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NTSB investigations, KY

150 cases where the phase of flight was Initial climb.

Cases per year

19652026

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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\" = 'KY' 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 ERA26LA254Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportRath Michael J Sonerai 2 · Cynthiana, KYOn June 30, 2026, at about 1030 eastern daylight time, an experimental Sonerai 2 airplane, N1406, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Cynthiana, Kentucky. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code…Jun 30, 2026 · N1406 · Substantial damageNTSB DCA26LA106Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportAirbus A330-343 · Hebron, KYOn January 28, 2026, at 1505 eastern standard time, Alaska Airlines flight 2616, an Airbus 330-343, N5827K, powered by two Rolls Royce RB211 engines, struck birds during initial climb after takeoff from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport…Jan 28, 2026 · N5827K · Substantial damageNTSB ERA24LA109Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA23 · Louisville, KYThe failure of maintenance personnel to thoroughly inspect and repair the worn-out panel fasteners and fastener holes.Feb 1, 2024 · N1317P · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Aug 28, 2023 · N8679V · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA105Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Paris, KYThe pilot’s loss of control after encountering changing wind conditions during the initial climb, which resulted in descent and collision with terrain.Jan 5, 2023 · N6111W · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA294Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBucker BU-133 · Hartford, KYThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall during an attempted return to the runway.Jun 24, 2022 · N1940H · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21FA135Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV7 · Mayfield, KYThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, loss of airplane control, and subsequent impact with terrain.Feb 22, 2021 · N383DB · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20CA160Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportChampion 7ECA · Vine Grove, KYAircraft control was not maintained during initial climb with gusting wind that resulted in a collision with power lines and the terrain.May 28, 2020 · N9557S · Substantial damageNTSB GAA17CA488Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCharles D Walker Walker Curtiss JN4D · Bowling Green, KYThe pilot’s exceedance of the biplane’s critical angle of attack during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with trees.Aug 12, 2017 · N8262 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA062Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech D35 · Vine Grove, KYThe pilot’s failure to ensure that the fuel selector was properly positioned before takeoff, which resulted in the subsequent total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.Dec 4, 2015 · N2991B · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15LA304Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoard James A Zenith 601 HD · Danville, KYThe pilot's improper adjustment of the propeller blade angle, which resulted in inadequate engine thrust, and his decision to continue the takeoff despite the excessively long takeoff roll.Aug 7, 2015 · N740JB · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14LA222Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7GCAA · Bardwell, KYThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed while maneuvering shortly after takeoff, resulting in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall, uncontrolled descent, and impact with the ground.May 4, 2014 · N9588S · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13LA269Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108 · Elkton, KYThe pilot's failure to use carburetor heat during the approach to landing, which resulted in carburetor icing and a partial loss of engine power during a subsequent initial climb.Jun 4, 2013 · N97592 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12CA462Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportInfinity Infinity 2003 · Wilmore, KYA loss of lift on initial climb for unreported reasons, which resulted in a collision with trees and the ground.Jul 16, 2012 · N5627G · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12FA262Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Calhoun, KYThe failure of the pilot to maintain airplane control after experiencing a loss of power from the left engine due to water contamination of the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane and…Apr 1, 2012 · N9448Q · Substantial damageNTSB ERA11LA454Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 · Hodgenville, KYThe pilot's inadequate takeoff performance planning, which resulted in collision with an obstacle during takeoff from a turf runway that was not long enough for the given conditions.Aug 15, 2011 · N316MA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA11LA444Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHodges Samuel J RV-7A · Paducah, KYA partial loss of engine power during the initial climb for undetermined reasons.Aug 7, 2011 · N462WP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA11LA411Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150M · Elizabethtown, KYA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Jul 20, 2011 · N8576U · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10LA449Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChampion Aeronca 7HC · Louisville, KYA loss of engine power due to fuel system contamination resulting in damage to the carburetor float.Aug 27, 2010 · N8919R · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10CA420Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 150A · West Liberty, KYThe pilot's premature turn toward trees during the initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the airplane's high gross weight and density altitude that precluded a normal takeoff and climb.Aug 14, 2010 · N7023X · Substantial damageNTSB ERA09CA003Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBuckeye Dream Machine · Lexington, KYThe student pilot's improper decision to continue the takeoff.Oct 5, 2008 · N75331 · Substantial damageNTSB MIA08LA204Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Falmouth, KYA loss of engine power 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.Sep 28, 2008 · N4477U · Substantial damageNTSB NYC08LA034Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-151 · Sacramento, KYA total loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.Nov 10, 2007 · N41535 · Substantial damageNTSB MIA07LA155Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-5A · Worthington, KYThe separation of the