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 ANC89LA118Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-20 · Eureka, AKLoss of engine power for an unknown reason. A factor related to the accident was: rough terrain in the emergency landing area.NTSB LAX89LA236Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Venice, CAThe improper installation and inspection of the carburetor throttle linkage arm.NTSB DEN89LA159Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-3B-2 · Tierra Amarilla, NMThe failure of the pilot to maintain rotor RPM during the premature lift-off which resulted in a forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the high density altitude conditions, and unsuitable terrain.NTSB DEN89LA158Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Bountiful, UTThe pilot failed to maintain adequate speed for the turning maneuver (to avoid an obstacle) and inadvertently allowed the aircraft to stall. Contributing factors were: improper uuse of the flaps, high density altitude, and a high obstruction.NTSB CHI89FA128Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Battle Creek, MIThe flight crew inadvertently shut down the left engine after the right engine lost power, and the copilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft while maneuvering the aircraft back toward the runway. Factors related to the accident were: improper…NTSB BFO89LA055Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 500D · Williamson, WVPilot's failure to see and avoid the wire which crossed the end of the field in which he was taking off.NTSB MIA89LA185Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Hilliard, FLThe inadequate pre-flight examination by the pilot, after refueling, which failed to detect water in the fuel.NTSB LAX89LA231Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing A75 · Sacramento, CAThe partial blockage of the engine induction system which resulted from improper maintenance.NTSB LAX89DUG05Accident · No injuriesFinal reportSalmon KR-2 · Chino, CAThe pilot's overcontrolling of the aircraft. A factor in the accident was that this was the pilot's first flight in the aircraft.NTSB MKC89LA151Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3 "CUB" · Morrilton, ARThe abrupt handling of the airplane by the pilot. He failed to maintain airspeed and inadvertantly stalled and spun the airplane at an altitude insufficient for recovery.NTSB MIA89FA184Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · Stuart, FLInadequate maintenance/servicing of the aircraft, which resulted in water and rust contamination of the fuel and a subsequent loss of engine power, and failure of the pilot to maintain flying speed, while maneuvering back toward the runway, which resulted in…NTSB SEA89FA126Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Elgin, ORFailure of the pilot to obtain/maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff/initial climb, which resulted in a stall. Factors related to the accident were: quartering tailwind, high density altitude, and the pilot's lack of recent experience in the aircraft.NTSB FTW89FA127Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Sanger, TXFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall at low altitude.NTSB NYC89LA155Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Gasport, NYFuel contamination (water) and an inadequate preflight by the pilot, which resulted in the loss of engine power.NTSB CHI89LA123Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Tecumseh, MILoss of engine power for an undetermined reason. The embankment (dirt bank) was a contributing factor.NTSB NYC89LA153Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC-12D · Newport, METhe aircraft fuel supply was contaminated by water and the pilot's inadequate preflight.NTSB BFO89LA051Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Bridgeport, WVThe loss of engine power because of fuel starvation. Fuel starvation occurred because of unporting of fuel from the tank outlet when the aircraft was in a slip attitude shortly before the power loss. A contributing factor is inadequate information in the…NTSB ANC89LA113Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Duffys Tavern, AKThe selection of the soft sandy strip for takeoff by the pilot and his premature liftoff combined to make it impossible to attain climb airspeed before colliding with bushes at the end of the runway.NTSB MKC89LA146Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor 301 · Lonoke, ARPartial failure of the power-plant for undetermined reasons.NTSB SEA89FA122Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportDouglas DC-3C · Petersburg, AKThe pilot's improper decision to ditch the aircraft when it could have been flown back to the airport using the right seat controls. Contributing factor(s) was: the failure & separation of a portion of the right aileron fabric, and the pilot's excessive force…NTSB MIA89FA178Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Shelby, MSFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering back to the runway which resulted in an inadvertentstall. Contributing factors were: failure of the pilot to insure the cabin door (on the passenger's side) was properlyclosed and secured…NTSB FTW89DQG04Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna A188B · Vega, TXThe unfavorable wind condition (probable whirlwind or severe wind shear) that was encountered moments after lift-off.NTSB CHI89DEE04Accident · No injuriesFinal reportRenninger Mustang II · Kirkland, ILFuel starvation (possibly from vapor lock), which resulted in loss of engine power, and the pilot's misjudgement of ground clearance during a final turn to land.NTSB SEA89LA119Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech B35 · Dallesport, WAThe premature rotatiion and liftoff by the pilot, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A factor related to the accident was: the tailwind.NTSB ATL89LA169Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 401 · Raleigh, NCImproper maintenance by other maintenance personnel