# Fatal NTSB investigations: Fire/smoke (non-impact)

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 · 61 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB GAA25WA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA25WA234.md): Cessna 560 · Mwihoko, Kenya · Accident · 6 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Aug 7, 2025 · 5Y-FDN · Substantial damage
- [NTSB DCA25WA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA25WA079.md): Airbus Canada A220 · Graz, Austria · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Foreign · Dec 23, 2024 · HB-JCD · Minor damage
- [NTSB ERA25LA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA002.md): Fokker D Viii Replica · Rhinebeck, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Oct 5, 2024 · N94100 · Destroyed
  > On October 5, 2024, about 1456 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Coughlin Fokker D-VIII Replica, N94100, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Old Rhinebeck Airport (NY94), Rhinebeck, New York. The commercial pilot was…
- [NTSB CEN24FA353](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA353.md): Hawker Beechcraft G36 · Lafayette, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Sep 12, 2024 · N643RS · Destroyed
  > On September 12, 2024, about 1137 central daylight time, a Hawker Beechcraft G36 airplane, N643RS, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Lafayette, Louisiana. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of…
- [NTSB WPR24FA291](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA291.md): American Champion 8GCBC · Meeteetse, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 1, 2024 · N23BD · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to continue the flight over rising terrain at a low altitude in a high-elevation, high-density-altitude environment.
- [NTSB ANC24FA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24FA029.md): Douglas C54D · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 23, 2024 · N3054V · Destroyed
  > A loss of power of the No. 1 engine for reasons that could not be determined, and the incorrect installation of a B-nut fitting in the propeller feathering system, which allowed engine oil to spray onto the exhaust system when the propeller was feathered…
- [NTSB ERA24FA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA104.md): Beech V35 · Clearwater, FL · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 2, 2024 · N6659L · Destroyed
  > An in-flight engine compartment fire due to a partially loose flexible fuel hose b-nut at the fuel metering unit. Contributing to the severity of the accident was the pilot’s inability to visually identify the destination airport at night, which prolonged the…
- [NTSB ERA23FA352](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA352.md): Eurocopter EC135 · Pompano Beach, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 28, 2023 · N109BC · Destroyed
  > An inflight fire outside of the engine firewalls, likely from overheating of the No. 1 engine for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a partial tailboom separation.
- [NTSB WPR23FA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA185.md): Gates Lear Jet 36A · San Clemente Island, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 10, 2023 · N56PA · Destroyed
  > The pilots’ loss of airplane control following a catastrophic fire that started on the left side of the aft equipment bay (tail cone). The fire likely initiated from a leak from the left fuel motive flow line due to a b-nut that loosened for reasons that…
- [NTSB ERA23FA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA137.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Lindenhurst, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 5, 2023 · N8149R · Destroyed
  > An in-flight fire due to a compromised oil pressure line fitting, which resulted in a collision with terrain during a subsequent emergency landing.
- [NTSB CEN23FA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA079.md): Piper PA-32-301T · Kingfisher, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 16, 2023 · N8266D · Destroyed
  > An oil leak of undetermined origin that resulted in an in-flight engine compartment fire and subsequent loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB WPR23FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA044.md): Gallagher XLT-RG · Banning, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 23, 2022 · N101BH · Destroyed
  > An inflight engine fire for reasons that could not be determined that resulted in impact with terrain.
- [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 CEN22FA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA216.md): Express 2000RG · Cheyenne, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 30, 2022 · N44508 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inability to maintain proper airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while managing a loss of engine power and inflight fire, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing factors to the accident were the loss…
- [NTSB ERA21FA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA253.md): Vans RV6 · Buckingham, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 15, 2021 · N74MS · Substantial damage
  > An exhaust system leak that resulted in failure of the oil quick drain, a loss of oil lubrication, an in-flight fire, and the pilot’s subsequent loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB ERA20LA324](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA324.md): Vans RV 8 · Hilliard, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 21, 2020 · N800PB · Destroyed
  > A total loss of engine power due to oil starvation.
