# NTSB investigations: Aircraft structural failure 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 2 of 4 · 181 cases ## Cases, newest first - [NTSB ERA18FA240](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA240.md): Lance M Hooley Jetez · Covington, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 2018 · N815EY · Destroyed > The improper manufacture of the left wing, which resulted in a left wing flutter event and failure at low altitude and high speed. - [NTSB ERA18FA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA221.md): Quicksilver MXL II Sport · Westminster, MD · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2018 · N105SE · Substantial damage > The in-flight fracture of a stainless steel bolt that was used to secure the upper and lower wing cables to the outer attach point at the leading edge spar of the right wing due to stress corrosion cracking, which caused the right wing to fail and precluded… - [NTSB CEN18WA343](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18WA343.md): Piper PA25 · Namiquipa, Mexico · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Aug 1, 2018 · XB-FMA · Destroyed > On August 1, 2018, about 0956 hours mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235 single-engine airplane, serial number 25-4177, Mexican registration XB-FMA, crashed in an agricultural field near Namiquipa, Mexico. The pilot was fatally injured. The local aerial… - [NTSB CEN18WA304](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18WA304.md): Quad City Challenger · North Bay, Canada · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jul 30, 2018 · C-IGKT · Substantial damage > On July 30, 2018, about 1500 Coordinated Universal Time, a Quad City Challenger II airplane, Canadian registration C-IGKT, crashed near Talon Lake, North Bay, Ontario, Canada. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight departed North Bay (CYYB), Ontario, and… - [NTSB CEN18FA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA282.md): Fisher Celebrity · Patriot, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2018 · N228LC · Destroyed > An in-flight separation of the right wing due to upward and rearward bending that led to an overstress fracture. The reason for the upward and rearward bending could not be determined based on the available information. - [NTSB ERA18FA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA120.md): Piper PA28R · Daytona Beach, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 4, 2018 · N106ER · Destroyed > Extensive fatigue cracking in the left-wing main spar lower cap and doublers, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the left wing. The fatigue cracks initiated and grew to a critical size due to flight and ground loads associated with flight-training… - [NTSB WPR18FA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA091.md): Piper PA34 · Minden, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 19, 2018 · N14GQ · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from the use of a sedating antihistamine. - [NTSB ENG18RA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG18RA012.md): Embraer ERJ190 · Mar Del Plata, Argentina · Incident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Jan 29, 2018 · LV-CID · Minor damage > The Junta de Investigacion de Accidentes de Avicion Civil (JIAAC) Republica Argentina has notified the NTSB of an incident involving an Embraer ERJ 190 which occurred on January 29, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a US Accredited Representative to assist the… - [NTSB ERA18FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18FA064.md): Vans RV-12 · Bonita Springs, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 22, 2018 · N262WS · Destroyed > The pilot's unsafe maneuvering and exceedance of the airplane's operating limitations, which resulted in an in-flight failure of the left wing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's underlying physiologic or psychiatric disease. - [NTSB ERA17FA265](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA265.md): North Wing Freedom · Green Township, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 2017 · N2854L · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper preflight setup of the aircraft's foldable wing, during which he incorrectly attached a nylon strap loop pull handle, instead of the steel cable shackle at the end of the strap, to its mounting hook. The nylon strap failed in flight,… - [NTSB WPR17FA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA128.md): Prescot E. Wilkie RV-3 · Payette, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2017 · N177TT · Destroyed > The in-flight failure of the left wing due to the owner's use of improper hardware and his improper assembly of the airplane, which reduced the strength of the left wing and resulted in its subsequent failure following a sharp pullup maneuver. - [NTSB CEN17FA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA231.md): Gefa-Flug AS-105-GD · Hartford, WI · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2017 · G-SUNA · Destroyed > The overpressurization failure of the airship envelope as a result of the airship's encounter with gusty wind conditions and thermal activity. Contributing to the accident was the jammed Plexiglass venting panel. - [NTSB WPR17FA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA117.md): Cessna 180 · Ventura, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 1, 2017 · N3683C · Destroyed > The pilot's abrupt and substantial pullup maneuver while flying the airplane above the maneuvering speed, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. The reason for the pilot's maneuver could not be determined based on the available evidence. - [NTSB WPR17FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA074.md): Quicksilver MXL II · Hesperia, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 7, 2017 · UNREG · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to identify and correct his construction error of a critical structural component, which resulted in a loss of airplane control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to his combined use of multiple… - [NTSB WPR17LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA034.md): Bell OH 58A · Sacramento, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 4, 2016 · N916PD · Substantial damage > The failure of the vertical stabilizer due to fatigue. - [NTSB ERA17FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA038.md): Quad