# 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 155 of 412 · 20,559 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB ANC89LA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA086.md): Piper PA-12 · Anaktuvuk Pass, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 4, 1989 · N3148M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to adequately compensate for downdrafts encountered after departing a gravel bar that was surrounded by mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB ANC89FA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89FA084.md): Stinson 108-2 · Wasilla, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 3, 1989 · N9642K · Substantial damage
  > Pilot failed to operate the aircraft within its recommended parameters, resulting in loss of control and a stall-spin into the water.
- [NTSB CHI89DEX04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89DEX04.md): North American SNJ-5 · Sellersburg, IN · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Jun 2, 1989 · N3665F · Substantial damage
  > The ingestion of a foreign object and subsequent supercharger impeller failure.
- [NTSB BFO89LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89LA040.md): Piper PA-38-112 · Criders, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 1, 1989 · N2602L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to maintain directional control of the airplane during the crosswind conditions encountered during the initial takeoff climb.
- [NTSB LAX89LA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA209.md): Aeronca 50F · Ontario, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 30, 1989 · N23954 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inability to compensate for existing wind conditions, resulting in the inability to maintain a climb.
- [NTSB ATL89LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89LA155.md): Cessna 150 · Trinity, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 30, 1989 · N1115T · Substantial damage
  > The pilots failure to select a suitable takeoff area based on the weight of the aircraft and the atmospheric conditions at the time of takeoff.
- [NTSB SEA89LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA093.md): Piper PA-22-150 · Black Diamond, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 28, 1989 · N6121D · Substantial damage
  > Power loss due to magneto failure. Contributing to the accident were lack of suitable terrain for forced landing and the presence of obstacles.
- [NTSB MIA89LA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA166.md): Ayres S2R · Lambert, MS · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 28, 1989 · N5543X · Destroyed
  > Failure of the engine impeller. The ditch in the emergency landing area was a related factor.
- [NTSB DEN89LA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA129.md): Piper PA-28R-200 · Angel Fire, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 28, 1989 · N9421N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly evaluate the existing weather conditions and the subsequent takeoff into adverse conditions which degraded the airplane's climb capability. The pilot performed an intentional gear up landing.
- [NTSB DEN89LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA126.md): Cessna 177B · Fort Collins, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 28, 1989 · N17184 · Substantial damage
  > Loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. The dark night and terrain condition were considered to be contributing factors.
- [NTSB NYC89LA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA136.md): Maule M5 · Kutztown, PA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 27, 1989 · N5669Y · Destroyed
  > An off airport landing in unsuitable terrain due to a power loss for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX89LA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA204.md): Cessna 152 · Concord, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 27, 1989 · N24521 · Substantial damage
  > Student pilot had not attained compensation for the crosswind, and lost control of the airplane.
- [NTSB LAX89DUG04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DUG04.md): Holman/Sears HS-1 · Rialto, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · May 27, 1989 · N90HS · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed, while turning after takeoff, which resulted in a stall/spin. Contributing factors were: improper planning/decision by the pilot by test flying an airplane that he was not properly certificated to operate,…
- [NTSB CHI89LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89LA100.md): Cessna P206B · New Hudson, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 27, 1989 · N21GV · Substantial damage
  > Pilot's inadequate preflight which resulted in an engine failure due to water contamination of the fuel system. The wires, trees, and utility pole were related factors.
- [NTSB ATL89LA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89LA151.md): Rockwell 114 · Dayton, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 23, 1989 · N5082S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper compensation for wind conditions and inadequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall after lift-off. The wind conditions and the pilot's lack of familiarity with the acft were contributing factors.
- [NTSB ATL89DKJ04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89DKJ04.md): Glassair III · Auburn, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · May 23, 1989 · N253LC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's premature lift-off which resulted in a stall into trees.
- [NTSB ANC89FA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89FA076.md): Cessna 170B · Birchwood, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · May 23, 1989 · N3132B · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot to assure that the fuel selector was in the proper detent for takeoff. A factor related to the accident was: the soft/muddy terrain conditions in the emergency landing area.
