OpenAirDocs.org

Fatal NTSB investigations

1,831 cases where the phase of flight was Uncontrolled descent.

Cases per year

19622026

Where

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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.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal'
    AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM case_phases WHERE main = 650)
  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 WPR26FA108Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportVans RV-8 · Hurricane, UTOn February 28, 2026, at about 1005 mountain standard time, an experimental amateur-built, Vans Aircraft, RV-8, N80AR, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Hurricane, Utah. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated…Feb 28, 2026 · N80AR · Substantial damageNTSB WPR25FA147Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPaul Berkovitz Vans RV-10 · Simi Valley, CAOn May 3, 2025, about 1350 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Van’s RV-10, N626PB, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Simi Valley, California. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a…May 3, 2025 · N626PB · DestroyedNTSB ERA25FA179Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 180 · Trilla, ILOn April 19, 2025, at 1016 central daylight time, a Cessna 180G, N4679U, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Trilla, Illinois. The private pilot and three passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of…Apr 19, 2025 · N4679U · DestroyedNTSB GAA25WA176Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignSocata TB 20 · Vaduleni, MoldovaOct 27, 2024 · D-EMRT · DestroyedNTSB GAA24WA250Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBeech 95A55 · Birigui, BrazilAug 3, 2024 · PS-RCM · DestroyedNTSB ERA22FA262Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportEnstrom F28 · Greenville, OHAn impact with terrain for undetermined reasons.Jun 7, 2022 · N600TA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16FA194Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportJihlavan Airplanes Sro KP 5 ASA · Rhoadesville, VAThe pilots' loss of control that necessitated the activation of the parachute system and the airplane manufacturer's inadequate design of the front parachute anchor attachment structure, which resulted in a failure of the parachute after it was deployed in…May 24, 2016 · N440JM · DestroyedNTSB ERA16FA001Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32R · Westminster, SCThe pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Oct 2, 2015 · N782TM · DestroyedNTSB CEN15WA152Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationAvions Robin Robin DR 400/140 B · Yverdon LSGY, SwitzerlandFeb 23, 2015 · HB-KDD · DestroyedNTSB CEN15FA141Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRichard Lacourse Wheeler Express · Kersey, COThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an off-airport forced landing following a total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination of the engine. Contributing to the accident was the pilots'…Feb 11, 2015 · N564ER · DestroyedNTSB WPR13FA116Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Minden, NVThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering over mountainous terrain.Feb 7, 2013 · N328SP · DestroyedNTSB ERA13FA101Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Jasper, ALThe student pilot’s poor judgment to take a multiengine airplane for which he did not have experience or permission to operate and depart into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and impact with terrain.Jan 2, 2013 · N7700Y · DestroyedNTSB CEN12FA251Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Newcomerstown, OHThe pilot’s loss of airplane control in instrument meteorological conditions due to his distraction by electrical system anomalies, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent. The reason for the electrical system anomalies could not be determined.Apr 21, 2012 · N110EB · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12FA108Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Bryan, TXThe pilot’s inadvertent encounter with severe weather, which resulted in the airplane’s left wing failing in positive overload. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s reliance on outdated weather information that he received on his in-cockpit…Dec 20, 2011 · N3590T · Substantial damageNTSB WPR12FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20M · Pomona, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear obstructions while maneuvering on the base leg of the traffic pattern for landing.Nov 18, 2011 · N741SB · Substantial damageNTSB WPR11FA155Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMuse KR2 · Newberry Springs, CAThe airplane’s encounter with severe turbulence, which resulted in the in-flight breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.Mar 7, 2011 · N122B · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10WA116Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-32-300 · Bimini, Bahamas, BahamasOn January 17, 2010, at approximately 1545 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32-300, N4219R, crashed approximately 500 yards northwest of the Bimini Bay Resort, North Bimini, Bahamas. The flight departed Lynden Pindling International Airport, Nassau, Bahamas…Jan 17, 2010 · N4219R · DestroyedNTSB ERA09WA166Accident · 24 fatalForeign investigationEmbraer EMB110 · Coari, BrazilOn February 7, 2009, at 1810 universal time coordinates, an Embraer EMB 110P1, Brazilian registry PT-SEA, operated by Manaus Aerotaxi as a commuter flight, experienced an unknown problem after take-off from the Coari, Amazonas Airport (SWKO) in Coari, Brazil,…Feb 7, 2009 · PR-SAE · DestroyedNTSB WPR09LA032Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportUniversal Globe · Wallace, CAThe pilot's incapacitation during cruise for unknown reasons that resulted in a loss of aircraft control.Nov 7, 2008 · N80715 · DestroyedNTSB NYC08LA224Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Vodochody Aero. Works L-29 Delfin · Millville, NJA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a clogged fuel filter that was not identified due to the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.Jun 22, 2008 · N29DJ · Substantial damageNTSB SEA08LA072Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWooters Lancair ES · Albany, ORThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain aircraft control while in cruise flight. Contributing to the accident were inadequate planning/decision, icing conditions, and continued flight into known icing conditions.Feb 8, 2008 · N329BW · Substantial damageNTSB LAX08FA047Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeechcraft V35B · Selma, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain control resulting in the in-flight break-up of the airplane due to aerodynamic overload. Contributing factors included the pilot's impairment due to multiple medical conditions and due to recent use of alcohol.Jan 18, 2008 · N4662M · Substantial damageNTSB CHI07LA086Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCamair 480 · East Liberty, OHThe uncontrolled descent for undetermined reasons.Mar 8, 2007 · N209 · DestroyedNTSB