# NTSB investigations, AZ: 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 · 55 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB LAX01FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01FA036.md): Piper PA28-200 · Teec Nos Pos, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 5, 2000 · N3032R · Destroyed
  > In-flight loss of control resulting in airframe structural failure. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadvertant visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB LAX98LA298](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA298.md): Aero Vodochody Aero. Works L-39 · Mesa, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 1998 · N44529 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper flare and his failure to follow the proper procedures for the aircraft and to maintain control of the aircraft.
- [NTSB LAX92LA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA255.md): Stinson 108-3 · Window Rock, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 19, 1992 · N589C · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to calculate the aircraft's performance data and perform a weather evauluation. The existing high density altitude was a factor in the accident.
- [NTSB LAX92LA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA153.md): Beech F33A · Payson, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 27, 1992 · N8000J · Destroyed
  > The pilot's poor preflight planning/preparation by intentionally flying into known adverse weather and his poor in-flight decision by not flying to an alternate airport when the airplane began to encounter icing. Contributing to this accident was the icing…
- [NTSB LAX87FA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87FA055.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Eloy, AZ · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 28, 1986 · N5814P · Destroyed
  > In cavu weather conditions, the acft crashed into open, level desert terrain at a 30 deg, nose low and near wings level attitude. No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were found with the aircraft. There were no witnesses to the accident.
- [NTSB LAX81FA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX81FA063.md): Beech B35 · Winkelman, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Mar 20, 1981 · N8587R · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX81FA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX81FA037.md): Beech S35 · Casa Grande, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Jan 16, 1981 · N844B · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX81FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX81FA034.md): Beech A36 · Peach Springs, AZ · Accident · 6 fatal · Closed · Jan 12, 1981 · N66757 · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX80FA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX80FA059.md): Cessna 182G · Grand Canyon, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Feb 19, 1980 · N2350R · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX79FA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX79FA046.md): Cessna 310R · Heber, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Mar 17, 1979 · N3424G · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX79FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX79FA025.md): Cessna 175 · Wickenburg, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Jan 18, 1979 · N7494M · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX79FA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX79FA022.md): Piper PA-24 · Springerville, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Dec 20, 1978 · N5734P · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX78FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX78FA034.md): Cessna 182P · Benson, AZ · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Mar 12, 1978 · N6955M · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX78FA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX78FA020.md): Cessna 182F · Sells, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Jan 7, 1978 · N3117U · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX77FA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX77FA031.md): Cessna 172 · Payson, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Mar 25, 1977 · N4181F · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX77FA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX77FA035.md): Cessna 182H · Tuscon, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Feb 3, 1977 · N1840X · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX77FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX77FA005.md): Cessna U206 · Joseph City, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Oct 27, 1976 · N3945G · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX76SL071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX76SL071.md): Cessna 172H · Winslow, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Apr 15, 1976 · N3737R · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX76AL053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX76AL053.md): Cessna 172 · Prescott, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Feb 13, 1976 · N84011 · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX76AL001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX76AL001.md): Cessna 411 · Show Low, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jul 2, 1975 · N4956T · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX75AL008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX75AL008-134601.md): Cessna 182P · Holbrook, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · May 4, 1975 · N9356G · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX75AL052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX75AL052.md): Piper PA-28 · Sedona, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Apr 8, 1975 · N5016W · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX74AL038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX74AL038.md): Beech 95-C55 · Kayenta, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Nov 18, 1973 · N2077W · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX74DUJ16](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX74DUJ16.md): Grumman G-164A · Arlington, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Aug 27, 1973 · N4897 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX73AL062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX73AL062.md): Bellanca 14-19 · Parker, AZ · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Jun 7, 1973 · N6581N · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX73AL056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX73AL056.md): Mooney M20C · Globe, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Mar 22, 1973 · N6675R · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX73AL023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX73AL023.md): Piper PA-28 · Dragoon, AZ · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Dec 5, 1972 · N5009S · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX73AL015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX73AL015.md): Aero Comdr 200D · Wittmann, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Oct 6, 1972 · N2906T · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX73AL014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX73AL014.md): Cessna 172F · Salome, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Oct 3, 1972 · N8342U · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX72AL061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX72AL061.md): Aero Comdr 500-A · Safford, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Jun 2, 1972 · N140X · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX72DUJ91](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX72DUJ91.md): Piper PA-28 · Cave Creek, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Apr 19, 1972 · N7213J · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX72AL030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX72AL030.md): Cessna 172A · Bagdad, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Oct 25, 1971 · N7570T · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX71FUJ03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX71FUJ03.md): Cessna 150 · Yuma, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jun 24, 1971 · N50723 · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX71AL069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX71AL069.md): Piper PA-24 · Roosevelt, AZ · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · May 21, 1971 · N9145P · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX71AL059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX71AL059.md): Cessna 182 · Jerome, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Mar 24, 1971 · N3797U · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX72AL021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX72AL021.md): Piper PA-28 · Mcnary, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Nov 26, 1970 · N7509W · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX71DUJ28](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX71DUJ28.md): Hughes 269B · Willcox, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Sep 25, 1970 · N9384F · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX71AL011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX71AL011.md): Piper PA-22 · Alpine, AZ · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Sep 6, 1970 · N1968A · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX70AL069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX70AL069.md): Cessna 182H · Young, AZ · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Apr 28, 1970 · N2327X · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX70AL061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX70AL061.md): Piper PA-32 · Colrado Cty, AZ · Accident · 6 fatal · Closed · Mar 26, 1970 · N4121R · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX70AL055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX70AL055.md): Cessna 172 · Douglas, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Mar 6, 1970 · N79400 · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX70A0028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX70A0028.md): Beech M35 · Happy Jack, AZ · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Nov 7, 1969 · N9725R · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX70A0027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX70A0027.md): Beech S35 · Bouse, AZ · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Nov 6, 1969 · N5628K · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX69F0293](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX69F0293.md): Bensen B-8M · Litchfld Pk, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Closed · Mar 2, 1969 · N2553 · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX69A0001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX69A0001.md): Piper PA-28 · Oracle, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Jul 3, 1968 · N6703J · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX68A0094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX68A0094.md): Bellanca 17-30 · Kayenta, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Apr 21, 1968 · N4816V · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX68A0008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX68A0008.md): Mooney M20C · Flagstaff, AZ · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Jul 17, 1967 · N6956U · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX67A0075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX67A0075.md): Bell 47G-3B · Peach Spring, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Feb 7, 1967 · N73234 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB DEN66A0042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN66A0042.md): Piper PA-22 · Quartzsite, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Nov 24, 1965 · N2924P · Destroyed
- [NTSB DEN66A0039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN66A0039.md): Cessna 210 · Payson, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Nov 24, 1965 · N9633X · Destroyed

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/650/cases.md?state=AZ&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" = 'AZ' 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=AZ

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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.