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 LAX89LA186Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Phoenix, AZThe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate clearance behind the B-737 which resulted in the inadvertent encounter with wake turbulence.NTSB FTW89FA096Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Boise City, OKAn inadvertent stall resulting from the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft and to maintain sufficient airspeed. The dark night and adverse wind conditions were contributing factors.NTSB MKC89LA111Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8F · Ramsey, MNThe passengers interference with the flight controls and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Contributing to the severity of the accident was the ditch located short of the runway which the aircraft contacted.NTSB CHI89DET05Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportBillings/White Avid Flyer · Niles, MILoose carburetor(s) due to improper maintenance/installation, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and…NTSB LAX89LA199Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Arcata, CAThe pilots inaccurate fuel consumption calculations and improper fuel tank selector position. These resulted in fuel starvation to both engines when the aux tanks ran dry and the mains had fuel remaining in them. A factor in this accident was the rough…NTSB ATL89LA148Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Hinckley, OHThe pilots failure to calculate proper fuel consumption for the flight which resulted in fuel exhaustion.NTSB LAX89LA193Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Upland, CAInadequate in-flight planning/decision by the pilot in command, the instructor pilot. Factors were the private pilot did not switch the fuel tanks and the instructor did not catch it.NTSB SEA89LA083Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDavis Starship Alpha · Star, IDFailure of the propeller drive belt (stripped teeth). Contributing factors were: strong/gusty winds and the hilly terrain.NTSB SEA89LA082Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Woodland, WAThe pilot's poor planning and inadequate calculation of fuel consumption which resulted in fuel exhaustion.NTSB LAX89LA185Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210T · Imperial, CAThe pilots inaccurate fuel consumption calculations along with the decision to depart with inadequate fuel to insure landing at his proposed destination which resulted in fuel exhaustion. The rough/uneven terrain on which the landing was made contributed to…NTSB SEA89LA081Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Yamhill, ORFailure of the pilot to maintain proper airspeed on final approach. Contributing to the accident was lack of total experience.NTSB SEA89LA080Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMccoy Super Koala · Kelso, WAThe pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions, and the pilot's delay in initiating a go-around. Contributing to the accident were crosswind gusts, and lack of total pilot experience.NTSB ATL89LA143Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Lugoff, SCInadequate compensation for wind conditions by the pilot and his failure to maintain adequate speed for the wind conditions, which resulted in a stall on final approach. His excessive use of flaps and the wind conditions were considered to be contributing…NTSB ATL89FA142Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEmbraer EMB-110-P1 · Mt. Pleasant, TNPilot attempted to make a VFR landing in instrument conditions that were below minimums for the published instrument approach and collided with trees and the ground after allowing the airplane to descend below the proper altitude.NTSB DEN89LA119Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201T · Durango, COInadequate inflight planning and inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Contributing to the accident were crosswind and turbulence encountered close to the ground and high density altitude conditions.NTSB ATL89LA140Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Charlotte, NCComplete loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. The fuel exhaustion was due to the pilot not assuring an adequate fuel supply for the flight by visual inspection during his preflight inspection. Contributing was the pilot's decision to continue flight…NTSB CHI89DEP03Accident · No injuriesFinal reportTesmer Glassair SH-2 · Watertown, WILack fuel flow to the engine (fuel starvation) due to an undetermined fuel system problem.NTSB ATL89FA139Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B24R · Suches, GAThe pilot's flight into known adverse weather, and his failure to maintain clearance above the wooded terrain. The adverse weather condition, high terrain, and trees were related factors.NTSB CHI89FA078Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 208A · Mt. Zion, ILThe pilot's intentional flight into known adverse weather. Contributing factors were the pilot's poor evaluation of the weather information given him by the air traffic controllers.NTSB LAX89LA172Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Chino, CAThe pilot did not adequately preflight the airplane to determine fuel quanity nor did he accurately calculate the fuel consumption. In addition, he failed to position the fuel selector to the fullest tank which resulted in fuel starvation to the engine on…NTSB NYC89IA123Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportFairchild Swearingen SA-227AC · New York, NYThe failure of the swearingen flight crew to properly identify the airplane they were to follow, prior to accepting the visual approach to runway 31R.NTSB MKC89FA096Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Wellsville, KSThe failure of the pilot to use carburetor heat during the descent for landing which resulted in a loss of engine power at a critical time in flight, a go-around.NTSB MKC89LA098Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Brinkley, ARThe pilot's failure to gradually raise the flaps during the go-around and maintain adeqaute airspeed to continue the climbout.NTSB MKC89LA097Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Creve Couer, MOThe pilot's misjudgement of altitude and distance to the runway, and his failure to attain the proper touchdown point for landing. A factor related to the accident was: the soft/uneven terrain short of the runway.NTSB LAX89LA168Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108 · Avalon, CAThe pilot's inadequate compensation for the downdrafts he encountered and the delay in