NTSB investigations
14,035 cases where the phase of flight was Takeoff.
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 = 300)
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.
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" DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB ERA20CA191Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportBell UH 1N · Baghdad, IraqThe flight crew's inadequate situational awareness and failure to maintain adequate clearance from a security barrier during a night takeoff.NTSB WPR20LA141Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 8GCBC · Byron, CAThe tow airplane pilot’s loss of control resulting from the glider pilot’s failure to maintain a proper altitude behind the tow airplane, which caused the tail of the tow airplane to be lifted upward and the tow airplane to pitch nose down while at a low…NTSB WPR20CA139Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna 180 · Hanksville, UTThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and ground-loop.NTSB CEN20CA177Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportM-Squared Sport 1000 · Little Falls, MNThe uncertificated pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff, which resulted in an impact with terrain.NTSB GAA20WA140Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationMudry CAP10 · BAN Lanveoc-Poulmic, FranceThe government of France has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a MUDRY CAP10 airplane that occurred on May 04, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of France's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB WPR20LA136Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Fresno, CAThe partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.NTSB ERA20CA168Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportDayton-Wright DH-4 · Bowling Green, KYA primary control (aileron) system anomaly that progressively worsened during a test flight that resulted in a loss of control. The reason for the anomaly was not determined due to impact damage.NTSB ERA20LA162Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportIai 1125 · Fort Lauderdale, FLThe pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, resulting in an attempted takeoff in excess of the airplane’s maximum allowable weight given it’s configuration and the temperature.NTSB CEN20CA155Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportVans RV 3 · Independence, IAThe 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 WPR20LA145Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCzech Sport Sport Cruiser · Logan, UTA partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to vapor lock.NTSB CEN20CA153Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT 602 · Mamou, LAThe airplane's encounter with a sunken area during takeoff from a turf runway, which resulted in the airplane becoming prematurely airborne and impacting a tree and then terrain.NTSB ERA20WA154Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationGarlick UH1H · del Curepto, ChileThe government of Chile has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a GARLICK UH1H helicopter that occurred on April 20, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Chile's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB CEN20LA150Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 18 · Bowie, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an uncontrolled turn and descent into terrain.NTSB CEN20LA149Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 402 · Kirksville, MOA loss of engine power after takeoff for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR20LA119Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Hillsboro, ORThe total loss of engine power during takeoff due to the delamination of the fuel servo induction air inlet duct tube.NTSB CEN20WA183Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationSocata TB9 · Nyköping, SwedenThe government of Sweden has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a SOCATA TB9 airplane that occurred on April 06, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Sweden's investigation under the provisions of…NTSB ERA20CA144Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportLake LA4 · Hickory, NCThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and attempted takeoff with obstacles in the direction of departure, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane during the rejected takeoff.NTSB WPR20WA114Accident · 8 fatalForeign investigationIsrael Aircraft Industries 1124A · Manilla, PhilippinesThe government of the Philippines has notified the NTSB of an accident involving an Israel Aircraft Industries 1124A airplane that occurred on March 29, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of the…NTSB ANC20CA039Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportWag-Aero Sportsman 2+2 · Wasilla, AKThe pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff from an icy ski strip in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the left wing impacting a tree.NTSB CEN20LA132Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T210 · Waxahachie, TXThe partial loss of engine power due to water and contaminants in the fuel, due to the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, and the pilot’s decision to conduct a steep turn at low altitude to return to the runway rather than land straight ahead, which…NTSB WPR20LA111Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 30 · Eagle Creek, ORThe pilot's loss of airplane control during takeoff due to his left shoe’s interference with the rudder pedal.NTSB ENG20WA021Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationAirbus A321 · Tan Son Nhat Int’L Airport, VietnamThe government of Vietnam has notified the NTSB of an incident involving an Airbus A321 airplane that occurred on March 18, 2020. A Vietnam Airbus A321-231 powered by two International Aero Engines V2533-A5 turbofan engines experienced a No. 2 (right) engine…NTSB CEN20CA128Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Denver, COThe pilot's incorrect right rudder application during a touch-and go-landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and a collision with a runway sign.NTSB ERA20CA130Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · West Palm Beach, FLThe failure of the nosewheel steerage linkage during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control and impact with an obstacle during an attempted aborted landing.NTSB ERA20LA126Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Beverly, MAA loss of engine power due to carburetor icing, and the student pilot’s failure to utilize carburetor heat in conditions conducive to carburetor icing.NTSB ANC20CA032Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Big Lake, AKThe pilot's improper decision to initiate the takeoff roll from a snow-covered taxiway, which