# NTSB investigations, AK: Uncontrolled 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.

Page 1 of 2 · 73 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ANC11CA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11CA058.md): Aviat A-1B · Palmer, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 6, 2011 · N949AK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude in mountainous terrain and weather conditions conducive to downdrafts.
- [NTSB ANC92LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92LA112.md): Piper J3C-65 · Cloudy Lake, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 1992 · N21375 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to enter an aerobatic maneuver with sufficient altitude to effect a recovery prior to ground impact.
- [NTSB ANC92LA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92LA038.md): Cessna 180 · Shishmaref, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 14, 1992 · N2788X · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrumented rated pilot-in-command attempted visual flight into known instrument meteorological conditions. Factors contributing to the accident were the fog, the icing conditions, and the pilot's over confidence in his personal ability.
- [NTSB ANC90LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC90LA112.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Coldfoot, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 1990 · N6374J · Destroyed
  > The airplane encountered a downdraft shortly after takeoff from which the airplane could not overcome with power. Contributing to the accident was the heavily loaded airplane and the engine not developing full power due to improper maintenance.
- [NTSB ANC83FA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC83FA161.md): Bellanca 7GCBC · Kasilof, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 1983 · N88374 · Substantial damage
  > The acft crashed in a vertical nose down attitude a short distance from the plt's private airstrip. According to relatives the plt was taking his girl friend's 2 children for a short flt. Investigation revealed the plt's last known medical certificate was…
- [NTSB ANC81FA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC81FA093.md): Dehavilland DHC-2 · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Closed · Aug 7, 1981 · N31618 · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC81FAA22](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC81FAA22.md): Piper PA-22 · Hess Creek, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Aug 2, 1981 · N8728D · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC81FA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC81FA085.md): Mooney M20K · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Jul 28, 1981 · N231PY · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC81DAA05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC81DAA05.md): Cessna 150 · Gold King Crk, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Nov 1, 1980 · N496RA · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC80FA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC80FA102.md): Piper PA-18 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Sep 21, 1980 · N21AA · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC80FA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC80FA084.md): Piper PA-18 · Cordova, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Aug 13, 1980 · N2487H · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC80FA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC80FA043.md): Cessna 185F · Anchorage, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · May 4, 1980 · N93130 · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC80FA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC80FA030.md): Cessna 172M · Homer, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Feb 12, 1980 · N1384U · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC80FA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC80FA015.md): Bell 47G3B1 · Farewell, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Nov 24, 1979 · N73249 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC80FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC80FA012.md): Piper PA-20 · Palmer, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Nov 15, 1979 · N9710D · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC80FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC80FA001.md): Cessna 207 · Juneau, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Oct 3, 1979 · N1726U · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC79FA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC79FA035.md): Maule M-4 · Eureka Lodge, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Jan 24, 1979 · N2076U · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC79DA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC79DA015.md): Grumman G-44A · Cordova, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Oct 31, 1978 · N444W · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC78FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC78FA082.md): Aeronca 7EC · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Sep 15, 1978 · N4739E · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC78DA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC78DA064.md): Dehavilland DHC-2 · Kenai, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Closed · Aug 11, 1978 · N5319G · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC78FA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC78FA028.md): Bell 206B · Lonely, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Apr 16, 1978 · N49757 · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC78FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC78FA023.md): Evangel 4500 · Merrill Pass, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Feb 27, 1978 · N4508L · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC78DAG17](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC78DAG17.md): Cessna 185D · Mt.Susitna, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Closed · Dec 27, 1977 · N1553F · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC78FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC78FA005.md): Hiller Acft FH1100 · Anchor Point, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Dec 19, 1977 · N18845 · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC77FA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC77FA019.md): Piper PA-18 · Kaktovik, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jan 2, 1977 · N7199Z · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC76AA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC76AA088.md): Piper PA-34 · Petersburg, AK · Accident · 6 fatal · Closed · May 18, 1976 · N55951 · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC76AA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC76AA074.md): Cessna 207 · Igiugig, AK · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Mar 7, 1976 · N91142 · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC76AA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC76AA064.md): S.N.A.I.S. SA341G · Circle, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Jan 30, 1976 · N62176 · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC76AA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC76AA059.md): Bell 206B · Kenai, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Closed · Jan 4, 1976 · N59481 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC76AA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC76AA054.md): Bellanca 7GCBC · Bettles, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Dec 18, 1975 · N5137T · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC76AA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC76AA053.md): Bellanca 8GCBC · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Dec 17, 1975 · N88328 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC76AA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC76AA047.md): Cessna 185 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Nov 9, 1975 · N9874X · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC76AA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC76AA035.md): Piper PA-20 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Sep 14, 1975 · N6965K · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC76AA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC76AA021.md): Hiller Acft UH-12E · Painter Creek, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Aug 11, 1975 · N5379V · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC74AA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC74AA066.md): Cessna A185E · Scammon Bay, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Apr 8, 1974 · N2249T · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC74AA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC74AA047.md): Cessna 180C · Anchorage, AK · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Nov 23, 1973 · N4669S · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC74AA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC74AA035.md): Cessna 150L · Birchwood, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Sep 18, 1973 · N5352Q · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC74AA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC74AA032.md): Globe GC-1B · Eureka Lodge, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Sep 15, 1973 · N3822K · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC74AA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC74AA020.md): Piper PA-18 · Anaktuvuk Ps, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Aug 10, 1973 · N1372C · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC73AA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC73AA039.md): Cessna 180H · Kasigluk, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Jan 31, 1973 · N9929V · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC73AAO32](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC73AAO32.md): Piper PA-18A · Portage, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Nov 4, 1972 · N7287D · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC72AA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC72AA047.md): Piper PA-18A · Arctc Villge, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · May 22, 1972 · N8556C · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC72AA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC72AA043.md): Maule M4220C · Cordova, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Apr 25, 1972 · N2043U · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC72AA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC72AA038.md): Hiller Acft FH1100 · Valdez, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Mar 9, 1972 · N440FH · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC72AA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC72AA030.md): Cessna 180 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Dec 4, 1971 · N7692A · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC72FAA03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC72FAA03.md): Piper PA-20 · Fort Yukon, AK · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jul 20, 1971 · N1506A · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC71AA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC71AA056.md): Sud Aviatn SA318C · Anaktvk Pass, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · May 12, 1971 · N9222 · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC71AA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC71AA031.md): Maule M4-210 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Dec 6, 1970 · N9829M · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC70AA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC70AA053.md): Cessna 180 · Karluk, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jan 4, 1970 · N3143D · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC70A0048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC70A0048.md): Piper PA-12 · Juneau, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Dec 21, 1969 · N3013M · Substantial damage

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/650/cases.md?state=AK&page=2

## 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" = 'AK' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM case_phases WHERE main = 650)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/650/cases?state=AK

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OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.