NTSB investigations
104 cases where NTSB found Main rotor system.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 9 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2012 | 8 |
| 2013 | 8 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 3 |
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 starts_with(f.\"findingCode\", '010462')) 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 starts_with(f."findingCode", '010462')) 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 CEN26LA081Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEla ELA10 · Morris, ILThe pilot’s failure obtain the proper rotor rpm before applying power for the takeoff roll which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB WPR25LA203Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Park City, UTThe pilot’s failure to maintain rotor rpm during an approach to landing in a mountainous area, which resulted in a collision with terrain.NTSB WPR25LA093Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAirbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 · Moab, UTThe inflight collision with debris during takeoff.NTSB WPR25LA010Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEnstrom Helicopter 280C · Vale, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain engine and rotor rpm during takeoff, that resulted in a hard landing.NTSB WPR24LA319Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206L · Fern Prairie, WAAn aeroelastic interaction between the helicopter’s main rotor blades and nodal beam system, which resulted in oscillations that exceeded the design limits of the tailboom. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the main rotor blade manufacturer to…NTSB CEN24LA358Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 369 · Canton, MIFatigue cracking of the main rotor blade that occurred at an undetermined time.NTSB ANC24FA063Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Kekaha, HIAn encounter with turbulence due to downdraft winds that resulted in mast bumping and an in-flight breakup.NTSB CEN24LA013Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMagni M24 · Mount Sterling, ILThe pilot’s failure to maintain gyroplane control on the downwind leg, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction.NTSB WPR23LA313Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell OH-58A · Guernsey, CAThe pilot’s overpitching of the main rotor blades while maneuvering at low altitude in a high-temperature environment at high gross weight, which resulted in a reduction of engine and rotor speed, excessive main rotor blade flapping, mast bumping, and impact…NTSB ERA23LA326Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 369 · Elberon, VAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a power line structure arm, which resulted in main rotor blade contact.NTSB ERA23LA289Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 269A · Anderson, SCThe mechanics’ improper torquing of the main rotor blade dampers, which resulted in a ground resonance event during landing.NTSB CEN23LA199Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 407 · Abbeville, LAThe pilot’s failure to maintain proper helicopter control during autorotation that resulted in an abnormal ground contact which caused the subsequent main rotor strike on the tail boom that severed the tail rotor driveshaft. Contributing to the accident was…NTSB ERA23LA228Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Bradenton, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm during landing which resulted in a premature landing on uneven ground and a subsequent rollover.NTSB WPR22LA291Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAirbus Helicopters AS350B3 · Chino, CAThe subsequent delamination of the main rotor blades as a result of an unidentified main rotor blade impact with vegetation during a previous flight by another pilot.NTSB CEN22LA318Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHiller UH12E · Becker, MNThe in-flight failure of the main rotor mast hub due to several undetected fatigue fractures.NTSB ERA22FA207Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 429 · Elba, NYThe pilots’ inappropriate flight control inputs while in vortex ring state, which resulted in main rotor blade contact with the tail boom and a subsequent in-flight breakup. Also causal was the flight instructor’s inadequate monitoring of the flight.NTSB ERA22FA105Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · FieldFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland EC135 P2+ · Drexel Hill, PAAn inflight attitude upset for undetermined reasons that resulted in a rotor system overspeed, a reduction of power from both engines, and a subsequent hard landing.NTSB ERA21FA317Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRotorway Exec 162F · Argyle, NYThe pilot’s abrupt control inputs, which resulted in a low G condition, main rotor mast bumping, and the subsequent severing of the tail boom by a main rotor blade.NTSB WPR21FA300Accident · 4 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R66 · Colusa, CAThe pilot’s abrupt flight control input that led to mast bumping and a subsequent in-flight breakup.NTSB CEN21FA330Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Elgin, MNThe pilot’s decision to operate the helicopter under powerlines, which resulted in a main rotor blade striking a powerline, causing the helicopter to descend from a low altitude and impact terrain.NTSB ERA21LA126Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206 · Pahokee, FLA loss of main rotor rpm for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in an autorotation and a subsequent hard landing and rollover.NTSB CEN21LA102Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHughes 369D · Tuckers Crossing, MSThe pilot’s loss of helicopter control when the external saw contacted trees during an attempted emergency landing due to a main rotor transmission oil pressure warning. The reason that the pilot did not release the external saw from the helicopter during the…NTSB WPR20LA283Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportKaman K 1200 · Pine Grove, ORAn in-flight breakup resulting from contact of the left rotor system with the right rotor system after an in-flight failure of a servo flap from a left rotor blade.NTSB CEN20CA334Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportHughes 369 · Delia, KSForeign object damage sustained to the main rotor blades due to aerial tree trimming.NTSB WPR20LA155Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCSP Leasing Cavalon · Roseburg, ORA substantially unweighted rotor system for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in contact between the main rotor