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 DFW08LA196Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-36-285 · Petersburg, TXA partial loss of engine power due to the substandard and incomplete maintenance of the engine.NTSB CHI08CA201Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportGrumman G-164D · Esmond, NDThe pilot's delay in advancing the throttle during the takeoff which resulted in inadequate airspeed and the subsequent stall/mush. Factors associated with the accident were the leaking hopper, the pilot continuing to operate the airplane with the known…NTSB DFW08FA190Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Kemp, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which led to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.NTSB SEA08LA162Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSport Flight Talon XP · Inverness, FLThe lower rod bearing failed due to corrosion.NTSB MIA08FA144Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A-36 · Tampa, FLThe pilot's improper decision to take off with a tailwind and his failure to maintain runway alignment during initial takeoff climb.NTSB MIA08LA142Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportJ. E. Douglas Starduster 2 · Tappahannock, VALoss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI08LA191Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDrochak Aventura II · Flushing, MIA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX08LA212Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Kalispell, MTA partial loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel system contamination by a foreign substance. Contributing to the accident was the uneven terrain.NTSB MIA08LA134Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDouglas A. Pohl Lancair IV-P · Hollywood, FLA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB MIA08LA133Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell International S-2R · Colquitt, GALoss of engine power due to the installation of incorrect turbine blades on the compressor turbine disk during repair of the disk assembly.NTSB ENG08IA030IncidentIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing B747 · Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaFailure of the low pressure turbine stage 3 disk due to a design that is vulnerable to high pressure turbine unbalance-induced synchronous vibration that cannot be detected in flight, and the subsequent uncontained engine failure.NTSB NYC08FA237Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Middletown, RIThe flight instructor's failure to initiate a go-around during a high approach, and his inadequate remedial action during an attempted touch-and-go.NTSB CHI08LA189Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRoof Curtis Hawk P6E · Iowa City, IAThe loss of engine power for an undetermined reason and the pilot's subsequent failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CHI08CA183Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportChallenger II · Williamsfield, ILThe loss of engine power for undertermined reasons and the unsuitable landing area encountered during the forced landing. Contributing to the accident were the trees and the residence.NTSB NYC08LA235Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLanier James A Talon XP · Cleveland, GAAn inadvertent stall during the initial climb.NTSB CHI08LA180Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSmith Aerostar 601P · Alexandria, MNThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the unsuitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB DFW08CA188Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 47G-3B · Mullen, NEThe plot's distraction with the chemical load resulting the failure to maintain control of the helicopter. A factor was no suitable terrain for landing.NTSB NYC08FA231Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 95-B55 · Jasper, ALThe pilot's intentional visual flight into known instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of control in flight. Contributing to the accident was the overweight and aft-center-of-gravity condition of the…NTSB LAX08CA205Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportLa Moutte Trike · Weizer, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall.NTSB DFW08FA170Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna U206F · Santa Rosa, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain safe flying airspeed for undetermined reasons resulting in an inadvertent stall.NTSB MIA08CA127Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportLima Sky Raider I · Homestead, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb.NTSB LAX08CA173Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech A36 · Ryegate, MTThe pilot's failure to abort the takeoff when the ground roll acceleration profile was determined to be insufficient for takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the shifting wind conditions.NTSB NYC08LA226Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Ganesvoort, NYA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC08LA223Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Rockland, METhe non-instrument rated pilot becoming spatially disorientated after inadvertently entering instrument flight conditions.NTSB LAX08LA187Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna R172K · Big Bear City, CAThe pilot's failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed that led to a stall/mush. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for an off airport landing and a high density altitude.NTSB CHI08LA169Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMorrison E-Racer · Aurora, ILAn undetermined failure in the high-pressure fuel system, and the subsequent loss of engine power and in-flight fire. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's restricted visibility due to the smoke in the cockpit, failure of the aileron control during…NTSB DEN08LA105Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301A · Garwood, TXA loss of engine power due to the total failure of the number 2 cylinder.NTSB CHI08LA166Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHelton Lark 95 · West Carrollton, OHThe improper installation of spark plugs during the annual inspection which resulted in a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain during the forced landing.NTSB CHI08LA162Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Summerville, SCA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC08LA213Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMarrin Pitts S-1 · St. Petersburg, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a partial loss of engine power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was improper maintenance practices during the construction of the airplane, which resulted in…NTSB LAX08LA179Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Beaver, UTThe pilot's failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed during the initial climb as a result of his inadequate preflight planning and improper use of the mixture control. Contributing to the accident were the tailwind and high density altitude.NTSB MIA08CA117Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Fayetteville, GAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during climbout. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's relinquish of control to a non-certificated pilot.NTSB DEN08LA102Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Brenham, TXThe sudden windshift (crosswind gust), rendering directional control impossible. Contributing factors in this accident were the high speed during the aborted takeoff and trees.NTSB ANC08LA074Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLake L-4 · Girdwood, AKA partial loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a forced landing. Contributing to the accident was rough and uneven terrain.NTSB NYC08LA202Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201T · Palatka, FLA partial loss of engine power due to a blockage of the engine exhaust system as a result of an internal failure of the muffler.NTSB CHI08FA150Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TBM 700 (850) · Iowa City, IAThe pilot's improper decision to depart with a preexisting tailwind and failure to abort takeoff. Contributing to the severity of the injuries was the failure to properly restrain (FAA-required) the child passenger.NTSB SEA08LA140Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHutton KR-2 · Roseburg, ORA loss of engine power due to the pilot's modification of the induction system, and the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering to a landing area following the power loss.NTSB NYC08CA194Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Valkaria, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB DFW08CA152Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportRotorway 162F · Gonzales, TXfailure of the main rotor drive belt for undetermined reasons.NTSB DEN08CA093Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportKitfox IV 1200 · FlyingBar Ranch, MOThe pilot's improper decision to takeoff with a quartering tailwind and failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing to the accident were the gusting tailwind and operating the airplane near maximum gross weight.NTSB SEA08FA135Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 1900C · Billings, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the initial climb for undetermined reasons.NTSB DEN08LA095Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDowner Bellanca 14-19-3 · N. Little Rock, ARThe loss of engine power due to the incorrect and improper installation of throttle and mixture cables by unknown maintenance personnel.NTSB NYC08FA189Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-1C · Philadelphia, PAThe flight instructor's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB DFW08CA150Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCortesy, John E Airborne Edge-X · San Juan Pueblo, NMThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX08LA145Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBabcock KR-2 · Olympia, WAA total loss of engine power during takeoff due to the carburetor's mixture needle backing out.NTSB NYC08LA185Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGulfstream American AA-5A · Lewisburg, TNA partial loss of engine power for an undetermined reason during the initial climb, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while attempting to return to the airport resulting in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB SEA08LA134Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHawker Beechcraft E-55 · Coeur d'Alene, IDLoss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI08FA135Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Stevens Point, WIThe partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB DEN08CA087Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172H · Brookshire, TXThe pilot's decision to duck under marked transmission lines and his failure to maintain clearance from the fence. Contributing to the accident was the marked transmission lines.NTSB SEA08CA129Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchleicher ASK-21 · Tehachapi, CAThe pilot's inadequate preflight procedures and failure to check the spoiler control position, which resulted in the inadvertent deployment of the spoilers during takeoff. A contributing factor was the pilot's misinterpretation of the tow pilot's instructions.