# 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 6 of 6 · 290 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB ANC09LA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC09LA083.md): Cessna 185 · McCarthy, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2009 · N8209U · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the right main landing gear wheel from the airplane during landing for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an inability to control the airplane.
- [NTSB WPR09FA391](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA391.md): Navion Navion A · Adrian, OR · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 2009 · N4898K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control while in cruise flight due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in an exceedence of the design stress limits of the aircraft and led to an in-flight structural failure.
- [NTSB CEN09CA521](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA521.md): Maule M-4-220C · Abernathy, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 25, 2009 · N11EN · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the fuselage's tube structure due to corrosion during a hard landing.
- [NTSB ENG09IA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG09IA009.md): Boeing 737-3B7 · Charlotte (CLT), NC · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jul 15, 2009 · N506AU · Minor damage
  > The failure of the left hand main landing gear was caused by heat induced cracks resulting from abusive grinding/polishing of the chrome plate that was applied during the last overhaul.
- [NTSB DCA09FA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA09FA065.md): Boeing 737 · Charleston, WV · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 13, 2009 · N387SW · Substantial damage
  > Fuselage skin failure due to preexisting fatigue at a chemically milled step.
- [NTSB ERA09LA392](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA392.md): Noles Vance L Vans RV7A · Sanderson, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2009 · N774US · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions with convective activity and thunderstorms. Contributing to the accident was his failure to get an adequate weather briefing.
- [NTSB ERA09FA389](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA389.md): Cessna 421C · Gulf of Mexico · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2009 · N4467D · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s decision to operate into a known area of adverse weather, which resulted in the inadvertent penetration of a severe thunderstorm, a subsequent loss of control, and in-flight breakup of the airplane.
- [NTSB WPR09LA318](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA318.md): Alexander Schleicher ASW 27-18E · Ephrata, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 2009 · N129TD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the glider during flight and his exceedance of the glider’s design limits during an attempted recovery from a spin.
- [NTSB CEN09LA379](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA379.md): Urban Air Sro UFM-13 · Bourne Stage, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 23, 2009 · N17UA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the aircraft’s placarded never-exceed speed (Vne), resulting in aerodynamic flutter in the empennage and the subsequent in-flight structural failure of the aft portion of the fuselage.
- [NTSB CEN09FA340](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09FA340.md): Gulfstream American AA-5B · Humbird, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2009 · N448DM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to attempt a visual flight rules flight into an area of known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB WPR09FA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA234.md): Upton Bakeng Duce · Ramona, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 9, 2009 · N86YP · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight separation of the right wing, which resulted from the pilot's performance of a maneuver that produced aerodynamic loads that exceeded the wing spar’s degraded strength. The wing spar strength degradation was due to the builder's failure to comply…
- [NTSB ERA09FA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA273.md): Explorer Aeronautique Ecoflyer · Lebanon, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 27, 2009 · C-IOFL · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of the left wing due to failure of one of the inboard attachments to the fuselage.
- [NTSB CEN09CA268](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA268.md): Luscombe 8 · Terrell, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 22, 2009 · N2330K · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the landing gear due to undetected corrosion.
- [NTSB WPR09FA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA192.md): Piper PA-24-250 · San Diego, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 11, 2009 · N7690P · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control during an en route cruise descent through multiple cloud layers, resulting in an in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB WPR09FA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA141.md): Stephenson Zodiac 601 XL · Antelope Island, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 3, 2009 · N3683X · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight failure of both wings due to aileron flutter. The aileron flutter was the result of inadequate wing stiffness and the lack of aileron counterbalances.
- [NTSB WPR09FA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA116.md): Piper PA-24-260 · Hagerman, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 16, 2009 · N8810P · Destroyed
  > The student pilot's spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and subsequent in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's mental condition which could have contributed to the inappropriate decision to fly the…
- [NTSB ERA09MA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09MA157.md): Cessna 206H · Quebradillas, PR · Accident · 6 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Feb 8, 2009 · N118ME · Destroyed
  > The pilot exceeded the design limits of the airplane, which resulted in an in-flight break up while maneuvering in adverse weather conditions.
- [NTSB WPR09FA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA089.md): Glaser-Dirks DG-400 · Volcano, HI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 16, 2009 · N777WN · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of pitch control and subsequent exceedance of the glider's airspeed limit for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB DCA09MA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA09MA026.md): Airbus A320 · Weehawken, NJ · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Jan 15, 2009 · N106US · Substantial damage
  > The ingestion of large birds into each engine, which resulted in an almost total loss of thrust in both engines and the subsequent ditching on the Hudson River. Contributing to the fuselage damage and resulting unavailability of the aft slide/rafts were (1)…
- [NTSB CEN09FA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09FA087.md): Beech C90 · Rocksprings, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 14, 2008 · N43KM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly configure the pressurization controls, resulting in his impairment and subsequent incapacitation due to hypoxia.
- [NTSB ERA09FA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA087.md): Ercoupe 415-D · Sebring, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 13, 2008 · N99154 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the design stress limitations of the airplane.
