# NTSB investigations: Aircraft structures, general

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.

Page 1 of 2 · 72 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN26LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA131.md): Quad City Challenger · Van Burensburg, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 28, 2026 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > Propeller separation due to failure of the propeller attachment bolts.
- [NTSB CEN25LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA105.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Edgemont, SD · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 27, 2025 · N6555C · No damage
  > The pilot’s failure to properly identify the proper anchor point for the supplemental harness and the crew’s incorrect use of the restraint system structure as an anchor point, which resulted in the separation of the structure.
- [NTSB CEN25LA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA090.md): Rutan Long-EZ · Sparta, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 1, 2025 · N88LE · Destroyed
  > An onboard fire for unknown reasons.
- [NTSB CEN24LA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA317.md): Vans RV8 · Guthrie, OK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 15, 2024 · N184DC · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to the separation and ingestion of an air filter retaining bracket into the engine cylinder.
- [NTSB CEN24LA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA270.md): Cessna R172E · Hillrose, CO · Incident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 6, 2024 · N23788 · Minor damage
  > The binding of the left flap due to improper maintenance.
- [NTSB ERA24FA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA283.md): Piper PA46 · Trout Creek, NY · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 30, 2024 · N85PG · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control in flight due to spatial disorientation during a climb to cruise altitude in instrument meteorological conditions and turbulence, which resulted in the in-flight breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was…
- [NTSB WPR24LA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA122.md): Cessna 180A · Nordman, ID · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 4, 2024 · N5281D · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel's improper installation of the left main landing gear wheel assembly, which resulted in a loss of torque and subsequent separation of the wheel and axle assembly from the main landing gear leg during landing.
- [NTSB ERA24LA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA109.md): Piper PA23 · Louisville, KY · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 1, 2024 · N1317P · Substantial damage
  > The failure of maintenance personnel to thoroughly inspect and repair the worn-out panel fasteners and fastener holes.
- [NTSB ERA24LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA094.md): Cessna 208 · Dulles, VA · Incident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 19, 2024 · N1983X · Minor damage
  > The pilot-in-command’s approach to the critical angle of attack during initial climb, which resulted in a vibration the flight crew improperly identified as an engine issue and resulted in the subsequent off-airport landing. Contributing to the accident was…
- [NTSB ERA23FA382](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA382.md): Smith William S Smith Cozy Mark IV · Cullman, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 29, 2023 · N95SF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/owner’s improper installation of engine…
- [NTSB ERA23FA380](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA380.md): Piper PA28 · Whitesville, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 28, 2023 · N3079M · Destroyed
  > The flight instructor’s improper decision to continue flight into a known area of thunderstorms, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB WPR23LA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA336.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Compton, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 3, 2023 · N7199K · Substantial damage
  > An overstress fracture of the pilot’s seat, which resulted in the loss of control during takeoff and the pilot’s inadvertent movement of the fuel selector and subsequent partial loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA23FA330](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA330.md): Cessna P210 · Junction City, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 10, 2023 · N210JT · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s continued flight into a known area of adverse weather, which resulted in the penetration of a severe thunderstorm, the pilot’s loss of airplane control, and the airplane’s subsequent in-flight breakup.
- [NTSB CEN23LA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA200.md): Flight Design Ctsw · Gregory, MI · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 23, 2023 · N165CT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper landing flare that resulted in a hard, bounced landing and subsequent overstress failure of the nose landing gear.
- [NTSB WPR22LA302](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA302.md): Goddard Dick Sim Bensen B-8M · Corona, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 13, 2022 · N532KB · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of the engine mount resulting in a loss of engine power and directional control while maneuvering.
- [NTSB ERA22LA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA348.md): CASA C212 · Raeford, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 29, 2022 · N497CA · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s encounter with windshear during landing, which resulted in a hard landing and separation of the right main landing gear, and the pilot’s subsequent decision to leave his seat in flight, which resulted in his fall from the airplane.
- [NTSB WPR22FA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA264.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Seguin, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 22, 2022 · N8542W · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at a low altitude after being distracted when the engine cowling opened during flight, which led to a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the…
- [NTSB ERA22LA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA171.md): Cessna 172 · Sparta, TN · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 27, 2022 · N8431U · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s failure to properly affix left main landing gear components, which led to the failure of the left main landing gear during the accident flight.
- [NTSB CEN22FA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA070.md): Cessna 310J · Inola, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 12, 2021 · N3187L · Destroyed
  > The loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [NTSB CEN22LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA006.md): Robinson Helicopter R66 · Delta, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 5, 2021 · N266RK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate inflight planning and his failure to see and avoid a wire which resulted in contact with the wire and subsequent ground impact.
- [NTSB ERA21LA379](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA379.md): Hawker Beechcraft 400A · Charleston, SC · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 14, 2021 · N100FN · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of the left engine’s four-panel cowling for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [NTSB WPR20LA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA224.md): Hiller UH 12D · Mehama, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 17, 2020 · N2297W · Destroyed
  > An in-flight separation of a tail rotor blade due to fatigue cracking and overstress, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent ground impact.
- [NTSB WPR20LA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA130.md): Bell UH 1H · Mesa, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 24, 2020 · N3276T · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight separation of the tail rotor gearbox from the airframe due to fatigue failure of the gearbox attachment studs, resulting in a loss of directional control and subsequent ground impact. Contributing to the accident were 1) the improper application…
- [NTSB CEN19FA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA120.md): Piper PA28 · Lake, MS · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 13, 2019 · N4890L · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot’s loss of control while flying in dark night instrument meteorological weather conditions with convective activity, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its structural limitations and experiencing an in-flight breakup.…
