# NTSB investigations: Recip eng rear section

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 ERA25LA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA215.md): Piper PA32-300 · Branford, CT · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 1, 2025 · N2242Z · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance 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 CEN24LA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA141.md): Cozy Mark IV · Gonzales, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 25, 2024 · N20MN · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s failure to properly torque the crankshaft idler gear hardware according to the engine manufacturer’s service instructions, which resulted in separation of the crankshaft idler gear’s fasteners and disengagement of the camshaft,…
- [NTSB CEN23LA267](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA267.md): Cessna 421 · Rockport, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 24, 2023 · N123SM · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the left engine starter adapter gear, which resulted in catastrophic damage to other engine components, and the subsequent loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR23LA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA215.md): Piper J3C-65 · Belfair, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 4, 2023 · N77583 · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the crankshaft accessory drive gear.
- [NTSB ANC23LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23LA005.md): Piper PA-22-160 · Kenai, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 27, 2022 · N8119D · Substantial damage
  > Improper installation of the crankshaft drive gear by maintenance personnel, who failed to install all required hardware, resulting in an in-flight engine failure.
- [NTSB ERA23LA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA037.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Spartanburg, SC · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 23, 2022 · N8580N · Substantial damage
  > A partial separation of the crankshaft gear/bolt, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR22LA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA314.md): Beech F33A · Wilder, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 21, 2022 · N4133S · Substantial damage
  > Catastrophic engine failure during the initial climb due to an incorrectly installed crankshaft counterweight retaining ring.
- [NTSB ERA22LA333](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA333.md): Stinson 108 · Batesburg, SC · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 23, 2022 · N6020M · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of the crankshaft gear, resulting in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR22LA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA193.md): Vans RV-8 · Galice, OR · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 31, 2022 · N298DM · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight failure of the crankshaft gear’s alignment dowel as a result of the retaining bolt not being installed, which lead to a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR22LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA019.md): Lancair ES · Fall Creek, OR · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 15, 2021 · N511ZZ · Substantial damage
  > Total loss of engine power due to fatigue failure of the camshaft gear.
- [NTSB ERA21LA388](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA388.md): Cessna 172 · Port Orange, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 29, 2021 · N116SV · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the nut from the stud and the fracture of the bolt that secured the crankshaft idler gear to the engine crankcase, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to the inability of the left crankshaft idler gear assembly to drive of the…
- [NTSB WPR20LA239](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA239.md): Vans RV7 · Henefer, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 26, 2020 · N514BS · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to the separation of the idler gear shaft bolts as a result of improper installation, which allowed for the idler gear to become disengaged.
- [NTSB ERA20LA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA195.md): Piper PA24 · South Boston, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 26, 2020 · N5948P · Substantial damage
  > The powerplant mechanic’s failure to properly affix the engine crankshaft gear lockplate during overhaul, resulting in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA19LA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA273.md): Robinson R44 · Sardis, GA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 17, 2019 · N827JE · Substantial damage
  > Fatigue failure of the fasteners on the engine crankshaft, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and a subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB ANC18LA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18LA058.md): Robinson R44 · Bettles, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 2018 · N744AK · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel's application of insufficient preload on the attachment hardware for the idler gear shaft during engine overhaul, which resulted in the dismounting of the idler gear shaft assembly due to wear and deformation and the subsequent total…
- [NTSB WPR18FA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA131.md): American Air Racing Thunder Mustang · Reno, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 2, 2018 · N352BT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly secure the engine coolant pump pulley during recent maintenance, which resulted in a loss of the engine's lubrication, cooling, and propeller control systems, and a forced landing, during which the airplane nosed over.…
- [NTSB CEN18LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA040.md): Cessna 150F · Midland, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 26, 2017 · N8637S · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of the generator by unknown personnel, which resulted in a loss of oil and subsequent engine failure.
- [NTSB ERA17LA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA275.md): Piper J3C · Salisbury, CT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 2017 · N98550 · Substantial damage
  > An improper replacement of the crankshaft by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a failure of the crankshaft gear and total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR17IA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17IA173.md): Columbia Aircraft Mfg LC41 550FG · Chandler, AZ · Incident · No injuries · Class 3 · Incident · Final report · Aug 1, 2017 · N8725 · Minor damage
  > The over-tensioning of the accessory belt, which resulted in damage to the starter adapter and subsequent loss of oil that led to oil starvation and catastrophic engine failure.
- [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 ERA17LA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA203.md): Cessna 172 · Suffolk, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 2017 · N13306 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of preload to the crankshaft gear attachment bolt due to improper installation, which resulted in the fatigue failure of the crankshaft gear alignment dowel and led to the rotation of the crankshaft gear and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR17LA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA119.md): Paul R Seipt Sonex · Garfield, WA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 3, 2017 · N255BZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper torque of screws that attached the flywheel mounting flange to the crankshaft during engine assembly, which resulted in heavy vibrations and the subsequent in-flight loss of the propeller.
