NTSB investigations, 2015

158 cases where the phase of flight was Approach.

Cases per year

19622026
NTSB investigations, 2015 per year, 1962–2026: 20,989 cases
196214
196310
1964530
1965502
1966600
1967640
1968597
1969572
1970583
1971550
1972522
1973543
1974541
1975530
1976504
1977586
1978567
1979541
1980508
1981473
1982433
1983445
1984433
1985408
1986382
1987327
1988342
1989324
1990334
1991308
1992291
1993276
1994251
1995301
1996272
1997261
1998238
1999244
2000256
2001230
2002232
2003236
2004216
2005229
2006225
2007258
2008211
2009190
2010176
2011194
2012181
2013189
2014178
2015158
2016160
2017191
2018172
2019163
2020156
2021178
2022204
2023186
2024163
2025186
202688

Latest cases

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 year(c.\"eventDate\") = 2015
    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 GAA16CA095Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 28-161 · Fort Worth, TXAn inadvertent collision with a bird while on downwind in the airport pattern.Dec 30, 2015 · N2135B · Substantial damageNTSB DCA16CA052Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBoeing 737 76N · San Diego, CAAn inadvertent encounter with clear air turbulence.Dec 26, 2015 · N7733B · No damageNTSB DCA16CA053Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBoeing 737 7H4 · Charlotte, NCAn inadvertent encounter with clear air turbulence.Dec 23, 2015 · N475WN · No damageNTSB WPR16FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32R · Castro Valley, CAThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering during an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions.Dec 22, 2015 · N323PA · DestroyedNTSB ERA16LA067Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGolden Circle Air T Bird II · Lenoir, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and a coordinated turn in the traffic pattern, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and entering an aerodynamic stall and spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to…Dec 13, 2015 · N92744 · DestroyedNTSB GAA16CA077Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 28 · California, MDThe student pilot's descent below the prescribed final approach path at night, and flight instructor's failure to correct the student pilot's descent, which resulted in a collision with trees and impact with the ground.Dec 11, 2015 · N432FL · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16FA064Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Farmington, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after a cabin door came open in flight, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's misuse of…Dec 11, 2015 · N72054 · DestroyedNTSB CEN16FA062Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA46 500TP · Council Bluffs, IAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines while returning to the airport after becoming distracted by a noncritical flight instrumentation anomaly indication.Dec 10, 2015 · N145JR · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16FA063Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportTimothy C Williams CCK-1865 · Linesville, PAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to attempt a flight under visual flight rules at night in instrument meteorological conditions to an unlit airstrip, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.Dec 7, 2015 · N541TC · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16LA055Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-181 · Pontiac, MIThe pilot’s operation of the airplane below the glideslope and off course during a night, instrument approach, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.Dec 6, 2015 · N47480 · Substantial damageNTSB DCA16WA034Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing · Perth, AustraliaThe Australian Transportation Safety Board (ATSB) has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a Boeing 787 that occurred on December 04, 2015. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the ATSB's investigation under the provisions…Dec 4, 2015 · 9V-OJC · No damageNTSB CEN16WA056Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA28R · Ljubljana, Slovenia, SloveniaOn December 3, 2015, a Piper PA-28R-201 airplane, OE-DYM, was destroyed after impact with terrain while on approach to the Ljubljana Airport, Slovenia. The pilot was fatally injured. This investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the Republic of…Dec 3, 2015 · OE-DYM · DestroyedNTSB 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 CEN16LA053Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPipistrel Virus · Englewood, COThe total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of contamination in the right fuel tank and fuel lines, which prevented fuel from flowing to the engine.Dec 2, 2015 · N145VS · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16WA057Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationCessna 560 · Farnborough, United KingdomThis is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. The foreign authority was the source of this information. On November 29, 2015, at 1350 UTC, a Cessna Citation 560XL, SE-RHJ, experienced an in-flight cowling departure during descent…Nov 29, 2015 · SE-RHJ · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16LA033Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 28-140 · Wickenburg, AZA partial loss of engine power due to a separation of the mixture control cable clamp, which was either not installed or secured correctly during maintenance.Nov 25, 2015 · N7PM · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16CA056Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Danbury, CTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from obstructions while on approach to landing.Nov 24, 2015 · N771BT · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16LA064Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 305A · Sulphur, LAThe loss of engine power due to water and contaminants in the carburetor, which resulted in a forced landing to a wet field.Nov 24, 2015 · N5312G · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA045Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPhantom Aeronautics Phantom X 1 · Monroe, NCThe partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.Nov 21, 2015 · N28365 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16LA030Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · La Verne, CAThe total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Nov 19, 2015 · N91HC · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · North Salem, NYA loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical deficiencies.Nov 19, 2015 · N9318Q · DestroyedNTSB WPR16LA028Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Lancaster, CAThe flight instructor's failure to comply with published instrument approach procedures during an instrument approach in dark night, visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the controller's…Nov 13, 2015 · N78CR · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16MA036Accident · 9 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBritish Aerospace HS 125 700A · Akron, OHThe flight crew's mismanagement of the approach and multiple deviations from company standard operating procedures, which placed the airplane in an unsafe situation and led to an unstabilized approach, a descent below minimum descent altitude without visual…Nov 10, 2015 · N237WR · DestroyedNTSB ERA16FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 441 · Climax, GAThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Also causal to the accident was the pilot’s impairment by the combined effects of multiple medications and drugs.Nov 9, 2015 · N164GP · DestroyedNTSB WPR16WA026Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 310 · Mildura, Australia, AustraliaOn November 6, 2015, at 1840 local time, a Cessna 310R, VH-BWZ, operating