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Major NTSB investigations

89 cases where the phase of flight was Initial climb.

Cases per year

19622026

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Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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.board_report_url IS NOT NULL OR c.\"investigationClass\" = 'Class 1' OR c.\"caseType\" = 'Major - Launch')
    AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM case_phases WHERE main = 350)
  ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

NTSB CEN20MA044Accident · 5 fatalClass 2 · MajorFinal reportPiper PA 31T · Lafayette, LAThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during the initial climb in instrument meteorological conditions.Dec 28, 2019 · N42CV · DestroyedNTSB CEN19MA190Accident · 10 fatalClass 2 · MajorFinal reportTextron B-300 · Addison, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control following a reduction of thrust in the left engine during takeoff. The reason for the reduction in thrust could not be determined. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to conduct the airplane…Jun 30, 2019 · N534FF · DestroyedNTSB DCA13MA121Accident · 10 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportDehavilland DHC-3 · Soldotna, AKThe operator's failure to determine the actual cargo weight, leading to the loading and operation of the airplane outside of the weight and center of gravity limits contained in the airplane flight manual, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing…Jul 7, 2013 · N93PC · DestroyedNTSB DCA13MA081Accident · 7 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBoeing 747-400 BCF · Bagram, AfghanistanNational Airlines' inadequate procedures for restraining special cargo loads, which resulted in the loadmaster's improper restraint of the cargo, which moved aft and damaged hydraulic systems Nos. 1 and 2 and horizontal stabilizer drive mechanism components,…Apr 29, 2013 · N949CA · DestroyedNTSB ERA12MA005Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 206B · New York, NYThe pilot's failure to anticipate and correct for conditions (high gross weight, low indicated airspeed, and a right downwind turn) conducive to loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE), which resulted in LTE and an uncontrolled spin. Contributing to the…Oct 4, 2011 · N63Q · Substantial damageNTSB CEN10MA367Accident · 5 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Alpine, TXThe degraded performance of the airplane due to the pilot not properly setting the flaps and retracting the landing gear after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s fatigue.Jul 4, 2010 · N31AS · Substantial damageNTSB DCA09MA026Accident · Serious injuriesClass 1 · MajorFinal reportAirbus A320 · Weehawken, NJThe ingestion of large birds into each engine, which resulted in an almost total loss of thrust in both engines and the subsequent ditching on the Hudson River. Contributing to the fuselage damage and resulting unavailability of the aft slide/rafts were (1)…Jan 15, 2009 · N106US · Substantial damageNTSB CHI08MA270Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportConvair CV-580 · Columbus, OHThe improper (reverse) rigging of the elevator trim cables by company maintenance personnel, and their subsequent failure to discover the misrigging during required post-maintenance checks. Contributing to the accident was the captain’s inadequate…Sep 1, 2008 · N587X · DestroyedNTSB LAX08MA277Accident · 10 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech A100 · Moab, UTThe pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance during takeoff for undetermined reasons.Aug 22, 2008 · N601PC · Substantial damageNTSB LAX08PA259Accident · 9 fatalClass 1Final reportSikorsky S-61N · Weaverville, CAThe following actions by Carson Helicopters: 1) the intentional understatement of the helicopter's empty weight, 2) the alteration of the power available chart to exaggerate the helicopter's lift capability, and 3) the practice of using unapproved…Aug 6, 2008 · N612AZ · DestroyedNTSB DFW08MA076Accident · 5 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportCessna 500 · Oklahoma City, OKAirplane wing-structure damage sustained during impact with one or more large birds (American white pelicans), which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane.Mar 4, 2008 · N113SH · DestroyedNTSB ANC08MA038Accident · 6 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Kodiak, AKThe failure of company maintenance personnel to ensure that the airplane's nose baggage door latching mechanism was properly configured and maintained, resulting in an inadvertent opening of the nose baggage door in flight. Contributing to the accident were…Jan 5, 2008 · N509FN · Substantial damageNTSB