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 CHI91DCJ07Accident · No injuriesFinal reportPiper PA-25-150 · Stapleton, NEThe pilot's disregard for aircraft performance data. Related factors are the pilot's poor weather evaluation, and delayed remedial action.Aug 23, 1991 · N6070Z · Substantial damageNTSB 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 · DestroyedNTSB CHI91LA136Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Grayslake, ILThe instructor's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors were the wind gusts and the instructor's failure to maintain airspeed.Apr 20, 1991 · N4VT · Substantial damageNTSB LAX91FA108Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Kyburz, CAThe pilot's attempt to conduct his visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and the loss of aircraft control by becoming spatial disoriented. The low ceilings and the dark night that existed in the area were factors in the accident.Feb 16, 1991 · N9448Y · DestroyedNTSB ATL91FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310 · Brunswick, GAThe incapacitation of the pilot.Jan 23, 1991 · N3602D · DestroyedNTSB LAX90FA300Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T-210-M · Placerville, CAThe pilot's misidentification of the airport and his failure to select an adequate altitude above the terrain. Factors in the accident were the pilot's disregard for his night time medical limitation and lack of geographic familiarity with the area.Aug 25, 1990 · N6985B · DestroyedNTSB SEA90LA157Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Ellensburg, WAThe pilot did not adequately level off the helicopter and collided with the terrain.Aug 9, 1990 · N9072N · Substantial damageNTSB MKC90LA148Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28-151 · Columbia, MOAircraft control not maintained resulting in a stall/mush by the PIC.Jul 15, 1990 · N555TT · DestroyedNTSB ANC90LA112Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Coldfoot, AKThe airplane encountered a downdraft shortly after takeoff from which the airplane could not overcome with power. Contributing to the accident was the heavily loaded airplane and the engine not developing full power due to improper maintenance.Jul 5, 1990 · N6374J · DestroyedNTSB FTW90DPA03Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBell-Moore 47G-2A · Sivell Bend, TXClearance was not maintained by the pilot-in-command.May 8, 1990 · N25126 · Substantial damageNTSB SEA90LA069Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Minden, NVThe pilot's poor inflight planning and decision.Apr 20, 1990 · N1065F · DestroyedNTSB ATL89DMG04Accident · No injuriesFinal reportWittman, S.J. W-8 · Washington, NCPilot inadvertently stalled the airplane.Jul 17, 1989 · N74849 · Substantial damageNTSB MKC89LA137Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Clayton, KSThe failure of the pilot to compensate for the unfavorable wind conditions.Jun 18, 1989 · N8846L · Substantial damageNTSB ATL89DEK02Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportAlexander RV-4 · Delaware, OHPilot inadvertently lost control of the aircraft which resulted in a stall spin and collision with the ground.Mar 11, 1989 · N443JA · DestroyedNTSB MKC88FA018Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · Augusta, KSThe airplane departed to the south and made a left turn. Approximately 1/4 of a mile east of the airport, the airplane impacted straight down with gear down and flaps at 15 degrees. No preimpact problems were found with airframe or powerplants. No indication…Nov 19, 1987 · N7735A · DestroyedNTSB DEN88LA025Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Grand Forks, NDThe CFI was instructing the pvt rated dual student in simulated forced landings. During the power recovery following a practice autorotation, the engine failed to regain RPM at full throttle. During the forced landing, the helicopter nosed over at touchdown…Nov 19, 1987 · N11079 · Substantial damageNTSB NYC88FA032Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F-33A · Forked River, NJThe pilot and passenger departed white plains, new york on a VFR flight to kill devil hills, north carolina. Search efforts were initiated when the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination. A witness in a hunting camp near the crashsite saw the aircraft…Nov 1, 1987 · N333JL · DestroyedNTSB ATL87FA268Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Manteo, NCWitness observed acft settle into ocean during low level cruise flt adjacent to beach. Wx was ovrcst, indistinct horizon & calm sea. IFR flt plan had been filed but no contact was made with ATC. Engines and propeller examination did not reveal a mechanical…Sep 30, 1987 · N6343X · DestroyedNTSB DEN87LA172Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Pagosa Springs, COThe commercial plt and a friend departed aztec, new Mexico, with the intention of flying over wolf creek pass en route to Colorado Springs, Colorado. He said the acft would not climb over the pass and the acft collided with trees in mountainous terrain. The…Jul 3, 1987 · N25655 · Substantial damageNTSB FTW87DRD06Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAir Command 532 · St.Francisville, LAWitnesses observed the gyroplane flying at 10-15 feet AGL when it started a turn to the right. It continued the right turn and descended into the ground. Dr. Moore of the FAA