# Fatal NTSB investigations: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)

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 GAA25WA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA25WA266.md): Learjet 55 · La Guaira, Venezuela · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Foreign · Sep 24, 2025 · YV3440 · Destroyed
- [NTSB GAA24WA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA24WA200.md): Bell 212 · Fort Good Hope, Canada · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Foreign · Jun 28, 2024 · C-FPMR · Destroyed
- [NTSB ERA23FA346](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA346.md): Beech C-99 · Litchfield, ME · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 22, 2023 · N55RP · Destroyed
  > A horizontal stabilizer pitch trim anomaly that was not identified in the available evidence.
- [NTSB WPR23LA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA192.md): Viking Air DHC-6-400 · Half Moon Bay, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 20, 2023 · N153QS · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the ferry fuel tank system to transfer fuel during a trans-Pacific flight for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent ditching into the water.
- [NTSB ERA23FA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA070.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Charlotte, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 22, 2022 · N7094J · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate inspections of the forward left control rod end attachment hardware to the stationary swashplate by the pilot and by maintenance personnel, resulting in an eventual loosening and backing out of the hardware and subsequent loss of helicopter…
- [NTSB ANC22LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC22LA080.md): Cessna 180A · Skwentna, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 25, 2022 · N9728B · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the landing gear float due to inadequate maintenance of the floats and corrosion.
- [NTSB ERA22LA427](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA427.md): Northwing Design Apache Sport · Southern Shores, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 21, 2022 · N3283N · Substantial damage
  > A loss of aircraft control due to movement of the outer portion of the right wing fabric and displacement of wing ribs for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB WPR22FA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA229.md): Mooney M20J · Kerrville, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 25, 2022 · N4267H · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during a base leg turn in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flight training experience.
- [NTSB WPR22FA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA048.md): Zenith Zodiac CH601XL · Temecula, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 23, 2021 · N601KS · Destroyed
  > The failure of the airplane’s canopy latch system, which resulted in the canopy opening in flight and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a secondary canopy latch as recommended by the kit manufacturer.
- [NTSB ERA21FA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA233.md): Bhi H60 Helicopters UH-60A · Leesburg, FL · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 25, 2021 · N9FH · Destroyed
  > The failure of the water tank snorkel support structure, which allowed the snorkel to contact the main rotor blades. Contributing to the accident was insufficient Federal Aviation Administration oversight of the supplemental type certificate process for the…
- [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 CEN21LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA070.md): Piper PA38 · Franklin, AR · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 30, 2020 · N9879T · Destroyed
  > The impairment of both pilots from carbon monoxide exposure due to a degraded muffler. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance inspection, which failed to detect the degraded muffler.
- [NTSB ERA20FA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA068.md): Cessna 172 · Newborn, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 6, 2020 · N1612F · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s impairment/incapacitation from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a degraded muffler. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to properly maintain the airplane.
- [NTSB WPR19WA156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19WA156.md): Cessna T210 · Mount Isa, Australia · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · May 26, 2019 · VH-SUX · Substantial damage
  > On May 26, 2019, at 0547 coordinated universal time, a Cessna T210M, registration VH-SUX, collided with terrain during a surveying flight near Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia. The two crew were fatally injured, and the airplane sustained substantial…
- [NTSB ERA19FA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA118.md): Hughes 369 · Talking Rock, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 5, 2019 · N89ZC · Substantial damage
  > A fatigue failure of the overrunning clutch subassembly due to abnormal bending loads due to cracks on the center engine mount, which resulted in an inflight loss of power. Contributing to the accident was the helicopter's low altitude and airspeed when the…
- [NTSB ERA18FA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA264.md): Dassault Falcon 50 · Greenville, SC · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 27, 2018 · N114TD · Substantial damage
  > The operator's decision to allow a flight in an airplane with known, unresolved maintenance discrepancies, and the flight crew's failure to properly configure the airplane in a way that would have allowed the emergency or parking brake systems to stop the…
- [NTSB ERA17FA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA112.md): Piper PA38 · East Haven, CT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 2017 · N2452C · Destroyed
  > The failure of the fuel selector valve in a position that restricted fuel flow to the engine, resulting in a total loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation. Also causal was the operator's failure to effectively detect and resolve the…
- [NTSB ERA17WA303](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17WA303.md): Schempp Hirth VENTUS2C · San Carlos de Bolivar, Argentina · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Dec 3, 2016 · LV-EDB · Substantial damage
  > On December 3, 2016, about 1750 coordinated universal time, a Schempp Hirth Ventus-2C motorized glider, Argentine registration LV-EDB, operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain after the left wing detached from the…
- [NTSB ERA16LA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA266.md): Republic RC 3 · Winter Haven, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 2016 · N87570 · Substantial damage
  > Improper installation of a fuel line by unknown personnel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB ERA16FA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA194.md): Jihlavan Airplanes Sro KP 5 ASA · Rhoadesville, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 24, 2016 · N440JM · Destroyed
  > The pilots' loss of control that necessitated the activation of the parachute system and the airplane manufacturer's inadequate design of the front parachute anchor attachment structure, which resulted in a failure of the parachute after it was deployed in…
