Fatal NTSB investigations
385 cases where NTSB found Aircraft power plant.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 20 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 36 |
| 2010 | 24 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2012 | 20 |
| 2013 | 19 |
| 2014 | 25 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 16 |
| 2018 | 20 |
| 2019 | 25 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Where
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.\"highestInjuryLevel\" = 'Fatal'
AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f.\"findingCode\", '0105'))
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."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '0105')) 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 ERA25FA230Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMooney M20F · Beverly, MAThe pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering to return to the airport which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the improperly installed No. 2 cylinder bottom spark plug by maintenance personnel,…NTSB CEN25FA006Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech C99 · Norfolk, NEThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a partial loss of engine power during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the fatigue failure of the compressor turbine fan disk blade.NTSB ANC24FA092Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportJon Bergstedt JP Flyer · Wasilla, AKThe installation of an improperly sized fuel line that did not allow for adequate fuel flow to the engine, resulting in a partial loss of engine power and collision with trees.NTSB WPR24FA291Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAmerican Champion 8GCBC · Meeteetse, WYThe pilot’s decision to continue the flight over rising terrain at a low altitude in a high-elevation, high-density-altitude environment.NTSB ERA24FA318Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Ronkonkoma, NYA loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane following the loss of engine power and his decision to perform an intersection takeoff which, reduced…NTSB WPR24FA200Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Bluestem, WAThe pilot’s failure to manage main rotor rpm during an autorotation, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control. Contributing to the accident was a loss of power for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN24FA228Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 421 · Steamboat Springs, COThe pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed following a loss of engine power, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall/spin at low altitude.NTSB CEN24FA218Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Gainesville, TXThe fuel pump manufacturer’s improper torquing of screws on the engine-driven fuel pump, which resulted in a disruption in the fuel system and a loss of engine power on initial climb.NTSB CEN24FA212Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech V35A · Arvada, COA total loss of engine power due to oil starvation as a result of loose turbocharger oil line fittings.NTSB CEN24FA167Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVertical Aviation Technologies Hummingbird · Spring Branch, TXA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a forced landing and a subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB WPR24FA132Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBell 206-L4 · Anaconda, MTA total loss of engine power due to a loss of cooling oil to the turbine-to-compressor coupling shaft and subsequent fracture of the shaft at an altitude too low for the pilot to complete a successful autorotation. Contributing to the accident was carbon…NTSB ANC24FA029Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportDouglas C54D · Fairbanks, AKA loss of power of the No. 1 engine for reasons that could not be determined, and the incorrect installation of a B-nut fitting in the propeller feathering system, which allowed engine oil to spray onto the exhaust system when the propeller was feathered…NTSB ERA24FA160Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportArthur B Canning Merlin Lite · Mulberry, FLThe pilot/builder’s modifications of the motorglider’s engine, which resulted in an excessively lean fuel air mixture, preignition, piston failure, and a subsequent total loss of engine power during the initial climb. Contributing to the outcome was the…NTSB ERA24FA110Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBombardier CL-600-2B16 · Naples, FLCorrosion of both engines’ variable geometry (VG) system components, which led to their operation in an off-schedule position and resulted in near-simultaneous sub-idle rotating compressor stalls on approach, subsequent loss of thrust in both engines, and an…NTSB WPR24FA080Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSwanson R/Swanson S RV-6 · Concord, CAA total loss of engine power during takeoff due to a separated fuel line and the pilot’s subsequent failure to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's medical condition and the effects of multiple impairing substances.NTSB ERA24FA078Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA46R-350T · Mooresville, NCA missing induction clamp, which allowed the induction hose to the left side intercooler to become disconnected, resulting in a total loss of engine power due to an overly rich fuel/air mixture.NTSB ERA24FA072Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportHawker Beechcraft G36 · Buford, GAA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined due to significant thermal damage from postimpact fire.NTSB WPR24FA054Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Topock, AZThe failure of the No. 4 connecting rod due to oil starvation, which resulted in a loss of engine power, inflight fire, and a subsequent off-airport emergency landing on rough desert terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt a…NTSB CEN24FA057Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A23-24 · Oklahoma City, OKA total loss of engine power due to multiple connecting rod failures from oil starvation associated with an extensive before takeoff oil system leak, the source of which could not be identified due to postaccident fire damage.NTSB ERA24FA050Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA32R · Attalla, ALThe undetected wear of both pawl retaining rivets of the left magneto impulse coupling and fatigue failure of one pawl retaining rivet, which led to cascading fractures of the second pawl retaining rivet, left gear retainer assembly, and gear teeth of…NTSB WPR24FA010Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobert L Thurmond RV8 · Centerville, UTThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while attempting to return to the departure airport, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the No. 2…NTSB ERA24FA001Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 177RG · Lake Placid, NYA partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight weight and balance planning and his aggressive low altitude maneuvering, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.NTSB CEN23LA413Incident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPowrachute Airwolf · Erie, COThe pilot’s