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NTSB investigations, PA

303 cases where the phase of flight was Takeoff.

Cases per year

19642026

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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\" = 'PA' 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"

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 ERA27LA006Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationInvestigation openCessna 525 · Bedford, PAOct 7, 2026 · N600ALNTSB ERA26LA187Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Quakertown, PAThe pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain aircraft directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing was the flight crew’s failure to ensure a positive exchange of flight controls during the takeoff roll.Apr 24, 2026 · N99467 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA26LA122Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 269A · Gettysburg, PAThe flight instructor’s failure to identify the excess power required to lift off from soft and muddy ground, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent collision with a hangar during takeoff.Feb 21, 2026 · N1020S · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA137Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech A36TC · Lititz, PAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff due to his distraction by the opening of the cabin door, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall/mush condition at too low of an…Mar 9, 2025 · N347M · DestroyedNTSB ERA25MA106Accident · 7 fatalClass 2 · MajorPreliminary reportLearjet 55 · Philadelphia, PAOn January 31, 2025, at 1807 eastern standard time, a Learjet 55 airplane, Mexican registration XA-UCI (call sign MTS056) was destroyed when it was involved in an accident in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The two pilots, two medical crewmembers, and two…Jan 31, 2025 · XA-UCI · DestroyedNTSB ERA24LA316Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSheaffer Leroy B Kitfox Model IV · Palmyra, PAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel airplane during takeoff from a narrow runway with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.Jul 19, 2024 · N788KF · Substantial damageNTSB ERA24LA302Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-32RT-300T · Myerstown, PAThe failure of maintenance personnel to properly secure a B-nut on the No. 5 cylinder fuel injector line, resulting in a fuel leak and engine fire.Jul 4, 2024 · N184VA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA381Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing B75 · Erwinna, PAThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while taking off in a crosswind.Sep 19, 2023 · N46Y · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA193Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · West Mifflin, PAThe student pilot’s decision to abort the takeoff and land on the runway without sufficient runway remaining, which resulted in a runway overrun.Apr 10, 2023 · N476TA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA030Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182 · Factoryville, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control while practicing a soft-field takeoff maneuver, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a hangar.Oct 21, 2022 · N658CP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA364Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAerotek Pitts Special S-1S · Erwinna, PAThe inability of both pilots to see and avoid the collision. Contributing to the accident was the pilot of the red airplane’s decision to utilize the converging runway for takeoff, contrary to the guidance published in the airport facility directory. Also…Aug 6, 2022 · N49310 · 2 aircraft · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA269Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportWalter S Johnson III AR-1 · Butler, PAThe pilot’s failure to monitor rotor disk speed on takeoff, which resulted in blade flapping and the main rotor blades striking the gyroplane’s tail assembly.Jun 11, 2022 · N688G · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA215Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 414 · Connellsville, PAThe pilot/mechanic’s failure to properly secure two airplane avionics units, which resulted in the trays supporting the units to sag downward and become lodged in the movement area of the elevator bellcrank during the accident takeoff.May 2, 2022 · N46TA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA396Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSonex Waiex · Doylestown, PAThe pilot’s failure to maintain a proper glidepath during landing. Contributing to the accident was his failure to ensure the canopy locks were properly configured prior to flight.Mar 22, 2021 · N220JD · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA161Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · West Chester, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with airport lights and a hangar.Mar 21, 2021 · N24JN · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA049Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Lititz, PAThe pilot’s inadvertent attempt to takeoff on a taxiway, rather than a runway, which resulted in a collision with a fence during takeoff.Nov 20, 2020 · N9086W · Substantial damageNTSB ERA20LA274Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32RT · Honesdale, PAThe pilot’s premature rotation for takeoff, which resulted in a tail strike and subsequent runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, which failed to accurately determine and account for the effects of…Aug 1, 2020 · N3025L · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA491Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportConsolidated Vultee BT13 · Franklin, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and the left main landing gear collapsing.Aug 10, 2019 · N62644 · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA361Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportQuicksilver Aircraft Northeast Sport · Ledgedale, PAThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted a nose-over. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper in-flight fuel management, which resulted in the precautionary landing on unsuitable terrain.Jun 17, 2019 · N418RB · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA266Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRyan John Steffey Subsonex · Latrobe, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain pitch control while attempting to secure the canopy, which opened shortly after takeoff and resulted in the airplane impacting the ground and the main landing gear collapsing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's…May 14, 2019 · N224P · Substantial damageNTSB ERA19CA148Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 152 · Lancaster, PAThe student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a runway marker.Apr 8, 2019 · N68727 · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA051Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRIchard Silva Seawind · Pocono Summit, PAThe pilot's improper decision to attempt to take off from a lake in high crosswind conditions, which resulted in the right wing lifting, the left wing impacting the water, and the airplane bouncing and then impacting the water hard.Oct 12, 2018 · N46SW · Substantial damageNTSB GAA18CA083Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMichael Adamczyk Zenith CH750 · Franklin, PAThe pilot’s excessive application of aft stick during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to this accident was the pilot’s inexperience in the airplane.Dec 9, 2017 · N750AD · Substantial damageNTSB GAA17CA552Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHencken William Pietenpol AIR Camper · Franklin, PAThe failure of the weld that connects the left main landing gear and the axle during the takeoff roll.Sep 21, 2017 · N40WH · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17LA288Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSmith AEROSTAR601 · Marietta, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff with a quartering tailwind. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in the accident airplane make and model.Aug 19, 2017 · N7108 · Substantial damageNTSB GAA17CA383Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Easton, PAThe pilot’s distraction during liftoff due to the tail rotor chip warning light illuminating, which resulted in the helicopter drifting right, the skid touching down, and a dynamic roll-over.Jul 4, 2017 · N3025J · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17CA177Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportReupert Mark Avid Flyer · Reedsville, PAThe sport pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.May 10, 2017 · N532SE · Substantial damageNTSB GAA17CA154Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 180 · Bally, PAThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in crosswind conditions.Feb 19, 2017 · N123GT · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16CA237Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA 28-161 · Honesdale, PAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in his attempt to take off near the airplane’s maximum gross weight in high-density altitude conditions that degraded the airplane’s takeoff and climb performance and resulted in an aborted takeoff and…Jun 29, 2016 · N8237Z · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA224Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Honesdale, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while departing in a heavily loaded airplane at high density altitude, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall, landing hard, and overrunning…Jun 20, 2016 · N54285 · Substantial damageNTSB GAA16CA248Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportLuscombe 8 · Blue Bell, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in runway excursion, and collision with a ditch.May 19, 2016 · N62925 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16CA060Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland EC 135 · Monongahela, PAThe inadequate securing of the wheeled fire extinguisher's cover which resulted in it being blown off of the fire extinguisher and ingested into the helicopter's fenestron during takeoff, resulting in a loss of directional control.Nov 6, 2015 · N639ME · Substantial damageNTSB GAA16CA045Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer 269C 1 · Mount Pocono, PAThe student pilot's failure to remove the tension applied to the cyclic before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control and the tail rotor striking the ground.Nov 4, 2015 · N21496 · Substantial damageNTSB GAA15CA243Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · New Enterprise, PAThe pilot's exceedance of the critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.Aug 30, 2015 · N8404X · Substantial damageNTSB GAA15CA075Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportHead Balloons AX8 105 - NO Series · Intercourse, PAThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain/location for takeoff in gusting wind conditions, resulting in a collision with a building, and substantial damage to the hot air balloon.Apr 12, 2015 · N3099F · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15LA177Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Allentown, PAA total loss of engine power during takeoff due to an interruption of fuel flow to the engine. The reason for the interruption of the fuel flow could not be determined during postaccident examination and testing.Apr 6, 2015 · N4826H · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15FA171Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · West Chester, PAThe failure of the flight instructor and the pilot to abort the takeoff after the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power with adequate runway remaining, and their subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which led to the airplane…Mar 29, 2015 · N6842W · DestroyedNTSB DCA14CA147Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportDehavilland DHC 8 102 · Harrisburg, PAthe airplanes collision with geese during the takeoff roll.Aug 10, 2014 · N815EX · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14CA278Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172F · Mount Pleasant, PAThe pilot's incorrect takeoff procedures from the soft grass runway and his delay in aborting the takeoff after recognizing slow acceleration.May 31, 2014 · N8394U · Substantial damageNTSB DCA14MA081Accident · No injuriesClass 2 · MajorFinal reportAirbus A320 - 214 · Philadelphia, PAthe captain's decision to reject the takeoff after the airplane had rotated. Contributing to the accident was the flight crew's failure to follow standard operating procedures by not verifying that the airplane's flight management computer was properly…Mar 13, 2014 · N113UW · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14LA015Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Selinsgrove, PAThe incorrect (reverse) rigging of the elevator cables by maintenance personnel and their subsequent failure to verify that the rigging was correct during postmaintenance checks and the pilot's inadequate preflight check.Oct 4, 2013 · N170JH · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13FA412Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportJoseph Bender Mustang II · Smoketown, PAThe pilot/owner/builder's failure to abort the takeoff and his subsequent failure to maintain airplane control. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's total lack of experience in the accident airplane and his lack of flying experience in the 3 1/2…Sep 11, 2013 · N691LB · DestroyedNTSB ERA13CA394Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHoskins Samuel R Quickie Q2 · Zelienople, PAThe pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff due to right main landing gear contact with a pool of standing water on the runway which resulted in a runway excursion.Aug 30, 2013 · N202SH · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13LA263Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWilson William M Cricket MC12 · Doylestown, PAThe pilot's failure to abort the takeoff after detecting the airplane’s degraded performance. Contributing to the accident were the likely loss of power from the left engine for reasons that could not be determined during the postaccident examination of the…Jun 1, 2013 · N2SZ · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13CA185Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172N · Bally, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.Mar 30, 2013 · N4601D · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12CA506Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEvektor-Aerotechnik Sportstar · Myerstown, PAThe student pilot's decision to continue the takeoff roll while trying to secure an open canopy and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's failure to complete the pretakeoff checklist.Aug 12, 2012 · N633EV · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12LA445Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Allentown, PAThe student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a touch-and-go takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and a subsequent impact with a gopher hole, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student pilot and his delayed…Jul 9, 2012 · N680MA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12CA403Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportLuscombe 8E · Selinsgrove, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the takeoff.Jun 9, 2012 · N2052K · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12LA335Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · South Canaan, PAThe pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff during shifting wind conditions.May 13, 2012 · N98568 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12CA302Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEvektor-Aerotechnik Sportstar · Lancaster, PAThe pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff, and her delayed remedial action in aborting the takeoff after the loss of directional control.Apr 25, 2012 · N505EV · Substantial damage