# NTSB investigations, CA: Emergency descent

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR22LA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA061.md): Moul Willis RV-3 · Bermuda Dunes, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 11, 2021 · N9YY · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper positioning of the fuel shutoff valve, which resulted in a loss of engine power, and the pilot’s subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.
- [NTSB WPR21LA299](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA299.md): Schweizer G-164B · Tracy, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 30, 2021 · N3629F · Substantial damage
  > A loss of thrust during a low-level agricultural application flight, which resulted in a descent and impact with terrain. The reason for the loss of thrust could not be determined based on available information.
- [NTSB WPR18LA252](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA252.md): Guimbal Cabri · Santa Ana, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 3, 2018 · N401SH · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's delayed application of power during a power recovery following an autorotation, which resulted in an unrecoverable low rotor rpm during the landing flare and subsequent loss of control.
- [NTSB WPR18LA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA226.md): Hughes 369 · Riverside, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 17, 2018 · N105JL · Substantial damage
  > The instructor’s delayed remedial action to an excessive descent rate during a simulated autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR18LA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA041.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 · Truckee, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 30, 2017 · N47WH · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to execute a power recovery from a non-stabilized autorotative descent, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR17LA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA211.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 · Long Beach, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 20, 2017 · N7514S · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm during the crosswind landing approach and his subsequent improper decision to initiate an autorotation instead of applying corrective control inputs after the helicopter experienced normal airframe vibration.…
- [NTSB WPR17LA156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA156.md): Simmons Gary F Stol CH 701 · Kenwood, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 15, 2017 · N422ES · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the flywheel drive assembly, which resulted in a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing to uneven terrain.
- [NTSB GAA17CA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA218.md): Bell 206 · La Verne, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 6, 2017 · N206SA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s early increased application of the collective during a simulated hovering autorotation, which resulted in a loss of rotor rpm and subsequent main rotor blade strike of the tailboom.
- [NTSB GAA16CA408](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA408.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206 · Modesto, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 30, 2016 · N206LW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during an autorotation, which resulted in abnormal ground contact and main rotor contact with the tail boom. Contributing to the accident was the low fuel level which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of…
- [NTSB WPR14LA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA300.md): Luscombe 8A · Rancho Cucamonga, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2014 · N77942 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB WPR13CA329](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA329.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Inyokern, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 13, 2013 · N123HP · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain aircraft control during a practice autorotation maneuver and the pilot providing training's delayed remedial action which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the lack of communication between the…
- [NTSB WPR12FA349](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA349.md): Cessna P210N · Santa Monica, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 11, 2012 · N41KA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude during a return to the airport following an unspecified emergency; the nature of the emergency could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would…
- [NTSB WPR12TA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12TA120.md): Eurocopter AS 350 B3 · Napa, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Mar 1, 2012 · N341HP · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s improper use of the collective control during a practice hovering autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR12LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA029.md): Bell 47D1 · San Diego, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 8, 2011 · N4251A · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student pilot during a simulated autorotation and the pilots’ failure to use carburetor heat while operating at reduced engine power while in carburetor icing conditions, which resulted in a loss of engine…
- [NTSB WPR11LA462](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA462.md): Hughes 269C · Ramona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 2011 · N1088Y · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to follow the proper procedure while demonstrating a practice autorotation, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and subsequent hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR11TA274](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11TA274.md): Bell 206B · Franklin, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jun 21, 2011 · N38EA · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm during the practice autorotation.
- [NTSB WPR09LA436](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA436.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Torrance, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 2009 · N8361X · Substantial damage
  > A main rotor overspeed due to the pilot’s failure to maintain rotor RPM within allowable limits during a practice autorotation.
- [NTSB WPR09GA397](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09GA397.md): Eurocopter AS 350 B2 · Lancaster, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Aug 13, 2009 · N217LA · Substantial damage
  > The pilots’ decision to conduct a practice autorotation at low altitude in high density altitude conditions and their failure to attain and maintain an appropriate descent rate. Contributing to the accident was the high density altitude and the pilots’…
- [NTSB SEA08LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08LA073.md): Piper PA-44-180 · Piru, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 9, 2008 · N2922X · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors were the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing and dark night conditions.
- [NTSB LAX06FA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06FA222.md): Raytheon A36 · Somis, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 2006 · N615M · Destroyed
  > a ground collision during an emergency landing for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX02LA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA213.md): Robinson R22 Beta · Chatsworth, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 2002 · N4072T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate flare resulting in rotor blade contact with the ground. Contributing factors were the high altitude and the airframe vibration for an undetermined reason.
