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 ANC89LA086Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Anaktuvuk Pass, AKThe pilot failed to adequately compensate for downdrafts encountered after departing a gravel bar that was surrounded by mountainous terrain.NTSB ANC89FA084Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportStinson 108-2 · Wasilla, AKPilot failed to operate the aircraft within its recommended parameters, resulting in loss of control and a stall-spin into the water.NTSB CHI89DEX04Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportNorth American SNJ-5 · Sellersburg, INThe ingestion of a foreign object and subsequent supercharger impeller failure.NTSB BFO89LA040Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-38-112 · Criders, VAThe pilot failed to maintain directional control of the airplane during the crosswind conditions encountered during the initial takeoff climb.NTSB LAX89LA209Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 50F · Ontario, CAThe pilot's inability to compensate for existing wind conditions, resulting in the inability to maintain a climb.NTSB ATL89LA155Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Trinity, NCThe pilots failure to select a suitable takeoff area based on the weight of the aircraft and the atmospheric conditions at the time of takeoff.NTSB SEA89LA093Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Black Diamond, WAPower loss due to magneto failure. Contributing to the accident were lack of suitable terrain for forced landing and the presence of obstacles.NTSB MIA89LA166Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAyres S2R · Lambert, MSFailure of the engine impeller. The ditch in the emergency landing area was a related factor.NTSB DEN89LA129Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Angel Fire, NMThe pilot's failure to properly evaluate the existing weather conditions and the subsequent takeoff into adverse conditions which degraded the airplane's climb capability. The pilot performed an intentional gear up landing.NTSB DEN89LA126Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177B · Fort Collins, COLoss of engine power for an undetermined reason. The dark night and terrain condition were considered to be contributing factors.NTSB NYC89LA136Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMaule M5 · Kutztown, PAAn off airport landing in unsuitable terrain due to a power loss for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX89LA204Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Concord, CAStudent pilot had not attained compensation for the crosswind, and lost control of the airplane.NTSB LAX89DUG04Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportHolman/Sears HS-1 · Rialto, CAFailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed, while turning after takeoff, which resulted in a stall/spin. Contributing factors were: improper planning/decision by the pilot by test flying an airplane that he was not properly certificated to operate,…NTSB CHI89LA100Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna P206B · New Hudson, MIPilot's inadequate preflight which resulted in an engine failure due to water contamination of the fuel system. The wires, trees, and utility pole were related factors.NTSB ATL89LA151Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell 114 · Dayton, OHThe pilot's improper compensation for wind conditions and inadequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall after lift-off. The wind conditions and the pilot's lack of familiarity with the acft were contributing factors.NTSB ATL89DKJ04Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportGlassair III · Auburn, ALThe pilot's premature lift-off which resulted in a stall into trees.NTSB ANC89FA076Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Birchwood, AKFailure of the pilot to assure that the fuel selector was in the proper detent for takeoff. A factor related to the accident was: the soft/muddy terrain conditions in the emergency landing area.NTSB CHI89DEE03Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportRuschke Starduster TOO · Mc Henry, ILThe flying pilots failure to maintain airspeed during an ostentatious display resulting in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB ANC89FA075Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 180J · Anchorage, AKPilot-in-command's poor judgement, and his lack of initial training (none) in seaplane operations.NTSB NYC89LA140Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American Navion A · North Creek, NYThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation for the takeoff.NTSB DEN89LA122Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 175 · Sheridan, WYBinding (stuck) #4 exhaust valve. High vegetation (hay) and a hidden obstruction (ditch) were contributing factors.NTSB CHI89DCA01Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportZengel RV-4 · Columbia, ILThe improper routing of engine fuel lines resulting in over temperature of the lines which resulted in the fuel flow to carburetor to fluctuate and cause over rich condition and loss of engine power.NTSB NYC89LA133Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNaval Aircraft Factory N3N · Canaan, CTA loss of power due to contamination of the fuel system.NTSB FTW89LA097Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Decatur, TXInadequate inspection of the exhaust system by the maintenance personnel during the latest annual inspection.NTSB FTW89DRG07Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna A188B · La Coste, TXThe pilot's failure to attain sufficient airspeed for flight at departure.NTSB DEN89DQA01Accident · No injuriesFinal reportMccoy BD-5 · Farmington, NMThe malfunction of the aircraft electrical system due to a faulty circuit breaker. The subsequent failure of the electrical system resulted in failure of the engine ignition system and loss of