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 ANC08CA119Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-18-135 · Coldfoot, AKThe pilot's failure to attain/maintain sufficient flying speed during initial climb.NTSB MIA08CA191Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAirframes Unlimited USA-1B · Surry, VAThe pilot's improper handling of the powered parachute during takeoff/initial climb.NTSB LAX08LA290Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAirborne XT-912 · Chelan, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB LAX08CA291Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportTaylorcraft F19 · Harper, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree during the takeoff initial climb.NTSB MIA08CA183Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSmith Wylie Jay Kit Fox II · Deatville, ALThe pilot's inadequate fuel system maintenance.NTSB SEA08GA194Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportLockheed P2V-7 · Reno, NVThe failure of the flight crew to maintain airspeed above in-flight minimum control speed (Vmca) after losing power in the left jet engine during initial climb after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the crew's inadequate cockpit resource management…NTSB CHI08MA270Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportConvair CV-580 · Columbus, OHThe improper (reverse) rigging of the elevator trim cables by company maintenance personnel, and their subsequent failure to discover the misrigging during required post-maintenance checks. Contributing to the accident was the captain’s inadequate…NTSB CHI08CA287Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172M · Three Lakes, WIThe pilot's failure to attain sufficient altitude to avoid the trees during initial climb. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's failure to ensure the security of the entrance door before takeoff and the unintentional opening of the door.NTSB SEA08LA192Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Camarillo, CAThe pilot's failure to fly the correct approach profile that resulted in the inadvertent pickup of a banner tow line with the airplane's main landing gear.NTSB CHI08CA276Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 150J · Spring Grove, ILThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his failure to maintain clearance from the trees. Contributing factors were the trees and the high density altitude.NTSB MIA08CA178Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportDehavilland DH82A · Sevierville, TNThe failure of the wooden propeller.NTSB SEA08LA190Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLien Zodiac 601 XL · Coeur d'Alene, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after the engine experienced a loss of power. Contributing to the accident was the mixture control arm separating from the fuel metering valve shaft.NTSB NYC08CA297Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Sebring, FLA bird strike which substantially damaged the propeller and required the engine to be secured. Contributing to the accident was the damaged propeller.NTSB MIA08CA171Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 152 · Ormond Beach, FLBoth pilots' inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel.NTSB NYC08CA294Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSacrey W Michael Zenair CH · Fincastle, VAThe pilot's inadvertent premature rotation during takeoff.NTSB LAX08MA277Accident · 10 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBeech A100 · Moab, UTThe pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance during takeoff for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX08LA274Accident · 3 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKillgore Velocity · North Las Vegas, NVA partial loss of engine power during initial climb due to the detachment of the engine supercharger drive belt. The detachment resulted from the owner/builder's inadequate installation of the supercharger system and belt-tensioning adjustment.NTSB LAX08CA275Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-11 · Sheridan, WYThe pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing gusty wind conditions and likely windshear encounter and his failure to maintain an adequate airspeed that resulted in a stall/mush.NTSB SEA08FA187Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Springerville, AZThe pilot's failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed during takeoff in high density altitude conditions that resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB LAX08LA269Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna TU206F · Glendale, AZA loose fuel line fitting that resulted in a partial loss of engine power during the initial takeoff climb. Contributing to the accident was inadequate maintenance installation of the fitting.NTSB LAX08CA276Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 177RG · Lake Tahoe, CAThe pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind and density altitude conditions and failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed that resulted in a stall/mush.NTSB SEA08CA180Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 177 · Glendale, AZThe loss of engine power due to vapor lock. Contributing to the accident was the high atmospheric temperature.NTSB SEA08LA179Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177 · St. Johns, AZThe failure of both pilots to abort the takeoff when a suitable climb rate could not be attained. Contributing to the accident was the reduction of available power due to the camshaft lobe and lifter corrosion/wear, the high density altitude, and the CFI’s…NTSB DFW08CA213Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportAerotrike Spirit · Vinland Valley, KSThe flight instructor's failure to maintain control of the sport aircraft on takeoff.NTSB DFW08CA207Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Abbeville, LAA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was unsuitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB DEN08IA143Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportRaytheon C90A · Jasper, TXThe impact with a bird during initial takeoff climb.NTSB MIA08LA164Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Arcaida, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper climb rate after takeoff.NTSB CHI08CA213Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT-401 · Ida Grove, IAA failure of the turbocharger blower which resulted in the partial loss of power. Factors associated with the accident were the low altitude of the airplane and the embankment.NTSB MIA08LA162Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNorth Wing Apache CLA · Boynton Beach, FLThe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft.NTSB LAX08PA259Accident · 9 fatalClass 1Final reportSikorsky S-61N · Weaverville, CAThe following actions by Carson Helicopters: 1) the intentional understatement of the helicopter's empty weight, 2) the alteration of the power available chart to exaggerate the helicopter's lift capability, and 3) the practice of using unapproved…NTSB LAX08CA260Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 182D · Gerlach, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance during takeoff initial climb.NTSB NYC08LA270Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Brownsboro, ALThe pilot’s failure to ensure the fuel valve was on prior taxi and takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed following loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB DEN08LA131Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportFlynn Van Munk · Erie, COA loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. The reason for the loss of aircraft control was not determined.NTSB LAX08FA256Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172K · Gearhart, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the initial climb after takeoff due to spatial disorientation.NTSB ANC08LA097Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Aniak, AKA partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to a failure of the left engine's turbocharger as a result of the failure of a turbine shaft bearing. Contributing to the accident was unsuitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB ANC08WA098Accident · Serious injuriesForeign investigationBeech 65-A90 · Pitt Meadows, CanadaNTSB CHI08FA222Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Oshkosh, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while taking off in gusting winds, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.NTSB CHI08LA219Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportKolb Mark II · Chisholm, MNThe loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.NTSB SEA08CA167Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Corona, CAThe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, resulting in a stall/mush. Contributing to the accident was the gusty crosswind conditions.NTSB NYC08CA321Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportGrimes Barry R Chinook Plus TWO · Magnolia Springs, ALThe total loss of engine power during initial climb due to the failure of the fuel pump.NTSB MIA08CA150Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBuckeye Breeze · New Market, TNThe student pilot's failure to consider the aircraft's performance for the takeoff.NTSB DEN08LA129Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Athens, TXA partial loss of engine power during initial climb due to undetermined reasons, which led to an uncontrolled descent and subsequent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper preflight decision to attempt the flight with a…NTSB DFW08CA199Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportGrumman G-164A · Newport, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing factors were the high temperature and tailwind.NTSB LAX08FA244Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Shelton, WAThe pilot's failure to attain and maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB LAX08LA242Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGlaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau DG-100G · Truckee, CAA malfunction of the tow release mechanism.NTSB CHI08CA205Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportHowell FW2C80TR · Washington, IAThe low airspeed and proper climb rate not attained by the pilot during takeoff and the inadvertent stall by the pilot.NTSB NYC08LA253Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCarrithers Carl L VP1 · Starkville, MSThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment by alcohol.NTSB CHI08CA226Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Grantsburg, WIA loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.NTSB LAX08GA239Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBeech A200 · Salt Lake CIty, UTThe failure of the landing gear motor (worn components) resulting in the partial collapse of the landing gear during landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight crew not following emergency checklist procedures to attempt a manual gear extension.NTSB LAX08CA237Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Salmon, IDThe pilot's decision to take off in known adverse wind conditions that lead to an encounter with a windshear, the resulting inability of the pilot to maintain airspeed, and a stall/mush into the terrain.