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 GAA24WA032Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 150 · Ponte de Sor, PortugalNTSB ERA24LA033Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172S · Orlando, FLA partial loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons.NTSB ENG24WA008Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · ForeignAirbus A321 · Islamabad, PakistanNTSB CEN24FA028Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46 · McCook, NEThe pilot exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the initial climb, resulting in an aerodynamic stall from which he could not recover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to take off with the airplane well above its maximum…NTSB GAA24WA022Accident · 12 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 208 · Rio Branco, BrazilNTSB ERA24LA027Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMustang II · Asheville, ALThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during initial climb after an aborted landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR24LA023Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV-12 · Novato, CAA partial loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA24LA022Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20E · Pembroke Pines, FLThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.NTSB CEN24LA020Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 46-350P · Pierre, SDThe total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s improper configuration of the automatic fuel transfer system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the header tank’s fuel quantity.NTSB ERA24LA018Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRoth Frank Ronald Avid Aircraft · Knoxville, TNA total loss of engine power due to a seized piston in the power take-off cylinder.NTSB WPR24FA018Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Covelo, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees after entering a steep banked turn for unknown reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to take off toward rising terrain.NTSB GAA24WA019Accident · Serious injuriesClass 5 · ForeignCessna 208 · Barwon Heads Geelong, AustraliaNTSB ENG24FA003Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBoeing 767-300F · Memphis, TNA high-pressure fuel leak from a gap in the bolted flange interface between the main fuel pump’s fuel crossover supply tube and the hydromechanical unit idler adapter pad, which resulted in the crossover tube flange bolts partially pulling out and allowing…NTSB WPR24FA014Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Williams, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed and exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during initial climb after takeoff, resulting in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing was the pilot’s inadequate preflight airplane performance…NTSB CEN24LA015Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportDehavilland Tiger Moth DH 82A · Greeley, COThe pilot’s decision to turn out early during the initial climb and failure to maintain adequate airspeed/angle-of-attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with airport hangars. Contributing to the accident was the variable wind conditions…NTSB ERA24LA010Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCzech Aircraft Works Spol Sro Sportcruiser · Southport, NCThe student pilot’s use of carburetor heat during takeoff, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during initial climb due to an excessively rich fuel-air mixture.NTSB GAA24WA124Accident · 4 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobin DR400-180 · Propriano, FranceNTSB ERA24LA007Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Martinsville, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff while distracted by primary flight display anomaly and terrain alerts. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to take off with the airplane over its maximum gross weight, which…NTSB WPR24LA012Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Chandler, AZThe pilot’s failure to adequately confirm the fuel quantity before departure, resulting in fuel exhaustion and a partial loss of engine power.NTSB ERA24FA003Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Croydon, NHThe pilot’s loss of control during the initial climb in dark night conditions due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a steep banking descent into trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent night flight experience,…NTSB WPR24FA002Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Moab, UTThe pilot’s loss of visual reference to the horizon while departing during dark night, which resulted in the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation and subsequent controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA23LA385Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T206 · Port Clinton, OHThe pilot’s failure to detect and avoid unmarked powerline(s) while attempting to take off from a river.NTSB ERA23LA383Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182 · Towanda, PAA total loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.NTSB GAA23WA271Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R44 · Garmen village, BulgariaNTSB ANC23LA080Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna A185F · Homer, AKA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ANC23LA082Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportHelio H-295 · Fairbanks, AKThe pilot’s encounter with windshear during initial climb out, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB ERA23LA371Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150G · Cross Keys, NJThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the banner pickup, which resulted in a low altitude aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB WPR23LA343Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing A75N1(PT17) · Monticello, UTA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB ERA23FA370Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportErcoupe 415 · Fitzgerald, GAThe pilot’s failure to perform pre-takeoff engine runup and carburetor heat check procedures, which resulted in rotation with inadequate climb performance, and his subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed and exceedance of the airplane’s critical…NTSB GAA23WA252Accident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA-32-301 · Marsh Harbor, BahamasNTSB GAA23WA250Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBell 212 · Um Al Quwain, United Arab EmiratesNTSB CEN23FA401Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150K · Huntsville, TXA partial loss of engine power due to fuel starvation caused by a fuel system blockage, and the flight instructor’s subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed after the loss of engine power, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of…NTSB ERA23LA365Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSheehan Kevin A Vans RV-8 · Umatilla, FLA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB ERA23FA358Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus SR20 · Toms River, NJThe pilot's failure to maintain a positive climb rate after takeoff due to spatial disorientation (somatogravic illusion), which resulted in impact with trees and terrain.NTSB CEN23LA394Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportTextron 172S · Englewood, COAn in-flight collision with multiple geese during initial climb.NTSB DCA23WA458Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · ForeignBoeing 767-332 · Prague, CzechiaNTSB CEN23LA388Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 210B · Wichita, KSLoss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB ERA23LA353Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 7ECA · Hopkinsville, KYThe pilot’s inadvertent encounter with helicopter wake turbulence during initial climb, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA23FA352Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportEurocopter EC135 · Pompano Beach, FLAn inflight fire outside of the engine firewalls, likely from overheating of the No. 1 engine for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a partial tailboom separation.NTSB CEN23LA384Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · West Lafayette, INAn in-flight collision with a bird during initial climb.NTSB WPR23FA323Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportHensler Howard Cassutt · West Jordan, UTA loss of control during the initial climb for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB GAA23WA244Incident · No injuriesClass 5 · ForeignBeech S35 · Montevideo, UruguayNTSB ERA23LA344Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20K · Fostoria, OHA loss of engine power for unknown reasons.NTSB ERA23LA342Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech C23 · Greer, SCA partial loss of engine power during the initial climb due to the formation of carburetor ice, resulting in reduced climb capability. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed during the emergency descent, which…NTSB CEN23LA374Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna A188B · Bay Port, MIThe pilot’s decision to takeoff from a soft wet runway with a quartering tailwind which resulted in a lack of climb performance and impact with terrain.NTSB GAA23WA238IncidentClass 5 · ForeignBeech 1900 · Nassau, BahamasNTSB CEN23LA363Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBeech C-99 · Lansing, MIThe pilot’s failure to properly set the rudder trim position which resulted in a loss of directional control during takeoff. Contributing was the pilot’s inadequate checklist procedures prior to takeoff.NTSB ERA23LA329Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEipper Formance Mxii · Holy Hill, SCThe pilot’s exceedance of the critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude and a collision with a hangar. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of experience in the accident make and…NTSB GAA23WA235Accident · Minor injuriesClass 5 · ForeignLuscombe 8 · General Rodriguez, ArgentinaNTSB ERA23LA324Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportJamros Robert L JR Challenger II · Port Orange, FLThe total loss of engine power due to an out-of-temperature seizure of the PTO cylinder.