and excessive fuel pressure to the right engine (rich mixture). A possible contributing factor was the worn/unserviceable internal lock nut in the fuel pump.NTSB SEA89FA117Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Chiloquin, ORThe pilot's inadequate planning and preparation for the flight which resulted in inadequate airspeed and an inadvertent stall while attempting to clear trees off the end of the runway. Contributing factors were: the high density altitude, gusty crosswind,…NTSB CHI89FA122Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-60-700P · Griffith, INFailure of the turbocharger exhaust tailpipe assembly retaining clamp.NTSB ANC89FA100Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna U-206G · Anchorage, AKThe failure of the pilot to conduct a proper pre-flight inspection and remove the tail mooring from the float plane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's over confidence in his personal ability.NTSB LAX89LA213Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-160 · El Cajon, CAThe inadequate maintenance of the airplane & inadequate preflight inspection which resulted in the undetection of contaminated fuel.NTSB DEN89FA141Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · South Lake Taho, CAThe pilot's falure to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff due to diverted attention toward an open acft door.NTSB ANC89LA096Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Rainbow Lake, AKPilot in command's failure to maintain an airspeed (angle of attack) that would preclude a stall.NTSB LAX89LA221Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172E · Grass Valley, CAFailure to perform maintenance inspections prescribed by the magneto, engine and aircraft manufacturers. The high density altitude and terrain conditions were contributing factors.NTSB CHI89LA115Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Michigan City, INFailure of the pilot to obtain and/or maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall & collision with the ground. Related factors were: failure of the pilot to follow procedures/directives and his operation of the aircraft…NTSB CHI89FA113Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Wisc Rapids, WIThe pilot's failure to assure that the flaps were in the up position during takeoff. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with aircraft.NTSB CHI89FA112Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Lockport, ILImproper flight technique by the PIC during a takeoff from a confined area.NTSB CHI89DEK01Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Albany, OHSeizure of the #4 exhaust valve and bending of its respective push rod, which resulted in a significant loss of engine power. Contributing factors were: lack of a suitable emergency landing area, trees, and the fence.NTSB LAX89LA218Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 · Trinity Center, CAAn interruption of fuel to the engine for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX89LA217Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 421 · Picacho, AZFailure of the number three exhaust valve on the left engine. A major factor was the high density altitude where the airplane would not operate on single engine.NTSB LAX89LA214Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · San Diego, CAFuel starvation due to the pilot's inadvertent selection of the off position on the fuel selector.NTSB FTW89DRD08Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportSchweizer G-164B · Kaplan, LALoss of engine power due to a cracked cylinder.NTSB CHI89FA109Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Saint Charles, ILThe failure of the mechanic to properly inspect the alternate air door during annual inspection. This failure led to air starvation, loss of power, and a forced landing by the pilot onto rough terrain.NTSB FTW89DRD07Accident · No injuriesFinal reportGrumman-Schweizer G-164A · Morse, LALoss of engine power for an undetermined reason. The soft terrain was a contributing factor.NTSB MKC89LA131Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGlaser-Dirks DG-101 · Stanton, MNFailure of the pilot to maintain control of the glider. Contributing factors were: improper use of flight controls by the pilot and his lack of total experience in the type of glider.NTSB CHI89DEC05Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportJob Sonerai II · Fowlerville, MIThe pilot's discontinuing visual lookout to scan gages before clearing a known obstacle on the departure path from the runway. A factor in the accident is the pilot's lack of experience in this model airplane.NTSB MKC89LA128Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWaco UPF-7 · Creve Coeur, MOImproper use of the carburetor heat by the pilot and carburetor ice. Contributing factors were: carburetor icing conditions, high obstructions and terrain conditions (corn crop).NTSB CHI89DEM02Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportAeronca 15AC · Plainwell, MIThe pilot's decision to fly the airplane which had not been properly maintained which resulted in the fuel system blockage.NTSB ANC89LA106Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHelio H-295 · King Salmon, AKAn undetermined problem related to the engine, propeller, and/or failed tailwheel assembly.NTSB BFO89LA042Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech T-34B · Suffolk, VAAn inadvertent stall due to failure of the student pilot to obtain adequate flying speed and inadequate supervision by the instructor pilot (CFI). The inoperative stall warning system was considered to be a contributing factor. The intermittent intercomm…NTSB ANC89LA085Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180-J · Glennallen, AKPilot used poor judgement and planning for his takeoff.NTSB DEN89LA132Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7GCBC · Monticello, UTInadequate preflight of the aircraft by the pilot which resulted in fuel exhaustion due to an inadequate supply of fuel. The terrain condition was considered to be a factor.