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 LAX95LA111Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182C · Novato, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper base leg alignment while flying in the traffic pattern and his misjudged distance and altitude during the approach. A factor which contributed to the accident was the dark nighttime lighting condition which reduced the…NTSB NYC95FA056Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Chippewa Falls, WIThe pilot's improper decision to depart into known adverse weather conditions, and the subsequent encounter with freezing drizzle, resulting in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain during an approach to land. Also causal to the accident was the…NTSB FTW95LA115Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · Mcgregor, TXThe pilot's delayed initiation of the missed approach until well below the minimum descent altitude and beyond the published missed approach point. Factors were the dark night and the low ceiling and visibility.NTSB LAX95LA106Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBurkhart Grob Twin Astir · Fort Huachuca, AZImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in his failure to remain clear of tree(s) during an off-airport landing. Factors related to the accident were: lack of thermal lift, and high obstructions in the off-airport landing area.NTSB LAX95FA105Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301T · Ceres, CAthe pilot inadvertently becoming lost/disoriented during a missed approach, his failure to follow the proper missed approach procedure, and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to spatial disorientation.NTSB FTW95FA112Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Conroe, TXThe pilot's failure to follow published IFR procedures. Factors were the weather conditions, the dark night, and the pilot's failure to activate the approach lighting system.NTSB MIA95FA072Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Mobile, ALThe pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion before reaching the airport, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain.NTSB FTW95LA109Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell 112B · Coyote, NMWater contamination of the fuel from an unknown source. A factor related to the accident was: lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB LAX95LA094Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Sedona, AZthe pilot's improper compensation for the prevailing wind conditions, and his improper remedial action by raising the flaps before applying the power. The downdraft was a factor.NTSB CHI95LA076Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech V35A-TC · Pembina, NDthe pilot's misjudgement of the actual altitude of the airplane. Factors were the visual illusion caused by the snow covered runway environment and the whiteout weather condition.NTSB ATL95FA046Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Chamblee, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after becoming spatially disoriented. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's lack of proficiency (recent experience) in instrument flying, and improper approach control service by vectoring the…NTSB SEA95FA043Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Butte, MTThe pilot's failure to follow the IFR procedure by not maintaining the proper altitude prior to the initial appraoch fix. Factors to the accident were dark night conditions and a low ceiling.NTSB SEA95LA039Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · La Grande, ORFailure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude/clearance from higher terrain that was located near the airport. Factors related to the accident were: low ceiling, fog, false/incorrect indication of the NDB, failure of other personnel to properly issue a…NTSB SEA95FA038Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Moose, WYThe pilot's failure to fly the proper glidepath. A factor was the dark night light conditions.NTSB CHI95LA068Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Brookfield, WIThe instructor's failure to maintain clearance with trees. Factors associated with the accident were the trees and the night lighting conditions.NTSB ATL95LA040Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Orange Beach, ALA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ATL95LA039Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Burlington, NCThe pilot's improper pre-flight inspection, in that he failed to visually confirm the fuel quantity prior to departure.NTSB ATL95LA037Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna P210R · Lumberton, NCThe failure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control during the approach for landing, resulting in a collision with objects.NTSB FTW95FA087Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B95 · Hot Springs, ARThe pilot's failure to follow IFR and missed approach procedures.NTSB ATL95LA035Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 310N · Covington, GAThe pilot's improper fuel management which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power.NTSB FTW95LA085Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Brownsville, TXThe fuel starvation loss of engine power due to the pilot's improper use of the fuel tank selector. Factors were the pilot's qualification and the lack of suitable terrain for landing.NTSB ATL95LA034Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Fayetteville, TNThe pilot's improper use of carburetor heat.NTSB ATL95LA033Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Foley, ALAn engine fire for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA95FA053Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLarson, C.H. Cozy MK IV · Wauchula, FLDistance vs. altitude misjudged by the pilot-in-command while on short final approach. Additionally, altitude/clearance not maintained while on short final approach resulting in the collision with an unmarked static power line.NTSB FTW95IA083Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 737-3A4 · Houston, TXEncounter with wake turbulence.NTSB NYC95DNC01Accident · No injuriesFinal reportWyman Scorpion II · Cornish Flat, NHPartial failure and subsequent partial separation of skin on the underside of one main rotor blade, which resulted