NTSB investigations, TX

46 cases where the phase of flight was Emergency descent.

Cases per year

19672026
NTSB investigations, TX per year, 1967–2026: 46 cases
19671
19681
19862
19871
19911
19921
19961
20023
20071
20082
20096
20101
20112
20123
20131
20144
20152
20161
20171
20181
20211
20222
20233
20242
20252

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\" = 'TX' 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 CEN25LA380Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 407 · Decatur, TXThe instructor candidate’s erroneous operation of the throttle during an autorotation from altitude with power recovery, which resulted in a hard landing.Sep 16, 2025 · N407WA · Substantial damageNTSB CEN25LA381Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 505 · Fort Worth, TXThe manufacturer flight instructor’s failure to maintain proper airspeed and a proper descent rate during a demonstrated hover out of ground effect (HOGE) autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the manufacturer flight…Aug 27, 2025 · N505GR · Substantial damageNTSB CEN25LA084Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 505 · Lago Vista, TXThe flight instructor’s improper recovery from a practice autorotation which resulted in a hard landing.Nov 11, 2024 · N1243Y · Substantial damageNTSB CEN24LA377Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E · Manvel, TXThe pilot’s improper recovery from a practice autorotation which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the instructor’s inadequate supervision of the pilot receiving instruction.Sep 30, 2024 · N8372F · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23LA404Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E · Arcola, TXThe instructor’s failure to re-apply engine power during a power recovery after a practice autorotation which resulted in a hard landing.Sep 7, 2023 · N8372F · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23LA389Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas Heli 530FF · Liberty Hill, TXThe pilot’s improper recovery from a practice autorotation resulting in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the instructor’s inadequate supervision of the pilot receiving instruction.Aug 31, 2023 · N530JR · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23FA164Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMaule MXT-7-180 · La Porte, TXThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering for an emergency landing following a partial loss of engine power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the…Apr 24, 2023 · N4008J · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22LA402Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMD Helicopters 369E · Pearland, TXThe pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain aircraft control, and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing.Aug 30, 2022 · N1576F · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22LA400Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · San Isidro, TXThe pilot’s improper decision to conduct an autorotation with a tailwind, which resulted in a hard landing and substantial damage.Aug 21, 2022 · N4447A · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22LA078Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Bridgeport, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate main rotor RPM during an autorotation which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper placement of the throttle during the initial practice power-on recovery autorotation.Dec 14, 2021 · N862YB · Substantial damageNTSB WPR19LA019Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 47G · Wichita Falls, TXA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Nov 2, 2018 · N1159W · DestroyedNTSB CEN18LA010Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Sweetwater, TXThe loss of engine power during a precautionary approach for landing for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Oct 6, 2017 · N8234R · Substantial damageNTSB 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 CEN15LA215Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 - H · Circleville, TXThe failure of the engine to regain normal power after a simulated engine failure due to carburetor icing, which resulted in a forced landing on muddy terrain and a subsequent nose-over.Mar 24, 2015 · N8282L · Substantial damageNTSB GAA15CA002Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 407 · Justin, TXAbnormal ground contact during an autorotation demonstration, resulting in a severed tailrotor driveshaft.Mar 5, 2015 · N41BH · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15LA042Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMosier Robert S Mosquito XET · Angleton, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during a precautionary landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection during which he failed to detect a loose drive belt, which resulted in an in-flight…Nov 8, 2014 · N922RM · Substantial damageNTSB CEN14CA409Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportGlasflugel H 301 B Libelle · Brenham, TXThe pilot's attempt to maneuver away from power lines during a forced landing, which resulted in a collision with a tree and a fence.Aug 6, 2014 · N1615 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN14CA367Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAmerican Eurocopter AS350B3 · Grand Praire, TXThe flight instructor's inadequate supervision during a practice autorotation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's hard landing during a practice autorotation.Jul 15, 2014 · N350GP · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Mar 23, 2014 · N44MD · Substantial damageNTSB 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.May 10, 2013 · N2036F · Substantial damageNTSB 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 