# NTSB investigations: Takeoff

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 84 of 281 · 14,038 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB DEN04IA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN04IA012.md): McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10 · Denver, CO · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Oct 12, 2003 · N375FE · Minor damage
  > the manufacturer's improper installation of the inboard slat drive mechanism's lower left hand anti-torque strut, which resulted in the axial migration of the rod-end bearing, the binding of the anti-torque strut, and the subsequent activation of the slat…
- [NTSB LAX04LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA009.md): Luscombe 8F · Murrieta, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 2003 · N1918B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather which resulted in VFR flight into IMC, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance. Fog and rising terrain were contributing factors.
- [NTSB LAX04CA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04CA010.md): Avions Max Holste MH 1521 Broussard · El Cajon, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 11, 2003 · N239HL · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's premature liftoff and his failure to attain an adequate takeoff airspeed, which resulted in a stall. The pilot's failure to correctly set the pitch trim before takeoff was a factor.
- [NTSB ATL04LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL04LA006.md): Piper J-3 -C65 · Jackson, TN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 2003 · N38272 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper us of flight controls during an attempted takeoff, which resulted in an collision with the specially equipped automobile.
- [NTSB FTW03CA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03CA233.md): Hughes 269C · Gail, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 28, 2003 · N9620F · Substantial damage
  > The loss of control for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ATL03LA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA150.md): Sherman Holie Freebird · Newnan, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 27, 2003 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the aileron control rod, and subsequent loss of control in-flight.
- [NTSB CHI03FA320](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA320.md): Cessna 152 · Three Oaks, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 25, 2003 · N25787 · Destroyed
  > The pilot not maintaining adequate airspeed resulting in a stall during takeoff. Contributing factors were the buzzing flight and trees.
- [NTSB CHI03LA325](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA325.md): Brice Lancair Legacy · Kimberling City, MO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 2003 · N27RM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed aborted takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation in his failure to remove the pitot cover.
- [NTSB MIA03LA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03LA183.md): Air Tractor AT-502 · Fort Pierce, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 2003 · N1528T · Destroyed
  > Failure of one blade in the engine compressor turbine disk due to fatigue which was caused by loss of gap between the blade platforms as a result of corrosion due to a foreign element (phosphate). This resulted in loss of engine power during takeoff and…
- [NTSB ANC03LA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA122.md): Cessna 180 · Cape Yakataga, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 2003 · N2162Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for departure, which resulted in a collision with a log during the takeoff roll. Factors contribuiting to the accident were the presence of hidden obstructions, and sunglare.
- [NTSB LAX03CA296](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03CA296.md): Cessna 182K · Young, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 17, 2003 · N2646R · Substantial damage
  > the collision with a bull during takeoff.
- [NTSB NYC03LA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA200.md): Lake LA-4-200 · Ashland, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 2003 · N32DQ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to perform an aborted takeoff after he perceived a power loss. A factor was the unsuitable terrain the airplane encountered after it overran the end of the runway.
- [NTSB ANC03LA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA115.md): Piper PA-18 · Iliamna, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 2003 · N3795Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the takeoff run, which resulted in the airplane nosing over in the water. Factors contributing to the accident were wind gusts, and the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the wind conditions.
- [NTSB ANC03LA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA121.md): Cessna 180 · Kenai, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 2003 · N9907V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in an overrun and nose over during an aborted takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident were soft, sandy terrain, and a tailwind.
- [NTSB CHI03LA310](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA310.md): Cessna 182D · Rushville, IN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 12, 2003 · N8702X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to maintain control of the airplane during the initial takeoff climb which resulted in an inadvertent stall.
- [NTSB CHI03LA311](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA311.md): Ayres S2R-G6 · Cash, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 2003 · N3299X · Substantial damage
  > The delayed aborted takeoff by the pilot. The ditch was a factor to the accident.
- [NTSB NYC03CA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03CA193.md): Cessna 150M · Jetersville, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 7, 2003 · N63600 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff, which resulted in an overrun. A factor was the dew on the grass.
- [NTSB FTW03FA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA212.md): Cessna 172L · New Braunfels, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 2003 · N7632G · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed sufficient for flight resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin during takeoff.
- [NTSB CHI03LA318](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA318.md): Dixon Glasair II · Columbia, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 2003 · N817CD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted takeoff. Contributing factors were the open cabin door, the grass runway and the soft terrain adjacent to the runway.
- [NTSB ANC03LA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA120.md): Cessna 150 · Tanana, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 2003 · N6767F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff after encountering muddy terrain during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with trees. A factor in the accident was the muddy runway.
- [NTSB FTW03FA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA211.md): Agusta A109E · Dallas, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 4, 2003 · N143CF · Substantial damage
  > The reported loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the failure to maintain clearance with the safety fence during the aborted takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic rollover of the helicopter.
- [NTSB NYC03CA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03CA188.md): Lancair IVP · Manassas, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 2, 2003 · N789HS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to follow the published takeoff procedures for the make and model airplane and his failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
- [NTSB ATL03CA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03CA135.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Murfreesboro, TN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 1, 2003 · N3542K · Substantial damage
  > An on-ground collision with an animal (deer) during an attempted takeoff..
- [NTSB MIA03CA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03CA174.md): Cessna 152 · Ocala, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 30, 2003 · N93193 · Substantial damage
  > the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane departing the runway, and impacting with a ditch.
- [NTSB LAX03CA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03CA269.md): Piper PA-38-112 · Joshua Tree, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 30, 2003 · N2318L · Substantial damage
  > the student pilot failed to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll.
