NTSB investigations, TX

176 cases where the phase of flight was Uncontrolled descent.

Cases per year

19642026
NTSB investigations, TX per year, 1964–2026: 176 cases
19645
19658
196610
196712
196810
196910
19708
19717
19729
19739
197416
19758
19767
19775
19788
197910
19807
198113
19842
19854
19861
19901
19911
19921
19931
19981
20111
20181

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.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'TX' AND c.\"eventCountry\" = 'USA'
    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 WPR19LA027Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Presidio, TXThe student pilot’s loss of control at low altitude during a forced landing, which resulted in impact with terrain and substantial damage to the right wing. A contributing factor in the accident was the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Nov 14, 2018 · N1715J · 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 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 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 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 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 FTW90DPA03Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBell-Moore 47G-2A · Sivell Bend, TXClearance was not maintained by the pilot-in-command.May 8, 1990 · N25126 · Substantial damageNTSB 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 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 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 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 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 FTW82FRG19Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 152 · Christine, TXDec 22, 1981 · N4856B · DestroyedNTSB FTW82FA017Accident · Serious injuriesClosedBell 206L-1 · Ingleside, TXOct 30, 1981 · N5751N · DestroyedNTSB FTW82FA009Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-28R · Hale Center, TXOct 12, 1981 · N82195 · DestroyedNTSB FTW82FA001Accident · 3 fatalClosedCessna 210L · Clyde, TXOct 6, 1981 · N5431V · DestroyedNTSB FTW81FA089Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna 337A · Evant, TXMay 15, 1981 · N6345F · DestroyedNTSB FTW81FA083Accident · 3 fatalClosedPiper PA-31 · Hammond, TXMay 1, 1981 · N3544J · DestroyedNTSB FTW81FA077Accident · 1 fatalClosedBeech A36 · Houston, TXApr 23, 1981 · N500CC · DestroyedNTSB FTW81FA073Accident · 4 fatalClosedCessna 172N · Yoakum, TXApr 18, 1981 · N6525G · DestroyedNTSB FTW81FQG22Accident · Serious injuriesClosedQuickie 01 · Abernathy, TXApr 7, 1981 · N34GD · DestroyedNTSB FTW81EA065Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 152 · Hempstead, TXApr 4, 1981 · N714VR · DestroyedNTSB FTW81FA040Accident · 2 fatalClosedBeech 58P · Ozona, TXFeb 28, 1981 · N411P · DestroyedNTSB FTW81FA027Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-23 · Odessa, TXFeb 4, 1981 · N63900 · DestroyedNTSB FTW81FA021Accident · 2 fatalClosedBellanca 17-30A · Iraan, TXJan 6, 1981 · N6606V · DestroyedNTSB FTW81FA012Accident · 3 fatalClosedAerospatle AS350 · Waxahachie, TXNov 22, 1980 · N8TV · DestroyedNTSB FTW81FA011Accident · 2 fatalClosedAero Comdr 560 · Dell City, TXNov 21, 1980 · N2659B · DestroyedNTSB FTW81FA010Accident · 2 fatalClosedBeech A35 · Rock Springs, TXNov 21, 1980 · N741B · DestroyedNTSB FTW80FA124Accident · 2 fatalClosedBeech T-34B · Giddings, TXSep 27, 1980 · N46939 · DestroyedNTSB FTW80AA064Accident · 2 fatalClosedLear Jet 25B · Conlon, TXApr 11, 1980 · N25TA · DestroyedNTSB FTW80FA060Accident · 4 fatalClosedCessna 310Q · Baytown, TXApr 6, 1980 · N1209G · DestroyedNTSB FTW80FA036Accident · 2 fatalClosedCessna A152 · Lomax, TXJan 15, 1980 · N7393L · DestroyedNTSB FTW80FA027Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 172H · Moshiem, TXDec 21, 1979 · N1792F · DestroyedNTSB FTW80FA021Accident · 2 fatalClosedPiper PA-28 · Sonora, TXDec 15, 1979 · N57329 · DestroyedNTSB FTW80FA019Accident · 1 fatalClosedMitsubishi MU-2B · Post Oak, TXNov 26, 1979 · N234MA · DestroyedNTSB FTW79DRA36Accident · No injuriesClosedGrum-Amer AA-5A · Brenham, TXAug 11, 1979 · N26302 · Substantial damageNTSB FTW79FA068Accident · 3 fatalClosedPiper PA-28 · Bayside, TXApr 9, 1979 · N4782L · DestroyedNTSB FTW79FA062Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna R172K · Uvalde, TXMar 14, 1979 · N736TN · DestroyedNTSB FTW79FRG21Accident · 2 fatalClosedVarieze 1 · Austin, TXMar 7, 1979 · N95DB · DestroyedNTSB FTW79FA056Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 182P · Weston, TXFeb 27, 1979 · N9897E · DestroyedNTSB FTW79FA049Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-28 · Comanche, TXFeb 16, 1979 · N5960U · DestroyedNTSB FTW79FA048Accident · 2 fatalClosedAerostar 601P · New Braunfels, TXFeb 16, 1979 · N9779Q · DestroyedNTSB FTW79FRG09Accident · Serious injuriesClosedBell 47G-2 · Premont, TXDec 6, 1978 · N7732 · DestroyedNTSB FTW79FA022Accident · 1 fatalClosedPiper PA-28 · Hempstead, TXDec 6, 1978 · N3436M · DestroyedNTSB FTW79FA015Accident · 1 fatalClosedBeech H18 · Brownsville, TXNov 20, 1978 · N204CC · DestroyedNTSB FTW79FA011Accident · 2 fatalClosedBell 206B · Sabine Pass, TXNov 12, 1978 · N49755 · DestroyedNTSB FTW79FA007Accident · 2 fatalClosedMooney M20E · Texarkana, TXOct 24, 1978 · N9093V · DestroyedNTSB FTW78FA085Accident · 7 fatalClosedAero Comdr 500 · Laredo, TXSep 23, 1978 · N6244B · Destroyed