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 LAX90DUG01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportMannon-Underwood JEANIE'S Teenie · Hemet, CAInadvertent stall experienced by the pilot and his lack of experience.NTSB LAX90LA009Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8C · Casa Grande, AZPilot's inadequate compensation for adverse winds. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse wind conditions.NTSB LAX90DUJ04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportRand Engineering KR-II · Eloy, AZThe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft, and his failure to discontinue the approach when it became evident that the gusting cross winds were exceeding the ability of the aircraft.NTSB NYC90LA014Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T337G · Pittsburgh, PAThe pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision, and diverting of his attention, which resulted in fuel exhaustion to both engines. Darkness and trees in the emergency landing area were related factors.NTSB MKC90LA010Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Omaha, NEFailure of the throttle cable assembly which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent collision with a fence.NTSB ATL90LA009Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Kernersville, NCImproper fuel consumption calculations by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion from lack of fuel. Adverse weather conditions were related to the accident.NTSB BFO90LA001Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A65 · Friendly, MDThe pilot's improper use of his fuel supply, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of power in the left engine. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the aircraft.NTSB SEA90LA006Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-180 · Homedale, IDInaccurate preflight planning and fuel consumption calculations by the pilot, and the pilot becoming lost or disoriented which resulted in fuel exhaustion.NTSB CHI90LA010Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Cedarburg, WIDelay of the flight instructor (CFI) in making a go-around and his failure to attain sufficient airspeed to climb after taking off again. The transmission wire (power line) and high vegetation were contributing factors.NTSB CHI90LA009Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Lakeville, MIInadequate supervision of the flight by the flight instructor (CFI), failure of both the student and the CFI to see-and-avoid the static line, and failure of the pilots to maintain adequate clearance from the power line/static wire. The static wire was a…NTSB MIA90LA011Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 58P · Jackson, MSThe pilot's misunderstanding of the landing gear emergency extension procedure, which resulted in his inadvertent partial retraction of the gear and failure to land with the gear in the down and locked position. Loss of electrical power was a factor.NTSB DEN90LA003Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAdams A55 · Albuquerque, NMThe pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the existing wind conditions. Contributing factor(s) was: trees and power lines in the landing area.NTSB NYC90LA006Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Sterling, MAInflight loss of control due to inadvertent retraction of the wing flaps during a go around.NTSB CHI90FA003Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Ann Arbor, MIFailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the aircraft.NTSB LAX90FA002Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201T · Palm Springs, CAImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, and his failure to follow wake turbulence avoidance procedures, which resulted in a vortex turbulence encounter. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's failure to assure the aircraft was loaded…NTSB FTW90DPJ01Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportZimmerman Moni Motorglider · Oklahoma City, OKPower loss due to the deteriorated muffler baffle which was not discovered in the recent annual inspection. A factor was the pilot's failure to properly analyze and correct for the headwind.NTSB MKC90LA004Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30 · Gainesville, MOThe pilot's failure to compensate for wind conditions and to maintain runway alignment during the landing approach. Contributing to the accident was the turbulent conditions.NTSB LAX90LA004Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American SNJ-5 · Pacoima, CAThe pilot's misjudgement of the proper altitude and distance from the runway during a night approach.NTSB FTW90FA002Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 550 · Hurdle Mills, NCImpairment of the pilot-in-command (PIC) due to drugs/medication, chemotherapy and fatigue; failure of the PIC to assure that the IFR (instrument) apch procedure was followed; and his failure to maintain the minimum descent altitude (mda). Inadequate…NTSB SEA90LA001Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Las Vegas, NVThe pilot misjudged his altitude and distance to the runway, while on final approach, and failed to attain the proper touchdown point or flare the aircraft during the landing. Darkness was a related factor.NTSB SEA89LA181Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Alderwood Manor, WAInadequate compensation for wind conditions by the student pilot, and inadequate supervision by the instructor pilot (CFI), which resulted in a failure to maintain proper altitude. Factors related to the accident were: unfavorable (variable) wind, downdraft,…NTSB SEA89FA182Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Bridal Veil, ORVFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall. Factors related to the accident were: the adverse weather conditions, the pilot's lack of instrument experience,…NTSB NYC89FA221Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 65TL · Beaver Falls, PAThe failure of the left wing, rear upper strut attachment. The failure was caused by not installing the retaining bolt and nut.NTSB CHI89FA196Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Greencastle, INFailure of the pilot to maintain proper altitude during a visual approach at dusk. Factors related to the accident were: light conditions at dusk, the pilot's visual perception, and the trees.NTSB LAX89LA333Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Palo Alto, CAA loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. The fuel starvation was the result of vane particles from the deteriorated electric fuel pump restricting the upstream flow of fuel.NTSB ANC89LA176Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Trading Bay, AKPilot in commands failure to perform an adequate visual approach resulting in collision with a tree.NTSB ATL89FA220Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS 350D · Chamblee, GAFailure of the main rotor swashplate bearing due to lack of lubricant.NTSB ANC89DAG02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportEvanson Long EZ/52 · Palmer, AKPilot-in-command's failure to maintain the proper altitude.NTSB LAX89LA331Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Scottsdale, AZImproper in-flight planning/decision by the instructor pilot (CFI). Factors related to the accident were: the cfi's lack of familiarity with the geographic area, and the fence.NTSB SEA89LA178Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Portland, ORThe pilot's poor inflight planning. Contributing to the accident was the wake turbulence and remedial action not possible.NTSB LAX89LA329Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Warner Springs, CALoss of engine power for an unknown reason. The obstruction (tree) was a factor.NTSB LAX89LA323Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Tucson, AZA loss of engine power due to the pilot's improper use of the aircraft's powerplant controls. A contributing factor was the pilot's limited experience in a Cessna 177RG.NTSB ATL89IA219Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCanadair CL-44 · Greensboro, NCThe first officer's failure to follow approved missed approach procedures, and his attempt to take the flight controls from the captain who was flying the airplane.NTSB LAX89LA322Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca Citabria · Auburn, CAThe pilot's inadvertent activation of nose down trim which resulted in a loss of control and collision with a tree. Contributing factor(s) was: the pilot's lack of experience in this type of airplane.NTSB LAX89LA321Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Paradise, CAThe pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the existing wind conditions and to maintain adequate airspeed. Contributing to the accident were the adverse wind conditions.NTSB FTW89DRD16Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportSours/Midget Mustang SM-1 · Franklinton, LAA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Trees in the emergency landing area were a related factor.NTSB FTW89FA171Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Elgin, TXThe pilot's inadvertent closure (deactivation) of the mixture control, which resulted in a loss of engine power, and his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors related to the accident were: the gusty wind, and…NTSB CHI89LA193Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Medina, OHThe pilot's improper flare and recovery from a bounced landing and his improper planning/decision which resulted in a situation from which an overrun occurred. Contributing factors were: the weather conditions, failure of the pilot to obtain a weather…NTSB ATL89LA216Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Cleveland, TNThe improper handling of the airplane by the pilot in command; a delayed go-around, and the premature retractions of the flaps.NTSB LAX89LA316Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Winkelman, AZImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, after he became lost/disoriented, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, before he was able to complete a precautionary landing. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, the pilot's lack of visual cues at…NTSB CHI89LA190Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201 · Delphi, INThe pilot-in-command's failure to properly compensate for the high sink rate that developed on final approach to land. Factors related to the accident were: the downdraft and the student pilot's failure to maintain a proper rate of descent on final approach.NTSB FTW89FA166Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportBeech BE 100 · Houston, TXThe inadequate preflight planning preparation & the improper inflight planning/decision by the PIC when he failed to refuel the aircraft which resulted in a total loss of power in both engines.NTSB FTW89DRG10Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportZenair CH-200 · Kerrville, TXImproper planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, due to an inadequate supply of fuel.NTSB ATL89FA213Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 100 · Mayfield, KYFailure of the pilot to follow IFR procedures and maintain the minimum descent altitude (mda). Factors related to the accident were: darkness, the adverse weather conditions, and the tree.NTSB MIA89LA250Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Fernandina Bch, FLThe private pilot's failure to maintain airspeed on final approach, which resulted in a stall/mush. The turbulence was a related factor.NTSB FTW89IA168Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Bethany, OKFailure of the Cessna 150 pilot to see-and-avoid the Cessna 152 (inadequate visual lookout), and failure of the tower controller to provide adequate service. Factors related to the accident were: high traffic density, which resulted in frequency congestion,…NTSB DEN89FA217Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T2 · Louisville, COFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering for spacing in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an inadvertent stall at low altitude.NTSB LAX89LA312Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Santa Paula, CAImproper in-flight planning/decision by the student pilot. Contributing factors were the parked aircraft, hangar, and the student pilot's lack of total experience.NTSB DEN89LA216Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Provo, UTThe pilot failed to maintain the proper glidepath during a practice instrument approach resulting in a collision with terrain. Contributing factor(s) was: the dark night light condition.NTSB MIA89IA247Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBeech G18S · Jackson, MSFailure of the pilot to correctly perform the emergency gear extension procedures. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the normal gear extension system.