- [NTSB SEA03CA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03CA178.md): Beech C24R · Bend, OR · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 26, 2003 · N6536C · Substantial damage
  > The first pilot's premature liftoff and his failure to abort the takeoff. Factors include a fence and a ditch bank located upwind of the runway.
- [NTSB FTW03LA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA235.md): Velocity RG · Skiatook, OK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 2003 · N113JG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff. A contributing factor was the high density altitude.
- [NTSB CHI03LA265](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA265.md): Cessna 188B · Monette, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 2003 · N5647G · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the right brake and the pilot's inability to maintain directional control. A factor associated with the accident was the ditch.
- [NTSB MIA03LA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03LA163.md): Beech 400A · St. Augustine, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2003 · N51NP · Substantial damage
  > The inadvertent left brake application by the copilot during the takeoff roll and the delay by the pilot-in-command to abort the takeoff resulting in a loss of directional control, and on-ground encounter with terrain.
- [NTSB LAX03IA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03IA259.md): Airbus A340-300 · Honolulu, HI · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2003 · C-FYKX · Minor damage
  > the failure of the center landing gear tires as a result of low tire pressure.
- [NTSB ANC03CA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03CA097.md): Cessna 170B · Sparrevohn, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 18, 2003 · N8016A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind, which resulted in collapse of the left main landing gear during the takeoff roll. A factor was the crosswind.
- [NTSB FTW03LA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA202.md): Beech BE-36TC · Temple, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2003 · N93PP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed and his failure to abort the takeoff roll resulting in an overrun.
- [NTSB CHI03LA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA270.md): Air Tractor AT-502 · Hudson, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 15, 2003 · N9187Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to abort the takeoff. A factor was the soybean crop.
- [NTSB ANC03CA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03CA114.md): Cessna 206 · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 14, 2003 · N59352 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area, which resulted in an in-flight collision with ocean waves. A factor associated with the accident was large waves/swells.
- [NTSB MIA03CA165](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03CA165.md): Cessna 170B · La Belle, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 13, 2003 · N2987D · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during takeoff resulting in ground looping and substantial damage.
- [NTSB CHI03FA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA259.md): Bell 206L-3 · E.I. 276, LA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 2003 · N41128 · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions and the directional control not obtained/maintained by the pilot during takeoff. Contributing factors were the crosswind and the planned approach to position the helicopter with a crosswind in order to…
- [NTSB SEA03LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA168.md): Nolen Kitfox Lite Squared · Homedale, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 2003 · N222JN · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for winds and his failure to maintain an airspeed above stalling speed (Vs) just as the aircraft was becoming airborne during the takeoff roll. Factors include a gusty quartering tailwind, and the pilot's preflight decision…
- [NTSB ANC03LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA093.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Glennallen, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 2003 · N3695P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in a nose over. A factor contributing to the accident was the soft sand of the sandbar.
- [NTSB CHI03FA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA251.md): Cessna 182G · Topeka, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 2003 · N2064R · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in a stall during takeoff. Contributing factors were the low altitude he was at during the takeoff, and the trees.
- [NTSB MIA03CA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03CA158.md): Cessna 172S · Orlando, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 7, 2003 · N775SP · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff roll resulting in the aircraft departing the runway and incurring substantial damage.
- [NTSB ANC03LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA104.md): Aviat A-1A · Sitka, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 2003 · N113N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff, which resulted in a collision with the shoreline during an aborted takeoff.
- [NTSB DEN03LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA140.md): Cessna 337F · Las Cruces, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 2003 · N8921M · Substantial damage
  > Lack of adequate power from the rear engine for undetermined reasons and the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during take-off. A contributing factor to the accident was the low altitude.
- [NTSB CHI03LA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA247.md): Texas Helicopter OH-13E · Byron, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 2003 · N38096 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot not attaining translational lift during the takeoff. A factor was the high gross weight.
- [NTSB NYC03CA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03CA170.md): Bell 47G-2A · Jackson, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 30, 2003 · N7796C · Substantial damage
  > Pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and failure to remove a pesticide spraying hose from the helicopter prior to takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control.
- [NTSB MIA03TA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03TA152.md): Bell BHT-206-B3 · Fort Myers, FL · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jul 30, 2003 · N876M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to adequately clear the right skid of obstructions which resulted in a dynamic rollover to the right during takeoff and damage to the helicopter.
- [NTSB MIA03LA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03LA150.md): Turkan Delta Wing Kite Trik · Odessa, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2003 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper assembly and failure to connect a bolt following an attempted modification that resulted in airframe malfunction, and uncontrolled descent, and an impact with the ground.
- [NTSB SEA03CA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03CA155.md): Cessna 170B · Schafer, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 27, 2003 · N1979C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed remedial action during the takeoff roll. Factors include wet terrain, a fence and an embankment located at the end of the runway.
- [NTSB CHI03LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA228.md): Ference Varieze · Macomb, MI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 2003 · N617JF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to secure the window canopy before takeoff and his failure to maintain directional control which resulted in a loss of control. The pilot's diverted attention is a contributing factor.
- [NTSB CHI03LA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA225.md): Beech C23 · Madison, WI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 2003 · N9361S · Substantial damage
  > The dual student's delay in executing the aborted takeoff. Also causal was the pilot-in-command's delayed remedial action.
- [NTSB DEN03LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA135.md): Cessna A185F · Angel Fire, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 2003 · N60VA · Substantial damage
  > the instructor's inadequate supervision which resulted in the pilot's loss of directional control and the subsequent impact with the ditch. Contributing factors include the instructor's inadequate remedial action and the inadvertent ground loop/swerve.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300/cases.md?page=85

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
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 = 300)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300/cases?page=84

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.