in a severe vibration, in-flight loss of aircraft control, and impact with the ground during an attempted autorotation.NTSB LAX95FA062Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Holtville, CAthe pilot's becoming lost/disoriented during a night cross- country flight at a time the flight was in a critical low fuel state, and his failure to maintain aircraft control during a go-around from an aborted precautionary landing. Factors in the accident…NTSB NYC95LA047Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-1A · Lancaster, NYThe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion due to an inadequate supply of fuel to return to the home airport after proceeding to an alternate airport and making a missed approach. Factors related to the accident were:…NTSB NYC95LA046Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Huber Heights, OHThe pilot's inadequate inflight decision/planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the loss of engine power. A factor is the pilot's inadequate preflight planning.NTSB FTW95LA070Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Oklahoma City, OKThe loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of improper fuel selector position. Factors were the dark night and lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB CHI95LA062Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Fort Dodge, IAThe pilot's improper IFR procedure. The low ceiling and fog were a factor.NTSB NYC95LA045Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Wheeling, WVThe student pilot's inadequately planned cross-country flight, and his subsequent disorientation, resulting in fuel exhaustion and a collision with an object.NTSB MIA95LA046Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Sarasota, FLIn flight planning decision delay by the pilot-in-command in that he failed to divert to an alternate airport before loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB SEA95LA024Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Auburn, WAThe pilot-in-command's not maintaining clearance from the power lines. A factor was the pilot-in-command's not maintaining the proper VASI glideslope.NTSB DCA95MA006Accident · 15 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBritish Aerospace Jetstream 3201 · Morrisville, NC1) the captain's improper assumption that an engine had failed, and 2) the captain's subsequent failure to follow approved procedures for engine failure, single-engine approach and go-around, and stall recovery. Contributing to the cause of the accident was…NTSB FTW95LA065Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCommonwealth Rearwin 185 · Longmont, COOil exhaustion and subsequent engine seizure due to a missing oil drain plug. Factors were the inadequate maintenance and the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB SEA95FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Seattle, WAFuel exhaustion, and the pilot's failure to refuel en route. Factors include a dark night and ditching in the waters of puget sound.NTSB ATL95LA027Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 500S · Millington, TNThe pilot's inadequate preflight of the aircraft, in that he did not ensure that there was adequate fuel for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.NTSB CHI95LA053Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Kansas City, MOFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed on final approach, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather (icing) conditions, the accumulation of airframe/wing ice, the pilot's improper use of…NTSB ATL95LA024Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · N. Myrtle Beach, SCThe pilot's failure to properly pre-flight the airplane to ensure the left fuel tank cover was properly secured.NTSB NYC95LA041Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Wadsworth, OHThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons which resulted in a forced landing on unsuitable terrain.NTSB NYC95LA040Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBurkhart Grob 103A · Blairstown, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper descent rate.NTSB LAX95LA042Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA5 · Santa Paula, CAThe failure of both pilots to maintain an adequate visual lookout for other traffic in the pattern, and the other pilot's failure to effectively use the CTAF for position reports while in the pattern.NTSB ATL95FA022Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Gastonia, NCThe pilot's failure to adequately plan the fuel requirements for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and the subsequent loss of engine power. The pilot also failed to maintain flying airspeed which resulted in a loss of control, during the…NTSB ATL95LA020Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Greer, SCThe pilot's failure to follow instrument approach procedures and his premature descent below the published decision height. A factor was pilot fatigue.NTSB ATL95FA021Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95B55 · Mableton, GAThe pilot's inadequate weather evaluation in that he failed to account for forecasted winds at altitude that resulted in an increased time en route and fuel exhaustion.NTSB NYC95FA033Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Doylestown, PAthe pilot's descent below the published minimum circling altitude, and his failure to execute the published missed approach procedure during a night IFR instrument approach, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.NTSB BFO95LA014Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Bethel, MEthe flight instructor's failure to ensure adequate control of the airplane during a go-around. The gusty wind conditions were contributing factors.NTSB ATL95LA017Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWSK PZL Mielec TS-11 Iskra · Shelby, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain landing approach speed, which resulted in a final approach stall. Factors were the night lighting conditions, and the pilot's failure to use the landing light.NTSB NYC95FA031Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Brewster, MAFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during a missed approach. A factor related to the accident was: the deteriorating weather condition with a low ceiling and rain.