- [NTSB CHI89DEE03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89DEE03.md): Ruschke Starduster TOO · Mc Henry, IL · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · May 22, 1989 · N32GR · Destroyed
  > The flying pilots failure to maintain airspeed during an ostentatious display resulting in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC89FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89FA075.md): Cessna 180J · Anchorage, AK · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · May 22, 1989 · N9949N · Substantial damage
  > Pilot-in-command's poor judgement, and his lack of initial training (none) in seaplane operations.
- [NTSB NYC89LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA140.md): North American Navion A · North Creek, NY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 21, 1989 · N8805H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation for the takeoff.
- [NTSB DEN89LA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA122.md): Cessna 175 · Sheridan, WY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 21, 1989 · N7557M · Substantial damage
  > Binding (stuck) #4 exhaust valve. High vegetation (hay) and a hidden obstruction (ditch) were contributing factors.
- [NTSB CHI89DCA01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89DCA01.md): Zengel RV-4 · Columbia, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · May 21, 1989 · N371FZ · Substantial damage
  > The improper routing of engine fuel lines resulting in over temperature of the lines which resulted in the fuel flow to carburetor to fluctuate and cause over rich condition and loss of engine power.
- [NTSB NYC89LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA133.md): Naval Aircraft Factory N3N · Canaan, CT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 20, 1989 · N4742C · Substantial damage
  > A loss of power due to contamination of the fuel system.
- [NTSB FTW89LA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA097.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Decatur, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 20, 1989 · N5874P · Substantial damage
  > Inadequate inspection of the exhaust system by the maintenance personnel during the latest annual inspection.
- [NTSB FTW89DRG07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89DRG07.md): Cessna A188B · La Coste, TX · Accident · No injuries · Final report · May 20, 1989 · N731ST · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to attain sufficient airspeed for flight at departure.
- [NTSB DEN89DQA01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89DQA01.md): Mccoy BD-5 · Farmington, NM · Accident · No injuries · Final report · May 20, 1989 · N71HM · Substantial damage
  > The malfunction of the aircraft electrical system due to a faulty circuit breaker. The subsequent failure of the electrical system resulted in failure of the engine ignition system and loss of engine power.
- [NTSB BFO89LA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89LA035.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Warrenton, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 20, 1989 · N9489P · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the glider pilot to maintain a proper climb rate during takeoff and the delay in releasing from the towplane after realizing that he was climbing well above the towplane. Contributing to the accident was the updraft encountered after takeoff…
- [NTSB ANC89LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89LA073.md): Piper PA-18 · Harding Lake, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 18, 1989 · N7761D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the existing wind conditions. A factor related to the accident was: the gusty/variable wind condition.
- [NTSB MKC89DCG01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89DCG01.md): Grigg/Bowers Flybaby · West Plains, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · May 7, 1989 · N1305 · Destroyed
  > Improper preflight planning by the pilot and his failure to attain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall as he was attempting to avoid a power transmission line. Factors related to the accident were: rising terrain, tall grass, tailwind, and the…
- [NTSB DEN89DTE03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89DTE03.md): Galbreath Variviggen · Falcon, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · May 7, 1989 · N34VV · Destroyed
  > The pilot's lack of familiarity with the control characteristics of this newly completed homebuilt. The pilot's failure to use proper control inputs and the lack of information provided by the aircraft kit manufacturer are considered as contributing factors…
- [NTSB ATL89FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA144.md): Piper PA-22-135 · Augusta, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 6, 1989 · N8693C · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while making a steep turn after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with the terrain.
- [NTSB FTW89FA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89FA089.md): Smith, Ted Aerostar 601 · New Iberia, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 4, 1989 · N90619 · Destroyed
  > The pilot failed to maintain a proper climb immediately after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was excessive manifold pressure indications for the left engine. The pilot's diverted attention in dealing with that condition most probably resulted in the…
- [NTSB LAX89LA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA175.md): Mooney M20E · Julian, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 30, 1989 · N9276V · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot. Contributing to the accident was the loose gravel runway and the fence which the airplane was unable to clear.