under the pertinent civil regulation of the Government of Australia, collided with terrain near Mildura, Australia, while on approach. The airplane was destroyed in the post-impact fire…Nov 6, 2015 · VH-BWZ · DestroyedNTSB CEN16LA035Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGlimn Kitfox 2-3 · Escanaba, MIThe airplane owner's inadequate maintenance and servicing of the propeller gearbox, which resulted in oil starvation, failure of the gearbox in flight, and a subsequent loss of propeller thrust. Contributing to the outcome was the airplane's low altitude at…Nov 3, 2015 · N93TG · Substantial damageNTSB GAA16LA031Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAirbus AS350 · Deadhorse, AKThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation, and his subsequent failure to maintain terrain clearance while attempting to land in flat light and whiteout conditions.Oct 27, 2015 · C-GSLY · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA026Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA31 · Weston, FLThe pilot's feathering of the incorrect propeller following a total loss of right engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from maintenance personnel’s failure to reinstall the flapper valve in the right main fuel tank. Contributing to the accident…Oct 26, 2015 · N55GK · Substantial damageNTSB GAA16CA033Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 150 · Millbrook, NYThe pilot's loss of heading control during the go-around in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees.Oct 23, 2015 · N6709S · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16LA016Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Lancaster, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper glidepath during a night visual approach, which resulted in impact with a power line. Contributing to the accident was an inoperative precision approach path indicator.Oct 17, 2015 · N849CD · DestroyedNTSB CEN16LA017Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportComp Air CA8 · Ray, MIThe pilot's improper use of the trim, which created a cross-controlled situation and resulted in an aerodynamic stall during the attempted go-around.Oct 15, 2015 · N224MS · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-180 · Lake Worth, FLA loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Oct 13, 2015 · N57312 · DestroyedNTSB ERA16CA011Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Salisbury, NCThe pilot's inadvertent switching of the fuel selector to the "off" position on final approach, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.Oct 13, 2015 · N300KG · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16FA011Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · Eaton, COThe pilot's loss of airplane control in gusting wind conditions and low-level wind shear, following a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to properly monitor the fuel level inflight because of his…Oct 13, 2015 · N394CW · Substantial damageNTSB GAA16CA013Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech F33 · Marana, AZThe student pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the base to final turn resulting in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain during recovery by the flight instructor.Oct 12, 2015 · N5581T · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA010Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMurray Blair L Free Bird Classic · Kylertown, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during approach for landing, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of flight experience in the accident airplane make and model.Oct 12, 2015 · N176FB · DestroyedNTSB CEN16LA007Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRich Harry A Woodstock I · Decatur, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while turning from the downwind to the base leg of the pattern in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the glider exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and entering an aerodynamic stall/spin at a low…Oct 11, 2015 · N21468 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA007Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28R · Savannah, GAThe pilot's inadequate preflight fuel planning and in-flight fuel management, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power during approach. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his…Oct 10, 2015 · N9312N · Substantial damageNTSB GAA16CA003Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBushmaster Super Bushmaster · Marble Canyon, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain descent rate durring the landing resulting in collision with terrain.Oct 4, 2015 · C-FIIB · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportJohnson Coot · Deer Park, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention due to the rough…Oct 2, 2015 · N69BD · DestroyedNTSB GAA16CA002Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Avalon, CAThe pilot's exceedance of the critical angle of attack in turbulent and downdraft conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain on final approach.Oct 1, 2015 · N4286Q · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15LA431Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEdward M Van Morlan Rans S-12 · Gardner, KSThe pilot's inadequate airspeed control and the airplane’s exceedance of its critical angle-of-attack during the forced landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation caused by…Sep 28, 2015 · N98ES · Substantial damageNTSB GAA15CA288Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 305F · Bentonville, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain yaw control during a go-around, which resulted in a right main landing gear collapse and the right wing impacting terrain during a runway excursion.Sep 27, 2015 · N119BD · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15FA427Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Lexington, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a climbing turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at too low of an altitude to recover.Sep 27, 2015 · N3921D · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15LA436Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech C35 · Belen, NMThe total loss of engine power due to contamination in the fuel system.Sep 26, 2015 · N1990D · Substantial damageNTSB GAA15CA294Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHoward DGA 15P · Englewood, COThe separation of the elevator control system linkage at a push/pull tube and cable joint, for an unknown reason, because the bolt and associated hardware securing the joint was not found for examination.Sep 25, 2015 · N1785H · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15LA376Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269 · Eustis, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain yaw control as he slowed the helicopter during a landing approach, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.Sep 25, 2015 · N9567F · Substantial damageNTSB GAA15LA265Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108 · Palmer, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack during final approach to landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.Sep 20, 2015 · N6066M · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15FA361Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206 · Spring Hill, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized instrument approach, which resulted in a loss of control.Sep 18, 2015 · N8615Z · Substantial damageNTSB GAA15CA267Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 180H · Delta Junction, AKThe pilot's failure to attain and maintain yaw control during the approach and attempted go around, which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.Sep 13, 2015 · N4763U · Substantial damage