# NTSB investigations: Flight compartment windows

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 WPR24LA211](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA211.md): Beech 58P · Escalante, UT · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 19, 2024 · N9NS · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the windshield for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA22FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA036.md): Vans RV4 · Chattahoochee, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 31, 2021 · N479JJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to properly secure the canopy before takeoff, allowing the canopy to open and then separate in flight, which resulted in the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane for reasons that could not be determined based on the…
- [NTSB WPR21LA324](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA324.md): Cessna 172 · Athol, ID · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 7, 2021 · N4110L · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the windshield during spin recovery for reasons that were not determined.
- [NTSB ENG21LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG21LA023.md): Bombardier CL-600-2C10 · North Canton, OH · Incident · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 26, 2021 · N709PS · Minor damage
  > Moisture ingression thru the window humpseal coming into contact with the terminal block braid wires.
- [NTSB CEN21LA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA132.md): Beech B100 · Lubbock, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 18, 2021 · N312MB · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the right-side window inner pane for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
- [NTSB WPR21LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA108.md): Abbett Gerry Lancair Evolution · Saratoga, WY · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 8, 2021 · N7569A · Substantial damage
  > A windshield failure during cruise flight due to stress concentrations in the bond area as a result of improper assembly of the windshield.
- [NTSB CEN20LA378](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA378.md): Cessna 340 · Oklahoma City, OK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 3, 2020 · N5178J · Substantial damage
  > A failure of the windscreen for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
- [NTSB ERA20CA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA100.md): Cessna 402 · Barnstable, MA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 12, 2020 · N409BK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly secure the crew hatch door before takeoff, which resulted in the door’s forward hinge assembly tearing from its fuselage mount point.
- [NTSB ERA19FA265](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA265.md): Vans RV-12 · Lady Lake, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 6, 2019 · N767FS · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of pitch control due to the in-flight opening of the canopy for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB GAA19CA338](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA338.md): Pzl-Swidnik PW-5 · Independence, WI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 10, 2019 · N962JH · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the canopy from the glider during an off-airport landing for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB ERA19FA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19FA170.md): Piper PA 30 · Naples, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 11, 2019 · N7650Y · Destroyed
  > Incapacitation of the pilot due to a birdstrike through the windshield in front of the pilot's position, while on approach to land.
- [NTSB ERA19LA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA137.md): Pilatus PC12 · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 24, 2019 · N944BT · Substantial damage
  > Improper maintenance of the windshield, which resulted in delamination and in-flight depressurization.
- [NTSB CEN19LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA068.md): Aerospatiale AS350 · Ponca City, OK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 11, 2019 · N346AE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude during the hover operation while his view was obstructed due to the fogged-over windshield.
- [NTSB WPR18FA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA131.md): American Air Racing Thunder Mustang · Reno, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 2, 2018 · N352BT · Substantial damage
  > The 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 WPR17LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA104.md): Evolution Air Lancair Evolution · Firebaugh, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 15, 2017 · N846PM · Substantial damage
  > A failure in the windshield, frame, or windshield-to-frame bond, which resulted in a rapid decompression during cruise flight.
- [NTSB WPR17LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA031.md): Piper PA 31T · Missoula, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 5, 2016 · N909PW · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the left windshield due to moisture ingression into the windshield laminate, which deteriorated the strength of the windshield.
- [NTSB CEN17FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17FA045.md): Cessna 340 · Fargo, ND · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 1, 2016 · N123KK · Destroyed
  > The loose fuel fitting on the combustion heater that leaked a lean fuel-air mixture into the nose baggage compartment. The mixture was most likely ignited by the combustion heater, blowing off the nose baggage compartment doors and starting an in-flight fire.
- [NTSB ERA16LA274](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA274.md): Alisport Silent 2 Targa · London, KY · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 2016 · N602SL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly secure the right side of the canopy before takeoff, and an in-flight collision with trees while maneuvering with an open canopy. Contributing to the pilot's failure to properly secure the canopy was the lack of a visual…
- [NTSB GAA16LA325](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16LA325.md): MD Helicopter 369E · Brainerd, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2016 · N155NR · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the helicopter’s windscreen for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor blades and horizontal stabilizer.
- [NTSB CEN15IA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15IA225.md): Airbus A319 112 · New Orleans, LA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · May 5, 2015 · N941FR · Minor damage
  > The ingression of moisture into the windshield’s laminate layer, which induced electrical arcing in the windshield heating system that subsequently cracked the outer glass pane of the windshield.
- [NTSB CEN15LA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA144.md): Beech 58 · Denver, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 16, 2015 · N297AT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during a rejected takeoff from a slush-covered runway at night.
- [NTSB CEN14FA306](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14FA306.md): Brumwell RV-6 · Sauk Rapids, MN · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 2014 · N135BB · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of pitch control due to the in-flight opening of the canopy during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because fire damage precluded examination of the airplane’s canopy and systems.
