# NTSB investigations, MD: 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 1 of 5 · 213 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA26LA312](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA312.md): Piper PA24 · Fort Washington, MD · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Investigation open · Aug 21, 2026 · N6969P · Substantial damage
- [NTSB ERA26LA240](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA240.md): Piper PA-22-108 · Westminster, MD · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 5, 2026 · N5081Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA23FA313](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA313.md): Piper PA28R · Churchville, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 25, 2023 · N34PT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and loss of control that the pilot did not recover from.
- [NTSB ERA23LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA093.md): Piper PA-28-151 · Annapolis, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 26, 2022 · N1867H · Substantial damage
  > A reported partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA22LA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA044.md): Cessna 172 · Stevensville, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 31, 2021 · N3HQ · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight collision with a bird during initial climb.
- [NTSB ERA20FA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA060.md): American AA5 · College Park, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 29, 2019 · N26455 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation after entering a climbing turn in instrument meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB ERA19LA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA232.md): Vans RV7 · Ocean City, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 19, 2019 · N849GS · Substantial damage
  > The disconnection of the propeller governor control arm from the propeller governor due to a missing attachment bolt, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during takeoff when the governor control vibrated to a high pitch, low rpm setting.
- [NTSB ERA18LA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA211.md): Schweizer SGS233 · Churchville, MD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 2018 · N2832H · Substantial damage
  > The pilots' decision to take off from a wet, upsloping turf runway with a quartering tailwind and elevated density altitude conditions, which degraded takeoff and climb performance and resulted in the glider flight instructor's decision to discontinue the…
- [NTSB ERA18LA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA181.md): Beech 35B33 · Berlin, MD · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 29, 2018 · N9745Y · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the No. 3 cylinder exhaust valve, which resulted in the total loss of engine power during takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA17FA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA211.md): Buckeye Powered Parachutes Dream Machine 582 · Federalsburg, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 2017 · N50130 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with power lines. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in powered parachutes.
- [NTSB ERA17LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA100.md): Piper PA32R · Friendly, MD · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 6, 2017 · N21HD · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB ERA16LA319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA319.md): Grumman G164 · Chestertown, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 18, 2016 · N75EP · Substantial damage
  > Loss of engine power due to a failure of the No. 3 cylinder head, which resulted in a forced landing and collision with ground equipment.
- [NTSB ERA16LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA046.md): Mooney M20 · Fort Meade, MD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 22, 2015 · N5512Q · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB ERA14LA404](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA404.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Gaithersburg, MD · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 2014 · N9095J · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination of the fuel supply and fuel vent systems.
- [NTSB ERA13FA325](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA325.md): Beech 23 · Laurel, MD · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 2013 · N2333Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight preparation of the airplane, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during takeoff and his decision to operate the unairworthy airplane.
- [NTSB ERA12LA555](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA555.md): Pitcairn PA-4 · Rawlings, MD · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 2012 · N3261 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from a fuel outlet in the fuel tank that was blocked by peeled debris from a previously approved fuel tank sealer.
- [NTSB ERA12FA458](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA458.md): Beech A23 · Laytonsville, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 16, 2012 · N8771M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to ensure that the fuel selector handle was correctly positioned, which resulted in an interruption of fuel to the engine and a loss of engine power during the takeoff, which necessitated a turn away from the trees at the end of the runway…
- [NTSB ERA11FA413](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA413.md): Moyes Dragonfly · Ridgely, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 2011 · N402HA · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight loss of control for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examinations.
- [NTSB ERA11FA401](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA401.md): Slingsby Capstan Type 49B · Hollywood, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 15, 2011 · N7475 · Substantial damage
  > The glider pilot’s improper response to the “check spoilers” signal from the tow pilot. Contributing to the accident was the glider pilot’s failure to confirm that the spoilers were closed and locked before takeoff, and the glider copilot’s improper crew…
- [NTSB ERA11LA399](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA399.md): Cessna 182K · Stevensville, MD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 2011 · N2888R · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA10CA467](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA467.md): Luscombe 8A · Churchville, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 1, 2010 · N2156K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to ensure that the fuel valve was in the "ON" position during his preflight inspection, resulting in the loss of engine power during takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA09LA448](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA448.md): Kociemba Robert H T-Bird II · Keymar, MD · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 2009 · N90458 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.
- [NTSB ERA09LA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA187.md): Doyle-Michael Sonerai-II · Leonardtown, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 6, 2009 · N28MD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued operation of the airplane with a known mechanical deficiency. Contributing to the accident was the improper installation of the electronic ignition system.
- [NTSB NYC08LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA075.md): Dean Patrick G Genesis · Laurel, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 5, 2008 · N969PZ · Substantial damage
  > The reason for this occurrence was undetermined.
- [NTSB ATL07CA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL07CA107.md): McNicholas S-12 · Cambridge, MD · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 25, 2007 · N8157Q · Substantial damage
  > The non certificated pilot's failure to remove the control lock prior to taxi and takeoff.