- [NTSB CEN20LA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA336.md): Cirrus SR22 · Osage Beach, MO · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 16, 2020 · N949CG · Destroyed
  > An 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.
- [NTSB CEN20LA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA256.md): Cessna 320 · Round Rock, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 1, 2020 · N19AS · Destroyed
  > Improper maintenance that led to a loss of engine power due to a failed left engine magneto, the pilot’s improper application of single engine emergency procedures, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in a collision with trees.
- [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 CEN19FA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA143.md): Beech 60 · Loveland, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 15, 2019 · N60RK · Destroyed
  > A loss of control due to an inflight right engine fire due to the loose fuel hose between the engine-driven fuel pump and the flow transducer.
- [NTSB DCA19WA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA19WA148.md): Sukhoi RRJ95 · Moscow, Russia · Accident · 41 fatal · Foreign investigation · May 5, 2019 · RA89098 · Destroyed
  > The MAK of Russia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Sukhoi RRJ95 airplane that occurred on May 05, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the MAK's investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13 as State of…
- [NTSB CEN19LA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA055.md): Beech 36 · Fredericksburg, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 17, 2019 · N2021T · Destroyed
  > The loss of engine power due to fatigue failure of the crankshaft.
- [NTSB ERA19FA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA060.md): Cessna 335 · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Dec 1, 2018 · N79HP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper decision to fly the unairworthy airplane and his failure to feather the left propeller following a partial loss of power from the left engine after takeoff. Also causal was the partial loss of power to the left engine due to detonation.
- [NTSB ERA19FA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA039.md): Cessna 310 · Walton, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 9, 2018 · N5044J · Destroyed
  > An in-flight fire of undetermined origin. Contributing to the accident were the severe icing conditions encountered during the final minutes of the flight, which led to a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB ERA18WA159](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18WA159.md): Cessna 421B · Rock Sound, Bahamas · Accident · 3 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jun 5, 2018 · N421MM · Destroyed
- [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 CEN18FA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA139.md): Wittman W10 · San Antonio, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 15, 2018 · N625JS · Destroyed
  > An in-flight fire and subsequent total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive impact and fire damage, followed by a loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB CEN18FA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA116.md): Piper PA 31P · Laredo, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2018 · N82605 · Destroyed
  > An engine malfunction for undetermined reasons and the subsequent loss of control, due to the pilot's improper decision to maneuver the airplane below minimum controllable airspeed and his improper response to the loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA17FA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA117.md): Lavender Alan P Sonex · Methuen, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 28, 2017 · N315AL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly secure oil and fuel line fittings during maintenance, which resulted in an inflight engine fire, and his subsequent loss of control while maneuvering for landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention…
- [NTSB CEN17FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA045.md): Cessna 340 · Fargo, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 1, 2016 · N123KK · Destroyed
  > The loose fuel fitting on the combustion heater that leaked a lean fuel-air mixture into the nose baggage compartment. The mixture was most likely ignited by the combustion heater, blowing off the nose baggage compartment doors and starting an in-flight fire.
- [NTSB ERA17FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA050.md): Curtiss JN4 · Williamson, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 2016 · N1662 · Destroyed
  > The in-flight failure of the propeller due to excessive engine vibration loads and the use of an incorrectly-sized propeller, which resulted in a fatigue crack of the leading edge strip. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate repair of the propeller…
- [NTSB WPR16FA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA153.md): Piper PA-31T · McKinleyville, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 2016 · N661TC · Destroyed
  > An inflight fire in the floor area near the main bus tie circuit breaker panel that resulted from chafing between an electrical wire and a hydraulic line and/or airplane structure.
