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NTSB investigations, PA

492 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\" = 'PA' 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 ERA25FA272Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPiper PA46-500TP · Lititz, PAOn July 20, 2025, about 0800 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-46-500TP Meridian airplane, N819MA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident in Lititz, Pennsylvania. The pilot was the sole person on board and was fatally injured. The…Jul 20, 2025 · N819MA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA122Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAllyn Kaste Rans S-19 (KIT) · Doylestown, PAThe pilot’s inadequate maintenance and preflight inspection.Feb 10, 2025 · N258DK · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA041Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAnderson Kitfox 4 · New Castle, PAA partial loss of engine power due to a split fuel line that resulted in a fuel leak and reduced fuel supply to the aft carburetor.Nov 2, 2024 · N620GA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA030Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportZenith Zodiac 601 HDS · Altoona, PAThe total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a deteriorated gascolator gasket. Contributing was the failure of the mechanic to replace the gasket during the most recent condition inspection.Oct 17, 2024 · N511JG · Substantial damageNTSB ERA24FA103Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGrumman American Avn. GA-7 · Coatesville, PAThe pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel, and his subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was an inadequate annual maintenance inspection, during which maintenance…Feb 1, 2024 · N887CC · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA383Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182 · Towanda, PAA total loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.Sep 30, 2023 · N747UC · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23FA270Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Ebensburg, PAThe pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of airplane control, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.Jun 17, 2023 · N7628Y · DestroyedNTSB CEN22FA436Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Allentown, PAA partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Sep 28, 2022 · N7329F · DestroyedNTSB ERA22LA411Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Clearfield, PAA sudden partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an off-airport landing.Sep 3, 2022 · N9619H · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA312Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportFlightstar Flightstar II SC · Russell, PAThe pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed and exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack while attempting to climb over trees, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control.Jul 14, 2022 · N6116U · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA244Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Monongahela, PAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.May 27, 2022 · N84583 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA018Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportZ-Hi-Max 1400 · Benton, PAThe pilot’s loss of control and encounter with an aerodynamic stall during a planned low-altitude turn toward the airport after takeoff.Oct 16, 2021 · N668CL · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21FA334Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportNorth American SNJ-2 · Wilkes-Barre, PAA partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Also causal was the pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering for a forced landing following the loss of engine power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and…Aug 20, 2021 · N52900 · DestroyedNTSB ERA21LA277Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV7 · Pottstown, PAA total loss of power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Jul 4, 2021 · N654C · DestroyedNTSB ERA21LA271Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150 · Bentleyville, PAThe flight instructor and student pilot’s inadequate preflight performance planning which resulted in a takeoff attempt with insufficient available runway, a loss of control, and impact with terrain.Jun 28, 2021 · N22307 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA19LA245Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Allentown, PAInadequate maintenance of the helicopter’s magnetos, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during the initial climb due to a failure of the left magneto and malfunction of the right magneto.Aug 11, 2019 · N1831A · Substantial damageNTSB ERA19LA224Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportZenith CH601 · Carlisle, PAWater contamination of the fuel system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to remove all the water from the airplane's fuel system.Jul 13, 2019 · N601MR · Substantial damageNTSB CEN19LA202Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAeronca L16A · Zelienople, PAA total loss of engine power due to obstruction of the carburetor air intake by a piece of the air filter gasket that had become detached.Jun 29, 2019 · N9325H · Substantial damageNTSB ERA18LA242Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportStinson 108 · Indiana, PAA total loss of engine power as a result of debris contamination of the fuel, which resulted in fuel starvation.Sep 2, 2018 · N4059C · Substantial damageNTSB ERA18LA007Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415 · Centre Hall, PAThe partial loss of engine power due to the No. 2 cylinder exhaust valve being stuck.Oct 6, 2017 · N3538H · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17LA269Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRose Herbert D Pietenpol AIR Camper · Tower City, PAThe pilot's incapacitation due to fainting as a result of complications from a previously undiagnosed heart condition.Aug 9, 2017 · N709HR · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17FA248Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAircraft Mfg & Dvlpmt CH601XLi Slsa · Towanda, PAA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, and the pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during an attempted return to the airport, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall…Jul 19, 2017 · N601PH · DestroyedNTSB ERA17LA239Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 210L · Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PAFailure of the left landing gear door actuator, which resulted in a loss of all hydraulic pressure and subsequent gear collapse on landing.Jul 11, 2017 · N732FJ · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17FA232Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMorrisey 2150A · Honesdale, PAA total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of two psychoactive substances, which led to his impaired decision to attempt to takeoff after engine issues became evident.Jul 6, 2017 · N917JL · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17FA223Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSlip Stream Genesis · Linesville, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a climbing turn after takeoff and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at an altitude too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident was the…Jul 2, 2017 · N3449 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17CA152Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportLazear John T Zenair Stol CH 701 · Windsor Twp, PAThe pilot's improper pretakeoff planning, his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a short-field takeoff with a tailwind, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.Apr 11, 2017 · N3846T · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA270Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCraig D Carter Stol CH 750 · Waynesburg, PAThe