# NTSB investigations, ME: 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 3 · 146 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA26LA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA196.md): Beech C23 · Bangor, ME · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · May 1, 2026 · N18516 · Substantial damage
  > On May 01, 2026, at 1604 eastern daylight time, a Beechcraft C23 airplane, N18516, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Bangor, Maine. The private pilot and flight instructor were uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title…
- [NTSB ERA24LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA040.md): Bell Andy Skyraider II · Limington, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 16, 2023 · N90AB · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the fuel pump to adequately supply fuel to the engine due to significant corrosion.
- [NTSB ERA23LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA133.md): Piper PA-12 · Ebeemee Township, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 25, 2023 · N4433M · Substantial damage
  > A partial power loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA22LA372](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA372.md): Thomas Wayne L THOMAS' Flyer · Searsmont, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 13, 2022 · N35WT · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power during the initial climb for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB ERA18LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA033.md): Cessna 421 · Presque Isle, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 22, 2017 · N421RX · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight leakage of fuel from the fuel injection system's mixture shaft onto the hot turbocharger, which resulted in an in-flight fire, and the pilot's inability to see the runway due to reduced visibility conditions and conduct a successful landing.
- [NTSB ERA15LA334](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA334.md): Beech B19 · Dexter, ME · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 2015 · N2013G · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in collision with trees and terrain during takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA14FA337](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA337.md): Culver LFA · Limington, ME · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 2014 · N41716 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB ERA14TA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14TA096.md): Eurocopter AS350B3 · Houlton, ME · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jan 18, 2014 · N578AE · Substantial damage
  > An engine compartment explosion during takeoff; the origin of the explosion could not be determined during postaccident examination due to extensive fire damage.
- [NTSB ERA13LA370](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA370.md): Beech C23 · Bingham, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 2013 · N243RG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in his attempt to take off from a short, turf runway in high-density altitude conditions under which the airplane was unable to attain a positive climb rate to clear trees.
- [NTSB ERA12LA397](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA397.md): Cessna 170 · Biddeford, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2012 · N3812V · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/owner’s inadequate preflight inspection.
- [NTSB ERA12LA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA230.md): Sadler Terry A Merlin · Otisfield, ME · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 17, 2012 · N6113Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was his lack of experience in the airplane make and model.
- [NTSB ERA11LA405](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA405.md): Cessna U206G · Matinicus Island, ME · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 2011 · N910TA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB ERA11LA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA336.md): Marks Ca III Kitfox II · Scarborough, ME · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 10, 2011 · N915PK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while taking off with a gusting wind.
- [NTSB ERA10LA453](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA453.md): Cessna 120 · Rockland, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 2010 · N2493N · Destroyed
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA10FA364](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA364.md): S.C. Aerostar Yak52 · South Portland, ME · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 2010 · N52MY · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed during an emergency return to the airport following a total loss of engine power, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was a total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and…
- [NTSB ERA09CA382](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA382.md): Cessna 172H · Clifton, ME · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 3, 2009 · N1782F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's mismanagement of his fuel supply which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA09LA352](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA352.md): Cessna U206F · Islesboro, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2009 · N33243 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.
- [NTSB NYC08LA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA223.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Rockland, ME · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 2008 · N8776N · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument rated pilot becoming spatially disorientated after inadvertently entering instrument flight conditions.
- [NTSB NYC06CA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06CA126.md): Piper J3C · Old Town, ME · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 29, 2006 · N1401V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with water.
- [NTSB NYC06LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06LA070.md): Champion 7FC · Dover-Foxcroft, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 18, 2006 · N7694E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect ice in the fuel system, resulting in a loss of engine power during takeoff-initial climb, and an in-flight collision with trees.
- [NTSB NYC03FA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03FA197.md): Cessna U206F · Greenville, ME · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 2003 · N755FA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper fuel management by which he failed to position the fuel selector in the proper position and resulted in fuel starvation during the initial climb.
- [NTSB NYC03LA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA196.md): Cessna 180D · Greenville, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2003 · N6445X · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate installation and inspection of an aileron cable by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loss of control in-flight and subsequent collision with water.
- [NTSB NYC03FA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03FA129.md): Cessna 150H · Pittsfield, ME · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 2003 · N6566S · Destroyed
  > The inadvertent resumption of power during a forced landing that resulted in a subsequent spin. Factors related to the accident were the CFI's delayed remedial action, the loss of engine power due to contaminated fuel, an obstructed fuel screen, and the…
- [NTSB NYC01LA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01LA119.md): Champion 7EC · Monson, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 10, 2001 · N4737E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate aircraft preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during climb due to fuel contamination.
- [NTSB NYC00LA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC00LA065.md): Piper PA-32R-301T · Harpswell, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 9, 2000 · N8463X · Substantial damage
  > was the improper decision of the pilot to depart at night, from an unlighted runway with no visual references to obstructions on the sides of the runway. Factors were the dark night conditions, and the lack of runway side lights.
