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Fatal NTSB investigations

86 cases where the phase of flight was Emergency descent.

Cases per year

19622026

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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.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal'
    AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM case_phases WHERE main = 600)
  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 GAA26WA016Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R44 · Bentley, United KingdomOct 30, 2025 · G-CFNF · DestroyedNTSB ERA24FA365Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA-5 · Rockmart, GAA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Also causal was the flight instructor’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing attempt, which resulted in exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic…Sep 4, 2024 · N9659L · Substantial damageNTSB GAA24WA145Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBell 206 · Meico City, MexicoApr 14, 2024 · XP-PIP · DestroyedNTSB ERA24FA102Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-24 · Eufaula, ALA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s inadequate fuel planning/management.Jan 31, 2024 · N5520P · Substantial damageNTSB GAA23WA140Accident · 7 fatalClass 3 · ForeignCessna 206 · Chiribiquete National Park, ColombiaMay 1, 2023 · HK2803 · DestroyedNTSB ERA22FA279Accident · 6 fatalClass 1 · FieldFinal reportBell UH-1B · Amherstdale, WVthe operator’s failure to adequately inspect the former military turbine powered helicopter, which allowed an engine issue to progress and result in a loss of engine power and a subsequent loss of control after the helicopter struck powerlines during a forced…Jun 22, 2022 · N98F · DestroyedNTSB GAA22WA050Accident · 9 fatalClass 5 · ForeignGulfstream GIV · Santo Domingo, Dominican RepublicDec 15, 2021 · HI-1050 · DestroyedNTSB WPR22LA061Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMoul Willis RV-3 · Bermuda Dunes, CAThe 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.Dec 11, 2021 · N9YY · Substantial damageNTSB ERA20LA309Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · McMinnville, TNA total loss of engine power due to a fatigue failure in a cylinder, and the pilot’s subsequent failure to maintain airspeed and her exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack while maneuvering at low altitude.Sep 8, 2020 · N4166Z · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA131Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 35 · Currie, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during a forced landing which resulted in a hard landing for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.Apr 24, 2020 · N8743A · DestroyedNTSB CEN19WA285Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRotorway Exec 162F · Herisau, SwitzerlandOn August 24, 2019, about 1400 universal coordinated time, a Rotorway Exec 162F helicopter, Swiss registration HB-YKJ, was destroyed when it crashed in a meadow during an autorotation and caught fire, about 3 miles south of Herisau, Switzerland. The pilot was…Aug 24, 2019 · HB-YKJ · Substantial damageNTSB WPR19FA178Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportMaule M7-235B · Sunriver, ORA partial loss of engine power due to the separation of baffling in both mufflers. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to retract the landing gear on the float-equipped airplane before performing a forced landing to the river.Jun 22, 2019 · N118G · Substantial damageNTSB ERA19WA293Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · ForeignBell 505 · Kazbegi, GeorgiaJun 6, 2019 · 4L-ADJ · DestroyedNTSB ANC18LA057Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAeros Venture 2000 · Bad Axe, MIThe pilot's loss of aircraft control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Jul 23, 2018 · N43865 · Substantial damageNTSB DCA18WA106Accident · 11 fatalForeign investigationCanadair CL600 2B16 · Shahr-e Kurd, IranThe Transportation Safety Board of Canada has informed the NTSB of an accident involving a Challenger 604, which occurred on March 11, 2018, in the Islamic Republic of Iran. All investigative information will be released by the government of Iran.Mar 11, 2018 · TC-TRB · DestroyedNTSB ERA18WA090Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationNeiva EMB-720D · Manaus City, BrazilThe government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a NEIVA EMB-720D airplane that occurred on February 22, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under the…Feb 22, 2018 · PT-VKR · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17FA317Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Medford, NJThe pilot's early entry into and failure to maintain rotor rpm during a forced landing autorotation after performing an engine shutdown in flight, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent. Contributing to the accident was the failure of maintenance personnel…Sep 8, 2017 · N204HF · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17FA166Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36TC · Ogden, UTA loss of control during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined.Jul 26, 2017 · N60WB · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16FA329Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Laytonsville, MDThe pilot/mechanic's failure to maintain airspeed following a loss of engine power, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Also causal was the pilot/mechanic's failure to service the engine…Sep 27, 2016 · N52126 · DestroyedNTSB CEN16FA315Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Howe, TXThe improper execution of an autorotation following the loss of engine power, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's lack of remedial action during the autorotation.Aug 10, 2016 · N9277R · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16FA214Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Marion, ILThe pilots' failure to maintain adequate airspeed while executing a simulated engine failure and landing maneuver, which resulted in the wing's critical angle of attack being exceeded and a subsequent aerodynamic stall and loss of control.Jun 10, 2016 · N508AJ · DestroyedNTSB ERA16FA150Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Ocala, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed following a loss of engine power, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadvertent placement of the…Apr 9, 2016 · N96398 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15FA126Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEnstrom 280FX · Erie, COAn in-flight failure of the helicopter's #2 main rotor spindle due to undetected fatigue cracking, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to failure were the nonconforming thread root radius of the spindle and the manufacturer's failure to…Jan 26, 2015 · N86235 · DestroyedNTSB ERA14FA313Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Littleton, NCMaintenance personnel's application of sealant to the engine case halves during engine overhaul, contrary to manufacturer's instructions, which resulted in internal failure of the engine due to the loss of case bolt torque.Jun 27, 2014 · N182PE · Substantial damageNTSB CEN14LA202Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNanchang CJ6 - A · Flushing, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an