Fatal NTSB investigations

7 cases where NTSB found Spark plugs/igniters.

Cases per year

20082026
Fatal NTSB investigations per year, 2008–2026: 7 cases
20081
20142
20203
20231

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\", '01057421'))
  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.

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…Apr 11, 2023 · N543GM · DestroyedNTSB ERA21LA052Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportLancair Legacy FG · Hollywood, FLThe 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…Nov 23, 2020 · N3UH · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA191Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEnstrom 280 · Hayden, IDThe total loss of power while maneuvering at low altitude due to the detonation of two engine cylinders and damaged spark plugs.Jun 24, 2020 · N280MM · DestroyedNTSB WPR20FA077Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportStinson V77 · Auburn, CAA 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.Jan 24, 2020 · N50249 · DestroyedNTSB CEN14LA371Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportAir Command 532 · Petersburg, MIThe noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain control of the gyroplane following a total loss of engine power due to a loose spark plug.Jul 10, 2014 · UNREG · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14FA123Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportWilliams Christopher T Sonex · Wellington, FLThe 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…Feb 17, 2014 · N732SX · DestroyedNTSB CHI08LA166Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHelton Lark 95 · West Carrollton, OHThe 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.Jun 17, 2008 · N86657 · Destroyed