# 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 18 of 412 · 20,559 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB ERA21FA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA154.md): Beech B36 · Pembroke Pines, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 15, 2021 · N236BC · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s likely activation of the auxiliary fuel pump to “high” for undetermined reasons during takeoff, which resulted in total loss of engine power due to an excessively rich fuel-to-air mixture. Also causal was the pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s…
- [NTSB GAA21WA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA047.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Rosh Pinna, Israel · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Mar 13, 2021 · N97KC · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ANC21LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA022.md): Cessna A185F · Skwentna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 5, 2021 · N1848R · Substantial damage
  > Installation of improper hardware on the ski check cable. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate inspection of the ski yokes, which resulted in the subsequent failure of the right main landing gear ski yoke and collapse of the right main landing gear…
- [NTSB ERA21FA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA148.md): Beech C23 · Purcellville, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 4, 2021 · N67013 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to depart from the short turf runway with a tailwind.
- [NTSB GAA21WA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA068.md): Wag-a-Bond Traveller Wag-A-Bond · Lac Barron QC, Canada · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Mar 3, 2021 · C-GKGX · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ERA21FA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA142.md): Luscombe 8E · Jupiter, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 28, 2021 · N2960K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which led to an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane, resulting in an unsecured engine cowl that…
- [NTSB ERA21FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA140.md): Cessna R182 · Gainesville, GA · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 26, 2021 · N3652C · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to depart into low instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB WPR21LA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA119.md): Mooney M20E · Livermore, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 24, 2021 · N3254F · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of corrosion and rust in the fuel injection servo.
- [NTSB WPR21LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA118.md): American AA-1B · St Johns, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 24, 2021 · N30JL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to operate with a demonstrated crosswind velocity above the airplane’s performance capabilities which resulted in a loss of airplane control and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA21FA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA135.md): Vans RV7 · Mayfield, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 22, 2021 · N383DB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, loss of airplane control, and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA21WA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA032.md): Piper PA28 · Formiga, Brazil · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Feb 20, 2021 · PR-NEX · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ENG21WA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG21WA015.md): Boeing 747 · Maastricht, Netherlands, Netherlands · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Feb 20, 2021 · VQ-BWT · Minor damage
- [NTSB DCA21FA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA21FA085.md): Boeing 777-222 · Broomfield, CO · Incident · No injuries · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 20, 2021 · N772UA · Minor damage
  > The fatigue failure of the right engine fan blade. Contributing to the fan blade failure was the inadequate inspection of the blades, which failed to identify low-level indications of cracking, and the insufficient frequency of the manufacturer’s inspection…
- [NTSB CEN21FA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA130.md): Velocity Vtwin · Janesville, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 16, 2021 · N13VT · Substantial damage
  > The exceedance of the maximum airspeed for flight with the landing gear extended, which resulted in a separation of the right main landing gear door that subsequently impacted the right propeller and resulted in a total loss of right engine power.…
- [NTSB DCA21WA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA21WA087.md): Boeing 757 · Leipzig, Germany · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Feb 13, 2021 · G-DHKZ · Minor damage
- [NTSB GAA21WA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA039.md): Robinson R22 · Bandelierkop, South Africa · Accident · Class 5 · Foreign · Feb 2, 2021 · ZS-RJH · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ENG21LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG21LA013.md): Boeing 767-338 · Ontario, CA · Incident · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 29, 2021 · N363CM · Minor damage
  > The fatigue fracture and liberation of two airfoils from a low pressure turbine stage 5 nozzle segment that impacted and damaged the downstream low pressure stage 5 blades creating an initial imbalance load in the engine’s low pressure turbine rotor…
- [NTSB CEN21LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA117.md): Zenair Zodiac 601HDS · Waller, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 26, 2021 · N444PZ · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to a disconnected fuel line, which resulted in fuel starvation.
- [NTSB ERA21LA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA103.md): TL Ultralight Sro Stingsport · Hollywood, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 15, 2021 · N404N · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate maintenance and inspection of the fuel system, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power. Contributing was the pilot's mismanagement of the emergency approach and landing, which resulted in a runway overrun.
- [NTSB ERA21LA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA098.md): Cessna 421B · Old Bethpage, NY · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 10, 2021 · N421DP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a forced landing.
- [NTSB GAA21WA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA008.md): Cessna U206 · Guainia, Colombia · Incident · No injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Jan 9, 2021 · HK1526 · No damage
- [NTSB CEN21LA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA109.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Albany, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 9, 2021 · N322SH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate pretakeoff checks which resulted in the magneto switch (key) remaining in the OFF position during the takeoff sequence and initial climb and the right magneto grounding intermittently.
- [NTSB WPR21LA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA078.md): Cessna P210N · Moab, UT · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 2, 2021 · N833RT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper application of full throttle during takeoff, which resulted in loss of engine power due to an excessive fuel flow and overly rich fuel mixture.
