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 ANC21LA077Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Nikolai, AKThe pilot’s loss of control on go-around in gusting crosswind conditions. Contributing to accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt to land at a short off-airport landing site with a malfunctioning airspeed indicator.NTSB ERA21LA338Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSchmitt Just Acft Highlander · Crittenden, KYThe pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.NTSB ERA21LA339Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEnstrom 280 · Port Orange, FLThe failure of the tail rotor drive shaft at the coupling due to torsionally applied shear stress.NTSB WPR21LA320Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · West Jordan, UTThe pilot receiving instruction’s improper application of forward cyclic in a low rotor rpm condition and the instructor’s delayed remediation, which resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB WPR21LA315Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 14-19-3 · Whitefish, MTA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to accomplish a preflight inspection.NTSB CEN21LA371Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 210D · West Fargo, NDA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB CEN21FA360Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20M · Victoria, MNThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during final approach, which led to a spiral dive that overstressed the airplane and resulted in an in-flight breakup.NTSB CEN21LA365Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV6 · Urbana, OHThe pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and fuel planning which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB DCA21WA202IncidentClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 737-824 · Mexico City, MexicoNTSB CEN21LA340Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportStephen L Kruer Superstol · Floyds Knobs, INThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the trees during a go-around.NTSB WPR21FA286Accident · 6 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBombardier CL-600-2B16 · Truckee, CAThe first officer’s (FO’s) improper decision to attempt to salvage an unstabilized approach by executing a steep left turn to realign the airplane with the runway centerline, and the captain’s failure to intervene after recognizing the FO’s erroneous action,…NTSB GAA21WA186Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 208 · Norderney, GermanyNTSB WPR21LA311Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Kernville, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing after an encounter with a wind gust which resulted in a collision with trees.NTSB DCA21WA187Accident · Serious injuriesClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 737 · Nice, ItalyNTSB CEN21LA335Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150F · Rock Falls, ILThe right seat pilot’s improper decision to perform a low approach with full flaps and the failure of the flaps to retract during the attempted go-around, which resulted in a forced landing.NTSB CEN21LA473Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 35-A33 · Mineral Wells, TXA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.NTSB CEN21LA333Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing E75 · Baraboo, WIThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the fence while on final approach.NTSB WPR21LA296Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Chelan, WAThe pilot’s unstable approach to land in turbulent conditions, which resulted in a hard landing short of the runway and subsequent loss of directional control and collision with terrain.NTSB ENG21WA047Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignTecnam P2008 · Vardi, IndiaNTSB WPR21LA271Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV6 · Riverside, CAA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined from available evidence.NTSB ERA21LA283Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBailey N Moyes Dragonfly · Charlestown, NHThe passenger’s decision to continue an unstable approach while at low altitude and in proximity to a known obstacle, which resulted in a collision with power lines.NTSB GAA21WA210AccidentClass 5 · ForeignCessna 172 · Beirut, LebanonNTSB ERA21LA280Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Bishopville, SCThe flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the student during a go-around, which resulted in a loss of lift and a subsequent collision with the VASI lights.NTSB ANC21LA058Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMaule M-5-210C · Anchorage, AKThe pilot’s impact with a log while dragging an off-airport landing site.NTSB CEN21LA302Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper Aerostar 600A · Wichita, KSThe pilot’s improper fuel planning and management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB CEN21FA299Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Lamoni, IAThe pilot did not maintain aircraft control during an attempted go-around after a bounced landing, which resulted in impact with terrain and a postimpact fire.NTSB CEN21LA303Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAeronca 15AC · Hastings, MIA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB ERA21FA274Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 152 · St. Augustine, FLThe flight instructor’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall during the landing approach.NTSB WPR21FA242Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCameron Balloons US O-120 · Albuquerque, NMThe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate clearance from power lines while maneuvering for landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of impairing, illicit drugs.NTSB ERA21LA267Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Easton, MDA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB WPR21LA234Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBolstridge Wallace R SKY Raider 1 · Nampa, IDA total loss of engine power due to the pilot’s failure to premix the two-cycle oil/gasoline mixture, which resulted in a forced landing in a field and collision with terrain.NTSB GAA21WA154Accident · Serious injuriesClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA-32-300 · Moorabbin Aerodrome, AustraliaNTSB WPR21FA233Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · White City, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around, which resulted in a collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to his medical conditions and the effects of his medications.NTSB CEN21LA281Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-35 · Wellington, COThe glider pilot’s loss of visual references during the landing approach resulting in an off-airport landing on rough sloping terrain.NTSB CEN21FA277Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · Conway, ARThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the pilot to perform an adequate preflight inspection, to include removal of the pitot tube cover.NTSB ERA21LA276Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1-26E · Willimantic, CTThe failure of the student to achieve the proper touchdown point resulting in landing undershoot.NTSB CEN21FA272Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAntenor Velazco Lancair Evolution · Parker, COThe pilot’s diversion of attention following an asymmetric flap deployment, which resulted in a descent and collision with powerlines. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the flap control rod attachment bolts,…NTSB CEN21FA263Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Madisonville, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper glidepath during final approach for landing, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.NTSB OPS21LA003Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing 737-8H4 · San Diego, CAThe blocked go-around radio instruction from the air traffic control tower to the arrival aircraft which resulted in the arrival aircraft continuing the landing approach. This led to a loss of separation between the landing aircraft and the aircraft awaiting…NTSB ERA21LA247Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGarrison Ronald L Zodiac 601 XL · Cumberland, MDAn inadvertent release of the canopy, which allowing the canopy to open during flight and led to an inflight loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the lack of any safeguard to prevent the inadvertent opening of the canopy.NTSB CEN21LA253Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer TH55A/269A · Monroe, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control during landing which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB WPR21LA219Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportStoddard Hamilton Glasair II · Darby, MTThe pilot’s impact with terrain during a go-around following an attempted precautionary landing due to a low oil pressure indication. The reason for the low oil pressure indication could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB WPR21LA212Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMaule M-5-235C · Stanley, IDThe pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat in weather conditions conducive to carburetor icing, resulting in a partial loss of engine power and a forced landing during which the airplane struck an object and nosed over.NTSB ERA21LA236Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMaxson Phil Zodiac CH601XL · Winder, GAPilot’s inadequate supervision of the pilot rated passenger’s actions, which led to a high descent rate and collision with obstacles.NTSB WPR21FA203Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportDassault Mirage F-1 · Las Vegas, NVThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack on approach and failure to fly a traffic pattern track consistent with a no-flap configuration. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the airplane’s flaps to extend while in the…NTSB ERA21FA224Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-31P · Myrtle Beach, SCThe mechanic’s inadvertent installation of the elevator trim tabs in reverse, which resulted in the pitch trim system operating opposite of the pilot’s input and the pilot’s subsequent loss of control.NTSB WPR21LA204Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMcclure B J Glasair III · Eugene, ORThe pilot’s loss of airplane control during the approach to landing due to an asymmetrical flap deployment for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB ERA21LA266Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPilatus B4-PC11 · Sterling, MAThe pilot’s misjudged approach angle which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.NTSB GAA21WA183Accident · Minor injuriesClass 5 · ForeignCessna 210 · Island of Utila, HondurasNTSB WPR21LA201Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182P · Minden, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while on approach in microburst or windshear conditions, which resulted in impact with a runway sign.