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 CEN12LA015Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Vidalia, LAA total loss of engine power likely due to carburetor ice.NTSB CEN12FA010Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBrinkerhuff Gerald G Q200 · Holland, MIThe pilot failed to maintain sufficient altitude during the landing approach, which resulted in the airplane contacting an approach light. Contributing to the accident was the setting sun, which most likely obscured the pilot’s vision.NTSB ERA12LA009Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Punta Gorda, FLThe partial loss of engine power due to contamination of the fuel system that was not detected because of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection.NTSB ERA12FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207A · Matinicus Island, METhe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during the approach after encountering a gusty crosswind, which resulted in an accelerated stall and uncontrolled descent.NTSB ANC11FA107Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDehavilland DHC-3T · Kodiak, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree during a low altitude maneuver and his failure to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of over-the-counter sedating medications.NTSB CEN11FA663Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportThorp T-18 · Plainwell, MIThe pilot did not maintain clearance from a semitrailer along the approach path.NTSB ERA11CA497Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Okeechobee, FLThe student pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath during a power-off landing and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.NTSB ERA11WA499Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationBeech 99 · Cap Haitien, HaitiOn September 20, 2011, at 2130 universal coordinated time, a Hawker Beechcraft BE-99A, registered in Haiti as HH-APA, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while on approach to the Cap Haitien International Airport (MTCH), Cap Haitien, Haiti. The…NTSB CEN11LA657Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Longview, TXThe flight's inadvertent encounter with a rare and unforecasted mesoscale gravity wave while on base leg, which resulted in a sudden loss of altitude and subsequent collision with trees.NTSB WPR11LA457Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170 · Pahrump, NVA loss of engine power during the landing approach for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR11FA450Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCone James A RV-6A · West Jordan, UTThe pilot’s execution of an abrupt maneuver, likely to avoid birds, which resulted in a stall and spin.NTSB WPR11LA451Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPeter A Land White Lightning · Lancaster, CAA total loss of engine power during the landing approach due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the airplane’s inaccurate fuel indicator.NTSB DCA11RA098Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationM7Aero SW3 · Trinidad, BoliviaOn September 6, 2011, an Aerocon Swearingen SA-227 Metroliner, registration CP-2548 performing flight A4-238 from Santa Cruz to Trinidad (Bolivia) with 7 passengers and 2 crew, was on approach to Trinidad when radio contact was lost. The airplane was located…NTSB ANC11FA093Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · McGrath, AKThe pilot inadvertently switched off the engine magnetos during short final approach, which resulted in a loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the manufacturer's placement of the magneto switches in the cabin.NTSB ANC11CA092Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Deadhorse, AKThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB WPR11FA415Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Santa Monica, CAThe student pilot’s misjudged approach and landing attempt. Contributing to the accident was a lack of airspeed due to a blocked pitot tube.NTSB WPR11CA413Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172F · Atlanta, IDThe pilot’s misjudgment of his final approach path. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.NTSB WPR11LA410Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Napa, CAThe pilot’s mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB WPR11FA404Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Cavanaugh Bay, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an attempt to execute a go-around with a tailwind condition, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin.NTSB WPR11CA397Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 170B · Jefferson, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power transmission lines during the landing approach into the sun.NTSB WPR11FA392Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBriegleb BG-12B · Moore, IDThe pilot’s decision to perform a low pass over the runway in the opposite direction of his intended landing, and his subsequent failure to maintain airspeed and glider control during the reverse-course maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the effect of…NTSB ERA11FA462Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportBeech B19 · Whitesburg, GAThe student pilot did not retract the wing flaps during a go-around, which decreased the airplane’s climb performance and resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.NTSB CEN11CA580Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172N · Winnsboro, LAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff with a gusting crosswind.NTSB CEN11LA575Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Sabetha, KSThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of certification to act as a pilot and his lack of recent experience.NTSB WPR11LA378Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Seattle, WAA loss of electrical power while on final approach due to a depleted battery, which resulted in an intentional gear-up emergency landing.NTSB CEN11LA672Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPorbeck John M Slipstream Genesis · Bryan, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and attitude during a turn toward downwind, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's limited experience in the experimental airplane.NTSB ANC11CA075Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-32-301 · Kodiak, AKA partial loss of engine power while on approach to land due to a disconnected throttle control linkage, and the maintenance director's inadequate inspection of the throttle linkage during maintenance.NTSB ERA11CA448Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R22 · Titusville, FLThe private pilot's incorrect manipulation of the engine mixture control which resulted in an inadvertent engine shutdown.NTSB CEN11FA559Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 182C · Boulder, COThe malfunction of the throttle linkage to the induction air box, which resulted in a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing.NTSB OPS11IA819Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportEmbraer EMB-135KL · Chicago, ILThe improper air traffic control takeoff clearance issued by the local controller because of his lack of monitoring and lack of awareness of the conflicting arrival airplane.NTSB ERA11FA443Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMaule M-7-235 · Warrenton, VAThe pilot's inadequate airspeed and excessive bank angle while maneuvering for landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN11LA553Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHyde William R Helicycle · Metone, INThe loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of an electrical system failure.NTSB CEN11LA552Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Amarillo, TXA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB ERA11FA435Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRans S18 · Fayetteville, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flight experience.NTSB ERA11CA430Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 182 · Dandrige, TNThe loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of poor planning.NTSB ERA11FA426Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BL-65 · Winterville, NCA loss of airplane control for undetermined reasons as the autopsy was unable to reveal any definitive conditions that would have led to the loss of control.NTSB ERA11CA425Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Sidney, NYThe pilot's inadequate fuel planning and management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power during final approach.NTSB ERA11CA423Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Quinton, VAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB WPR11LA346Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRyan Navion A · Torrington, WYThe carburetor’s failure to meet its operating limits at the low range, which resulted in a loss of engine power when the pilot reduced power for landing.NTSB CEN11LA514Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEvens RV4 · Monroe City, MOA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA11LA417Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRyan Aeronautical ST3KR · Sagaponack, NYThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA11FA412Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182S · Erwin, NCThe pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in dark night conditions.NTSB CEN11CA498Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Williams Lake, MIA loss of control during approach due to the front seat passenger's belt buckle being wedged between the rear seat,the rudder pedal and floor board.NTSB WPR11FA335Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20C · Grace, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN11LA487Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAyres S2R · Burlington, COA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ANC11CA064Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18A 150 · Cordova, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during approach, resulting in an aerodynamic stall, and collision with terrain.NTSB ERA11CA396Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Plant City, FLThe failure of a screw in the nose landing gear aligner assembly for undetermined reasons, which prevented the landing gear from fully extending.NTSB ERA11FA391Accident · 7 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Demopolis, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during a single-engine approach and his failure to fly an appropriate traffic pattern for a single-engine landing. Contributing to the accident was a total loss of engine power on the right engine due to a…NTSB ERA11CA389Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech N35 · Geneseo, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN11LA466Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDehavilland DHC-1 · Benton, KSThe pilot did not maintain sufficient airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and spin.