# NTSB investigations: Initial climb

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 138 of 412 · 20,559 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB MIA91FA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91FA227.md): Piper PA-28-140 · West Palm Beach, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 28, 1991 · N5838U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper use of the mixture control in that he failed to place it in full rich condition prior to takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing.
- [NTSB LAX91LA410](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA410.md): Piper PA-28-161 · San Carlos, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 27, 1991 · N2520U · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the number 3 intake valve resulting in a total loss of engine power. A factor in this accident was the unsuitable terrain for landing the aircraft.
- [NTSB FTW91LA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA166.md): Bell 47G-5A · Pearsall, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 1991 · N59424 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate visual lookout for obstacles during operations from a remote site.
- [NTSB DEN91LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91LA133.md): Joseph A. Mullan Dragon FLY · Fort Collins, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 1991 · N226JM · Substantial damage
  > Undetermined. The lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing was a factor in the accident.
- [NTSB FTW91DPG20](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91DPG20.md): Ayres S2R · Dumas, AR · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Sep 25, 1991 · N3682X · Substantial damage
  > The failure of a worn rudder adjustment bar. A factor was the pilot's inability to maintain directional control.
- [NTSB CHI91LA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA273.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Columbus, NE · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 1991 · N5SL · Substantial damage
  > Improper refueling by ground personnel and the pilot's inadequate preflight.
- [NTSB LAX91LA406](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA406.md): Callair A-3 · Williams, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 23, 1991 · N2903V · Destroyed
  > The pilot's encounter with a strong and gusty cross-wind which suddenly developed in the area and his subsequent loss of control. Factors which contributed to the accident were the pilot's inadequate airspeed and inability to adequately compensate for the…
- [NTSB ANC91LA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91LA151.md): Cessna A185F · Koliganek, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 23, 1991 · N21753 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. Contributing to the accident was the unfavorable wind conditions.
- [NTSB NYC91LA244](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA244.md): Cessna 170B · E. Stroudsbury, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 1991 · N37892 · Substantial damage
  > Improper takeoff planning by the pilot which resulted in the airplane striking trees during initial climb. A factor related to the accident was the failure of the pilot to make his departure turn in a timely manner.
- [NTSB NYC91FA246](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91FA246.md): Cessna 172P · West Chicago, IL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 1991 · N65729 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper in-flight decision to return to the airport following a loss of engine power at a low altitude. The pilot failed to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall at an altitude insufficient for recovery. Factors contributing to…
- [NTSB LAX91FA401](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA401.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Placerville, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 1991 · N82857 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's attempted takeoff at a high density airport with the airplane exceeding its maximum gross takeoff weight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of illegal drugs and abuse of prescription drugs.
- [NTSB ANC91LA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91LA157.md): Stinson 108-3 · Cantwell, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 1991 · N6436M · Substantial damage
  > The engine power loss for undetermined reasons and the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
- [NTSB FTW91LA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA162.md): Robinson R22 · Lewisville, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 17, 1991 · N2306C · Destroyed
  > Loss of control due to foreign object damage induced binding flight controls. A factor was improper maintenance.
- [NTSB LAX91FA393](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA393.md): Cessna T210L · Lakewood, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 1991 · N2049S · Destroyed
  > An undetermined loss of engine power and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the forced landing.
- [NTSB CHI91LA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA287.md): Beech A23 · Lake Elmo, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 1991 · N5786V · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor contributing to the accident was the unsuitable terrain on which the pilot had to land.
- [NTSB BFO91LA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO91LA083.md): Cessna 152U · Burnt Chimney, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 1991 · N24509 · Substantial damage
  > Improper planning/decision by the pilot. The uphill runway and obstructions (trees) near the departure end of the runway were related factors.
- [NTSB BFO91LA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO91LA082.md): Schempp-Hirth Venus CM · New Castle, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 1991 · N102AG · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall mush. Contributing was a high density altitude causing deteriorated aircraft performance, and an inadequate preflight preparation which resulted in an overgross aircraft condition.
