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 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 ERA17FA145Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPipistrel Virus SW · Micanopy, FLThe pilot's intentional flight into an area of known convective thunderstorm activity, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.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 CEN16FA276Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 30 · Plainfield, ILThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an en route climb near convective activity, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, an uncontrolled descent, and a subsequent in-flight breakup due to an exceedance of the airplane's design load…NTSB ANC16LA048Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108 · Haines, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a ground loop and overstress failure of the left main landing gear wheel axle.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 ERA16FA176Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35 · Syosset, NYThe pilot's loss of airplane control while operating in instrument meteorological conditions with only a partial instrument panel due to a failure of the airplane's vacuum pump. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's spatial disorientation and the…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 WPR16FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 525 · Cedar Fort, UTThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation while operating in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's design stress limitations, and a subsequent in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident…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 WPR16FA041Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32RT-300T · Bakersfield, CAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct and continue the flight despite forecast and en route instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which were not conducive to safe operation under visual flight rules. Also causal to the accident was the…NTSB GAA16CA080Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAviat A1 · Broadus, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wires while flying at a low altitude resulting in a wire strike, a loss of airplane control, and the consequent impact with terrain.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 GAA16CA039Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 407 · Cameron, LAThe pilot's failure to remove a main rotor blade tiedown, which resulted in substantial damage to a main rotor blade when the engine was started.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 CEN15FA268Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32 · Cuba, MOThe pilot's continued flight into thunderstorm activity, which resulted in his loss of airplane control, the exceedance of the airplane's design limits, and its subsequent in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's reliance on onboard…NTSB DCA15CA117Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportTitan Aerospace Holdings Solara 50 · Otto, NMstructural failure of the left wing due to an overspeed condition.NTSB ERA15LA328Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGulfstream Aerospace G IV · Caribbean Sea, A1The in-flight failure of the cabin pressurization relief/safety valve (CPRV) due to an obstruction of the CPRV static port, which allowed the airplane to overpressurize. The reason for the initial overpressurization condition could not be determined.NTSB WPR15LA142Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchleicher ASW 27 · Reno, NVThe glider's encounter with severe turbulent atmospheric conditions after the pilot inadvertently entered clouds, which led to his inability to maintain a proper airspeed and the subsequent in-flight breakup of the glider.NTSB WPR15FA140Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportQuicksilver Enterprises MXL II · Petaluma, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and structural failure. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from his use of diphenhydramine.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 ERA14LA293Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C-1 · Allentown, PAInadequate inspection and maintenance of the helicopter’s landing gear dampers, which resulted in ground resonance during helicopter shutdown.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 ERA14FA168Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-44-180 · Brunswick, GAAn inflight failure of the airplane's only operating vacuum pump, which resulted in the loss of attitude information provided by vacuum-driven flight instruments. Also causal was the pilots' failure to maintain control of the airplane while operating in…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 ERA14FA077Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Biglerville, PAThe noninstrument-rated pilot's spatial disorientation after inadvertently encountering instrument meteorological conditions at night and his subsequent loss of airplane control.