- [NTSB LAX01LA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA038.md): Schweizer SGS 1-36 · Lake Elsinore, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 2000 · N3621R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudged altitude approaching the airstrip and his failure to maintain airspeed resulted in the glider's collision with trees.
- [NTSB LAX00LA280](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA280.md): Bell 47G-5 · King City, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2000 · N7885S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's intentional flight into adverse weather which resulted in loss of visual reference and flight into power transmission wires and terrain.
- [NTSB LAX98LA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA230.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Hyampom, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 1998 · N6248R · Substantial damage
  > Inadequate annual inspection that resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to a missing bolt, nut, and cotter pin from the throttle/carburetor assembly.
- [NTSB LAX94LA380](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA380.md): Singer Kitfox IV · Apple Valley, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 12, 1994 · N93CM · Substantial damage
  > fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to refuel prior to departure, and his inaccurate en route fuel consumption calculations.
- [NTSB LAX94FA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94FA198.md): Piper PA-32R-301T · Santa Monica, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 20, 1994 · N8171G · Destroyed
  > fuel starvation resulting from the failure of the pilot to select a tank containing fuel, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing which resulted in an inadvertent stall.
- [NTSB LAX91LA414](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA414.md): Let L-13 · Adelanto, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 1991 · N86661 · Substantial damage
  > Improper planning/decision by the pilot. Loss of thermal lift was a related factor.
- [NTSB LAX90LA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA199.md): Robinson R-22B · Sacramento, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 29, 1990 · N649MB · Substantial damage
  > The instructor pilot's failure to follow the aircraft manufacturer's checklist by neglecting to apply full carburetor heat at low power settings.
- [NTSB LAX90LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA168.md): Robinson R22 · Irvine, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 9, 1990 · N9070N · Substantial damage
  > The cfi's failure to maintain rotor RPM during the practice autorotation.
- [NTSB LAX89LA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA234.md): Piper PA-38-112 · Hollister, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 9, 1989 · N23916 · Substantial damage
  > Flight instructor's failure to take corrective action in sufficient time to prevent the airplane from striking the ground.
- [NTSB LAX88FA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA251.md): Piper PA-22-150 · Compton, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 13, 1988 · N6926B · Destroyed
  > Student pilots failure to adequately remove moisture from the fuel system during his preflight inspection which led to a loss of engine power during a critical phase of flight.
- [NTSB LAX88LA182](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA182.md): Slingsby T59D Kestrel 19 · Middletown, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 15, 1988 · N74T · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX88DUG01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DUG01.md): Smith DSA-1 · Upland, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Jan 7, 1988 · N2Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot reported that he had performed a moderate to severe 'noseover' at 4000 ft AGL. The engine started to run rough and then quit. The pilot stated that he had performed maintenance on the carburetor just prior to this flight. An emergency landing was…
- [NTSB LAX86LA208](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA208.md): Schweizer SGS 1-26E · Banning, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 3, 1986 · N777SK · Substantial damage
  > The glider plt lost lift as he flew farther into the mountains with lack of thermal and ridge effect. A landing was attempted which resulted in an overrun into a ravine.
- [NTSB LAX86LA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA203.md): Bell 47G-2 · Palmdale, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 2, 1986 · N4239J · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter landed hard in the desert while on a VFR personal flt. The plt indicated that he just departed a mountian area for refueling. He also indicated he was disoriented and the compass was inoperable. He decided to land and check the fuel quantity.…
- [NTSB LAX86LA156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA156.md): Cessna 210P · Ontario, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 30, 1986 · N3896P · Substantial damage
  > A Cessna 210P collided with the runway surface after a total loss of engine power. Examination of the aircraft revealed that the right fuel tank was empty. The pilot indicated that he had a total of 60 gallons of 100LL on departure and he had selected the…
- [NTSB LAX80FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX80FA073.md): Canadair CL600 · Calif. City, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Apr 3, 1980 · C-GCGR-X · Destroyed
- [NTSB OAK79FA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK79FA033.md): Cessna 182A · Albion, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Jun 25, 1979 · N5969B · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX79FUQ03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX79FUQ03.md): Brantly B-2 · Santa Barbara, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Closed · Oct 13, 1978 · N5953X · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX71FUD12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX71FUD12.md): Hughes 269B · Compton, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Mar 7, 1971 · N9458F · Substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK71DVD18](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK71DVD18.md): Hughes 369HS · Cotati, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Nov 26, 1970 · N9017F · Substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK70DVM15](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK70DVM15.md): Hughes 269B · San Carlos, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · May 1, 1970 · N13470 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX69F0027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX69F0027.md): Bell 47D1 · Crona D Mar, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jun 21, 1968 · N12512 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK66A0061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK66A0061.md): Hughes 269A · Eureka, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Closed · Jun 27, 1966 · N8702F · Destroyed
- [NTSB OAK66A0052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK66A0052.md): Hughes 269B · Canby, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · May 7, 1966 · N9449F · Substantial damage
- [NTSB UNK65X1124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/UNK65X1124.md): Hughes 269A · Castiac, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Closed · Dec 24, 1964 · N8723F · Destroyed
- [NTSB OAK64A0035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK64A0035.md): Sikorsky S-62A · San Francisco, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Oct 29, 1963 · N323Y · Substantial damage

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
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" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM case_phases WHERE main = 600)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/600/cases?state=CA

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