- [NTSB ATL89LA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89LA137.md): Cessna 150F · Jacksonville, NC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 26, 1989 · N8260F · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to properly preflight and plan which resulted in a collision with trees. The pilot attempted a takeoff with an over gross weight condition.
- [NTSB CHI89DEE02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89DEE02.md): Aeronca 7AC · Marseilles, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Apr 25, 1989 · N85243 · Substantial damage
  > Pic's overconfidence in the accident aircraft's climb performance as he attempted to take off up hill and over wires.
- [NTSB LAX89LA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA171.md): Piper PA-22 · Truckee, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 24, 1989 · N840A · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of fuel lines by maintenance personnel who installed the engine.
- [NTSB ATL89LA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89LA136.md): Cessna 170 · Orwell, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 24, 1989 · N4409V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to takeoff on unsuitable terrain, which resulted in his inability to attain sufficient airspeed to clear the fence(s) near the end of the runway. Factors related to the accident were: the soft runway/terrain conditions & the fence.
- [NTSB LAX89LA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA170.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Long Beach, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 23, 1989 · N8827W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to select the proper fuel tank for an adequate fuel supply for the takoeff.
- [NTSB MKC89LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA093.md): Huff 1 · Liberty, MO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 21, 1989 · N59GH · Substantial damage
  > Partial loss of engine power for an unknown reason. The soft terrain (plowed field) was a related factor.
- [NTSB LAX89LA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA164.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Fresno, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 18, 1989 · N1490T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inflight decision to abort the takeoff and land in a field. Contributing to the accident was the fence post that the aircraft collided with during the landing roll.
- [NTSB SEA89LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA071.md): Air Tractor AT-301 · Grangeville, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 17, 1989 · N4340S · Substantial damage
  > A partial power loss due to a blower failure. A factor related to the accident was the soft field condition.
- [NTSB MIA89LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA133.md): Bell 47D1 · Miami, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 17, 1989 · N342L · Substantial damage
  > The unqualified persons failure to maintain clearance from the fence. Pressure induced by others, lack of experience, and over confidence in personal ability are contributing factors to this accident.
- [NTSB LAX89LA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA162.md): Aeronca 7AC · Santa Paula, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 16, 1989 · N84745 · Substantial damage
  > The pilots improper use of carburetor heat in conditions that were conducive to the formation of carburetor ice.
- [NTSB MKC89LA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA091.md): Air Tractor AT-301 · Roseau, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 15, 1989 · N23702 · Substantial damage
  > Fuel starvation due to fuel ice.
- [NTSB CHI89DET04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89DET04.md): American AA-1A · Bluffton, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Apr 15, 1989 · N9479L · Substantial damage
  > Inadequate airspeed resulting in a stall/spin by the pilot. Factors related to the accident were: a tailwind and wrong runway selected by the pilot.
- [NTSB MKC89FA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89FA090.md): Piper J-3 · Oak Grove, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 14, 1989 · N23227 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's attempt to takeoff with the aircraft over its allowable takeoff weight and out of the center of gravity limits.
- [NTSB DEN89LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA108.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Milbank, SD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 14, 1989 · N8272W · Substantial damage
  > Failure by the pilot to assure adequate removal of frost from the aircraft which resulted in a stall/mush.
- [NTSB ANC89IA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89IA059.md): De Havilland DHC-6-100 · Barrow, AK · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Apr 14, 1989 · N100AP · No damage
  > The propagation of a fatigue crack from multiple origins due to manufacturing defects in the elevator bellcrank mounting quadrant.
- [NTSB MIA89LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA127.md): Air Tractor AT-301 · Fort Pierce, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 13, 1989 · N3159D · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the number five cylinder. Factors related to the accident were: the proximity of homes in the area, which precluded jettisoning of the chemical load, and high vegetation in the emergency landing area.
- [NTSB SEA89FA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89FA068.md): Lake LA-4-200-EP · Bellevue, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 12, 1989 · N8521Z · Destroyed
  > Loss of engine power for an undetermined reason and failure of the instructor pilot (CFI) to maintain control of the aircraft, which resulted in a stall/spin.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350/cases.md?page=156

## 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=155

---
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.