NTSB investigations: Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG

55 cases on aircraft whose registry engine model is Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG, where the defining event was Loss of engine power (partial). Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.

Cases per year

20082026
NTSB investigations: Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG per year, 2008–2026: 55 cases
20082
20096
20102
20114
20122
20132
20146
20158
20165
20173
20182
20193
20201
20212
20232
20241
20252
20262

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.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('99999')
      AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND e.aircrafts_position = x.position AND e.\"isDefiningEvent\" AND e.\"tier2Number\" = '342'))
  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.

NTSB CEN26LA293Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedInvestigation openGildea William D Jabiru Calypso · Lake Isabella, MIAug 14, 2026 · N495JGNTSB ANC26LA049Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedInvestigation openWilliam F Schoen RV-7 · Alpine, COJun 10, 2026 · N727BN · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA368Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedPreliminary reportElmore Travis C Searey · Rotonda West, FLOn September 28, 2025, at 1126 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Searey, N2090S, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Stump Pass, Florida. The private pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated…Sep 28, 2025 · N2090S · Substantial damageNTSB WPR25FA127Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportAzalea Saberwing · Justin, TXOn April 11, 2025, about 1906 central daylight time (CDT), an experimental amateur-built Azalea Aviation LLC Saberwing, N121DF, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Justin, Texas. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a…Apr 12, 2025 · N121DF · DestroyedNTSB WPR24LA159Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportNanchang China CJ-6A · Peoria, AZThe partial loss of engine power during cruise flight due to the improper installation of the master connecting rod main bushing set screws, which backed off and allowed the main bushing to shift, resulting in scoring damage on the crankshaft that led to the…May 21, 2024 · N4182C · Substantial damageNTSB WPR23LA314Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportReynolds Ronald B Team Acft Z-MAX · Rigby, IDThe loss of engine power during takeoff due to inadequately secured wires, which resulted in the wearing of the wires’ sheaths and the grounding of the airplane’s electrical system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain airplane…Aug 9, 2023 · N440ZM · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23LA152Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV6 · Goldsby, OKThe engine electronic ignition system became disconnected, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.Apr 8, 2023 · N48PS · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA035Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSonex Waiex B · Laveen Village, AZFailure of the rocker swivel assembly due to either wear or corrosion, which resulted in a loss of engine power.Nov 15, 2021 · N535D · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA094Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRandy Wayne Maloney M1 · Eagle Point, ORA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.Jan 21, 2021 · N322TR · DestroyedNTSB WPR21LA071Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCo Z Cozy · Compton, CAThe partial loss of engine power due to an improperly installed sparkplug.Nov 17, 2020 · N82V · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA007Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHiller UH 12E · Susanville, CAA partial loss of engine power due to multiple overtemperature events and a hot start event, which resulted in thermally damaged internal components of the engine. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain on which to perform the forced…Oct 14, 2019 · N131HA · Substantial damageNTSB CEN19LA152Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRand Robinson KR2 · Poplar Grove, ILThe loss of engine power due to vapor lock of the throttle body injection system.May 26, 2019 · N886MJ · Substantial damageNTSB CEN19FA144Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportVans RV6 · Chillicothe, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane following an intermittent loss of engine power during cruise flight that resulted in him impacting trees. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available…May 18, 2019 · N596JB · DestroyedNTSB ERA19FA020Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBowers Flybaby · Milton, FLA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, and the pilot's subsequent exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at low altitude.Oct 19, 2018 · N107KW · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18FA200Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportDe Havilland DH112 Venom · Sheboygan, WIThe airplane's encounter with wake turbulence from the lead airplane in the formation flight, which resulted in a compressor stall and the airplane's subsequent inability to climb.Jul 20, 2018 · N747J · DestroyedNTSB WPR18LA006Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportNanchang China CJ 6 · Buckeye, AZThe failure of the fuel pump’s diaphragm which resulted in fuel system contamination from air and or oil and caused the engine to lose power.Oct 9, 2017 · N8NW · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17LA094Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportYakovlev YAK 52 · Porterville, CAA partial loss of engine power due to contaminants in the fuel system that decreased the fuel flow, the source of which could not be determined.Apr 29, 2017 · N132MD · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17LA067Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGuarino Vans · Marysville, CAA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to the fragmentation of the electrical system.Feb 24, 2017 · N470LM · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17LA007Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportJames Bruton Flying Flea · Plymouth, CTA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Oct 6, 2016 · N83165 · Substantial damageNTSB ANC16LA047Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeropro CZ A220 · McCarthy, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident were engine power surges due to the bent carburetor throttle valve lever.Jul 19, 2016 · N151J · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16LA134Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell OH 58A · Brawley, CAThe engine's degraded performance due to excessive wear of the engine bleed valve, which prevented it from closing during the accident flight. Contributing to the accident was the operator's failure to overhaul the bleed valve within the…Jul 2, 2016 · N6251G · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16LA110Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSeguin Quickie · Mojave, CAA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.May 13, 2016 · N68TQ · DestroyedNTSB WPR16LA088Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportThomas D. Parkes Lancair ES · Prescott, AZA partial loss of engine power due to an over-temperature event, which thermally damaged the blade tips of the turbocharger wheel and resulted in a slowing or