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 FTW91LA157Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Fisher, ARThe pilot's failure to use the aircraft performance data to compute the takeoff distance. A factor was the high density altitude.NTSB ANC91LA136Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Aspen Creek, AKThe partial loss of power for undetermined reasons and the rough terrain.NTSB NYC91LA221Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA5B · Hampton, NHThe pilot rotated the airplane prematurely, resulting in an inadvertent stall at too low an altitude to allow recovery. Factors related to the accident were, the pilot's complacency, failure to determine the airplane's performance capabilities prior to take…NTSB ANC91LA135Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMaule M-7-235 · Mystic Pass, AKThe pilot lost control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was unfavorable wind and turbulence.NTSB NYC91LA220Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDouglas DC-3 · Apple Creek, OHImproper planning/decision by the pilot(s), and improper use of the fuel system/fuel selector. The location of trees was a related factor.NTSB NYC91FA218Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Marlboro, NJThe pilot's improper aircraft handling which resulted in an inadvertent stall and loss of control at an altitude insufficient for recovery. Factors related to the accident were an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion and improper preflight preparation.NTSB NYC91LA222Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T-210-M · Clearfield, PAVapor lock of the fuel system resulting in fuel starvation. A factor related to the accident was the failure of the owner to comply with a service letter calling for insulated fuel lines forward of the fire wall.NTSB NYC91LA215Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech E18S · Martinsville, OHA failure of one engine for undetermined reasons. Additionally, the heavy gross weight resulted in inadequate single engine performance, which lead to a forced landing.NTSB ANC91LA130Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna U206-G · Rainy Pass, AKThe pilot exceeded the climb performance of the aircraft.NTSB CHI91DEM08Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportFisher FT101 · Sparta, MIAn improper preflight inspection by the pilot. Factors contributing to this accident were inadequate altitude for the turn back towards the runway and the stall/spin encountered by the pilot.NTSB SEA91LA211Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415C · Anaconda, MTAn inadvertent stall during initial climb. The high density altitude and a premature liftoff by the pilot were factors.NTSB LAX91LA360Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Long Beach, CAThe failure of the pilot to perform a proper preflight inspection of the aircraft.NTSB ATL91LA160Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300D · Chamblee, GAThe pilot's premature lift off when he failed to identify rotation airspeed and the subsequent inadvertent stall of the airplane.NTSB LAX91LA359Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBenson/Ambrocini/Wentzel B-8MJ · Turlock, CAThe pilot's over rotation of the gyrocopter during the takeoff sequence which resulted in a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the poor maintenance practices performed on the machine.NTSB CHI91LA265Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 77 · Mosinee, WIThe pilot's poor preflight planning/preparation, and the selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff. A related factor was the grassy runway (farm field).NTSB ANC91LA124Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Eagle River, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during climbout and lack of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was both the downdraft and gusting wind.NTSB LAX91FA355Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Hawthorne, CAOverconfidence in the airplane's ability and his personal ability by the instructor pilot (CFI), by intentionally shutting off fuel to an engine during a critical part of flight. The aircraft's lack of single engine performance was a related factor.NTSB ANC91LA126Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-14 · Seldovia, AKThe pilot misjudged fuel consumption for the airplane during flight and experienced complete fuel exhaustion.NTSB CHI91LA257Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G · Lake Ozark, MOFailure of the rotorcraft's tail boom in flight. Factors related to the accident were reduced aircraft control available to the pilot.NTSB CHI91LA256Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8E · Valparaiso, INThe pilot in command's failure to maintain airspeed. A factor contributing was improper maintenance (design change) performed by an unqualified person (pilot in command).NTSB CHI91DER14Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportMilner, Dick G Glasair II · Milaca, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff and departure which resulted in a dragged wing and ground impact. Related factors are the rough airstrip, the pilot's lack of expereince in the type of operation, and the premature lift-off.NTSB DEN91FA111Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Colorado Spring, COThe pilot exceeded weight and balance limitations. Factors were: high density altitude and unsuitable terrain.NTSB FTW91IA143Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBell 412 · Rowan MidlandThe mechanic's failure to assemble the tail rotor drive shaft correctly and the subsequent failure of the tail rotor drive shaft. A factor was the lack of inspection procedures for offshore maintenance.NTSB NYC91LA209Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCameron V-77 · New Middletown, OHThe unfavorable wind (shift) encountered by the balloon during the initial takeoff climb.NTSB LAX91LA351Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTexas Helicopter M74L · Lodi, CAThe inflight loss of control by the pilot