NTSB investigations
20,559 cases where the phase of flight was Initial climb.
Cases, newest first
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.\"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.
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" DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB MIA91FA227Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · West Palm Beach, FLThe pilot's improper use of the mixture control in that he failed to place it in full rich condition prior to takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing.NTSB LAX91LA410Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · San Carlos, CAThe failure of the number 3 intake valve resulting in a total loss of engine power. A factor in this accident was the unsuitable terrain for landing the aircraft.NTSB FTW91LA166Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-5A · Pearsall, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate visual lookout for obstacles during operations from a remote site.NTSB DEN91LA133Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportJoseph A. Mullan Dragon FLY · Fort Collins, COUndetermined. The lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing was a factor in the accident.NTSB FTW91DPG20Accident · No injuriesFinal reportAyres S2R · Dumas, ARThe failure of a worn rudder adjustment bar. A factor was the pilot's inability to maintain directional control.NTSB CHI91LA273Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Columbus, NEImproper refueling by ground personnel and the pilot's inadequate preflight.NTSB LAX91LA406Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCallair A-3 · Williams, AZThe pilot's encounter with a strong and gusty cross-wind which suddenly developed in the area and his subsequent loss of control. Factors which contributed to the accident were the pilot's inadequate airspeed and inability to adequately compensate for the…NTSB ANC91LA151Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Koliganek, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. Contributing to the accident was the unfavorable wind conditions.NTSB NYC91LA244Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · E. Stroudsbury, PAImproper takeoff planning by the pilot which resulted in the airplane striking trees during initial climb. A factor related to the accident was the failure of the pilot to make his departure turn in a timely manner.NTSB NYC91FA246Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · West Chicago, ILThe pilot's improper in-flight decision to return to the airport following a loss of engine power at a low altitude. The pilot failed to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall at an altitude insufficient for recovery. Factors contributing to…NTSB LAX91FA401Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Placerville, CAThe pilot's attempted takeoff at a high density airport with the airplane exceeding its maximum gross takeoff weight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of illegal drugs and abuse of prescription drugs.NTSB ANC91LA157Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-3 · Cantwell, AKThe engine power loss for undetermined reasons and the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB FTW91LA162Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Lewisville, TXLoss of control due to foreign object damage induced binding flight controls. A factor was improper maintenance.NTSB LAX91FA393Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210L · Lakewood, CAAn undetermined loss of engine power and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the forced landing.NTSB CHI91LA287Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A23 · Lake Elmo, MNA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor contributing to the accident was the unsuitable terrain on which the pilot had to land.NTSB BFO91LA083Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152U · Burnt Chimney, VAImproper planning/decision by the pilot. The uphill runway and obstructions (trees) near the departure end of the runway were related factors.NTSB BFO91LA082Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Venus CM · New Castle, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall mush. Contributing was a high density altitude causing deteriorated aircraft performance, and an inadequate preflight preparation which resulted in an overgross aircraft condition.NTSB ANC91FA147Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Wasilla, AKA loss of control in flight due to improper loading of the airplane.NTSB NYC91LA238Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182RG · Robbinsville, NJA detached heli coil from the number 6 cylinder, resulting in a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing in a corn field.NTSB ATL91LA173Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172G · Summerton, SCThe pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions at the airstrip. Factors in the accident were the quartering tailwind and the wet field conditions at the airstrip.NTSB SEA91LA233Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G · Miltonfreewater, ORPilot factor in that the pilot failed to insure there was adequate clearance from obstacles for a safe takeoff. A factor to the accident was: the pilot's poor preflight planning/preparation.NTSB ANC91LA152Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Anaktuvuk Pass, AKThat the pilot inadvertently stall/spun the airplane to the ground. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to adequately remove the ice/frost from the wings before starting the takeoff.NTSB LAX91LA388Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTexas Helicopter M74 · Farmington, CALoss of engine power for an undetermined reason. Factors related to the accident were: the excessive gross weight of the helicopter, and the pilot's improper use of flight controls due to impairment from use of a drug (marijuanna).NTSB FTW91LA160Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Collinsville, OKThe inadvertent stall by the pilot. A factor was the improper departure flap setting.NTSB CHI91DCJ08Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna 188B · Belgrade, NEThe pilot's failure to take adequate remedial action. A related factor is the premature liftoff.NTSB NYC91LA232Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA46-350P · Dayton, OHA malfunction of the elevator trim indicator and incorrect position of the trim tab which resulted in the pilot aborting the takeoff and a loss of directional control on the ground.NTSB NYC91LA231Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC/2D · Rangeley, MEImproper takeoff planning by the pilot which resulted in an inflight collision with trees during initial climb. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's decision not to use the full lake surface available for takeoff.NTSB SEA91FA229Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Yamhill, ORInadequate inflight planning/decisions. Factors to the accident were: an uncontrolled stall, a tail wind, remedial action was not performed, and poor compensation for wind conditions.NTSB NYC91FA230Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBoeing PT-17 · Tranquility, NJLoss of engine power for an undetermined reason, and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to land, which resulted in a stall. The lack of altitude for a recovery from the stall was a related factor.NTSB NYC91DEK01Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportTimothy Wingate S-7 Courier · Marion, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate separation behind a departing larger aircraft resulted in turbulence encounter & subsequent loss of control.NTSB CHI91DEP13Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportMerritt Robertson B1-RD · Menasha, WIInadequate visual look out whih resulted in a wire strike and uncontrolled descent.NTSB NYC91DNC05Accident · No injuriesFinal reportHomebuilt Avid Flyer · Keene, NHA loss of control due to improper use of the flight controls. Factors related to the accident were the pilot's lack of experience in make and model.NTSB ANC91LA143Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Bethel, AKThe pilot's failure to obtain proper airspeed. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper compensation for wind conditions and the unfavorable wind.NTSB CHI91LA280Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 7ECA · Algonquin, ILIncapacitation of the pilot due to a heart attack.NTSB SEA91LA231Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 310F · Corvallis, ORA disconnected air induction line, and the pilot's inflight decision to execute a 180 degree turn back to the airport. His lack of experience in multi-engine aircraft, his overall lack of familiarity and lack of recent experience in the type aircraft were…NTSB MIA91LA214Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRyan Navion A · De Funiak Spgs, FLThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons which resulted in an inflight collision with a tree and the ground during the subsequent forced landing.NTSB DEN91LA124Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing A 75N1 · Lordsburg, NMUnexpected encounter with adverse wind (downdraft).NTSB SEA91LA230Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Dixie, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance with tree(s) during the initial climb. Factors contributing to the accident were the high density altitude and downdraft conditions.NTSB SEA91LA227Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American Navion A · Chehalis, WATotal loss of engine power on initial takeoff climb due to the fatigue fracture of the number one piston connecting rod resulting in a forced landing and in flight collision with trees.NTSB SEA91LA226Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRyan Navion · Chelan, WAPoor in flight planning/decision by the pilot in command. Factors to the accident were: down drafts, proper alignment was not maintained and inadequate remedial action.NTSB CHI91LA279Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportVarga 2180 · Decatur, ILInadequate preflight planning and preparation and airplane performance data not understood by the pilot. Factors associated with the accident are the pilot's lack of total experience in type of operation, delayed remedial action, and the operator's…NTSB ATL91LA166Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Tullahoma, TNAn engine power loss for undetermined reasons.NTSB MIA91LA213Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Lake City, FLThe pilot in command's failure to maintain airspeed during a demonstrated downwind soft field takeoff. This resulted in an in flight loss of control, stall, and collision with terrain.NTSB CHI91LA283Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Burlington, WIThe pilot's exceeding the airplane's licensed gross weight and the pilot's improper preflight planning and preparation.NTSB CHI91DEV04Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportPitts Special S-1 · Lincoln, ILLoss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB DEN91LA120Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Tyler, TXAn inadvertent stall during initial climb. A factor was: improper rotation speed for takeoff.NTSB SEA91LA225Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Joseph, ORA deer that ran onto the runway.NTSB FTW91LA159Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Benton, ARA loss of engine power for unknown reasons.NTSB NYC91LA224Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 337 · Urbana, OHThe pilot's failure to follow procedures and directives which resulted in the failure of the pilot to recognize the stoppage of the rear engine prior to take off. Additionally the lack of total engine power resulted in the inability of the pilot to maintain…NTSB LAX91LA374Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA32R · San Diego, CAThe pilot operating the aircraft with a known engine discrepancy that would cause the engine to lose power due to restriction to the exhaust system.