# NTSB investigations: Magneto/distributor

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.

Page 1 of 3 · 101 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN25LA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA243.md): Stinson 108 · Seguin, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 8, 2025 · N97577 · No damage
  > The pilot’s failure to turn off the magneto switch before repositioning the propeller by hand which resulted in an inadvertent engine start.
- [NTSB CEN24LA341](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA341.md): Taylorcraft BC12-D · Trojan, SD · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 7, 2024 · N95078 · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to a loose magneto and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN24LA313](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA313.md): Grumman G164 · Dyess, AR · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 9, 2024 · N6569 · Substantial damage
  > The improper overhaul of the carburetor and the malfunction of left magneto which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN24LA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA269.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Avoca, NE · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 16, 2024 · N2386X · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to the loose left magneto which resulted in erratic engine timing.
- [NTSB ERA24LA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA151.md): Palmetto Electronics X-AIR H · Ellenboro, NC · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 4, 2024 · N3505W · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to an inoperative ignition system.
- [NTSB WPR24LA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA064.md): Diamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 · Spanish Fork, UT · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 21, 2023 · N453DS · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s improper installation of the left magneto, which resulted in oil starvation to the engine and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN24LA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA063.md): Cessna T210 · Sapulpa, OK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 13, 2023 · N6789R · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to the failure of the left magneto and subsequent damage to a lead for the right magneto.
- [NTSB CEN24LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA052.md): Cessna 182 · Manitowoc, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 30, 2023 · N8880T · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s improper servicing of the magnetos, which resulted in their accelerated wear, failure, and the total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA24FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA050.md): Piper PA32R · Attalla, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 27, 2023 · N4187Q · Destroyed
  > The 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 CEN23FA410](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA410.md): Sonex Sonex · Dowagiac, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 10, 2023 · N569SX · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to the failure of the ignition distributor rotor.
- [NTSB WPR23LA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA307.md): Boeing A75N1(PT17) · Red Lodge, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 8, 2023 · N56907 · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power during the initial climb out due to improper maintenance of the magneto.
- [NTSB WPR23LA295](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA295.md): Fish Larry W Lancair 360 · Renton, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 31, 2023 · N68XA · Substantial damage
  > A loss of electrical power due to low battery voltage, which resulted in an inflight shut down of the capacitor discharge ignition system and a loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to switch batteries after the electrical…
- [NTSB WPR23LA239](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA239.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Alturas, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 25, 2023 · N6430P · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to the failure of the right magneto distributor gear and the pilot’s decision to conduct a test flight with known mechanical issues.
- [NTSB WPR23FA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23FA225.md): Cessna R182 · McCall, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 12, 2023 · N3138C · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel's failure to properly torque and inspect the magneto hardware, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA23LA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA162.md): Cessna 177 · Travelers Rest, SC · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 23, 2023 · N13612 · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s improper servicing of the magneto, which resulted in its accelerated wear, failure, and the total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA23FA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA103.md): Piper PA28 · Suffolk, VA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 7, 2023 · N592FL · Destroyed
  > The 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 ERA22LA369](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA369.md): Cessna 172 · Jamestown, NY · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 12, 2022 · N4751F · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be definitively determined.
- [NTSB CEN22LA344](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA344.md): Piper PA-32RT-300T · Dallas, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 28, 2022 · N3027J · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s inadequate maintenance of the magneto, which resulted in a loss of engine ignition, a loss of engine power, and a subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB WPR22LA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA262.md): Maule M-5-235C · Three Forks, MT · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 20, 2022 · N6224M · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to degraded and incorrectly maintained ignition system components. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s delay in turning the airplane towards the runway when the engine began to lose power.
- [NTSB WPR22LA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA099.md): Aeronca 11AC · Napa, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 8, 2022 · N9500E · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an off-airport landing on unimproved terrain.
- [NTSB WPR22LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA060.md): Cessna P210N · Hillsboro, OR · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 9, 2021 · N152BT · Substantial damage
  > The on-ground collision with a tree during an off airport precautionary landing. Contributing was the partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB WPR21LA357](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA357.md): Fonville Swearingen SX300 · Buckeye, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 18, 2021 · N5SX · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to the failure of the left magneto.
- [NTSB ERA21LA356](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA356.md): Waco GXE · Burt, NY · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 13, 2021 · N8564 · Substantial damage
  > The improper magneto timing, which resulted in the engine’s inability to produce full power during the takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA21LA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA261.md): Cessna 172 · Jupiter, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 18, 2021 · N2797E · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to obtain the proper touchdown point during a forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the improper service and subsequent inadequate inspection of the single-drive, dual magneto, which resulted in a total loss of…
- [NTSB WPR21LA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA171.md): Consolidated Aeronautics Lake LA-4-200 · Twentynine Palms, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 21, 2021 · N2989P · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to inadequate ignition from cracked spark plugs and a failed magneto.
- [NTSB WPR21LA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA098.md): Cessna T182T · Crescent City, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 31, 2021 · N291FR · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to the failure of both magneto capacitors.