- [NTSB ERA17LA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA116.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Chatham, NJ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 24, 2017 · N44EK · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance 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 of the engine and a subsequent loss of power.
- [NTSB CEN17LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA081.md): Bellanca 17 30 · Kidron, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 21, 2017 · N39819 · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the vacuum pump, which resulted in a loss of engine oil and the subsequent total loss of engine power due to oil starvation.
- [NTSB WPR15FA268](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15FA268.md): Cessna 150F · Port Townsend, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 28, 2015 · N8529G · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to the mechanic's inadequate tightening of the crankshaft gear retaining bolts during an engine overhaul, which resulted in fatigue failure of the bolts and the crankshaft gear dowel pin that allowed the crankshaft gear to…
- [NTSB CEN15LA383](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA383.md): Piper PA 25-235 · Harvey, ND · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 21, 2015 · N4652Y · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to a failed magneto and two cylinders with low compression. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/owner’s decision to operate the airplane with an ongoing engine issue.
- [NTSB CEN15LA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA297.md): Piper PA 25-235 · Galveston, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 2015 · N94MC · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to a failure of a crankshaft idler gear shaft.
- [NTSB WPR15LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA020.md): Winston W Walker Thunder Mustang · Globe, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 2014 · N244SW · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the main crank drive pulley from the engine’s accessory section due to three of its securing bolts backing out of their holes, which subsequently resulted in two accessory belts becoming unsecure, both crank sensor plugs becoming dislodged,…
- [NTSB CEN14LA449](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA449.md): Piper PA 28-161 · New Orleans, LA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 22, 2014 · N8440N · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight fatigue failure of the crankshaft gear retaining bolt, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident were the pilot/owner’s failure to maintain the airplane in accordance with an airworthiness directive following a…
- [NTSB ERA14LA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA142.md): Cessna 172R · Jackson, TN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 5, 2014 · N9417Z · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to maintenance personnel’s improper installation of the lower vacuum pump.
- [NTSB ERA13LA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA174.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Panama City, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 18, 2013 · N86AB · Substantial damage
  > A loss of preload to the crankshaft gear attachment bolt, resulting in rotation of the crankshaft gear and a subsequent total loss of engine power. The root cause for the loss of preload could not be determined during a postaccident examination of the…
- [NTSB ERA12LA574](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA574.md): Cessna 150G · Corinth, MS · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 2012 · N8465J · Substantial damage
  > The improper torque application on the crankshaft gear bolt by maintenance personnel during an engine overhaul, which resulted in the fatigue failure of the locking tab washer and gear alignment dowel and subsequent engine stoppage. Contributing to the…
- [NTSB ERA12LA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA234.md): Cessna 172K · Pensacola, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 16, 2012 · N79509 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to the improper installation of the crankshaft gear bolt or lockplate by maintenance personnel. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
- [NTSB CEN12TA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12TA122.md): Cessna 172P · Conroe, TX · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jan 4, 2012 · N54872 · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the rear crankshaft gear dowel pin due to improper installation, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA12IA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12IA158.md): Cirrus Design SR20 · Jacksonville, FL · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Dec 4, 2011 · N486DA · No damage
  > The failure of a crankshaft gear tooth due to fatigue, which resulted in the loss of several additional gear teeth and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA11FA391](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA391.md): Cessna 421C · Demopolis, AL · Accident · 7 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 9, 2011 · N692TT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during a single-engine approach and his failure to fly an appropriate traffic pattern for a single-engine landing. Contributing to the accident was a total loss of engine power on the right engine due to a…
- [NTSB CEN11LA441](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA441.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Flippin, AR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 2011 · N56417 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to improper maintenance and resultant oil starvation.
- [NTSB WPR11LA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA102.md): Piper PA-28-235 · San Luis Obispo, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 20, 2011 · N8608W · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to the fatigue fracture of one attachment bolt for the left idler gear shaft, which resulted from an insufficient preload on both attachment bolts.
- [NTSB CEN10FA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10FA180.md): Beech B36TC · Dayton, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 2010 · N4BA · Destroyed
  > The complete loss of engine power due to failure of the No. 1 main bearing, and the secondary failure of a crankcase through-bolt and the fuel pump drive coupling. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt a return to the airport for a…
- [NTSB ERA09LA490](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA490.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Bainbridge, GA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 2009 · N7339Z · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to the loss of camshaft timing as a result of the displacement of the idler gear assembly.
- [NTSB CEN09CA531](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA531.md): Fisher Michael H T-BIRD II · Dundee, OH · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 16, 2009 · N5559A · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to the failure of the outer crankshaft seal.
- [NTSB WPR09LA382](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA382.md): Stinson 108-2 · Salt Lake City, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2009 · N373C · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to the failure of the crankshaft gear.

## 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", '01058540'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058540/cases

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