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 CEN11FA422Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta · Del Valle, TXThe divergence of the main rotor from its normal plane of rotation for reasons that cannot be determined because the pilot’s control inputs leading up to the event are unknown, resulting in mast bumping and main rotor blade separation.NTSB WPR11LA265Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAerovodochody L-29 Delfin · Reno, NVThe failure of a modified engine mount to keep the engine properly aligned, which resulted in partial failure of the rudder support structure due to the deflection of the jet engine exhaust.NTSB CEN11LA352Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 100-180 · Athens, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed in the flare which resulted in a stall and a hard landing.NTSB WPR11FA228Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBellanca 17-30A · Rock Springs, WYThe pilot’s decision to continue flight into an area of known adverse weather, which resulted in an accumulation of structural ice that led to a loss of control and in-flight breakup. Also causal was the pilot’s inadequate preflight weather planning.NTSB WPR11FA225Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportP&M Pegasus Quik 912S · Hanalei, HIThe pilot's continued operation of the aircraft with deteriorated wing fabric and his aggressive maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in the right wing fabric’s failure during flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's loading of the aircraft…NTSB CEN11IA280Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBeech 90B · Chickasha, OKThe mechanic's improper installation of the aileron.NTSB DCA11MA039Accident · Minor injuriesMajor investigationFinal reportBoeing 737 · Yuma, AZthe improper installation of the fuselage crown skin panel at the S-4L lap joint during the manufacturing process, which resulted in multiple site damage fatigue cracking and eventual failure of the lower skin panel. Contributing to the injuries was flight…NTSB WPR11LA172Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech G35 · Whidbey Island, WAThe pilot's failure to prioritize flying over navigation due to his diverted attention, which allowed the airplane to near a restricted area, which, in turn, led the pilot to enter a rapid avoidance maneuver and subsequently lose airplane control.…NTSB WPR11FA155Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMuse KR2 · Newberry Springs, CAThe airplane’s encounter with severe turbulence, which resulted in the in-flight breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.NTSB CEN11LA209Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGreat Lakes 2T-1A-2 · Kingsville, TXA pre-existing crack in the front spar of the right horizontal stabilizer near a riveted fitting, causing it to fail and separate from the airplane in flight. Contributing to the accident was the failure of maintenance personnel comply with existing service…NTSB ERA11LA141Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31-350 · Baltimore, MDAn in-flight overload failure of the left elevator inboard balance weight rib for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR11LA081Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportApollo AS-III · Poipu, HIThe pilot's lack of compliance with manufacturer's guidance for care and handling of the aircraft combined with incomplete preflight inspections, which resulted in an undetected material failure of the nose cone.NTSB ERA11GA066Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportCessna M337B · Avon Park, FLThe pilot's inadvertent encounter with an unexpected intense rain shower with severe turbulence at night.NTSB CEN11LA050Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMcfarland Bill Challenger II · Praire Du Sac, WIThe separation of the fuselage-mounted wing strut attachment fitting for an undetermined reason, which resulted in the separation of the left wing of the airplane.NTSB DCA11FA004Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportBoeing 757-223 · Miami, FLFatigue failure of the fuselage crown skin due to incorrect manufacturing of the crown skin panel that resulted in a skin thickness less than the manufacturer-specified thickness.NTSB CEN10LA560Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Schaumburg, ILThe in-flight separation of the left aft cluster fitting assembly following the loss of torque on the lock nut due to a manufacturing defect.NTSB WPR10FA440Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportHiller UH 12E · Kamiah, IDIn-flight impact of a passenger's metal clipboard with the helicopter’s tail rotor, which resulted in destruction of the tail rotor and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. The original location of the clipboard and how it became free could not be…NTSB ANC10LA081Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-2 · Port Alsworth, AKThe overstress fracture and failure of a main landing gear wheel during landing, resulting in the right wing striking the ground.NTSB WPR10FA397Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Commander 500-B · Burns, ORThe non-instrument rated pilot's improper decision to continue flight into an area of known instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain control of the airplane after entering those conditions.NTSB ERA10LA405Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGlines Sportsman GS-2 · Morrisville, VTThe pilot's improper flare during a forced landing. Contributing to the accident was a loss of fuel pressure for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR10LA353Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTopdog Ultralights TOP DOG 582 · Eagle Point, ORThe separation of the left wingtip.NTSB CEN10LA414Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWogenstahl Wallace L Wogenstahl 281 MR · Mount Cory, OHThe improper installation of the rivets at the aft fuselage bulkhead which resulted in the pilot not having full elevator control on landing.NTSB CEN10CA376Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportWells Terry Hula Girl · Wellington, COA partial loss of engine power due to the inadequate design of the engine cowling.NTSB CEN10LA339Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAirborne Windsport Edge · Ft. Lupton, COThe pilot intentionally performed prohibited aerobatic maneuvers that damaged the carriage wing attachment hang point and collapsed the wing.NTSB WPR10LA306Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 11A · Merced, CAThe pilot’s inability to maintain airplane control during