# NTSB investigations: Spark plugs/igniters

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 ERA25LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA052.md): Cessna 172S · Chattanooga, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 19, 2024 · N951JA · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to a fouled spark plug in engine’s the No. 4 cylinder. Contributing was the flight instructor’s failure to maintain aircraft control during an attempted go-around following an unsuccessful landing approach in IMC, which…
- [NTSB ERA24LA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA230.md): Piper PA-28-151 · Hope Mills, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 26, 2024 · N33563 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine performance due to carbon fouling of three spark plugs that, when combined with the airplane’s high gross weight condition, resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.
- [NTSB ANC24LA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24LA025.md): Cessna 120 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 21, 2024 · N77032 · Substantial damage
  > A degraded ignition system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the ignition system.
- [NTSB CEN23LA313](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA313.md): Pietenpol Aircamper · Gardner, KS · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 19, 2023 · N34KP · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to lead fouling of a spark plug.
- [NTSB ERA23LA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA225.md): Mooney M20K · Hillsborough Township, NJ · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 6, 2023 · N262MK · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to maintenance personnel’s failure to ensure that the ignition harnesses were properly secured and the pilot’s inappropriate pitch control inputs, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and…
- [NTSB ERA23FA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA188.md): Miller Glenn F RV-12 · Climax, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Apr 11, 2023 · N543GM · Destroyed
  > The 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 ERA23LA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA120.md): Mooney M20C · Calhoun, GA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 28, 2023 · N5587Q · Destroyed
  > A partial loss of engine power during the initial climb due to an improperly installed spark plug.
- [NTSB CEN22LA334](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA334.md): Van's RV-10 · Beaver Dam, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 22, 2022 · N4400K · Substantial damage
  > The improperly secured spark plug boot that resulted in smoke in the cockpit and a subsequent off-airport landing.
- [NTSB WPR21LA316](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA316.md): Beech 77 · Stanley, NM · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 12, 2021 · N3873Y · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine performance due to lead fouling of the lower spark plugs, which resulted in an off airport forced landing.
- [NTSB ANC21LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA068.md): Stinson 108-1 · Sterling, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 2, 2021 · N8656K · Substantial damage
  > Insufficient available power as a result of low compression in three engine cylinders. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to takeoff with a slight quartering tailwind.
- [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 ERA21LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA052.md): Lancair Legacy FG · Hollywood, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 23, 2020 · N3UH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot/owner’s failure to properly reinstall the number 1 cylinder spark plug, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during the initial climb. Contributing was the pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during an attempted…
- [NTSB WPR21LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA071.md): Co Z Cozy · Compton, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 17, 2020 · N82V · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to an improperly installed sparkplug.
- [NTSB WPR20LA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA191.md): Enstrom 280 · Hayden, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 24, 2020 · N280MM · Destroyed
  > The total loss of power while maneuvering at low altitude due to the detonation of two engine cylinders and damaged spark plugs.
- [NTSB WPR20FA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20FA077.md): Stinson V77 · Auburn, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jan 24, 2020 · N50249 · Destroyed
  > A total loss of engine power due to a combination of mechanical engine anomalies. Contributing to the accident was inadequate maintenance that failed to identify the engine anomalies.
- [NTSB WPR19LA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA233.md): Cessna 120 · Livermore, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 21, 2019 · N4237N · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to fouled spark plugs in the No. 4 cylinder. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and a subsequent loss of control during the initial climb.
- [NTSB CEN17LA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA328.md): Beech A36 · Gonzales, LA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 2017 · N48TZ · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to inadequate maintenance, including worn spark plugs and a leaking fuel hose fitting.
- [NTSB CEN17LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA021.md): Zenith CH-750 · Morristown, MN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 20, 2016 · N8681 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel vapor lock. Contributing to the loss of engine power were the corrosion of the spark plugs and the spacing of the electrode gaps.
- [NTSB CEN16LA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA243.md): Challenger II CW · Marysville, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 2016 · N788RH · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB ERA15LA311](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA311.md): Thomas A Siminski Zenith CH 750 · Allentown, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 14, 2015 · N1750Z · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to the No. 1 spark plug being liberated from the cylinder head due to the stripped threads in the cylinder head. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt to return to the airport while at a low…
