NTSB investigations
225 cases where the sequence of events included Fuel contamination.
Cases, newest first
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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\" = '193' 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"
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.
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" = '193' 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
Run it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB CEN21LA133Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAero Commander S2R · Alamo, TXThe partial loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel.NTSB ERA21LA059Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA38 · Pembroke Pines, FLA total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.NTSB WPR21LA055Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 152 · San Bernardino, CAA total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident was an inadequate preflight inspection.NTSB 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.NTSB 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.NTSB 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.NTSB CEN20CA316Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Hebron, NEA loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight to sump the fuel tanks prior to flight.NTSB ERA20LA261Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 177RG · Salinas, PRContamination and corrosion within the fuel system that resulted in a blockage, starvation of fuel to the engine, and the total loss of engine power.NTSB ERA20LA198Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-24-180 · Humboldt, TNA partial loss of engine power due to contaminated fuel.NTSB ERA20LA179Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech F33 · Land O Lakes, FLThe partial loss of engine power due to a contaminated fuel system and the pilot’s improper decision to attempt a takeoff with a known deficiency in engine power.NTSB CEN20LA132Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T210 · Waxahachie, TXThe partial loss of engine power due to water and contaminants in the fuel, due to the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, and the pilot’s decision to conduct a steep turn at low altitude to return to the runway rather than land straight ahead, which…NTSB CEN20LA063Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiel CP301 · Paulding, OHThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane following the loss of engine power. The loss of engine power was the result of fuel starvation due to the degraded fuel tank and fuel contamination.NTSB CEN20FA002Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper Aerostar 602P · Kokomo, INThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack following a dual engine power loss caused by the line service technician fueling the airplane with the wrong fuel, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.…NTSB ERA20TA005Accident · No injuriesClass 3Final reportSilverlight AR-1 · Fort Meade, FLThe student pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection that failed to detect water contamination of the fuel and resulted in a total loss of engine power during cruise flight.NTSB CEN19FA325Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna A185 · Conroe, TXA partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination with water, and the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during an attempted return to the airport shortly after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN19LA311Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Grassy Butte, NDA total loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel, and the pilot's failure to conduct a preflight inspection.NTSB CEN19LA252Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Miami, FLThe flight instructor's and student pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel system for water contamination, which resulted in a loss of engine power during takeoff and subsequent forced landing.NTSB ERA19TA235Accident · No injuriesClass 3Final reportCessna 152 · Wakefield, VAThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect and remove all water from fuel, and maintenance personnel’s unapproved repair of the right wing fuel cap, which resulted in fuel contamination and a subsequent partial loss of engine power…NTSB CEN19LA244Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT 602 · Walls, MSThe improper fuel servicing of the airplane, which resulted in water contamination of the airplane's fuel supply and a subsequent loss of engine power.NTSB ERA19LA224Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportZenith CH601 · Carlisle, PAWater contamination of the fuel system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to remove all the water from the airplane's fuel system.NTSB ERA19LA202Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAeronca S7EC · Jasper, ALA total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination.NTSB WPR19LA160Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150 · Davis City, CAA total loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel, which resulted in a forced landing and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to proceed with the flight after discovering the contaminated…NTSB ANC19FA021Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportBradshaw / McCauley Giles G-202 · Wasilla, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain control after the partial loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was a contamination of the fuel system, which likely seized the electric fuel pump and restricted fuel flow to the engine.NTSB ERA19IA178Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · IncidentFinal reportCessna 550 · Savannah, GAThe lineman's inadvertent introduction of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to the fuel truck fuel system icing inhibitor reservoir, which resulted in fuel contamination and a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the fixed-base operator's…NTSB CEN19LA129Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 23 · Sulphur Spring, TXThe pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, during which he failed to detect the water contamination in the left fuel, which resulted in a partial loss of power in the left engine. Contributing to the accident was the total loss of power in the right engine…NTSB ANC19LA006Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Anchorage, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the landing flare, which resulted in the wing striking the runway. Contributing to the accident was a partial loss of engine power, which resulted from fuel contamination.NTSB WPR18LA280Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20J · Kapolei, HILoss of engine power due to water in the fuel lines.NTSB WPR18LA268Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA24 · Upland, CALoss of engine power due to fuel contamination.NTSB ERA18LA242Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportStinson 108 · Indiana, PAA total loss of engine power as a result of debris contamination of the fuel, which resulted in fuel starvation.NTSB CEN18LA285Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSmith AEROSTAR601 · Baton Rouge, LAThe loss of right engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from corrosion debris in the fuel lines. Contributing to the accident was the mechanic’s and pilot’s inadequate maintenance of the airplane before the flight.NTSB CEN18LA181Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV7A · Hanover Park, ILA partial loss of engine power shortly after takeoff due to water contamination of the fuel system.NTSB ERA18LA145Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Vero Beach, FLWater contamination of the fuel supply, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.NTSB GAA18CA160Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172 · England, ARThe pilot’s failure to detect water in the fuel system during the preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power during departure and a subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB CEN18LA113Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 100-180 · Deport, TXA total loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/owner's inadequate maintenance of the fuel caps.NTSB ERA18LA073Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 680 F · Lapine, ALThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff after a total loss of left engine power due to fuel contamination, which resulted in impact with trees. Contributing to the accident were the mechanic's failure to properly flush the fuel…NTSB WPR18LA042Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 152 · Everett, WAThe flight instructor’s inadequate preflight inspection, during which he failed to ensure that water was sufficiently drained from the fuel system, which resulted in total loss of engine power and a subsequent forced landing and impact with objects.NTSB ERA18CA035Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportDriggers Quillan E Titan Tornado · Mechanicsville, VAThe pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and failure to detect water contamination in the fuel system, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power on takeoff.NTSB ERA17LA336Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Winder, GAThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in undetected water in the fuel system and a total loss of engine power during the initial climb.NTSB ERA17LA334Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMcmillan Joel L Avid SW 65 · Darlington, SCA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a clogged fuel filter.NTSB ERA17LA333Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBuschmann/Vanzee Vari EZ · Ambler, PAWater contamination of the fuel that was not detected during a preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.NTSB ERA17LA280Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCostruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2004 Bravo · Quinton, VAThe flight instructor and commercial pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in water contamination of the fuel supply, and a total loss of engine power.NTSB ERA17LA254Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Tamarac, FLThe flight instructor's failure to ensure that the airplane's fuel system was free of water contamination before departing, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing.NTSB ERA17LA234Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Cape Coral, FLA total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination with water and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection that detected, but did not fully resolve, the water contamination of the fuel system.NTSB CEN17LA251Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCody Hawkins JA30 Superstol · Ponca City, OKContamination of the fuel system, resulting in a partial loss of engine power and subsequent off-airport landing.NTSB ANC17CA044Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBrantly B2 · St. Michael, AKThe pilot’s inadequate supervision of the refueling process, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to water contamination in the helicopter’s fuel system from the fuel drum and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB CEN17LA241Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Fulton, MOThe partial loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel system.NTSB CEN17LA202Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA36 · El Campo, TXFoam contamination in the fuel injector nozzles from deteriorated foam baffles and water in the fuel flow divider, the combination of which resulted in the loss of engine power.NTSB CEN17LA153Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · La Porte, TXA total loss of engine power due to fuel contamination, which resulted from the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection that did not detect water contamination.NTSB WPR17LA075Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 369A · (Pacific Ocean)The pilot's failure to detect the presence of water in the helicopter fuel system before the flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during cruise. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's delayed recognition of the power loss and late…NTSB CEN17LA073Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCirrus SR22 · Meeker, COA partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination from an undetermined source.