stoppage in the rotation of the turbocharger.Mar 10, 2016 · N44AZ · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15FA353Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAero Vodochody L39 · Oneida, TNThe pilot's failure to maintain airplane control following a partial loss of engine power during initial climb. The reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined due to extensive postimpact damage.Sep 12, 2015 · N139RT · DestroyedNTSB WPR15LA235Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCleveland Allan B Nieuport 11# · Bellingham, WAA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.Aug 7, 2015 · N917AB · Substantial damageNTSB WPR15LA230Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman G164 - B · Princeton, CAThe loss of engine power during an agricultural application flight due to a cylinder failure.Aug 4, 2015 · N48452 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15LA291Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSontonastaso Mosquito · Winchendon, MAA partial loss of engine power due to a faulty electrical wiring crimp in the engine’s ignition system.Jul 29, 2015 · N285XE · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15LA205Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportJerome D Fischer RV-7 · Bartow, GAThe pilot's use of the improper fuel grade for the engine, which resulted in detonation, engine damage, and loss of engine power.May 5, 2015 · N364SJ · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15LA197Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportJames Kilroy Pitts Model 12 · LaGrange, GAA partial loss of engine power after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.Apr 22, 2015 · N488WT · Substantial damageNTSB WPR15LA131Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMccurry Charles P F 1 Rocket · Sedona, AZThe partial loss of engine power during final approach for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination of the engine.Mar 21, 2015 · N747MC · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15FA139Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAdams Donald L DA1 · Sebring, FLA partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.Mar 2, 2015 · N797A · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15LA023Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportTuberville Zodiac XL · Mountain Home, ARThe partial loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident engine examinations revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.Oct 21, 2014 · N601WR · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14LA340Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269C · Darrington, WAMaintenance personnel’s failure to secure the throttle mount bracket during a recent engine installation, which resulted in the loss of throttle movement and an inability to control engine power.Aug 11, 2014 · N7432F · Substantial damageNTSB CEN14FA400Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLarry Ketterling FEW P-51 Mustang · Lisbon, NDThe partial loss of engine power for a reason that could not be determined because of extensive impact and postcrash fire damage, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in the airplane's wing exceeding its critical…Aug 1, 2014 · N116LK · DestroyedNTSB ERA14LA351Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSiler Ronald E Ultrastar · Halifax, PAA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the engine was not recovered. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack during…Jul 23, 2014 · N4425W · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14LA242Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAdams Dragonfly · Mesa, AZA partial loss of engine power due to a reduction in the No. 3 cylinder’s compression as a result of the exhaust valve not having consistent uniform contact with the cylinder head valve seat.Jun 12, 2014 · N85TL · Substantial damageNTSB CEN14LA244Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCrawford Preceptor Ultra PUP · Mabel, MNThe loss of engine power as a result of carburetor icing.May 17, 2014 · N1171Q · Substantial damageNTSB CEN13LA383Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportVink Robert D Youngster · Grand Haven, MIThe loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.Jun 30, 2013 · N258RV · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13LA263Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWilson William M Cricket MC12 · Doylestown, PAThe pilot's failure to abort the takeoff after detecting the airplane’s degraded performance. Contributing to the accident were the likely loss of power from the left engine for reasons that could not be determined during the postaccident examination of the…Jun 1, 2013 · N2SZ · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12LA637Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSackman Sackman Special · Ste. Genevieve, MOThe loss of engine power during a low level maneuver due to oil starvation for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination.Aug 11, 2012 · N4760R · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12LA530Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWilliams John T-51 Mustang · Oshkosh, WIThe separation of an engine cooling hose from the radiator.Aug 7, 2012 · N151TA · Substantial damageNTSB CEN11LA671Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportFisher Michael E Hyster · Lake Jackson, TXThe improper maintenance of the throttle control cable, which resulted in the engine going to idle power after takeoff.Aug 13, 2011 · N7167S · Substantial damageNTSB CEN11LA449Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAbbey Victor RV9-A · Leander, TXThe partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.Jun 30, 2011 · N59VA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA11CA355Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportDotson William P Sngl Seat Hawk Arrow · Carthage, NCA partial loss of engine power due to the pilot’s improper installation of the engine’s No. 1 cylinder spark plugs.Jun 20, 2011 · N4209F · Substantial damageNTSB ERA11LA213Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHolst Lawrence E VP-1 · Calhoun, GAA partial loss of engine power during initial climb due to an over-lean carburetor setting. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper adjustment of the engine's carburetor during construction.Mar 25, 2011 · N770VP · Substantial damageNTSB CEN10CA376Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportWells Terry Hula Girl · Wellington, COA partial loss of engine power due to the inadequate design of the engine cowling.Jul 3, 2010 · N301TW · Substantial damageNTSB WPR10LA310Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRice KR-2 · Richfield, UTA loss of engine power during initial climb due to a carburetor malfunction.Jun 23, 2010 · N44729 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10LA050Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman Aircraft ENG G-111 · Ft Pierce, FLA total loss of left engine power and subsequent failure of the airplane to maintain airspeed and altitude on the remaining engine for undetermined reasons.Nov 5, 2009 · N120FB · Substantial damageNTSB ERA09LA498Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHahn R-W22 Tiger Moth Rep · Symrna, TNA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.Sep 1, 2009 · N318JT · DestroyedNTSB WPR09LA308Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMayo RV-6A · Cottonwood, AZThe partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin.Jun 23, 2009 · N413RV · Substantial damage