- [NTSB NYC00LA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC00LA051.md): Piper PA-22-108 · Wales, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 12, 1999 · N5279Z · Substantial damage
  > Fuel exhaustion due to a blocked fuel feed line.
- [NTSB NYC99LA149](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99LA149.md): Cessna 172L · Millinocket, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 1999 · N7897G · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB IAD98LA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98LA083.md): Maule M-5-235C · Newburg, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 1998 · N5643V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Related factors were the long, wet, unmowed grass runway.
- [NTSB NYC98LA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA146.md): Piper PA28-140 · Rockland, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 1998 · N5755F · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed during the takeoff, which resulted in a stall.
- [NTSB IAD98LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98LA080.md): Aeronca 7FC · Somesville, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 1998 · N7694E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate planning and decision, which fail to consider the effect of takeoff in the direction of the sunlight, which resulted in the pilot encountering sunglare and the loss of aircraft control.
- [NTSB NYC98FA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98FA092.md): Aerostar 600A · Mapleton, ME · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 10, 1998 · N7527S · Destroyed
  > the failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB NYC97LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA060.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Sanford, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 14, 1997 · N2914A · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's premature raising of the flaps during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in a stall/mush. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment after lift-off, which allowed the airplane to…
- [NTSB IAD97LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97LA050.md): Cessna 150 · Turner, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 19, 1997 · N7811E · Substantial damage
  > Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A related factor was the snowbank.
- [NTSB NYC97FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97FA045.md): Beech 1900D · Bangor, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 10, 1997 · N139ZV · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate flight and winter operations training provided by the operator, and the pilot's improper decision to abort the takeoff while airborne above V1, due to a false stall warning horn. Also casual was the airport operations improper decision to…
- [NTSB NYC96LA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96LA091.md): Cessna 140 · Houlton, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 25, 1996 · N2001N · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to select the fullest fuel tank prior to takeoff which resulted in fuel starvation during the initial takeoff climb.
- [NTSB NYC96LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96LA059.md): Cessna 180D · Islesboro, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 5, 1996 · N6423X · Substantial damage
  > a loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.
- [NTSB NYC96IA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96IA022.md): Boeing 737-3B7 · Portland, ME · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Nov 2, 1995 · N373US · Minor damage
  > a bird strike during takeoff, which resulted in failure of several fan blades in the right engine and a partial loss of engine power.
- [NTSB NYC95FA210](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC95FA210.md): Cessna 172M · Portland, ME · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 1995 · N6564H · Destroyed
  > an engine malfunction for an undetermined reason, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a forced landing which resulted in an accelerated stall. A factor was the pilot's lack of recent experience.
- [NTSB BFO95LA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO95LA067.md): Piper PA-38-112 · Phillips, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 19, 1995 · N91469 · Destroyed
  > the private pilot's failure to obtain/maintain altitude/clearance from obstacles during the takeoff/initial climb. Related factors are the grass/turf runway, the improper weight and balance, and the tailwind.
- [NTSB NYC95LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC95LA036.md): Piper J3C · Waldoboro, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 1994 · N98542 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's premature lift off which resulted in insufficient climb performance and collision with trees.
- [NTSB NYC95LA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC95LA037.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Glenburn, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 24, 1994 · N112KF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's (1) improper decision to initiate a takeoff with ice on the wing.
- [NTSB NYC95LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC95LA006.md): Cessna 140 · Farmington, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 1994 · N2450V · Substantial damage
  > Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB NYC94LA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC94LA120.md): Freeman PRO-STAR II · Sanford, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 1994 · N43579 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain.
- [NTSB NYC94LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC94LA104.md): Cessna 172P · Greenville, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 1994 · N5482K · Substantial damage
  > The premature retraction of the wing flaps by the pilot after takeoff, resulting in a loss of lift and collision with trees.
- [NTSB BFO93LA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO93LA166.md): Wilson KIT FOX Model 4 · Bowdoinham, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 1993 · N193CW · Substantial damage
  > Loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.
- [NTSB BFO93LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO93LA052.md): Piper J3C-65 · New Gloucester, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 19, 1993 · N25881 · Substantial damage
  > Loss of engine power during takeoff due to undetermined reasons, and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.
- [NTSB BFO93LA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO93LA042.md): Asselyn Xenair CH701 · Durham, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 3, 1993 · N942PS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control after lift-off. Factors related to the accident were: the unfavorable wind condition and proximity of the power line.
- [NTSB BFO93FA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO93FA034.md): Cessna 180F · Brewer, ME · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 27, 1993 · N4607U · Destroyed
  > Loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons, and the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing which resulted in a stall.
- [NTSB NYC92FA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92FA164.md): Beech D55 · Oxford, ME · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 14, 1992 · N14WW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper preflight and fuel tank selection for takeoff, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of power in both engines during takeoff.
- [NTSB NYC92LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92LA060.md): Piper PA-22-20 · Isle Au Haut, ME · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 15, 1992 · N36142 · Substantial damage
  > Fuel system icing and contamination which resulted in a loss of engine power and subsequent stall and loss of control during a forced landing.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350/cases.md?state=ME&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" = 'ME' 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=ME

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