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 CEN14IA085Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBeech E90 · Eau Claire, WIThe failure of the copilot’s windshield inner layer due to a peel chip that developed as a result of mechanical and thermal expansion stresses.NTSB ERA14MA060Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportFairchild SA227-AC · La Alianza, PRThe flight crew's excessive elevator input during a rapid descent under night lighting conditions, which resulted in the overstress and breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was an initial loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be…NTSB CEN14FA064Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210 · Cedaredge, COThe pilot's spatial disorientation while operating in dark night conditions in snow showers and his subsequent failure to maintain airplane control, which resulted in overstress of the airplane and an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the loss of control was…NTSB CEN14LA056Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPearson Jon M Dragonfly · Anahuac, TXThe incorrect installation by the pilot, who was not a certificated mechanic or repairman, of the main rotor head bearing block, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the rotor head.NTSB CEN14FA009Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 500 · Derby, KSThe airplane's encounter with severe icing conditions, which resulted in structural icing, and the pilot's increased workload and subsequent disorientation while maneuvering in instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions with malfunctioning flight instruments,…NTSB ERA13FA424Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBrown Robert K RV7A · Hamilton Township, NJThe pilot's improper aerobatic maneuver that resulted in a loss of control, exceedance of the airplane's design limitations, and a subsequent in-flight breakup of the airplane.NTSB WPR13LA404Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G5 · King City, CAThe failure of the helicopter’s center frame tube due to a fatigue crack and corrosion originating from a welded surface. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the helicopter during its most recent 100-hour…NTSB CEN13LA514Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChallenger II · Emporia, KSThe right wing’s folding up in flight for reasons that could not be determined because an examination did not reveal any abnormalities with the airframe that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB ERA13FA253Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-34-200T · Johnstown, NYThe pilot's loss of control due to spatial disorientation in instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's design stress limitations, and a subsequent in-flight breakup.NTSB ENG13IA027Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 747 · Atlanta, GAFailure of the right inboard foreflap outboard fitting due to fatigue and bearing anomalies on the sequence carriages which resulted in the partial separation of the right inboard foreflap. Contributing to the incident was the failure of maintenance personnel…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 ERA13LA198Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportFranke Russell J Searey · Polk City, FLAn inadvertent encounter with the water wake from a larger amphibious airplane before takeoff and the pilot's subsequent inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane during which he failed to note damage caused by the wake encounter.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 WPR13FA086Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35A · Woody, CAAn in-flight encounter with icing conditions during descent, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall followed by an in-flight breakup.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 CEN13FA105Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech E-90 · Amarillo, TXThe pilot’s loss of control of the airplane after encountering icing conditions and heavy to extreme turbulence and the subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s design limit, which led to an in-flight breakup.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 ERA13LA065Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech C90A · Roanoke, VAThe failure of the right main landing gear bearing actuator support brackets. Contributing to the accident was the owner's and operator's failure to comply with the airplane manufacturer's mandatory service bulletin and the Federal Aviation Administration's…NTSB WPR13FA037Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421C · Shaver Lake, CAThe pilot's failure to regain airplane control following a sudden rapid descent during cruise, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to make the flight with a failed vacuum pump, particularly at high…NTSB CEN12FA628Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-23-250 · Bullard, TXThe pilot's maneuver, which exceeded the airplane's structural limit and resulted in an in-flight breakup.NTSB WPR12LA396Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · Oceano, CAThe pilot’s exceedance of the design maneuvering speed during descent in turbulence, which resulted in structural damage to the aft fuselage.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 ANC12FA066Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-301 · Fairbanks, AKThe noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions likely leading to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and in-flight structural failure.NTSB ERA12FA433Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · New Site, MSThe 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 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 ERA12FA385Accident · 6 fatalField investigationFinal reportPilatus PC-12/47 · Lake Wales, FLThe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane while climbing to cruise altitude in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) following disconnect of the autopilot. The reason for the autopilot disconnect could not be determined during…NTSB ERA12FA376Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHawker Beechcraft A36 · Macon, MSThe pilot's decision to continue flight into an area of known thunderstorms, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience in actual instrument meteorological conditions and his reliance on datalink…NTSB CEN12LA247Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269A · Grinnell, IAThe pilot's improper liftoff technique, which resulted in ground resonance, and the pilot's delayed recognition of the ground resonance.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 WPR12LA115Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTexas Helicopter OH-13E/M74 · Farmington, CAThe in-flight separation of the wood portion of one main rotor blade while maneuvering at low level, the reason for which could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.NTSB CEN12FA164Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-24-250 · Albany, TXThe loss of flight instrumentation due to a failed vacuum pump while flying a night without a discernable horizon, which resulted in the pilot's spatial disorientation and an in-flight loss of control and impact with terrain. Contributing was the continued…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 ERA12LA131Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHaney John F B Seastar XP · Willimantic, CTA partial loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. Contributing to the accident was the lack of an installed manufacturer-recommended carburetor heat system.NTSB ERA12FA115Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TBM 700 · Morristown, NJThe airplane’s encounter with unforecasted severe icing conditions that were characterized by high ice accretion rates and the pilot's failure to use his command authority to depart the icing conditions in an expeditious manner, which resulted in a loss of…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 CEN12FA001Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R66 · Philip, SDThe in-flight separation of the main rotor mast following a mast bumping event. The reason for the mast bumping event could not be determined due to postaccident damage.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…