# NTSB investigations, CA: Part(s) separation from AC

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.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR23LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA112.md): Star Lite SL1 · Corning, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 16, 2023 · UNREG · Destroyed
  > The student pilot’s loss of airplane control during an intentional aerobatic maneuver, which resulted in an inflight separation of the left wing and subsequent impact with the terrain.
- [NTSB DCA22FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA22FA082.md): Joby Aero JAS4-2 · Jolon, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 16, 2022 · N542AJ · Substantial damage
  > The separation of a propeller blade during expansion flight testing that resulted in cascading effects to include the separation of multiple propulsion motor/propeller assemblies and the loss of remote pilot control of the aircraft. Contributing to the…
- [NTSB WPR21FA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21FA300.md): Robinson Helicopter R66 · Colusa, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 1, 2021 · N7000J · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s abrupt flight control input that led to mast bumping and a subsequent in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB WPR20CA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA275.md): Cessna A185 · Susanville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Aug 1, 2020 · N60934 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff with a tailwind, which resulted in a subsequent collapse of the right main landing gear.
- [NTSB DCA20LA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA20LA107.md): Boeing 737 · Victorville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 19, 2020 · N820TJ · Substantial damage
  > Improper installation of dorsal fin attach bolts which caused the dorsal fin to separate during flight, substantially damaging the left horizontal stabilizer.
- [NTSB WPR20CA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA064.md): Airborne XT912 · Hawthorne, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 13, 2020 · N805M · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to arrest the airplane’s descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR20LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA062.md): Cessna 172H · El Monte, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 6, 2020 · N1658F · Substantial damage
  > The inflight separation of a section of a propeller blade due to a fatigue crack which resulted in a forced landing.
- [NTSB WPR20CA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA060.md): Cessna 150 · Twentynine Palms, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 4, 2020 · N45069 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's poor preflight planning, during which he failed to verify the proper procedure to activate the runway lights; his inability to locate the airport without lighting; and the airplane’s subsequent low-fuel state as he circled looking for the airport,…
- [NTSB WPR20LA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA026.md): Piper PA 18 · Livermore, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 16, 2019 · N8589D · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of the flight control stick, which resulted in separation of the flight control stick from the stick stub assembly and an uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR19LA255](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA255.md): Sikorsky S58 · Azusa, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 11, 2019 · N1168U · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of a section of the tail rotor blade due to a fatigue crack, which resulted in the pilot’s forced autorotation into a field.
- [NTSB WPR19LA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA242.md): Lockheed C130 · Santa Barbara, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 26, 2019 · N119TG · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the No. 3 bleed air duct due to corrosion, which resulted in numerous system failures and the pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
- [NTSB WPR19FA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA079.md): Cessna 414 · Yorba Linda, CA · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 3, 2019 · N414RS · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after entering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) while climbing due to spatial disorientation, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s design stress limits and subsequent in-flight break-up.…
- [NTSB GAA19CA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA014.md): Cessna 172 · Stockton, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 5, 2018 · N78239 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
- [NTSB WPR18FA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA171.md): Beech A35 · Hesperia, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Jun 15, 2018 · N580B · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted return to the airport following the separation of the spinner bulkhead during takeoff as a result of fatigue cracking. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to fly…
- [NTSB WPR18FA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA143.md): I.C.A.-Brasov IS 29D · Avenal, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 19, 2018 · N38ES · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper installation of the wings onto the glider, which resulted in an in-flight wing separation. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's limited familiarity with the design and a lack of reliable assembly guidance.
- [NTSB WPR18FA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA088.md): Hastings Thomas G Cirrus VK 30 · Agua Dulce, CA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 11, 2018 · N52TH · Substantial damage
  > The driveshaft fracture due to overstress loading and rotational bending as a result of the under-torqued nuts on the elastomeric couplings backing off and the subsequent in-flight separation of the horizontal fairing due to contact with the separated end of…
- [NTSB GAA18CA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA102.md): Piper PA 28 · Corona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 13, 2018 · N7085R · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot and flight instructor’s failure to see and avoid powerlines during a simulated emergency landing, which resulted in a wire strike during a go-around.
- [NTSB GAA18CA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA077.md): Czech Sport Aircraft a.s. Sport Cruiser · Sacramento, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 9, 2017 · N227US · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to securely lock the canopy before takeoff.
- [NTSB WPR17LA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA167.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Santa Ana, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2017 · N7535G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while maneuvering during takeoff.
