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 ERA20CA211Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportPiper PA22 · Olean, NYA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA20CA204Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportSonex Sonex · New Smyrna Beach, FLThe pilot failed to maintain an adequate airspeed while on final approach and impacted terrain.NTSB ANC20CA056Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportPiper PA18 · Nikiski, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.NTSB WPR20CA158Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna P210 · Heber City, UTThe pilots failure to switch the fuel pump to the 'OFF' position during landing, resulting in a loss of engine power and subsequent collision with a fence during landing. Contributing to the accident was a modified before landing checklist which omitted the…NTSB ERA20LA195Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA24 · South Boston, VAThe powerplant mechanic’s failure to properly affix the engine crankshaft gear lockplate during overhaul, resulting in a total loss of engine power.NTSB ANC20CA054Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna 120 · Gulkana, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during final approach to landing, and his subsequent failure to attain sufficient altitude to clear trees during an attempted go-around.NTSB DCA20WA108Accident · 97 fatalForeign investigationAirbus A320 · Karachi, PakistanThe government of Pakistan has notified the NTSB of an accident involving an AIRBUS A320 with CFM56 engines that occurred on May 22, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Pakistan's investigation under the…NTSB WPR20LA152Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus SR20 · Santa Maria, CAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a steep and descending turn to final approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.NTSB CEN20LA186Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T206 · Center, TXThe non-instrument rated pilot’s intentional flight into instrument meteorological conditions (clouds) which resulted in spatial disorientation and an inflight loss of control.NTSB WPR21WA018Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignOsprey 2 Amphibian · Maitland Aerodrome, AustraliaNTSB WPR20LA161Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 35 · Cascade Locks, ORThe pilot’s improper fuel tank selection which resulted in fuel starvation to the engine and a loss of engine power.NTSB ERA20LA188Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVaughn Challenger · Clarksville, TNThe loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.NTSB ERA20LA183Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportErcoupe 415 · Rogersville, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath on approach, which resulted in an inflight collision with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of an impairing medication.NTSB CEN20LA179Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna P210 · Burlington, WIThe pilot did not maintain a safe altitude during the visual approach, and subsequently lost control which resulted an impact with trees and terrain.NTSB ERA20WA170Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationLearjet 35 · Esquel, ArgentinaThe government of Argentina has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a LEARJET 35 airplane that occurred on May 06, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Argentina's investigation under the provisions…NTSB ENG20LA031Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAirbus Helicopters AS350 · Clewiston, FLSeizure of the hydraulic pump pulley bearing due to its improper installation by the manufacturer, leading to a failure of the hydraulic pump belt and the resultant partial loss of hydraulic assistance to the pedals.NTSB CEN20LA169Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRans S-12 · Delta, COThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a test flight which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB ERA20LA164Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32RT · Meridianville, ALThe pilot's slip maneuver with a less than full fuel tank selected, which resulted in unporting of the fuel supply, and a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB ERA20LA163Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · East Hampton, NYThe partial loss of engine power after takeoff due to the formation of carburetor ice while on the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to apply carburetor heat.NTSB CEN20CA154Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Ft Worth, TXThe student pilot’s failure to maintain a stabilized approach and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action to initiate a go-around, which resulted in a runway overrun and impact with runway lights and fences.NTSB ERA20CA155Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportGrumman AA5 · Bloomingdale, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during landing with a gusting quartering tailwind.NTSB WPR20LA126Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 152 · Corona, CAThe pilot's failure to use carburetor heat while operating in conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.NTSB ANC20CA041Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 18A · Chickaloon, AKThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which necessitated a go-around, and her subsequent failure to maintain clearance from rising mountainous terrain.NTSB ERA20CA146Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Hollywood, FLThe pilot’s failure to apply full engine power during the initiation of a go-around in gusting wind conditions and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude, and the flight instructor's…NTSB ERA20CA143Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportDiamond DA42 · Palm Coast, FLThe pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain airplane control during a simulated engine failure landing and subsequent attempted go-around in gusting crosswind conditions and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.NTSB CEN20LA134Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMuse P51D · Mesquite, TXThe pilot’s inadvertent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, loss of control, and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ENG20WA029Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationAirbus A300 · Brussles, BelgiumOn March 27, 2020, the Danish Aviation Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) informed the NTSB of an Airbus A300-622RF cargo airplane, powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW4158 turbofan engines, that experienced a right (No. 2) engine failure during approach to…NTSB CEN20LA131Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBower Challenger II · Lettsworth, LAThe owner/pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane due to his lack of training and experience, resulting in a collision with a tree.NTSB ERA20CA135Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAugustaWestland AW119MKII · Philadelphia, PAThe in-flight failure of the lower left side of the engine cowling due to the mechanic’s improper installation of the fasteners, which resulted in the cowling impacting all four main rotor blades.NTSB CEN20LA127Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28R · Pleasant Plain, OHThe pilot’s encounter with convective turbulence and low-level wind shear in dark night instrument meteorological conditions that resulted in spatial disorientation and the loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA20LA129Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Conway, SCThe pilot’s incorrect use of the autopilot while approaching the initial approach fix and his subsequent improper primary pitch control input while a pitch mode of the autopilot was engaged, which resulted in pitch excursions and subsequent departure from…NTSB WPR20LA110Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA22 · Pinedale, WYA loss of airplane control during approach for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.NTSB WPR20FA108Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20K · Sylmar, CAThe pilot’s spatial disorientation during an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of control of the airplane.NTSB CEN20LA118Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32R · Rensselaer, INThe non-instrument rated pilot’s failure to establish a climb while initiating a missed approach after conducting an instrument approach below weather minimums.NTSB ERA20LA122Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech V35 · Destin, FLThe pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB ERA20CA116Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportLet L 23 Super Blanik · Huntsville, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain glider control and his exceedance of the glider's critical angle of attack while maneuvering in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA20CA120Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportLearjet 35 · Altoona, PAThe pilot flying's improper lateral bank control during a go-around in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the left-wing tip tank striking the runway.NTSB CEN20FA108Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150 · Port Isabel, TXThe pilot’s loss of control during the initial takeoff climb for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.NTSB WPR20LA104Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA46 · San Jose, CAThe failure to properly service the hydraulic power pack prevented a normal landing gear extension. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the landing gear emergency release valve to function properly for reasons that could not be determined based on…NTSB CEN20CA104Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Athens, TXThe rear seat pilot and the student pilot's failure to see and avoid trees during initial climb following an aborted landing.NTSB CEN20WA097Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA60 · Pamplona, SpainThe National Transportation Safety Board was notified of an accident involving a Piper PA-60-602P, EC-HRJ, in Pamplona, Spain. This investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Comisión de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviación Civil in Spain.NTSB GAA20WA135Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationPiper PA32 · Fort-de-France, MartiniqueNTSB ERA20CA102Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Rochester, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during a go-around. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to take off after perceiving a rudder issue during taxi operations.NTSB ENG20LA016Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAirbus A319 · Sacramento, CAA worn component within each engine integrated drive generator (IDG) resulted in the loss of electrical power supplied to several flight deck displays and systems while on approach to landing. The component, a fixed cylinder block, had significant wearing of…NTSB CEN20LA092Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150 · Wadsworth, OHThe pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB CEN20CA086Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 182 · Huron, SDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during final approach, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall at too low of an altitude to recover.NTSB WPR20CA102Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMooney M20K · Minden, NVThe pilot’s failure to complete a before landing checklist, which resulted in his delayed extension of the landing gear, and his subsequent exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA20FA101Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20J · Bartow, FLThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and subsequent aerodynamic stall and spin at low altitude due to a possible distraction in the cockpit for which the reason was undetermined.NTSB ERA20FA097Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAviastroitel AC 4C · Front Royal, VAThe pilot's exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.NTSB CEN20FA076Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 33 · Granbury, TXThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.