off-airport forced landing after a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to…Apr 19, 2014 · N594T · Substantial damageNTSB CEN14FA173Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportWorthington Donald Wayne Sonerai II LT · Highlands Ranch, COThe pilot’s loss of control during a forced landing following a loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to postimpact fire damage.Mar 29, 2014 · N63917 · DestroyedNTSB CEN14FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech C90 · Springdale, ARA total loss of power to both engines due to fuel exhaustion. Also causal were the pilot’s reliance on the fuel totalizer rather than the fuel quantity gauges to determine the fuel on board and his improper fuel planning.Nov 1, 2013 · N269JG · DestroyedNTSB ERA13FA256Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Macon, GAA total loss of engine power due to oil starvation for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive postcrash fire and heat damage to the engine components.May 27, 2013 · N4489F · DestroyedNTSB CEN13FA075Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369 · Childress, TXThe improper maintenance of the helicopter fuel system that resulted in erroneous fuel gauge indications and the pilot’s inadequate fuel management, both of which resulted in fuel exhaustion during a long-line hover. Also causal was the lack of company…Nov 27, 2012 · N28MP · Substantial damageNTSB CEN13FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310 · Stotts City, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control after he shut down the right engine in flight due a loss of oil pressure. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to reposition the unairworthy airplane during twilight after extensive maintenance…Nov 5, 2012 · N6BS · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12FA621Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Houston, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter after a loss of engine power. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined because examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded operation.Sep 10, 2012 · N281RG · Substantial damageNTSB WPR12FA349Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210N · Santa Monica, CAThe 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…Aug 11, 2012 · N41KA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA11WA472Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationAgusta AW139 · BrazilOn August 19, 2011, at 1948 coordinated universal time (16:48 local time), an Agusta, AW139, helicopter, Brazilian registration PT-SEK, impacted into the Atlantic Ocean, near an oil rig, identifier P-65, the helicopter sank in waters with a recorded floor…Aug 19, 2011 · PR-SEK · Substantial damageNTSB CEN11FA528Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportWright B Flyer Wright B Flyer · Springfield, OHThe flight crew’s failure to maintain airplane control following a partial loss of engine thrust during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the failed weld as a result of incomplete welding on the left propeller shaft, which led to the partial…Jul 30, 2011 · N453WB · Substantial damageNTSB ERA11FA414Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Palm Bay, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing, resulting in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s failure to secure the oil gauge rod and cap assembly before flight and his…Jul 23, 2011 · N122HB · Substantial damageNTSB CEN11FA285Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHawker-Beechcraft E-55 · De Queen, ARThe pilot’s loss of control during takeoff for undetermined reasons.Apr 15, 2011 · N3959W · Substantial damageNTSB CEN11FA029Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican Champion 8KCAB · Sebewaing, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and aircraft control following a loss of engine power after takeoff.Oct 18, 2010 · N105AC · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10FA138Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 65 · Lawrenceville, GAThe failure of both engines for undetermined reasons.Feb 8, 2010 · N130SP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10LA086Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCox Busby Mustang · Plant City, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Nov 29, 2009 · N72PC · Substantial damageNTSB WPR09FA459Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Forest Grove, ORThe flight crew’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor speed while maneuvering, which resulted in a main rotor blade stall and an uncontrolled descent into terrain.Sep 20, 2009 · N956SH · Substantial damageNTSB CEN09WA524Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationBeech 99 · Évora, PortugalUnder the jurisdiction and control of the Portuguese government.Aug 14, 2009 · F-BTME · DestroyedNTSB ERA09FA414Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHughes 369 · Franklin, PAA loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's fuel mismanagement.Jul 22, 2009 · N61735 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA09LA356Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChris Mitchell Titan Tornado · Chadbourn, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during initial climb following a loss of engine power. The reason for the power loss was not determined.Jun 18, 2009 · N259CM · Substantial damageNTSB ERA09LA263Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKeeley/Tidd MK-1 · Demopolis, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a complete loss of engine power resulting in a stall while maneuvering to land. The reason for the loss of engine power was undetermined.Apr 24, 2009 · N91MK · Substantial damageNTSB ERA09WA211Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28R · Santo Antonio do Leverger, BrazilNone.Feb 1, 2009 · PT-DJA · DestroyedNTSB CEN09LA128Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportProbst Baby Ace D · Kilgore, TXA loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's improper fuel planning. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain situational awareness, resulting in him being lost.Jan 12, 2009 · N610DD · Substantial damageNTSB ERA09LA131Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Pensacola, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed following a total loss of engine power during a low-level approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was fuel exhaustion due to the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.Jan 6, 2009 · N7160Z · Substantial damageNTSB ANC09FA001Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206C · Anchorage, AKA loss of engine power during takeoff/initial climb for an undetermined reason, and the pilot's decision to make an abrupt and steep low altitude turn toward an intersecting runway, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and loss of aircraft control.Oct 1, 2008 · N29109 · DestroyedNTSB LAX06FA222Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon A36 · Somis, CAa ground collision during an emergency landing for undetermined reasons.Jul 1, 2006 · N615M · DestroyedNTSB ATL05FA135Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Rock Hill, SCThe pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply , which resulted in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power.Jul 24, 2005 · N9JQ · Substantial damage