# NTSB investigations, IA: 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 1 of 4 · 185 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN27LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN27LA019.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Cedar Rapids, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Investigation open · Oct 18, 2026 · N8759W
- [NTSB ANC26LA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC26LA082.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Macedonia, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Investigation open · Aug 9, 2026 · N197HL · Substantial damage
- [NTSB CEN26LA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA260.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Emerson, IA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 20, 2026 · N224RH · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to verify the loading hose had been disconnected before taking off and the failure of the loader to disconnect the fuel hose from the helicopter.
- [NTSB CEN26LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA100.md): Piper PA 46-350P · Sioux City, IA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Jan 24, 2026 · N91MK · Substantial damage
  > On January 24, 2026, about 0712 central daylight time, a Piper PA-46-350P airplane, N91MK, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Sioux City, Iowa. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14…
- [NTSB CEN25LA316](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA316.md): Xag P100 PRO · Depew, IA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 12, 2025 · N467GE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the unmanned aircraft system during takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN25LA303](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA303.md): Air Tractor AT-400A · Lamoni, IA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 3, 2025 · N3157B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during an aborted takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN24LA303](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA303.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Bryant, IA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 3, 2024 · N225ML · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined, resulting in impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN24LA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA154.md): Dehavilland Tiger Moth DH 82A · Council Bluffs, IA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 10, 2024 · N675LF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff with a direct gusting crosswind.
- [NTSB CEN21LA257](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA257.md): Quad City Challenger · Wallingford, IA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 2, 2021 · N3281P · Substantial damage
  > Impact with trees and terrain during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB CEN21LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA118.md): Beech 300 · Davenport, IA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 28, 2021 · N217US · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane, and the flight instructor’s inadequate oversight during a simulated engine out takeoff that resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a snowbank.
- [NTSB CEN20CA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA253.md): Beech 23 · Davenport, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jun 27, 2020 · N18873 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly configure the airplane for takeoff, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, an aerodynamic stall, and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN20CA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA155.md): Vans RV 3 · Independence, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 23, 2020 · N24DE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a high-speed taxi with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a fence and terrain.
- [NTSB GAA19CA428](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA428.md): Robinson R44 · Council Bluff, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 16, 2019 · N124LA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper cyclic input during liftoff from a landing deck, which resulted in the right skid hooking onto an opening on the landing deck and a subsequent dynamic rollover.
- [NTSB CEN18LA288](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA288.md): Air Tractor AT 301 · Milford, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 2018 · N3169H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because no anomalies consistent with a flight control system malfunction were observed.
- [NTSB CEN18LA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA137.md): Quicksilver GT 400 · Maxwell, IA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 5, 2018 · N2433Z · Substantial damage
  > The noncertificated pilot's unfamiliarity with the airplane, which resulted in a loss of airplane control when the pilot encounter a wind gust.
- [NTSB GAA17CA433](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA433.md): Stinson SR9 · Bode, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 22, 2017 · N83K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to take off from an unimproved bean field with insufficient length for the airplane to clear adjacent corn stalks.
- [NTSB GAA15CA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA193.md): Luscombe 8A · Oxford, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 19, 2015 · N45508 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff based on the runway and density altitude conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA15CA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA125.md): Cessna 180B · Waterloo, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 6, 2015 · N5067E · Substantial damage
  > The incorrect installation of the secondary seat stop reel which resulted in the pilot's loss of control when the seat moved full aft during takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN13CA529](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13CA529.md): Cessna 172R · Council Bluff, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 4, 2013 · N368ES · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN13LA463](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA463.md): Bell 47G-3B-1 · Vinton, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 2013 · N83702 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's operation of the helicopter at high gross weight and high density altitude while still in ground effect, which reduced the efficiency of the rotor system and the amount of lift produced, which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to…
- [NTSB CEN12LA408](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA408.md): Cessna 172M · Griswold, IA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 2012 · N73182 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an attempted go-around, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN12LA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA247.md): Hughes 269A · Grinnell, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 17, 2012 · N69HJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper liftoff technique, which resulted in ground resonance, and the pilot's delayed recognition of the ground resonance.
- [NTSB CEN11LA366](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA366.md): Cessna 150F · Sully, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 31, 2011 · N7818F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to attain an adequate climb rate during the initial takeoff, resulting in the airplane settling back down and departing the runway. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation.
- [NTSB CEN11CA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA282.md): Delf Tim Zenith CH-701 · Davenport, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 12, 2011 · N701YB · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of the rudder cable to rudder pedal attachment hardware.
- [NTSB CEN11LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA048.md): Piper PA-32R-301T · Waterloo, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 29, 2010 · N8370L · Substantial damage
  > The separation of a stabilator control cable turnbuckle due to stress corrosion cracking, which resulted in a loss of airplane control during takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN10CA434](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA434.md): Air Tractor 502B · Whittemore, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 23, 2010 · N4203B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN10CA323](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA323.md): Mcculley Ronald W-8 · Lamoni, IA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 12, 2010 · N8519N · Substantial damage
  > The non-certificated pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff that exceeded the airplane's performance capability, which resulted in an overrun.
