Final NTSB investigations
161 cases where the defining event was Aircraft structural failure.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 15 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2010 | 16 |
| 2011 | 14 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2026 | 1 |
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.\"completionStatus\" = 'Completed'
AND 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."completionStatus" = 'Completed' AND 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 ERA26LA130Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportTextron 680A · Miami, FLThe flight crew’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from the blast fence during taxi to the runway for departure, and their inadequate inspection of the airplane after it contacted the blast fence.NTSB DCA25LA061Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportLockheed 382G-44K-30 · St. Mary's, 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 fatigue cracks.NTSB DCA25LA025Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing 737-9 · Houston, TXBrake application before all three landing gears were on the ground, which caused the failure of the right main landing gear tires and resulted in tire fragments impacting the fuselage.NTSB ERA24LA250Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28R · Vero Beach, FLExcessive side loading of the vertical stabilizer.NTSB CEN24FA179Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46-500TP · Marianna, ARThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s design limitations, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.NTSB ERA24LA185Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBailey-Moyes Dragonfly · Groveland, FLThe pilot’s improper installation and inspection of the right lower wing strut attachment bolt, which resulted in the inflight failure of the right wing.NTSB CEN24LA162Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican Champion 7ECA · Longview, TXThe rudder post’s failure due to corrosion fatigue. Contributing to the accident were the misalignment of the rudder hinge components, which produced mechanical binding and elevated localized stress, and a compromised the protective coating, which allowed…NTSB ERA23FA380Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Whitesville, KYThe flight instructor’s improper decision to continue flight into a known area of thunderstorms, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.NTSB CEN23LA405Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAlisport Silent 2 Electro · Giddings, TXThe glider’s encounter with flutter during cruise flight that resulted in structural damage to the fuselage.NTSB ERA23FA340Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Fort Pierce, FLThe left seat instructor’s intentional maneuvering of the airplane in an aerobatic steep turn for which it was not approved, which resulted in an exceedance of the structural limitations of the airplane and an inflight breakup.NTSB DCA23LA409AccidentClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing 767-322 · Chantilly, VAImproper overhaul of the trunnion cross-pin hole that resulted in the development of stress corrosion cracking and eventual failure of the right forward trunnion.NTSB CEN23LA319Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAlisport Silent 2 Electro · Wallis, TXThe failure of the tail boom structure due to cyclic torsion overloading as of a result of flutter in the empennage. The reason for the flutter could not be determined.NTSB CEN23FA204Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLuce Buttercup · Lyndonville, NYAn in-flight breakup due to structural overload of the airplane for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR23LA128Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportJones Jay D Cassutt M 11 · Castroville, CAA failure of the outboard trailing edge rib in the left wing, which resulted in a separation of the left aileron and a loss of control.NTSB WPR23FA034Accident · 4 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportTextron 208B · Snohomish, WAThe pilot’s improper recovery following a departure from controlled flight after an intentional aerodynamic stall, which resulted in an exceedance of airspeed limitations, airframe overstress, and a subsequent inflight breakup.NTSB ANC23FA003Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAirborne Windsports Edge XT-912L · Mokuleia, HIStructural failure of the wing for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB ERA23FA007Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSeamax M-22 · East Hampton, NYAn inflight separation of the right wing as a result of the manufacturer’s application of a bolt and nut in the upper wing strut attachment point that was inconsistent with the nut design intent and usage limitations.NTSB ANC22LA040Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna U206F · Kodiak, AKThe failure of the right main landing gear leg due to fatigue cracks that initiated from corrosion pitting.NTSB ERA22LA171Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Sparta, TNMaintenance personnel’s failure to properly affix left main landing gear components, which led to the failure of the left main landing gear during the accident flight.NTSB WPR22FA100Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMoynihan Richard D Vans RV-7A · White Hills, AZThe pilot’s improper aerobatic maneuver leading to an airspeed that exceeded the airplane’s design limits, which resulted in rudder flutter and an in-flight breakup.NTSB DCA22LA038Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing 747-4B5F · Miami, FLIncorrect lubrication of the foreflap fitting assembly.NTSB CEN21LA420Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportQuad City Ultralight Challenger II · Rogers City, MIThe separation of the right wing’s forward lift strut from the fuselage due to a missing nylon-insert lock nut. Contributing to the accident was the noncertificated pilot’s decision to operate the airplane even though a condition inspection had not been…NTSB WPR21LA324Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Athol, IDThe failure of the windshield during spin recovery for reasons that were not determined.NTSB CEN21FA314Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPZL Mielec M18 · Seiling, OKThe pilot’s in-flight loss of control due to the structural failure of a wing fitting and separation of the outboard wing section. Also causal were the inadequate wing fitting inspections, which failed to detect the initial corrosion and crack before it…NTSB WPR21FA266Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C90 · Wikieup, AZThe failure and separation of the left wing’s outboard section due to a fatigue crack in the lower spar cap. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s decision to repair the wing spar instead of replacing it as recommended by the aircraft manufacturer.…NTSB ANC21FA015Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 185 · Chitina, AKAn in-flight breakup during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.NTSB CEN20LA378Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 340 · Oklahoma City, OKA failure of the windscreen for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.NTSB WPR20LA283Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportKaman K 1200 · Pine Grove, ORAn in-flight breakup resulting from contact of the left rotor system with the right rotor system after an in-flight failure of a servo flap from a left rotor blade.NTSB CEN20CA220Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportVans RV8 · Sulfer, LAA loss of directional control as a result of a fractured landing gear attach bracket.NTSB ANC20LA059Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 12 · Anchorage, AKThe fatigue fracture of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 1025 carbon steel rudder post, which resulted in structural failure of the rudder. Contributing to the fatigue failure was the post’s susceptibility to fatigue cracking under normal service…NTSB CEN20LA201Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Carlinville, ILThe pilot’s attempted recovery from a steep descent which inadvertently exceeded the ultimate load factor of the airframe and resulted in a low-level inflight breakup.NTSB ERA20FA086Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMustang II · Senoia, GAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s structural limitations while conducting previous aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in an in-flight breakup of the airplane.NTSB WPR19FA161Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportLockwood Aircam · Hemet, CAThe pilot/builder's improper installation of the left wing during the build process, which resulted in the wing failing during takeoff.NTSB WPR19LA171Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 35 · Deer Park, WAAn empennage flutter event for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB ERA19LA137Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPilatus PC12 · Fort Lauderdale, FLImproper maintenance of the windshield, which resulted in delamination and in-flight depressurization.NTSB WPR19LA088Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportLancair IV · Laramie, WYAn environmental stress cracking failure of the acrylic windshield, which resulted in a rapid decompression during cruise flight.NTSB ERA19FA068Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportSaberwing Saberwing · Adel, GAThe in-flight failure of the fuselage, as a result of the pilot conducting maneuvers that exceeded the structural capabilities of the airplane.NTSB CEN19FA030Accident · 3 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportCessna 441 · Harmon, NDThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane in dark night conditions that resulted in an in-flight positive overload failure of the wings and the subsequent in-flight breakup of the airplane.NTSB ERA19LA050Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportUltralite Sro Stingsport · Clermont, FLAn inflight failure of the airplane’s horizontal stabilizer.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 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 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…