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 FTW90LA021Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCameron N-105 · Bryan, TXPilot's misjudgement/compensation for the wind change and his delayed response in initiating a climb in order to clear the tower.NTSB LAX90LA012Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCulver VEE · Santa Paula, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed for a positive rate of climb.NTSB NYC90LA019Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Windham, CTThe pilot's failure to achieve proper lift-off speed.NTSB BFO90FA003Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Mchenry, MDThe pilot's failure to obtain adequate takeoff airspeed as a result of an improper flap setting. Contributing factors were a takeoff with a tailwind, an upsloping runway, and high density altitude.NTSB NYC90LA023Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Friendsville, PAThe pilot failed to maintain airspeed and stalled the aircraft.NTSB NYC90LA018Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMaule M-5 · Plattsburgh, NYThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning to assure clearance from the surrounding brush.NTSB NYC90DNE01Accident · No injuriesFinal reportNorth American T-28B · New Braintree, MAThe failure of the nose gear, which failed to retract with the main landing gear after takeoff; the gear was observed to be misaligned, and collapsed during the aircraft's touchdown.NTSB CHI90DEK02Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportEickmeier Pitts Special/S1C · Van Buren, OHA total loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.NTSB FTW90DRG01Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportFunk, D.D. B85C · San Antonio, TXFailure of the pilot to maintain airspeed, which resulted in a stall. The unfavorable/gusty wind condition was a related factor.NTSB CHI90FA019Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech B35 · Clare, MIImproper preflight by the pilot by not assuring that the fuel selector was properly positioned, which resulted in fuel starvation, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in a stall/spin.NTSB MKC90FA017Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Elkader, IAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the runway marker at the departure end of the runway.NTSB FTW90LA016Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 7KCAB · Friona, TXThe pilot's decision to perform an aerobatic maneuver during initial climb out with inadequate altitude for recovery.NTSB CHI90DEP01Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportWychen Challenger II · Warrens, WIA broken cranskshaft which resulted in the loss of power. A factor related to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB MIA90LA016Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLake LA-4 · Apalachicola, FLBinding and subsequent failure of the #1 exhaust valve. A factor related to the accident was: the soft/wet (swampy) terrain condition in the emergency landing area.NTSB DEN90LA009Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172H · Del Norte, COThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed during climb resulting in an inadvertent stall.NTSB FTW90FA013Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 414 · San Antonio, TXThe failure of the right propeller unfeathering accumulator hose due to improper installation and chaffing, and the pilot's operation of the airplane beyond its engine out performance capability. Factors were inadequate company maintenance, and the pilot's…NTSB NYC90LA013Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Palmyra, NYThe pilot failed to maintain airspeed during a tight closed pattern turn to final. Contributing factor(s) was: the pilot initiating flight into known adverse weather conditions, which included fog and reduced visibility.NTSB MKC90LA006Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Yates Center, KSThe pilot's selection of the wrong direction to attempt a takeoff which resulted in the inability to climb sufficiently to aviod trees.NTSB DEN90LA008Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportThunder and Colt Clown · Albuquerque, NMStructural failure of the balloon envelope as a result of the manufacturer's quality control oversight.NTSB CHI90DEM01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna 150E · Grayling, MIA loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI90DEK01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Findlay, OHPilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane following engine failure due to fuel starvation, resulting in a stall/spin. Additional causes were a corroded fuel system & carburetor, improper maintenance/rebuild, operation with known deficiencies in…NTSB LAX90FA008Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Goodyear, AZThe inflight separation of one propeller blade due to a fatigue fracture of undetermined origin, and failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft during an attempt to return to the runway. A factor in the accident was the oil covered windsheild,…NTSB MIA90LA007Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · Jacksonville, FLInadequate preflight by the pilot, and fuel starvation, due to his improper positioning of the fuel selector.NTSB FTW90FA005Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208 · Uncertain, TXImproper planning/decision by the pilot-in-command, and failure of the aircrew to maintain runway alignment and clearance from the high obstructions (trees) beside the runway. Related factors were: weather conditions, dark night, lack of runway edge lights,…NTSB NYC90DNA01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportSmeesters RV-4 · North Andover, MAThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, and his failure to maintain aircraft control during the resultant forced landing.NTSB FTW90LA004Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A152 · Mount Pleasant, TXThe pilot failed to compensate for the cross wind during the takeoff