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 CEN13FA101Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 501 · Detroit Lakes, MNA loss of airplane control due to an undetermined avionics malfunction and the pilots’ inattention, which resulted in excessive airframe forces during the unusual attitude recovery. The reason for the avionics malfunction could not be determined because…NTSB ANC13LA012Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Mekoryuk, AKThe total loss of engine power as a result of a fractured first-stage compressor blade due to fatigue cracking. The source of the fatigue crack could not be determined due to secondary damage sustained to the fracture surface.NTSB CEN13FA080Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Bryans Corner, OKThe total loss of engine power as a result of a fractured compressor turbine blade due to fatigue cracking.NTSB WPR13LA060Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA30 · Phoenix, AZThe pilot's failure to properly inhibit the landing gear transmission motor consistent with the emergency landing gear extension procedure, which precluded the full extension of the landing gear. Contributing to the accident was the airplane's electrical…NTSB CEN13FA069Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310B · Mancelona, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after a loss of right engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no preimpact malfunction or anomaly that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR13LA047Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210 · San Rafael, CAThe loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR13LA045Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32 · ObyanA partial loss of engine power shortly after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation and the pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during…NTSB CEN13LA062Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJabiru USA Sport J250-SP · Jacksonville, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb following an aborted landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin at a low altitude.NTSB ANC13WA010Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 208 · Snow Lake, CanadaOn November 18, 2012, about 1000 central standard time, a Cessna 208B airplane, (Canadian Registration C-GAGP) was on a VFR flight plan from Snow Lake (CJE4) to Winnipeg (CYWG), Manitoba, Canada. The airplane crashed in a wooded area near the Snow Lake…NTSB WPR13FA041Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1 · Morgan, UTThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in frost remaining on the airplane's surfaces and led to its inability to produce enough lift to clear rising terrain.NTSB ERA13FA055Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Jackson, MSThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in his failure to note the water in the fuel tank due to condensation, which subsequently shut down the engine in flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's self-induced pressure to…NTSB WPR13LA038Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Maricopa, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper pitch control during the initial climb, which resulted in a stall, loss of airplane control, and collision with terrain.NTSB CEN13WA061Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationReims-Cessna F150 · Birr, Ireland, IrelandOn November 11, 2012, about 1655 Western European time, a Reims-Cessna, model F150H, single engine airplane, EI-AST, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Birr Airfield (EIBR), Birr, Ireland. The two pilots were fatally injured. The airplane was…NTSB ENG13IA005Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing MD-88 · Atlanta, GAThe 4th stage turbine blade separation that resulted in an uncontained release of low pressure turbine blade material was Delta Air Lines' repair process for the turbine blades' tip shrouds. It was not possible to identify the part of the repair process that…NTSB CEN13LA046Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSorensen Sprint Mxii · Groesbeck, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the noncertificated airplane during a go-around. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s physical and psychological impairment.NTSB CEN13LA055Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCentral Ohio Dragonfly Club DRAGONFLY-C · Darbyville, OHThe total loss of engine power due to a cold-seizure event that occurred at a low altitude, which precluded the pilot's recovery from an inadvertent aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB ANC13LA008Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 7ECA · Kenai, AKThe loss of engine power due to carburetor icing and the pilot's failure to apply carburetor heat when he reduced engine power.NTSB CEN13FA039Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320E · San Marcos, TXThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to takeoff in night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB CEN13CA033Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPorter James Grant Superior CUB · Beechgrove, INThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during takeoff from a short field.NTSB ERA13LA034Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Mansfield, MAThe pilots’ failure to apply carburetor heat during takeoff, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to the formation of carburetor ice.NTSB CEN13WA020Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationMooney M20E · Speichersdorf, GermanyOn October 21, 2012, about 1520 coordinated universal time, a Mooney M20E, D-EMHE was destroyed following a loss of control during initial climb from Rosenthal Field Ploessen Airport (EDQP), near Speichersdorf, Germany. The pilot and passenger were fatally…NTSB WPR13CA019Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportQuicksilver Mfg MXL II Sport · Live Oak, CAThe pilot’s failure to compensate for turbulent conditions, which resulted in a loss of altitude.NTSB ERA13IA036Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportCessna 560XL · Nantucket, MAThe incorrect installation of the left main gear aft trunnion pivot pin by maintenance personnel, which resulted in separation of the aft portion of the left main gear trunnion from the aft trunnion fitting and minor damage to the airplane.NTSB ERA13FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS 355 · Erwinna, PAThe pilot’s decision to depart under visual flight rules in dark night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in