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NTSB investigations, MT

208 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\" = 'MT' 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 WPR25FA289Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportMurphy SR3500 · Bigfork, MTOn September 19, 2025, about 1205 mountain daylight time, an experimental amateur built Murphy SR3500, N62ZT, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Bigfork, Montana. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code…Sep 19, 2025 · N62ZT · DestroyedNTSB WPR24LA307Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Basin, MTThe pilot’s decision to continue performing a high-performance takeoff in a full throttle and low-rotor-rpm condition, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.Sep 15, 2024 · N233WT · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24FA132Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206-L4 · Anaconda, MTA total loss of engine power due to a loss of cooling oil to the turbine-to-compressor coupling shaft and subsequent fracture of the shaft at an altitude too low for the pilot to complete a successful autorotation. Contributing to the accident was carbon…Apr 26, 2024 · N988B · DestroyedNTSB WPR23FA244Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCurtiss Wright P-40E · Hamilton, MTA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Jun 27, 2023 · N4420K · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA313Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-30 · St Ignatius, MTA partial loss of power during takeoff for undetermined reasons.Aug 23, 2022 · N4009Y · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA301Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Laurel, MTThe loss of climb performance due to undetermined reasons.Aug 11, 2022 · N5780F · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA249Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20F · Marion, MTThe pilot’s improper rotation during takeoff from a high-altitude airport and his failure to abort the takeoff, which resulted in an impact with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper management of the turbocharger, which…Jun 27, 2021 · N9613M · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA278Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Harlowton, MTThe pilot’s failure to follow the appropriate takeoff procedures, which resulted in a collision with terrain.Aug 14, 2020 · N317LB · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA128Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA31T · Billings, MTThe degraded airplane performance after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined from available evidence.Apr 20, 2020 · N926K · DestroyedNTSB WPR20LA068Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172Q · Big Timber, MTA loss of engine power during climbout for undetermined reasons.Jan 17, 2020 · N96145 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17LA056Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 99 · Billings, MTThe fatigue failure of the left main landing gear (MLG) actuator piston rod, which prevented the hydraulic system from producing pressure to control the MLG’s position and led to the right MLG collapsing during landing.Jan 19, 2017 · N326CA · Substantial damageNTSB GAA16CA406Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 177 · Kalispell, MTThe airplane's hard landing during an aborted takeoff, following an encounter with a downdraft during takeoff initial climb from a remote mountain airstrip, resulting in an uncontrolled descent, attempt to land on the runway remaining, and subsequent nose…Jul 31, 2016 · N30550 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBucker Jungmeister BU 133 · Missoula, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while executing a return to the runway after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…Oct 14, 2015 · N1940J · DestroyedNTSB WPR15LA087Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-140 · Helena, MTLoss of engine power after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any evidence of an anomaly that would have precluded normal operation.Jan 20, 2015 · N4666R · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14LA233Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth Wing Apache Sport · Polson, MTThe pilot’s loss of airplane control during initial climb due to his experiencing an incapacitating medical event.Jun 7, 2014 · N2804P · DestroyedNTSB WPR14LA232Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Ronan, MTA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to insufficient evidence.Jun 6, 2014 · N3376B · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14LA220Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander Callair A 9B · Gardiner, MTThe pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and his subsequent takeoff with the airplane over its allowable gross weight in high density altitude conditions, which degraded the airplane’s climb performance and led to a subsequent forced landing.Jun 2, 2014 · N7292V · Substantial damageNTSB WPR13CA325Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBoeing E75 · Bozeman, MTThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a turn, which resulted in a loss of lift and collision with terrain.Jul 14, 2013 · N5176N · Substantial damageNTSB WPR12CA284Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 210-5 · West Glacier, MTThe pilot elected to abort the takeoff without sufficient runway available to land and stop the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the illusion created by the rising terrain, which influenced the pilot's decision to abort the takeoff.Jul 2, 2012 · N8450Z · Substantial damageNTSB WPR12LA092Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201T · Kalispell, MTThe partial loss of engine power due to magneto malfunction. Contributing to the accident was the lack of adherence to the manufacturer’s recommended magneto overhaul schedule.Feb 4, 2012 · N38906 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR11LA289Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLemond FLY Fisher · West Glacier, MTA total loss of engine power during takeoff due to water contamination in the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane.Jun 26, 2011 · N397JL · Substantial damageNTSB WPR11CA286Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT301 · Circle, MTThe pilot's failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed during initial climb.Jun 24, 2011 · N2362D · Substantial damageNTSB WPR09LA286Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWermling KR-2 Rand Robinson · Anaconda, MTThe non-certificated pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and aircraft control during initial climb resulting in a stall/spin.Jun 13, 2009 · N40908 · Substantial damageNTSB LAX08LA212Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Kalispell, MTA partial loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel system contamination by a foreign substance. Contributing to the accident was the uneven terrain.Jul 8, 2008 · N8647G · DestroyedNTSB LAX08CA173Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech A36 · Ryegate, MTThe