initial climb. This led to a loss of directional control and subsequent collision with the windsock standard.NTSB CHI90LA002Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T182 · Sodus, MIThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain a proper angle of climb, resulting in a stall.NTSB ANC90LA001Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 208 · King Salmon, AKImproper planning/decision by the pilot. Contributing factors were: the surrounding terrain, unfavorable wind, downdraft, the pilot's lack of familiarity with the geographical area, and his self induced pressure.NTSB NYC90LA001Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Bingham, METhe pilot's inadequate preflight planning to assure that the airplane was capable of outclimbing the surrounding terrain under the existing wind and airplane weight conditions, resulting in an intentional stall into the terrain. Contributing factor(s) was:…NTSB MKC90LA002Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 35 · Mountain View, MOLoss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Premature retraction of the landing gear by the pilot was a contributing factor.NTSB MKC90LA001Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAlon Aircoupe · Greers Ferry, ARThe pilot's misjudgement of performance data which resulted in the inability to gain sufficient airspeed for takeoff.NTSB NYC89DNE03Accident · No injuriesFinal reportHancock MINI-MAX II · Chester, CTThe pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of flight time in the airplane.NTSB MKC89FA201Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · St. Charles, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain a positive rate of climb during a night takeoff. Contributing factor(s) was: an out-of-c.g airplane, takeoff with only one magneto operating; and the limited vision of the pilot.NTSB DEN89LA226Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportUniversal Stinson 108-1 · Hudson, COPartial loss of engine power for an unknown reason. A factor related to the accident was: the alfalfa crop.NTSB CHI89DEM10Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportFletcher SONERAI-2L · Interlochen, MILoose cylinder due to improper maintenance by the pilot/owner, which resulted in overheating and failure of the aluminum cylinder head. The presence of trees was considered to be a factor.NTSB ANC89LA178Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Shotgun Hills, AKThe pilot's failure to adequately evaluate the existing weather conditions and to maintain control of the aircraft. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's overconfidence in both personal ability and the ability of the aircraft along with the downdraft…NTSB NYC89LA217Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-1C · Philadelphia, PAFuel starvation, due to the pilot's failure to assure the fuel selector was positioned to a tank with adequate fuel for landing, and his failure to follow the proper emergency procedure after the tank emptied.NTSB ATL89LA218Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-160 · China Grove, NCPilot's loss of control during the final approach in that he failed to establish a proper glidepath. The airplane landed short of the runway. During the attempted go-around his improper use of rudder and aileron, following the application of full power,…NTSB LAX89DUJ11Accident · No injuriesFinal reportGrumman G-164 · Mohave Valley, AZA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ANC89LA173Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Near Talkeetna, AKThe passenger's inadvertent interference with the throttle control, and lack of appropriate remedial action by the pilot.NTSB SEA89FA176Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Cave Junction, ORThe pilot's improper handling of the aircraft due to the lack of recurrent training and recent experience which resulted in a loss of airspeed and a resultant stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's over-confidence in his ability to attempt flight…NTSB DEN89FA219Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Concord, CALoss of engine power due to an unknown reason, and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall.NTSB SEA89LA174Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland Beaver DHC-2 MK.1 · Kapowsin, WAAn undetermined loss of engine power.NTSB NYC89LA216Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft DCO-65 · Andreas, PAFailure of the pilot to maintain airspeed, which resulted in a stall.NTSB NYC89DHM06Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportMaxair XP-503 Drifter · Warwick, NYFailure of an engine piston wrist pin bearing.NTSB LAX89LA313Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Mammoth Lakes, CAThe pilot's improper compensation for the existing wind condition and his failure to maintain airspeed. Factors that related to the accident were: the gusty & cross-winds and high density altitude.NTSB CHI89LA185Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna C172R · Frankenmuth, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during takeoff as a result of a diversion of attention due to a possible engine problem.NTSB ATL89LA215Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Semmes, ALImproper replacement of the fuel cap gasket by the pilot, which resulted in a blocked fuel cap vent and fuel starvation. Trees in the emergency landing area contributed to aircraft damage.NTSB LAX89FA314Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Ontario, CAFailure of the right propeller hub due to metal fatigue which resulted in catastrophic separation of the propeller. Contributing to the accident was damage done to the aircraft airframe in flight by the separating propeller making the aircraft uncontrollable.NTSB LAX89FA311Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Buena Park, CAAn inadequate performed preflight inspection by the dual student and the inadequate supervision of the dual student by the instructor pilot. Contaminated fuel was a factor in the accident.