# NTSB investigations, CA: 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.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26LA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA256.md): Canadair CF-5D · Mojave, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Jul 10, 2026 · N845PS · Substantial damage
  > On July 10, 2026, about 1103 Pacific daylight time, a Canadair CF-5D, N845PS, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Mojave, California. The two pilots onboard were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of…
- [NTSB DCA26LA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA26LA184.md): Boeing 787-9 · Los Angeles, CA · Incident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Mar 2, 2026 · N24972 · No damage
  > On March 2, 2026, at 1100 Pacific Standard Time, United Airlines flight 2127, a Boeing 787-9, registration N24972, powered by two General Electric GEnx™-1B76A/P2 turbofan engines, experienced a No. 1 (left) engine surge during climb from Los Angeles…
- [NTSB WPR24LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA030.md): Arrow Falcon Exporters UH-1H · Firebaugh, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 4, 2023 · N3053Q · Substantial damage
  > An on-ground fuel fire for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive thermal damage.
- [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 WPR23LA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA176.md): AkroTech Giles G-202 · Santa Barbara, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 2, 2023 · C-GXGS · Substantial damage
  > A fire that resulted from venting fuel coming into contact with hot exhaust surfaces or exhaust gases. Contributing to the fire was the design and location of the main tank fuel vent.
- [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 WPR22LA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA219.md): Cessna TR182 · Davis, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 16, 2022 · N756EG · Destroyed
  > An in-flight fire during the initial takeoff climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [NTSB ENG21LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG21LA013.md): Boeing 767-338 · Ontario, CA · Incident · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 29, 2021 · N363CM · Minor damage
  > The fatigue fracture and liberation of two airfoils from a low pressure turbine stage 5 nozzle segment that impacted and damaged the downstream low pressure stage 5 blades creating an initial imbalance load in the engine’s low pressure turbine rotor…
- [NTSB WPR20LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA228.md): Md Helicopter 600 · San Andreas, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 20, 2020 · N745BW · Destroyed
  > The failure of the output shaft of the overrunning clutch inner race due to frictional overheating of the shaft, which resulted from the failure of the output bearing’s stainless-steel grease seal.
- [NTSB WPR20FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20FA051.md): Cirrus SF50 · Santa Monica, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 27, 2019 · N52CV · Substantial damage
  > The improper design of the audio interface system, which caused an electrical short circuit that led to a ground fire.
- [NTSB WPR19TA186](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19TA186.md): Glasair SH II · San Bernardino, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Final report · Jul 1, 2019 · N279G · Substantial damage
  > A fuel leak caused by age-degraded fuel hoses, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and fire before takeoff. Contributing to the accident was inadequate maintenance.
- [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…
- [NTSB WPR18CA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18CA172.md): Dornier Alpha JET · Sacramento, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 14, 2018 · N2165 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to extend the landing gear before landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s and the flight instructor’s failure to adequately monitor the workload.
- [NTSB WPR18LA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA107.md): Cubcrafters CC11-160 · Browns Valley, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 18, 2018 · N1951B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to adequately monitor the environment and maintain a sufficient altitude to avoid power lines.
- [NTSB WPR18LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA043.md): Beech A36 · Rio Oso, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 4, 2017 · N251E · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight fire due to electrical arc corrosion of the fuel line.
- [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 DCA16WA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA16WA194.md): Boeing 747 · Los Angeles, CA · Incident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Jun 21, 2016 · VH-OJS · Minor damage
  > Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a BOEING 747 airplane that occurred on June 21, 2016. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Australia's investigation under…
- [NTSB WPR15LA267](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA267.md): Cessna 177 · Thermal, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 2015 · N3416T · Substantial damage
  > A fire in the engine compartment due to the pilot overpriming the hot engine.