sw regional flight surgeon's office stated that the plt had coronary disease and…Jun 28, 1987 · N532X · DestroyedNTSB MIA87LA180Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BL-65 · Deland, FLThe plt stated that just after take-off, the rt wing was lifted by a x-wind & the acft stalled & crashed into the trees. The plt stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had decreased the angle of attack after take-off & had made 'a turn into…Jun 13, 1987 · N36130 · Substantial damageNTSB LAX87FA167Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Upland, CAThe pilot took off from his home airport for a sight-seeing, local flight over nearby mountains. Although the rear seat passenger weighed 270 lbs and the aircraft's fuel tanks were assumed to be full, there is no evidence that the pilot calculated the…Apr 2, 1987 · N9655S · DestroyedNTSB FTW87LA073Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 7-B · Broken Arrow, OKThe Balloon drifted into power lines just after liftoff. The pilot stated he was hooking up a new temperature gauge and did not notice that the Balloon was descending.Mar 5, 1987 · N15253 · Substantial damageNTSB LAX87FA055Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Eloy, AZIn 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.Nov 28, 1986 · N5814P · DestroyedNTSB MKC87FA002Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Fort Scott, KSThe purpose of the flt was to observe and photograph the effects of a flood which had inundated a part of the city of Fort Scott. The acft was observed flying low and slow over the city. Witnesses said the acft was flying from west to east and made a turn…Oct 5, 1986 · N22943 · DestroyedNTSB ATL86FA120Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-160 · Winton, NCBefore the flt, the student plt & passengers had been socializing & drinking beer. At aprx 0200 EDT, while at a friend'shome near murfreesboro, NC, they decided to go flying. At about 0300, an acft was observed to fly over the friend's home at low alt, then…Apr 29, 1986 · N5258W · DestroyedNTSB CHI86LA097Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Milwaukee, WIThe aircraft was approximately 180 lbs over max recommended takeoff gross weight and used almost all of a 3560 foot runway to take off. The pilot stated that after liftoff the aircraft would not turn left and began to turn right on its own. He climbed to…Mar 1, 1986 · N80167 · DestroyedNTSB FTW86LRA04Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportEagle DW-1 · Bremond, TXAccording to the pilot, the aircraft was being operated by thompson flyers of garwood, inc., rt 1, box 214, marlin, TX. In agricultural aircraft operations under FAA ag operation certificate no. SW-HOU-97-AG. The aircraft had completed its last swath run…Jan 15, 1986 · N8805M · DestroyedNTSB LAX86LA070Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G2 · Moss, CAAfter starting a left climbing turn at the end of a spray run the plt said he felt a 'shudder in the airframe' as the engine 'went to full RPM.' The plt stated that he thought 'the clutch had slipped' and added collective to compensate. The helicopter began…Dec 19, 1985 · N8404E · Substantial damageNTSB MKC86FCJ01Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportCarothers Monoplane · Lincoln, NEThe plt was performing aerobatics while being photographed for a promotional video. On the last pass over the arpt the acft lost airspeed and began a side slip with the left wing down. At a very low alt AGL the acft appeared to stall and assume a higher sink…Nov 7, 1985 · N44XP · DestroyedNTSB FTW86FPA02Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportHomebuilt Fokker DR-1 Replica · Denton, TXThe pilot stated he was making his fourth fly-by at 400 feet AGL when the aircraft developed a high sink rate. He then lowered the nose and gained airspeed for recovery. While leveling off he had to turn left to avoid impact with a small tree. At this time…Nov 2, 1985 · N152DR · DestroyedNTSB DEN86FTE02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBeech 58 · Elbert, COThe acft crashed in a open field & was not found for 4 days. The home built acft, maintained largely by the plt, had the engine destroyed so completely that no determination could be made as to power being developed at impact. The plt reportedly had been…Nov 2, 1985 · N26BW · DestroyedNTSB NYC86DNC01Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportBurkhart Grob 103 · Franconia, NHThe pilot flying a grob 103 was engaged in ridge soaring when the aircraft encountered down or sinking air. The aircraft was unable to recover prior to striking trees. The aircraft received substantial damage and the pilot received serious injuries while the…Oct 12, 1985 · N4944G · Substantial damageNTSB SEA85LA231Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMitchell U2 · Prineville, ORPlt was on second flt in newly completed, registered ultralight. Craft had not been issued a certificate of airworthiness. After takeoff, acft was observed to circle airport, then descend out of sight behind trees. Investigation showed steeep, nosedown…Sep 30, 1985 · N58209 · DestroyedNTSB CHI85FA301Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G2A1 · Brook, INThe helicopter contacted the terrain in a flat attitude and rolled over during an autorotative landing. A witness stated an autorotation was entered at 800 ft AGL during which