- [NTSB CEN14LA371](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA371.md): Air Command 532 · Petersburg, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 2014 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain control of the gyroplane following a total loss of engine power due to a loose spark plug.
- [NTSB ERA14LA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA253.md): Piper J3C - 65 · Hopkinsville, KY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 22, 2014 · N46777 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to identify poor engine performance during the engine run-up before takeoff. Also causal to the accident was the mistimed right magneto and the poor condition of the spark plugs in the No. 4 cylinder.
- [NTSB WPR14LA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA180.md): Bell 47G · El Monte, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 3, 2014 · N7895B · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power during climbout due to a malfunctioning magneto and spark plugs.
- [NTSB ERA14FA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14FA123.md): Williams Christopher T Sonex · Wellington, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 17, 2014 · N732SX · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following a partial loss of engine power during initial climb, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the…
- [NTSB WPR14CA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA058.md): Quad City Ultralight Acft Challenger II · Kalispell, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 26, 2013 · N522PE · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to the spark plug coming out of the cylinder head.
- [NTSB CEN13LA460](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA460.md): Snyder Todd W Titan Tornado 1 · Wild Rose, WI · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2013 · N70786 · Substantial damage
  > The improperly secured spark plug, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN12LA577](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA577.md): Jones Kitfox III · Rockford, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 2012 · N942EJ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper installation of a spark plug, which led to a partial loss of engine power after takeoff and the resultant forced landing.
- [NTSB CEN12LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA077.md): Cessna 152 · Princeton, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 22, 2011 · N6436P · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate installation of the threaded insert in the No. 2 cylinder spark plug hole by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loss of engine power during initial climb.
- [NTSB ERA11CA355](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11CA355.md): Dotson William P Sngl Seat Hawk Arrow · Carthage, NC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 20, 2011 · N4209F · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to the pilot’s improper installation of the engine’s No. 1 cylinder spark plugs.
- [NTSB WPR10LA465](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA465.md): Mooney M20C · Visalia, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 2010 · N6090Q · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power during takeoff, which resulted from the failure of the spark plug retention mechanism.
- [NTSB CEN10LA498](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA498.md): Freeman Super Koala · Traverse City, MI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 2010 · N220FF · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to the improper torquing of the number one cylinder's spark plug as a result of inadequate maintenance.
- [NTSB ERA10LA437](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA437.md): Piper J3C-65 · Williamstown, NJ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 21, 2010 · N209RC · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to weak spark plugs on the No. 1 cylinder.
- [NTSB WPR10LA341](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA341.md): Ronald V White CH701 · Pima, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 2010 · N3784A · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power while maneuvering due to a spark plug failure.
- [NTSB ERA10LA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA187.md): Cessna 152 · Moore, SC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 24, 2010 · N93441 · Substantial damage
  > The certificated mechanic's improper installation of a helicoil, which resulted in the separation of a sparkplug and the helicoil and led to a partial loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR09LA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA205.md): Cessna 152 · Carlsbad, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 20, 2009 · N48259 · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to carbon fouling of a spark plug.
- [NTSB WPR09CA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA091.md): Siemer James H Earthstar · Santa Ynez, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 18, 2009 · N532JS · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to the rear cylinder's spark plug coming out of the cylinder head.
- [NTSB CHI08LA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08LA166.md): Helton Lark 95 · West Carrollton, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2008 · N86657 · Destroyed
  > The improper installation of spark plugs during the annual inspection which resulted in a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain during the forced landing.
- [NTSB CHI08CA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA114.md): Bardouche Quad City Ultralight · Pulaski, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 4, 2008 · N423V · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power during cruise due to the separation of the spark plug because of the loose threads. Contributing to the accident was trees.

## 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", '01057421'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057421/cases

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