inadvertent manipulation of the throttle, which resulted in the aircraft traveling on the ground and the unsecured pilot being ejected from the aircraft and sustaining fatal injuries.NTSB CEN23FA410Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSonex Sonex · Dowagiac, MIThe total loss of engine power due to the failure of the ignition distributor rotor.NTSB CEN23FA352Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150 · Caddo Mills, TXThe pilot’s loss of airplane control during an attempted forced landing following a loss of engine power.NTSB WPR23FA299Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCzech Sport SportCruiser · Van Nuys, CAThe misalignment of the carburetor piston slides, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power, and the flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during an emergency landing, leading to an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB ERA23LA320Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMesnard Velocity Twin · Sandersville, GAA total loss of power in the right engine due to the right ECU injector wires being severed by the main landing gear actuator piston teeter bar as a result of a lack of clearance and protection of the wiring bundle.NTSB CEN23FA314Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-31P · Kearney, MOThe pilot’s decision to operate an airplane with known fuel leaks, his failure to conduct an engine run-up before takeoff, his subsequent failure to abort the takeoff, and the mechanic’s inadequate maintenance, which resulted in a partial loss of right engine…NTSB WPR23FA275Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna T310R · Santa Fe, NMA total loss of left engine power as a result of improper installation of the aft-facing crankshaft counterweight retaining rings. Also causal was the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed following the loss of left engine power, which resulted in the…NTSB WPR23FA256Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182N · St Maries, IDThe total loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 3 exhaust valve for reasons that could not be determined. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane after the loss of engine power.NTSB WPR23FA244Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCurtiss Wright P-40E · Hamilton, MTA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR23FA225Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna R182 · McCall, IDMaintenance personnel's failure to properly torque and inspect the magneto hardware, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.NTSB ERA23FA265Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech B35 · Orangeburg, SCA stuck No. 3 cylinder intake valve, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing.NTSB ERA23FA249Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 182 · Plymouth, NYA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN23FA173Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 310D · Ennis, TXThe partial loss of right engine power due to reduced fuel flow as a result of the contamination of the fuel screen.NTSB ERA23FA194Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportHolland Travis E Velocity · Andrews, NCThe pilot’s failure to engage the turbocharger for takeoff and his improper decision to continue the takeoff with partial power, rather than reject the takeoff.NTSB ERA23FA188Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMiller Glenn F RV-12 · Climax, NCThe airplane owner/builder’s inappropriate use of a lower grade fuel than that required by the airplane and engine operations manual, which resulted in engine detonation and the degradation and eventual obliteration of the Nos. 1 and 2 cylinder spark plug…NTSB ERA23FA137Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Lindenhurst, NYAn in-flight fire due to a compromised oil pressure line fitting, which resulted in a collision with terrain during a subsequent emergency landing.NTSB ERA23FA113Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · North Castle, NYThe pre-ignition/detonation damage to the No. 4 piston for reasons that could not be determined, which allowed the crankcase to become pressurized and resulted in oil exhaustion and subsequent catastrophic internal engine failure.NTSB CEN23FA079Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-301T · Kingfisher, OKAn oil leak of undetermined origin that resulted in an in-flight engine compartment fire and subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB CEN23FA077Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150H · Auburn, NEThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain control after a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing while maneuvering for forced landing in dark night visual meteorological conditions.NTSB ERA23FA103Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA28 · Suffolk, VAThe pilot’s decision to fly the airplane without confirming it had been released from maintenance, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power due to loose magnetos. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and…NTSB WPR23FA073Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 150A · Santa Monica, CAA failure of the No. 1 piston connecting rod bearing journal due to oil starvation for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a complete loss of engine power.NTSB WPR23FA044Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGallagher XLT-RG · Banning, CAAn inflight engine fire for reasons that could not be determined that resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB ERA23FA067Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-30 · Winston-Salem, NCContamination and/or misalignment of the regulator section of the right engine’s fuel servo, which resulted in excessive idle fuel flow and a total loss of engine power. Also causal was the pilot's failure to land immediately on the nearest runway at the…NTSB CEN23FA038Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 421C · Decatur, TXA loss of power on the left engine due to fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of power on the right engine for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA23FA033Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A24 · Keene, NHImproper maintenance of the fuel injector nozzles and the pilots’ failure to abort the takeoff during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the mechanic’s decision to return the airplane to service with the engine unable to attain its full rated…NTSB ERA23FA025Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Brentwood, TNA total loss of engine power due to the catastrophic failure of the crankshaft resulting from the improper installation of the crankshaft for this application.NTSB CEN22FA433Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAirgyro AG915 · Yankton, SDA loss of control while an in-flight fire occurred, which resulted in an impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/builder’s improper engine build procedures.NTSB WPR22FA348Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTrom Wayne Vans RV6A · Aztec, AZThe total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to turn away from a suitable emergency landing surface, his failure to maintain adequate airspeed as the…