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 FTW99LA186Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A188B · Gheens, LAThe loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as result of a blocked fuel vent. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB SEA99LA111Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWalentine RV4 · Creswell, ORA foreign material/substance was ingested into the carburetor which resulted in a power loss.NTSB FTW99LA185Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Pocahontas, ARThe failure of the carburetor heat control cable which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during initial takeoff climb. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB SEA99FA104Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHarry Tomlinson Coot A · Arlington, WAThe pilot's failure to attain adequate clearance from power transmission lines.NTSB DEN99FA114Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182J · La Veta, COThe pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors were low ceiling and the pilot's lack of instrument experience.NTSB LAX99LA243Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Quincy, CAthe pilot's failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed for the existing wind conditions, and, his failure to abort the takeoff when it became apparent that the aircraft performance was not as anticipated. Factors in the accident were the tailwind and…NTSB ANC99LA087Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft F-19 · Anchorage, AKThe pilot's diverted attention in the cockpit, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB LAX99FA242Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Hilo, HIThe pilot's improper fuel system modifications resulting in inadequate fuel flow to the left engine during a critical phase of flight. Factors in the accident were the operation at an over gross weight condition with a CG more than 2 inches aft of the rear…NTSB ATL99LA104Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Chuckey, TNThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB SEA99LA101Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Auburn, WATotal mechanical failure of the hydraulic tappet. A factor was an overdue major overhaul per manufacturer's recommendations.NTSB NYC99LA164Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · New Castle, VAThe pilot tookoff with the fuel tank selector in an improper position (OFF), resulting in fuel starvation.NTSB LAX99LA240Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Polacca, AZThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to determine the fuel supply in each fuel tank, and his mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in fuel starvation.NTSB FTW99FA177Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Baton Rouge, LAThe pilot's performance of an abrupt maneuver immediately after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall.NTSB ATL99FA102Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-58 · Atlanta, GAThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to follow emergency procedures that resulted in the uncontrolled collision with trees.NTSB IAD99FA051Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 172P · Gaithersburg, MDwas the pilot's failure to obtain the proper rotation speed and his subsequent loss of directional control. A factor in the accident was the improper setting of the elevator trim.NTSB NYC99FA160Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Dawson, MDwas the pilot's improper decision to turn toward rising terrain with inadequate terrain clearance. Factors were the density altitude, and unfavorable winds.NTSB LAX99LA236Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMiller Rotorway Exec 162F · Pacoima, CAThe pilot's improper valve adjustments and failure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, which resulted in a loose number 3 cylinder rocker arm and a loss of engine power.NTSB LAX99IA230Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing DC-9-82 · San Diego, CAfailure of the number three bearing. The resulting oil leak from the bearing led to coke/carbon buildup, which resulted in chafing of the turbine's low-pressure compressor drive shaft on the rear compressor seal tube and subsequent fracture of the drive shaft.NTSB NYC99LA156Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185E · East Haddam, CTThe loss of engine power due to water in the fuel system.NTSB LAX99LA222Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · Elko, NVThe pilot's failure to reject the takeoff after noting that the engine would not produce takeoff power.NTSB LAX99FA220Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Paso Robles, CAthe pilot's failure to set the trim as prescribed by the published check list. This led to a steep climb angle which caused the airspeed to decay, resulting in a stall at an altitude too low to allow recovery.NTSB NYC99LA149Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Millinocket, METhe total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB NYC99FA140Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-76A · Jackson, KYthe failure of the PIC to adequately supervise the SIC, and maintain a positive climb. Factors were the fog and dark night.NTSB LAX99LA217Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Needles, CAThe pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty crosswind condition and subsequent failure to maintain alignment with the road used for takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a construction sign during the initial climb.NTSB NYC99LA141Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPrendergast Seawind · Martinsburg, WVThe air-intake's inner liner separating from its outer liner, which blocked airflow to the fuel servo, resulting in a loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the owner/builder's inadequate inspection of the airplane.NTSB MIA99FA180Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Charlotte, NCThe