- [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 ENG14IA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG14IA028.md): Airbus A320 232 · Long Beach, CA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 2014 · N656JB · Minor damage
  > The probable cause of the engine failure and subsequent undercowl engine fire was due to the fatigue fracture of a high pressure turbine stage 2 disk blade retaining lug that released two blades which impacted the low pressure turbine case causing a fuel line…
- [NTSB ENG14IA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG14IA019.md): Boeing 767 332 · Los Angeles, CA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2014 · N139DL · Minor damage
  > The combination of fuel leaking from the integrated drive generator (IDG) fuel/oil heat exchanger and the coincident arcing of the IDG power feeder cables that ignited the leaking fuel. Contributing to the ignition of the fuel was the misrouting of the IDG…
- [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 WPR14LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA049.md): Firefly Balloons Firefly 10 · Temecula, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 9, 2013 · N1623L · No damage
  > The pilot's failure to follow the Landing checklist and his inadvertent contact with the blast valve after landing, which released propane that was then ignited by an undetermined source.
- [NTSB WPR14LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA014.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L 1 · Seeley, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 2013 · N206KK · Destroyed
  > The total loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 4 bearing.
- [NTSB WPR13LA432](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA432.md): Grumman American Avn. AA 1C · Hemet, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 2013 · N9923U · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s hard landing due to the pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed while on approach after shutting down the engine because of the smoke in the cockpit from a burnt wire that originated from the alternator field terminal and extended to…
- [NTSB WPR13IA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13IA144.md): Bombardier DHC-8-402 · Danville, CA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Mar 5, 2013 · N417QX · Minor damage
  > The failure and separation of a section of the No. 2 engine's combustion chamber's small exit duct (SED), which created an airflow disruption that led to an engine surge and subsequent fire. Contributing to the accident was the insufficient weld penetration…
- [NTSB WPR13LA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA122.md): ST Clair Lancair 360 · Williams, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 12, 2013 · N123ST · Destroyed
  > An in-flight fire due to an electrical short circuit.
- [NTSB WPR12LA414](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA414.md): Cessna T210N · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 2012 · N6493N · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power during the initial climb due to an in-flight fire of undetermined origin.
- [NTSB WPR12LA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA233.md): Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164A · Wilton, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 27, 2012 · N8380 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the hopper gate mechanism and subsequent sulfur fire during a low-level maneuver.
- [NTSB WPR12LA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA113.md): Haycraft Sport Hornet · Mariposa, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 21, 2012 · N72PD · Substantial damage
  > Improper clearance and inadequate heat shielding between engine components and the exhaust system, which resulted in an in-flight fire.
- [NTSB ENG11IA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG11IA011.md): Boeing 737 · San Francisco, CA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Dec 25, 2010 · N248WN · No damage
  > The probable cause of the undercowl in-flight engine fire was the insufficient installation torque of the bolts that secure the fuel manifold cover to the fuel manifold. Engine vibrations and fuel pressure cycles caused the bolts to gradually loosen further…
- [NTSB WPR10LA308](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA308.md): Hughes 369HS · Paicines, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 2010 · N8305F · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight fire for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB WPR10FA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10FA056.md): Beech A36 · San Gabriel, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 2009 · N17803 · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the exhaust band V-clamp during cruise flight, which resulted in an in-flight fire and a subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB WPR09LA341](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA341.md): Piper PA-46-310P · Westley, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 2009 · N330HT · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the landing gear hydraulic line socket, which resulted in a hydraulic leak and in-flight fire. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the owner and/or maintenance facility to comply with the maintenance manual hose replacement schedule.
- [NTSB WPR09LA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA307.md): Gunnoe Velocity · Livermore, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 19, 2009 · N92VA · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the right brake due to a restricted brake rotor and subsequent brake fluid line failure as a result of inadequate maintenance.
- [NTSB WPR09LA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA247.md): Boeing A75N1 · Joshua Tree, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 19, 2009 · N450JN · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight fire in the engine compartment for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB DCA08MA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA08MA076.md): Boeing 767 · San Francisco, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Jun 28, 2008 · N799AX · Destroyed
  > The design of the supplemental oxygen system hoses and the lack of positive separation between electrical wiring and electrically conductive oxygen system components. The lack of positive separation allowed a short circuit to breach a combustible oxygen hose,…

## 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  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?state=CA

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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.