CHI07FA046Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRockwell International 114 · Jasper, TNThe pilot's inability to maintain altitude due to excessive airframe ice accretion, resulting in an in-flight collision with trees and terrain. Additional causes were the pilot's continued flight in icing conditions once they had been encountered, and his…Dec 26, 2006 · N55MB · Substantial damageNTSB SEA07FA035Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D95A · Gilroy, CAThe certified flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane and inadequate supervision of the flight, which resulted in a stall/spin.Dec 18, 2006 · N144PG · DestroyedNTSB ATL03FA104Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · Battleboro, NCThe certified flight instructor's (CFI) failure to maintain flying speed that resulted in a stall/spin and the uncontrolled collision with the ground.Jun 8, 2003 · N578TP · Substantial damageNTSB ATL03FA041Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Florence, SCThe pilot experienced spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of control and the subsequent collision with the ground. A factors was dark night and clouds.Feb 6, 2003 · N5587P · DestroyedNTSB FTW03FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-58 · Egypt, ARThe pilot's inadvertent flight into severe icing conditions. A contributing factor was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning.Dec 24, 2002 · N5TV · DestroyedNTSB DEN02LA109Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSabian Rans S-12XL · Mexican Hat, UTthe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning and decision making (flying up a canyon with insufficient altitude) which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush, and the pilot's failure to follow the proper emergency procedures for activating his Ballistic Recovery…Sep 22, 2002 · N725ST · DestroyedNTSB CHI02FA172Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Foster City, MIThe incapacitation of the pilot. A contributing factor was the pilot and medical examiner providing false information on the pilot's medical applications.Jun 17, 2002 · N5034D · DestroyedNTSB CHI02LA121Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportYoder GP-4 · Mount Pleasant, MIThe inadvertent stall/spin by the pilot-in-command.May 5, 2002 · N59JY · DestroyedNTSB IAD01FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Mcgaheysville, VAThe flight instructor's failure to recover from a spin for undetermined reasons.Aug 14, 2001 · N63351 · Substantial damageNTSB MIA01LA181Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFloback Lancair 4 · Kissimmee, FLthe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin, and subsequent impact with the terrain.Jul 11, 2001 · N720BF · DestroyedNTSB NYC01FA089Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182Q · Dixon, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance while maneuvering, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.Mar 24, 2001 · N4752N · DestroyedNTSB DCA01MA017Accident · 10 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBeech 200 · Strasburg, COThe pilot’s spatial disorientation resulting from his failure to maintain positive manual control of the airplane with the available flight instrumentation. Contributing to the cause of the accident was the loss of a.c. electrical power during instrument…Jan 27, 2001 · N81PF · DestroyedNTSB LAX01FA036Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-200 · Teec Nos Pos, AZIn-flight loss of control resulting in airframe structural failure. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadvertant visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions.Nov 5, 2000 · N3032R · DestroyedNTSB MIA00FA118Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-260 · Panama City, FLThe pilot experiencing spatial disorientation while reversing course during a dark night while over water which resul;ted in an in-flight collision with water. A factor was the dark night lighting conditions.Mar 27, 2000 · N9204P · DestroyedNTSB LAX00LA141Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBirx Vans RV-6 · Taft, CAThe in-flight collision with the ground for undetermined reasons.Mar 27, 2000 · N986DB · DestroyedNTSB MIA00FA043Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Pelham, ALThe student pilot's decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into deteriorating visibility, and his failure to maintain altitude clearance with the terrain.Dec 8, 1999 · N39696 · DestroyedNTSB MIA99FA095Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech AT11/18 · Tampa, FLthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane resulting in an inadvertent stall at too low an altitude to allow for recovery.Feb 27, 1999 · N65860 · DestroyedNTSB SEA98FA081Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P206C · Dubois, IDAttempted VFR flight into IMC and a loss of aircraft control. An inadequate weather evaluation and drug impairment were factors.May 21, 1998 · N8669Z · Substantial damageNTSB FTW98LA098Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPoling Keleher Lark KR1B · Georgetown, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A contributing factor was the pilot's physical impairment due to drugs.Jan 14, 1998 · N82BP · Substantial damageNTSB SEA95LA070Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuicksilver MXL2 · Hildale, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while banking the airplane. This led to an unrecoverable aerodynamic stall in close proximity to the ground. Factors contributing to the accident are the pilot exceeding the airplane's weight and balance…Mar 13, 1995 · UNREG · DestroyedNTSB BFO94LA097Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFalen Commander 503 · Georgetown, OHThe gyroplane's uncontrolled descent into terrain due to undetermined reasons.Jun 12, 1994 · UNREG · DestroyedNTSB LAX94LA098Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Borrego Springs, CAThe pilot's intentional decision to abandon the airplane and allow it to fly unattended.Jan 18, 1994 · N56811 · DestroyedNTSB FTW93FA137Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 206B III · Austin, TXAircraft control not maintained by pilot in command. Factors were unfavorable winds and pilot's lack of recent experience.Apr 23, 1993 · N2205X · DestroyedNTSB LAX92LA153Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Payson, AZThe 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…Mar 27, 1992 · N8000J · DestroyedNTSB LAX91LA391Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Kahului, HIThe student pilot entry into an uncontrolled descent while attempting to perform an autorotation. The student pilot's lack of total experience was a factor in the accident.Sep 12, 1991 · N6128Q · DestroyedNTSB CHI91FA266Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Boyne City, MIThe pilot in command's failure to maintain proper altitude. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot in command's diverted attention..Aug 13, 1991 · N6704V · Substantial damageNTSB FTW91FA144Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201T · Midland, TXThe pilot's inability to control the airplane due to his physiological incaapacitation. A factor was the pilot's impairment due to the usage of pain medications.Aug 9, 1991 · N8144J · Destroyed