NTSB investigations, FL

35 cases where the phase of flight was Emergency descent.

Cases per year

19652026
NTSB investigations, FL per year, 1965–2026: 35 cases
19651
19751
19781
19851
19871
19901
19931
19961
19991
20021
20051
20081
20092
20104
20113
20121
20132
20141
20151
20161
20182
20201
20232
20241
20251
20261

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 c.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'FL' 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"

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 ERA26LA170Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 407 · Jacksonville, FLThe pilot’s improper recovery from a practice autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the pilot receiving the instruction.Apr 11, 2026 · N314JP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA261Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportCessna 172H · Century, FLOn July 9, 2025, about 1820 central daylight time, a Cessna 172, N3254C, was involved in an accident near Century, Florida. The pilot and the passenger were not injured. The flight was conducted as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The…Jul 9, 2025 · N3254C · Substantial damageNTSB ERA24LA215Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 369 · Crestview, FLThe pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing and the main rotor blades contacting the tail boom.May 10, 2024 · N969VS · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA269Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206B · Orlando, FLThe pilot’s improper landing flare during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.Jun 5, 2023 · N27UK · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA146Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 269A · Titusville, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor RPM during an autorotation which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent rotor blade strike of the tail boom.Mar 9, 2023 · N8911F · Substantial damageNTSB ERA20CA106Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAerospatiale AS350 · Tampa, FLThe flight instructor's inadvertent throttle reduction below idle, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and subsequent impact with terrain following a power-off autorotation.Feb 18, 2020 · N188FS · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18LA183Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Jacksonville, FLA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to insufficient evidence.Jun 23, 2018 · N5682B · Substantial damageNTSB GAA18CA159Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHughes 269 · Jacksonville, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain rotor rpm during a practice autorotation, which resulted in ground contact and a dynamic rollover.Mar 10, 2018 · N9020M · Substantial damageNTSB 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 ERA16LA055Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Venice, FLThe flight instructor's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during an autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.Dec 1, 2015 · N8560M · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Feb 3, 2014 · N8618F · Substantial damageNTSB 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…May 26, 2013 · N634SX · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Jan 2, 2013 · N345VH · Substantial damageNTSB 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.May 31, 2012 · N1803R · 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 ERA11LA200Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18A 150 · Hollywood, FLA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Mar 19, 2011 · N9692D · Substantial damageNTSB ERA11CA166Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportEnstrom F-28C · Fort Pierce, FLThe pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.Feb 26, 2011 · N5689B · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10CA432Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer 269C-1 · Titusville, FLThe instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a loss of rotor rpm and a hard landing.Aug 18, 2010 · N1542D · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10CA264Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Ormond Beach, FLThe student pilot’s improper use of collective and throttle during the landing flare.May 13, 2010 · N113TA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10CA262Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportHiller UH12 · Sarasota, FLThe pilot's delayed remedial action to maintain main rotor rpm, which resulted in a loss of lift and hard landing.May 9, 2010 · N116S · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10CA255Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHughes 500 · West Palm Beach, FLThe commercial pilot's improper flare during a simulated autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.May 6, 2010 · N5189K · 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 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 ERA09CA089Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportMooney M20G · Sebastian, FLThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Dec 13, 2008 · N6871N · Substantial damageNTSB MIA05LA080Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R44 · Homestead, FLThe CFI's inadequate supervision of the student during the instructional flight for his failure to stop an excessive rate of descent which resulted in a hard landing following a reported loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Mar 19, 2005 · N1ZP · Substantial damageNTSB ATL02LA136Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Clearwater, FLThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Jun 28, 2002 · N2935Q · Substantial damageNTSB MIA99FA230Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Tampa, FLThe failure of the pilot to follow procedures and directives established by the operator for his failure to fuel the airplane after landing following the first leg. Contributing to the accident was the total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.…Aug 19, 1999 · N640AJ · DestroyedNTSB MIA97LA046Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLet Blanik L-13 · Mulberry, FLThe pilot's failure to check that the spoiler handle was locked in the retracted position prior to takeoff.Dec 22, 1996 · N48052 · Substantial damageNTSB MIA93LA077Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech N35 · Fort Meade, FLThe collision with a road sign during a forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the total loss of engine power due to fatigue failure of the crankshaft.Feb 28, 1993 · N1354Z · Substantial damageNTSB MIA91LA006Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Tampa, FLThe pilot's decision to fly an airplane with known deficiencies. This resulted in a partial loss of engine power, and a ground collision with a fixed object.Oct 5, 1990 · N704BB · Substantial damageNTSB MIA88LA036Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRaven S-66A · Naples, FLAfter liftoff with the deflation panel partially open, the flt continued towards the landing location. With a high rate of descent established, the plt realized that the balloon would not clear the powerlines that were ahead of the landing location. He then…Nov 5, 1987 · N4094G · Substantial damageNTSB MIA85LA129Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-5 · Okeechobee, FLWhile in cruise flt the plt placed the acft in a dive to avoid what appeared to be the landing light of another acft. The light was actually a space vehicle which had just been launched from cape canaveral air force station 60 miles from the acft's position.…Mar 22, 1985 · N5867L · Substantial damageNTSB MIA78FA110Accident · 1 fatalClosedHughes 269C · Opa Locka, FLAug 5, 1978 · N7455F · DestroyedNTSB MIA76FKT32Accident · Serious injuriesClosedBell 206B · Delray Beach, FLNov 26, 1975 · N750LT · DestroyedNTSB MIA66A0022Accident · No injuriesClosedHughes 269A · Miami, FLAug 19, 1965 · N8735F · Substantial damage