Fatal NTSB investigations
48 cases where the defining event was Powerplant sys/comp malf/fail.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 1 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Where
Latest cases
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.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal'
AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e.\"isDefiningEvent\" AND e.\"tier2Number\" = '340')
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."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e."isDefiningEvent" AND e."tier2Number" = '340') 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 ERA26FA270Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportBeech 95-B55 (T42A) · Metter, GAOn July 13, 2026, about 1114 eastern daylight time, a Beechcraft 95-B55, twin-engine airplane, N55FD, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Metter, Georgia. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14…NTSB CEN26FA228Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportTextron 680A · Laredo, TXOn June 16, 2026, at 2200 central daylight time, a Textron Aviation Inc 680A, N523QS, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident in Laredo, Texas. The captain received serious injuries, the first officer received minor injuries, one…NTSB GAA25WA183Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignRobinson R66 · Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, United KingdomNTSB CEN25FA006Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C99 · Norfolk, NEThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a partial loss of engine power during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the fatigue failure of the compressor turbine fan disk blade.NTSB ERA24FA310Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportWilliams John Titan T-51 Mustang · Geneva, OHA sudden propeller overspeed and subsequent separation of the propeller blades and hub, while maneuvering at high speed and at low altitude, which resulted in a collision with a tree during the subsequent forced landing attempt.NTSB CEN24FA218Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Gainesville, TXThe fuel pump manufacturer’s improper torquing of screws on the engine-driven fuel pump, which resulted in a disruption in the fuel system and a loss of engine power on initial climb.NTSB ERA24FA110Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBombardier CL-600-2B16 · Naples, FLCorrosion of both engines’ variable geometry (VG) system components, which led to their operation in an off-schedule position and resulted in near-simultaneous sub-idle rotating compressor stalls on approach, subsequent loss of thrust in both engines, and an…NTSB ERA24FA078Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46R-350T · Mooresville, NCA missing induction clamp, which allowed the induction hose to the left side intercooler to become disconnected, resulting in a total loss of engine power due to an overly rich fuel/air mixture.NTSB WPR24FA054Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Topock, AZThe failure of the No. 4 connecting rod due to oil starvation, which resulted in a loss of engine power, inflight fire, and a subsequent off-airport emergency landing on rough desert terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt a…NTSB WPR24FA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeauchamp Norm Kitfox · Eloy, AZThe separation of a propeller blade during the initial climb due to insufficient blade retention forces. Contributing to the accident was the propeller blade retention design, manufacturing defects that prevented the propeller from achieving adequate grip…NTSB ERA24FA050Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32R · Attalla, ALThe undetected wear of both pawl retaining rivets of the left magneto impulse coupling and fatigue failure of one pawl retaining rivet, which led to cascading fractures of the second pawl retaining rivet, left gear retainer assembly, and gear teeth of…NTSB ERA23FA238Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35 · Rougemont, NCA total loss of engine power due to oil starvation. The source of the oil starvation could not be determined.NTSB ERA23FA025Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Brentwood, TNA total loss of engine power due to the catastrophic failure of the crankshaft resulting from the improper installation of the crankshaft for this application.NTSB GAA22WA242Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignPiper PA28 · Sungai Pinji, MalaysiaNTSB CEN22FA317Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell UH-1H · Chapelle, NMThe total loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the starter-generator input (zerol) gear which failed due to poor maintenance. Contributing to the accident was the unsuccessful autorotation complicated by the setting sun and high density altitude.NTSB ERA21FA253Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV6 · Buckingham, PAAn exhaust system leak that resulted in failure of the oil quick drain, a loss of oil lubrication, an in-flight fire, and the pilot’s subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN21FA130Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVelocity Vtwin · Janesville, WIThe exceedance of the maximum airspeed for flight with the landing gear extended, which resulted in a separation of the right main landing gear door that subsequently impacted the right propeller and resulted in a total loss of right engine power.…NTSB WPR21FA048Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Los Angeles, CAMaintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the throttle control hardware during recent maintenance, which resulted in its disconnection and a subsequent loss of engine power on approach for landing.NTSB GAA20WA125Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna R172 · Tarapaca-Amazonas, ColombiaNTSB CEN20FA035Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 407 · Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of Mexico)A total loss of engine power due to the failure of the engine’s Nos. 3 and 4 bearings and the power turbine pinion gear, and subsequent loss of main rotor rpm, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with the water.NTSB ERA20FA031Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150 · New Bedford, MAPilot impairment due to exposure to carbon monoxide as a result of undetected corrosion and holes in the engine’s left exhaust muffler.NTSB CEN19FA161Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 425 · Butler, MOThe pilot’s loss of airplane control during a descent to a diversion airport with only the left engine operating. Contributing