partial loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.Jul 24, 2016 · N750AZ · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA126Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20 · Pottstown, PAThe pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination and a subsequent off-airport landing.Mar 9, 2016 · N242TS · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA116Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Gettysburg, PAA partial loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons because examination of the engine and a successful test-run did not reveal any anomalies that would preclude normal operation.Feb 27, 2016 · N976HB · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA077Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Myerstown, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during climbout due to his distraction with raising the landing gear.Dec 22, 2015 · N4314S · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15LA311Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportThomas A Siminski Zenith CH 750 · Allentown, PAA partial loss of engine power due to the No. 1 spark plug being liberated from the cylinder head due to the stripped threads in the cylinder head. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt to return to the airport while at a low…Aug 14, 2015 · N1750Z · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15LA279Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportKinner Sportster B · Eagles Mere, PAThe total 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.Jul 23, 2015 · NC13776 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15LA239Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108 · Dushore, PAThe total loss of engine power during the initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.Jun 14, 2015 · N97505 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15LA238Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna T210 · Palmyra, PAThe pilot's delay in conducting an aborted landing and his subsequent failure to establish a proper airspeed during the attempted go-around on a hot day, which resulted in the airplane’s inability to climb and a subsequent stall/mush.Jun 14, 2015 · N732VN · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14LA450Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBarger Jerry L Challenger II · Clarion, PAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in a takeoff with the airplane's center of gravity aft of its limit and led the airplane to exceed its critical angle of attack and experience an aerodynamic stall during the initial climb.…Sep 20, 2014 · N4017C · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14CA385Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCote James Rans S 6S · New Berlin, PAThe passenger's inadvertent interference with the rudder controls during the takeoff.Aug 4, 2014 · N502CW · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14LA351Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSiler Ronald E Ultrastar · Halifax, PAA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the engine was not recovered. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack during…Jul 23, 2014 · N4425W · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14LA308Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTaylor J-2 · Lock Haven, PAThe airplane owner’s failure to clean and lubricate the engine valve guides and stems, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during the initial climb due to an exhaust valve failure.Jun 20, 2014 · N16667 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13LA406Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEngineering & Research 415-D · Beaver Falls, PAThe owner/pilot’s failure to follow engine manufacturer recommendations for engine oil changes and spark plug cleaning and rotating when operating the airplane with 100 low lead fuel, which resulted in carbon buildup in the engine and the total loss of engine…Sep 6, 2013 · N3940H · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13LA366Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportInterstate S-1B1 · Lititz, PAThe pilot’s failure to control the airplane’s pitch attitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall during the initial takeoff climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to set the trim in accordance with the pretakeoff checklist and the…Aug 17, 2013 · N46336 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13LA229Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer SGS 2-33A · Erwinna, PAThe pilot’s loss of glider control due to improper rigging of the rudder control cables, the mechanic’s inadequate flight control checks following the glider’s most recent annual inspection, and the pilot’s failure to perform a thorough preflight inspection.May 4, 2013 · N2045T · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13CA228Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Brogue, PAThe flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student pilot during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a power line.May 2, 2013 · N33677 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13FA026Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAerospatiale AS 355 · Erwinna, PAThe pilot’s decision to depart under visual flight rules in dark night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in subsequent spatial disorientation, uncontrolled descent, and impact with trees and terrain.Oct 17, 2012 · C-FXGM · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13LA025Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Allentown, PAThe operator's failure to perform magneto inspections per the manufacturer's recommendations and failure to comply with the engine manufacturer's recommended time interval for engine overhaul, which resulted in defects in the magnetos going undetected and the…Oct 12, 2012 · N15037 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12LA557Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-325 · Washington, PAThe airplane’s encounter with a flock of geese during takeoff, which resulted in the airplane’s hard impact with the runway while the pilot maneuvered in an attempt to avoid the geese.Sep 9, 2012 · N3591P · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12CA548Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportHandy James L Buckeye Dream Mach · West Caln, PAThe pilot’s inadequate compensation for the wind during the initial climb, which resulted in collision with a tree and terrain.Sep 1, 2012 · N4258M · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12CA523Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportGrumman American Avn. AA-1B · Bedford, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing and subsequent go-around. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to shutoff the carburetor heat during the attempted go-around and the weight at which the airplane was…Aug 22, 2012 · N9858L · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12LA455Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBurkhart Grob G 103 Twin II · Hilltown, PAThe improper decision of the flight instructor receiving instruction to attempt a course reversal rather than land straight ahead following a simulated low-level rope break, and the inadequate remedial action of the flight instructor-in-command for allowing…Jul 13, 2012 · N5448G · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12CA443Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEvektor-Aerotechnik Sportstar Plus · Lancaster, PAThe pilot's attempt to secure an open canopy during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent hard landing.Jul 2, 2012 · N182EV · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12FA327Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20J · Sterling, PAThe pilot’s decision to take off on an uphill slope without utilizing the entire available runway, and his failure to abort the takeoff when he realized he wasn’t going to liftoff in time to clear the trees at the end of the runway.May 10, 2012 · N9154K · Substantial damage