NTSB investigations
507 cases where the phase of flight was Emergency descent.
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 = 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.
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 = 600)
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 CEN14LA313Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 - Beta · Moscow Mills, MOThe flight instructor’s delayed remedial action to correct the student pilot’s use of an excessive descent rate during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB 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…NTSB 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.NTSB CEN14LA197Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 - II · Menard, TXThe pilot’s inadequate recovery from a practice autorotation, which resulted in an improper touchdown attitude and collision with terrain.NTSB ERA14TA113Accident · No injuriesFinal reportHughes 369 · Naples, FLThe pilot's inadequate flare during the termination of a practice 180-degree autorotation and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in the tail rotor contacting the ground.NTSB WPR14LA084Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter EC 130 B4 · Boulder City, NVA loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the noncertificated maintenance technician’s failure to properly tighten and safety wire a B-nut fitting. Contributing to the accident was the maintenance technician’s failure to follow the…NTSB 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.NTSB WPR14CA013Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 28-180 · Cody, WYA loss of engine power during climb to cruise for reasons that could not be determined due to no postaccident examination.NTSB ERA13LA429Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDe Havilland DH 82A · Rhinebeck, NYThe total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examinations revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, which resulted in a forced landing into trees.NTSB CEN13CA575Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Mariner · Lee's Summit, MOThe student pilot's improper flare while performing an autorotation and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action to correct the high sink rate, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB WPR13CA337Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHughes 269B · Lewiston, IDThe pilot's incorrect application of the cyclic control during the landing.NTSB WPR13CA329Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Inyokern, CAThe 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 WPR13LA266Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter EC 130 B4 · Grand Canyon, AZA loss of throttle control movement during a practice autorotation that was planned to terminate with a power recovery for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal…NTSB CEN13CA312Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Lansing, ILImproper control inputs by the pilot-receiving-instruction and the inability of the flight instructor to correct the control inputs in sufficient time to avoid the hard landing.NTSB 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.NTSB ERA13LA254Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportFleming Eldridge E Sonex · Naples, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during a forced landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was a partial loss of the noncertificated engine’s power for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the…NTSB CEN13CA276Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 206-L4 · Fort Worth, TXThe flight instructor's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB CEN13LA164Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Morris, ILThe pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB WPR13CA107Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R22 · Kona, HIThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm during a practice autorotation and the flight instructor's delayed action, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB WPR13LA099Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGoetz Helicycle · Mesa, AZThe pilot's failure to properly install and secure the wire connecting the electronic speed controller unit to the fuel controller actuator motor, which resulted in the wire’s disconnection in flight and the resultant partial loss of engine power.NTSB ERA13LA116Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Ellington, CTThe separation of the collective push-pull tube and jackshaft assembly, which resulted in the total loss of helicopter control and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate supervision of maintenance personnel by the operator…NTSB ERA13LA104Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Tampa, FLThe student pilot’s delayed throttle application during the practice autorotation and the flight instructor’s lack of immediate remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB WPR13CA068Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R22 · Logan, UTThe flight instructor’s delayed remedial action and inadequate supervision during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm. Contributing to the accident was the wet landing surface.NTSB 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…NTSB CEN13LA056Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · La Grange, TXThe total loss of engine power due to the loss of oil to the engine. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s improper installation of the engine oil filter adaptor, which resulted in the loss of oil to the engine.NTSB 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…NTSB ERA13LA045Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 · Alexander City, ALThe pilot’s delayed decision to initiate an autorotation and her subsequent improper conduct of the autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing, after the helicopter started vibrating for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident…NTSB ANC12CA111Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta II · Anchorage, AKThe flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student pilot during a hovering autorotation, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.NTSB WPR12TA436Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas Heli 369FF · Las Vegas, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed while performing a 270-degree practice autorotation with a gusting tailwind at a high-density altitude.NTSB 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.NTSB WPR12LA408Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Grand Canyon, AZA total loss of engine power during descent for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident engine examinations and testing revealed no evidence of an anomaly that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB 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…NTSB CEN12WA640Accident · Serious injuriesForeign investigationPiaggio P149 · Hoogeveen, NetherlandsOn August 4, 2012, at 0945 coordinated universal time, a Piaggio P149D, Dutch registration D-EGIT, owned by a private individual and operated by the pilot, received substantial damage when it impacted terrain under unknown circumstances near Hoogeveen Airport…NTSB WPR12LA267Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Scottsdale, AZThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control and subsequent hard landing.NTSB ERA12CA375Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer 269C-1 · Titusville, FLThe flight instructor’s inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action during a simulated engine-out procedure, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB WPR12LA195Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Kailua-Kona, HIA loss of engine power while maneuvering 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 WPR12TA120Accident · No injuriesFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Napa, CAThe flight instructor’s improper use of the collective control during a practice hovering autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB ERA12CA199Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell OH-58A · Eufaula, ALThe pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusting wind, which resulted in an excessive descent rate and hard landing.NTSB WPR12LA111Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom F28 · Kalispell, MTA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB ERA12CA179Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · N. Charleston, SCThe flight instructor’s failure to apply power during a practice autorotation in order to arrest a high rate of descent, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.NTSB ERA12LA112Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Merry Hill, NCOperation of the airplane by a non-certificated pilot. Contributing to the accident was the non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed while making a forced landing following a total loss of engine power at low altitude, which resulted in an…NTSB ERA12CA095Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Wingate, NCThe certified flight instructor did not select an adequate landing site for the practice autorotation.NTSB WPR12LA029Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47D1 · San Diego, CAThe 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 WPR11LA462Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Ramona, CAThe 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 CEN11LA688Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Berryville, TXThe pilot did not maintain control of the airplane during a forced landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB 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…NTSB 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…NTSB 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…NTSB WPR11TA274Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBell 206B · Franklin, CAThe student pilot's failure to maintain rotor rpm during the practice autorotation.NTSB CEN11LA397Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Grand Forks, NDThe student pilot's inadequate recovery from an autorotation and the CFI's delayed remedial action.