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NTSB investigations, AZ

580 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\" = 'AZ' 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 WPR26FA281Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPiper PA-28-180 · Chandler, AZOn July 28, 2026, about 1949 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, N9062J, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Chandler, Arizona. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part…Jul 29, 2026 · N9062J · DestroyedNTSB WPR26LA258Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportRemos Acft Gmbh Flugzeugbau Remos GX · Glendale, AZOn July 12, 2026, at 1018 mountain standard time, a Remos GX airplane, N126GX, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Glendale, Arizona. The flight instructor and student pilot were uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title…Jul 12, 2026 · N126GX · Substantial damageNTSB WPR26LA245Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportPiper PA-28-140 · Salome, AZOn July 5, 2026, at about 0825 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N3995K, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Salome, Arizona. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. The airplane was operating as a Title 14 Code of…Jul 5, 2026 · N3995K · Substantial damageNTSB WPR26FA119Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPiper PA-28-140 · Phoenix, AZOn March 4, 2026, about 0721 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-140, N7744T, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Phoenix, Arizona. The flight instructor was seriously injured, and the student pilot and one person on the…Mar 4, 2026 · N7744T · Substantial damageNTSB ANC26LA016Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportCessna 177B · Rocky Junction, AZOn February 21, 2026, 1746 Mountain standard time, a Cessna 177B airplane, N12984, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Rocky Junction, Arizona. The pilot and passenger sustain minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title…Feb 22, 2026 · N12984 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR26LA078Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportBeech K35 · Prescott, AZOn January 7, 2026, at about 0809 mountain standard time, a Beech K35, N6010E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Prescott, Arizona. The pilot and flight instructor were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code…Jan 7, 2026 · N6010E · Substantial damageNTSB WPR25LA170Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportCessna 150M · Phoenix, AZOn June 6, 2025, about 0530 mountain standard time, a Cessna 150M, N45659, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Phoenix, Arizona. The flight instructor and student pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a…Jun 6, 2025 · N45659 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24LA146Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobert Sterling 4P · Lake Havasu City, AZA loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel vapor lock. Contributing to the accident was the incorrect installation of the ancillary fuel supply system components.May 9, 2024 · N78GP · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24LA130Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportJames E Davidson JR Rans S-7S Courier · Benson, AZThe pilot’s unintentional use of a winter-blend fuel that was susceptible to vaporization, which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power due to vapor lock. Contributing to the accident was the airplane’s undersized fuel lines, which limited the…Apr 22, 2024 · N599YY · Substantial damageNTSB 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…Dec 8, 2023 · N66180 · DestroyedNTSB 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.Dec 6, 2023 · N449RA · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Nov 18, 2023 · N2024C · Substantial damageNTSB 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…Oct 17, 2023 · N6192J · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Oct 11, 2023 · N4380D · Substantial damageNTSB WPR23LA201Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 177B · Tucson, AZA partial loss of engine power due to restricted fuel flow resulting from foreign object debris in the fuel flow transducer.May 24, 2023 · N34713 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR23LA160Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRemos Remos GX · Glendale, AZA total loss of engine power caused by fatigue cracking and fracture of the crankshaft. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s failure to properly maintain the airplane.Apr 18, 2023 · N21GX · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA341Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 750 · Mesa, AZThe pilot’s improper decision to depart on the accident flight with a known hydraulic leak, resulting in an in-flight hydraulic system failure, and the pilot’s attempt to land during an unstabilized approach, which resulted in a loss of control during the…Sep 7, 2022 · N15TZ · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22FA188Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172F · Show Low, AZThe pilot’s improper leaning of the engine during an extended period of time, which caused an exhaust valve to become stuck and led to the partial loss of engine power during the accident flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to…May 26, 2022 · N5532R · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA186Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna P172D · Prescott, AZThe loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.May 22, 2022 · N8540X · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA118Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican AA-1B · St Johns, AZThe pilot’s decision to operate with a demonstrated crosswind velocity above the airplane’s performance capabilities which resulted in a loss of airplane control and collision with terrain.Feb 24, 2021 · N30JL · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20CA205Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportBeech 23 · Sedona, AZThe pilot's inability to maintain a climb after an attempted takeoff in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in a forced landing on a road and subsequent landing gear collapse.Jul 5, 2020 · N8868M · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA022Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150 · Red Rock, AZA total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper use of carburetor heat.Nov 13, 2019 · N704QJ · Substantial damageNTSB WPR19LA167Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20V · Phoenix, AZThe partial loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined with the available evidence.Jun 11, 2019 · N576CM · Substantial damageNTSB WPR19LA128Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 35 · Sedona, AZThe partial loss of engine power due to deteriorated O-rings in the throttle metering assembly. Contributing to the accident was non-compliance with the manufacturer's recommended throttle metering assembly overhaul schedule.May 1, 2019 · N6864Q · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA060Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech 36 · Williams, AZThe pilot's failure to attain a sufficient climb rate during initial climb in high-density altitude conditions with the airplane near its forward center of gravity and maximum gross weight limits, which resulted in an impact with trees.Nov 14, 2018 · N264PC · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18LA263Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna A185 · Bullhead City, AZThe pilot’s diverted attention during takeoff initial climb, which resulted in a collision with rising terrain.Sep 15, 2018 · N573BV · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18LA262Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · St. Johns, AZThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning before takeoff in the high density altitude conditions, which resulted in the airplane being unable to maintain sufficient airspeed to continue to climb.Sep 15, 2018 · N734FT · Substantial damageNTSB GAA18CA313Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Payson, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control during a short-field takeoff in high-density altitude conditions.May 30, 2018 · N780JA · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18LA158Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRhoads Autogyro MTO Sport · San Manuel, AZThe fracture of the propeller hub due to corrosion pitting along the propeller blade root seat, which led to cracking that was propagated due to high-cycle fatigue.May 21, 2018 · N574BR · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18FA119Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 24-260 · Scottsdale, AZThe flight instructor's failure to maintain airplane control during the initial climb as a result of the airplane being loaded above its maximum gross weight and beyond its aft center of gravity limits. Contributing to the accident was a degraded engine power…Apr 10, 2018 · N9456P · DestroyedNTSB WPR17LA175Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA1 · Phoenix, AZThe partial loss of engine power during initial climb due to the No. 3 cylinder exhaust valve becoming stuck open due to deposit buildup in the exhaust valve stem and guide and the pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while attempting…Aug 1, 2017 · N6216L · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17LA121Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBob Frederick Titan T-51 · Goodyear, AZFailure of the propeller speed reduction gearbox input drive gear during the airplane’s initial climb for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive damage.Jun 4, 2017 · N51FB · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17FA057Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 300 · Tucson, AZThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment by the effects of a combination of psychoactive substances.Jan 23, 2017 · N385KA · DestroyedNTSB WPR17LA015Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRyan W Gross Arion Lighting · Mesa, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff/initial climb due to his inexperience in the airplane make and model and his refusal to obtain training in the airplane.Oct 22, 2016 · N235SC · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16LA106Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing B75N1 · Winslow, AZThe partial loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb in high-density altitude conditions for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no anomalies.May 12, 2016 · N56200 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16LA088Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportThomas D. Parkes Lancair ES · Prescott, AZA partial loss of engine power due to an over-temperature event, which thermally damaged the blade tips of the turbocharger wheel and resulted in a slowing or stoppage in the rotation of the turbocharger.Mar 10, 2016 · N44AZ · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16LA080Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportNorth Wing Apache · Queen Creek, AZA loss of control for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Contributing to the accident was the noncertificated pilot’s lack of experience in the…Mar 5, 2016 · N242WT · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16LA057Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom 280 · Phoenix, AZA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.Jan 25, 2016 · N133AB · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16LA043Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAerostar Acft Corp Of Texas M20F · Nogales, AZThe airplane’s impact with a hillside shortly after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined.Dec 26, 2015 · N6811V · Substantial damageNTSB WPR15FA144Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Standard Cirrus · Prescott Valley, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack during the initial climb after a ground-tow launch, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.Apr 11, 2015 · N352D · Substantial damageNTSB WPR15LA130Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportVans RV6A · Green Valley, AZThe total loss of engine power during initial climb due to the disconnection of both fuel pump power wires.Mar 21, 2015 · N811KM · Substantial damageNTSB WPR15LA038Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210B · Bullhead City, AZThe failure of the landing gear actuator housing during landing for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.Nov 8, 2014 · N9578X · Substantial damageNTSB WPR15LA015Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 151 · Bullhead City, AZA partial loss of engine power during the initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.Oct 18, 2014 · N56873 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14CA350Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer SGS 1 34 · Marana, AZThe pilot's failure to ensure the canopy was locked during the pre-takeoff inspection which led to the canopy opening in flight and the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the subsequent landing.Aug 19, 2014 · N7628 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14LA242Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAdams Dragonfly · Mesa, AZA partial loss of engine power due to a reduction in the No. 3 cylinder’s compression as a result of the exhaust valve not having consistent uniform contact with the cylinder head valve seat.Jun 12, 2014 · N85TL · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14FA194Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 500 S · Fort Huachuca, AZThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack after a total loss of engine power during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. The reason for…May 17, 2014 · N40TC · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14FA181Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Tek Zuni · Aguila, AZThe pilot's inability to maintain control of the glider after the tow cable separated prematurely due to an incomplete engagement of the cable in the control tow release system due to a missing spring.May 3, 2014 · N22DA · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14FA111Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-181 · Phoenix, AZThe student pilot’s inadvertent positioning of the fuel selector in an intermediate position, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.Feb 4, 2014 · N312PA · Substantial damageNTSB WPR13CA330Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportKincaid Wade Dakota Hawk · San Simon, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during takeoff from an open field.Jul 14, 2013 · N544WK · Substantial damageNTSB WPR13FA244Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRaytheon A36 · Mountainaire, AZThe pilot's inability to maintain a climb after departure in high-density altitude conditions, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's decision not to track the four-lane highway just beyond the…May 28, 2013 · N999PK · Destroyed