blade and the gyrocopter’s keel tube and a loss of control and impact with terrain.NTSB ENG20IA005Incident · No injuriesClass 3 · IncidentFinal reportAgusta A109 · Penobscot, MEFatigue fracture of the main rotor blade tip cap leading edge and subsequent partial separation of the tip cap, resulting in increased vibrations in the main rotor.NTSB WPR19LA221Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAutoGyro Cavalon · Shelton, WAThe pilot’s failure to initiate the takeoff roll with inadequate rotor speed, and his failure to follow the published takeoff procedures, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with the ground.NTSB WPR19FA123Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson R44 · Kailua, HIThe helicopter’s encounter with a strong downdraft or outflow boundary while operating at a higher than recommended airspeed in turbulence which resulted in a low-G condition, excessive main rotor flapping, and an in-flight breakup when the main rotor…NTSB WPR18LA242Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 212 · Dardanelle, CAAn in-flight failure of the trunnion bearing and subsequent failure of the drive link and swashplate support, which resulted in the loss of helicopter control.NTSB GAA18CA506Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHughes 369 · Ridgeway, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial observation flight.NTSB ERA17FA317Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Medford, NJThe pilot's early entry into and failure to maintain rotor rpm during a forced landing autorotation after performing an engine shutdown in flight, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent. Contributing to the accident was the failure of maintenance personnel…NTSB ERA17LA257Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Myrtle Beach, SCA loss of available power to the main rotor due to a fractured exhaust pushrod and housing, which allowed engine oil to coat the V-belts. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue the tour and his failure to maintain adequate rotor rpm…NTSB WPR17LA158Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEnstrom F 28C · Ontario, CAThe student pilot's mismanagement of the main rotor rpm, which resulted in low rotor rpm, a high descent rate, and a subsequent hard landing.NTSB CEN17LA264Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47D1 · Big Lake, MNThe failure of the metal core assembly within a wooden main rotor blade due to undetected corrosion and fatigue, which caused the wooden blade to separate from the rotor mast.NTSB ERA17LA032Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell OH 58C · Cameron, NCAn in-flight failure of a main rotor blade due to fatigue cracks. Contributing to the failure of the main rotor blade was the absence of guidance to the operator to inspect an area of the main rotor blade known to be susceptible to fatigue cracks and the…NTSB CEN17FA012Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportFairchild Hiller FH 1100 · Lino Lakes, MNThe separation of the main rotor assembly due to mast bumping.NTSB ERA16CA313Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron Canada 429 · Rikers Island, NYThe pilot’s overcontrolling of the helicopter during an aborted slope landing from a hover, which resulted in a main rotor blade strike.NTSB CEN16LA330Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHiller UH 12D · Cokeville, WYFailure of the control rotor cuff due to fatigue.NTSB DCA16FA199Accident · 2 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportBell 525 · Italy, TXA severe vibration of the helicopter that led to the crew's inability to maintain sufficient rotor rotation speed (Nr), leading to excessive main rotor blade flapping, subsequent main rotor blade contact with the tail boom, and the resultant in-flight…NTSB WPR16FA130Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R66 · Wikieup, AZAn encounter with turbulence due to updrafts and/or dust devils that resulted in mast bumping and an in-flight break-up.NTSB WPR16LA069Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G 3B 1 · Carson City, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient main rotor rpm, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control and a dynamic rollover.NTSB WPR16LA081Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 600N · Ashland, ORFatigue cracking of a main rotor blade for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB CEN16LA040Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Sugarland, TXThe overspeed of the main rotor system for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB GAA15CA258Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAirbus AS350 · Draper, UTThe ground recovery team member's failure to secure a rescue rope during the helicopter loading process in steep terrain, resulting in the rope fouling the helicopter's main rotor system.NTSB WPR15LA249Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C - Undesignat · Mesa, AZThe disbondment of a main rotor damper, which resulted in the degradation of its damping action and led to excessive main rotor vibrations and oscillations that caused substantial damage to the helicopter in flight and led to a hard landing.NTSB GAA15CA221Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 47D1 · Clanton, ALThe student pilot's abrupt cyclic and collective inputs during the approach to land which resulted in abnormal runway contact and a subsequent tail boom strike by the main rotor blades.NTSB GAA15LA191Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCelier Xenon RST · Livingston, TXThe pilot’s loss of directional control after aborting the takeoff due to a grinding noise coming from the main rotor area, which resulted in a runway excursion.NTSB GAA15CA181Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Caldwell, IDAbnormal ground contact during a 180 degree autorotation, resulting in a severed tail rotor driveshaft by a main rotor blade. A factor contributing to the accident was the rotor blowback condition due to the aft tilting of the main rotor disk.NTSB WPR15LA178Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGarlick Helicopters UH 1H · Cove, ORThe failure of the engine-to-transmission drive shaft coupling assembly due to a fatigue fracture of one of its attachment bolts, which resulted in a loss of power to the main rotor.NTSB ERA15LA115Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · West Palm Beach, FLThe failure of the airplane pilots to maintain an adequate visual lookout for known traffic in the traffic pattern, which resulted in a midair collision. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the airplane pilots to announce their intentions before…