- [NTSB CEN14IA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14IA085.md): Beech E90 · Eau Claire, WI · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Dec 11, 2013 · N60BA · Minor damage
  > The failure of the copilot’s windshield inner layer due to a peel chip that developed as a result of mechanical and thermal expansion stresses.
- [NTSB ERA14CA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA009.md): Eurocopter AS 350 B2 · Madison, MS · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 20, 2013 · N911ES · Substantial damage
  > The helicopter's collision with a black vulture during climb to cruise altitude.
- [NTSB CEN12LA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA111.md): Curtiss Wright P40M · Batavia, OH · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 8, 2011 · N5813 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to failure of the engine oil cooler and subsequent oil starvation to the engine.
- [NTSB WPR12CA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA014.md): Czech Aircraft Works Spol Sro Sportcruiser · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 16, 2011 · N999VS · Substantial damage
  > The inadvertent opening of the airplane’s canopy during takeoff, which distracted the pilot and resulted in his failure to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to comply with the manufacturer's recommended…
- [NTSB CEN11IA649](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11IA649.md): Airbus Industrie A320-211 · Chicago, IL · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Sep 17, 2011 · C-FGYL · Minor damage
  > The infiltration of moisture into the windshield heating layer that induced arcing in the heating system that subsequently cracked the windshield.
- [NTSB CEN11IA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11IA180.md): Hawker Beechcraft C90 · Evansville, IN · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Feb 9, 2011 · N2057C · Minor damage
  > The peel chip-type failure of the co-pilot's window during initial climb.
- [NTSB ERA10CA461](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA461.md): Yeager Lancair · McMinnville, TN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 2, 2010 · N320CY · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to properly latch the cockpit canopy prior to takeoff, resulting in his diverted attention and failure to maintain aircraft control.
- [NTSB ANC10CA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10CA078.md): Cessna U206F · Aleknagik, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 27, 2010 · N35851 · Substantial damage
  > A bird strike which penetrated the airplane's windscreen.
- [NTSB CEN10CA481](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA481.md): Oliver A Bruce RV6-A · Trenton, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 15, 2010 · N50BU · Substantial damage
  > The canopy opening shortly after takeoff due to an inadequate repair and subsequent failure of the canopy latch, resulting in a emergency landing. Contributing to the accident was the lack of available runway remaining for the forced landing.
- [NTSB CEN10LA420](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA420.md): Air Tractor AT-401 · Toulin, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 2010 · N45297 · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power as a result of a cracked cylinder and the reduced visibility due to the oil-covered windshield.
- [NTSB ENG10IA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG10IA029.md): Boeing 757 · Chantilly, VA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · May 17, 2010 · N510UA · Minor damage
  > The ignition of the J5 power terminal located on the captain’s No. 1 windshield due to a loose electrical connection between the terminal connector lug and its respective terminal block. The loose connection resulted from a missing lock washer that allowed…
- [NTSB CEN10LA245](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA245.md): Gross Cozy · Pine Bluff, AR · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 9, 2010 · N144TJ · Substantial damage
  > The inadvertent opening of the cockpit canopy during cruise flight for undetermined reasons, which allowed debris to impact and damage the pusher propeller with a resulting total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ANC10CA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10CA031.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Eek, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 8, 2010 · N77HV · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight collisions with two Cackling Geese (Branta Hutchinsii).
- [NTSB ERA10IA254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10IA254.md): Piper PA 46-350P · Owensboro, KY · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Apr 25, 2010 · N46PT · Minor damage
  > A failure of the pilot's side window due to undetected cracking around the lower aft portion of the storm window cutout.
- [NTSB WPR10CA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA019.md): Cessna 172S · Honolulu, HI · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 17, 2009 · N5329L · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's distraction and subsequent loss of airplane control after the cabin window opened during the takeoff roll.
- [NTSB CEN09CA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA258.md): Marlin Varieze · Santa Teresa, NM · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 20, 2009 · N77JM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, his failure to latch the canopy prior to takeoff, and his failure to complete the pretakeoff checklist due to his diverted attention.
- [NTSB CEN09MA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09MA117.md): Sikorsky S-76C · Morgan City, LA · Accident · 8 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Jan 4, 2009 · N748P · Destroyed
  > (1) the sudden loss of power to both engines that resulted from impact with a bird (red-tailed hawk), which fractured the windshield and interfered with engine fuel controls, and (2) the subsequent disorientation of the flight crewmembers, which left them…
- [NTSB CEN09CA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA120.md): Beech 58 · Brainerd, MN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 3, 2009 · N70DD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the unforcasted freezing rain that obscured the windscreen and hindered the pilot's ability to judge the height of the airplane above the runway.
- [NTSB SEA08LA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08LA101.md): Jihlavan KP 5 ASA · Marana, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 31, 2008 · N31KP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an airspeed above stalling speed (Vs) during an emergency landing after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was an inadequate preflight inspection, and the airplane's canopy coming partially open shortly after takeoff.
- [NTSB ENG08IA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG08IA011.md): Boeing B757-200 · West Palm Beach, FL · Incident · Minor injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jan 31, 2008 · N624AA · Minor damage
  > the arcing of the windshield heat system at the upper, aft (J1) and upper, forward (J4) terminal locations on the first officer's windshield, which caused the inner pane of glass to fracture.

## 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", '01035610'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035610/cases

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.