# Fatal NTSB investigations: Aircraft maintenance event NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports. Page 1 of 2 · 79 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB ERA24LA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA185.md): Bailey-Moyes Dragonfly · Groveland, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 19, 2024 · UNREG · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper installation and inspection of the right lower wing strut attachment bolt, which resulted in the inflight failure of the right wing. - [NTSB ERA24FA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA110.md): Bombardier CL-600-2B16 · Naples, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 9, 2024 · N823KD · Destroyed > Corrosion of both engines’ variable geometry (VG) system components, which led to their operation in an off-schedule position and resulted in near-simultaneous sub-idle rotating compressor stalls on approach, subsequent loss of thrust in both engines, and an… - [NTSB ERA23FA382](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA382.md): Smith William S Smith Cozy Mark IV · Cullman, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 29, 2023 · N95SF · Substantial damage > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/owner’s improper installation of engine… - [NTSB ERA23FA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA273.md): Mooney M20R · Southport, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 25, 2023 · N13LV · Destroyed > The pilot’s improper decision to fly a known unairworthy airplane, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to oil starvation. - [NTSB ERA23FA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA103.md): Piper PA28 · Suffolk, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 7, 2023 · N592FL · Destroyed > The pilot’s decision to fly the airplane without confirming it had been released from maintenance, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to loose magnetos. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and… - [NTSB ERA23FA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA033.md): Beech A24 · Keene, NH · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 21, 2022 · N8020R · Destroyed > Improper maintenance of the fuel injector nozzles and the pilots’ failure to abort the takeoff during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the mechanic’s decision to return the airplane to service with the engine unable to attain its full rated… - [NTSB CEN22FA433](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA433.md): Airgyro AG915 · Yankton, SD · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 27, 2022 · N499AG · Destroyed > A loss of control while an in-flight fire occurred, which resulted in an impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/builder’s improper engine build procedures. - [NTSB CEN22FA419](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA419.md): Piper PA-28R-201 · Conway, SC · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 14, 2022 · N62FC · Destroyed > The 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… - [NTSB ERA22FA320](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA320.md): Knight AA Nieuport 28 · Basehor, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 18, 2022 · N6170 · Destroyed > The pilot’s incorrect installation of the left-wing strut, which resulted in a loss of airplane control during takeoff and a subsequent aerodynamic stall and spin from which the pilot could not recover. - [NTSB CEN22FA298](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA298.md): Piper PA-24-250 · St. Jacob, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 2, 2022 · N5235P · Destroyed > The inadequate maintenance of the airplane fuel system that resulted in fuel exhaustion and a loss of engine power. - [NTSB ERA22FA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA126.md): Beech 58 · Lexington, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 16, 2022 · N58LF · Destroyed > Inadequate maintenance, which led to a partial loss of both right and left engine power during takeoff, and the pilot’s subsequent failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering with one engine at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s… - [NTSB CEN21FA272](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA272.md): Antenor Velazco Lancair Evolution · Parker, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 16, 2021 · N704AK · Destroyed > The pilot’s diversion of attention following an asymmetric flap deployment, which resulted in a descent and collision with powerlines. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the flap control rod attachment bolts,… - [NTSB ERA21FA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA224.md): Piper PA-31P · Myrtle Beach, SC · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 21, 2021 · N575BC · Destroyed > The mechanic’s inadvertent installation of the elevator trim tabs in reverse, which resulted in the pitch trim system operating opposite of the pilot’s input and the pilot’s subsequent loss of control. - [NTSB WPR21LA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA161.md): Rans S12 · Colville, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 17, 2021 · N707PH · Substantial damage > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering to avoid powerlines, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of engine power due to improper… - [NTSB ERA21LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA052.md): Lancair Legacy FG · Hollywood, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 23, 2020 · N3UH · Substantial damage > The 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… - [NTSB ERA20LA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA212.md): Piper PA32RT · Selma, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 10, 2020 · N543GS · Destroyed > The mechanic’s failure to clean the oil suction screen during the most recent maintenance, which resulted in oil starvation and subsequent total loss of engine power. - [NTSB ANC20FA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20FA024.md): Cessna 305 · Mokuleia, HI · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 22, 2020 · N65070 · Substantial damage > A separation of the left rudder cable due to inadequate maintenance, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control and impact with terrain. - [NTSB ERA19FA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA256.md): Moriarty Marvin Aventura II · Minneola, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 23, 2019 · N9143M · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper modifications to the airplane’s engine, which resulted in the partial loss of engine power. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during an attempted return to the airport… - [NTSB CEN19FA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA109.md): Aerospatiale AS350 · Montgomery, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 27, 2019 · N818MC · Substantial damage > Maintenance personnel's failure to properly re-install and secure a fuel line, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. - [NTSB WPR18FA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA171.md): Beech A35 · Hesperia, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Jun 15, 2018 · N580B · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted return to the airport following the separation of the spinner bulkhead during takeoff as a result of fatigue cracking. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to fly… - [NTSB WPR18FA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA143.md): I.C.A.-Brasov IS 29D · Avenal, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 19, 2018 · N38ES · Destroyed > The pilot's improper installation of the wings onto the glider, which resulted in an in-flight wing separation. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's limited familiarity with the design and a lack of reliable assembly guidance. - [NTSB ERA18FA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA146.md): Beech 35A33 · Jacksonville, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 13, 2018 · N486T · Destroyed > The pilot/mechanic's inadequate inspection of the exhaust system, including the left muffler and heat exchanger, which precluded his detection of preexisting cracks and led to a missed opportunity to replace the components. The inadequate inspection allowed… - [NTSB ERA18FA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA138.md): Piper PA32 · West Milford, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 2, 2018 · N4153R · Destroyed > An in-flight fire and total loss of engine power after takeoff due to a loose fuel line. Contributing to the accident was the installation of an unapproved fuel line by unknown personnel. - [NTSB ERA18FA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA137.md): Piper PA28R · Gainesville, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 28, 2018 · N4363F · Substantial damage > A partial loss of engine power due to inadequate thru-bolt and stud preload tension by undetermined maintenance personnel, which resulted in fretting between the engine crankcase halves, and the subsequent separation of the No. 2 cylinder due to the fatigue… - [NTSB ERA18FA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA084.md): Piper PA28 · Bonifay, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 21, 2018 · N3568K · Destroyed > A partial loss of engine power due to a stuck exhaust valve. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate an airplane with a known mechanical deficiency and his failure to fly an appropriate traffic pattern that would have allowed the… - [NTSB WPR18FA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA088.md): Hastings Thomas G Cirrus VK 30 · Agua Dulce, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 11, 2018 · N52TH · Substantial damage > The driveshaft fracture due to overstress loading and rotational bending as a result of the under-torqued nuts on the elastomeric couplings backing off and the subsequent in-flight separation of the horizontal fairing due to contact with the separated end of… - [NTSB ERA17FA327](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA327.md): Mooney M20C · North Branford, CT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 2017 · N53CP · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as the result of foreign object debris in the fuel selector valve. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's selection of a low cruising altitude, which reduced the available time to troubleshoot the loss… - [NTSB CEN17FA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA207.md): Varga 2150A · Bowling Green, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 1, 2017 · N4635V · Substantial damage > The pilot's loss of control due to impairment from carbon monoxide poisoning. Contributing to the accident was the corrosion of the heat exchanger and the failure of maintenance personnel to adequately inspect and repair or replace the exchanger during the… - [NTSB WPR17FA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA108.md): Piper PA 30 · Haines, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 27, 2017 · N7376Y · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to turn toward the inoperative engine after conducting a low-level pass, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at too low an altitude to recover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to perform the flight and the engine… - [NTSB ERA17FA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA148.md): Piper PA 12 · Sanford, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 8, 2017 · N3280M · Destroyed > The incorrect rigging of the elevator control cables, which resulted in a reversal of elevator control inputs applied by the pilot during the takeoff, an excessive nose-high pitch, and subsequent aerodynamic stall after takeoff. Also causal was the inadequate… - [NTSB CEN17FA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA139.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Stonewall, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 25, 2017 · N4329T · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to attain a proper touchdown point following a loss of engine power and his inability to stop the airplane on the short, soft runway. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance of the airplane by the owner and the mechanic… - [NTSB WPR17FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA074.md): Quicksilver MXL II · Hesperia, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 7, 2017 · UNREG · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to identify and correct his construction error of a critical structural component, which resulted in a loss of airplane control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to his combined use of multiple… - [NTSB ERA16FA329](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA329.md): Cessna 172 · Laytonsville, MD · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 27, 2016 · N52126 · Destroyed > The pilot/mechanic's failure to maintain airspeed following a loss of engine power, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Also causal was the pilot/mechanic's failure to service the engine… - [NTSB ERA16FA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA248.md): Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Hickory, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2016 · N427TV · Substantial damage > Company maintenance personnel's inappropriate removal without replacement of the safety wires on the collective lever pin screws during a recent maintenance inspection, which resulted in the screws backing out and led to a loss of collective control in flight. - [NTSB ERA16FA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA144.md): Bell 206 · Pigeon Forge, TN · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 4, 2016 · N16760 · Destroyed > An inflight loss of engine power due to a failure of the engine fuel pump, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain during the subsequent autorotation. The failure of the engine fuel pump resulted from the absence of adequate grease leading to… - [NTSB WPR16FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA072.md): Bell 206B · Honolulu, HI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 18, 2016 · N80918 · Substantial damage > The in-flight failure of the engine-to-transmission drive shaft due to improper maintenance, which resulted in low main rotor rpm and a subsequent hard landing to water. - [NTSB WPR16LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA050.md): Moore Onex · Fresno, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 10, 2016 · N1950J · Substantial damage > The pilot/builder's failure to properly align the Force One Main Bearing, which resulted in a blockage of the oil transfer hole and culminated with a total engine power loss. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to arrest the bank and sink… - [NTSB ERA15LA349](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA349.md): Mooney M20TN · Atlantic City (Atlantic Ocean) · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 10, 2015 · N370MM · Substantial damage > A loose oxygen line, which was not detected by maintenance personnel during a recent annual inspection, that allowed oxygen to escape and drain the oxygen canister more quickly than the pilot expected. This reduced the pilot's availability of supplemental… - [NTSB CEN15LA329](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA329.md): O'Dell Aeromaster · Sulphur Springs, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 31, 2015 · N55J · Destroyed > A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postimpact damage precluded a thorough examination of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain control following the loss of engine power,… - [NTSB CEN15FA315](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA315.md): Sanford Zenith CH 601XL · Bristol, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 2015 · N9601 · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and airplane control following a loss of engine power during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the installation of ignition system coils that were not engine-manufacturer replacement parts, which… - [NTSB CEN15FA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA269.md): Grumman American Avn. AA-5 · Fredericksburg, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 14, 2015 · N6552L · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a partial loss of engine power during initial climb, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Also causal was the mechanic's… - [NTSB WPR15FA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA158.md): Piper PA 46 350P · Spokane, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 7, 2015 · N962DA · Destroyed > The mechanic's incorrect installation of two aileron cables and the subsequent inadequate functional checks of the aileron system before flight by both the mechanic and the pilot, which prevented proper roll control from the cockpit, resulting in the pilot's… - [NTSB ERA15LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA133.md): Johnson Joel H Rans S-6ES Coyote II · Rincon, PR · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 19, 2015 · N5196W · Substantial damage > The inadequate maintenance and inspection of the fuel system, which resulted in partial blockage of a fuel filter, a partial loss of engine power, and subsequent ditching. - [NTSB ERA15FA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA128.md): Piper PA28 · Greensboro, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 11, 2015 · N5985U · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power after takeoff due to fuel starvation as a result of excessive wear of the fuel selector valve. Also causal was the owner/operator and maintenance personnel's inadequate maintenance, and inadequate postmaintenance inspection. - [NTSB ERA14FA461](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA461.md): Eagle R&D Helicycle · Gallatin, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 28, 2014 · N7062U · Substantial damage > The pilot's decision to fly the improperly balanced helicopter at high speed and low altitude, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's depression and resulting degradation of executive… - [NTSB ERA14FA421](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA421.md): Klaas Development Lancair IV P · Ooltewah, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 2014 · N541EM · Substantial damage > The inadequate torque of the propeller mounting bolts and inspection of the propeller, which resulted in the fatigue fracture of the bolts and a subsequent in-flight separation of the propeller assembly. - [NTSB ANC14FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14FA050.md): Piper PA 12 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 2014 · N3512M · Substantial damage > The incorrect (reverse) rigging of the elevator control cables, and the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect the misrigging. - [NTSB ERA14FA313](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA313.md): Cessna 182 · Littleton, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 27, 2014 · N182PE · Substantial damage > Maintenance personnel's application of sealant to the engine case halves during engine overhaul, contrary to manufacturer's instructions, which resulted in internal failure of the engine due to the loss of case bolt torque. - [NTSB ERA14FA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA168.md): Piper PA-44-180 · Brunswick, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 24, 2014 · N923RS · Destroyed > An inflight failure of the airplane's only operating vacuum pump, which resulted in the loss of attitude information provided by vacuum-driven flight instruments. Also causal was the pilots' failure to maintain control of the airplane while operating in… - [NTSB ERA14FA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA123.md): Williams Christopher T Sonex · Wellington, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 17, 2014 · N732SX · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a partial loss of engine power during initial climb, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the… Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/040/sequence.md?fatal=1&page=2 ## The whole list in SQL Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS: ```sql 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."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '040' AND s.case_mkey IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' WHERE "isDefiningEvent")) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/040/sequence?fatal=1 --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.