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NTSB investigations, SC

193 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\" = 'SC' 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 WPR26FA160Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportMooney M20J · Union, SCOn April 17, 2026, about 1750 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20J, N1151H, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Union, South Carolina. The pilot and 3 passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…Apr 17, 2026 · N1151H · Substantial damageNTSB ERA26LA022Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRans Employee Flying Club Rans S-6ES Coyote II · Williston, SCThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the initial climb in gusting crosswind conditions.Oct 24, 2025 · N43822 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA177Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportBeech A24 · Greenville, SCOn April 17, 2025, about 1540 eastern daylight time, a Beech A24 airplane, N8060R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU), Greenville, South Carolina. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The…Apr 17, 2025 · N8060R · Substantial damageNTSB ERA24LA388Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172K · Spartanburg, SCMaintenance personnel’s failure to follow the engine manufacturer’s maintenance guidance, which resulted in the assembly of the engine with an obstructed oil passage, a subsequent lack of lubrication to the front main bearing, and a total loss of engine power.Sep 20, 2024 · N7037G · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA342Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech C23 · Greer, SCA partial loss of engine power during the initial climb due to the formation of carburetor ice, resulting in reduced climb capability. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed during the emergency descent, which…Aug 20, 2023 · N9360S · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA329Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEipper Formance Mxii · Holy Hill, SCThe pilot’s exceedance of the critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude and a collision with a hangar. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of experience in the accident make and…Aug 9, 2023 · N1624Z · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23FA280Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · North Myrtle Beach, SCThe pilot’s loss of control during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s operation of the airplane above its maximum gross weight and near its aft center of gravity limit,…Jul 2, 2023 · N5524F · DestroyedNTSB ERA23LA037Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Spartanburg, SCA partial separation of the crankshaft gear/bolt, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.Oct 23, 2022 · N8580N · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22FA419Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201 · Conway, SCThe mechanic’s failure to install the required gasket on the vacuum pump drive pad in accordance with the maintenance manual, which resulted in oil exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the Director of…Sep 14, 2022 · N62FC · DestroyedNTSB ERA22LA216Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman AA1 · Seneca, SCA dislodged air filter element, which restricted airflow to the carburetor resulting in a loss of engine power.May 2, 2022 · N15LM · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA168Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Myrtle Beach, SCVibration in the airframe and flight controls for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.Mar 26, 2022 · N288L · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA155Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAircraft Designs Stallion · Ridgeland, SCA loss of sufficient electrical power to the engine’s electronic fuel injection/ignition system for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.Mar 13, 2022 · N262KT · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA136Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportFlightstar Flightstar II · Holly Hill, SCA loss of control during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which resulted in a collision with a hangar and trees.Feb 24, 2022 · N194PG · Substantial damageNTSB ERA20LA286Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportJust JA 30 Superstol · Clover, SCThe separation of a spark plug lead, resulting in a partial loss of engine power and collision with trees.Aug 15, 2020 · N146BB · Substantial damageNTSB ERA20LA150Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportArion Lightning LS-1 · Mount Pleasant, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees at the end of the runway due to spatial disorientation during initial climb in dark night conditions. Also causal was the flight instructor’s inadequate monitoring, which did not identify and prevent the…Apr 10, 2020 · N81DJ · DestroyedNTSB ERA19LA226Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 120 · Summit, SCA total loss of engine power during initial climb due to carburetor ice formation.Jul 13, 2019 · N3886V · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA429Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportFlightstar Sportplanes Flightstar II · Coward, SCThe noncertificated pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.Jun 28, 2019 · UNREG · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17LA334Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMcmillan Joel L Avid SW 65 · Darlington, SCA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a clogged fuel filter.Sep 24, 2017 · N65SW · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17LA175Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20R · Myrtle Beach, SCA total loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane sank in the ocean and was not recovered.May 9, 2017 · N20835 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA135Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Myrtle Beach, SCA complete loss of electrical power, which resulted from the separation of an alternator wire due to corrosion. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the emergency landing gear extension system due to a lack of hydraulic fluid, which resulted in…Mar 19, 2016 · N59196 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15FA221Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBR Legend Turbine Legend · West Columbia, SCAn engine flame-out due to fuel starvation as the result of an improperly-installed auxiliary fuel pump fitting, and the pilot's failure to promptly feather the propeller following the engine-flame out, which resulted in decreased glide capability and impact…May 23, 2015 · N42BR · DestroyedNTSB ERA15LA219Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRainbow Aerotrike · Chesnee, SCThe pilot’s failure to maintain lateral or bank control during takeoff, which resulted in collision with, and subsequent suspension from, a tree. Contributing to the pilot’s fatal injuries was his attempt to jump out of the trike to a nearby tree limb.Mar 9, 2015 · UNREG · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14FA387Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Mount Pleasant, SCThe commercial pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. Contributing to the commercial pilot’s failure to recognize and remediate the stall were his…Aug 14, 2014 · N66241 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14FA289Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMeyer Clair O 2/3 P 51B/C Mustang · Marion, SCThe airplane's impact with terrain shortly after takeoff due to a physiological incapacitation of the pilot.Jun 13, 2014 · N51BM · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-160 · Graniteville, SCThe pilot's improper maintenance of the airplane's fuel system, which resulted a loss of power in the left engine due to fuel starvation. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain minimum controllable airspeed following the loss of engine power, which…Nov 25, 2013 · N4016P · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13LA264Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGlobe GC-1B · Williamson, SCThe pilot’s decision to takeoff with a quartering tailwind at high density altitude, close to gross takeoff weight, on a short turf runway with trees at the departure end.Jun 1, 2013 · N3715K · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12LA260Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369D · McCormick, SCThe pilot's decision to use automotive fuel instead of the approved alternate fuel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.Mar 30, 2012 · N868W · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12FA051Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Moncks Corner, SCThe debilitating effects of ethylene glycol poisoning, which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain control of the airplane.Oct 13, 2011 · N3086X · Substantial damageNTSB ERA11LA009Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Columbia, SCA total loss of engine power due to a loss of lubrication after the engine experienced a piston ring failure for undetermined reasons.Oct 5, 2010 · N21415 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10LA486Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Barnwell, SCThe failure of the No. 1 connecting rod end cap for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.Sep 19, 2010 · N799SQ · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10FA024Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Summerville, SCFlight into terrain for undetermined reasons.Oct 21, 2009 · N62635 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA09LA544Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCelier Xenon RST · Mount Pleasant, SCThe gyroplane's inadequate climb performance for undetermined reasons.Sep 25, 2009 · N4462J · Substantial damageNTSB ERA09LA281Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPolaris Motors 582 FIB · Lexington, SCThe non-certificated pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the non-certificated pilot’s lack of experience in the make and model airplane.May 4, 2009 · N171MB · Substantial damageNTSB CHI08LA162Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Summerville, SCA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Jun 13, 2008 · N5471Q · Substantial damageNTSB MIA07CA144Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 177 · Columbia, SCThe loss of engine power as a result of the fuel mixture cable failure for undetermined reasons.Sep 9, 2007 · N2353Y · Substantial damageNTSB MIA07LA131Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMBB BK-117 A-4 · Ridgeville, SCThe EMS helicopter pilot's failure to ensure adequate obstacle clearance which resulted in the tail rotor impacting a tree during the takeoff.Aug 9, 2007 · N171MU · Substantial damageNTSB MIA07CA112Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEvektor-Aerotechnik Sportstar · Greenville, SCThe pilot's inadvertent use of the wrong rudder during initial climb which resulted in a loss of control and collision with the ground.Jun 27, 2007 · N812EV · Substantial damageNTSB ATL06LA060Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportJust Highlander · Walhalla, SCThe pilot and owner/builders failure to determine the reason for partial loss of engine power resulting in loss of engine power due to fuel system contamination on a subsequent flight.Apr 2, 2006 · N9085N · Substantial damageNTSB ATL05FA043Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Charleston, SCThe pilot's inadequate preflight and mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.Jan 11, 2005 · N7654Y · Substantial damageNTSB CHI04MA182Accident · 4 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Newberry, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance as a result of fog conditions. A contributing factor was inadequate weather and dispatch information relayed to the pilot.Jul 13, 2004 · N503MT · DestroyedNTSB ATL04FA096Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · Greenwood, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb that resulted in an inadvertent stall and the subsequent collision with trees. A factor was the inadequate preflight planning/preparation when he failed to lower the wing flaps.Apr 19, 2004 · N8157J · DestroyedNTSB ATL04FA090Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSmith Aerostar 601P · Johns Island, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during emergency descent, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and uncontrolled descent into trees and terrain. A factor was the loss of engine power in one engine due to pre-ignition/detonation.Apr 5, 2004 · N869CC · Substantial damageNTSB ATL03FA133Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-310P · Hilton Head Is, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a VFR pattern for a precautionary landing, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and subsequent collision with terrain. Also causal was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the…Aug 31, 2003 · N70DL · DestroyedNTSB ATL03TA078Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportAero Commander 500S · Mount Pleasant, SCThe improper refueling of the airplane by airport personnel with the incorrect fuel grade that resulted in a total loss in engine power on both engines during initial climb. A factor was the inadequate preflight inspection by the pilot in command.Apr 14, 2003 · N19WL · DestroyedNTSB ATL03LA066Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDaigneault EAA BI-PLANE · Easley, SCThe pilots failure to maintain clearance while maneuvering on initial climb out resulting in an in-flight collision with a residence.Mar 23, 2003 · N22PJ · Substantial damageNTSB MIA03LA049Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMooney M20K · Myrtle Beach, SCA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Jan 28, 2003 · N231NT · Substantial damageNTSB ATL02FA150Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Spartanburg, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the takeoff initial climb which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with an embankment.Aug 3, 2002 · N7362J · DestroyedNTSB MIA02LA064Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Marion, SCThe loss of engine power during takeoff/initial climb due to undetermined reasons, resulting in a landing on unsuitable terrain.Feb 28, 2002 · N1915V · Substantial damageNTSB MIA02LA006Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170 · Bennettsville, SCThe blockage of the fuel vent and also the collapsed fuel supply line resulting in the total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.Oct 5, 2001 · N4180V · Substantial damageNTSB MIA01FA192Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-35-F35 · Bamberg, SCthe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed, while attempting a forced landing following a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin, and subsequent impact with the terrain. A factor in this accident was…Jul 21, 2001 · N5058S · Destroyed