# 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 3 of 10 · 484 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB CEN21LA267](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA267.md): Great Lakes 2T-1A-1 · Roanoke, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 14, 2021 · N503GL · Substantial damage
  > Inadequate maintenance of the brake system which resulted in the caliper binding closed and the subsequent loss of directional control during the landing roll.
- [NTSB CEN21LA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA243.md): Phillips Ralph W Vans RV8 · San Angelo, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 27, 2021 · N274CV · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the installation of a reduced flow fitting in the fuel line to the carburetor by maintenance personnel.
- [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 CEN21LA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA218.md): Cessna R182 · Tulsa, OK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 13, 2021 · N8051B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inability to extend the main landing gear due to incomplete maintenance, which resulted in a partial wheels-up landing and the mechanic’s failure to follow proper maintenance procedures that led to the loss of main landing gear system hydraulic…
- [NTSB ANC21LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA040.md): Piper PA-18-105 Special · Gakona, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 10, 2021 · N5489H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to initiate a flight with a failed mixture control cable which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [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 CEN21LA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA194.md): Cessna A185F · North Vernon, IN · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 17, 2021 · N19D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper installation of the fuel selector handle, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB CEN21LA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA187.md): Eurocopter EC120 · LeRoy, KS · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 9, 2021 · N421PB · Substantial damage
  > The contamination of the fuel injection manifold filter due to improper maintenance, resulting in a partial loss of engine power during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s delayed autorotation, which resulted in insufficient main rotor…
- [NTSB CEN21LA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA138.md): Cessna 182F · Millville, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 24, 2021 · N3209U · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate maintenance/inspection of the airplane, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to oil starvation.
- [NTSB ERA21LA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA114.md): Aviat A1 · Terrell, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 23, 2021 · N480F · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to retract the landing gear on the amphibious airplane prior to a water landing, resulting in a nose over and structural damage to the airframe. The mechanic’s failure to remove electrical tape from the pitot tube, the pilot’s inadequate…
- [NTSB ERA21LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA062.md): Ercoupe 415 · South Boston, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 6, 2020 · N2674H · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of a fuel filter screen cover gasket, which resulted in its failure, fuel starvation, and a subsequent total loss of engine power during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the unapproved fuel sight gauge, which obscured…
- [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 CEN21LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA049.md): Piper PA32 · Circleville, OH · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 8, 2020 · N33DW · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to an accessory drive gear that backed out impeding the other gears.
- [NTSB CEN21LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA048.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Greenville, MI · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 7, 2020 · N9993W · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation during a low approach over the airport, which resulted in a forced landing and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN21LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA034.md): Cessna 182 · Lebanon, OH · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 28, 2020 · N3537C · Substantial damage
  > Improper maintenance that resulted in a blocked crankcase breather port and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR21LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA019.md): Glasair III · Hayward, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 21, 2020 · N1YX · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation because of a clogged fuel filter. Contributing to the accident was the improper maintenance and inspection of the fuel filter.
- [NTSB CEN21LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA031.md): Piper PA28 · Buda, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 21, 2020 · N5932U · Substantial damage
  > An improperly torqued oil line fitting during an engine overhaul, which resulted in oil exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN21LA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA016.md): Kitfox Classic 4 · New Carlisle, OH · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 13, 2020 · N47KC · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain pitch control of the airplane during landing, which caused the airplane to nose over during landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the main landing gear modification which increased the airplane’s tendency to nose over…
- [NTSB ERA21LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA006.md): Piper PA28 · Fulton, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 4, 2020 · N6179U · Substantial damage
  > The mechanic’s improper maintenance, which resulted in the crankshaft expansion plug dislodging in flight and a subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB CEN20LA377](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA377.md): Stinson 108-3 · Coleman, MI · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 1, 2020 · N909C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper installation of the generator drive gear, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN20LA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA294.md): Rockwell S2R · Harlan, IA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 20, 2020 · N1662S · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue fracture of the upper rudder hinge that resulted in a partial separation of the rudder from the airplane during a spray pass.
- [NTSB ERA20CA246](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA246.md): Piper PA22 · Cortland, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jul 13, 2020 · N2716P · Substantial damage
  > The mechanic’s incorrect rigging of the aileron control cables, which resulted in a reversal of aileron control inputs applied by the pilot during the takeoff. Also causal was the mechanic’s inadequate post-maintenance inspection and the pilot's inadequate…
- [NTSB CEN20LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA263.md): Piper PA32 · Eveleth, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 5, 2020 · N4079R · Destroyed
  > The seizure of the airplane’s engine-driven fuel pump due to internal contamination, which led to a total loss of engine power. The source of the contamination could not be determined based on available evidence.
- [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 ERA20CA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA135.md): AugustaWestland AW119MKII · Philadelphia, PA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 21, 2020 · N982SS · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight failure of the lower left side of the engine cowling due to the mechanic’s improper installation of the fasteners, which resulted in the cowling impacting all four main rotor blades.
- [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 ANC20LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20LA013.md): Piper PA31 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 12, 2020 · N4112K · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of a hydraulic line at the right main landing gear (MLG) unlock actuator, which resulted in a total loss of system hydraulic pressure and failure of the landing gear to extend. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the…
- [NTSB CEN20LA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA041.md): Cessna 525A · Scotts Bluff, NE · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 18, 2019 · CGOJG · Substantial damage
  > The installation of incorrect mounting hardware to secure the right engine cowl, which resulted in an in-flight separation and impact with the horizontal stabilizer and elevator.
