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NTSB investigations, MI

607 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\" = 'MI' 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 CEN25LA186Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportAeronca 7AC · Westphalia, MIOn May 24, 2025, at 1300 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC, N2659E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Westphalia, Michigan. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal…May 24, 2025 · N2659E · Substantial damageNTSB CEN24FA298Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportDeGraw DeBird · Napoleon, MISeparation of the gyroplane’s tail due to main rotor blade contact for reasons that could not be determined.Aug 4, 2024 · N140DG · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23LA374Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna A188B · Bay Port, MIThe pilot’s decision to takeoff from a soft wet runway with a quartering tailwind which resulted in a lack of climb performance and impact with terrain.Aug 19, 2023 · N8075G · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23LA363Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBeech C-99 · Lansing, MIThe pilot’s failure to properly set the rudder trim position which resulted in a loss of directional control during takeoff. Contributing was the pilot’s inadequate checklist procedures prior to takeoff.Aug 15, 2023 · N261SW · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22LA336Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech A36 · Ray, MIThe pilot’s early rotation on takeoff, which resulted in insufficient airspeed and an inability to gain sufficient altitude to clear the trees.Jul 24, 2022 · N60ED · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22FA314Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 210C · Shelby, MIThe non-instrument rated pilot’s decision to commence the flight in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a subsequent loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-induced pressure to…Jul 15, 2022 · N3659Y · DestroyedNTSB CEN22LA249Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Eaton Rapids, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed in the climb with a quartering tailwind which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with trees.Jun 14, 2022 · N3553M · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22LA089Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportLancair IV · Iron Mountain, MIThe total loss of engine power after takeoff for undetermined reasons.Dec 25, 2021 · N994PT · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21LA247Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Flint, MIThe pilot’s failure to adequately monitor his fuel quantity during flight which resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.May 29, 2021 · N3992W · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21LA046Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportNavion A · Fremont, MIThe pilot’s improper positioning of the fuel selector during takeoff, which was not in accordance with the preflight checklist and resulted in fuel starvation, a subsequent total loss of engine power, and an aerodynamic stall during an attempted forced…Nov 5, 2020 · N4856K · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20LA373Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA24 · Midland, MIThe loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.Sep 1, 2020 · N5939P · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20LA216Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportTeam 1600R · Marshall, MIMaintenance personnel’s improper installation of an improperly sized clamp on the fuel supply line, which allowed air to enter the supply line, a subsequent loss of engine power, and a forced landing.Jun 7, 2020 · N827WS · Substantial damageNTSB CEN19LA297Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C · Independence Charter Township, MIThe reduction in climb performance for reasons that could not be determined. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane after the loss of performance.Sep 2, 2019 · N98278 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN19LA242Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportIcon A5 · Lake, MIThe pilot's improper decision to operate the airplane in exceedance of the airplane manufacturer’s operating limitations, which led to an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to continue attempting the takeoff…Jul 27, 2019 · N663BA · Substantial damageNTSB CEN19LA231Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAyres S2R · Breckenridge, MIA total loss of engine power due to a lack of oil in the engine. The source of the inflight oil leak could not be determined based on the available information.Jul 21, 2019 · N766BF · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA258Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Dexter, MIThe airplane's failure to maintain a climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.May 11, 2019 · N21794 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN19LA051Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 23 · Beaver Island, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain a positive rate of climb after takeoff which resulted in an impact with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inability to see a visible horizon due to the dark night lighting conditions and limited…Dec 31, 2018 · N2146P · DestroyedNTSB CEN18FA368Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32RT · St Ignace, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude after takeoff in dark night conditions which resulted in a collision with the water.Sep 1, 2018 · N500MJ · DestroyedNTSB GAA18CA471Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · Dowagiac, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain bank control during takeoff.Aug 4, 2018 · N8994V · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16LA366Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 18 · Greenville, MIThe pilot's premature turn during the takeoff climb and subsequent turn to avoid trees, which resulted in his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.Sep 11, 2016 · N3286Z · Substantial damageNTSB CEN16LA363Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCGS Hawk Aero II · Holland, MIThe improper installation of quick release connectors in the fuel lines, which was not in accordance with the engine manufacturer's maintenance instructions and allowed air to be introduced into the fuel system and resulted in a partial loss of engine power.…Sep 3, 2016 · N4513S · DestroyedNTSB CEN16LA305Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGilchrist PA14EXP · Sparta, MIA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, since postaccident examination revealed no malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.Aug 4, 2016 · N18PG · Substantial damageNTSB GAA15CA020Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 150 · Flushing, MILoss of engine power due to fuel contamination. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight.Mar 24, 2015 · N7987E · Substantial damageNTSB CEN13FA364Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172M · Waterford, MIThe pilot's failure to retract the wing flaps before attempting to take off, due to his lack of familiarity with the airplane make and model, which prevented the airplane from maintaining adequate altitude for takeoff.Jun 21, 2013 · N9926Q · DestroyedNTSB CEN13FA135Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Pellston, MIThe pilot's inadvertent controlled descent into terrain due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was lack of visual reference due to night conditions.Jan 16, 2013 · N1120N · DestroyedNTSB CEN13FA069Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 310B · Mancelona, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after a loss of right engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no preimpact malfunction or anomaly that would have precluded normal operation.Nov 21, 2012 · N5419A · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12LA678Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportInfinity 2003 · Merrill, MIThe pilot's improper decision to attempt a takeoff from midfield, resulting in a collision with trees at the departure end of the field.Sep 26, 2012 · N70319 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12FA601Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Brighton, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed following a partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control. Contributing to the severity of…Sep 1, 2012 · N82383 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12LA626Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportIson Eros · Schoolcraft, MIThe operation of an airplane by a non-certificated pilot and his failure to maintain airplane control during the initial climb, which resulted in an uncontrolled decent.Aug 12, 2012 · N4007B · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12LA348Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Bangor, MIThe pilot’s failure to properly service the fuel system, and subsequent decision to conduct the flight with known fuel system deficiencies, which led to the total loss of engine power.Jun 6, 2012 · N3431A · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12LA308Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Frankenmuth, MIA partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.May 20, 2012 · N4595T · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12LA149Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPipistrel Virus 912 · Ray, MIA loss of engine power due to fuel starvation for reasons that could not be determined because the postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.Feb 4, 2012 · N325MZ · Substantial damageNTSB ENG12IA003Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 747-451 · Detroit, MIThe penetration of turbine blade fragments through the rear turbine case, which punctured the No. 4 bearing oil pressure supply tube, allowing misted oil to contact the hot engine case and ignite the undercowl fire. Contributing to the incident was the…Oct 23, 2011 · N661US · Minor damageNTSB CEN12LA014Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPeck Zodiac 601XL · Traverse City, MIA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Oct 11, 2011 · N4595P · Substantial damageNTSB CEN11LA585Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander Callair A-9B · Marshall, MIThe towplane pilot's loss of control during an aerotow operation due to the glider pilot's inability to maintain a proper position behind the towplane while encountering turbulence on initial climb.Aug 21, 2011 · N7638V · Substantial damageNTSB CEN11LA488Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDixon Volksplane VP-1 · Jackson, MIA partial loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons.Jul 16, 2011 · N341MD · Substantial damageNTSB CEN11CA047Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAardema Robert John 1 Aardema RAG WNG SP · Oshtemo, MIThe failure of the ignition system wiring, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.Oct 29, 2010 · N768BA · Substantial damageNTSB CEN10LA571Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCa Tecnam P2004 Bravo · Mason, MIA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a forced landing to a bean field.Sep 17, 2010 · N508LM · Substantial damageNTSB CEN10LA432Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A24R · Muskegon, MIA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Jul 25, 2010 · N24584 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN09LA605Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Troy, MIA loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's selection of an empty or nearly empty main tank for takeoff.Sep 25, 2009 · N4864S · Substantial damageNTSB CEN09LA467Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BF12 · Sawyer, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while taking off from a short, grass runway.Jul 25, 2009 · N36299 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN09CA334Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAerotrike Safari · Lake City, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb.May 23, 2009 · N8035W · Substantial damageNTSB CEN09LA311Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportThornton RV-6A · Plainwell, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control for undetermined reasons.May 21, 2009 · N39JT · DestroyedNTSB CEN09FA015Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150G · Cedar Lake, MIThe student pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's overall lack of flight experience.Oct 11, 2008 · N3623J · Substantial damageNTSB CHI08LA191Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportDrochak Aventura II · Flushing, MIA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Jul 15, 2008 · N621CD · Substantial damageNTSB CHI08CA136Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchleicher AS-K13 · Gregory, MIThe pilot's failure to adequately secure his handheld radio prior to takeoff, which resulted in a restriction of the flight control stick and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the stall/mush flight condition encountered after the glider…May 10, 2008 · N24BS · Substantial damageNTSB CHI08CA008Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportVeltman, Robert CH701 · Owosso, MIThe pilot inadvertantly turned the fuel selector to the off position and failed to maintain aircraft control during the subsequent loss of engine power. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's change in his normal habit pattern.Oct 25, 2007 · N702BW · Substantial damageNTSB CHI08LA016Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Muskegon, MILoss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the unsuitable terrain for a forced landing available to the pilot due to the presence of a residential sub-division and trees.Oct 13, 2007 · N1261X · Substantial damageNTSB CHI07LA302Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSiebert RV-9A · Barton City, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and aircraft control during initial climb after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the gusting wind condition.Sep 20, 2007 · N3653 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI07CA225Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportRyan ST3KR · Coldwater, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush condition. A contributing factor was the low altitude at the time of the inadvertent stall.Jul 22, 2007 · N59220 · Substantial damage