engine power.NTSB BFO89LA035Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-25-235 · Warrenton, VAThe failure of the glider pilot to maintain a proper climb rate during takeoff and the delay in releasing from the towplane after realizing that he was climbing well above the towplane. Contributing to the accident was the updraft encountered after takeoff…NTSB ANC89LA073Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Harding Lake, AKThe pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the existing wind conditions. A factor related to the accident was: the gusty/variable wind condition.NTSB MKC89DCG01Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportGrigg/Bowers Flybaby · West Plains, MOImproper preflight planning by the pilot and his failure to attain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall as he was attempting to avoid a power transmission line. Factors related to the accident were: rising terrain, tall grass, tailwind, and the…NTSB DEN89DTE03Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportGalbreath Variviggen · Falcon, COThe pilot's lack of familiarity with the control characteristics of this newly completed homebuilt. The pilot's failure to use proper control inputs and the lack of information provided by the aircraft kit manufacturer are considered as contributing factors…NTSB ATL89FA144Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Augusta, GAFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while making a steep turn after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with the terrain.NTSB FTW89FA089Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSmith, Ted Aerostar 601 · New Iberia, LAThe pilot failed to maintain a proper climb immediately after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was excessive manifold pressure indications for the left engine. The pilot's diverted attention in dealing with that condition most probably resulted in the…NTSB LAX89LA175Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Julian, CAThe inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot. Contributing to the accident was the loose gravel runway and the fence which the airplane was unable to clear.NTSB ATL89LA137Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Jacksonville, NCThe pilot's failure to properly preflight and plan which resulted in a collision with trees. The pilot attempted a takeoff with an over gross weight condition.NTSB CHI89DEE02Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Marseilles, ILPic's overconfidence in the accident aircraft's climb performance as he attempted to take off up hill and over wires.NTSB LAX89LA171Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Truckee, CAThe improper installation of fuel lines by maintenance personnel who installed the engine.NTSB ATL89LA136Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170 · Orwell, OHThe pilot's decision to takeoff on unsuitable terrain, which resulted in his inability to attain sufficient airspeed to clear the fence(s) near the end of the runway. Factors related to the accident were: the soft runway/terrain conditions & the fence.NTSB LAX89LA170Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Long Beach, CAThe pilot's failure to select the proper fuel tank for an adequate fuel supply for the takoeff.NTSB MKC89LA093Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHuff 1 · Liberty, MOPartial loss of engine power for an unknown reason. The soft terrain (plowed field) was a related factor.NTSB LAX89LA164Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Fresno, CAThe pilot's inflight decision to abort the takeoff and land in a field. Contributing to the accident was the fence post that the aircraft collided with during the landing roll.NTSB SEA89LA071Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Grangeville, IDA partial power loss due to a blower failure. A factor related to the accident was the soft field condition.NTSB MIA89LA133Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47D1 · Miami, FLThe unqualified persons failure to maintain clearance from the fence. Pressure induced by others, lack of experience, and over confidence in personal ability are contributing factors to this accident.NTSB LAX89LA162Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Santa Paula, CAThe pilots improper use of carburetor heat in conditions that were conducive to the formation of carburetor ice.NTSB MKC89LA091Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Roseau, MNFuel starvation due to fuel ice.NTSB CHI89DET04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Bluffton, INInadequate airspeed resulting in a stall/spin by the pilot. Factors related to the accident were: a tailwind and wrong runway selected by the pilot.NTSB MKC89FA090Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Oak Grove, MOThe pilot's attempt to takeoff with the aircraft over its allowable takeoff weight and out of the center of gravity limits.NTSB DEN89LA108Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Milbank, SDFailure by the pilot to assure adequate removal of frost from the aircraft which resulted in a stall/mush.NTSB ANC89IA059Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportDe Havilland DHC-6-100 · Barrow, AKThe propagation of a fatigue crack from multiple origins due to manufacturing defects in the elevator bellcrank mounting quadrant.NTSB MIA89LA127Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Fort Pierce, FLFailure of the number five cylinder. Factors related to the accident were: the proximity of homes in the area, which precluded jettisoning of the chemical load, and high vegetation in the emergency landing area.NTSB SEA89FA068Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLake LA-4-200-EP · Bellevue, WALoss of engine power for an undetermined reason and failure of the instructor pilot (CFI) to maintain control of the aircraft, which resulted in a stall/spin.