NTSB investigations
1,226 cases where NTSB found Engine (reciprocating).
Cases per year
| 2008 | 65 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 74 |
| 2010 | 80 |
| 2011 | 88 |
| 2012 | 76 |
| 2013 | 66 |
| 2014 | 60 |
| 2015 | 67 |
| 2016 | 59 |
| 2017 | 64 |
| 2018 | 61 |
| 2019 | 69 |
| 2020 | 59 |
| 2021 | 72 |
| 2022 | 88 |
| 2023 | 93 |
| 2024 | 68 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 3 |
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.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f.\"findingCode\", '010585')) 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", '010585')) 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 ERA26LA348Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportHopwood Joseph R Zodiac · Stockton, ALA partial loss of engine power due to a missing exhaust clamp bolt and subsequent oil loss due to a damaged engine oil return line, which resulted in the pilot’s decision to perform an off-airport landing.NTSB ERA26LA176Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportIcon A5 · Levittown, PRAn oil line separation at a barbed fitting in an experimental airplane, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to oil starvation.NTSB CEN26LA144Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20 · Northlake, TXThe pilot’s inadequate fuel management which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.NTSB WPR26LA072Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportZenith 750 · Yacolt, WAA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA26LA002Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMaule M-7-260 · Parkland, FLThe pilot’s failure to retract the amphibious airplane’s landing gear before conducting a forced landing on the water, which resulted in a nose over.NTSB CEN25LA401Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCubCrafters CCK-2000 · Thompsonville, MIA total loss of engine power due to a lack of ignition resulting from a fractured alternator ring terminal and the builder’s incorrect installation of the wire connecting to the alternator. Contributing to the total loss of engine power was the failure of the…NTSB CEN25LA322Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Joliet, ILThe failure of the No. 2 cylinder exhaust valve, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.NTSB CEN25LA243Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportStinson 108 · Seguin, TXThe pilot’s failure to turn off the magneto switch before repositioning the propeller by hand which resulted in an inadvertent engine start.NTSB ERA25LA238Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 310 · Fayetteville, TNThe pilot’s decision to operate the airplane with known discrepancies.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 ERA25LA215Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32-300 · Branford, CTMaintenance personnel's improper installation and inspection of the crankshaft gear bolt during major overhaul, which resulted in the crankshaft gear disengaging from the accessory gears which led to a total loss of engine power.NTSB CEN25LA160Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman G164 · Louise, TXThe reported loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA25LA141Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Hollywood, FLA total loss of engine power was due to a fracture of the crankshaft at the No. 3 main journal, which originated from a preexisting, thermally induced crack that had gone undetected by maintenance personnel during an inspection performed as part of the…NTSB ANC25LA019Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Wasilla, AKA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ERA25LA123Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172C · Argyle, NYThe mechanic’s incorrect installation of the oil temperature gauge probe in the oil filter adapter and failure to test run the engine for oil leaks after the installation, which resulted in a total loss of oil and the pilot’s decision to perform a…NTSB WPR25LA095Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportQuicksilver Aeronautics L-S2S · Geyserville, CAThe pilot’s failure to secure the coolant cap during the preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to overheating and a subsequent forced landing.NTSB CEN25LA093Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Spearman, TXImproperly torqued intake manifold bolts that allowed unmetered air to enter the engine, resulting in an overly lean fuel-air mixture, eventual failure of the No. 3 cylinder intake valve, and a total loss of engine power.NTSB CEN25LA058Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV8 · Smithville, TXA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR25LA039Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32-300 · Pomona, CAA total loss of engine power during final approach for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN25LA046Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRotor Flight Dynamics Dominator · Gilbert, MNA total loss of engine power and subsequent autorotation to a swamp, that resulted in a rollover. Contributing to the pilot’s delayed egression from the gyroplane, was the lack of a restraint system cutting device.NTSB CEN25LA038Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportComposite FX Mosquito XE · Waco, TXThe total loss of engine power and subsequent impact with terrain during an autorotation. Contributing to the accident was the improper sealing of the liquid cooling system.NTSB WPR25LA030Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Prescott Valley, AZSeparation of the No. 3 engine