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.Nov 9, 2012 · N732BL · 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 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.Aug 28, 2011 · N8617 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN11LA204Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Andrews, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an emergency descent, following a loss of engine power, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.Feb 25, 2011 · N739BL · Substantial damageNTSB CEN10LA222Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCross-Capps Breezy · Livingston, TXA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Apr 23, 2010 · N125RT · Substantial damageNTSB CEN09CA394Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportSidler Mike Rotorway · Waxahachie, TXThe pilot’s failure to control his rate of descent during autorotation, which required an aggressive recovery maneuver and resulted in a sudden loss of tail rotor effectiveness.Jun 27, 2009 · N1934 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN09CA351Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 206B · Justin, TXThe instructor pilot's failure to add sufficient power early enough to compensate for the strong gusting headwinds.Jun 12, 2009 · N43791 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN09CA273Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · New Braunfels, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm during a practice autorotation. Contributing to the accident was the instructor pilot's delayed remedial action.Apr 30, 2009 · N7519V · Substantial damageNTSB CEN09CA203Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 407 · Lancaster, TXThe failure of the pilot to maintain adequate main rotor rpm and the failure of the CFI to provide appropriate instruction during the maneuver.Feb 27, 2009 · N2592T · Substantial damageNTSB CEN09CA157Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Cypress, TXThe student pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm and the instructor's delayed remedial action.Feb 6, 2009 · N234LA · Substantial damageNTSB 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 DFW08CA114Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHughes 269A · Killeen, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain main rotor RPM and a safe rate of descent during the autorotation. A contributing factor was the gusty winds.Apr 23, 2008 · N9064N · Substantial damageNTSB DFW08CA082Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Horseshoe Bay, TXThe certified flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action which resulted in an unsuccessful autorotation.Mar 15, 2008 · N489TJ · Substantial damageNTSB DFW07CA163Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Throckmorton, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power transmission lines. A contributing factor was the prevailing dusk illumination.Jul 16, 2007 · N13441 · Substantial damageNTSB FTW02LA255Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Kirbyville, TXThe pilot's physical impairment due to a previous head injury which resulted in his becoming disoriented. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the precautionary landing.Sep 5, 2002 · N41CW · Substantial damageNTSB FTW02LA226Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Manvel, TXThe loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.Aug 4, 2002 · N10935 · Substantial damageNTSB FTW02LA218Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Mc Allen, TXThe pilot's failure to refuel the airplane resulting in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.Jul 29, 2002 · N4896N · Substantial damageNTSB FTW96FA120Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Katy, TXa loss of control due to pilot incapacitation for undetermined reasons. A factor related to the pilot's injuries was the lack of shoulder harness restraint.Feb 20, 1996 · N2TC · Substantial damageNTSB FTW92DPD01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportEichblatt X-5 · Fort Worth, TXThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and an inadvertent stall. A factor was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane.Apr 19, 1992 · N99747 · Substantial damageNTSB FTW91LA121Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Freeport, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient rotor RPM during the autorotation. Factors were the fuel exhaustion induced power loss due to the pilot's improper pre-flight inspection.Jul 14, 1991 · N16962 · Substantial damageNTSB FTW87FA090Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Uvalde, TXOn 04-02-87, a Piper PA-38-112, N5540E, owned and operated by southwest Texas junior college, impacted the terrain near Uvalde, TX. The flight was conducted for training purposes. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The…Apr 2, 1987 · N4450E · Substantial damageNTSB FTW86LQG17Accident · No injuriesFinal reportMcculloch J-2 · Stanton, TXPilot attempted take off from pasture. Just after lift off the nose gear caught on a single strand electric fence and brought aircraft to a stop where it rolled over. The plts flt time was not reported or available.Jul 28, 1986 · N4319G · DestroyedNTSB FTW86LA043Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G · Beaumont, TXThe pilot was taking off from an area which was protected from the wind by a large building. After obtaining translational lift and climbing above the building, a right quartering tail wind, with gusts to 20 knots, was encountered. The pilot stated he lost…Mar 18, 1986 · N2275B · Substantial damageNTSB FTW69D0066Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 172 · Junction, TXApr 9, 1968 · N8811B · Substantial damageNTSB FTW67A0035Accident · No injuriesClosedHughes 269A · Mineral Wells, TXSep 23, 1967 · N8818F · Substantial damage