- [NTSB ANC91FA147](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91FA147.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Wasilla, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 1991 · N3290Z · Destroyed
  > A loss of control in flight due to improper loading of the airplane.
- [NTSB NYC91LA238](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA238.md): Cessna 182RG · Robbinsville, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 1991 · N6212T · Substantial damage
  > A detached heli coil from the number 6 cylinder, resulting in a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing in a corn field.
- [NTSB ATL91LA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA173.md): Cessna 172G · Summerton, SC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 1991 · N4184L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions at the airstrip. Factors in the accident were the quartering tailwind and the wet field conditions at the airstrip.
- [NTSB SEA91LA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA233.md): Bell 47G · Miltonfreewater, OR · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 12, 1991 · N73865 · Substantial damage
  > Pilot factor in that the pilot failed to insure there was adequate clearance from obstacles for a safe takeoff. A factor to the accident was: the pilot's poor preflight planning/preparation.
- [NTSB ANC91LA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91LA152.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Anaktuvuk Pass, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 12, 1991 · N2515A · Substantial damage
  > That the pilot inadvertently stall/spun the airplane to the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to adequately remove the ice/frost from the wings before starting the takeoff.
- [NTSB LAX91LA388](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA388.md): Texas Helicopter M74 · Farmington, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 1991 · N43921 · Destroyed
  > Loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. Factors related to the accident were: the excessive gross weight of the helicopter, and the pilot's improper use of flight controls due to impairment from use of a drug (marijuanna).
- [NTSB FTW91LA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA160.md): Cessna 150L · Collinsville, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 1991 · N19083 · Destroyed
  > The inadvertent stall by the pilot. A factor was the improper departure flap setting.
- [NTSB CHI91DCJ08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91DCJ08.md): Cessna 188B · Belgrade, NE · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Sep 9, 1991 · N4788Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to take adequate remedial action. A related factor is the premature liftoff.
- [NTSB NYC91LA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA232.md): Piper PA46-350P · Dayton, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 1991 · N350MM · Substantial damage
  > A malfunction of the elevator trim indicator and incorrect position of the trim tab which resulted in the pilot aborting the takeoff and a loss of directional control on the ground.
- [NTSB NYC91LA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA231.md): Taylorcraft BC/2D · Rangeley, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 1991 · N95123 · Substantial damage
  > Improper takeoff planning by the pilot which resulted in an inflight collision with trees during initial climb. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's decision not to use the full lake surface available for takeoff.
- [NTSB SEA91FA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91FA229.md): Cessna 150L · Yamhill, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 1991 · N19578 · Destroyed
  > Inadequate inflight planning/decisions. Factors to the accident were: an uncontrolled stall, a tail wind, remedial action was not performed, and poor compensation for wind conditions.
- [NTSB NYC91FA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91FA230.md): Boeing PT-17 · Tranquility, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 1991 · N3721C · Destroyed
  > Loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to land, which resulted in a stall. The lack of altitude for a recovery from the stall was a related factor.
- [NTSB NYC91DEK01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91DEK01.md): Timothy Wingate S-7 Courier · Marion, OH · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Sep 7, 1991 · N42784 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate separation behind a departing larger aircraft resulted in turbulence encounter & subsequent loss of control.
- [NTSB CHI91DEP13](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91DEP13.md): Merritt Robertson B1-RD · Menasha, WI · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Sep 7, 1991 · UNREG · Destroyed
  > Inadequate visual look out whih resulted in a wire strike and uncontrolled descent.
- [NTSB NYC91DNC05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91DNC05.md): Homebuilt Avid Flyer · Keene, NH · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Sep 6, 1991 · N91JK · Substantial damage
  > A loss of control due to improper use of the flight controls. Factors related to the accident were the pilot's lack of experience in make and model.
- [NTSB ANC91LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91LA143.md): Cessna 180 · Bethel, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 1991 · N243P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to obtain proper airspeed. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper compensation for wind conditions and the unfavorable wind.