- [NTSB NYC07LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07LA021.md): Cessna 150F · McHenry, MD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 2, 2006 · N7953F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a loss of engine power during takeoff-initial climb.
- [NTSB NYC06LA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06LA055.md): Renquist Starduster SA300 · Churchville, MD · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 20, 2006 · N1923S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.
- [NTSB NYC05LA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC05LA121.md): Ratliff Hummel Bird · Pittsville, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2005 · N707TR · Substantial damage
  > A loss of control for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain.
- [NTSB NYC04LA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04LA082.md): Socata TB-20 · Frederick, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 7, 2004 · N163GT · Substantial damage
  > Total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB NYC03LA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA172.md): Mooney M20B · Leonardtown, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 2, 2003 · N33EM · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel. A factor was the fuel cap not being secured to the tank.
- [NTSB NYC02LA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC02LA192.md): Hughes 369A · Burtonsville, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 2002 · N336SP · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the tailrotor gearbox for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB NYC01LA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01LA188.md): Cessna 172P · Odenton, MD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 2001 · N52266 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB NYC01LA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01LA164.md): Stinson 108-3 · Friendly, MD · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2001 · N6647M · Substantial damage
  > A baffling failure within the exhaust system. Factors were an inadequate annual inspection and the pilot's operation of the airplane with known deficiencies in equipment.
- [NTSB NYC01LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01LA060.md): Cessna 182P · Mitchellville, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 2000 · N58833 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB NYC01LA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01LA038.md): Cessna 172K · Hagerstown, MD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 2000 · N79054 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to remove the gust lock from the control column before takeoff, and his failure to abort the takeoff.
- [NTSB NYC00LA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC00LA233.md): Grooms Titan Tornado · Libertytown, MD · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 2000 · N61246 · Substantial damage
  > An engine seizure due to improper reconditioning of piston/cylinder after a previous seizure. A factor was the unsuitable terrain, to which, the forced landing was made.
- [NTSB NYC00LA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC00LA198.md): Warrington Surrel Guppy · Churchville, MD · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 16, 2000 · N4425W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors in this accident were an open canopy and a decrease in engine power.
- [NTSB IAD00FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD00FA044.md): Kurzenburger Stuka JU-87 · Urbana, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 26, 2000 · N87DK · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to obtain/maintain aircraft control after takeoff.
- [NTSB IAD99LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD99LA068.md): Cessna 172P · Friendly, MD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 1999 · N63325 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudgment of speed during the landing approach. The inoperative airspeed indicator was a contributing factor.
- [NTSB IAD99FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD99FA051.md): Cessna 172P · Gaithersburg, MD · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 1999 · N62284 · Substantial damage
  > was the pilot's failure to obtain the proper rotation speed and his subsequent loss of directional control. A factor in the accident was the improper setting of the elevator trim.
- [NTSB NYC99FA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99FA160.md): Piper J3C-65 · Dawson, MD · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 1999 · N29832 · Substantial damage
  > was the pilot's improper decision to turn toward rising terrain with inadequate terrain clearance. Factors were the density altitude, and unfavorable winds.
- [NTSB NYC98LA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA141.md): Champion 7GCG · Neavitt, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 1998 · N9985Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane.
- [NTSB IAD98FA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98FA059.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Fort Washington, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 17, 1998 · N4537R · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall and collision with trees.
- [NTSB NYC98LA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA109.md): Deberry Marquart MA-5 · Westminster, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 15, 1998 · N83MC · Destroyed
  > Failure of a fuel line fitting which led to an engine failure and fire. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB NYC97FA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97FA118.md): Cessna 152 · Edgewater, MD · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 1997 · N93908 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's excessive maneuver at a low altitude, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the pilot, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.
- [NTSB NYC97LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA100.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Baltimore, MD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 27, 1997 · N6927W · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadequate preflight of the airplane which failed to detect water in the fuel, and resulted in a power loss after departure due to fuel contamination.
- [NTSB NYC97LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA053.md): Piper PA-38-112 · Nanjemoy, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 19, 1997 · N2558 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadequate compensate for the wind conditions and failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance during the initial climb after takeoff. The unfavorable wind condition and proximity of trees were related factors.
- [NTSB NYC97LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA031.md): Cessna 152 · Baltimore, MD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 1996 · N714YW · Substantial damage
  > the student pilot's premature rotation and inadequate supervision by the flight instructor (CFI), which resulted in failure of the flight crew to obtain adequate airspeed during takeoff for a proper rate of climb. Trees at the departure end of the runway were…
- [NTSB IAD97FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97FA024.md): Cessna 182P · Fort Washington, MD · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 29, 1996 · N52773 · Destroyed
  > Loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s).
- [NTSB IAD97LA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97LA016.md): Grumman American AA-1B · Gaithersburg, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 5, 1996 · N9926L · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadequate preflight, and his failure to detect an insufficent fuel supply, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing after takeoff. Uneven terrain (drop-off in the emergency landing area) was a related factor.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350/cases.md?state=MD&page=2

## 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'MD' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND 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?state=MD

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