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 FTW84FA035Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310 · Fairview, OKThe acft was observed to take off at about 1830. Witnesses near the crash site reported seeing & hearing a low flying acft at about 2000 & stated the engs were running smoothly. There was fog in the low areas with visibility of less than 1/4 mi in those…Oct 30, 1983 · N5343A · DestroyedNTSB ANC83FA161Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Kasilof, AKThe acft crashed in a vertical nose down attitude a short distance from the plt's private airstrip. According to relatives the plt was taking his girl friend's 2 children for a short flt. Investigation revealed the plt's last known medical certificate was…Sep 5, 1983 · N88374 · Substantial damageNTSB DEN83FTC02Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPitts S-15 · Laramie, WYThe acft crashed during a ferry flt in VMC wx conditions. While in formation with two other acft N6CQ was observed to pull up to a near vertical climb, reverse course and disappear. Found near the maneuver location, the acft struck the ground in a nearly…Apr 20, 1983 · N6CQ · DestroyedNTSB CHI83FA148Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Rochester, ILThe acft experienced an in-flt break-up during descent. The pilot had reported on the radio to Kansas city ARTCC that hewas having severe chest pains and shortness of breath. Radar contact with the plane was lost at 1425 CST. The pilot had reported he was…Mar 21, 1983 · N1057Q · DestroyedNTSB LAX82FXQ12Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 182R · Dayton, NVAt about 0130 the plt & 4 companions were evicted from the cocktail lounge at carson city arpt for being drunk & disorderly. After the lounge closed they continued their drinking on the acft ramp where the plt & one companion attempted to steal a twin-eng…Aug 24, 1982 · N9968H · DestroyedNTSB SEA82FYA08Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna T210M · Shoshone, IDThe aircraft crashed in a near level attitude and at a high rate of speed. Neither the seat belt nor shoulder harness was fastened. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 236 mg%.Jun 10, 1982 · N761CP · DestroyedNTSB MIA82DA062Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 150 · Huma Cao, PRThe aircraft was reported to have departed at or near sunset on a 30 minute aerobatic flight and did not return. During that period, an aircraft matching its description was observed to crash near by in the ocean while the pilot was performing aerobatics. A…Mar 2, 1982 · N2741J · DestroyedNTSB NYC82FA014Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-23 · Owego, NYDec 31, 1981 · N22P · DestroyedNTSB LAX82FA032Accident · 3 fatalClosedBeech 58 · Elko, NVDec 29, 1981 · N1537W · DestroyedNTSB MIA82DKA04Accident · 1 fatalClosedBensen B-8M · Sandin, PRDec 25, 1981 · N4627 · DestroyedNTSB FTW82FRG19Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 152 · Christine, TXDec 22, 1981 · N4856B · DestroyedNTSB MKC82FA012Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna 172N · Hillsboro, KSDec 13, 1981 · N734EF · DestroyedNTSB SEA82FA012Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-32 · Brogan, ORDec 12, 1981 · N4041R · DestroyedNTSB MIA82FA019Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-60 · Sebastian (Atlantic Ocean)Dec 8, 1981 · N6897X · DestroyedNTSB SEA82FA010Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-28 · Mill City, ORDec 6, 1981 · N8415W · DestroyedNTSB SEA82FA007Accident · 4 fatalClosedPiper PA-28 · Longview, WANov 29, 1981 · N54440 · DestroyedNTSB