- [NTSB CEN21LA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA109.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Albany, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 9, 2021 · N322SH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate pretakeoff checks which resulted in the magneto switch (key) remaining in the OFF position during the takeoff sequence and initial climb and the right magneto grounding intermittently.
- [NTSB ERA21LA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA091.md): Cessna 172 · Pleasant Valley, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 27, 2020 · N8311X · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to failure of the magnetos, which were not overhauled in accordance with the manufacturer’s time specifications.
- [NTSB ERA21LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA019.md): Piper PA32 · Atlanta, GA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 11, 2020 · N3595W · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to a right magneto anomaly, which resulted in the pilot’s decision to abort the takeoff and the subsequent runway excursion.
- [NTSB CEN20LA377](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA377.md): Stinson 108-3 · Coleman, MI · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 1, 2020 · N909C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper installation of the generator drive gear, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN20LA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA256.md): Cessna 320 · Round Rock, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 1, 2020 · N19AS · Destroyed
  > Improper maintenance that led to a loss of engine power due to a failed left engine magneto, the pilot’s improper application of single engine emergency procedures, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in a collision with trees.
- [NTSB CEN20LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA020.md): Cirrus SR22 · Tyler, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 22, 2019 · N969JM · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power as a result of detonation due to a combination of improper magneto to engine timing and a rich fuel mixture.
- [NTSB CEN19LA326](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA326.md): Vans Vans RV-10 · Lancaster, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 21, 2019 · N569JC · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to a faulty magneto/ignition system, which resulting in a forced landing.
- [NTSB ERA19LA245](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA245.md): Schweizer 269C · Allentown, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 11, 2019 · N1831A · Substantial damage
  > Inadequate maintenance of the helicopter’s magnetos, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during the initial climb due to a failure of the left magneto and malfunction of the right magneto.
- [NTSB CEN19LA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA226.md): Cashen Super Acro Sport · Detroit Lakes, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 16, 2019 · N61SC · Substantial damage
  > An open circuit in the engine's electrical switch box, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB ERA19LA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA109.md): Piper PA28 · Louisville, KY · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 26, 2019 · N2184X · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the magnetos due to a known deficiency, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s failure to comply with the applicable service bulletin.
- [NTSB WPR19FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA042.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Aberdeen, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Dec 17, 2018 · N6283P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's diverted attention during the takeoff climb due to a loss of engine power, which resulted in the airplane’s exceedance of the critical angle of attack and subsequent stall/spin.
- [NTSB ERA19LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA029.md): Diamond DA20 · Mountain Rest, SC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 28, 2018 · N653DC · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to multiple discrepancies of the engine's ignition system.
- [NTSB WPR19LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA011.md): Piper PA32R · Indianapolis, IN · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 21, 2018 · N2920Q · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to displacement of the dual magneto’s internal camshaft, which resulted in the magneto’s inability to produce spark.
- [NTSB ERA19LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA006.md): Cessna 205 · Wagoner, OK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 4, 2018 · N8495Z · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s improper maintenance of the magnetos, which resulted in a loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA18LA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA269.md): Robinson R44 · Westminster, MD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 2018 · N440SH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's attempt to move the helicopter from a sloped surface after an overspeed event, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control and impact with a car. The overspeed event resulted from misrouted and damaged wiring in the magneto, which subsequently…
- [NTSB CEN18LA357](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA357.md): Grumman G164 · Opelousas, LA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 2018 · N956X · Substantial damage
  > The loss of two securing bolts that allowed the left magneto to move around, which disrupted the spark timing and resulted in the engine losing total power.
- [NTSB WPR18FA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA150.md): Morrison Marvin E JR RV 6A · Petaluma, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 27, 2018 · N4269Y · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff due to a loose left magneto, and the pilot's decision to turn back to the airport and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and…
- [NTSB WPR18LA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA148.md): Cessna 152 · Hillsboro, OR · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 26, 2018 · N152GB · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power during a go-around due to the loose copper electrode finger inside the left magneto.
- [NTSB CEN18LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA010.md): Bellanca 17-30A · Sweetwater, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 6, 2017 · N8234R · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power during a precautionary approach for landing for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB ERA17LA340](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA340.md): Waco UPF 7 · Ocklawaha, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 28, 2017 · N29909 · Substantial damage
  > A failure of both magnetos due to multiple deficiencies, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR17LA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA176.md): Cessna 172S · Seattle, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 31, 2017 · N957TA · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to oil starvation as a result of the loose right magneto, which allowed oil to escape and the engine to seize. Contributing to the accident was inadequate maintenance, which failed to identify the loose magneto bolt.
- [NTSB CEN17LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA228.md): Thompson Angel Hawk II · Homer, LA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 2017 · N335JT · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to the engine’s unresolved high operating temperatures, which resulted in failure of the distributor rotor and drive shaft, and the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during the subsequent forced landing, which resulted in…
- [NTSB ERA17LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA077.md): Beech 76 · Dunnellon, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 2016 · N6627U · Substantial damage
  > An inadequate 100-hour maintenance inspection that failed to detect and correct loose nuts on a single-drive dual magneto, which led to the subsequent separation of the magneto from the engine during initial climb and the total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN17LA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA099.md): Robinson R22 Beta · Asherton, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 28, 2016 · N522KC · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to the failure of the magneto's internal timing during low-altitude maneuvering.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057414/cases.md?page=2

## 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", '01057414'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057414/cases

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