- [NTSB ERA16FA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA269.md): Yakovlev YAK11 · West Mifflin, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 2016 · N5940 · Substantial damage
  > A malfunction of the electrical system, which resulted in an electrical fire in the right wing root of the airplane, which compromised the fuel system and resulted in ignition of fuel. Contributing to the accident was the routing of the electrical wiring near…
- [NTSB ERA16FA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA185.md): Beech A36TC · Tupelo, MS · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 16, 2016 · N60RW · Destroyed
  > A preexisting stress rupture that initiated at a spot weld in the turbocharger v-band exhaust clamp, which resulted in the failure of the clamp and separation of the exhaust tailpipe, an in-flight fire, and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR15FA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA236.md): Cessna 182F · Montecito, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 2015 · N5738F · Substantial damage
  > Oil starvation that led to the failure of the No. 5 connecting rod and a subsequent loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA15FA277](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA277.md): Cirrus Design SR20 · Lake Wales, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 2015 · N610DA · Destroyed
  > A partial loss of engine power due to oil starvation. Contributing was the flight instructor's failure to maintain control of the airplane during an aborted emergency landing, and his delayed decision to deploy the airplane's parachute system.
- [NTSB ERA15FA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA181.md): Piper PA-31T1 · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 12, 2015 · N119RL · Destroyed
  > A rapid onset of smoke and/or fire inflight for reasons that could not be determined due to the postimpact fire and the condition of the wreckage.
- [NTSB CEN14LA504](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA504.md): Saccio Thomas A Seawind 3000 · Bloomington, IN · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 2014 · N516SW · Destroyed
  > An in-flight fire for reasons that could not be determined because the examination of the airplane did not reveal the source of the fire.
- [NTSB CEN14FA389](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA389.md): Federsen Walter Lancair IVP · Findlay, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2014 · N40941 · Destroyed
  > An in-flight fire for reasons that could not be determined due to the extent of impact and fire damage.
- [NTSB WPR14FA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA258.md): Parker Loehle Mustang T5151 · Livermore, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 2014 · N518BC · Destroyed
  > An in-flight fire of unknown origin for reasons that could not be determined because of impact damage and postimpact fire damage.
- [NTSB WPR13FA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA294.md): Cessna 172 · Birdseye, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 27, 2013 · N4459R · Substantial damage
  > ***This report was modified on August 18, 2015. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report.*** The operator's improper installation of a supplemental electrical power supply, which caused a short circuit due to inadequate vibration…
- [NTSB CEN13WA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13WA307.md): Piper PA-28RT-201T · Tallard, France · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · May 29, 2013 · N68XM · Destroyed
- [NTSB CEN12FA395](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA395.md): Nappi Tito C Lancair 235M · Monroe Center, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 26, 2012 · N18TN · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight fire for a reason that could not be determined due to extensive damage from the fire.
- [NTSB ERA12FA412](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA412.md): Socata TB21 · Gold Hill, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 2012 · N2528N · Substantial damage
  > An inflight fire, the origin of which could not be determined because of postaccident fire damage. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper modifications to the airplane.
- [NTSB CEN12FA290](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA290.md): Cessna 401 · Chanute, KS · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 11, 2012 · N9DM · Substantial damage
  > The malfunction of the cabin heater, which resulted in an inflight fire and smoke in the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of understanding concerning the status of the airplane's heater system following and earlier overheat event…
- [NTSB DCA12FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA12FA051.md): Convair 440 - NO Series · San Juan, PR · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 1 · Field · Final report · Mar 15, 2012 · N153JR · Destroyed
  > the flight crew's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after shutting down the right engine due to an in-flight fire in one of the right augmentors. The failure to maintain airspeed resulted in either an aerodynamic stall or a loss of directional control.
- [NTSB CEN12FA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12FA100.md): Cessna 421C · Sioux Falls, SD · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 9, 2011 · N421SY · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed after shutting down one engine, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow the guidance contained in the pilot’s…
- [NTSB DCA11RA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA11RA087.md): Boeing 747 · Jeju Island, South Korea · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Jul 27, 2011 · HL-7604 · Destroyed
- [NTSB ERA11FA312](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA312.md): Beech 58 · Murphy, NC · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 25, 2011 · N77AR · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight fire that mostly likely occurred in the right front cockpit area behind the instrument panel and below the glare shield; the origin of the fire could not be determined because of the extensive fire damage.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/150/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" = '150' 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/150/sequence?fatal=1

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