his decision to perform a go-around.NTSB LAX89LA167Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer T-26E · Fremont, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed in an effort to avoid obstacles during an inadequately planned approach.NTSB CHI89LA073Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Brazil, INFailure to establish a proper glidepath. Contributing to the accident was the dark night condition, the pilot's overconfidence in his personal ability, and his lack of familiarity with the airplane.NTSB NYC89FA121Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B19 · Augusta, MEFailure of the pilot to maintain the proper altitude during the approach. A factor related to the accident was: the pilot's psychological condition.NTSB BFO89LA030Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · New Cumberland, WVThe pilot's failure to compensate for crosswind conditions during an attempted go-around. Contributing factors were the crosswind condition and the pilot's low level of experience.NTSB DEN89LA109Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 310E · Glenwood Spgs, COInadequate compensation for the wind conditions by the pilot, resulting in a loss of control of final approach. Contributing to the accident was the downdraft.NTSB SEA89LA070Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportConsolidated Aeronautics LA-4 · Yamhill, ORPilot displayed poor inflight planning and preparation for the flight. The pilot did not adequately compensate for the wind conditions resulting in an intentional gear up landing.NTSB BFO89FA027Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · West Chicago, ILImproper instruction by the student's flight instructor regarding the execution of s-turns on final approach to increase spacing and the retraction of flaps fully when executing a go-around and the failure of the student pilot to maintain adequate flying…NTSB LAX89LA159Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBritish Aerospace HS125-700 · Scottsdale, AZThe captain misjudged distance and altitude to the runway and allowed the aircraft to touch down just short of the runway lip. The runway lip was a related factor.NTSB CHI89LA072Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A60 · Indianapolis, INThe pilot misjudged altitude and/or distance to the runway wile on final approach to land. Factors related to the accident were: dark night and pilot fatigue.NTSB ATL89LA127Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Xenia, OHThe pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision and improper use of the flaps. Contributing was the downdraft.NTSB NYC89LA119Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Bedford, MAImproper use of throttle and flight controls by the student and inadequate supervision by the CFI which resulted in a stall. The student's lack of total flying experience and the instructor's lack of experience in the type of operation (instructing) were…NTSB DEN89FA104Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210F · Aspen, COThe engine falure due to undetermined reasons and the pilot's misjudgement of the wind conditions which resulted in the attempt to glide to the runway. The pilot also failed to maintain adequate airspeed during the glide which resulted in a stall.NTSB NYC89DGM01Accident · No injuriesFinal reportSharp FOX Model 1 · Loretto, PAThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA89LA125Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A23 · Lakeland, FLImproper in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel starvation, while the fuel selector was positioned to a tank with the least amount of fuel. A factor related to the accident was: the faulty fuel quantity indication for the right tank.NTSB CHI89FA069Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Kankakee, ILFailure of the instructor pilot (CFI) to maintain control of the aircraft and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude above the ground.NTSB FTW89FA075Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportBell 206B · West CameronInadequate maintenance/inspection of the aircraft fuel system by company maintenance personnel and fuel contamination, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power. Related factors were: a binding (stuck) fuel filter cap bypass valve and partial failure…NTSB LAX89DVA04Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportLowe Quickie Q-200 · Hanford, CAThe pilot misjudged his altitude & distance to the runway, while on final approach, which resulted in an undershoot of the runway. A factor related to the accident was the fence.NTSB ATL89LA119Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Bolivar, TNThe pilot's failure to properly plan required fuel for this flight which resulting in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing in a field.NTSB CHI89FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Clawson, MIThe pilot allowing the airspeed to decay below the airplanes stall speed.NTSB CHI89DEP02Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna 172M · West Bend, WIPartial failure of the throttle cable. Unsuitable (soft) terrain and transmission wires in the landing area were considered to be factors.NTSB LAX89FA136Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS-355-F · Bear Valley, CAImproper in-flight planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control during a slow speed, downwind approach to a high altitude stolport. Contributing factors were: high density altitude, tailwind, improper weather evaluation by the…NTSB LAX89LA135Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200 · Lake Elsinore, CACFI displayed poor judgement in his demonstration of single engine operation of a twin engine acft. His lack of supervision of an improper, deteriorating situation assured an unsuccessful conclusion.NTSB MIA89FA113Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper Aerostar 600 · Jacksonville, FLImproper use of the IFR procedure by the pilot, his failure to maintain a proper glide path, and his failure to identify the decision height.NTSB DEN89LA092Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPoehls Bobcat · Billings, MTThe pilot inadvertently stalled the aircraft at an altitude which was too low to permit recovery.NTSB LAX89DUG03Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportVan'S/Fish RV-4 · Hesperia, CAThe pilot's failure to properly latch the canopy prior to takeoff and by allowing the aircraft to enter into a stall during a critical phase of flight at an attitude insufficient to recover safely. A factor in the accident was the loss of his eyeglasses when…