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NTSB investigations, VA

367 cases where the phase of flight was Approach.

Cases per year

19642026

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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.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'VA' AND c.\"eventCountry\" = 'USA'
    AND 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.

NTSB CEN26FA253Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportMontana Coyote · Fredericksburg, VAOn July 14, 2026, about 1105 eastern daylight time, an experimental Montana Coyote airplane, N448VQ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fredericksburg, Virginia. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a…Jul 14, 2026 · N448VQ · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA354Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportJonker Sailplanes JS3 · New Castle, VAThe pilot’s failure to properly configure the glider for landing, which resulted in an excessive descent rate during approach, and subsequent collision with trees short of the intended landing area.Sep 13, 2025 · N68MF · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA210Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV-12 · Abingdon, VAThe pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.May 24, 2025 · N813JC · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA189Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportChampion 7GCBC · Weyers Cave, VAA total loss of engine power on approach due to carburetor ice.Apr 26, 2025 · N9117L · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA011Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSaint Glasair II SFT · Forest, VAThe installation of a non-failsafe coupler that resulted in the separation of the throttle cable from the throttle arm and a subsequent partial loss of engine power.Oct 11, 2024 · N952W · Substantial damageNTSB ERA24FA136Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportIsrael Aircraft Industries 1125 Westwind Astra · Hot Springs, VAThe PIC’s continuation of an unstabilized approach in gusting wind conditions and his failure to monitor the airplane’s altitude during the approach, which led to a descent into terrain short of the runway. Contributing was the flight crew’s failure to set…Mar 10, 2024 · N1125A · DestroyedNTSB ERA24LA137Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Leesburg, VAAn in-flight collision with a bird while on the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern.Mar 1, 2024 · N1057R · Substantial damageNTSB ERA24FA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C23 · Midland, VAThe pilot’s decision to descend below the minimum decision altitude of the instrument approach without having the appropriate runway visual references distinctively identified and with the visibility and ceiling below the minimum that was prescribed for the…Dec 3, 2023 · N76SB · DestroyedNTSB ERA23FA103Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Suffolk, VAThe pilot’s decision to fly the airplane without confirming it had been released from maintenance, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to loose magnetos. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and…Jan 7, 2023 · N592FL · DestroyedNTSB ERA23LA068Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Manassas, VAA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.Nov 21, 2022 · N7261F · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA084Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172S · Midland, VACollision with a bird in flight, which resulted in damage to the right-wing leading-edge spar.Dec 3, 2021 · N2100S · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA202Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172S · Martinsville, VAThe pilot’s improper pitch control during a go-around in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a tail strike and a runway excursion.May 2, 2021 · N1089D · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA183Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Weyers Cave, VAMaintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the rudder control system, which resulted in failure of the rudder control assembly and the pilot’s loss of control during a go-around.Apr 12, 2021 · N7242F · Substantial damageNTSB 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.May 26, 2020 · N5948P · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Feb 9, 2020 · N912ES · Substantial damageNTSB ERA20CA072Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech 23 · Norfolk, VAThe pilot receiving instruction's failure to maintain airplane control during landing with a crosswind, which resulted in a bounced landing, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a loss of control during the go-around.Jan 7, 2020 · N24690 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA19FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEipper Quicksilver · Fredericksburg, VAThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which led to an aerodynamic stall while turning in the traffic pattern at low altitude.Dec 14, 2018 · N350FT · Substantial damageNTSB GAA18CA537Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 180 · Richmond, VAThe pilot's improper preflight fuel planning and in-flight fuel management, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the total loss of engine power.Sep 5, 2018 · C-GODA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA18LA233Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · New Kent, VAThe student pilot’s loss of airplane control during a go-around.Aug 26, 2018 · N1537U · Substantial damageNTSB GAA18CA215Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPage Russell L Long EZ · Wakefield, VAThe pilot’s failure to secure the canopy before flight, which resulted in the airplane striking a fence during the approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow the Before Takeoff checklist and In-flight Canopy Opening checklist…Apr 13, 2018 · N27RP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17LA229Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAviat A-1C-180 · Dillwyn, VAThe pilot's selection of a grass airstrip that was of insufficient length for landing, and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.Jul 4, 2017 · N272WY · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17CA186Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 28-181 · Bristow, VAThe flight instructor’s and pilot’s mismanagement of the available fuel, which resulted in exhaustion of the fuel in the selected fuel tank and a subsequent total loss of engine power.May 21, 2017 · N8304F · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17LA165Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGanjoo Amit Sonex · Leesburg, VAThe pilot's failure to use carburetor heat appropriately, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to the formation of carburetor ice.Apr 22, 2017 · N212AG · Substantial damageNTSB GAA17CA241Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAmerican AA 1 · New Market, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper approach path, which resulted in an impact with trees.Apr 9, 2017 · N5690L · Substantial damageNTSB GAA17CA208Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportDempsey Daniel M Zodiac CH601XLB · Louisa, VAThe pilot’s in-flight fuel mismanagement and subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed while attempting to land on the runway, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a hard landing.Mar 