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NTSB investigations, AL

235 cases where the phase of flight was Initial climb.

Cases per year

19642026

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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.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'AL' AND c.\"eventCountry\" = 'USA'
    AND 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.

NTSB ERA26FA067Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportAmerican Champion 8KCAB · Irvington, ALOn December 13, 2025, about 1145 central standard time, an American Champion Decathlon, N157WB, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Roy E. Ray Airfield (5R7), Bayou La Batre, Alabama. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane…Dec 13, 2025 · N157WB · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA225Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportCessna 150J · Elberta, ALOn June 1, 2025, at about 1200 central daylight time, a Cessna 150J, N150FJ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Elberta, Alabama. The pilot and the pilot- rated passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated under as a…Jun 1, 2025 · N150FJ · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25FA071Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMagni Builder M-16 · Foley, ALThe sport pilot’s failure to maintain control of the gyroplane during initial climb, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.Dec 9, 2024 · N271BP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA24LA344Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBeech A36 · Cullman, ALThe pilot’s decision to depart in an area of developing convective weather, which resulted in an unanticipated wind shift during the initial climb after takeoff, a loss of climb performance, and the subsequent forced landing.Aug 2, 2024 · N718FG · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Mar 24, 2024 · N863AU · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Oct 28, 2023 · N71CB · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA288Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSteen Skybolt · Aliceville, ALA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined as the wreckage was not recovered and could not be examined.Jul 4, 2023 · N32WM · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA251Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMagniflight M24 Orion Plus · Dauphin Island, ALA partial loss of engine power due to a loss of combustion in the No. 4 cylinder for undetermined reasons.May 30, 2023 · N1777W · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA183Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPeterson Mark G Peterson A600 · Foley, ALThe loss of engine power during the initial climb due to the disconnection of the turbocharger air intake hose and clamp, and the pilot’s inadequate servicing and preflight inspection of the turbocharger air intake clamp.Apr 6, 2023 · N272AM · DestroyedNTSB ERA22LA389Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 140 · Slocomb, ALThe partial loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined.Aug 27, 2022 · N76527 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA198Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 310 · Selma, ALThe failure of maintenance personnel to properly rig the rudder trim system after reinstallation and pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection after recent maintenance, which resulted in an inability to adequately maintain directional control during the flight.Apr 13, 2022 · N7733Q · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA284Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150 · Elba, ALThe partial loss of engine power due to the formation of carburetor ice, which resulted in reduced climb capability and impact with trees during takeoff.Jul 11, 2021 · N8172S · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA162Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 1730 · Bessemer, ALThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.Mar 26, 2021 · N93638 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA20LA197Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer 269C-1 · Ozark, ALA total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the flight school’s inadequate maintenance of the helicopter’s fuel quantity and caution systems.May 30, 2020 · N9421P · DestroyedNTSB ERA20FA063Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans Vans RV-6 · Cullman, ALThe pilot’s inadequate planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power during the initial climb. Also causal was the pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while attempting to return to the runway after…Jan 5, 2020 · N420PW · DestroyedNTSB ERA20LA023Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C · Grand Bay, ALA loss of engine power during initial climb due to carburetor ice that formed during an extended ground delay, and the pilot's failure to use carburetor heat before initiating the takeoff.Oct 27, 2019 · N7009H · Substantial damageNTSB ERA19FA164Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Foley, ALA partial loss of engine power due to a stuck exhaust valve and the flight instructor's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack following the loss of power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude.May 6, 2019 · N5542U · DestroyedNTSB ERA19LA017Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182 · Opelika, ALThe improper torque application and ongoing inspection of an oil filter adaptor by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loss of lubrication and a catastrophic engine failure.Oct 16, 2018 · N9398G · Substantial damageNTSB ERA18FA208Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 8GCBC · Foley, ALThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in a subsequent aerodynamic stall and spin at an altitude that was too low for recovery.Aug 4, 2018 · N424A · DestroyedNTSB ANC18LA004Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22T · Tuskegee, ALAn improperly adjusted slope controller and fuel pump that resulted in an excessively high fuel flow, an extremely rich mixture, a rough-running engine, and a subsequent partial loss of engine power.Oct 15, 2017 · N289CM · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17CA089Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 182 · Mobile, ALThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during the initial climb.Jan 14, 2017 · N707RB · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA199Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAmerican Legend AL3 · Elberta, ALA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the engine ran normally during a postaccident engine test run with no anomalies noted.May 31, 2016 · N156WB · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA014Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGross Michael E Stol CH 701 · Eufala, ALA partial loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined, because postaccident examination revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. Also causal was the pilot's decision to continue the takeoff…Oct 14, 2015 · N4931M · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15LA200Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 