- [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 CEN19FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA004.md): Piper PA32RT · Poolville, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 12, 2018 · N221MC · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control as a result of spatial disorientation and the exceedance of the structural capabilities of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's limited experience in instrument conditions.
- [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 CEN18LA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA146.md): Cessna T303 · Pine Ridge, SD · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 24, 2018 · N9746C · Substantial damage
  > The airplane’s inadvertent encounter with severe icing conditions during descent, which resulted in structural icing, the pilot’s inability to maintain altitude, and an emergency landing. Contributing to the accident was an incomplete preflight weather…
- [NTSB WPR18FA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA091.md): Piper PA34 · Minden, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 19, 2018 · N14GQ · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation while maneuvering in instrument meteorological conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from the use of a sedating antihistamine.
- [NTSB CEN18FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA023.md): Beech V35B · Alva, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 4, 2017 · N777PH · Destroyed
  > The flight instructor's and pilot's failure to recognize that a high descent rate had developed on short final, likely due to their distraction by an open engine cowling, and the unexpected strong pitch-down force during flap extension due to the installation…
- [NTSB ERA17FA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA222.md): Piper PA23 · Chatsworth, GA · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 2017 · N44HJ · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into adverse weather conditions, which resulted in an encounter with severe convective activity, spatial disorientation, a loss of airplane control, and a subsequent in-flight breakup.…
- [NTSB CEN17FA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA248.md): Cessna 421C · Catawba, WI · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 2017 · N2655B · Destroyed
  > A loss of control and subsequent in-flight breakup for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB GAA16LA525](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16LA525.md): Cessna 120 · Davis, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 2016 · N76284 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and noseover. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the seatbelt anchor bracket.
- [NTSB CEN16FA361](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA361.md): Piper PA 46-310P · Chariton, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2016 · N465JM · Substantial damage
  > The non-instrument-rated 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. Contributing to the…
- [NTSB ERA16LA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA209.md): WSK PZL Mielec M 18A · Brunswick, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 10, 2016 · N2283M · Destroyed
  > The failure of the right wing due to a fatigue fracture of the right outboard wing forward spar lower fitting. Contributing to the accident was the routine operation of the airplane over its certificated maximum gross weight and the operator's improper or…
- [NTSB CEN16LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA108.md): Cessna LC41-550FG · Grand Junction, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 24, 2016 · N10580 · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the right main tire for reasons that could not be determined because the tire was not available for examination.
- [NTSB WPR16FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA041.md): Piper PA 32RT-300T · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 2015 · N36402 · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to conduct and continue the flight despite forecast and en route instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which were not conducive to safe operation under visual flight rules. Also causal to the accident was the…
- [NTSB GAA15CA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA266.md): Schweizer G 164B · Paxton, NE · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 16, 2015 · N3628Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate distance from a power line during low altitude flight operations, which resulted in an impact with the power line, and subsequent impact with the ground.
- [NTSB GAA15CA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA043.md): Short Bros SD 360-300 · Greer, SC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 16, 2015 · N688AN · Substantial damage
  > The fuel truck driver's inattention, which resulted in backing over a warning cone and into the horizontal stabilizer of the airplane.
- [NTSB CEN15LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA104.md): Baker Bobby J Safari · The Woodlands, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 16, 2015 · N416JB · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight separation of the helicopter’s horizontal stabilizer due to undetected fatigue cracking of the stabilizer spar, which resulted in a loss of control.
- [NTSB CEN15LA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA024.md): Cessna 172K · Xenia, OH · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 19, 2014 · N79534 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the seat track mechanism, which led the pilot to inadvertently apply aft yoke and lift his feet off the rudder pedals and resulted in a loss of directional control during takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN14LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA075.md): Cessna 560 · Walton, IN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 2013 · N810QS · Substantial damage
  > The inflight separation of the upper and lower right engine cowlings for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
- [NTSB WPR13FA411](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA411.md): Bell UH 1B · Detroit, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 2013 · N204UH · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of the upper two tailboom attachment points, which resulted in the tailboom separating from the fuselage during logging operations. Contributing to the accident was poor maintenance throughout the helicopter’s operational life.
- [NTSB WPR13LA398](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA398.md): Strong Dream Machine · Bieber, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 2013 · N9032Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inability to maintain aircraft control during takeoff after several suspension lines became entangled in, and were subsequently severed by, the propeller blades.
- [NTSB ERA13FA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13FA253.md): Piper PA-34-200T · Johnstown, NY · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 24, 2013 · N31743 · Destroyed
  > The 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 ERA13LA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA183.md): Andrews Zodiac · Collegedale, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 29, 2013 · N999NA · Minor damage
  > The pilot's failure to ensure that his seatbelt was fastened and the pilots' failure to ensure that the canopy was latched properly, which resulted in the pilot's ejection from the cockpit following the opening of the canopy and the subsequent in-flight upset.
- [NTSB CEN13FA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA130.md): Raytheon 58 · Maxwell, NE · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 11, 2013 · N36VE · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s inadvertent encounter with severe icing conditions, which resulted in structural icing and the subsequent loss of airplane control.
- [NTSB WPR13FA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA070.md): Piper PA-31T1 · Ely, NV · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 2012 · N93CN · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to regain airplane control following a sudden rapid descent during cruise flight, which resulted in an exceedance of the design stress limits of the aircraft and led to an in-flight structural failure.
- [NTSB CEN13FA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA105.md): Beech E-90 · Amarillo, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 2012 · N67PS · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR13FA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA037.md): Cessna 421C · Shaver Lake, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 2012 · N700EM · Substantial damage
  > The 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…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/010300/cases.md?page=2

## 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."mKey" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '010300'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/010300/cases

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