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 DCA02MA001Accident · 265 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportAirbus Industrie A300B4-605R · Belle Harbor, NYthe in-flight separation of the vertical stabilizer as a result of the loads beyond ultimate design that were created by the first officer's unnecessary and excessive rudder pedal inputs. Contributing to these rudder pedal inputs were characteristics of the…NTSB ATL02LA013Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Sarasota, FLThe operators failure to ensure adequate training had been provided to the student pilot in autopilot operations, and the student pilot's failure to comply/ follow written instructions (Federal Regulations/172 Skyhawk Information Manual) pertaining to the…NTSB ATL02FA010Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310Q · Winston Salem, NCImproper installation of the elevator trim tab control rod by maintenance personnel which allowed the control rod to disconnect and jam in the full up position (elevator full down) while in-flight. This resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent…NTSB DEN02LA007Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Paonia, COimpact with a deer during initial climb immediately following rotation, resulting in the separation of the left main landing gear assembly.NTSB FTW02LA029Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLandoll Vans RV 3-A · Denton, TXthe pilot's failure to perform a preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of total engine power due to oil starvation. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable training for the forced landing.NTSB ATL02FA008Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · McEwen, TNThe pilot initiated a VFR flight into known IMC conditions which resulted in a loss of control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation. Factors were the low ceilings.NTSB NYC02LA018Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAmerican AA-1 · Batavia, OHMalfunction of an exhaust valve. A factor was the pilot/owner's failure to comply with the engine manufacturer's service instructions.NTSB FTW02LA022Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Clarendon, TXthe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors to the accident were the dark night light conditions and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB ANC02LA006Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 207A · Kobuk, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from objects during the initial climb after takeoff, and subsequent collision with a tree. A factor was the presence of trees along the runway.NTSB NYC02FA012Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · South Hero, VTThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff. Factors in this accident were wind gusts and the airplane's high gross weight condition.NTSB MIA02LA010Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Gulfport, MSThe failure of the pilot to use the checklist resulting in a gear-up landing. Contributing factors in the accident were: 1) The inoperative landing gear warning system, 2) Inadequate preflight of the airplane by the pilot for his failure to assure that the…NTSB LAX02IA002Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 737-700 · Santa Ana, CAThe failure of the stabilizer electric trim motor as a result of internal mechanical seizure.NTSB LAX02LA001Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 500 · Petaluma, CAThe pilot's inadvertent (dark, nighttime) VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent loss of altitude control. A factor in the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight weather evaluation.NTSB MIA02LA006Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170 · Bennettsville, SCThe blockage of the fuel vent and also the collapsed fuel supply line resulting in the total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB SEA02FA002Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172N · Decatur Island, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a low altitude turn, resulting in a stall. The pilot exceeding the aircraft's maximum gross takeoff weight was a factor.NTSB NYC02LA001Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportClark T Bird II · Elberon, VAA partial power loss for undetermined reasons.NTSB FTW02LA001Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech M35 · Denton, TXthe loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a forced landing. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB FTW01LA212Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 70 · College Station, TXthe loss of right engine power during takeoff initial climb for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB ANC01LA149Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Skwentna, AKA loss of engine power due to an undetermined reason.NTSB ANC01LA147Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 206 · Galena, AKThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation for takeoff from an off-airport, short field site. Factors associated with the accident are a variable wind, and the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation.NTSB NYC01LA229Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing E75N1 · Rhinebeck, NYA partial power loss for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI01LA328Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Lebanon, INThe unsuitable terrain for landing encountered by the pilot. Factors were the carburetor icing conditions, the carburetor ice, and the bean crop.NTSB LAX01LA295Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Skull Valley, AZthe loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the ensuing emergency landing.NTSB FTW01LA208Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Waco, TXthe mechanic's failure to perform an airworthiness directive, which resulted in the loss of engine oil through a partially failed oil filter converter plate gasket, and subsequent engine failure