engine's No. 4 piston from the crankshaft for unidentified reasons and the pilot's continued operation with known equipment deficiencies.Sep 22, 2007 · N26442 · Substantial damageNTSB NYC07LA212Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSchrack Starduster Too · Verona, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the inadvertent stall.Sep 3, 2007 · N5462 · DestroyedNTSB ATL07LA088Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom 280FX · Taylorsville, KYThe pilot's improper prefight inspection of the helicopter.Jun 11, 2007 · N93GP · Substantial damageNTSB NYC04LA059Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R-22 · Nicholasville, KYA leak in the fuel system due to a loose fitting, which resulted in a loss of engine power, and the inadequate maintenance inspection, which failed to detect/correct the security of the fitting.Jan 19, 2004 · N224LC · DestroyedNTSB NYC04LA043Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBarness Pulsar I · Bardstown, KYThe pilot's loss of aircraft control, resulting in a subsequent impact with terrain. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's unfamiliarity with the airplane.Dec 3, 2003 · N97JW · DestroyedNTSB NYC04FA036Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech J35 · Somerset, KYA total loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reasons. A factor was the impairment of the pilot in command due to an over-the-counter antihistamine.Nov 20, 2003 · N748CH · Substantial damageNTSB NYC04CA020Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Franklin, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff.Nov 1, 2003 · N3264Z · Substantial damageNTSB IAD03LA008Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Middlesboro, KYThe pilot's operation of the airplane with a known deficiency. Factors related to the accident were the loss of engine power of the left engine due to a failure of the left engine-driven and electric fuel pumps, and inadequate maintenance.Oct 22, 2002 · N8770Y · Substantial damageNTSB NYC02LA140Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBoeing Stearman A75N1 · Bardstown, KYThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in fuel contamination and subsequent loss of engine power. A factor in this accident was that the wing tank fuel drains were wire closed and could not be used.Jul 17, 2002 · N64567 · Substantial damageNTSB IAD02LA044Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Louisville, KYThe pilot's inadvertent selection of an empty fuel tank, which resulted in fuel starvation of the engine.Apr 23, 2002 · N166PA · Substantial damageNTSB NYC01LA131Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Fairfield, KYThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout during takeoff, and his inadequate reconnoiter of the area prior to takeoff.May 28, 2001 · N9660F · Substantial damageNTSB NYC00FA229Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182RG · Princeton, KYThe pilot's failure to clear trees, for undetermined reasons.Aug 16, 2000 · N3674C · DestroyedNTSB 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.Jun 15, 1999 · N2743E · DestroyedNTSB 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.Jun 8, 1999 · N35AG · DestroyedNTSB 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.May 25, 1999 · N79M · Substantial damageNTSB NYC98LA195Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172D · Louisville, KYThe student pilot's failure to perform a preflight inspection of the airplane before his first solo flight, and inadequate supervision by the certified flight instructor, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.Sep 20, 1998 · N2482U · Substantial damageNTSB IAD96LA096Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLittle Scamp · Worthington, KYwas the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons shortly after liftoff. A related factor was the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing.Jun 15, 1996 · N9995A · DestroyedNTSB IAD96LA047Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech F35 · Mt. Sterling, KYa loss of engine power due to the failure of the number one piston. Related factors were the unsuitable terrain available for the forced landing, and the strong tailwind encountered during the forced landing.Feb 23, 1996 · N3850B · Substantial damageNTSB BFO94LA105Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Elizabethtown, KYThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor related to the accident was: the helicopter was outside the height-velocity envelope (for a successful autorotation), when loss of directional control occurred.Jun 17, 1994 · N2346J · Substantial damageNTSB BFO94LA057Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · Berea, KYThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the takeoff. A factor related to the accident is the gusty wind conditions.Apr 2, 1994 · N5868B · DestroyedNTSB NYC93FA138Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 · Warsaw, KYThe pilot's inadequate visual lookout and his failure to maintain adequate clearance with ground obstacles, which resulted in an inflight collision with a power line.Jul 24, 1993 · N9021Z · DestroyedNTSB NYC93LA123Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Louisville, KYA partial power loss of undetermined origin while operating over unsuitable terrain.Jun 20, 1993 · N1698J · Substantial damageNTSB BFO93LA101Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Brandenburg, KYThe pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed prior to liftoff, leading to an inadvertent stall and loss of aircraft control. Factors related to the accident include the pilot's improper use of flaps and his failure to follow the published procedures for a…May 27, 1993 · N60347 · Substantial damageNTSB BFO93LA085Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Paintsville, KYFailure of the pilot to maintain adequate altitude or clearance from the terrain. Factors related to the accident were the unfavorable wind condition and the proximity of the hill to the runway.May 13, 1993 · N6001U · DestroyedNTSB NYC92LA137Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDonald L. Betchan KR-II · Louisville, KYImproper use of the flight controls by the prospective buyer, and the failure of the owner/operator to adequately supervise the prospective buyer. Factors related to the accident were the lack of experience in type of airplane for the prospective buyer, and…Aug 1, 1992 · N983DB · Substantial damageNTSB BFO92LA019Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-350P · Bowling Green, KYThe pilot's premature flare, stalling the airplane which resulted in a hard landing. Factors related to the accident were the dual fuel flow gauge failures and deteriorating weather conditions.Jan 13, 1992 · N9161K · Substantial damageNTSB BFO91LA069Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Ashland, KYLost of engine power for undetermined reasons.Jul 25, 1991 · N8071 · Substantial damage