- [NTSB GAA17CA321](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA321.md): Ag-Cat G 164 · Tulelake, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 5, 2017 · N80083 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper decision to perform a low altitude fly-by over ground equipment, which resulted in the airplane striking the equipment.
- [NTSB GAA17CA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA146.md): Kaman Aerospace K 1200 · Julian, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 13, 2017 · N675TH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to conduct a thru-flight walkaround inspection, which resulted in the engine cowling remaining open and subsequently separating from the helicopter and striking the main rotor blades and vertical stabilizer during departure.
- [NTSB GAA16CA430](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA430.md): Pzl-Swidnik PW 6U · Llano, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 14, 2016 · N212EC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to properly secure the two aft canopy latches during the preflight inspection, which resulted in the canopy separating from the glider during the takeoff roll and substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer.
- [NTSB GAA16LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16LA056.md): Airbus EC135 · Apple Valley, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 19, 2015 · N36RX · Substantial damage
  > The ingestion of a towel from an unsecured storage container at the landing site into the helicopter's fenestron during the landing.
- [NTSB WPR16LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA018.md): Cessna 120 · Lone Pine, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 2015 · N3124N · Substantial damage
  > The fracture of the left main landing gear (MLG) wheel axle due to fatigue, which resulted in the separation of the left MLG wheel during takeoff from a dirt airstrip.
- [NTSB GAA16CA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA010.md): Grosch Starduster TOO SA 30 · Lincoln, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 4, 2015 · N2RG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop, left main landing gear collapse, and the left wing striking the runway.
- [NTSB WPR15LA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA025.md): Cessna 172S · Santa Monica, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 26, 2014 · N353MV · Substantial damage
  > The separation of a section of a propeller blade due to fatigue cracking. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s failure to comply with the manufacturer’s maintenance and inspection instructions.
- [NTSB WPR14LA377](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA377.md): Piper PA 28 · Lone Pine, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 2014 · N5948W · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of a propeller blade due to a propeller strike by/of an unidentified object at an unknown time.
- [NTSB WPR14LA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA141.md): Evektor-Aerotechnik Sportstar · Porterville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 2014 · N817EV · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
- [NTSB WPR14LA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA096.md): Morrisey 2150 · Pismo Beach, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 14, 2014 · N5102V · Destroyed
  > The in-flight separation of a wing for reasons that could not be determined because the wreckage was not recovered from the ocean.
- [NTSB WPR12LA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA115.md): Texas Helicopter OH-13E/M74 · Farmington, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 22, 2012 · N43921 · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR11LA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA273.md): Schweizer G-164B · Marysville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 2011 · N3627G · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the right main landing gear during takeoff, due to fatigue.
- [NTSB WPR11CA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA157.md): Aeronca 7EC · Big Bear City, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 11, 2011 · N2349E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper maintenance, which resulted in a wheel separating from the airplane during takeoff, and the airplane's subsequent nose over during the landing rollout.
- [NTSB WPR10LA381](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA381.md): Advertising Mgmt & Consulting Velocity Super XLRG5 · San Diego, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 2, 2010 · N444YP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not close and secure the right passenger door, which resulted in an in-flight separation of the door and subsequent loss of engine power due to the door’s collision with the rear-mounted engine assembly.
- [NTSB WPR10LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA117.md): Bell 47G-4A · Shafter, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 22, 2010 · N28938 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of a main rotor blade counterweight due to corrosion. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the operator to perform the initial and recurrent inspections required by a Service Bulletin to detect the corrosion in the counterweight.
- [NTSB WPR09CA434](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA434.md): Cessna 195 · Camarillo, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 5, 2009 · N1508D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
- [NTSB WPR09LA340](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA340.md): Bender Kitfox · Valencia, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 2009 · N926JB · Substantial damage
  > The failure and separation of a propeller blade for undetermined reasons.
- [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 WPR09IA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09IA187.md): Liberty Aerospace Liberty XL-2 · Camarillo, CA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Apr 5, 2009 · N519XL · Minor damage
  > The cruise flight separation of the canopy door. Contributing to the incident was the pilot's failure to ensure that the left side door was securely closed prior to takeoff.
- [NTSB WPR09FA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA104.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta II · Fillmore, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 31, 2009 · N4160A · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight break-up while maneuvering as a result of the main rotor blades diverging from the normal plane of rotation and severing the tailboom. The underlying reason for the main rotor divergence could not be determined.
- [NTSB LAX08LA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA183.md): Robinson R44 II · Topanga, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2008 · N168AG · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of the tail rotor gear box for an undetermined reason. Contributing to the accident was the hilly terrain, which was unsuitable for a forced landing.

## 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '338' 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/338/sequence?state=CA

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