NTSB investigations
290 cases where the sequence of events included 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 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"
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 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
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 CEN21FA360Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20M · Victoria, MNThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during final approach, which led to a spiral dive that overstressed the airplane and resulted in an in-flight breakup.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 ERA21LA014Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPipistrel Alpha Trainer · Rural Hall, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control and improper recovery from an unusual attitude, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.NTSB ERA20LA315Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV9 · Steinhatchee, FLThe failure of the air traffic controller to provide hazardous weather information to the pilot, resulting in the flight’s encounter with strong updraft conditions, an inflight loss of airplane control, and an in-flight breakup. Contributing was the pilot’s…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 WPR20WA210Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R44 · Broome Aerodrome, AustraliaThe government of Australia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a ROBINSON R44 helicopter that occurred on July 04, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Australia's investigation under the…NTSB CEN20WA237Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA34 · Reinsfeld, GermanyThe government of Germany has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a Piper PA-34 220T airplane, German registration D-GEMZ, that occurred on June 17, 2020. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Germany's…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 CEN20CA033Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA18 · Kerrville, TXThe pilot’s loss of airplane control during the landing flare, which resulted in a loss of directional control and ground-loop.NTSB ERA20FA021Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28R · Atlanta, GAThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while flying in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the vacuum pump and its associated instruments.NTSB CEN19LA251Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRyan Navion · Chicago, ILThe failure of the left main landing gear upper side brace assembly during landing due to reverse bending fatigue as a result of the incomplete penetration of the circumferential weld during initial production of the component.NTSB CEN19LA215Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 65 · Sidney, NEThe improper maintenance of the outboard left wing, which allowed electrical arcing and leaking of the fuel sending unit and subsequently resulted in ignition of fuel vapors and an explosion of the outboard left wing.NTSB CEN19LA183Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA24 · Greeley, COThe pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in failure of the right main landing gear and a subsequent loss of control.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 ERA19FA188Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46 · Castalia, NCThe pilot’s failure to navigate around hazardous weather, resulting in the penetration of a thunderstorm, a loss of airplane control, and an inflight breakup. The air traffic controller’s failure to provide the pilot with adequate and timely weather…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 WPR19FA123Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Kailua, HIThe helicopter’s encounter with a strong downdraft or outflow boundary while operating at a higher than recommended airspeed in turbulence which resulted in a low-G condition, excessive main rotor flapping, and an in-flight breakup when the main rotor…NTSB ERA19LA137Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPilatus PC12 · Fort Lauderdale, FLImproper maintenance of the windshield, which resulted in delamination and in-flight depressurization.NTSB CEN19FA094Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T337 · Longview, TXThe noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to continue flight into convective weather conditions, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its maximum maneuvering speed and the subsequent in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's…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 ERA19LA072Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA46 · Mayport, FLAn in-flight loss of control following an encounter with supercooled large droplet icing conditions, which ultimately resulted in an uncontrolled descent and subsequent inflight breakup. Also causal was the pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate airspeed…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 DCA19WA044Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Tijuana, MexicoThe DGAC of Mexico has notified the NTSB of an incident involving a Boeing 737 airplane that occurred on December 12, 2018. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the DGAC's investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13 as…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 CEN19FA004Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA32RT · Poolville, TXThe pilot's loss of airplane control as a result of spatial disorientation and the exceedance of the structural capabilities of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's limited experience in instrument conditions.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 WPR18LA177Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSchempp Hirth Flugzeugbau Arcus M · Richfield, UTAn inflight loss of control and subsequent inflight breakup for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB CEN18LA221Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 58 · Baton Rouge, LAThe improper insulation of the anticollision light wiring, which resulted in the ignition of combustible fuel vapors in the outboard section of the right wing; the source of the fuel leak could not be determined due to fire damage.NTSB GAA18CA329Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportDobbs George Coot · Malone, WIThe pilot’s improper decision to take off with a known structural issue, which resulted in hull damage.NTSB GAA18CA321Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportDehavilland Beaver DHC 2 · Ketchikan, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain pitch and directional control during a water landing.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 GAA18LA062Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 · Mesa, AZA coyote strike and the subsequent operation of the airplane, which led to internal composite wing structure damage.NTSB CEN18LA012Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGlobe GC 1A · Los Lunas, NMThe loss of directional control during takeoff and impact with a steel culvert.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 ERA17FA222Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA23 · Chatsworth, GAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in an encounter with severe convective activity, spatial disorientation, a loss of airplane control, and a subsequent in-flight breakup.…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.