20 C1 · Sylacauga, ALA partial loss of engine power due to the failure of the throttle body/fuel metering unit to provide the engine with adequate fuel pressure for full power operation.Apr 27, 2015 · N248ME · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12LA305Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAviat A-1B · Sylacauga, ALThe pilot's attempt to take off with the carburetor heat in the hot position, which limited the airplane’s performance, and the pilot's subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.Apr 27, 2012 · N388AS · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12FA149Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Vodochody L39C · Rainbow City, ALAn in-flight loss of control in instrument meteorological conditions.Jan 21, 2012 · N16RZ · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12LA150Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportM-Squared Breese 2 · Bayou La Batre, ALThe pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the rudder control system did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded control of the airplane.Jan 19, 2012 · N582MS · Substantial damageNTSB ERA11CA441Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172K · Sylacauga, ALA stuck exhaust-valve on the number one cylinder which resulted in a loss of engine power.Aug 5, 2011 · N7214G · Substantial damageNTSB ERA11FA348Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Guntersville, ALThe pilot's excessive pitch attitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall during the takeoff initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to comply with weight and balance limitations.Jun 18, 2011 · N1803T · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10CA185Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportShaw Fisher FP 404 · Lillian, ALThe pilot’s inadequate weather evaluation and failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty wind conditions.Mar 22, 2010 · N6587V · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10LA166Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBelcher William B II Firestar · Wetumpka, ALThe student pilot’s in-flight loss of control as a result of previous damage to the airplane from an undetermined event.Mar 6, 2010 · N43341 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA09LA308Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Jasper, ALA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the flight instructor's improper fuel management.May 26, 2009 · N1669H · Substantial damageNTSB MIA08CA183Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSmith Wylie Jay Kit Fox II · Deatville, ALThe pilot's inadequate fuel system maintenance.Sep 5, 2008 · N8188F · Substantial damageNTSB NYC08LA270Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Brownsboro, ALThe pilot’s failure to ensure the fuel valve was on prior taxi and takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed following loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.Aug 5, 2008 · N7820H · Substantial damageNTSB NYC08CA321Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportGrimes Barry R Chinook Plus TWO · Magnolia Springs, ALThe total loss of engine power during initial climb due to the failure of the fuel pump.Jul 26, 2008 · N92095 · Substantial damageNTSB 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…Jun 29, 2008 · N727BC · DestroyedNTSB NYC08CA154Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAmerican AA-1A · Alabaster, ALThe pilot's failure to utilize carburetor heat during a power off approach.Apr 6, 2008 · N7UX · Substantial damageNTSB MIA07CA126Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPhantom Sport XI · Anderson, ALThe failure of the unqualified person (pilot) to maintain airspeed during the initial climb, resulting in an inadvertent stall, uncontrolled descent, and in-flight collision with a residence.Jul 18, 2007 · UNREG · Substantial damageNTSB ATL07LA063Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRandy Stanley Rotoway Exc 162F · Foley, ALLoss of engine power due to failure of the No. 4 engine exhaust valve.Mar 29, 2007 · N494D · Substantial damageNTSB ATL07CA011Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT-802A · Linden, ALThe pilot's attempt to takeoff downwind resulting in the airplane not clearing trees at the end of the runway.Oct 13, 2006 · N8504T · Substantial damageNTSB ATL06FA129Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech F-33A · Alabaster, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering toward an emergency landing area following the total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff resulting in an inadvertent stall, uncontrolled descent, and collision with the ground, and a fence. A…Sep 23, 2006 · N8148R · Substantial damageNTSB ATL05FA139Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-D35 · Decatur, ALThe pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, and subsequent inadvertent stall/spin during the forced landing.Aug 6, 2005 · N3468B · Substantial damageNTSB ATL05LA081Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPaul E. Conner Rotor-EZ · St Elmo, ALThe pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power. The pilot failed to maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall.May 16, 2005 · N2992 · Substantial damageNTSB ATL05FA044Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T206H · Huntsville, ALThe pilot's decision to attempt flight into known adverse weather, which resulted in an in-flight encounter with a thunderstorm.Jan 12, 2005 · N2467X · Substantial damageNTSB ATL03LA148Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Talladega, ALThe pilot's failure to use carburetor heat when weather conditions were favorable for carburetor icing.Sep 29, 2003 · N2342T · Substantial damageNTSB ATL03LA113Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Vodochody Aero Works L39C · Gadsden, ALThe loss of engine power during takeoff due to foreign object damage, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain during forced landing. Factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane, his failure to secure the…Jun 30, 2003 · N8125R · DestroyedNTSB ATL03LA043Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPenska Rans S-9 · Dothan, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall and subsequent inflight collision with the groundFeb 9, 2003 · N34AP · Substantial damageNTSB MIA02LA175Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Irvington, ALThe loss of engine power due to internal contamination (rust and water) of the servo fuel injector resulting in it flowing approximately half of the required fuel flow at full throttle. A contributing factor was the unsuitable terrain encountered by the pilot…Sep 29, 2002 · N2963R · Substantial damageNTSB MIA02LA169Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCharles Maxted RV6 · Bay Minette, ALThe intentional operation of the airplane with known deficiencies with the right magneto resulting in the partial loss of engine power during the initial climb.Sep 16, 2002 · N440CM · Substantial damageNTSB ATL02LA037Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportConsolidated-Vultee 108-M · Bayou La Batre, ALThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Jan 13, 2002 · N9315K · Substantial damage