FTW82FA025Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-28 · Ruidoso, NMNov 27, 1981 · N43981 · DestroyedNTSB MKC82FA009Accident · 5 fatalClosedCessna 177A · Ellinwood, KSNov 25, 1981 · N30288 · DestroyedNTSB MKC82FA006Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 172N · Prairie City, IANov 24, 1981 · N737RM · DestroyedNTSB DEN82FA010Accident · 1 fatalClosedMooney M-21 · La Veta, CONov 24, 1981 · N9777M · DestroyedNTSB LAX82FA019Accident · 3 fatalClosedCessna 210 · Susanville, CANov 22, 1981 · N5181V · DestroyedNTSB MIA82FA112Accident · 2 fatalClosedMitsubishi MU-2B · Jacksonville, FLNov 19, 1981 · N750MA · DestroyedNTSB ATL82AA019Accident · 3 fatalClosedPiper Advcd PAT-1 · Mathews, VANov 19, 1981 · N15PT · DestroyedNTSB CHI82FA013Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 170B · Onamia, MNNov 15, 1981 · N3502C · DestroyedNTSB NYC82FGT04Accident · 1 fatalClosedCarver HP-14B · Altoona, PANov 7, 1981 · N3320X · DestroyedNTSB MKC82FA003Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna 182P · Essex, IAOct 30, 1981 · N9906E · DestroyedNTSB FTW82FA017Accident · Serious injuriesClosedBell 206L-1 · Ingleside, TXOct 30, 1981 · N5751N · DestroyedNTSB CHI82FA009Accident · 3 fatalClosedPiper PA-24 · Kerrick, MNOct 30, 1981 · N8898P · DestroyedNTSB ATL82FKQ06Accident · 2 fatalClosedBeech 77 · Brandon, MSOct 23, 1981 · N6754D · DestroyedNTSB CHI82FA007Accident · 4 fatalClosedCessna 172 · Kokomo, INOct 22, 1981 · N21766 · DestroyedNTSB CHI82FA005Accident · 1 fatalClosedBLN Works FF-7 · Delaware, OHOct 17, 1981 · N1247F · Substantial damageNTSB FTW82FA009Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-28R · Hale Center, TXOct 12, 1981 · N82195 · DestroyedNTSB FTW82FA001Accident · 3 fatalClosedCessna 210L · Clyde, TXOct 6, 1981 · N5431V · DestroyedNTSB ATL82FA004Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-32 · Winchester, VAOct 6, 1981 · N8398N · DestroyedNTSB DCA82AA001Accident · 3 fatalClosedLearjet 24 · Felt, OKOct 1, 1981 · N44CJ · DestroyedNTSB DEN81FA068Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna T210L · Big Timber, MTSep 25, 1981 · N94136 · DestroyedNTSB SEA81FA057Accident · 3 fatalClosedCessna 210A · Woodland, WASep 20, 1981 · N6653X · DestroyedNTSB ATL81FA117Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 150 · Homestead, FLSep 19, 1981 · N1502Q · DestroyedNTSB LAX81FA125Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna T310P · San Bernardino, CASep 11, 1981 · N5705M · DestroyedNTSB DEN81AA064Accident · 5 fatalClosedMitsubishi MU-2B · Riverton, WYSep 6, 1981 · N3ED · DestroyedNTSB FTW81FA132Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-32R · Mount Hermon, LAAug 16, 1981 · N304FW · DestroyedNTSB ATL81FA108Accident · 5 fatalClosedAero Comdr 685 · Wrens, GAAug 14, 1981 · N8007H · DestroyedNTSB LAX81FA116Accident · 1 fatalClosedGrum Amer AA-5B · Vancouver, WAAug 13, 1981 · N1565R · DestroyedNTSB ATL81FA106Accident · 4 fatalClosedPiper PA-28 · Camilla, GAAug 9, 1981 · N8470F · DestroyedNTSB ANC81FA093Accident · Serious injuriesClosedDehavilland DHC-2 · Ketchikan, AKAug 7, 1981 · N31618 · DestroyedNTSB CHI81FA083Accident · 2 fatalClosedMooney M20C · Plymouth, OHAug 3, 1981 · N6698U · DestroyedNTSB CHI81FA085Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-28R · Chicago, ILAug 2, 1981 · N7631J · DestroyedNTSB CHI81FA082Accident · 2 fatalClosedBellanca 7ECA · Delevan, ILAug 2, 1981 · N86580 · DestroyedNTSB ANC81FAA22Accident · Minor injuriesClosedPiper PA-22 · Hess Creek, AKAug 2, 1981 · N8728D · Substantial damageNTSB FTW81FA128Accident · 3 fatalClosedPiper PA-28 · Mcalester, OKJul 30, 1981 · N2209Z · Destroyed