cylinder due to a loss of torque on the cylinder base nuts, which resulted in a loss of engine power and in-flight fire. Contributing to the accident was maintenance personnel’s failure to ensure the engine case and cylinder…NTSB WPR25LA027Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · St. George, UTA partial loss of power for reasons that could not be determined due to postimpact fire damage.NTSB WPR25LA010Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEnstrom Helicopter 280C · Vale, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain engine and rotor rpm during takeoff, that resulted in a hard landing.NTSB ERA25LA004Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G-164A · Parsonsburg, MDA total loss of engine power for reasons that were not determined.NTSB ERA24LA392Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · LaGrange, GAImproper manufacture of a cylinder exhaust valve guide by the engine manufacturer, which resulted in a stuck exhaust valve and a partial loss of engine power during initial climb.NTSB ERA24LA388Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172K · Spartanburg, SCMaintenance personnel’s failure to follow the engine manufacturer’s maintenance guidance, which resulted in the assembly of the engine with an obstructed oil passage, a subsequent lack of lubrication to the front main bearing, and a total loss of engine power.NTSB CEN24LA354Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 170A · Marshall, INThe fatigue fracture of the No. 6 piston connecting rod, which resulted in a loss of engine power.NTSB CEN24LA344Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 7GCAA · Rifle, COA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB CEN24LA333Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportZenith Zodiac CH601 XL · Odessa, MOOverheating of the engine coolant for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a precautionary off-airport landing, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage.NTSB ERA24LA361Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Lynchburg, VAA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR24FA287Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPitts S1 · Santa Paula, CAThe total loss of engine power at low altitude for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN24LA317Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV8 · Guthrie, OKA loss of engine power due to the separation and ingestion of an air filter retaining bracket into the engine cylinder.NTSB ERA24LA355Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportYates Elden H Avipro Bearhawk · Roxbury, METhe pilot’s unstable approach which resulted in a landing with insufficient runway remaining to stop and subsequent impact with a river embankment. Contributing was the engine coolant system anomaly.NTSB CEN24LA303Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Bryant, IAA loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined, resulting in impact with terrain.NTSB WPR24LA259Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech C23 · Elko, NVA total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.NTSB CEN24LA286Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA46 · Radisson, WIThe non-certificated mechanic’s failure to properly tighten and torque the fuel system pressure test port cap, which resulted in a total loss of engine power, and a subsequent forced landing.NTSB WPR24LA261Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAeronca 11AC · Winchester, CAA total loss of engine power due to a fatigue fracture of the crankshaft.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 WPR24LA248Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150M · Ritzville, WAMaintenance personnel’s improper installation of the No. 2 cylinder exhaust valve, which allowed the valve to drop into the cylinder and resulted in a total loss of engine power.NTSB WPR24LA240Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182B · Soldier, IDA total loss of engine power resulting from the failure of the No. 1 piston and the No. 2 piston connecting rod due to detonation.NTSB ERA24LA299Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 8GCBC · Frankford, DEA partial loss of engine power resulting from cylinder detonation and a cracked spark plug, which resulted in a forced landing and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN24LA249Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRotorway 162 F · Maybee, MIA partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR24LA229Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172N · San Diego, CAA failure of the No. 2 cylinder due to fatigue cracking as the result of an undersized fillet radius around the edge of the cylinder head dome.NTSB CEN24LA245Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRaytheon A36 · Land O' Lakes, WIA partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.NTSB ANC24LA057Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportDehavilland-Kenmore DHC-2 · Juneau, AKA partial loss of engine power during initial climb due to a cracked cylinder.NTSB ERA24LA271Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Hernando, FLThe improper installation of a cylinder rocker stud by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing.NTSB WPR24LA210Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportLancair LC42-550FG · Humboldt Bay, CAMaintenance personnel’s incorrect installation of an engine rocker cover gasket, which resulted in oil exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power during the initial climb.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.