NTSB investigations
65 cases where the probable cause includes Empennage structure.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 6 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 7 |
| 2011 | 8 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Where
Open the mapLatest 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 f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE f.\"inProbableCause\" AND starts_with(f.\"findingCode\", '010355')) 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 f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE f."inProbableCause" AND starts_with(f."findingCode", '010355')) 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 CEN25LA086Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican Champion 7ECA · Longview, TXThe failure of the lower hinge barrel due to fatigue cracking. Contributing to the failure of the lower hinge barrel was increased stress from end face contact likely associated with worn bushings or displaced needle bearings.NTSB ERA25LA040Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 369D · Waycross, GAAn encounter with a foreign object, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with terrain.NTSB DCA24FA299Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAirbus A350-941 · College Park, GADelta Air Lines flight crew’s loss of situation awareness of the clearance between their right wingtip and the empennage of an Endeavor Air airplane holding on a perpendicular taxiway, resulting in their wingtip colliding with the other airplane’s empennage.…NTSB DCA24LA295Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAirbus A330-323 · Atlanta, GADelta Air Lines flight crew’s incorrect evaluation of the clearance between their airplane and the airplane directly ahead of them as they made a 90 degree right turn onto an adjacent taxiway.NTSB ERA24LA250Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28R · Vero Beach, FLExcessive side loading of the vertical stabilizer.NTSB DCA24LA206Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing 737-8 · Oakland, CADamage to the standby rudder power control unit connection to the vertical fin due to an extreme high wind event while the airplane was parked, which remained undetected and resulted in anomalous operation of the standby rudder power control unit.…NTSB CEN24LA197Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna U206 · Butler, MOThe jumper’s unintentional deployment of his emergency parachute and subsequent impact with the airplane’s horizontal stabilizer.NTSB ERA24FA217Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35 · Franklin, TNThe pilot’s flight into convective weather, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation and a subsequent inflight breakup of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the lack of accurate weather intensity depiction on the…NTSB CEN24FA160Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA 46-350P · Hartsburg, MOThe pilot’s encounter with convective weather conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control, the exceedance of the airplane’s never exceed speed, and the resulting overload failure of the horizontal stabilizer and subsequent failure of the…NTSB CEN24LA162Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican Champion 7ECA · Longview, TXThe rudder post’s failure due to corrosion fatigue. Contributing to the accident were the misalignment of the rudder hinge components, which produced mechanical binding and elevated localized stress, and a compromised the protective coating, which allowed…NTSB WPR24LA038Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 95 · Yuma, AZAeroelastic flutter of the rudder control surface during the takeoff initial climb for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence, which resulted in the fracture of the rudder trim control rod end in flight.NTSB CEN24LA035Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGrassman Timothy B RV-14A · Houston, TXThe bird strike to the airplane’s vertical stabilizer during an approach for landing.NTSB ERA23FA045Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBearhawk Patrol · Hanover Township, PAThe pilot’s decision to unlatch his seatbelt during flight, which allowed him to exit the airplane and impact the tail, resulting in a loss of control and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR22FA184Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBruce R Prouse M24 Orion Plus · Cape Girardeau, MOThe pilot’s failure to maintain controlled flight, which resulted in a hard left roll, excessive blade flapping and a subsequent in-flight separation of the right horizontal stabilizer.NTSB ANC21LA064Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-14 · Anchorage, AKThe fatigue fracture of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 1025 carbon steel rudder post, which resulted in structural failure of the rudder. Contributing to the fatigue failure was the post’s susceptibility to fatigue cracking under normal service…NTSB CEN21LA450Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 140 · Caddo Mills, TXThe missing vertical stabilizer hardware, which resulted in a severe uncommanded yawing motion that necessitated an emergency landing, during which the airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer.NTSB ERA21LA106Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican AA5 · Leesburg, VAThe weakened structure of the left horizontal stabilizer, which resulted in elevator flutter and subsequent partial separation of the left elevator in flight. Contributing to the accident were the lack of elevator authority while landing due to the damaged…NTSB CEN20LA294Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRockwell S2R · Harlan, IAThe fatigue fracture of the upper rudder hinge that resulted in a partial separation of the rudder from the airplane during a spray pass.NTSB ANC20LA059Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA 12 · Anchorage, AKThe fatigue fracture of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 1025 carbon steel rudder post, which resulted in structural failure of the rudder. Contributing to the fatigue failure was the post’s susceptibility to fatigue cracking under normal service…NTSB CEN20LA173Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportTitan Titan Tornado S · Haskell, OKThe student pilot/builder’s addition of winglets to the stabilator, which resulted in flutter and overstress failure of the stabilator control horn.NTSB ERA20LA080Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportTeam Rocket F-1 F-1 · Suffolk, VAA structural failure of the horizontal stabilizer during aerobatic maneuvers near the airplane’s never-exceed speed. Contributing to the failure was the construction of the horizontal stabilizer that did not meet the kit manufacturer’s specifications.NTSB ERA20LA051Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportParsons Two Place #1 · Naguabo, PRA failure of the rudder attachment bolt, which resulted in the rudder’s subsequent inflight separation from the fuselage.NTSB DCA20IA034Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportAirbus AS 350 B2 · Los Angeles, CAan inflight collision with a hard object of polycarbonate construction, with size and features consistent with that of a small UAS (drone).NTSB CEN19LA224Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA18 · Osceola, WIThe failure of the right horizontal stabilizer during takeoff, resulting in a loss of control and forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the installation of an unapproved stabilizer frame and failure of maintenance personnel to identify…NTSB GAA19CA383Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA28 · Milton, FLThe flight instructor's intentional overapplication of rudder to avoid a ditch during landing with a tailwind, which resulted in a runway excursion and landing gear collapse.NTSB ERA19LA050Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportUltralite Sro Stingsport · Clermont, FLAn inflight failure of the airplane’s horizontal stabilizer.NTSB WPR17FA134Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportJordan John RV7 · Arlington, AZThe inflight overstress separation of the vertical stabilizer and rudder during flight which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain airplane control. Contributing to the accident was an inflight collision with a bird.NTSB WPR17FA117Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Ventura, CAThe pilot's abrupt and substantial pullup maneuver while flying the airplane above the maneuvering speed, which resulted in an in-flight breakup. The reason for the pilot's maneuver could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB WPR17LA034Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell OH 58A · Sacramento, CAThe failure of the vertical stabilizer due to fatigue.NTSB CEN16LA281Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVans RV9 · Springfield, OHThe pilot’s decision to fly into known thunderstorms, which resulted in an in-flight breakup.NTSB CEN16LA154Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT 502 · Kilbourne, LAThe failure of the operator to comply with the terminating action of the airworthiness directive, which resulted in the subsequent failure and separation of the vertical stabilizer due to fatigue.NTSB GAA16CA088Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportDay William L Minicoupe · Middle River, MDThe pilot's incorrect installation of the rudder horn and failure to properly inspect the installation, which led to a loss of directional control during takeoff.NTSB WPR16FA036Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBarnett Allen S RV7 · Hurricane, UTThe pilot’s aerobatic maneuver leading to airspeeds above the airplane’s never exceed speed, which resulted in rudder flutter and an in-flight breakup.NTSB ERA15FA331Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCornell W F/Sahakian J A JR Giles 202 (G202) · Newburgh, NYSeparation of the vertical and horizontal stabilizers from the fuselage due to a fracture that initiated at the bond between the left horizontal stabilizer and the flange that attached the horizontal stabilizer to the fuselage skin. The failure was likely…NTSB CEN15FA268Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32 · Cuba, MOThe pilot's continued flight into thunderstorm activity, which resulted in his loss of airplane control, the exceedance of the airplane's design limits, and its subsequent in-flight breakup. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's reliance on onboard…NTSB ANC15LA037Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDehavilland DHC-3T · Skwentna, AKThe flutter failure of the right elevator servo tab due to the improper fabrication of the servo tab and maintenance personnel’s subsequent failure to detect anomalies with the servo tab.NTSB CEN14LA508Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBrupbacher Chris CB2000 · Reserve, LAThe failure of the flight control rod bearing due to an undetected preexisting corrosion-induced crack, which resulted in the main rotor blades going to full pitch and the rotor mast folding; this allowed the pusher propeller to strike and sever the tail.NTSB ANC14LA035Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDehavilland DHC-3T · Homer, AKThe flutter failure of the right elevator servo tab due to the improper fabrication of the servo tab and maintenance personnel’s subsequent failure to detect anomalies with the servo tab.NTSB ERA13CA195Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPhoenix Air U15 · Foscoe, NCThe motorized glider’s encounter with clear air turbulence, which resulted in substantial damage to the empennage.NTSB WPR13FA086Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35A · Woody, CAAn in-flight encounter with icing conditions during descent, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall followed by an in-flight breakup.NTSB WPR12FA421Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportFrederick F 1 · Reno, NVThe pilot’s operation of the airplane above the established never-exceed speed and the incorrect installation of the trim tab control horn, which resulted in the flutter of the left elevator trim tab.NTSB CEN12LA531Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRistine Avid Mark IV · Poplar Grove, ILThe failure of the lower right side longeron tail-spring support area during landing due to excessive corrosion.NTSB WPR12MA034Accident · 5 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportEurocopter EC 130 B4 · Pukoo, HIThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain while operating in marginal weather conditions, which resulted in the impact of the horizontal stabilizer and lower forward portion of the fenestron with ground and/or vegetation and led to…NTSB ERA12FA018Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBerger Michael A Waiex · Washington, GAThe in-flight failure of the aircraft’s Y-tail attachment structure during maneuvering flight due to overload. Contributing to the accident was, the kit manufacturer’s use of 14 CFR Part 23, Appendix A design guidelines intended for a conventional tail…NTSB CEN11CA679Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportWaltman Theodore J Moose · Hays, KSRudder flutter due to the design changes to the airplane's horizontal stabilizer.NTSB WPR11MA454Accident · 11 fatalClass 1 · MajorFinal reportNorth American/Aero Classics P-51D · Reno, NVThe reduced stiffness of the elevator trim tab system that allowed aerodynamic flutter to occur at racing speeds. The reduced stiffness was a result of deteriorated locknut inserts that allowed the trim tab attachment screws to become loose and to initiate…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 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.