- [NTSB CHI91LA280](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA280.md): Bellanca 7ECA · Algonquin, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 1991 · N5035J · Substantial damage
  > Incapacitation of the pilot due to a heart attack.
- [NTSB SEA91LA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA231.md): Cessna 310F · Corvallis, OR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 1991 · N6788X · Substantial damage
  > A disconnected air induction line, and the pilot's inflight decision to execute a 180 degree turn back to the airport. His lack of experience in multi-engine aircraft, his overall lack of familiarity and lack of recent experience in the type aircraft were…
- [NTSB MIA91LA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91LA214.md): Ryan Navion A · De Funiak Spgs, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 1991 · N5103K · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons which resulted in an inflight collision with a tree and the ground during the subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB DEN91LA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91LA124.md): Boeing A 75N1 · Lordsburg, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 1991 · N61248 · Substantial damage
  > Unexpected encounter with adverse wind (downdraft).
- [NTSB SEA91LA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA230.md): Cessna 150 · Dixie, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 1991 · N5934E · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with tree(s) during the initial climb. Factors contributing to the accident were the high density altitude and downdraft conditions.
- [NTSB SEA91LA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA227.md): North American Navion A · Chehalis, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 1991 · N91736 · Destroyed
  > Total loss of engine power on initial takeoff climb due to the fatigue fracture of the number one piston connecting rod resulting in a forced landing and in flight collision with trees.
- [NTSB SEA91LA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA226.md): Ryan Navion · Chelan, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 1991 · N4111K · Substantial damage
  > Poor in flight planning/decision by the pilot in command. Factors to the accident were: down drafts, proper alignment was not maintained and inadequate remedial action.
- [NTSB CHI91LA279](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA279.md): Varga 2180 · Decatur, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 1991 · N686EE · Destroyed
  > Inadequate preflight planning and preparation and airplane performance data not understood by the pilot. Factors associated with the accident are the pilot's lack of total experience in type of operation, delayed remedial action, and the operator's…
- [NTSB ATL91LA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA166.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Tullahoma, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 1991 · N5568U · Destroyed
  > An engine power loss for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB MIA91LA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91LA213.md): Cessna 172N · Lake City, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 1991 · N737VK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot in command's failure to maintain airspeed during a demonstrated downwind soft field takeoff. This resulted in an in flight loss of control, stall, and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CHI91LA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA283.md): Mooney M20K · Burlington, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 1991 · N9514R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceeding the airplane's licensed gross weight and the pilot's improper preflight planning and preparation.
- [NTSB CHI91DEV04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91DEV04.md): Pitts Special S-1 · Lincoln, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Aug 31, 1991 · N237V · Substantial damage
  > Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB DEN91LA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91LA120.md): Cessna 177 · Tyler, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 1991 · N29341 · Substantial damage
  > An inadvertent stall during initial climb. A factor was: improper rotation speed for takeoff.
- [NTSB SEA91LA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA225.md): Beech 95-B55 · Joseph, OR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 1991 · N555TK · Substantial damage
  > A deer that ran onto the runway.
- [NTSB FTW91LA159](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA159.md): Cessna 150G · Benton, AR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 1991 · N8482J · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for unknown reasons.
- [NTSB NYC91LA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA224.md): Cessna 337 · Urbana, OH · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 1991 · N6304F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to follow procedures and directives which resulted in the failure of the pilot to recognize the stoppage of the rear engine prior to take off. Additionally the lack of total engine power resulted in the inability of the pilot to maintain…
- [NTSB LAX91LA374](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA374.md): Piper PA32R · San Diego, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 1991 · N9222K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot operating the aircraft with a known engine discrepancy that would cause the engine to lose power due to restriction to the exhaust system.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350/cases.md?page=139

## 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 = 350)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350/cases?page=138

---
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, except the copies of manufacturers’ service documents, which belong to their rights holders.