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NTSB investigations, WA

509 cases where the phase of flight was Initial climb.

Cases per year

19642026

Where

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Latest cases

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\" = 'WA' 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 WPR25LA308Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportThomas Graham Teenie Two · Chehalis, WAThe pilot's improper decision to take off with the airplane over its maximum allowable gross weight, which degraded its climb performance and led to a subsequent off airport landing.Sep 11, 2025 · N311TS · Substantial damageNTSB WPR25LA155Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportPiper PA-18-150 · Enumclaw, WAOn May 10, 2025, about 1412 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-18-150, N333TM, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Enumclaw, Washington. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…May 10, 2025 · N333TM · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24FA103Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCirrus Design SR22T · Bellevue, WAA total loss of engine power due to a fatigue fracture of the crankshaft.Mar 6, 2024 · N927CS · Minor damageNTSB WPR24LA074Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeck Michael J Sonex · Auburn, WAWater contamination within the fuel regulator air-reference system, which resulted in improper fuel metering and a loss of engine power during initial climb.Jan 16, 2024 · N920MB · Substantial damageNTSB WPR23LA086Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportQuad City Challenger · Kent, WAThe pilot’s inflight loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to fly the airplane without receiving training in its operation and flight characteristics.Jan 7, 2023 · N528J · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA204Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Snohomish, WAThe total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel starvation and the pilot’s improper fuel tank selection and inadequate preflight inspection.Jun 4, 2022 · N561PK · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA307Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 170A · Metaline Falls, WAThe pilot’s failure to attain sufficient altitude during the initial climb to clear trees due to an encounter with windshear.Aug 6, 2021 · N5459C · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA213Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Cashmere, WAA total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.May 31, 2021 · N7159B · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21FA170Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportConsolidated Vultee BT-13A · Camas, WAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during an aborted landing, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.Apr 21, 2021 · N53331 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA015Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 152 · South Hill, WAThe pilot’s failure to ensure that the fuel supply had been completely drained of water, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to water contamination.Oct 15, 2020 · N6585L · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA229Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCostruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2004 Bravo · College Place, WAThe pilot’s premature retraction of the flaps which resulted in the airplane settling back onto the runway, contacting it hard, and veering off the runway.Jul 20, 2020 · N846JM · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA215Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150 · Port Orchard, WAThe pilot's delayed decision to go around from an unstable approach, which resulted in insufficient airplane performance to climb above rising terrain and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.Jul 8, 2020 · N22393 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA180Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 7KCAB · Renton, WAMaintenance personnel’s inadequate post-maintenance inspections that resulted in the total loss of engine power due to a blockage in the air intake.Jun 12, 2020 · N36339 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA122Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBuckman Bucks Special · Prescott, WADiminished engine performance due to carburetor icing conditions and multiple mechanical anomalies that did not allow for the airplane to attain adequate airspeed during takeoff from a planted field and failure to maintain clearance from obstructions.…Apr 9, 2020 · N9065F · Substantial damageNTSB WPR19FA133Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportJust JA30 Superstol · Chelan, WAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin.May 6, 2019 · N825PW · DestroyedNTSB WPR19LA171Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 35 · Deer Park, WAAn empennage flutter event for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.May 3, 2019 · N2839V · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18LA204Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMicrolites Ptyltd Dragonfly B · Buckley, WAA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Jul 19, 2018 · N7008Z · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18LA147Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell UH 1H · Olympia, WAA loss of tail rotor thrust due to the improper installation of the tail rotor assembly by maintenance personnel resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain control of the helicopter as he began transition into forward flight from a hover, which resulted in…May 25, 2018 · N111DR · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17LA153Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportClark James T Vans RV8 · Spokane, WAAn inflight engine fire for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which melted the air filter element and obstructed the engine's air intakes, resulting in a total loss of engine power.Jul 14, 2017 · N559JC · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17LA096Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32-260 · Mukilteo, WAThe improper maintenance of the carburetor, which resulted in a stuck float and a partial loss of engine power during takeoff.May 2, 2017 · N3457W · Substantial damageNTSB ENG17IA003Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportAirbus A330 223 · Seattle, WAA No. 1 engine fire caused by a fuel manifold supply line high cycle fatigue crack which led to a fuel leak that subsequently ignited on hot engine case surfaces. The fatigue crack originated and progressed due to elevated fuel manifold assembly vibration…Oct 26, 2016 · N855NW · No damageNTSB WPR15FA268Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 150F · Port Townsend, WAThe loss of engine power due to the mechanic's inadequate tightening of the crankshaft gear retaining bolts during an engine overhaul, which resulted in fatigue failure of the bolts and the crankshaft gear dowel pin that allowed the crankshaft gear to…Sep 28, 2015 · N8529G · Substantial damageNTSB WPR15LA235Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCleveland Allan B Nieuport 11# · Bellingham, WAA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.Aug 7, 2015 · N917AB · Substantial damageNTSB GAA15CA175Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 150J · Renton, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin.Jul 9, 2015 · N12MM · Substantial damageNTSB GAA15LA085Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDestiny 2000 · Eltopia, WAThe flight instructor’s failure to tell the student pilot to abort the takeoff after the powered parachute experienced wing oscillations, which resulted in the student pilot’s loss of aircraft control during initial climb and subsequent impact with terrain.