NTSB investigations, 2020

112 cases where the phase of flight was Initial climb.

Cases per year

19622026
NTSB investigations, 2020 per year, 1962–2026: 20,559 cases
19623
19634
1964505
1965555
1966582
1967587
1968577
1969582
1970552
1971541
1972507
1973482
1974556
1975543
1976521
1977556
1978566
1979502
1980505
1981499
1982490
1983507
1984466
1985418
1986394
1987380
1988368
1989348
1990351
1991324
1992306
1993307
1994292
1995289
1996244
1997272
1998266
1999239
2000221
2001219
2002200
2003227
2004210
2005204
2006180
2007202
2008212
2009173
2010162
2011177
2012193
2013122
2014130
2015165
2016141
2017149
2018155
2019146
2020112
2021166
2022161
2023163
2024143
2025134
2026106

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 year(c.\"eventDate\") = 2020
    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 CEN21LA101Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 65-A80-8800 · Alexandria, MNThe pilot’s decision to attempt takeoff with frost covering the airplane and rotating below the published rotation speed, which led to exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.Dec 29, 2020 · N134BA · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21LA092Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSonex Tailwheel · Burleson, TXA total loss of engine power due to engine seizure. Contributing to the accident was the pilot decision not to orbit the airport, as originally planned.Dec 19, 2020 · N935EK · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA070Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSilverLight AR-1 · Heber City, UTThe pilot’s failure to follow the procedures for takeoff in the Pilot Operating Handbook, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with the terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to receive additional training in the gyroplane.Dec 16, 2020 · N261MD · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21WA094AccidentClass 5 · ForeignAficionado MINI-MAX Eros · Urbanización Bassetes, SpainDec 13, 2020 · EC-ZQJ · DestroyedNTSB WPR21LA068Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Ogden, UTThe partial loss of engine power for reasons that cannot be determined due to lack of available evidence.Dec 10, 2020 · N577CP · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21LA082Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA12 · Spearfish, SDA total loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.Dec 8, 2020 · N2554M · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21LA075Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32 · Windom, MNThe pilot’s spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff into night instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in loss of airplane control and subsequent impact with terrain.Dec 6, 2020 · N8178Y · DestroyedNTSB ERA21LA052Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportLancair Legacy FG · Hollywood, FLThe pilot/owner’s failure to properly reinstall the number 1 cylinder spark plug, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during the initial climb. Contributing was the pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during an attempted…Nov 23, 2020 · N3UH · Substantial damageNTSB GAA21WA005Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBeech 95B55 · Sao Pedro, SP, BrazilNov 14, 2020 · PT-OOQ · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA052Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 7GCBC · Fallbrook, CAA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined with the available evidence.Nov 11, 2020 · N57517 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21LA044Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Dunn Center, NDThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s decision to depart into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control.Nov 8, 2020 · N3606A · DestroyedNTSB 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 CEN21LA040Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C · Weslaco, TXThe pilot of N87715 inadvertently allowed his airplane to drift right of the runway during the climb after a touch-and-go landing, and the pilot of N6463H did not maintain adequate separation from the other airplane during his go-around. Contributing to the…Nov 3, 2020 · N87715 · 2 aircraft · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA030Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman AA5 · Baxley, GAA partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Oct 25, 2020 · N920JL · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21FA025Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35 · Slidell, LAThe pilot’s loss of control shortly after departure for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Oct 21, 2020 · N35DC · DestroyedNTSB CEN21LA018Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T182 · Houma, LAImpact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined with the available information.Oct 16, 2020 · N707DA · 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 ERA21LA027Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMuse Stol CH 750 · Sewanee, TNThe airplane’s encounter with a downdraft during the initial climb, which resulted in an impact with trees.Oct 14, 2020 · N750JD · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA022Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportChampion 7FC · Moneta, VAThe fight instructor’s failure to ensure that the fuel selector handle was in the correct position, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation.Oct 14, 2020 · N7532E · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA018Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportZenith Stol CH801 · Apison, TNA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, as a result of an incorrectly placarded fuel selector.Oct 12, 2020 · N801TP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA019Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32 · Atlanta, GAA partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to a right magneto anomaly, which resulted in the pilot’s decision to abort the takeoff and the subsequent runway excursion.Oct 11, 2020 · N3595W · Substantial damageNTSB DCA21WA006IncidentClass 5 · ForeignBoeing 777 · Guiuan, Eastern Samar, PhilippinesOct 10, 2020 · D-ALFG · No damageNTSB CEN21WA115Accident · Serious injuriesClass 5 · ForeignCessna 185A · Romsey, United KingdomOct 7, 2020 · G-BLOS · DestroyedNTSB WPR21LA011Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRans S-7 · Spirit Lake, IDThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.Oct 6, 2020 · N55893 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA003Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEvolution Revo · Hawthorne, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff.Oct 4, 2020 · N449WB · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA006Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Fulton, NYThe mechanic’s improper maintenance, which resulted in the crankshaft expansion plug dislodging in flight and a subsequent forced landing.Oct 4, 2020 · N6179U · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA008Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportExperimental Quad City Challenger II · Northfield, NHA total loss of engine power due to oil starvation of the No. 1 cylinder. Contributing to the accident was the pinched No. 1 cylinder oil injection line.Oct 3, 2020 · N129AY · Substantial damageNTSB DCA21WA004Incident · No injuriesClass 4 · ForeignBoeing 787-800 · Amsterdam, NetherlandsOct 3, 2020 · OO-JAVNTSB CEN20LA425Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · Spring, TXThe student pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during climb and subsequent impact with terrain.Sep 29, 2020 · N75634 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA320Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGreat Lakes 2T1A · San Diego, CAA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a hard landing off airport.Sep 24, 2020 · N3617L · Substantial damageNTSB ERA20LA325Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportErcoupe F 1 · West Kingston, RIThe pilot’s failure to conduct a proper preflight inspection and ensure the fuel was uncontaminated, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and forced landing.Sep 21, 2020 · N3000G · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA310Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV4 · Clovis, NMThe pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control during initial climb due to distraction, which resulted in an in-flight upset and impact with terrain.Sep 19, 2020 · N250LB · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20CA406Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportPik PIK-20D · Union, ILThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff that resulted in a collision with another glider that was parked close to the departure runway, and the pilot’s improper decision to attempt a takeoff without ensuring he had safe clearance…Sep 19, 2020 · N32C · Substantial damageNTSB ANC20LA093Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA22 · Homer, AKThe total loss of engine power during the initial climb due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident was the corrosion of the fuel tank filler necks, which resulted in water intrusion into the fuel tanks.Sep 14, 2020 · N8875C · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA303Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportNavion B · Van Nuys, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during an abrupt turn after takeoff at a low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.Sep 11, 2020 · N37C · DestroyedNTSB ERA20LA312Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportQuad City Challenger · Sweetwater, TNA loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Sep 10, 2020 · N56906 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20LA383Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportStearman A75N1(PT17) · Henderson, TXThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed, resulting in an aerodynamic stall after takeoff.Sep 5, 2020 · N373VU · 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 GAA20WA133Accident · 4 fatalForeign investigationCommander 114 · Fur airport, DenmarkThe government of Denmark has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a COMMANDER 114 airplane that occurred on August 30, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Denmark's investigation under the…Aug 30, 2020 · D-EQCA · DestroyedNTSB DCA20WA142Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Tokyo, JapanThe JTSB of Japan has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Boeing 737 airplane that occurred on August 29, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the JTSB investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13.All…Aug 29, 2020 · JA73NM · Substantial damageNTSB GAA20WA134Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBeech 35 · Teresina, BrazilThe government of Brazil has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a BEECH 35 airplane that occurred on August 28, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Brazil's investigation under the provisions of…Aug 28, 2020 · PT-AFN · DestroyedNTSB GAA20WA132Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignAviamilano Falco F8L · Sibari, ItalyAug 26, 2020 · I-CAVL · DestroyedNTSB CEN20LA381Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA36 · Ord, NEThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while in a turn during initial climb and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude.Aug 18, 2020 · N57607 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20LA336Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Osage Beach, MOAn in-flight fire and subsequent loss of airplane control shortly after takeoff. The source of the in-flight fire or the reason for the loss of airplane control could not be determined based on the available information.Aug 16, 2020 · N949CG · DestroyedNTSB 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 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 ERA20LA288Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 170 · Ardmore, TNThe pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and his decision to depart from a constrained, grass-covered field in elevated-density altitude conditions, which resulted in reduced takeoff and climb performance and a subsequent forced landing.Aug 13, 2020 · N3962V · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20LA329Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA22 · Burlington, WIA partial loss of engine power due to the formation of carburetor ice while on the ground, which resulted in reduced climb capability and impact with trees during the initial climb.Aug 9, 2020 · N6849B · Substantial damageNTSB ANC20WA079Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationCessna 172 · Valdau, RussiaThe government of Russia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a CESSNA 172 airplane that occurred on August 02, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Russia's investigation under the provisions of…Aug 2, 2020 · RA-67551NTSB CEN20CA320Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna A188 · Memphis, MOThe pilot did not remove the rudder gust lock during the preflight inspection, which resulted in a forced landing and collision with a tree.Jul 31, 2020 · N90834 · Substantial damage