to the accident was a malfunction of the right engine throttle, the cause of which could not be determined.NTSB ERA19FA106Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportStol UC-1 · Winter Haven, FLA total loss of left engine power for reasons that could not be determined, and the instructor's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the instructor's…NTSB CEN19LA055Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 36 · Fredericksburg, TXThe loss of engine power due to fatigue failure of the crankshaft.NTSB WPR19FA022Accident · 4 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Guthrie Center, IAPilot incapacitation due to carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of an undetected crack in an engine exhaust muffler, which permitted entry of exhaust gasses into the cabin via the cabin heat system.NTSB WPR18FA131Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican Air Racing Thunder Mustang · Reno, NVThe pilot's failure to properly secure the engine coolant pump pulley during recent maintenance, which resulted in a loss of the engine's lubrication, cooling, and propeller control systems, and a forced landing, during which the airplane nosed over.…NTSB DCA18MA142Accident · 1 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportBoeing 737 7H4 · Philadelphia, PAA low-cycle fatigue crack in the dovetail of fan blade No. 13, which resulted in the fan blade separating in flight and impacting the engine fan case at a location that was critical to the structural integrity and performance of the fan cowl structure. This…NTSB WPR18FA088Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportHastings Thomas G Cirrus VK 30 · Agua Dulce, CAThe 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 CEN18FA053Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Oldenburg, INA total loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 4 piston, which resulted in an attempted forced landing in dark night conditions and a subsequent in-flight collision with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's situational…NTSB CEN17FA207Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportVarga 2150A · Bowling Green, OHThe pilot's loss of control due to impairment from carbon monoxide poisoning. Contributing to the accident was the corrosion of the heat exchanger and the failure of maintenance personnel to adequately inspect and repair or replace the exchanger during the…NTSB ERA16FA127Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSheahen Dane E RV-8 · Clermont, FLThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack while maneuvering for a forced landing; which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the fatigue failure of the crankshaft for reasons that could…NTSB ANC15FA066Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Kasilof, AKThe total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on postaccident examination and testing.NTSB ERA15FA312Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T206H · West Caldwell, NJA loss of engine power due to a malfunction of the turbocharging system likely due to contaminated oil. Also causal were the pilot's decision to continue the takeoff although the airplane was not performing normally and his failure to maintain adequate…NTSB WPR15FA236Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182F · Montecito, CAOil starvation that led to the failure of the No. 5 connecting rod and a subsequent loss of engine power.NTSB CEN15LA028Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHuebbe Sonex HB · Plainview, ILThe loss of engine power during cruise flight due to a fatigue fracture of the crankshaft, which resulted in a forced landing on unsuitable terrain.NTSB CEN14FA143Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHawker SEA Fury ISS 25 · Breckenridge, TXThe pilot’s inadequate emergency response to a runaway propeller and his failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and stalling. The cause of the runaway propeller was undetermined.NTSB CEN13LA433Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportClayton Gerald H Glastar GS-1 · Columbus, INSlippage in the engine clutch and gear reduction module and a resultant uncommanded movement of the propeller blades into reverse thrust.NTSB CEN13WA307Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationPiper PA-28RT-201T · Tallard, FranceNTSB ERA13FA256Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Macon, GAA total loss of engine power due to oil starvation for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive postcrash fire and heat damage to the engine components.NTSB CEN13FA049Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 208B · Wichita, KSThe total loss of engine power as a result of a fractured compressor turbine blade due to high-cycle fatigue.NTSB ERA11FA512Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportHeronimus Kevin A Glasair III · Falls of Rough, KYThe failure of the propeller power speed reduction unit, which resulted in a loss of engine power at low altitude.NTSB ERA10LA207Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLuciano Edison HA-2 Sportster · Humacao, PRThe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the gyrocraft while maneuvering after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s operation of the gyrocraft with an inoperative right magneto.NTSB ERA10LA175Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSmith Edward I Lancair IV-P · Hilton Head Island, SCA loss of engine power due to the failure of the crankshaft as a result of a previous propeller strike.NTSB WPR10FA056Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · San Gabriel, CAFailure of the exhaust band V-clamp during cruise flight, which resulted in an in-flight fire and a subsequent forced landing.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 CEN09LA288Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportSmysor Kevin Velocity · Katy, TXThe pilot's loss of control following an in-flight failure of the propeller.NTSB ERA09FA248Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421B · Oakland Park, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and secure the right engine during an emergency return to the airport after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was an in-flight fire of the right engine for undetermined reasons.NTSB SEA08GA194Accident · 3 fatalFinal reportLockheed P2V-7 · Reno, NVThe failure of the flight crew to maintain airspeed above in-flight minimum control speed (Vmca) after losing power in the left jet engine during initial climb after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the crew's inadequate cockpit resource management…