for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC91LA201Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3-C65 · Westerly, RIEngine failure for an undetermined reason. A factor was the pilot misjudging the clearance over a fence during an attempted forced landing.NTSB BFO91LA074Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportClifton Dixon Polliwagen · Chesterfield, VAThe partial loss of engine power caused by a misaligned rocker arm spring resulting in a reduction of exhaust valve opening.NTSB ATL91LA154Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · Middlesex, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in a turn on initial climb out resulting in a stall.NTSB SEA91LA202Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTaylor Air Command 532 Elite · Libby, MTLoss of control during takeoff due to the pilot's total lack of experience in the type of aircraft.NTSB CHI91LA251Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-1 · Elwood, INA premature lift-off which resulted in a mush/stall. A factor related to the accident was lack of total experience in type of operation.NTSB NYC91DNC04Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportLaurent A. Cloutier BD-5B · Gilford, NHEngine failure due to a faulty oil pressure relief valve resulting in an emergency landing on unsuitable terrain.NTSB CHI91LA248Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Joliet, ILA proper climb rate was not attained which resulted in a mush/stall by the pilot. Factors related to the accident were performance data mis-judged due to lack of familiarity with the aircraft, and over confidence in aircraft's ability.NTSB ATL91FA150Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Jonesboro, GAThe pilot's improper in-flight decision when he landed downwind, and beyond the proper touchdown point. Additionally, he failed to attain a safe climb speed, which resulted in a stall/spin. A factor was the high density altitude.NTSB LAX91LA341Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Riverside, CAThe contamination of fuel in the right tank of the accident airplane with an unknown oil-like substance.NTSB DEN91DTE01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportWarner, David B. GLASAIR-SHA · Eagle, COThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering in a turn during initial takeoff climb, resulting in an in flight loss of control, stall, and in flight collision with terrain. Factors were: excessive bank angle and abrupt maneuver at a…NTSB FTW91LA130Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Hitchcock, TXA power loss for undetermined reasons and the pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the forced landing. Factors were the pilot's continued operation with a known engine deficiency and the owner/operator's failure to perform needed maintenance.NTSB FTW91LA129Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Cut And Shoot, TXThe total loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons. A factor was the unsuitable terrain.NTSB LAX91FA334Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415C · Rubidoux, CAThe mechanic's improper installation of the magnetos and the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed. Factors related to this accident are the pilot's inadvertent stall and the residential area.NTSB CHI91DEP11Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportEnglish Pietenpol Aircamper · Brodhead, WIErosion of an exhaust valve.NTSB BFO91LA075Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC-12D · Warrenton, VAThe pilot's inadequate preflight operations, which failed to detect the presence of water contamination in the fuel system, and resulted in the loss of power and subsequent forced landing. Other related factor: standing water on the grassy area.NTSB BFO91LA069Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Ashland, KYLost of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC91FA188Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Phillips, MEAn inadvertent stall and loss of control due to the pilot's improper use of the wing flaps for takeoff. Factors related to the accident were: the pilot's misunderstanding of airplane performance, and the pilot's decision to takeoff uphill.NTSB CHI91LA226Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Lafayette, INEngine failure due to fuel exhaustion and refueling not performed by the cfi/pic.NTSB CHI91DEM07Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna 188B · Munger, MIA premature liftoff by the pilot. A factor contributing to this accident was the soft runway surface and a stall/mush.NTSB ATL91LA140Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Boone, NCThe pilot's failure to follow the manufacturer's procedures related to takeoff performance. Factors in the accident were: the high density altitude, the high obstructions, and the pilot's lack of expereince with takeoff operations at high density altitude.NTSB MIA91LA189Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Hilliard, FLLoss of engine power due to undetermined reasons, failure of the pilot to maintain vso, and inadvertent stall mush. Contributing to the accident was lack of total experience in the type of operation.NTSB CHI91LA240Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Saint Leo, MNPerformance data was misjudged resulting in a positive climb not being attained by the pilot. A factor related to the accident was high density altitude.NTSB ATL91FA138Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Mobile, ALThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed and his subsequent inadvertent stall during his attempt to return to the departure runway. A factor was the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI91DCQ07Accident · No injuriesFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Sharon Springs, KSAircraft takeoff performance exceeded and disregard of performance data by the pilot. A factor associated with the accident is high density altitude.NTSB CHI91DEV02Accident · No injuriesFinal reportO'Connell Stits SA-3B · Casey, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper rate of climb after takeoff. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in model.