OpenAirDocs.org

Final NTSB investigations

2,183 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.\"completionStatus\" = 'Completed'
    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 CEN24LA197Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna U206 · Butler, MOThe jumper’s unintentional deployment of his emergency parachute and subsequent impact with the airplane’s horizontal stabilizer.May 25, 2024 · N29173 · DestroyedNTSB DCA24LA200Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAergility Atlis 1 · Dunnellon, FLAn intermittent electrical failure that switched two motor controllers off, resulting in a loss of hover capability and impact with the ground.May 24, 2024 · N237KG · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22FA262Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportEnstrom F28 · Greenville, OHAn impact with terrain for undetermined reasons.Jun 7, 2022 · N600TA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA322Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportDiamond DA42 · Hiddenite, NCThe flight instructor’s inability to stop the descent following a practice emergency descent for reasons that could not be determined.Aug 9, 2021 · N906ER · Substantial damageNTSB DCA19LA154Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAurora PAV · Manassas, VAa loss of hover lift thrust provided by the eight lift motors due to a false on-ground rotor speed reduction command, resulting from excessive vibration.Jun 4, 2019 · N83AU · Substantial damageNTSB WPR19LA112Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT502 · Morganza, LAA loss of aircraft control due to the separation of the elevator pushrod attachment bolt.Apr 16, 2019 · N599LA · Substantial damageNTSB 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 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 GAA15CA053Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAero SP Z O O AT 4 LSA · Colorado Springs, COThe pilot's decision to perform aerobatic maneuvers in an airplane not certified for aerobatic flight, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain.Apr 30, 2015 · N344UA · Substantial damageNTSB 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 ERA12CA137Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · St Petersburg, FLThe flight instructor's delayed remedial action during the pilot-receiving-instruction's practice autorotation that developed a high rate of descent. Contributing to the accident was the pilot-receiving-instruction's improper control inputs during the…Jan 6, 2012 · N8066U · 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 ANC11CA058Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportAviat A-1B · Palmer, AKThe pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude in mountainous terrain and weather conditions conducive to downdrafts.Jul 6, 2011 · N949AK · 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 CEN11CA003Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 310J · St. Johns, MIThe failure by the pilot to attain/maintain a climb rate for undetermined reasons during a go-around.Oct 1, 2010 · N3051L · Substantial damageNTSB CEN10LA492Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportInfinity Infinity · Little Rock, ARThe failure of the control lanyard for undetermined reasons.Aug 12, 2010 · N208FA · Substantial damageNTSB 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 NYC08LA264Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Palakta, FLThe partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Aug 3, 2008 · N39758 · Substantial damageNTSB 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 LAX06TA234Accident · No injuriesFinal reportLet Super Blanik L-23 · Los Alamitos, CAfailure of the winch operator to maintain an adequate winch tow speed, resulting in a stall and hard landing.Jul 11, 2006 · N381BA · Substantial damageNTSB NYC06CA140Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna A185E · Turner, METhe pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, resulting in a runway undershoot, and substantial damage to the airplane.Jun 6, 2006 · N185RW · Substantial damageNTSB DEN06LA016Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAbruzzo Grom-1 · Kendall, KSthe downdraft forcing the balloon into the power lines. A contrbuting factor was the clear air turbulence and the power lines.Oct 2, 2005 · N96YD · Minor damageNTSB DEN05CA138Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 II · Jackson, WYthe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during initial takeoff climb resulting in an uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain. A contributing factor was the pilot's encounter in settling with power.Sep 9, 2005 · N944U · Substantial damageNTSB CHI05CA120Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBrantly Helicopter B-2B · Lakeview, MIThe dual student failed to maintain adequate rotor rpm during the practice autorotation and the instructor's delay in attempting remedial action. A factor associated with the accident was the soft terrain that was encountered.May 20, 2005 · N2274U · Substantial damageNTSB ATL05CA030Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMooney M20J · Statesville, NCthe flight instructors improper use of the flight controls on rotation during a short field takeoff resulting in the airplane becoming airborne, stall, and collision with the ground. A factor in the accident was the instructors failure to brief procedures for…Nov 27, 2004 · N2201 · Substantial damageNTSB ATL04CA170Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172R · Atlanta, GAThe intentional interuption of the flight controls in flight that resulted in a uncontrolled descent and collision with a fence.Aug 28, 2004 · N26486 · Substantial damageNTSB SEA04CA122Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R22 Mariner · Hillsboro, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in an uncontrolled descent and subsequent roll over. Low altitude flight and the pilot's encounter with settling with power were contributing factors.Jul 5, 2004 · N856HA · Substantial damageNTSB NYC04CA074Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportDanbrook Corbin Jr Ace · Pittsgrove, NJThe pilot's improper flare and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall and a hard landing.Feb 13, 2004 · N823DP · Substantial damageNTSB ATL04LA050Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBaker KR-2 · St. Marys, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during climb out which resulted in a stall and inflight collision with trees.Dec 21, 2003 · N93PC · Substantial damageNTSB 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 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 · Destroyed