NTSB investigations
195 cases where NTSB found Fuel control/carburetor.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 15 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 8 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 14 |
| 2012 | 17 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 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\", '01057322')) 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", '01057322')) 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 CEN26LA211Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-235 · Montevideo, MNA total loss of engine power on approach due to carburetor icing.NTSB ERA26LA151Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Block Island, RIMaintenance personnel’s failure to ensure that the throttle cable was properly secured to the carburetor, which resulted an inflight separation of the throttle cable and the pilots’ inability to control the engine.NTSB ERA26LA105Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper J3C · Brimfield, OHThe pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat during descent in cold temperatures, which resulted in a total loss of engine power at an altitude too low for recovery.NTSB WPR26LA056Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRotorway Exec · Lake Havasu City, AZThe pilot’s improper securing hardware installation, which resulted in a loss of throttle control and a loss of engine power.NTSB ANC25LA112Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Yakataga, AKThe total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing and the pilot’s failure to effectively use carburetor heat in meteorological conditions conducive to the formation of carburetor icing.NTSB ERA25LA189Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportChampion 7GCBC · Weyers Cave, VAA total loss of engine power on approach due to carburetor ice.NTSB ANC25LA025Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172A · Fairbanks, AKThe pilot’s decision to initiate the flight despite identifying a malfunction in the carburetor heat system during the pre-takeoff engine run-up, which led to a partial loss of engine power during climb out. Contributing to the accident was maintenance…NTSB ERA25LA062Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAlexander S Rolinski BOT Journey · Ocean Isle Beach, NCMaintenance personnel’s failure to identify and remediate a buildup of oxides in one of the engine’s carburetors, which resulted in the seizure of the carburetor’s piston slide and a subsequent total loss of engine power during initial climb.NTSB ERA25LA047Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing A75N1(PT17) · Huntington, WVThe pilot’s failure to utilize carburetor heat while operating the engine at low power and in conditions conducive to the formation of carburetor ice, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.NTSB WPR25LA040Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172I · Mayer, AZThe accumulation of carburetor ice, which resulted in a loss of engine power and a subsequent forced landing.NTSB ERA25LA043Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 310K · Alcoa, TNThe failure of the left engine throttle control shaft bushing during taxi, resulting in a full asymmetric power condition and a taxiway excursion.NTSB ERA24LA380Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32 · Baltimore, MDThe undetected worn internal parts of the on-condition carburetor, which restricted movement of the float, resulting in fuel starvation. Contributing to the severity of the accident was the pilot’s delayed reduction of the throttle when performing a forced…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 CEN24LA350Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Englewood, COA partial loss of engine power due to fuel-oil contamination of the fuel injection servo.NTSB CEN24LA313Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman G164 · Dyess, ARThe improper overhaul of the carburetor and the malfunction of left magneto which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.NTSB WPR24LA241Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Herriman, UTA hard landing following a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the improper idle setting of the helicopter’s engine. Contributing to the loss of engine power was the instructor’s reduction of engine power past that recommended by…NTSB CEN24LA242Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 310R · Duluth, MNThe failure of the left engine induction coupling during takeoff, which resulted in a total loss of left engine power and an uncommanded left yaw/roll due to asymmetrical thrust and increased drag, from which the pilot had insufficient altitude to recover…NTSB ERA24LA257Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Zephyrhills, FLA partial loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel contamination that resulted from corrosion and loose corrosion debris in the carburetor, which restricted fuel flow to the engine.NTSB ERA24LA203Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Louisburg, NCThe pilot under instruction’s inadvertent use of the mixture control, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.NTSB CEN24LA158Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportJacobson SE5A Replica · Luther, OKThe pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat, which resulted in fuel starvation during the initial climb, a loss of engine power, and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN24LA137Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEnstrom Helicopter 280C · Port Lavaca, TXThe pilot’s improper manual engine mixture management which resulted in a loss of power. Contributing to the accident was the mechanic’s improper setting of the idle mixture adjustment and the pilot’s decision to take off with a known mechanical deficiency.NTSB WPR24LA093Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell 47G-3B-1 · Garey, CAMaintenance personnel’s failure to properly check the torque paint on a fuel control unit B-nut, which resulted in the loosening of the B-nut, a loss of engine power at a low altitude, and a subsequent impact with terrain.