# NTSB investigations, 1977: 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 3 · 118 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB SEA78FA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA78FA015.md): Grum Amer AA-5A · Anaconda, MT · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Dec 28, 1977 · N9968U · 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 MIA78DA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA78DA025.md): Piper PA-28 · Mayaguez (Atlantic Ocean) · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Dec 24, 1977 · N4901J · Destroyed
- [NTSB MIA78FA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA78FA020.md): Cessna 150 · Plantation, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Dec 23, 1977 · N10608 · Destroyed
- [NTSB SEA78FA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA78FA014.md): Aero Cmdr 520 · Cheshire, OR · Accident · 7 fatal · Closed · Dec 22, 1977 · C-GHUN · Destroyed
- [NTSB NYC78FA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC78FA015.md): Beagle B206 · Greenwich, CT · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Dec 20, 1977 · N1008B · Destroyed
- [NTSB ANC78FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC78FA005.md): Hiller Acft FH1100 · Anchor Point, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Dec 19, 1977 · N18845 · Destroyed
- [NTSB MIA78AF019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA78AF019.md): Cessna 150 · Dauphin Island, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Dec 17, 1977 · N6589T · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC78DCJ07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78DCJ07.md): Mooney M10 · Emerson, NE · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Dec 16, 1977 · N9525V · Substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC78FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78FA012.md): Piper PA-28R · Fordland, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Dec 8, 1977 · N38775 · Destroyed
- [NTSB IAD78FA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD78FA018.md): Cessna 172H · Dickson, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Dec 4, 1977 · N75923 · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC78FA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78FA011.md): Beech C33 · Canton, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Dec 1, 1977 · N9435S · Destroyed
- [NTSB IAD78FA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD78FA016.md): Piper PA-23 · Reston, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Nov 30, 1977 · N6241Y · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC78FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78FA009.md): Cessna 182M · Hill City, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Nov 29, 1977 · N71026 · Destroyed
- [NTSB MIA78FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA78FA017.md): Piper PA-28 · Lakeport, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Nov 29, 1977 · N5374W · Destroyed
- [NTSB NYC78FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC78FA009.md): Piper PA-28R · North Wales, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Nov 23, 1977 · N1018L · Destroyed
- [NTSB OAK78FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK78FA005.md): Beech E35 · Willows, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Nov 21, 1977 · N3274C · Destroyed
- [NTSB CHI788A011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI788A011.md): Beech P35 · New Salem, IN · Accident · 5 fatal · Closed · Nov 17, 1977 · N9958Y · Destroyed
- [NTSB SEA78FA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA78FA008.md): Cessna 172M · Newport, WA · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Nov 13, 1977 · C-GSKO · Destroyed
- [NTSB DEN78FA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN78FA007.md): Stinson 108-2 · Hope, NM · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Nov 13, 1977 · N178C · Destroyed
- [NTSB FTW78FPG05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW78FPG05.md): Piper PA-24 · Booneville, AR · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Nov 5, 1977 · N5581P · Substantial damage
- [NTSB SEA78FA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA78FA007.md): Piper PA-28 · Gales Creek, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Nov 4, 1977 · N2710Q · Destroyed
- [NTSB OAK78FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK78FA004.md): Cessna 172K · Willits, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Nov 4, 1977 · N7330G · Destroyed
- [NTSB OAK78FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK78FA003.md): Piper PA-28R · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Nov 4, 1977 · N5690V · Destroyed
- [NTSB CHI78FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI78FA006.md): Cessna 150G · Columbus, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Nov 4, 1977 · N6221S · Destroyed
- [NTSB NYC78FHM01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC78FHM01.md): Hughes 369D · Monmouth, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Oct 27, 1977 · N8605F · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC78FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78FA005.md): Piper PA-28 · Lamar, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Oct 25, 1977 · N7983N · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC78FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78FA004.md): Piper PA-28 · Blair, NE · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Oct 23, 1977 · N55184 · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC78FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78FA003.md): Amer Avco AA-1B · St Louis, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Oct 23, 1977 · N1473R · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC78FA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78FA002.md): Grumann AA-5A · Pierce, NE · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Oct 23, 1977 · N9762U · Destroyed
- [NTSB FTW78FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW78FA006.md): Piper PA-30 · Wetumka, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Oct 23, 1977 · N7623Y · Destroyed
- [NTSB IAD78FA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD78FA005.md): Beech D35 · Livingston, KY · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Oct 15, 1977 · N2982B · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC78FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78FA001.md): Navion A · Caldwell, KS · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Oct 6, 1977 · N91482 · Destroyed
- [NTSB DEN78FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN78FA003.md): Mooney M20C · Sheridan, WY · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Oct 4, 1977 · N5581Q · Destroyed
- [NTSB DEN78FA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN78FA002.md): Piper PA-32 · Cedar Fort, UT · Accident · 7 fatal · Closed · Sep 30, 1977 · N5400F · Substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK77FA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK77FA059.md): Cessna 172N · Pahala, HI · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Sep 29, 1977 · N733FZ · Destroyed
- [NTSB MIA77FA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA77FA090.md): Cessna 150 · Water Valley, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Sep 24, 1977 · N6677G · Destroyed
- [NTSB CHI77FEC48](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI77FEC48.md): Piper PA-28 · Romeo, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Sep 24, 1977 · N5194S · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX77DUG63](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX77DUG63.md): Aero Comdr 600S2R · Blythe, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Closed · Sep 23, 1977 · N5502X · Destroyed
- [NTSB IAD77DKM33](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD77DKM33.md): Cessna 120 · Bryson City, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Sep 23, 1977 · N1373Z · Destroyed
- [NTSB CHI77FA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI77FA073.md): Beech C90 · Pontiac, IL · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Sep 23, 1977 · N23796 · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX77FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX77FA064.md): Cessna T210L · Carlsbad, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Sep 22, 1977 · N732GL · Destroyed
- [NTSB OAK77FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK77FA054.md): Cessna 177 · Soda Springs, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Sep 17, 1977 · N30748 · Destroyed
- [NTSB MIA77FA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA77FA088.md): Cessna 172 · Lauderhill, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Closed · Sep 16, 1977 · N7645G · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC77FA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC77FA039.md): Cessna 177 · Coldwater, KS · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Sep 15, 1977 · N29358 · Destroyed
- [NTSB MIA77FA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA77FA087.md): Piper PA-28 · Jackson, MS · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Sep 12, 1977 · N98039 · Destroyed
- [NTSB FTW77FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW77FA074.md): Beech V35A · Idabel, OK · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Sep 12, 1977 · N800SC · Destroyed
- [NTSB IAD77FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD77FA064.md): Piper PA-28 · Harriman, TN · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Sep 5, 1977 · N32044 · Destroyed
- [NTSB MIA77FA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA77FA083.md): Piper PA-28 · Lodge, SC · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Sep 4, 1977 · N6334W · Destroyed
- [NTSB MKC77FA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC77FA037.md): Piper PA-28 · Eagle Butte, SD · Accident · 3 fatal · Closed · Sep 3, 1977 · N7731W · Destroyed

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/650/cases.md?year=1977&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 year(c."eventDate") = 1977
  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?year=1977

---
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.