NTSB investigations
181 cases where the defining event was Aircraft structural failure.
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 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"
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 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
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 ERA18FA240Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLance M Hooley Jetez · Covington, TNThe improper manufacture of the left wing, which resulted in a left wing flutter event and failure at low altitude and high speed.NTSB ERA18FA221Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportQuicksilver MXL II Sport · Westminster, MDThe 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 CEN18WA343Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA25 · Namiquipa, MexicoOn 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 CEN18WA304Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationQuad City Challenger · North Bay, CanadaOn 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 CEN18FA282Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportFisher Celebrity · Patriot, INAn 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 ERA18FA120Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28R · Daytona Beach, FLExtensive 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 WPR18FA091Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA34 · Minden, NVThe 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 ENG18RA012Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationEmbraer ERJ190 · Mar Del Plata, ArgentinaThe 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 ERA18FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportVans RV-12 · Bonita Springs, FLThe 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 ERA17FA265Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportNorth Wing Freedom · Green Township, NJThe 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 WPR17FA128Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPrescot E. Wilkie RV-3 · Payette, IDThe 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 CEN17FA231Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportGefa-Flug AS-105-GD · Hartford, WIThe 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 WPR17FA117Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Ventura, CAThe 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 WPR17FA074Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportQuicksilver MXL II · Hesperia, CAThe 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 WPR17LA034Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell OH 58A · Sacramento, CAThe failure of the vertical stabilizer due to fatigue.NTSB ERA17FA038Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportQuad City Challenger · Crescent City, FLAn 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 WPR16LA150Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 65 A90 · Byron, CAThe 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 WPR16LA141Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Minden, NVThe 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 DCA16FA199Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportBell 525 · Italy, TXA 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 DCA16CA197Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportFacebook UK Aquila · Yuma, AZa 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 ERA16LA209Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWSK PZL Mielec M 18A · Brunswick, NCThe 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 CEN16LA154Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT 502 · Kilbourne, LAThe 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 CEN16LA108Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna LC41-550FG · Grand Junction, COFailure of the right main tire for reasons that could not be determined because the tire was not available for examination.NTSB DCA16LA096Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLockheed 382G · Iliamna, AKThe 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 ERA16FA089Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCaughran Terry Flightstar II · Wake, VAFailure of the left wing in flight due to compression loading from wing loads combined with preexisting damage.NTSB WPR16FA036Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBarnett Allen S RV7 · Hurricane, UTThe 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 ERA16FA033Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportZenith CH701 · Okeechobee, FLAn in-flight structural failure due to a severely corroded wing strut, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN16LA027Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 407 · San Antonio, TXThe 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 ERA16FA001Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32R · Westminster, SCThe pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB ERA15FA331Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCornell W F/Sahakian J A JR Giles 202 (G202) · Newburgh, NYSeparation 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 CEN15WA364Accident · Minor injuriesForeign investigationMX MX2 · Châteauneuf-sur-Cher, FranceNTSB DCA15CA117Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportTitan Aerospace Holdings Solara 50 · Otto, NMstructural failure of the left wing due to an overspeed condition.NTSB ENG15RA012Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationRobinson R44 - II · Waikaia, New ZealandOn 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 CEN15LA104Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBaker Bobby J Safari · The Woodlands, TXAn 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 ERA15LA044Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportItec Maverick · Dunnellon, FLA cell blowout in the fabric wing, which resulted in an asymmetrical loss of lift and a subsequent loss of aircraft control.NTSB WPR14FA369Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBackovich George C G P 5 · Reno, NVThe 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 WPR14LA361Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTravel Air C 4000 · Williams, CAThe failure of the elevator control tube due to corrosion, which resulted in a loss of elevator control and collision with terrain.NTSB CEN14LA351Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Denton, TXThe in-flight failure of the right wing’s rear spar.NTSB WPR14LA238Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSkykits Savannah VGW · Helena, MTThe overload failure of the nosewheel fork retaining bolts during landing, which resulted in a nose-over.NTSB WPR14LA179Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCoulter Hugh Clarke Pulsar XP Series I · Bremerton, WAFatigue 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 DCA14WA151Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA46 · Kimberley, South AfricaNTSB CEN14LA196Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 46-350P · West Chicago, ILThe 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 WPR14LA130Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G164 - A · Caruthers, CAAn 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 ENG14IA016Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportDouglas C 118A · Emmonak, AKThe 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 CEN14FA140Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHillam Scott L Rans S 10 · Shepherd, TXThe 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 WPR14LA104Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSimpson Amphibeous Trike/No · Chehalis, WAThe failure of the left wing prong.NTSB CEN14IA085Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBeech E90 · Eau Claire, WIThe 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 CEN14LA056Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPearson Jon M Dragonfly · Anahuac, TXThe 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 CEN13LA514Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChallenger II · Emporia, KSThe 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 ENG13IA027Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 747 · Atlanta, GAFailure 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…