subsequent spatial disorientation, uncontrolled descent, and impact with trees and terrain.NTSB ERA13LA024Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCashmer Philip M Sonex · Crossville, TNThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in a low-altitude aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was a loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination and the pilot’s…NTSB WPR13FA013Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeropro CZ A240 · Half Moon Bay, CAThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA13LA020Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAirborne Windsports PTY XT-912 · Winter Haven, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff in crosswind conditions, which resulted in collision with terrain.NTSB ERA13LA025Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Allentown, PAThe operator's failure to perform magneto inspections per the manufacturer's recommendations and failure to comply with the engine manufacturer's recommended time interval for engine overhaul, which resulted in defects in the magnetos going undetected and the…NTSB ERA13LA015Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportVelline'S Breezy RLU-1 · Madison, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed following a loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, and the airplane’s…NTSB ENG13WA001Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBeech 1900 · Lyon, FranceOn October 09, 2012, at 9:40 am local time, a Beechcraft 1900, F-GOPE, operated by Hex'Air, experienced a elevator trim system failure after take-off at Lyon-Saint Exupery airport(LFLL), France. A post flight inspection revealed that the elevator trim forward…NTSB ANC13CA003Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172D · Buckland, AKThe pilot's loss of airplane control during takeoff from an off-airport site, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.NTSB CEN13IA008Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportMueller Michael Walter Challenger II CW SPC · Sandwich, ILA total loss of engine power due to significant engine corrosion. Contributing to the accident was inadequate engine maintenance.NTSB ERA13LA013Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeaudry Phillip Aventura II · Minneola, FLA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB CEN13FA003Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Intracoastal City, LAThe pilot’s decision to attempt a local flight in marginal visual meteorological conditions and his subsequent loss of control following an inadvertent encounter with instrument metrological conditions shortly after takeoff.NTSB ERA13CA009Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPowrachute Pegasus · Cumming, GAThe operation of the powered parachute by a non-certificated pilot, and his failure to maintain directional control during the initial climb, which resulted in a collision with trees.NTSB ERA12FA583Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Fredericksburg, VAThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to alcohol.NTSB ERA12CA588Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportHenrie Raymond Zenith CH 701 Stol · Ashland, MSThe pilot’s inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions during initial climb, which resulted in an impact with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN12LA678Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportInfinity 2003 · Merrill, MIThe pilot's improper decision to attempt a takeoff from midfield, resulting in a collision with trees at the departure end of the field.NTSB WPR12LA437Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMccleery Rans S6ES · Elverta, CAA loss of engine power during initial climb due to a failed piston ring.NTSB ERA12WA590Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA34 · Ilheus, BrazilOn September 25, 2012, about 0155 universal coordinated time, a Piper PA-34-200T, Brazilian registration PT-RDG, was substantially damaged when it impacted the Atlantic Ocean, shortly after takeoff from the Ilheus Jorge Amado Airport (SBIL), Ilheus, Bahia,…NTSB ERA12WA591Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 210 · Roraima, BrazilOn September 24, 2012, about 0400 hours local, or 0800 UTC, a Cessna 210L, Brazilian registration PT-KSB, departed controlled flight and crashed shortly after takeoff from Pouso Da Aguilia Airport (SWPD), Roraima, Brazil. Visual meteorological conditions…NTSB WPR12LA434Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNavion Navion · Lompoc, CAA total loss of engine power after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB WPR12LA433Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502 · Firebaugh, CAThe pilot’s decision to continue the takeoff after the engine stopped producing its full-rated torque while operating in high-density altitude conditions and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from the power transmission wires.NTSB CEN12FA653Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-350P · Kiowa, COA catastrophic engine failure due to unrecognized and unrepaired corrosion within the engine, which was consistent with engine operations after an extended period of inactivity.NTSB CEN12LA636Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportJDT Mini-Max 1500R · Cameron, MOThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin at a low altitude.NTSB WPR12LA418Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Nampa, IDAn uncommanded bank after takeoff followed by an aerodynamic stall. The reason for the uncommanded bank could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB CEN12LA634Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth Wing Design Apache Sport · Vermillion, SDThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the weight-shift-control aircraft during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB CEN12LA630Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHalderman, Floyd G. RV-6A · Eldon, MOThe pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.NTSB CEN12LA651Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Boonville, INA total loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination could not verify whether the fuel selector was properly positioned before takeoff.NTSB CEN12FA619Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportWiggins AIR Boss · Lansing, ILThe pilot's failure to obtain adequate familiarization with gyroplane operations before attempting a flight test of the recently completed gyroplane, which resulted in his failure to maintain control during the accident flight.