LAX07MA069Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Van Nuys, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the initial climb resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin. Contributing to the accident were the second pilots inadequate preflight, failure to properly secure the front baggage door, and the front…Jan 12, 2007 · N77215 · DestroyedNTSB LAX05FA015Accident · 5 fatalClass 1 · FieldFinal reportLearjet 35A · San Diego, CAThe failure of the flight crew to maintain terrain clearance during a VFR departure, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain, and the air traffic controller's issuance of a clearance that transferred the responsibility for terrain clearance from the…Oct 24, 2004 · N30DK · DestroyedNTSB CHI04MA182Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Newberry, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance as a result of fog conditions. A contributing factor was inadequate weather and dispatch information relayed to the pilot.Jul 13, 2004 · N503MT · DestroyedNTSB DCA02MA001Accident · 265 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportAirbus Industrie A300B4-605R · Belle Harbor, NYthe in-flight separation of the vertical stabilizer as a result of the loads beyond ultimate design that were created by the first officer's unnecessary and excessive rudder pedal inputs. Contributing to these rudder pedal inputs were characteristics of the…Nov 12, 2001 · N14053 · DestroyedNTSB CHI01MA006Accident · 2 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportCanadair CL600-2B16 · Wichita, KSthe pilot’s excessive takeoff rotation, during an aft center of gravity (c.g.) takeoff, a rearward migration of fuel during acceleration and takeoff and consequent shift in the airplane’s aft c.g. to aft of the aft c.g. limit, which caused the airplane to…Oct 10, 2000 · CFTBZ · DestroyedNTSB DCA00MA079Accident · Minor injuriesMajor investigationFinal reportDouglas DC-9-32 · Greensboro, NCA phase-to-phase arc in the left heat exchanger cooling fan relay, which ignited the surrounding wire insulation and other combustible materials within the electrical power center panel. Contributing to the left heat exchanger fan relay malfunction was the…Aug 8, 2000 · N838AT · Substantial damageNTSB DCA00MA026Accident · 3 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportDouglas DC-8-71F · Rancho Cordova, CAA loss of pitch control resulting from the disconnection of the right elevator control tab. The disconnection was caused by the failure to properly secure and inspect the attachment bolt.Feb 17, 2000 · N8079U · DestroyedNTSB CHI99MA269Accident · 10 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 65-A90 · Marine City, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall, inflight loss of contol, and collision with the ground.Jul 31, 1999 · N518DM · DestroyedNTSB FTW98MA126Accident · Serious injuriesMajor investigationFinal reportEmbraer 145-ER · Beaumont, TXThe first officer's improper use of the rudder when given a simulated engine failure on takeoff and the pilot-in-command's delayed remedial action which resulted in a loss of control. A factor was the first officer's lack of experience in the regional jet…Feb 11, 1998 · N14931 · Substantial damageNTSB ANC98MA008Accident · 8 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Barrow, AKThe pilot's disregard for lateral fuel loading limits, his improper removal of frost prior to takeoff, and the resulting inadvertent stall/spin. Factors involved in this accident were the improper asymmetrical fuel loading which reduced lateral aircraft…Nov 8, 1997 · N750GC · DestroyedNTSB SEA96MA079Accident · 3 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportCessna 177B · Cheyenne, WYthe pilot-in-command's improper decision to take off into deteriorating weather conditions (including turbulence, gusty winds, and an advancing thunderstorm and associated precipitation) when the airplane was overweight and when the density altitude was…Apr 11, 1996 · N35207 · DestroyedNTSB MIA96FA059Accident · Minor injuriesClass 1 · FieldFinal reportDouglas DC-9-32 · Nashville, TNthe flight crew's improper procedures and actions (failing to contact system operations/dispatch, failing to use all available aircraft and company manuals, and prematurely resetting the ground control relay circuit breakers) in response to an in-flight…Jan 7, 1996 · N922VV · Substantial damageNTSB NYC95MA220Accident · 12 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech 65 · West Point, VAThe pilot's inadequate preflight/preparation, his failure to ensure proper weight and balance of the airplane, and his failure to obtain/maintain minimum control speed, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control after loss of power in one engine. A factor…Sep 10, 1995 · N945PA · DestroyedNTSB DCA95MA019Accident · 8 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Tusayan, AZa loss of power on one engine for an undetermined reason(s), and the pilot's improper decision to return to the departure airport for landing which neccessitated maneuvering over increasingly higher terrain. Factors in the accident were: the high gusting…Feb 13, 1995 · N27245 · DestroyedNTSB DCA92MA048Accident · 12 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech C-45H · Hinckley, ILInadequate maintenance and inspection by the operator which resulted in an engine power loss during the critical takeoff phase of flight. In addition, the pilot did not, or was unable to, attain a full-feather position on the left engine propeller, which…Sep 7, 1992 · N3657G · DestroyedNTSB DCA92MA044Accident · Serious injuriesClass 1 · MajorFinal reportLockheed L-1011-385-1 · Jamaica, NYDesign deficiencies in the stall warning system that permitted a defect to go undetected, the failure of twa's maintenance program to correct a repetitive malfunction of the stall warning system, and inadequate crew coordination between the captain and first…Jul 30, 1992 · N11002 · DestroyedNTSB DCA92MA040Accident · 10 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportCessna 402C · Meadview, AZFailure of the pilot to follow the emergency procedure (engine failure after takeoff) and his failure to maintain minimum control speed (VMC), which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. Factors related to the accident were failure (disengagement) of the…Jun 19, 1992 · N2715X · DestroyedNTSB LAX92MA183Accident · 16 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-6-200 · Perris, CAThe pilot-in-command's inadvertent feathering of the wrong propeller following an engine power loss, and the failure of the operator to assure that the pilot was provided with adequate training in the airplane. Factors related to the accident were: water…Apr 22, 1992 · N141PV · DestroyedNTSB DCA92MA025Accident · 27 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportFokker 28-4000 · Flushing, NYThe failure of the airline industry and the federal aviation administration to provide flightcrews with procedures, requirements, and criteria compatible with departure delays in conditions conducive to airframe icing and the decision by the flightcrew to…Mar 23, 1992 · N485US · DestroyedNTSB DCA91MA021Accident · 2 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-9-15 · Cleveland, OHThe failure of the flightcrew to detect and remove ice contamination on the airplane's wings, which was largely a result of a lack of appropriate response by the federal aviation administration, Douglas aircraft company, and ryan international airlines to the…Feb 17, 1991 · N565PC · DestroyedNTSB DCA90MA055Accident · 1 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBoeing 707-321B · Marana, AZImproper preflight planning/preparation by the pilot, and his failure to use a checklist. Factors related to the accident were: the faa's inadequate surveillance of the operation, the faa's insufficient standards/requirements, the pilot's operation of the…Sep 20, 1990 · N320MJ · DestroyedNTSB CHI90MA244Accident · 5 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Elkhorn, WIImproper planning/decision by the pilot, and his failure to attain adequate altitude before flying over rising terrain at night. Factors related to the accident were: darkness, fog, haze, rising terrain, and the lack of visual cues that were available to the…Aug 27, 1990 · N16933 · DestroyedNTSB FTW90MA161Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportGrumman G-159 · Houston, TXPartial failure of the left engine fuel pump, which resulted in a partial loss of power in the left engine, but not enough of a power loss to trigger and/or complete the autofeathering operation of the left propeller, thus allowing insufficient time for the…Aug 23, 1990 · N80RD · DestroyedNTSB CHI89MA046Accident · No injuriesMajor investigationFinal reportBoeing 737-201 · Chicago, ILPrevious damage to the aft cone (engine mounting) bolt, which resulted in mismatched surfaces between the bolt and isolation mount, loss of torque during cyclic loading of the mounting bolt, and subsequent fatigue failure of the bolt.Jan 20, 1989 · N242US · Substantial damageNTSB DCA88MA072Accident · 14 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBoeing 727-232 · Dallas/Ft Worth, TX(1) The captain and first officer's inadequate cockpit discipline which resulted in the flightcrew's attempt to takeoff without the wing flaps and slats properly configured; and (2) the failure of the takeoff configuration warning system to alert the crew…Aug 31, 1988 · N473DA · DestroyedNTSB DCA88MA059Accident · Serious injuriesMajor investigationFinal reportEmbraer EMB-110P · Lawton, OKNone submittedMay 24, 1988 · N65DA · DestroyedNTSB