cruise flight due to the failure of the elevator trim tab as a result of missing hardware for the elevator control cable bellcrank to elevator torque tube attachment bracket.NTSB CEN10FA316Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Umpire, ARThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation.NTSB CEN10LA315Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 1900D · Denver, COThe pre-existent damage of the right-hand landing gear actuator attachment lug which led to fatigue cracking and eventual overload failure resulting in a collapsed gear upon landing.NTSB ANC10CA051Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportStinson 108-1 · Galena, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, resulting in a ground-loop, and collapse of the right main landing gear.NTSB CEN10FA291Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 222 · Midlothian, TXThe fracture of a swashplate drive pin as a result of hydrogen embrittlement due to an unknown source, which resulted in an in-flight breakup of the main rotor system during cruise flight.NTSB ANC10LA026Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 170B · Anchorage, AKThe structural failure of the right main landing gear leg, resulting in the collapse of the landing gear.NTSB CEN10LA198Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAmerican Champion 7KCAB · Greeley, COAn in-flight failure of the wing fabric for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA10FA140Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T337G · Farmingdale, NJThe pilots’ failure to adhere to the airplane’s operating limitations, which resulted in overload failure of the right wing. Findings of the investigation were the adverse effects of multiple supplemental type certificates (STC) to the airframe wing structure…NTSB WPR10LA104Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAirborne Streak 2 · Lake Isabella, CAThe pilot’s performance of prohibited aerobatic flight maneuvers that exceeded the structural limits of the airplane, resulting in an in-flight breakup.NTSB ENG10IA016Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportDouglas DC8 · Cincinnati (CVG), OHFailure of the NLG cylinder occurred by intergranular rupture; coincidental to a chrome plating crack. The failure origin occurred along the inner surface of the cylinder and then propagated by stress corrosion cracking to the outer surface. A secondary crack…NTSB ERA10LA107Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMaule M5 · LaGrange, GAThe failure of the right main landing gear for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR10LA060Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas Heli 369E · Kahuku, HIThe fatigue failure of the landing gear strut and maintenance personnel’s failure to perform an adequate inspection of the landing gear.NTSB ERA10FA062Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Dennisville, NJThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to depart into known instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and overcontrol of the airplane and the subsequent in-flight structural failure. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB CEN10FA044Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Spring Branch, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during cruise flight in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to this accident was the pilot’s lack of recent experience in flying in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB CEN10FA027Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCommander 114-B · Adrian, MIThe pilot did not maintain control of the airplane due to spatial disorientation while on an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions.NTSB ENG10WA004Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Melbourne Airport, AustraliaOn October 20, 2009, at 0900 local time, a Virgin Blue Airlines Boeing 737-800 airplane, registration VH-VUI, experienced a failure of the right main landing gear outboard wheel assembly during landing at Melbourne Airport in Melbourne, Australia. No one was…NTSB ENG09RA019Incident · No injuriesForeign investigationBoeing 737 · Kuching, MalaysiaOn October 2, 2009, about 0818 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) a Malaysia Airlines, Boeing 737-400 airplane, registration 9M-MMR, suffered a collapsed left main landing gear during pushback from the gate at Kuching International Airport, Kuching, Sarawak,…NTSB CEN09LA611Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMckenna James E AVID-CATAL · Inks Lake, TXThe pilot’s decision to take off with a known airframe deficiency.NTSB WPR09LA453Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportQuad City Challenger II · Redlands, CAStructural failure of the right wing during the landing approach due to the separation of the wing's fabric covering.NTSB ENG09IA014Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 737 · Los Angeles, CAThe failure of the right main landing gear inboard axle due to fatigue cracking as a result of fretting damage in one of the brake mounting bolt holes.NTSB CEN09LA565Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell UH-1B · Arvilla, NDThe aircraft owner/mechanic/pilot's installation of an improper tail boom assembly and the resulting fatigue failure of the tail boom's attach fittings.NTSB ERA09LA502Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportM-Squared Sprint 1000 · Madeira Beach, FLA loss of torque to the gearbox engine-side coupling flange bolts, which resulted in separation of the gearbox and propeller from the engine and the subsequent severing of the airplane's tail structure.NTSB CEN09CA577Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportKetonen Schreder · Ionia, MIThe pilot failed to maintain control of the glider during the aero-tow launch.NTSB ERA09LA492Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBond Neal O S-9 · Saylorsburg, PAThe pilot’s excessive flight control inputs that resulted in an overload failure of the right elevator and horizontal stabilizer.NTSB CEN09CA552Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 150F · Abilene, KSThe pilot's inadequate crosswind landing technique, resulting in an excessive side load on the left landing gear that led to an overload failure of its axle.NTSB ERA09FA487Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSocata TB20 · Pavo, GAThe pilot’s continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, with embedded intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, and severe to extreme turbulence, resulting in an in-flight separation of the left wing due to overstress.