- [NTSB ERA09FA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA029.md): Piper PA-24 · Red Hill, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 2008 · N8820P · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to an improper repair to the stabilator, which resulted in an in-flight failure of the stabilator. Contributing to the accident was the descent in turbulence, at airspeeds above the maximum structural…
- [NTSB ENG08IA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG08IA042.md): Boeing 737 · Chicago, IL · Incident · Incident investigation · Final report · Oct 1, 2008 · N551WN · Minor damage
  > The right nose landing gear axle's failure from intergranular and fatigue cracking due to an earlier bearing failure.
- [NTSB SEA08FA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08FA196.md): Debus J / Mountain S / Bowes E DEBUS-CASST-SNOSHOO · Reno, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 2008 · N102MB · Substantial damage
  > The movement of the airplane’s modified horizontal stabilizer trim system during an intentional high speed aerobatic maneuver that resulted in exceedence of the design stress limits of the airplane and an in-flight structural failure. Contrubuting to the…
- [NTSB LAX08LA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA253.md): Long Lancair ES · Cliffdell, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 2008 · N45EL · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while in cruise flight due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was turbulence and clouds.
- [NTSB NYC08FA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA260.md): Piper PA-23 · Highlands, NC · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 2008 · N1180P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to fly into an area of thunderstorms, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the air traffic controller's failure to comply with FAA directives regarding issuance of precipitation location and…
- [NTSB ENG08IA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG08IA051.md): Boeing 737 · Phoenix (PHX), AZ · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jun 27, 2008 · N514AU · Minor damage
  > The failure of the MLG was due to cracking in the cylinder wall resulting from a fatigue mechanism which initiated at, and near the inner diameter (ID) surface, with propagation through the wall toward the outer diameter(OD) surface. Crack initiation was due…
- [NTSB CHI08LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08LA158.md): Maggs Lancair 4P · Alhambra, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 6, 2008 · N241DM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to continue the flight into an area of known thunderstorm activity and the in-flight structural failure of the airplane.
- [NTSB CHI08FA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08FA133.md): Beech V35 · Bristol, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 12, 2008 · N7947M · Destroyed
  > The loss of control during cruise flight in instrument conditions due to spatial disorientation.
- [NTSB ENG08IA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG08IA025.md): Boeing MD-11 · Singapore, Singapore · Incident · Incident investigation · Final report · Apr 27, 2008 · N595FE · Minor damage
  > The Center Landing gear (CLG) strut failed due to intergranular (IG) cracking resulted from a contamination of the surface from the chemical used to clean that area prior to painting.
- [NTSB SEA08LA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08LA110.md): Cessna 180 · Blanding, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 24, 2008 · N180XP · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of the right main landing gear leg during the landing roll.
- [NTSB NYC08FA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA158.md): Chech Aircraft Works Spol Sro CH 601 XL RTF · Polk City, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 7, 2008 · N357DT · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight failure of the left wing for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX08LA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA083.md): Gulfstream-Schweizer G-164B · Genesee, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 22, 2008 · N8148K · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight failure of the rudder attachment point due to severe corrosion, which made directional control of the airplane not possible during landing.
- [NTSB DCA08IA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA08IA048.md): Boeing 757-200 · Richmond, VA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Mar 22, 2008 · N921UW · Minor damage
  > The installed wing panel clips failed due to fatigue, likely caused by the incorrect installation of the fasteners in response to SB 757-57-0027. Contributing to the incorrect installation was the SB's lack of clarity in the instructions and figures on the…
- [NTSB NYC08FA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA134.md): Robinson R22 Beta II · Wilmington, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 13, 2008 · N2215R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain proper rotor rpm after a partial loss of engine power.
- [NTSB DEN08LA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN08LA064.md): Spartan 7W · Santa Fe, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 12, 2008 · N17662 · Substantial damage
  > Fatigue failure of the right main landing gear, rendering directional control impossible and causing an overload failure of the left main landing gear.
- [NTSB SEA08LA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08LA090.md): Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 20-C1 · Spanish Fork, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 2008 · N765DC · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of the nose wheel fork assembly attachment stud/bolt during takeoff initial climb, and the collapse of the nose gear during landing.
- [NTSB CHI08CA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA087.md): Cessna 140 · Poplar Grove, IL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 23, 2008 · N3527V · Substantial damage
  > The left wing skin "fabric patch" separated from the wing ribs and spars for an undetermined reason.
- [NTSB LAX08FA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08FA047.md): Beechcraft V35B · Selma, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 18, 2008 · N4662M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control resulting in the in-flight break-up of the airplane due to aerodynamic overload. Contributing factors included the pilot's impairment due to multiple medical conditions and due to recent use of alcohol.
- [NTSB DFW08FA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08FA056.md): Aero Commander 500B · Tulsa, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 17, 2008 · N712AT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation and the pilot exceeding the design/stress limits of the aircraft. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's reported gyro problem, the dark night conditions, and prevailing instrument…

## 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 s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '337' AND s.case_mkey IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' WHERE "isDefiningEvent"))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/337/sequence?page=6

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