- [NTSB CEN10CA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA077.md): Cessna 172P · Ames, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 18, 2009 · N99930 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while attempting a takeoff on an ice-covered runway.
- [NTSB CEN09CA599](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA599.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Sibley, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 21, 2009 · N57354 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's long and fast landing and her delayed decision to execute a go-around.
- [NTSB CEN09LA534](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA534.md): WSK PZL Mielec M-18A · Audubon, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2009 · N2065B · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to failure of the compressor turbine resulting from exposure to elevated operating temperatures for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN09CA533](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA533.md): Air Tractor AT-502B · Whittemore, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 17, 2009 · N5003C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's lack of preflight planning and remedial action with resulted in the airplane's inability to climb out of ground effect.
- [NTSB CEN09CA516](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA516.md): Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164A · Harlan, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 10, 2009 · N4598 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to perform accurate weight and balance calculations which resulted in exceeding the maximum takeoff weight and the airplane's climb capability.
- [NTSB CHI08CA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA260.md): Cessna A188B · Camanche, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 20, 2008 · N53243 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot took off on an unsuitable airstrip which resulted in the airplane becoming prematurely airborne with inadequate airspeed after it contacted a rise in the terrain.
- [NTSB CHI08CA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA204.md): Indy T-Bird II · Independence, IA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 19, 2008 · N95172 · Substantial damage
  > The takeoff airspeed not attained and the aborted takeoff not performed by the pilot. An additional cause was the lack of familiarity with the airplane by the pilot.
- [NTSB CHI08CA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA074.md): Swearingen SA-226AT · Ankeny, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 5, 2008 · N120SC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the snow on the runway and the snowbank.
- [NTSB CHI07CA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA220.md): Schweizer G-164B · West Liberty, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 20, 2007 · N8490K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent encounter with birds immediately after takeoff and the resulting loss of engine power. Contributing factors were the fence and ditch encountered during the overrun.
- [NTSB CHI06CA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA046.md): Cessna 150M · Algona, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 21, 2005 · N9292U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent flight into unexpected instrument conditions and his visual look out not possible during takeoff leading to the nose over during the emergency landing after takeoff. Factors were the unexpected fog and the dark night conditions.
- [NTSB CHI05LA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05LA214.md): Grumman G-164 · Marshalltown, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 2005 · N636U · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. A factor was the corn crop.
- [NTSB CHI05LA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05LA213.md): Weatherly 620-B · Osage, IA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 2005 · N6305W · Destroyed
  > The partial loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. Contributing factors were the wires and the trees.
- [NTSB CHI05FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05FA080.md): Piper PA-28-235 · West Union, IA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 27, 2005 · N8966W · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff, his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the takeoff, and the pull-up to avoid obstacles which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's failure to maintain…
- [NTSB CHI05LA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05LA047.md): Learjet 25B · Cedar Rapids, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 20, 2004 · N252BK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot was not able to maintain directional control of the airplane due to the failure of the nose gear strut seal which prevented the nose wheel from centering. A factor associated with the accident was the berm that the airplane contacted.
- [NTSB CHI04FA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04FA234.md): Cessna 172E · Decorah, IA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 22, 2004 · N5410T · Destroyed
  > The pilot's intentional operation of the airplane with a defective magneto, his failure to abort the takeoff due to degraded aircraft performance, and his failure to obtain or maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall/spin and subsequent impact with the…
- [NTSB CHI03LA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA203.md): Aerotrike DPS · Brandon, IA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2003 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The non-certificated pilot selected unsuitable terrain for takeoff when he departed from a bean field, and the airplane stalled as a result of low airspeed during takeoff climb. Factors to the accident included the pilot's total lack of experience, the…
- [NTSB CHI02LA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02LA076.md): Cessna 172N · Ottumwa, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 5, 2002 · N733FT · Substantial damage
  > the student pilot failed to maintain directional control during takeoff. A contributing factor was the snowbank.
- [NTSB CHI01LA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA142.md): Baldwin RV-6 · Muscatine, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 16, 2001 · N4348Q · Substantial damage
  > The engine failure for undetermined reasons. Factors were the low altitude, the trees, the presence of the irrigation system, the ditch and the soft ground.
- [NTSB CHI00LA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00LA122.md): Cunningham Pietenpol Aircamper · Boone, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 23, 2000 · N899TC · Substantial damage
  > the pilot not maintaining directional control. Factors were the gusts and the fence.
- [NTSB CHI99LA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA179.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Traer, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 1999 · N4525R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's not maintaining proper runway alignment during the aborted takeoff, and the airport personnel not maintaining the runway. Factors were rough terrain and a dirt bank.
- [NTSB CHI98LA362](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA362.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Iowa City, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 27, 1998 · N7353J · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CHI98LA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA203.md): Piper PA28-151 · Jefferson, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 1998 · N6771F · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's lack of total experience in this type of aircraft and his failure to maintain directional control during an aborted takeoff. A factor was the ditch.
- [NTSB CHI97LA288](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA288.md): Beech 35-C33A · Amana, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 1997 · N5729V · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper planning/decision. The fence (location) was a related factor.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300/cases.md?state=IA&page=2

## 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'IA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND 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?state=IA

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