the plt made a 360 deg descending turn. An application of pwr was heard at an alt…Jul 20, 1985 · N1345A · DestroyedNTSB LAX85FA280Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Manhattan Beach, CAThe helicopter was to fly in formation with a banner towed by an acft 'to attract attention.' Numerous witnesses along a 20-mile stretch of Beach saw the helicopter 'flying erratically' & 'buzzing the Beach' just prior to the accident. Witnesses saw the…Jun 16, 1985 · N8360J · Substantial damageNTSB DEN85FA125Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Las Vegas, NMThe acft was landed in a pasture about 2 miles from the arpt after the acft began to descen 'behind the power curve' after takeoff. The plt said he used full power for takeoff but the takeoff was longer than normal. The da was computed to be 9286 ft. after…May 5, 1985 · N8343G · Substantial damageNTSB FTW85LA210Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3C · Fredericksburg, TXThe acft contacted trees after encountering a downdraft during final apch. The plt stated the apch into the 10-12 kt gusty wind resulted in a low, flat apch. A downdraft was encountered, the acft contacted trees and descended uncontrolled into the terrain.May 4, 1985 · N925TX · Substantial damageNTSB FTW85LA198Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPartenavia P68C · Tilden, TXAfter aprx 1.5 hrs of pipeline patrol flight at a planned altitude of 500 AGL the acft flew into the flat terrain in a landing attitude. The acft went through a wire fence, heavy brush and small trees before coming to rest 437 ft from initial ground contact…Apr 25, 1985 · N76L · DestroyedNTSB MIA85LA151Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Miami, FLThe plt stated that he permitted a non-plt pax to close the cabin door & he, the plt did not check it. Shortly after liftoff the landing gear was retracted & the door popped open. The pax turned in his seat to close the door & bumped the yoke forcing the acft…Apr 19, 1985 · N6984Y · Substantial damageNTSB FTW85FA130Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · San Antonio, TXThe accident occurred during a zero ground speed practice autorotation. A high sink developed after an attempt to correct for decreasing rotor RPM, the helicopter contacted the ground tail first and rolled over after the main rotor severed the tail boom. An…Mar 3, 1985 · N9664F · Substantial damageNTSB DEN85FTI01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPolliwagen 2 Place · Manhattan, MTThe acft crashed in an open flt shortly after takeoff and was destroyed by fire. There were no witnesses to the accident. The plt reportedly stated he needed to depart Manhattan by 0500 MST to arrive in helena before 0600 MST when the ATC twr opened as his…Jan 3, 1985 · N13954 · DestroyedNTSB MKC85FA030Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Colby, KSOn a heading of 065 deg the acft impacted in a slightly rising open field in a wings level 15 deg nose down attitude. Investigators found the acft in a landing configuration with the wing flaps fully extended and the throttle secured by the throttle friction…Nov 30, 1984 · N6459K · DestroyedNTSB FTW85FA055Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Waxahachie, TXThe acft was seen by witnesses in a dive from aprx 1000 ft AGL. It appeared to not change attitude nor waiver as it continued toward the grnd. Impact with the grnd occurred with the wings level in aprx 15 deg dive on a hdg of 118 degrees. A mark on the a/s…Nov 21, 1984 · N22PF · DestroyedNTSB FTW85FA025Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Amarillo, TXLast radio contact was a clearence to descend to 5,000 ft MSL to which the plt responded 'two romeo delta.' Cloud tops were near 5,000 ft MSL. Acft impacted in a high speed dive aprx 10 deg past verticle. Plt received com/inst certificate on 12/14/84 and this…Oct 27, 1984 · N602RD · DestroyedNTSB NYC84FA234Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95 · Shelter Island, NYAcft level abt 3000 ft. engines sputtered. Acft descended in uncontrolled attitude. Tach 6.9 hrs since last fueling. Acft did not have shoulder harness or metal to metal seat belt buckle for pilot and copilot seats. Pilot biennial and medical not currentJul 8, 1984 · N927M · DestroyedNTSB MKC84FA202Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCulver LFA · Plattsburg, MOWitnesses viewed the acft in a nose high attitude at a low alt near the south end of rwy 18. The acft climbed a short distance, rolled to the left and descended nearly vertically to the ground.Jul 8, 1984 · N41638 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI84LA260Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBalloon Works Firefly 7 · Geneva, ILThe Balloon descended in an area of thunderstorms and turbulence and collided with trees. The plt said the Balloon 'caved in' and descended rapidly. The plts husband and a passenger revealed that the Balloon was 'vented' by the plt to land before reaching a…Jun 24, 1984 · N1537D · Minor damageNTSB MIA84FA038Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172RG · Cross City, FLWhile in the vicinity of Cross City the plt requested VFR flt following from jacksonville ARTCC. While he was in radio &radar contact, the controller suddenly lost radar contact with the flt. Radar indicated that the acft made a rapid descent from the cruise…Dec 2, 1983 · N9682B · Destroyed