DCA88MA032Accident · 12 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportFairchild SA227-AC · Cary, NCThe aircraft departed during low ceiling, low visibility, and night conditions. Shortly after takeoff the aircraft impacted a reservoir. Analysis of radar data indicated the acft was in a 45 degree descending turn. Exam of the acft trim system showed that the…Feb 20, 1988 · N622AV · DestroyedNTSB DCA88MA011Accident · 6 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Kenai, AKThe pilot had just departed the runway when he reported to the flight service station that he had engine problems. The aircraft was observed by witnesses to be about 300 ft on a descending downwind. The pilot stated that he was circling for runway one.…Dec 23, 1987 · N496SC · DestroyedNTSB DCA88MA004Accident · 28 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-9-14 · Denver, COThe Safety Board's full report on this investigation is provided as Aviation Accident Report number AAR-88/09. To obtain a copy of this report, or to view the executive summary online, please see the Web site at http://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/publictn.htm…Nov 15, 1987 · N626TX · DestroyedNTSB SEA87MA192Accident · Serious injuriesMajor investigationFinal reportFairchild SA227-AC · Twin Falls, IDChk plt was conducting capt proficiency chk on another company plt (PIC) under dark ngt condtns. Subsequent to full stop ldg on rwy 25, takeoff chklst was recited. PIC commenced t/o on rwy 07. Chk plt simulated VI eng cut after liftoff. PIC was unable to…Sep 25, 1987 · N2689E · DestroyedNTSB DCA87MA046Accident · 156 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-9-82 · Romulus, MIThe Safety Board's full report on this investigation is provided as Aviation Accident Report number AAR-88/05. To obtain a copy of this report, or to view the executive summary online, please see the Web site at http://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/publictn.htm…Aug 17, 1987 · N312RC · DestroyedNTSB DCA87MA033Accident · Serious injuriesMajor investigationFinal reportBritish Aerospace 3101 · Kenner, LAThe acft overran the dept end of the rwy and came to rest on a hiway barrier after an aborted takeoff following engine torque oscillations. The capt tried reducing the power levers as he had been taught to 'get off' the ttl since he thought the ttl was…May 26, 1987 · N331CY · DestroyedNTSB DCA87MA031Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportLearjet 35A · West Mifflin, PAThe coplt (dual student) was to get a prof check on the 1st leg of the flt with a simulated single eng pwr loss on tkof. According to witnesses, the tkof was normal until lift-off aprx 3200' down the rwy; but after lift-off, the acft clbd only about 50' &…May 12, 1987 · N100EP · DestroyedNTSB DCA87MA023Accident · 3 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportCessna 172N · Oakland, CAAt 0954:54, plt of Piper PA-32RT, N39614, rprtd 9 mi north for lndg. Twr controller (north ctlr) told him to pln for a rgt entry to rwy 27R. At 0955:32, a student plt & instructor (CFI) in Cessna 172N, N75584, were clrd for tkof on rwy 33 with a 'right turn…Mar 31, 1987 · N75584 · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB CHI87MA101Accident · Serious injuriesMajor investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas DC-10-10 · Chicago, ILAfter arriving at the gate in Chicago, fumes & smoke were noted in zone c of the cabin, then the cabin lgtg went out & the emerg lgtg came on. Maint psnl fnd the #2 APU had an auto-shutdown due to a malfunction. The APU was placarded as inop & the acft was…Mar 25, 1987 · N128AA · No damageNTSB LAX87MA125Accident · No injuriesMajor investigationFinal reportBoeing 727-224 · Los Angeles, CAAfter a ngt lndg on north side of Los Angeles intl arpt, Cessna 310, N98834, was taxied south (s) to delta cargo area. Bfr rchg s rwys (25L & 25R), the plt stopped short of kilo ramp bhnd another acft (N61C) & contacted s gnd ctlr (GC-1). He was told to hold…Feb 26, 1987 · N88704 · 2 aircraft · No damageNTSB DCA87AA002Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportLockheed 382G · Kelly Afb, TXAfter the acft landed at Kelly Afb, TX, on 10/2/86, there was a crew chg bfr it depd on the next flt. Drg the next take-off, the acft lifted off near the midpoint of rwy 15 (aprx 5775' fm the apch end). When it was at aprx 100' to 200' AGL,witnesses saw it go…Oct 4, 1986 · N15ST · DestroyedNTSB MIA86MA048Incident · No injuriesMajor investigationFinal reportBoeing 727-232 · Fort Lauderdale, FLAfter gear retraction drg takeoff, at aprx 150' AGL, the aircrew heard a loud noise & noted the #2 eng had failed. They secured the eng, dumped fuel & landed without further incident. An exam of the #2 eng revealed the combustion chamber outer case, pn…Dec 28, 1985 · N519DA · Minor damage