- [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 WPR16FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA072.md): Bell 206B · Honolulu, HI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 18, 2016 · N80918 · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight failure of the engine-to-transmission drive shaft due to improper maintenance, which resulted in low main rotor rpm and a subsequent hard landing to water.
- [NTSB CEN15FA386](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA386.md): Barrow Ted A ONE Easy · Battle Creek, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 2015 · N227TB · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control due to his diverted attention to the canopy opening in flight.
- [NTSB WPR15FA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA205.md): Schweizer 269C · Newberg, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 2015 · N2096W · Destroyed
  > The loss of translation/rotational power between the engine and the transmission due to the severe wear of the forward spline portion of the lower coupling drive shaft. The reason for the severe wear of the forward spline could not be definitively determined…
- [NTSB ERA14WA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14WA114.md): Cessna 140 · Cachoeira do Sul, Brazil · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jan 29, 2014 · PP-DFW · Substantial damage
  > On January 29, 2014, about 1340 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 140, Brazilian registration PP-DFW, was substantially damaged during impact with terrain, following a loss of control on approach to Cachoeira do Sul Airport (SSKS), Cachoeira do Sul, Rio…
- [NTSB ERA12FA563](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA563.md): Aerospatiale AS 355F1 · West Windsor, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 2012 · N58020 · Substantial damage
  > Disconnection of the upper rod end from the fore/aft servo due to severely worn threads, which resulted in a loss of control and separation of a main rotor blade during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident were incorrect maintenance procedures and…
- [NTSB ERA12FA484](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA484.md): Cessna 172M · San Juan, PR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 2012 · N73115 · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s improper lubrication of the right direct aileron control cable and failure to detect the severe corrosion of the cable during a maintenance inspection, which resulted in the in-flight failure of the cable, the pilot’s subsequent…
- [NTSB CEN12LA349](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA349.md): Flower Roger P J D · Spring Valley, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 2012 · N9010T · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight failure of the left wing spar, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the left wing.
- [NTSB CEN12RA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12RA052.md): Bell 206L · Kapuskasing, Canada · Accident · 3 fatal · Class 5 · Foreign · Nov 2, 2011 · C-GDQH · Substantial damage
  > On November 2, 2011, about 0958 eastern daylight time (EDT), a Bell 206L helicopter, Canadian registration C-GDQH, was substantially damaged during an in-flight collision with terrain in Kapuskasing, Ontario, Canada. The pilot and 2 passengers sustained fatal…
- [NTSB WPR10LA464](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA464.md): Hughes OH-6A · Majuro (Pacific Ocean) · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 2010 · N74LB · Substantial damage
  > A loss of helicopter control for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA10WA338](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10WA338.md): Bolkow BO105 · Buenos Aires, Argentina · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jun 18, 2010 · LV-WJX · Destroyed
  > On June 18, 2010, about 1118 universal Coordinated Time (UTC),an Bolkow BO-105, Argentina registration LV-WJX, operated by a private owner on a business flight, to photograph a automobile accident, collided with tall trees, overhead power lines, and struck…
- [NTSB CEN10FA278](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10FA278.md): Evektor Aerotechnik Sportstar Plus · Richmond, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 29, 2010 · N121EV · Substantial damage
  > The opening of the cockpit canopy in-flight due to improper latching, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB DCA10WA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA10WA048.md): English Electric Lightning MK T5 · Bredasdorp, South Africa · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Nov 14, 2009 · ZU-BEX · Destroyed
  > On November 14, 2009 about 1025 UTC, ZU-BEX, English Electric Lightning MK T5, crashed after the pilot reported he had experienced hydraulic failure while conducting aerobatic manuevers during an airshow near Bredasdorp, South Africa. Visual meteorological…
- [NTSB WPR09LA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA253.md): Gauchat Safari · Rock Springs, AZ · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 22, 2009 · N147MD · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the main rotor head during cruise flight as a result of cyclic fatigue of the main rotor head spindle. The fatigue crack was due to an inadequate manufacturing process.
- [NTSB WPR09LA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA016.md): Heisler Lancair Legacy · Parowan, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 18, 2008 · N151HT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot failed to secure the canopy prior to takeoff, resulting in his inability to control the aircraft during the takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment from prescription medications and possible obstructive sleep apnea.
- [NTSB CHI08FA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08FA269.md): Bell 206L-1 · Greensburg, IN · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 2008 · N37AE · Destroyed
  > The in-flight separation of a main rotor blade due to a fatigue failure of the blade spar, rendering the helicopter uncontrollable, and the manufacturer's production of main rotor blades with latent manufacturing defects, which precipitated the fatigue…
- [NTSB LAX08FA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08FA286.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 2008 · N212HB · Substantial damage
  > A loss of power in the right engine due to an in-flight fuel-fed fire in the right engine compartment that, while the exact origin could not be determined, was likely related to the right engine-driven fuel pump, its fuel supply line, or fitting. Contributing…
- [NTSB ANC08MA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08MA038.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Kodiak, AK · Accident · 6 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jan 5, 2008 · N509FN · Substantial damage
  > The failure of company maintenance personnel to ensure that the airplane's nose baggage door latching mechanism was properly configured and maintained, resulting in an inadvertent opening of the nose baggage door in flight. Contributing to the accident were…

## 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 e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e."isDefiningEvent" AND e."tier2Number" = '330')
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/cases?fatal=1

---
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.