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 ERA24LA016Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172L · Richmond, VAThe loss of engine power due to a restriction of fuel flow as a result of a fractured float bracket in the carburetor.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 CEN23LA367Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172B · San Angelo, TXA partial loss of engine power due to loose bolts holding the carburetor throttle body to the fuel bowl.NTSB CEN23LA165Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPipistrel Lsa Sinus · Kingsford, MIThe failure of maintenance personnel to properly secure the left carburetor bowl cover, which resulted in an engine fire before takeoff.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 WPR22LA293Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-301 · Circle, MTThe loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat.NTSB ERA22FA351Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSmith Aerostar 600 · South Haven Charter Township, MIA loss of power to the left engine due to contamination of the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilots’ failure to properly configure the airplane for flight with one engine inoperative.NTSB WPR22LA287Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 177RG · Livermore, CAThe total loss of engine power due to an inadequately maintained fuel injection servo.NTSB WPR22FA265Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportNorth American T-28B · Fallbrook, CAA loss of power due to an unmaintained carburetor diaphragm and inoperative electric fuel pump that resulted in fuel starvation to the engine.NTSB ERA22LA323Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAllan G Pixley Thatcher CX4 · Baker, FLThe improper engine idle setting, which resulted in a total loss of engine power when the pilot reduced the throttle to idle to initiate a descent.NTSB CEN22LA233Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech A36 · Amarillo, TXThe loss of engine power due to a leak in the fuel control assembly. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance of the fuel control assembly.NTSB WPR22LA089Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBlake D Barrymore Just Acft Superstol · Ketchum, IDThe total loss of engine power due to carburetor ice.NTSB WPR22LA046Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV10 · Hurricane, UTThe total loss of engine power due to a loose fuel line at the fuel servo outlet port.NTSB CEN22LA027Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 7ECA · La Porte, TXA total loss of engine power due to the failure of the carburetor float assembly.NTSB ERA21LA391Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBoeing E75 · Nicholson, PAA total loss of engine power as a result of damaged internal carburetor mixture control components.NTSB CEN21LA386Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAcro Sport II · Fishers, INThe airplane’s total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of leaking fuel from a loose fuel inlet fitting to the fuel control unit.NTSB CEN21LA338Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Harrah, OKThe pilot’s decision to fly the airplane without a carburetor heat control in atmospheric conditions conducive to the development of serious carburetor icing, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.NTSB CEN21LA222Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportFlight Design Ctls · Racine, WIThe fatigue failure of the carburetor throttle control cable, which resulted in a partial loss of engine control.NTSB CEN21LA211Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Spring, TXAn engine fire that resulted from a fuel leak into the carburetor air box due to the electric fuel pump over-pressurizing the carburetor needle/seat assembly. Contributing to the severity of the fire was the flight instructor’s failure to turn off the…NTSB WPR21LA172Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMichael J Robbins Searey · Friday Harbor, WAPartial loss of engine power due to the detachment of the throttle cable from the carburetor arm, as a result of the pilot’s inadequate maintenance which resulted in an off-airport landing and impact with vegetation.NTSB WPR21LA161Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRans S12 · Colville, WAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while maneuvering to avoid powerlines, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of engine power due to improper…NTSB CEN21LA175Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Augusta, KSInadequate maintenance at the time the carburetor was replaced, which resulted in the improperly installed throttle cable and a partial loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was an inadequate annual inspection that failed to detect the improper…NTSB WPR21LA119Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20E · Livermore, CAA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of corrosion and rust in the fuel injection servo.NTSB ERA21LA103Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportTL Ultralight Sro Stingsport · Hollywood, FLThe inadequate maintenance and inspection of the fuel system, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power. Contributing was the pilot's mismanagement of the emergency approach and landing, which resulted in a runway overrun.NTSB WPR21LA008Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 180 · Princeton, ORThe pilot’s failure to enrichen the mixture, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.NTSB ERA20LA320Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportStinson 108 · Newport, PAA total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to a disconnected carburetor mixture control cable which allowed the carburetor mixture lever to migrate to the cut-off position during flight.NTSB CEN20LA360Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 180 · St Louis, MOA total loss of engine power due to improper maintenance of the mixture control cable and attachment hardware, which led to a forced landing into a congested area.