OpenAirDocs.org

NTSB investigations

2,192 cases where the phase of flight was Uncontrolled descent.

Cases, newest first

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.\"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 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 NYC01LA191Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · East Greenwich, NJThe pilot's premature liftoff which resulted in an inadvertent stall.Jul 28, 2001 · N246JC · 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 MIA00LA276Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChristian Quicksilver · Booneville, MSan inadvertent stall at too low an altitude to allow recovery, which resulted in impact with trees. Factors in this accident were the owner/pilot was not a certified pilot, and lacked training.Aug 21, 2000 · UNREG · Substantial damageNTSB IAD00LA074Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportUnknown Bensen Gyrocopter · Macedon, NYpilot's failure to maintain control of the gyrocopter. Factors in the accident were the pilot's lack of total flight experience and familiarity with the gyrocopter.Aug 13, 2000 · UNREG · Substantial damageNTSB NYC00LA189Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Freemont, DEThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance and delayed power application while attempting to release a banner from the airplane.Jul 7, 2000 · N8362M · Substantial damageNTSB LAX00LA204Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-180 · Tonopah, NVThe pilot's failure to attain the proper rotation airspeed during initial takeoff and his improper aborted takeoff procedures.May 24, 2000 · N3700T · Substantial damageNTSB 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 ATL00LA003Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22-MARINER · West Boca Raton, FLThe flight instructor's delayed response in taking remedial action during a practice autorotation. Factors were his inadequate planned approach and his improper use of powerplant controls.Oct 25, 1999 · N2285Z · Substantial damageNTSB MIA99LA094Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182J · Franklin, NCThe failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane on final approach resulting in the in-flight collision with trees and the ground.Feb 27, 1999 · N460JM · Substantial damageNTSB 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 LAX99LA049Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-3B-1 · Winterhaven, CAThe failure of the pilot to maintain rotor rpm. A factor was his attempt to take off over gross weight.Dec 4, 1998 · N3084G · Substantial damageNTSB LAX98LA298Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Vodochody Aero. Works L-39 · Mesa, AZThe pilot's improper flare and his failure to follow the proper procedures for the aircraft and to maintain control of the aircraft.Sep 19, 1998 · N44529 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI98LA339Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom 480 · Green Bay, WIthe pilot's failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm during a practice autorotation.Sep 16, 1998 · N142CC · Substantial damageNTSB 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 FTW97LA310Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWaco KNF · Wamsutter, WYThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the precautionary landing. A factor was a wind gust.Aug 15, 1997 · NC698N · Substantial damageNTSB MIA97LA212Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportContinental Copters MK5A · Sylacauga, ALThe failure of the pilot to maintain main rotor rpm resulting in the helicopter descending and colliding with trees.Jul 24, 1997 · N62108 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI96LA008Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Crawfordsville, INThe pilot's premature raising of the flaps and the low airspeed.Oct 15, 1995 · N834A · DestroyedNTSB FTW95LA247Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Guymon, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. The high density altitude was a factor.Jun 16, 1995 · N315PF · DestroyedNTSB CHI95LA122Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 188 · Meade, KSthe pilot taking off the airplane at a low liftoff speed (Vlo). A factor associated with the accident was a stall/mush encountered by the pilot.Apr 8, 1995 · N9849V · 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 MIA95LA084Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206L · Miami, FLThe failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain adequate engine power while maneuvering, his failure to take remedial action to recover from the resulting descent, and his decision to make a precautionary landing on the water.Mar 6, 1995 · N164BH · Substantial damageNTSB 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 BFO93LA180Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Scottdale, PAThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing and his delay in performing remedial action.Sep 19, 1993 · N88RD · Substantial damageNTSB LAX93LA336Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportContinental Copters Mark 5 · San Juan Bautis, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude to clear the crops. The pilot's diverted attention during the aerial application flight is a factor in this accident.Aug 25, 1993 · N9078T · DestroyedNTSB LAX93LA201Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportT.R. Bristol RV-6 · Trinity Center, CAThe pilot failure to obtain enough airspeed for takeoff which resulted in a loss of aircraft control, and his failure to compensate for the crosswind conditions.May 5, 1993 · N15TP · Substantial damageNTSB 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 CHI93LA114Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Park, KSThe pilot-in-command's physical incapacitation for reason or reasons undetermined.Mar 16, 1993 · N5592A · Substantial damageNTSB LAX93LA129Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182R · Warner Springs, CAThe pilots decision to attempt flight into known adverse weather conditions.Feb 20, 1993 · N5514N · Substantial damageNTSB SEA93LA001Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Hillsboro, ORThe pilot in command's failure to maintain proper altitude during the hover. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot in command's lack of total experience in rotorcraft and his diversion of attention while hovering.Oct 1, 1992 · N7400F · Substantial damageNTSB LAX92LA379Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAyres S2R-600 · Tranquillity, CAThe pilot's improper inflight planning; his failure to attain the proper descent rate; and the excessive descent. Contributing to this accident was the landing gear collapse due to overload.Sep 9, 1992 · N5674X · Substantial damageNTSB NYC92LA177Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAerostar AX-9 · Hopkinton, MAThe pilot's inflight planning which resulted in a forced landing in unsuitable terrain due to fuel exhaustion.Aug 22, 1992 · N28267 · Substantial damageNTSB ANC92LA112Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Cloudy Lake, AKThe pilot failed to enter an aerobatic maneuver with sufficient altitude to effect a recovery prior to ground impact.Jul 28, 1992 · N21375 · Substantial damageNTSB LAX92LA255Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-3 · Window Rock, AZThe 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.Jun 19, 1992 · N589C · Substantial damageNTSB 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 FTW92LA089Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAyres S2R-T34 · Wright, ARThe failure of the pilot to maintain altitude due to diverted attention.Mar 16, 1992 · N41KM · DestroyedNTSB FTW92LA079Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBurkhart Grob G103 · Boerne, TXThe pilot in command inadvertently stalling the aircraft. Factors were the pilot not maintaining proper altitude during the approach and his abrupt aircraft handling.Mar 1, 1992 · N94BG · Substantial damageNTSB ANC92LA038Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Shishmaref, AKThe 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.Feb 14, 1992 · N2788X · Substantial damageNTSB 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 · Destroyed