during takeoff climb. A contributing factor was the lack of…NTSB LAX01FA302Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-150 · Chico, CAThe loss of right engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft due to his improper single engine emergency procedures.NTSB ANC01LA140Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRans S-7 · Chugiak, AKThe pilot's inadvertent stall of the airplane during takeoff.NTSB ANC01LA135Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportColburn Murphy Rebel · Kotzebue, AKThe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during takeoff. Factors associated with the accident were variable winds, and trees.NTSB CHI01LA313Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGelasi Aircamper · Bloomfield, WIAircraft control not possible due to the inadvertent control interference by the front seat passenger. Factors to the accident were the restricted control stick movement and the encountered stall.NTSB CHI01LA310Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Croswell, MIThe pilots failure to abort the takeoff. Factors were the pole and the trees.NTSB CHI01LA300Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman-Schweizer G-164B · Atlantic, IAThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during the takeoff and initial climb, and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. Factors relating to this accident were the corn crop and the low altitude.NTSB SEA01LA164Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Winston, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fence during the initial takeoff. A fence was a factor.NTSB LAX01LA298Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSparke Air Command 582 Dual · Gerlach, NVThe pilot's inability to maintain altitude because of the gyrocopter's inadequatly designed performance capability.NTSB LAX01LA296Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportFunk C · Merced, CAThe pilot's improper modification of the airplane when he switched a nonvented fuel cap to the fuselage tank. A factor was the inadequate annual inspection.NTSB ANC01LA128Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Fairbanks, AKThe pilot's inadvertent stall/mush during the initial climb after takeoff, and subsequent in-flight collision with a tree.NTSB SEA01LA160Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportShank Kitfox Model II · Battle Ground, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during climbout.NTSB SEA01IA161Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-8-102 · Portland, ORImproper tension of the right control yoke chain; a worn right aileron spring tab hinge bearing; improper tension of the left aileron spring tab aft spring and worn contact stud; improper tension of the right aileron spring tab and a worn contact stud; a worn…NTSB DEN01LA153Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBradley Rans S-7 · Fruita, COloss of engine power due to both piston rings failing, and the subsequent inadvertent stall/spin during the attempted forced landing. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.NTSB CHI01LA296Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDassault/SUD Fan Jet Falcon · Detroit, MIThe wheels up landing performed by the flightcrew during the emergency landing and improper aircraft preflight by the pilot in command. Factors were the unsecured cargo door, the cemetery fence, and the lack of crew coordination during the flight.NTSB CHI01LA295Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7GCAA · Romeo, MIthe reason for the loss of engine power is undetermined.NTSB NYC01FA217Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172SP · Matawan, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment during the initial climb. Factors were the pilot's failure to perform a go-around, the pilot's lack of flight experience in nighttime conditions, the nighttime conditions, and a tailwind.NTSB FTW01LA198Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Miami, OKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall.NTSB NYC01FA214Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLearjet 25 · Ithaca, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper climb rate while taking off at night, which was a result of spatial disorientation. Factors in the accident were the low visibility and cloud conditions, and the dark night.NTSB IAD01LA099Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150J · Hyannis, MAThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.NTSB FTW01LA191Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Bulverde, TXthe pilot's failure to obtain airspeed after rotation, which resulted in a stall/mush. Contributing factors were the tailwind condition, high density altitude, and upsloping runway.NTSB LAX01LA287Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Murrietta, CAThe failure of the muffler assembly causing a fuel line to overheat, resulting in vapor lock, and a subsequent engine failure followed by an emergency landing in rough terrain.NTSB ANC01LA122Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185F · Cordova, AKThe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during takeoff. Factors associated with the accident were trees and a variable wind.NTSB ANC01LA118Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportThomson Avid Flyer · Chugiak, AKThe loss of engine power during initial climb due to a broken spark plug.NTSB ANC01LA121Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland DHC-2 · Nondalton, AKThe pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty wind conditions. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation, and wind gusts.NTSB ANC01LA120Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 175 · Kenai, AKThe total loss of engine power during takeoff for an undetermined reason.NTSB ANC01LA119Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-180 · Glennallen, AKThe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during takeoff. A factor associated with the accident was a variable wind.