- [NTSB CEN21LA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA101.md): Beech 65-A80-8800 · Alexandria, MN · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 29, 2020 · N134BA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to attempt takeoff with frost covering the airplane and rotating below the published rotation speed, which led to exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB CEN21LA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA092.md): Sonex Tailwheel · Burleson, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 19, 2020 · N935EK · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to engine seizure. Contributing to the accident was the pilot decision not to orbit the airport, as originally planned.
- [NTSB WPR21LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA070.md): SilverLight AR-1 · Heber City, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 16, 2020 · N261MD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to follow the procedures for takeoff in the Pilot Operating Handbook, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with the terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to receive additional training in the gyroplane.
- [NTSB CEN21WA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21WA094.md): Aficionado MINI-MAX Eros · Urbanización Bassetes, Spain · Accident · Class 5 · Foreign · Dec 13, 2020 · EC-ZQJ · Destroyed
- [NTSB WPR21LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA068.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Ogden, UT · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 10, 2020 · N577CP · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power for reasons that cannot be determined due to lack of available evidence.
- [NTSB CEN21LA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA082.md): Piper PA12 · Spearfish, SD · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 8, 2020 · N2554M · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN21LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA075.md): Piper PA32 · Windom, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 6, 2020 · N8178Y · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of airplane control and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA21LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA052.md): Lancair Legacy FG · Hollywood, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 23, 2020 · N3UH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot/owner’s failure to properly reinstall the number 1 cylinder spark plug, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during the initial climb. Contributing was the pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during an attempted…
- [NTSB GAA21WA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA005.md): Beech 95B55 · Sao Pedro, SP, Brazil · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 14, 2020 · PT-OOQ · Substantial damage
- [NTSB WPR21LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA052.md): Bellanca 7GCBC · Fallbrook, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 11, 2020 · N57517 · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined with the available evidence.
- [NTSB CEN21LA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA044.md): Piper PA-22-135 · Dunn Center, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 8, 2020 · N3606A · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN21LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA046.md): Navion A · Fremont, MI · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 5, 2020 · N4856K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper positioning of the fuel selector during takeoff, which was not in accordance with the preflight checklist and resulted in fuel starvation, a subsequent total loss of engine power, and an aerodynamic stall during an attempted forced…
- [NTSB CEN21LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA040.md): Piper J3C · Weslaco, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 3, 2020 · N87715 · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > The pilot of N87715 inadvertently allowed his airplane to drift right of the runway during the climb after a touch-and-go landing, and the pilot of N6463H did not maintain adequate separation from the other airplane during his go-around. Contributing to the…
- [NTSB ERA21LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA030.md): Grumman AA5 · Baxley, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 25, 2020 · N920JL · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN21FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA025.md): Beech V35 · Slidell, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 21, 2020 · N35DC · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of control shortly after departure for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB CEN21LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA018.md): Cessna T182 · Houma, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 16, 2020 · N707DA · Substantial damage
  > Impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined with the available information.
- [NTSB WPR21LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA015.md): Cessna 152 · South Hill, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 15, 2020 · N6585L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to ensure that the fuel supply had been completely drained of water, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to water contamination.
- [NTSB ERA21LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA027.md): Muse Stol CH 750 · Sewanee, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 14, 2020 · N750JD · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s encounter with a downdraft during the initial climb, which resulted in an impact with trees.
- [NTSB ERA21LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA022.md): Champion 7FC · Moneta, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 14, 2020 · N7532E · Substantial damage
  > The fight instructor’s failure to ensure that the fuel selector handle was in the correct position, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB ERA21LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA018.md): Zenith Stol CH801 · Apison, TN · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 12, 2020 · N801TP · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, as a result of an incorrectly placarded fuel selector.
- [NTSB ERA21LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA019.md): Piper PA32 · Atlanta, GA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 11, 2020 · N3595W · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to a right magneto anomaly, which resulted in the pilot’s decision to abort the takeoff and the subsequent runway excursion.
- [NTSB DCA21WA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA21WA006.md): Boeing 777 · Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines · Incident · Class 5 · Foreign · Oct 10, 2020 · D-ALFG · No damage
- [NTSB CEN21WA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21WA115.md): Cessna 185A · Romsey, United Kingdom · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 5 · Foreign · Oct 7, 2020 · G-BLOS · Destroyed
- [NTSB WPR21LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA011.md): Rans S-7 · Spirit Lake, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 6, 2020 · N55893 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB WPR21LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA003.md): Evolution Revo · Hawthorne, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 4, 2020 · N449WB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA21LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA006.md): Piper PA28 · Fulton, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 4, 2020 · N6179U · Substantial damage
  > The mechanic’s improper maintenance, which resulted in the crankshaft expansion plug dislodging in flight and a subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB ERA21LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA008.md): Experimental Quad City Challenger II · Northfield, NH · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 3, 2020 · N129AY · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to oil starvation of the No. 1 cylinder. Contributing to the accident was the pinched No. 1 cylinder oil injection line.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350/cases.md?page=19

## 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=18

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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.