resulted in a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and impact with a snow berm.NTSB WPR20CA100Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA28R · Twin Falls, IDThe pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a runway approach light.NTSB ERA20LA121Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Mount Pleasant, TNA partial loss of engine power during initial climb due to carburetor icing that formed while idling on the ground for an extended amount of time. Contributing was the flight instructor's failure to perform the recommended ground checks before takeoff.NTSB DCA20WA099Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Crawley, United KingdomUnited Kingdom Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) notified the NTSB of an incident involving a BOEING 737 airplane that occurred on February 28, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of United Kingdom's…NTSB DCA20WA085Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Papua, IndonesiaThe government of Indonesia has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a BOEING 737 airplane that occurred on February 25, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Indonesia's investigation under the…NTSB CEN20CA090Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R22 · Cotulla, TXThe pilot's failure to remove the right skid trailer tie-down before attempting to take off, which resulted in a dynamic roll-over.NTSB CEN20TA088Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3Final reportCessna 170 · Valley Center, KSThe pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff when the airplane passed the point where he had anticipated the liftoff would occur.NTSB DCA20WA078Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 737 · East Midlands, United KingdomThe government of United Kingdom has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a BOEING 737 airplane that occurred on February 09, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of United Kingdom's investigation under…NTSB DCA20WA076Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 787 · London, United KingdomThe Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) of the United Kingdom has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a Boeing 787-900, which occurred on February 9, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the AAIB investigation…NTSB ANC20LA020Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 208 · Hooper Bay, AKThe pilot’s decision to depart from a contaminated runway, and his failure to make a timely decision to abort the takeoff when the airplane was not accelerating as expected. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to depart in limited visibility…NTSB WPR20CA088Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Mesa, AZThe student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the flight instructor's inadequate remediation during a short-field takeoff, which resulted in impact with a parked airplane.NTSB DCA20WA068Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Madrid, SpainThe Comision de Investigacion de Accidentes y Incidentes de Aviacion Civil (CIAIAC) of Spain has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a Boeing 737-300, which occurred on February 2, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S Accredited Representative to assist…NTSB DCA20CA077Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportBoeing 747 412 · Los Angeles, CAAn unavoidable collision with a garbage dumpster that had blown into the path of the airplane during the takeoff roll.NTSB ERA20CA093Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Crystal River, FLThe student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over.NTSB DCA20WA062Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 747 · Dammam, Saudi ArabiaThe government of Saudi Arabia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a BOEING 747 airplane that occurred on January 31, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Saudi Arabia's investigation under the…NTSB ERA20LA089Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech A36 · Summerland Key, FLThe pilot's failure to remove the flight control gust lock before takeoff, which resulted in an inability to rotate, aborted takeoff, and subsequent runway overrun. Contributing to the accident was a missing piece of the flight control gust lock, which did…NTSB WPR20FA072Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech B36TC · Corona, CAThe pilots’ failure to abort the takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a fence at the end of the runway. Contributing to the accident was the airplane being at or over the maximum gross takeoff weight and the inappropriate elevator trim tab setting.NTSB DCA20WA060Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 777 · Sydney, AustraliaThe Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has notified the NTSB of a serious incident involving a Boeing 777 airplane that occurred on January 22, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Australia's…NTSB WPR20CA070Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPowrachute Airwolf · Gold Canyon, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted takeoff, which resulted in collision with a barricade.NTSB ERA20CA091Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 185 · Laytonsville, MDThe failure of the tailwheel attachment tube during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and the left main landing gear collapsing.NTSB ANC20LA015Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 200 · Unalaska, AKThe pilot’s improper decision to takeoff downwind and to load the airplane beyond its allowable gross weight and center of gravity limits, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the inadequacy of the…NTSB ERA20LA076Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMagni M-24 Plus · Nashua, NHThe pilot's incapacitation during the takeoff roll due to a stroke.NTSB ERA20CA075Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportVans Vans RV 9 · Coleman, FLThe pilot's failure to properly configure the airplane for takeoff, which resulted in premature liftoff, loss of control, and collision with terrain.NTSB ERA20LA077Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVelocity Elite RG · St. Petersburg, FLA failure of the propeller pitch change electric motor, which resulted in an improper setting for takeoff and a subsequent runway overrun. Also causal was the inadequate maintenance and inspection of the propeller system and the pilot’s failure to follow the…NTSB WPR20CA066Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 23 · Helena, MTThe pilot's improper decision to attempt an off-airport departure from rough terrain without inspecting the takeoff area, which resulted in a collision with a shallow rut during takeoff and the nose landing gear collapsing.