…May 23, 2015 · N3376 · Substantial damageNTSB GAA15CA062Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportIssoire Siren PIK 30 · Deer Park, WAA loss of lift, which precipitated a forced off airport landing, and collision with terrain.May 6, 2015 · N350BC · Substantial damageNTSB WPR15LA167Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech F33A · Puyallup, WAA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a mechanic’s failure to properly tighten the B-nut to the fuel pump inlet during a recent annual inspection. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to take off despite…Apr 18, 2015 · N84MD · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14FA393Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTifft Kitfox III · Lake Stevens, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the inability of the flight instructor to take control…Sep 27, 2014 · N307KF · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14FA355Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportThomas C Sikes Loehle 5151 Mustang · Chehalis, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was that pilot’s psychiatric disease, which…Aug 27, 2014 · N73144 · DestroyedNTSB WPR14LA298Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 30 · Othello, WAThe partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Jul 17, 2014 · N7981Y · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14FA286Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182 · Fall City, WAThe pilot’s decision to depart in low-ceiling conditions and his continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.Jul 8, 2014 · N5816B · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14CA254Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMaule MX 7-235 · Port Orchard, WAThe pilot's delayed remedial action and failure to maintain directional control.Jun 20, 2014 · N5665A · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14CA136Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportNorman Quad City Challenger · Monroe, WAThe pilot's inadequate construction of the propeller bracket, which resulted in its failure during the initial climb and the propeller subsequently departing the airplane.Mar 13, 2014 · N345MN · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14CA019Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 - II · Sedro Woolley, WAThe non-instrument rated pilot's inadvertent encounter with instrument meteorological conditions during initial climb and his improper decision to continue flight, which resulted in an in-flight impact with a tree and an emergency descent that resulted in a…Oct 18, 2013 · N414CC · Substantial damageNTSB WPR12LA356Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell S2R · Royal City, WAThe loss of engine power due to the separation of the No. 2 cylinder exhaust rocker boss housing, which prevented the exhaust valve from opening.Aug 14, 2012 · N8468V · Substantial damageNTSB WPR12LA277Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRehn Kitfox IV · Vancouver, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during an attempt to return to the runway immediately after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was foreign debris in the right-hand carburetor bowl, which precipitated a loss…Jun 27, 2012 · N645GR · Substantial damageNTSB WPR12LA051Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · Seattle, WAThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain airplane control during a go-around.Dec 1, 2011 · N2163N · Substantial damageNTSB WPR11LA223Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCzech Aircraft Works Spol Sro Sportcruiser · Arlington, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain control during the takeoff climb, which resulted in a stall at low altitude and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impaired performance from over-the-counter medications.May 14, 2011 · N282SC · Substantial damageNTSB WPR11LA209Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182B · Colville, WAThe partial loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.Apr 23, 2011 · N8435T · Substantial damageNTSB WPR11CA196Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna T188C · Palouse, WAThe pilot's inadequate evaluation of the wind conditions at takeoff and failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain during the initial climb.Apr 13, 2011 · N4562J · Substantial damageNTSB WPR11LA095Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-150 · Lopez, WAA loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.Jan 9, 2011 · N5850D · Substantial damageNTSB WPR10LA411Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415 · Leavenworth, WAThe pilot's failure to adequately evaluate the airport and its environment in relation to the aircraft’s performance, which resulted in the airplane's failure to attain sufficient altitude to clear trees during the initial climb.Aug 18, 2010 · N2368H · Substantial damageNTSB WPR10FA384Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Roche Harbor, WAThe pilot’s failure to attain an adequate climb airspeed due to his use of flaps for takeoff, and his selection of a runway, which resulted in an uphill, and possibly downwind, takeoff and subsequent collision with a known obstacle. Contributing to the…Aug 6, 2010 · N9730H · Substantial damageNTSB WPR10FA373Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMarshall CH601 HDS · Kapowsin, WAThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall and loss of control during the initial climb.Jul 29, 2010 · N18295 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR10LA374Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLancair 320 · Spokane, WALoss of airplane control due to the asymmetric flap condition.Jul 27, 2010 · N360N · Substantial damageNTSB WPR10FA326Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150 · Keller, WAThe student pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during the initial climb.Jul 6, 2010 · N1053M · Substantial damageNTSB WPR10LA313Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDe Havilland DHC-1 · Port Orchard, WAA loss of engine power during initial climb due to water contamination in the fuel.Jun 24, 2010 · N6540C · Substantial damageNTSB WPR09LA364Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 150H · Washougal, WAA loss of engine power during initial climb due to a stuck exhaust valve.Jul 24, 2009 · N22278 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR09CA349Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEvektor-Aerotechnik Sportstar · Snohomish, WAA complete loss of engine power due to the failure of the airplane's engine-driven fuel pump.Jul 15, 2009 · N827EV · Substantial damageNTSB WPR09CA329Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportNalis Glastar · Arlington, WAA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's failure to select the fullest tank prior to takeoff.Jul 5, 2009 · N432P · Substantial damage