City Challenger · Crescent City, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 9, 2016 · N327SH · Destroyed > An abrupt pitch-up maneuver following a descent, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the right wing due to the overload failure of both the forward and aft right wing attachment brackets. - [NTSB WPR16LA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA150.md): Beech 65 A90 · Byron, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 2016 · N256TA · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent spin. Also causal to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow prescribed spin… - [NTSB WPR16LA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA141.md): Luscombe 8A · Minden, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 2016 · N2759K · Substantial damage > The failure of a main landing gear leg during takeoff due to corrosion, which resulted in a nose-over during the subsequent landing on a grassy area. - [NTSB DCA16FA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA16FA199.md): Bell 525 · Italy, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Jul 6, 2016 · N525TA · Destroyed > A severe vibration of the helicopter that led to the crew's inability to maintain sufficient rotor rotation speed (Nr), leading to excessive main rotor blade flapping, subsequent main rotor blade contact with the tail boom, and the resultant in-flight… - [NTSB DCA16CA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA16CA197.md): Facebook UK Aquila · Yuma, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 28, 2016 · N565AQ · Substantial damage > a structural failure of the wing as a result of exceeding the airspeed envelope due to wind gusts which were beyond the capabilities of the autopilot. Contributing to the accident was an insufficient amount of drag to track the glideslope in the presence of… - [NTSB ERA16LA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA209.md): WSK PZL Mielec M 18A · Brunswick, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 10, 2016 · N2283M · Destroyed > The failure of the right wing due to a fatigue fracture of the right outboard wing forward spar lower fitting. Contributing to the accident was the routine operation of the airplane over its certificated maximum gross weight and the operator's improper or… - [NTSB CEN16LA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA154.md): Air Tractor AT 502 · Kilbourne, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 18, 2016 · N301LA · Destroyed > The failure of the operator to comply with the terminating action of the airworthiness directive, which resulted in the subsequent failure and separation of the vertical stabilizer due to fatigue. - [NTSB CEN16LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA108.md): Cessna LC41-550FG · Grand Junction, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 24, 2016 · N10580 · Substantial damage > Failure of the right main tire for reasons that could not be determined because the tire was not available for examination. - [NTSB DCA16LA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA16LA096.md): Lockheed 382G · Iliamna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 12, 2016 · N401LC · Substantial damage > The fatigue failure of the forward pressure bulkhead canted web that originated from stress corrosion cracking areas. Contributing to the failure were inspection procedures and intervals inadequate to identify the crack. - [NTSB ERA16FA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA089.md): Caughran Terry Flightstar II · Wake, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 14, 2016 · N82652 · Substantial damage > Failure of the left wing in flight due to compression loading from wing loads combined with preexisting damage. - [NTSB WPR16FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA036.md): Barnett Allen S RV7 · Hurricane, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 10, 2015 · N307AB · Substantial damage > The pilot’s aerobatic maneuver leading to airspeeds above the airplane’s never exceed speed, which resulted in rudder flutter and an in-flight breakup. - [NTSB ERA16FA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA033.md): Zenith CH701 · Okeechobee, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 2015 · N56553 · Destroyed > An in-flight structural failure due to a severely corroded wing strut, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. - [NTSB CEN16LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA027.md): Bell 407 · San Antonio, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 3, 2015 · N496AE · Substantial damage > The failure of the No. 3 tail rotor adapter and shaft due to a loss of torque on the retaining nut. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a requirement to inspect the tail rotor assembly for security in the helicopter manufacturer's maintenance manual… - [NTSB ERA16FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16FA001.md): Piper PA32R · Westminster, SC · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 2, 2015 · N782TM · Destroyed > The pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information. - [NTSB ERA15FA331](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA331.md): Cornell W F/Sahakian J A JR Giles 202 (G202) · Newburgh, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 2015 · N18FJ · Destroyed > Separation of the vertical and horizontal stabilizers from the fuselage due to a fracture that initiated at the bond between the left horizontal stabilizer and the flange that attached the horizontal stabilizer to the fuselage skin. The failure was likely… - [NTSB CEN15WA364](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15WA364.md): MX MX2 · Châteauneuf-sur-Cher, France · Accident · Minor injuries · Foreign investigation · Aug 16, 2015 · N88MX · Destroyed - [NTSB DCA15CA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA15CA117.md): Titan Aerospace Holdings Solara 50 · Otto, NM · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 1, 2015 · N950TA · Destroyed > structural failure of the left wing due to an overspeed condition. - [NTSB ENG15RA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG15RA012.md): Robinson R44 - II · Waikaia, New Zealand · Accident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Jan 23, 2015 · ZK-HPC · Substantial damage > On January 23, 2015, a Robinson R44 II experienced a severe in-flight vibration, after which the pilot successfully landed the