NTSB investigations: Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG
125 cases on aircraft whose registry engine model is Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG, where the defining event was Loss of control in flight. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 9 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 11 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 14 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Where
Open the mapLatest cases
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 x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('99999')
AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND e.aircrafts_position = x.position AND e.\"isDefiningEvent\" AND e.\"tier2Number\" = '240'))
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 x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('99999')
AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND e.aircrafts_position = x.position AND e."isDefiningEvent" AND e."tier2Number" = '240'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESCRun 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 ERA27LA008Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedInvestigation openZielke Ronald W Zenith 750 · Marysville, OHNTSB CEN26LA294Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPipistrel Taurus Electro G2.5 · Hempstead, TXThe pilot’s failure to properly stow the motor in preparation for approach and landing that resulted in a loss of airspeed and an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and spin.NTSB ERA26LA133Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMorris Bradley D Zenith Stol CH-701 · Hendersonville, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with trees.NTSB WPR26FA101Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportSonex Onex · Caldwell, IDOn February 6, 2026, about 0945 mountain standard time, a Sonex Onex airplane, N362DZ, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Caldwell, Idaho. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations…NTSB WPR25LA101Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHughes OH-6A · Santa Teresa, NMThe flight instructor's failure to maintain helicopter control during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing and structural damage to the tail boom and subsequent failure of the tail rotor drive system.NTSB ERA25FA065Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportTruitt James B Vans RV-8A · Fort Blackmore, VAOn December 4, 2024, about 1451 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Vans RV-8A, N627TT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fort Blackmore, Virginia. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was…NTSB ERA24FA362Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSchleicher Alexander ASH 26 E · Waynesville, OHA loss of control on takeoff for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA24LA284Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCorella Neil RV9A · Saluda, SCThe pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate glide path during the landing approach in variable wind conditions, which resulted in collision with trees.NTSB WPR24LA188Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportDavid Fisher Murphy Moose · Ocean Shores, WAThe pilot’s hard, bounced landing, subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed, and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a go-around, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR24FA185Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRans S-12XL Airaile · Picacho Peak, AZThe pilot’s decision to conduct a low-altitude flight in mountainous terrain and his subsequent loss of airplane control after encountering mechanical turbulence, which resulted in an impact with the terrain.NTSB CEN24LA198Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBrant T Phillips Super Cub EXP · Franktown, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during final approach and attempted go-around after encountering a sudden windshear.NTSB CEN24FA170Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportZenith CH601 · Bristol, INThe pilot’s loss of control during the descent for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a steep descent into terrain.NTSB CEN24FA164Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLancair Legacy FG · Spicewood, TXThe pilot’s failure to properly configure the airplane during a go-around in gusting wind conditions, and his subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery.NTSB ERA24LA083Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRabe Richard Exec 162F · Tuscumbia, ALThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter, which resulted in the right skid contacting the ground and a subsequent rollover.NTSB WPR23LA330Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportYamaha Fazer SAR · Reno, NVThe operator’s incorrect input into the ground station controller, resulting in a loss of control during flight and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB DCA23LA397Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSupernal SUP83-1 · California City, CAA loss of control in flight due to a loss of electrical power to one of the lift-motors.NTSB WPR23LA111Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGlasair Sportsman · Cal-Nev-Ari, NVThe pilot’s improper decision to takeoff with known damage to the wing and his failure to maintain directional control during takeoff on rough terrain.NTSB CEN23LA037Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportFairchild SA227-AT · Pewaukee, WIThe flight crew’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and their exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the instrument approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was an undetermined anomaly in the…NTSB ERA22FA384Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMXR Technologies MX2 · Osteen, FLThe pilot’s loss of airplane control while performing aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in the airplane entering an inverted flat spin that continued until the airplane impacted terrain.NTSB WPR22LA328Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportFall Martin Super CUB · Stanley, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff with a crosswind.NTSB ERA22LA294Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBucker BU-133 · Hartford, KYThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall during an attempted return to the runway.NTSB GAA22WA132Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignSukhoi SU-31 · Ploiesti, RomaniaNTSB CEN22FA029Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV · Harrison, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during landing approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB ERA22LA018Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportZ-Hi-Max 1400 · Benton, PAThe pilot’s loss of control and encounter with an aerodynamic stall during a planned low-altitude turn toward the airport after takeoff.NTSB WPR22LA015Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportWsk-Mielec AN-2TD · Wilton, CAThe pilot’s inability to control the airplane’s pitch during departure for reasons that could not be determined because of the extensive fragmentation and thermal damage the airplane sustained in the accident sequence.NTSB WPR22LA006Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBevilacqua Jeffrey L Dragonfly Mkiih · Camarillo, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during takeoffNTSB CEN21LA395Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportKlapp Peter A Klapp KR-2S · Wadsworth, OHA loss of airplane control for a reason that could not be determined based on available information.NTSB ERA21FA318Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPitts 12 · Ocklawaha, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while performing aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in an inverted flat spin from which he was unable to recover.NTSB ERA21LA236Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMaxson Phil Zodiac CH601XL · Winder, GAPilot’s inadequate supervision of the pilot rated passenger’s actions, which led to a high descent rate and collision with obstacles.NTSB CEN21LA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportTrick Trikes Stss · Holden, MOThe noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff.NTSB ERA20CA319Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportRotorway Exec 162F · Kenansville, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter during takeoff.NTSB CEN20LA278Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman G164 · Springfield, COThe pilot’s loss of visibility in the cockpit due to foam created by the chemicals loaded in the hopper, which resulted in collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the combining of chemicals known to produce foam and the pilot’s failure to…NTSB WPR20LA201Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAvia Stroitel AC-5M · Bend, ORA loss of control just after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB CEN20LA134Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMuse P51D · Mesquite, TXThe pilot’s inadvertent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, loss of control, and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB CEN20CA067Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportGlasair 1 · Greenville, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing, and his subsequent loss of airplane control during an attempted go-around.NTSB CEN20CA062Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech 76 · St. Charles, MOThe pilot receiving instruction’s misunderstanding of the flight instructor’s instruction and the pilot's and the instructor’s insufficient use of rudder while adding power to the operating engine, which resulted in the airplane rolling left and the wing…NTSB CEN20CA033Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA18 · Kerrville, TXThe pilot’s loss of airplane control during the landing flare, which resulted in a loss of directional control and ground-loop.NTSB ERA20FA029Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPavel Tango2 · Cedartown, GAThe pilot's loss of control of the gyroplane for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.NTSB GAA19CA567Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportGeorge W. Felix Mosquito · Kershaw, SCThe pilot's improper cyclic input during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control, the skid impacting the ground, and a subsequent dynamic rollover.NTSB ERA19FA275Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV 8 · Stroudsburg, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane for undetermined reasons.NTSB GAA19WA460Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationDe Havilland DH82 · Hythe, United KingdomNTSB WPR19FA118Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportNorthrop N9M · Norco, CAThe pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR19LA058Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · LimitedFinal reportBeech A36 · Colusa, CAThe pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation shortly after takeoff in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB GAA19CA037Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportZenith CH601 · Junction City, KSThe pilot's failure to secure the canopy latch before takeoff, which resulted in the canopy opening in flight and the subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB ERA18LA249Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEdward R. Sugg Sonex · Marion, SCImpact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB WPR18FA247Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Duo Discus T · New Washoe City, NVThe pilot’s delayed recovery from an inadvertent spin and/or spiral dive and an exceedance of the glider’s design limit load during recovery, which resulted in an overload failure of both wings.NTSB GAA18CA466Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportVans RV9 · Holland, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control during a go-around.NTSB CEN18FA262Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau Ventus 3F · Moriarty, NMThe pilot's exceedance of the glider's critical angle of attack during a low-altitude turn, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB CEN18LA080Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTomlinson Tracy L Tukan · Erie, COThe student pilot’s inadvertent shutting off of the fuel valve while on approach, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and impact with terrain.NTSB GAA18CA083Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMichael Adamczyk Zenith CH750 · Franklin, PAThe pilot’s excessive application of aft stick during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to this accident was the pilot’s inexperience in the airplane.