pilot's failure to abort the takeoff when the ground roll acceleration profile was determined to be insufficient for takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the shifting wind conditions.Jun 26, 2008 · N824C · Substantial damageNTSB SEA08FA135Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 1900C · Billings, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the initial climb for undetermined reasons.May 23, 2008 · N195GA · DestroyedNTSB SEA07LA114Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBritten-Norman BN-2A-20 · Hamilton, MTThe loss of power in one engine, for undetermined reasons, soon after establishing the takeoff departure climb. Factors include rough/uneven terrain.Apr 28, 2007 · N634MA · Substantial damageNTSB SEA07CA102Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportNorth American Aviation Div. T-28C · Red Lodge, MTThe lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing. Contributing factors were the loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reasons, and rough/uneven condition of the terrain.Apr 17, 2007 · N464SB · DestroyedNTSB SEA05LA176Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAlon A-2A · Helena, MTThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a forced landing and nose over. A factor contributing to the accident was the ground bordering the runway pavement.Aug 20, 2005 · N5467F · Substantial damageNTSB SEA05FA124Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 320E · Missoula, MTTerrain clearance was not possible as a result of a right engine failure. Factors contributing to the accident included the rising terrain, foreign material being ingested into the engine's turbocharger, which obstructed the turbocharger's impeller, the…Jun 21, 2005 · N3438Q · DestroyedNTSB SEA05LA032Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAerostar 601 · Hamilton, MTA partial loss of engine power due to the lack of lubrication and subsequent failure of the left engine's right turbocharger for undetermined reasons, and subsequent forced landing after takeoff. A factor was the unsuitable terrain for the forced landing.Dec 30, 2004 · N601DF · DestroyedNTSB SEA04LA094Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech P-35 · Havre, MTA loss of engine power due to fuel starvation during the initial climb after takeoff as a result of an unsecured fuel sender unit which resulted in a false fuel quantity indication.May 29, 2004 · N7DR · Substantial damageNTSB SEA03LA105Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T337G · Lewistown, MTInadequate preflight planning/preparation prior to takeoff, and the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff. An inadvertent stall and rough terrain were factors.Jun 15, 2003 · N4TD · Substantial damageNTSB SEA02LA031Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20E · Glasgow, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate flying airspeed resulting in a stall/mush condition and loss of control at low altitude. A contributing factor was the pilot's distraction from flying the aircraft while attempting to retract the landing gear.Jan 19, 2002 · N38AJ · Substantial damageNTSB SEA01LA124Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22 · Lewistown, MTPilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft while landing.Jul 1, 2001 · N3251Z · Substantial damageNTSB SEA01FA106Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Augusta, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff resulting in an inadvertent stall at low a altitude.May 28, 2001 · N2564M · DestroyedNTSB SEA01LA058Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAvia Stroitel AC-5m · Bozeman, MTthe pilot's improper remedial action upon experiencing the unexpected opening of the aircraft's canopy during the initial part of the takeoff climb. Factors include his attention being diverted to the open canopy, his failure to use a checklist to ensure he…Mar 4, 2001 · N1635M · Substantial damageNTSB SEA01LA019Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Broadus, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff phase of the flight.Nov 14, 2000 · N8415Y · Substantial damageNTSB SEA00LA190Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Miles City, MTA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Sep 27, 2000 · N4686R · Substantial damageNTSB SEA00LA165Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLadd Nieuport 11 · White Pine, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff after becoming airborne. Contributing factors were his lack of overall recent flight experience and the stall.Aug 14, 2000 · UNREG · Substantial damageNTSB SEA00LA151Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportKokenge Glastar · Butte, MTA loss of aircraft control for undetermined reasons.Aug 2, 2000 · N4350K · DestroyedNTSB SEA98LA193Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T-50 · Missoula, MTA quick drain was open due to the pilot's inadequate preflight.Sep 27, 1998 · N6HS · Substantial damageNTSB SEA98LA132Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman American AA-5B · Chico Hot Sprgs, MTThe pilot-in-command's selection of the wrong runway for takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident were high density altitude, rising terrain and a fence post.Jul 12, 1998 · N28299 · Substantial damageNTSB SEA98LA073Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 500-A · Billings, MTFailure of the main landing gear strut outer-body to inner-body needle bearing from the lack of lubrication and the development of corrosion. An inadequate manufacturer's inspection program was a factor.May 9, 1998 · N9382R · Substantial damageNTSB SEA98LA066Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-D · Colstrip, MTThe pilot's operation of the aircraft above maximum gross weight, resulting in her inability to attain a sustained climb rate after becoming airborne. A factor was high density altitude conditions.Apr 22, 1998 · N2777H · Substantial damageNTSB SEA98LA003Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChampion 7EC · Galata, MTThe pilot's failure to adequately perform preflight planning (prior to the precautionary landing and prior to the subsequent takeoff), his selection of an unsuitable takeoff area, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the fence during the…Oct 17, 1997 · CFOJT · Substantial damageNTSB SEA97LA062Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHall Kitfox · Billings, MTThe pilot-in-command's failure to maintain flying airspeed while executing a downwind turn at low altitude immediately following takeoff.Feb 22, 1997 · N87TJ · Substantial damageNTSB SEA94LA202Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGroce Vans RV-4 · Glendive, MTAirspeed was not maintained after takeoff. A factor was high density altitude.Aug 1, 1994 · N7GJ · DestroyedNTSB SEA94LA140Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-18 · Culbertson, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors include gusty crosswinds, and a fence near the point of takeoff.Jun 5, 1994 · N4509Y · Substantial damageNTSB SEA94LA059Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210N · Havre, MTAn undetermined loss of engine power.Feb 8, 1994 · N5520A · Substantial damage