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 CEN24LA151Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportTemco D-16A · Clarksville, ARThe pilot’s mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in a loss of engine power on the left engine due to fuel starvation.NTSB ERA24LA169Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSnyder Robert L Challenger II · Hendersonville, NCA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA24FA160Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportArthur B Canning Merlin Lite · Mulberry, FLThe pilot/builder’s modifications of the motorglider’s engine, which resulted in an excessively lean fuel air mixture, preignition, piston failure, and a subsequent total loss of engine power during the initial climb. Contributing to the outcome was the…NTSB ERA24LA214Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 95B55 · St. Augustine, FLThe incomplete extension of the landing gear into the down-and-locked position for reasons that could not be determined. .NTSB GAA24WA130Incident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignCessna 172 · Grenchen, SwitzerlandNTSB GAA24WA128Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCirrus SR22 · Cambridgeshire, United KingdomNTSB ERA24LA153Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportDenzil Velarde MTO Sport · Tavernier, FLThe gyroplane’s encounter with a tailwind during the initial climb, which resulted in a loss of airspeed and subsequent forced landing.NTSB ERA24LA152Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Opelika, ALA partial loss of engine power due to a combination of fuel/oil contamination in the fuel injector assembly.NTSB GAA24WA121Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRans S12 · Tabacundo, EcuadorNTSB ANC24LA020Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportStinson 108 · Houston, AKA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and the pilot's mismanagement of the available fuel.NTSB ERA24LA135Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Homestead, FLA loss of engine power due to carburetor ice as a result of the pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat in conditions conducive to the formation of carburetor ice.NTSB WPR24LA106Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Whitethorn, CAA total loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel.NTSB WPR24FA103Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22T · Bellevue, WAA total loss of engine power due to a fatigue fracture of the crankshaft.NTSB CEN24LA121Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Watertown, SDThe stuck No. 2 cylinder exhaust valve, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and a forced landing due to an undersized exhaust valve guide. Contributing to the accident were the improper manufacture of the engine cylinders, and the operation of…NTSB CEN24LA120Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPulsar I · Patterson, LAThe non-certificated pilot’s decision to operate an unairworthy engine, which led to cylinder failure and a loss of engine power.NTSB DCA24WA119IncidentClass 5 · ForeignEmbraer ERJ190 · Lungga, Solomon IslandsNTSB WPR24LA098Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182A · Weippe, IDThe pilot’s failure to secure the oil filler cap during the preflight inspection, which resulted in a precautionary landing on the soft surface and subsequent nose over.NTSB GAA24WA090Accident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignBritten Norman BN2A · Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, EcuadorNTSB ERA24LA106Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Smyrna, TNAn in-flight collision with a bird during initial climb.NTSB ERA24LA109Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA23 · Louisville, KYThe failure of maintenance personnel to thoroughly inspect and repair the worn-out panel fasteners and fastener holes.NTSB ERA24FA103Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGrumman American Avn. GA-7 · Coatesville, PAThe pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel, and his subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was an inadequate annual maintenance inspection, during which maintenance…NTSB CEN24LA102Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Terrell, TXThe total loss of engine power during the initial climb due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB GAA24WA092Accident · Minor injuriesClass 5 · ForeignCessna 560 · Tripoli, LibyaNTSB GAA24WA075Accident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignCessna 172 · Speck-Fehraltorf, SwitzerlandNTSB CEN24FA095Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Little Rock, ARThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after a partial loss of engine power during initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow airplane flight manual procedures and limitations for the turbocharged engine, which…NTSB ERA24LA094Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 208 · Dulles, VAThe pilot-in-command’s approach to the critical angle of attack during initial climb, which resulted in a vibration the flight crew improperly identified as an engine issue and resulted in the subsequent off-airport landing. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB WPR24LA074Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeck Michael J Sonex · Auburn, WAWater contamination within the fuel regulator air-reference system, which resulted in improper fuel metering and a loss of engine power during initial climb.NTSB WPR24FA073Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportOstroth Thane L Cozy MK IV · Half Moon Bay, CAThe airplane’s impact with the ocean for undetermined reasons after departing into night, instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB WPR24LA070Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502A · Stratford, CAA partial loss of engine power due to the malfunction of the engine compressor bleed-off valve.NTSB CEN24LA087Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C · Park Rapids, MNThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control and terrain clearance during initial climb, that resulted in an impact with trees and terrain.NTSB GAA24WA065Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · ForeignCessna 421 · Valledupar, ColombiaNTSB GAA24WA066Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · ForeignBellanca 17-30A · Bequia, St. Vincent & GrenadinesNTSB WPR24LA063Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBender Thomas G RV-6 · Moriarty, NMA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN24LA077Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Washington, MOFuel starvation and a total loss of engine power due to an obstructed fuel vapor return path. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadvertent aerodynamic stall/spin, which likely increased the severity of the ground impact.NTSB ENG24WA010Incident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignAirbus A321 · Kobenhavn, DenmarkNTSB ERA24LA070Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech A24 · Miami, FLA partial loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons, resulting in a forced landing.NTSB CEN24LA065Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech B36TC · Burnet, TXThe loss of engine power due an overly rich mixture from an improper adjustment of the fuel pump, which resulted in a forced landing and impact with a car and terrain.NTSB CEN24FA057Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A23-24 · Oklahoma City, OKA total loss of engine power due to multiple connecting rod failures from oil starvation associated with an extensive before takeoff oil system leak, the source of which could not be identified due to postaccident fire damage.NTSB WPR24FA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeauchamp Norm Kitfox · Eloy, AZThe separation of a propeller blade during the initial climb due to insufficient blade retention forces. Contributing to the accident was the propeller blade retention design, manufacturing defects that prevented the propeller from achieving adequate grip…NTSB ERA24LA059Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Zephyrhills, FLAn aerodynamic stall from which the pilots did not recover while maneuvering in the airport traffic pattern.NTSB WPR24FA052Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRemos Remos GX · Taylor, AZThe pilot’s decision to attempt takeoff with frost covering the airplane’s wings, which led to an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.NTSB WPR24LA046Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna P210N · Big Bear, CAA loss of engine power during the initial climb for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an aborted takeoff and runway excursion.NTSB WPR24LA049Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Watsonville, CAAn in-flight collision with a bird while in the initial climb.NTSB ERA24LA061Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 · Manassas, VAAn in-flight collision with a bird during initial climb.NTSB GAA24WA039Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 402B · Panama City, PanamaNTSB CEN24FA045Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22T · Fairland, INBoth pilots’ failure to maintain adequate airspeed during departure from the airport, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack, entering an aerodynamic stall, and impacting terrain.NTSB WPR24LA041Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell OH-58A · Brawley, CAA total loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 8 bearing and the subsequent failure of the scavenge oil pump.NTSB WPR24LA038Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 95 · Yuma, AZAeroelastic flutter of the rudder control surface during the takeoff initial climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence, which resulted in the fracture of the rudder trim control rod end in flight.NTSB ERA24LA040Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell Andy Skyraider II · Limington, METhe failure of the fuel pump to adequately supply fuel to the engine due to significant corrosion.NTSB GAA24WA034Accident · 3 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 421C · Sunshine Coast, Australia