- [NTSB ERA20LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA050.md): Zenith Zodiac CH-650 · Willow Springs, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 8, 2019 · N914AR · Substantial damage
  > Improper maintenance practices on the fuel system causing fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN19LA320](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA320.md): Cirrus SR22 · Hoagland, IN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 2 · Limited · Final report · Sep 13, 2019 · N578SP · Substantial damage
  > A catastrophic engine failure and forced landing due to the separation of the No. 1 connecting rod as a result of migration of the connecting rod piston pin bushing. Contributing to the accident was the mechanic’s failure to follow manufacturer guidance…
- [NTSB ANC19LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC19LA048.md): Piper PA-18 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 30, 2019 · N1124 · Substantial damage
  > The inappropriate application of paint underneath the engine cylinder hold-down nuts, which resulted in inadequate torque and the subsequent in-flight separation of the No. 3 cylinder, and resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [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 CEN19LA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA258.md): Cessna R172 · North Garden, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 8, 2019 · N1609V · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to the failure of the oil pump drive gear.
- [NTSB CEN19LA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA224.md): Piper PA18 · Osceola, WI · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 14, 2019 · N6983B · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the right horizontal stabilizer during takeoff, resulting in a loss of control and forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the installation of an unapproved stabilizer frame and failure of maintenance personnel to identify…
- [NTSB CEN19LA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA219.md): Fisher Flying Products Super Koala · Hazen, ND · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 6, 2019 · N220FF · Substantial damage
  > The airplane owner's and mechanic's improper rigging and cable tension of the aileron control system, which resulted in a loss of control during takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA19TA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19TA216.md): Cessna 180 · Pickens, SC · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Final report · Jun 29, 2019 · N75077 · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s improper installation of the right main landing gear brake assembly, which resulted in the loss of control during landing.
- [NTSB CEN19LA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA174.md): Robinson R44 · Key West, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 17, 2019 · N1241W · Substantial damage
  > The failure of maintenance personnel to properly secure the right-side tail boom mounting bolts which resulted in the failure of the bolts and an inflight separation of the tail rotor.
- [NTSB CEN19FA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA135.md): Piper PA34 · Anderson, IN · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 2 · Field · Final report · May 5, 2019 · N999CR · Substantial damage
  > The loss of left engine power due to an incorrectly adjusted fuel servo and the airplane's nose up trim which resulted in the airplane steep climb, loss of airspeed, and aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [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 CEN19LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA066.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Adrian, MI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 13, 2019 · N8892E · Substantial damage
  > The airframe and powerplant mechanic's lack of experience in the overhaul of the engine model and the improper torque of the crankshaft gear bolt, which resulted in fatigue failure of the bolt and a total loss of engine power during an approach for landing.
- [NTSB ERA19LA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA085.md): Piper PA24 · Wilkes-Barre, PA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 3, 2019 · N6872P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot/mechanic's improper installation and securing of the mixture control cable, which led to a simultaneous loss of total engine power and failure of the nose landing gear to fully extend when the cable caught on the nose landing gear assembly.
- [NTSB CEN19LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA048.md): Vans RV 6 · Watkins, CO · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 25, 2018 · N711KJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to apply adequate torque to a fuel line during recent maintenance, which allowed the line to loosen in flight and fuel to enter the hot engine compartment and resulted in an in-flight fire that consumed the airplane.
- [NTSB ERA19LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA062.md): Mooney M20K · Paramus, NJ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 9, 2018 · N5756W · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel's improper assembly of the engine during overhaul, which resulted in lubrication restriction due to a bearing shift and the subsequent engine failure.
- [NTSB ERA19LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA030.md): Piper PA28 · Simsbury, CT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 28, 2018 · N8132X · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel's inadequate inspection of the wheel brake system during the airplane's most recent 100-hour inspection, which resulted in a loss of hydraulic fluid and the pilot's inability to control the airplane during the landing.
- [NTSB WPR19LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA010.md): Piper PA46 · Hurricane, UT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 21, 2018 · N413LL · Substantial damage
  > The mechanic’s failure to properly align the engine exhaust crossover pipe during replacement, and his supervisor’s failure to properly inspect the installation, which resulted in an in-flight fire and the loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR18LA265](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA265.md): Schweizer 300CBi 269C1 · Granada Hills, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 15, 2018 · N2128T · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power that was the result of a loss of compression in the No. 1 and 4 cylinders due to damage and material separation from the exhaust valve heads, which resulted in a subsequent forced, hard landing. Contributing to the accident was…
- [NTSB ERA18TA250](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18TA250.md): American AA1 · Warthen, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Sep 14, 2018 · N9218L · Substantial damage
  > A fuel leak from the carburetor float bowl due to a missing plug, which resulted in excessive fuel consumption and a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to depart on the accident flight leg…
- [NTSB ERA18LA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA270.md): Maule M7 · Floresville, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 2018 · N969AW · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the left inboard main landing gear (MLG) attachment bolt due to insufficient torque, which resulted in the collapse of the left MLG.
- [NTSB CEN18TA330](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18TA330.md): Piper J3C · Friendswood, TX · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 13, 2018 · N42218 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to conduct a flight in an airplane that had a tailwheel with degraded locking pins, which allowed the tailwheel to unlock and swivel out of alignment and precluded the pilot from regaining directional control on the ground during a…
- [NTSB WPR18TA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18TA223.md): Zenair Zenith Stol CH750 · Napa, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 11, 2018 · N328SK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's use of fuel below the required octane rating, which caused engine detonation and damage and subsequently led to oil exhaustion and a total loss of engine power in flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate service/maintenance…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/040/sequence.md?page=4

## 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."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?page=3

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