failure of the pilot to shutdown the right engine and feather the propeller after a reported loss of power in the engine shortly after takeoff resulting in the airplane descending, colliding with trees and then the ground.NTSB ANC99LA076Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC-12 · Cantwell, AKA loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.NTSB DEN99LA101Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Grand Junction, COThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation for the runway and the environment in which he intended to fly. Factors were high-density altitude and a dirt runway.NTSB CHI99LA182Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Vincennes, INthe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the soft field takeoff. Factors associated with the accident were inadequate airspeed and the cable fence which was contacted.NTSB FTW99LA168Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T188C · Panhandle, TXThe partial loss of engine power as a result of the low compression in the number 5 cylinder. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.NTSB FTW99LA166Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft F21 · Pleasanton, TXThe pilot's inadvertent flight into adverse weather, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. A factor was the whirl wind weather condition.NTSB ANC99LA075Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Big Lake, AKThe pilot's inadvertent stall during takeoff. Factors associated with the accident are wind gusts and turbulence.NTSB ANC99FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Tanana, AKUndetermined.NTSB DEN99TA099Accident · No injuriesFinal reportCessna A185F · Farmington, NMThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to see and avoid a ground obstruction. Factors were the throttle linkage becoming disconnected due to an inadequate annual inspection by maintenance personnel, and a dirt berm.NTSB NYC99FA136Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican Eurocopter AS-350B · Ashcamp, KYThe pilot's inadequate visual look out which resulted in an in-flight collision with wires.NTSB FTW99LA161Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWsk Pzl Mielec M-18 · Dewitt, ARThe pilot's inadvertent flight into adverse weather, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. A factor was the downdraft weather condition.NTSB LAX99LA210Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBellanca BL-14-13 · Taft, CAThe pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft due to the aileron control cables being crossed and reversed. The pilot's lack of a thorough pre-flight inspection and the pilot not referencing a manual during the repairs on the aircraft is also…NTSB CHI99LA178Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Salem, MOthe engine quit due to water contamination of the fuel and the pilot's inadequate preflight.NTSB CHI99FA174Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Drummond Island, MIthe altitude/clearance not obtained/maintained and the inadequate planning/decision by the pilot-in-command. The exceeded aircraft performance was an additional cause. The unfavorable wind and trees were contributing factors.NTSB MIA99LA165Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchmidt Airshark II · Peachtree City, GAThe failure of the pilot to follow appropriate wake turbulence avoidance procedures, and wait an adequate amount of time prior to taking off behind a corporate jet.NTSB IAD99LA048Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech BE-35 · Boonville, NYThe pilot's failure to attain takeoff speed and his failure to maintain directional control.NTSB SEA99FA080Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Ephrata, WAThe glider pilot's failure to maintain control of his aircraft during spoiler retraction, which led to the Piper pilot's inability to recover safe flying airspeed within the altitude constraints at the time of the event. Contributing factors were the failure…NTSB CHI99LA172Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportde Havilland Tiger Moth DH82A · Maize, KSthe pilot's inability to maintain a climb after takeoff as a result of wind shear. Factors associated with the accident were the variable, gusty wind conditions, and the tree which was contacted.NTSB DEN99LA092Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269A · Parkman, WYThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning by exceeding the helicopter's performance climb capability. Factors were the downdraft encountered during initial climb following takeoff, and the high density altitude.NTSB IAD99LA046Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPoskus Revelation · Latrobe, PAWas the pilot's failure to maintain directional control.NTSB DEN99LA089Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDehaan Challenger II · Douglas, WYThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft by not adequately correcting for torque/p-factor during initial climb following takeoff.NTSB FTW99LA154Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30B · Mcalester, OKThe pilot inadvertently stalling the airplane while attempting to avoid power lines. Factors were the loss of power on both the left and right engines as a result of water contamination in the fuel system, the pilot's inadequate preflight procedures, and the…NTSB NYC99LA119Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHoward DGA-15P · Covington, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff/initial climb. A factor in the accident was the crosswind condition.NTSB DEN99LA085Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172L · Gunnison, COThe pilot's inadvertent stall/mush immediately after takeoff. Factors were the high density altitude weather condition, and the pilot's total lack of experience in type of operation.NTSB IAD99LA044Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMayers SEA REY · Ashland, VAwas a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.