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 ERA13LA199Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMaxfly Inc/Mckay WM Searey · Polk City, FLThe improper installation of incorrect attachment hardware by maintenance personnel during an undocumented repair, which resulted in an in-flight structural failure and subsequent loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the covering of the…NTSB CEN13FA213Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchleicher Alexander · Littlefield, TXThe pilot’s improper decision to conduct aerobatic maneuvers in a glider not approved for such maneuvers. Contributing to the accident was the degradation of the adhesive holding the wing together, which should have been detected either during the last annual…NTSB CEN13FA192Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-76A++ · Grand Lake, LAFracture of the red tail rotor blade spar, which resulted in the separation and departure of the red tail rotor blade from the helicopter and subsequent compromised tail gearbox. The red tail rotor blade was not recovered, thus the cause of the initial…NTSB CEN13LA186Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportFisher Michael E Celebrity · Terrell, TXThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s design stress limits while performing aerobatic maneuvers.NTSB WPR13FA123Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAvions Fairey Tipsy Nipper T-66 · Winters, CAThe airplane's impact with a turkey vulture in cruise flight, which resulted in the structural failure of the right wing and the subsequent loss of control.NTSB ERA13RA106Accident · 7 fatalClass 5 · ForeignBoeing-Vertol 234 · Pucallpa, Peru, PeruOn January 7, 2013, about 2002 universal coordinated time (1502 local time), a Boeing-Vertol 234, N241CH, operated by Columbia Helicopters Peru, S.A.C., was destroyed during an inflight breakup and subsequent impact with terrain near Pucallpa, Peru. The U.S.…NTSB CEN13LA071Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportScott Ironsides · East Troy, WIFailure of the steel weld fittings on the right main landing gear.NTSB WPR13LA050Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSater Coot A-Amphib · San Andreas, CAThe pilot's excessive flight control inputs, which led to flight that exceeded the structural limits of the airplane and resulted in structural failure of both wings.NTSB ERA12LA537Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuad City Ultralights Challenger II · Ocala, FLThe pilot's inadvertent overstress of the airplane, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the outer section of the right wing.NTSB CEN12CA600Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEvektor-Aerotechnik Sportstar · Columbus, OHThe failure of the right main landing gear strut due to a preexisting crack.NTSB DCA12IA113Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 737-3H4 · El Paso, TXthe rupture of the nose landing gear hydraulic line that resulted from abrasions due to contact with the nose landing gear tire. Contributing to the incident was the incorrect installation of union and restrictor on the actuator.NTSB CEN12IA377Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Lacon, ILThe propeller blade’s failure due to a fatigue crack that originated from a surface gouge that resulted from foreign object damage to the propeller blade that occurred at an unknown time.NTSB WPR12FA164Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 320D · Green River, WYThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering in marginal weather conditions, which resulted in an exceedence of the design stress limits of the airplane and a subsequent in-flight structural failure.NTSB CEN12FA196Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech 35 · Glencoe, MNThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the design limits of the airplane being exceeded and an in-flight breakup.NTSB CEN12LA218Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 182A · New Philadelphia, OHThe inadequate maintenance of the wheel attachment bolts, which resulted in the left wheel separating from the landing gear during landing due to ductile overstress fractures.NTSB CEN12FA108Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Bryan, TXThe pilot’s inadvertent encounter with severe weather, which resulted in the airplane’s left wing failing in positive overload. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s reliance on outdated weather information that he received on his in-cockpit…NTSB CEN12FA098Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TB21 · Silverton, COThe non-instrument-rated pilot’s decision to embark on a flight through forecasted instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and his subsequent flight into IMC, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent maneuvering of the airplane…NTSB WPR12MA034Accident · 5 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportEurocopter EC 130 B4 · Pukoo, HIThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain while operating in marginal weather conditions, which resulted in the impact of the horizontal stabilizer and lower forward portion of the fenestron with ground and/or vegetation and led to…NTSB ERA12FA018Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBerger Michael A Waiex · Washington, GAThe in-flight failure of the aircraft’s Y-tail attachment structure during maneuvering flight due to overload. Contributing to the accident was, the kit manufacturer’s use of 14 CFR Part 23, Appendix A design guidelines intended for a conventional tail…NTSB WPR11LA459Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMcarthur Steen Skybolt · Greenleaf, IDStructural failure of the upper left wing during aerobatic flight.NTSB WPR11MA454Accident · 11 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportNorth American/Aero Classics P-51D · Reno, NVThe reduced stiffness of the elevator trim tab system that allowed aerodynamic flutter to occur at racing speeds. The reduced stiffness was a result of deteriorated locknut inserts that allowed the trim tab attachment screws to become loose and to initiate…NTSB ERA11FA431Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · Byron, GAThe pilot’s sustained flight at airspeeds in excess of the airplane's never exceed speed during a steep descent, which resulted in a subsequent in-flight structural failure due to overstress.NTSB ERA11LA415Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPolaris Polar Star · Dewees Island, SCThe non-certificated pilot’s operation of the unregistered airplane while impaired by alcohol. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s performance of aerobatic maneuvers that exceeded the structural limits of the aircraft, which resulted in failure of…NTSB CEN11IA280Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBeech 90B · Chickasha, OKThe mechanic's improper installation of the aileron.NTSB DCA11MA039Accident · Minor injuriesMajor investigationFinal reportBoeing 737 · Yuma, AZthe improper installation of the fuselage crown skin panel at the S-4L lap joint during the manufacturing process, which resulted in multiple site damage fatigue cracking and eventual failure of the lower skin panel. Contributing to the injuries was flight…NTSB WPR11LA172Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · Whidbey Island, WAThe pilot's failure to prioritize flying over navigation due to his diverted attention, which allowed the airplane to near a restricted area, which, in turn, led the pilot to enter a rapid avoidance maneuver and subsequently lose airplane control.…NTSB WPR11FA155Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMuse KR2 · Newberry Springs, CAThe airplane’s encounter with severe turbulence, which resulted in the in-flight breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.NTSB CEN11LA209Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGreat Lakes 2T-1A-2 · Kingsville, TXA pre-existing crack in the front spar of the right horizontal stabilizer near a riveted fitting, causing it to fail and separate from the airplane in flight. Contributing to the accident was the failure of maintenance personnel comply with existing service…NTSB ERA11LA141Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Baltimore, MDAn in-flight overload failure of the left elevator inboard balance weight rib for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR11LA081Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportApollo AS-III · Poipu, HIThe pilot's lack of compliance with manufacturer's guidance for care and handling of the aircraft combined with incomplete preflight inspections, which resulted in an undetected material failure of the nose cone.NTSB ERA11GA066Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportCessna M337B · Avon Park, FLThe pilot's inadvertent encounter with an unexpected intense rain shower with severe turbulence at night.NTSB CEN11LA050Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMcfarland Bill Challenger II · Praire Du Sac, WIThe separation of the fuselage-mounted wing strut attachment fitting for an undetermined reason, which resulted in the separation of the left wing of the airplane.NTSB DCA11FA004Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportBoeing 757-223 · Miami, FLFatigue failure of the fuselage crown skin due to incorrect manufacturing of the crown skin panel that resulted in a skin thickness less than the manufacturer-specified thickness.NTSB CEN10LA560Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Schaumburg, ILThe in-flight separation of the left aft cluster fitting assembly following the loss of torque on the lock nut due to a manufacturing defect.NTSB ANC10LA081Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-2 · Port Alsworth, AKThe overstress fracture and failure of a main landing gear wheel during landing, resulting in the right wing striking the ground.NTSB WPR10LA353Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTopdog Ultralights TOP DOG 582 · Eagle Point, ORThe separation of the left wingtip.NTSB CEN10LA414Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWogenstahl Wallace L Wogenstahl 281 MR · Mount Cory, OHThe improper installation of the rivets at the aft fuselage bulkhead which resulted in the pilot not having full elevator control on landing.NTSB CEN10LA339Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAirborne Windsport Edge · Ft. Lupton, COThe pilot intentionally performed prohibited aerobatic maneuvers that damaged the carriage wing attachment hang point and collapsed the wing.NTSB WPR10LA306Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 11A · Merced, CAThe pilot’s inability to maintain airplane control during cruise flight due to the failure of the elevator trim tab as a result of missing hardware for the elevator control cable bellcrank to elevator torque tube attachment bracket.NTSB CEN10FA316Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Umpire, ARThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation.NTSB ANC10LA026Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Anchorage, AKThe structural failure of the right main landing gear leg, resulting in the collapse of the landing gear.NTSB CEN10LA198Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAmerican Champion 7KCAB · Greeley, COAn in-flight failure of the wing fabric for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA10FA140Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T337G · Farmingdale, NJThe pilots’ failure to adhere to the airplane’s operating limitations, which resulted in overload failure of the right wing. Findings of the investigation were the adverse effects of multiple supplemental type certificates (STC) to the airframe wing structure…NTSB WPR10LA104Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAirborne Streak 2 · Lake Isabella, CAThe pilot’s performance of prohibited aerobatic flight maneuvers that exceeded the structural limits of the airplane, resulting in an in-flight breakup.NTSB ENG10IA016Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportDouglas DC8 · Cincinnati (CVG), OHFailure of the NLG cylinder occurred by intergranular rupture; coincidental to a chrome plating crack. The failure origin occurred along the inner surface of the cylinder and then propagated by stress corrosion cracking to the outer surface. A secondary crack…NTSB ERA10LA107Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMaule M5 · LaGrange, GAThe failure of the right main landing gear for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR10LA060Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas Heli 369E · Kahuku, HIThe fatigue failure of the landing gear strut and maintenance personnel’s failure to perform an adequate inspection of the landing gear.NTSB ENG10WA004Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Melbourne Airport, AustraliaOn October 20, 2009, at 0900 local time, a Virgin Blue Airlines Boeing 737-800 airplane, registration VH-VUI, experienced a failure of the right main landing gear outboard wheel assembly during landing at Melbourne Airport in Melbourne, Australia. No one was…NTSB ENG09RA019Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Kuching, MalaysiaOn October 2, 2009, about 0818 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) a Malaysia Airlines, Boeing 737-400 airplane, registration 9M-MMR, suffered a collapsed left main landing gear during pushback from the gate at Kuching International Airport, Kuching, Sarawak,…NTSB WPR09LA453Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuad City Challenger II · Redlands, CAStructural failure of the right wing during the landing approach due to the separation of the wing's fabric covering.