# NTSB investigations, IA: 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.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB MKC82FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC82FA006.md): Cessna 172N · Prairie City, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Nov 24, 1981 · N737RM · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC82FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC82FA003.md): Cessna 182P · Essex, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Oct 30, 1981 · N9906E · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC81FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC81FA044.md): Piper PA-28R · Colo, IA · Accident · 5 fatal · Closed · Jul 25, 1981 · N16328 · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC81FA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC81FA028.md): Piper PA-28 · Dixon, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Apr 8, 1981 · N47970 · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC81FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC81FA027.md): Piper PA-28 · Creston, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Apr 8, 1981 · N2250W · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC81FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC81FA005.md): Cessna 207 · Cedar Rapids, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Oct 16, 1980 · N91026 · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC80FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC80FA048.md): Piper PA-28R · Carroll, IA · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Aug 9, 1980 · N47741 · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC80FA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC80FA019.md): Piper PA-28 · Clare, IA · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Jan 25, 1980 · N9421C · Destroyed
- [NTSB UNK80X0102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/UNK80X0102.md): Piper PA-28 · Melvin, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Nov 11, 1979 · N2181D · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC78FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78FA034.md): Beech S-35 · Audubon, IA · Accident · 5 fatal · Closed · Apr 29, 1978 · N7971K · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC78FA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78FA020.md): Piper PA-22 · Tama, IA · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Jan 15, 1978 · N6819B · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC77FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC77FA017.md): Cessna T210L · Atkins, IA · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Mar 19, 1977 · N2231S · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC75AK047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC75AK047.md): Cessna 182 · Davenport, IA · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Mar 5, 1975 · N9950T · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC74AK030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC74AK030-144446.md): Cessna 182 · Beacon, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Dec 12, 1974 · N5323B · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC75AK004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC75AK004.md): Piper PA-28 · Dubuque, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jul 22, 1974 · N8020N · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC74AK022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC74AK022.md): Maule M4-220 · Independence, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Nov 14, 1973 · N40320 · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC74AK013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC74AK013.md): Piper PA-24 · Council Bluf, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Sep 28, 1973 · N5547P · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC73AK051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC73AK051.md): Cessna 180H · Mt.Vernon, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Feb 19, 1973 · N9058M · Destroyed
- [NTSB DEN73AD030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN73AD030.md): Beech C90 · Blairstown, IA · Accident · 5 fatal · Closed · Jan 3, 1973 · N936K · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC73AK038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC73AK038.md): Cessna 150D · Wellman, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Nov 9, 1972 · N5913T · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC73DCD12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC73DCD12.md): Brantly B-2B · Marshalltown, IA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Aug 6, 1972 · N2161U · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC72AK057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC72AK057.md): Beech C35 · Alta, IA · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Mar 26, 1972 · N5844C · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC72AK041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC72AK041.md): Piper PA-28R · Davenport, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Dec 25, 1971 · N7477J · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC72AK038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC72AK038.md): Erco 415C · Lake Mills, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Dec 19, 1971 · N93703 · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC72FCD17](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC72FCD17.md): Taylorcraft BL-65 · Ackley, IA · Accident · Serious injuries · Closed · Aug 8, 1971 · N36214 · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC72FCD05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC72FCD05.md): Brantly B2B · Spencer, IA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jul 9, 1971 · N2161U · Substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC71AK046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC71AK046.md): Champion 8KCAB · Clinton, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Feb 18, 1971 · N9020L · Destroyed
- [NTSB UNK70X0113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/UNK70X0113.md): Piper PA-22 · Mason City, IA · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Aug 22, 1970 · N3714P · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC70AK071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC70AK071.md): Cessna 182G · Oelwein, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jun 14, 1970 · N2391R · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC70AK067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC70AK067.md): Piper PA-28 · Newton, IA · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · May 31, 1970 · N1702J · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC70A0033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC70A0033.md): Alon A-2A · Clear Lake, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Dec 15, 1969 · N5646F · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC70A0008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC70A0008.md): Cessna 172H · Newton, IA · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Aug 31, 1969 · N3149X · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC69F0428](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC69F0428.md): Piper PA-16 · Adel, IA · Accident · Serious injuries · Closed · May 11, 1969 · N5710H · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC69A0027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC69A0027.md): Air-Space 18A · Marion, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Oct 20, 1968 · N6105S · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC69A0023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC69A0023.md): Piper PA-28 · Osceola, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Oct 13, 1968 · N9176W · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC68A0032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC68A0032.md): Erco 415-C · Toledo, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Oct 27, 1967 · N93588 · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC67F0319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC67F0319.md): Piper PA-22 · Ames, IA · Accident · Serious injuries · Closed · Nov 26, 1966 · N1517P · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC67A0036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC67A0036.md): Cessna 172G · Elkhorn, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Nov 23, 1966 · N4170L · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC67A0030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC67A0030.md): Piper PA-24 · Muscatine, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Oct 18, 1966 · N9108P · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC67A0014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC67A0014.md): Wittman 11E · Glenwood, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Aug 21, 1966 · N211S · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC66A0030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC66A0030.md): Universal GC-1B · Council Bluffs, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Nov 6, 1965 · N3832K · Destroyed
- [NTSB DEN66A0027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN66A0027.md): Cessna 150E · Newton, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Oct 14, 1965 · N8883S · Destroyed

## 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" = 'IA' 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=IA

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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.