25, 2017 · N978ER · Substantial damageNTSB DCA16CA226Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBombardier DHC 8 202 · Dulles, VAincorrect installation of the frangible towing fuse that prevented the nose landing gear from extending.Sep 24, 2016 · N366PH · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA322Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Vodochody L 39 · Norfolk, VAAn uncommanded flap retraction for reasons that could not be determined, as a postaccident examination of the flap system did not reveal evidence of any preaccident anomalies.Sep 23, 2016 · N139AJ · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16CA211Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Williamsburg, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing aerodynamic stall.Jun 10, 2016 · N9297J · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA179Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12 D · Critz, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed while on final approach, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.May 7, 2016 · N43363 · Substantial damageNTSB GAA16CA066Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA 5 · West Point, VAThe pilot's decision to fly a traffic pattern following an aborted instrument landing in night instrument metrological conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference to the runway, an inadvertent aerodynamic stall, and a collision with terrain.Dec 2, 2015 · N28295 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15LA354Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Moneta, VAThe pilot's premature retraction of the wing flaps and his subsequent failure to maintain pitch control during an attempted go-around, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident…Sep 13, 2015 · N2835X · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15LA315Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-161 · Bristow, VAThe student pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during approach, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the student’s distraction due to other traffic in the airport traffic pattern.Aug 16, 2015 · N82587 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15LA257Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Galax Hillsville, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while turning onto the final approach leg of the traffic pattern, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.Jul 1, 2015 · N43503 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15FA144Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20F · Norfolk, VAThe pilot's failure to properly execute the instrument approach procedure. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's improper preflight planning and his decision to conduct the flight in instrument meteorological conditions at night into forecast moderate…Mar 4, 2015 · N66BB · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15CA012Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2 33A · Waynesboro, VAThe glider's inadvertent encounter with low altitude wind shear.Oct 4, 2014 · N3619T · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14FA328Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Topping, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.Jul 6, 2014 · N50824 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14FA231Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportEagle C-7 · Ruther Glen, VAThe pilot’s inadequate approach and his failure to maintain clearance from power lines, which resulted in a subsequent fire.May 9, 2014 · N3016Z · DestroyedNTSB ERA14FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Chatlottesville, VAThe pilot’s failure to position the fuel selector handle in a fuel tank detent, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the pilot’s fatal injuries was the separation of his shoulder harness due to overload in an…Dec 18, 2013 · N3705Z · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14LA006Accident · 4 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 340A · Hampton Roads, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control due to spatial disorientation in low-visibility conditions while maneuvering during a missed approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s ineffective use of the onboard GPS equipment.Oct 10, 2013 · N4TK · DestroyedNTSB ERA13FA385Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Danville, VAThe student pilot's failure to maintain control and climb the airplane during a go-around maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to provide adequate oversight of the student pilot by ensuring that the cockpit was free of…Aug 29, 2013 · N9089N · DestroyedNTSB ERA13FA227Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportNewgent, Barry S6S · Suffolk, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while turning from the downwind to the base leg of the traffic pattern, which resulted in a subsequent aerodynamic stall, spin, and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of currency…May 4, 2013 · N388KB · DestroyedNTSB ERA13FA209Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210E · Williamsburg, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during a base-to-final turn with a gusting wind and potential turbulence/wind shear, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.Apr 19, 2013 · N111BK · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13LA173Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNew Piper PA32-301FT · Stafford, VAThe pilot's improper placement of the fuel tank selector handle during approach, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.Mar 17, 2013 · N32EV · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13LA065Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech C90A · Roanoke, VAThe failure of the right main landing gear bearing actuator support brackets. Contributing to the accident was the owner's and operator's failure to comply with the airplane manufacturer's mandatory service bulletin and the Federal Aviation Administration's…Nov 20, 2012 · N702DK · Substantial damageNTSB OPS12IA849Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportArlington, VAA hearback/readback error on the part of the tower traffic management coordinator, who did not understand the request being made by the approach control area supervisor and then communicated that misunderstanding to the local controllers. Contributing to the…Jul 31, 2012 · No damageNTSB ERA12LA486Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Blacksburg, VAThe pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and improper in-flight fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.Jul 27, 2012 · N6248P · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12CA054Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportAeros Trike · Amherst, VAThe student pilot's inadequate aircraft control and improper airspeed while maneuvering to land, which resulted in a stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model of the accident aircraft.Oct 30, 2011 · N6111F · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12CA019Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Manassas, VAThe pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed while turning to the downwind leg, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin.Oct 22, 2011 · N4300E · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Aug 7, 2011 · N747GL · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Jul 26, 2011 · N81917 · Substantial damage