helicopter. A subsequent inspection found a crack on one of the main rotor blades. This incident is being investigated by the New… - [NTSB CEN15LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA104.md): Baker Bobby J Safari · The Woodlands, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 16, 2015 · N416JB · Substantial damage > An in-flight separation of the helicopter’s horizontal stabilizer due to undetected fatigue cracking of the stabilizer spar, which resulted in a loss of control. - [NTSB ERA15LA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA044.md): Itec Maverick · Dunnellon, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 21, 2014 · N356MV · Destroyed > A cell blowout in the fabric wing, which resulted in an asymmetrical loss of lift and a subsequent loss of aircraft control. - [NTSB WPR14FA369](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14FA369.md): Backovich George C G P 5 · Reno, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 2014 · N501GP · Destroyed > The failure of the right wing under normal race loads due to an improper repair of the right wing spar that reduced its structural strength following a previous landing accident. - [NTSB WPR14LA361](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA361.md): Travel Air C 4000 · Williams, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 30, 2014 · N9952 · Substantial damage > The failure of the elevator control tube due to corrosion, which resulted in a loss of elevator control and collision with terrain. - [NTSB CEN14LA351](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA351.md): Cessna 152 · Denton, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2014 · N49785 · Substantial damage > The in-flight failure of the right wing’s rear spar. - [NTSB WPR14LA238](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA238.md): Skykits Savannah VGW · Helena, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2014 · N472WM · Substantial damage > The overload failure of the nosewheel fork retaining bolts during landing, which resulted in a nose-over. - [NTSB WPR14LA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA179.md): Coulter Hugh Clarke Pulsar XP Series I · Bremerton, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 30, 2014 · N452PC · Substantial damage > Fatigue failure of the nose landing gear retention and pivot shaft, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the nose gear wheel and tire assembly. - [NTSB DCA14WA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA14WA151.md): Piper PA46 · Kimberley, South Africa · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Apr 22, 2014 · ZS-LLD · Destroyed - [NTSB CEN14LA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA196.md): Piper PA 46-350P · West Chicago, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 11, 2014 · N1972M · Substantial damage > The failure of the nose gear actuator attachment to the engine mount due to overstress, which resulted in the loss of directional control during landing. - [NTSB WPR14LA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA130.md): Grumman G164 - A · Caruthers, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 28, 2014 · N72ES · Substantial damage > An undetected fatigue crack in the landing gear leg, which initiated at an electrical arc-induced damage site of undetermined origin and resulted in landing gear failure. Contributing to the severity of damage to the airplane was the close proximity of an… - [NTSB ENG14IA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG14IA016.md): Douglas C 118A · Emmonak, AK · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Feb 25, 2014 · N351CE · Minor damage > The fatigue failure of the lower wing skin due to aging mechanisms. Contributing to the failure were lower wing skin inspection procedures insufficient to identify the crack. - [NTSB CEN14FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA140.md): Hillam Scott L Rans S 10 · Shepherd, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 16, 2014 · N3000V · Destroyed > The noncertificated pilot’s improper decision to attempt aerobatic maneuvers that exceeded the airplane’s design limitations, which resulted in the subsequent in-flight breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of aerobatic… - [NTSB WPR14LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA104.md): Simpson Amphibeous Trike/No · Chehalis, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 25, 2014 · N440LS · Substantial damage > The failure of the left wing prong. - [NTSB CEN14IA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14IA085.md): Beech E90 · Eau Claire, WI · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Dec 11, 2013 · N60BA · Minor damage > The failure of the copilot’s windshield inner layer due to a peel chip that developed as a result of mechanical and thermal expansion stresses. - [NTSB CEN14LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA056.md): Pearson Jon M Dragonfly · Anahuac, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 2013 · N975DF · Destroyed > The incorrect installation by the pilot, who was not a certificated mechanic or repairman, of the main rotor head bearing block, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the rotor head. - [NTSB CEN13LA514](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA514.md): Challenger II · Emporia, KS · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 2013 · UNREG · Substantial damage > The right wing’s folding up in flight for reasons that could not be determined because an examination did not reveal any abnormalities with the airframe that would have precluded normal operation. - [NTSB ENG13IA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG13IA027.md): Boeing 747 · Atlanta, GA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · May 19, 2013 · B18701 · Minor damage > Failure of the right inboard foreflap outboard fitting due to fatigue and bearing anomalies on the sequence carriages which resulted in the partial separation of the right inboard foreflap. Contributing to the incident was the failure of maintenance personnel… Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/337/cases.md?page=3 ## 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."mKey" IN (SELECT e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e."isDefiningEvent" AND e."tier2Number" = '337') ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/337/cases?page=2 --- 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.