NTSB investigations, CA

2,097 cases where the phase of flight was Initial climb.

Cases per year

19642026
NTSB investigations, CA per year, 1964–2026: 2,097 cases
196446
196561
196660
196776
196860
196968
197057
197147
197248
197350
197472
197544
197637
197766
197854
197957
198061
198145
198242
198360
198452
198536
198640
198746
198842
198943
199037
199137
199237
199335
199441
199523
199623
199720
199825
199925
200029
200121
200219
200322
200424
200521
200626
200721
200815
200922
201015
201113
201222
201314
201410
201514
20168
201714
201817
201913
202010
202111
20227
202310
20248
20258
202610

Latest cases

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\" = 'CA' 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 WPR27LA019Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedInvestigation openCessna 177A · San Jose, CAOct 17, 2026 · N30544NTSB WPR27FA012Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportVans RV7A · Petaluma, CAOn October 7, 2026, about 1038 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur built Vans RV-7A, N425DG, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Petaluma, California. The pilot and flight instructor were fatally injured. The airplane was…Oct 7, 2026 · N425DG · DestroyedNTSB ENG27LA001Incident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedInvestigation openBoeing 777-222 · San Francisco, CAOct 6, 2026 · N796UANTSB WPR26FA329Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportGrumman American Avn. AA-5 · Fresno, CAOn September 5, 2026, about 1345 Pacific daylight time, a Grumman AA-5, N6510L, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Fresno, California. The pilot and 3 passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…Sep 5, 2026 · N6510L · DestroyedNTSB WPR26LA324Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportZenith CH701 · Byron, CAOn August 30, 2026, about 0905 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Zenith CH701, N701WJ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Byron Airport (C83), Byron, California. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was…Aug 30, 2026 · N701WJ · Substantial damageNTSB WPR26LA263Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSchleicher ASW-27 · Montague, CAThe pilot’s inability to see and avoid a piece of loose wire in a field during an off-airport landing in a glider, which resulted in a ground loop. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inability to maintain a safe position behind the tow airplane…Jul 15, 2026 · N920KB · Substantial damageNTSB WPR26LA251Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportLuscombe 8A · Novato, CAOn July 7, 2026, about 1200 Pacific daylight time, a Luscombe 8A, N45886, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Novato, California. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…Jul 7, 2026 · N45886 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR26LA170Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBalony Kubicek Spol Sro BB100Z · Elk Grove, CAThe pilot’s delayed decision to deflate the balloon during a static display in windy conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with a building. Contributing to the accident was the proximity of the balloon from structures during a static…Apr 27, 2026 · N355WC · Substantial damageNTSB WPR26LA173Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPipistrel Alpha Trainer · Salinas, CAThe flight instructor’s inadequate preflight inspection which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.Apr 18, 2026 · N143AW · Substantial damageNTSB WPR26LA158Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportAlexander Schleicher ASH 31 MI · Williams, CAOn April 13, 2026, about 1051 Pacific standard time, an experimental Alexander Schleicher GMBH and Co., Ash 31 Mi Glider, N77UK, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Williams, California. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The…Apr 13, 2026 · N77UK · Substantial damageNTSB WPR26LA037Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportGrumman American Avn. AA-5B · Santa Ynez, CAOn October 29, 2025, about 1820 Pacific daylight time, a Grumman American AA-5B, N74323, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Santa Ynez, California. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14…Oct 30, 2025 · N74323 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR26FA008Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportAirbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 · Sacramento, CAOn October 6, 2025, about 1905 Pacific daylight time, an Airbus Helicopters EC-130 T2, N414RX, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident in Sacramento, California. The pilot and flight paramedic sustained serious injuries; the flight nurse…Oct 7, 2025 · N414RX · Substantial damageNTSB WPR25FA257Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 140 · Shelter Cove, CAOn August 17, 2025 about 1521 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 140, N89447, was involved in an accident near Shelter Cove, California. The student pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14…Aug 17, 2025 · N89447NTSB WPR25FA169Accident · 6 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 414 · San Diego, CAOn June 08, 2025, at 1230 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 414A, N414BA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident in San Diego, California. The pilot and five passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of…Jun 8, 2025 · N414BA · Substantial damageNTSB WPR25LA171Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportYakovlev YAK-50 · Hayward, CAOn June 7, 2025, about 1252 Pacific daylight time, a Yakovlev YAK-50, N150YK, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Hayward, California. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…Jun 7, 2025 · N150YK · Substantial damageNTSB WPR25LA159Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportNorth American T-28B · Olivehurst, CAOn May 17, 2025, at 1022 Pacific daylight time, a North American T-28B, N28DE, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Marysville, California. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14…May 17, 2025 · N28DE · Substantial damageNTSB DCA25LA174Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPyka Pelican · Dixon, CAThe flight control system’s unanticipated transition to takeoff abort mode due to a software error in the autonomous flight control system, which resulted in a premature throttle reduction and hard landing.Mar 28, 2025 · N939NP · Substantial damageNTSB WPR25LA073AccidentClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150D · Temple City, CAThe flight instructor’s unfamiliarity with the fuel quantities the fuel measuring dip stick measured and inadequate preflight inspection which resulted in fuel exhaustion.Jan 6, 2025 · N5943T · Substantial damageNTSB WPR25LA048Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20F · Fullerton, CAThe loss of engine power during departure for reasons that could not be determined.Nov 25, 2024 · N9245V · Substantial damageNTSB WPR25FA007Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportBeech 95-B55 · Avalon, CAOn October 8, 2024, at 2005 Pacific daylight time, a Beech 95-B55, N73WA, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Avalon, California. The pilot, two pilot rated passengers, and two student pilot passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was…Oct 9, 2024 · N73WA · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24LA267Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201T · Sacramento, CAA loss of engine power during the initial climb due to the detachment of the turbocharger’s inlet sleeve as a result of the installation of an incorrect sleeve clamp.Aug 4, 2024 · N135DG · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24FA196Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLockheed 12A · Chino, CAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude insufficient for recovery. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to ensure that the airplane was…Jun 15, 2024 · N93R · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24LA154Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172G · Lakeport, CAThe pilot’s inadequate use of carburetor heat, which resulted in a total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff due to fuel starvation as a result of carburetor ice.May 16, 2024 · N4448L · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24LA106Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Whitethorn, CAA total loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel.Mar 8, 2024 · N2824M · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24FA073Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportOstroth Thane L Cozy MK IV · Half Moon Bay, CAThe airplane’s impact with the ocean for undetermined reasons after departing into night, instrument meteorological conditions.Jan 15, 2024 · N656TE · DestroyedNTSB WPR24LA070Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-502A · Stratford, CAA partial loss of engine power due to the malfunction of the engine compressor bleed-off valve.Jan 10, 2024 · N6126U · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24LA046Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna P210N · Big Bear, CAA loss of engine power during the initial climb for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an aborted takeoff and runway excursion.Dec 2, 2023 · N7LV · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24LA049Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Watsonville, CAAn in-flight collision with a bird while in the initial climb.Nov 29, 2023 · N6212F · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24LA041Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell OH-58A · Brawley, CAA total loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 8 bearing and the subsequent failure of the scavenge oil pump.Nov 21, 2023 · N158TR · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24LA023Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV-12 · Novato, CAA partial loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.Oct 26, 2023 · N28BS · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Oct 21, 2023 · N8248K · DestroyedNTSB WPR23FA287Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech P35 · Upland, CAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a subsequent aerodynamic stall and impact with a building.Jul 30, 2023 · N8572M · Substantial damageNTSB WPR23LA239Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Alturas, CAA loss of engine power due to the failure of the right magneto distributor gear and the pilot’s decision to conduct a test flight with known mechanical issues.Jun 25, 2023 · N6430P · Substantial damageNTSB WPR23LA156Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Riverside, CAThe pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat during an extended ground delay before takeoff, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb due to carburetor ice.Apr 16, 2023 · N8376W · Substantial damageNTSB WPR23LA121Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · San Andreas, CAA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Mar 3, 2023 · N9375J · Substantial damageNTSB WPR23LA082Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Watsonville, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during a go around.Jan 1, 2023 · N7181A · Substantial damageNTSB WPR23LA077Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech V35B · Livermore, CAThe pilot’s inadvertent use of the mixture control instead of the throttle, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power.Dec 25, 2022 · N65Y · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA316Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150H · Vacaville, CAThe partial loss of engine power due to a stuck exhaust valve.Aug 24, 2022 · N22507 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA310Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportStucker Gary Banty · Camarillo, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.Aug 18, 2022 · N995GS · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA242Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 120 · San Carlos, CAThe total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Jun 28, 2022 · N2056V · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA219Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna TR182 · Davis, CAAn in-flight fire during the initial takeoff climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.Jun 16, 2022 · N756EG · DestroyedNTSB WPR22LA133Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAdams Dennis Allen Varieze · Mojave, CAThe failure of the carburetor intake Sceet tubing, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.Mar 26, 2022 · N88KL · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA076Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172H · Los Angeles, CAThe pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection during which he failed to remove all water contamination in the fuel system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power on takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the condition of the fuel caps, which allowed…Jan 9, 2022 · N8056L · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22FA054Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35 · Visalia, CAThe pilot’s loss of control due to spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to depart into night instrument meteorological conditions.Dec 5, 2021 · N7933M · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22FA026Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAyres S-2R · Shafter, CAThe pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control.Nov 3, 2021 · N8960Q · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA326Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Del Mar, CAThe partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a forced landing on an interstate highway and subsequent collision with vehicles.Aug 24, 2021 · N2843T · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21FA270Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 421C · Monterey, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control due to spatial disorientation during an instrument departure procedure in instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in a collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of…Jul 13, 2021 · N678SW · DestroyedNTSB WPR21LA248Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportDewsnup Dave Zenair CH 701 SP · Chester, CAThe pilot’s failure to properly position of the fuel selector valve, which resulted in a loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation.Jun 26, 2021 · N41XY · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21FA228Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · Truckee, CAThe student pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a turn and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and a subsequent impact with terrain.Jun 15, 2021 · N89423 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA208Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing A75N1(PT17) · Hollister, CAThe improper installation of a relief valve spring that was shorter than the standard spring length, which slowed the response of the propeller governor to change the pitch of the blades during climbout, resulting in a partial loss of power.May 26, 2021 · N75016 · Substantial damage