factors include incapacitation due to the use of unapproved drugs.NTSB FTW00LA026Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWaco KNF · Midway, ARThe inability of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane as a result of a downdraft.NTSB FTW00LA025Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStreifthau Baby Great Lakes · Iowa Park, TXThe loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's failure to refuel the airplane.NTSB NYC00FA020Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Medina, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude during the final approach segment of the visual approach. A factor was the diminishing light conditions of a deepening dusk.NTSB LAX00GA025Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas 500N · San Jose, CAThe pilot's in-flight loss of control due to the failure and separation of the forward thruster control cable telescoping sleeve ball swivel fitting, which resulted in a stuck thruster and the entry into an uncontrollable yaw/spin. Also causal was the…NTSB CHI00LA015Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWelch Murphy Rebel · Saint Johns, MIthe pilot not maintaining altitude and clearance. Factors were the trees, the flap control not fully engaged, and the pilot's lack of total experience in the kind of airplane flown.NTSB ATL00LA007Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Arecibo, PRThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude clearance during final approach to landing. A factor was the hay bundles.NTSB SEA00IA007Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Wenatchee, WAThe failure of the pilots in both aircraft to maintain an adequate visual lookout. Haze was a factor.NTSB FTW00LA019Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna TU206A · Jeanerette, LAThe total loss of power for undetermined reasons and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, while clearing a ditch during a forced landing, resulting in an inadvertent stall. A factor was the ditch.NTSB LAX00LA023Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLuhnau BD-5B · Boulder City, NVThe pilot's failure to secure an electrical wire terminal in the propeller pitch control circuit following a maintenance adjustment, which resulted in the propeller malfunctioning and going to a flat pitch. The flat pitch of the propeller produced a high drag…NTSB SEA00LA005Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech S35 · Melstone, MTLoss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB SEA00LA006Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Bozeman, MTThe pilot-in-command's (CFI) failure to take remedial action. Factors include the private pilot letting the airspeed get too low.NTSB SEA00LA004Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportThomson Vans RV-6 · Emmett, IDThe pilot's improper fuel management, resulting in fuel starvation. A factor was the aircraft's low altitude at the time engine power was lost.NTSB LAX00LA013Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Los Angeles, CA**This report was modified on 2/23/2016. Please refer to the public docket for this accident for additional information.** The pilot-in-command's excessive rate of descent and improper use of the collective control, which resulted in a low rotor rpm condition.