NTSB investigations

131 cases where NTSB found Recip eng oil sys.

Cases per year

20082026
NTSB investigations per year, 2008–2026: 131 cases
20087
200910
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201216
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20148
20157
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20207
202110
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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\", '01058550'))
  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 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.Sep 20, 2026 · N601LL · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Apr 15, 2026 · N558BA · Substantial damageNTSB 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…Feb 20, 2025 · N1609Y · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24LA135Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBellanca 17-31ATC · El Cajon, CAMaintenance personnel’s improper installation of an engine-driven vacuum pump, which resulted in oil starvation to the engine and a subsequent total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the A&P IA’s lack of supervision.Apr 29, 2024 · N8800V · Substantial damageNTSB ERA24LA198Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172 · Palatka, FLThe failure of the nose oil seal to remain secure in the engine crankcase, which resulted in a loss of engine oil and partial loss of engine power.Apr 29, 2024 · N99442 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24LA121Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportKitfox Series 5 · Yucca Grove, CAThe pilot’s improper repair of the oil sump, which resulted in a loss of oil pressure and collision with terrain during a precautionary landing.Apr 5, 2024 · N743JT · Substantial damageNTSB CEN24LA140Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna T210 · San Saba, TXA total loss of engine power due to multiple connecting rod failures from oil starvation.Mar 25, 2024 · N498TB · Substantial damageNTSB ERA24LA095Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 210D · Paris, TNThe disruption of torque to the No 4 connecting rod journals, which resulted in a spun bearing and the subsequent total loss of engine power.Jan 22, 2024 · N3857Y · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24FA054Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A36 · Topock, AZThe failure of the No. 4 connecting rod due to oil starvation, which resulted in a loss of engine power, inflight fire, and a subsequent off-airport emergency landing on rough desert terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt a…Dec 10, 2023 · N4171S · Substantial damageNTSB CEN24FA057Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech A23-24 · Oklahoma City, OKA total loss of engine power due to multiple connecting rod failures from oil starvation associated with an extensive before takeoff oil system leak, the source of which could not be identified due to postaccident fire damage.Dec 10, 2023 · N6945Q · DestroyedNTSB WPR24FA010Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRobert L Thurmond RV8 · Centerville, UTThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while attempting to return to the departure airport, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the No. 2…Oct 10, 2023 · N75RT · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23LA399Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech 35-B33 · Ava, MOA loss of engine oil due for undetermined reasons, which resulted in failed connecting rods and total loss of engine power.Sep 1, 2023 · N9522Y · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23LA338Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRans S-6ES · Ozark, AROil starvation of the propeller speed reduction unit which resulted in a total loss of engine power.Jul 29, 2023 · N123TG · DestroyedNTSB ANC23LA053Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAeronca 7DC · Ninilchik, AKA total loss of engine power due to a shift of a crankshaft main bearing, which resulted in a lack of lubrication and subsequent overheating and failure of the engine crankshaft.Jul 13, 2023 · N83391 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23LA261Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportQuad City Challenger · Cedar Creek, MOA seizure of the power takeoff piston due to inadequate maintenance to the lubrication system, which resulted in a lack of oil lubrication and subsequent engine failure.Jun 23, 2023 · UNREG · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23LA246Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA46 · College Station, TXThe mechanic’s failure to properly secure the oil suction screen plug during recent maintenance, which resulted in an oil leak and subsequent loss of engine power due to oil starvation.Jun 18, 2023 · N463HP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA218Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28-180 · Greenville, NCInadequate maintenance by the operator and maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to oil starvation.May 5, 2023 · N180LR · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA173Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech P35 · Perry, FLMaintenance personnel’s incorrect torquing of the oil filter adapter jam nut, resulting in the failure of the adapter threads, a complete loss of oil, and subsequent total loss of engine power.Mar 5, 2023 · N9777Y · Substantial damageNTSB CEN23FA038Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 421C · Decatur, TXA loss of power on the left engine due to fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of power on the right engine for undetermined reasons.Nov 18, 2022 · N6797L · DestroyedNTSB WPR23LA003Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182C · Boulder City, NVA total loss of engine power due to oil starvation resulting from the failure of an engine oil filter adapter fiber gasket.Oct 3, 2022 · N511W · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22FA419Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28R-201 · Conway, SCThe mechanic’s failure to install the required gasket on the vacuum pump drive pad in accordance with the maintenance manual, which resulted in oil exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the Director of…Sep 14, 2022 · N62FC · DestroyedNTSB WPR22FA331Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportYakovlev YAK-11 · Shafter, CAThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine oil pressure shortly after takeoff.Sep 2, 2022 · N5943 · DestroyedNTSB CEN22LA330Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech N35 · Wardsville, MOEngine failure due to oil starvation resulting from an oil leak at the improperly installed aftermarket oil filter adapter.Jul 20, 2022 · N1228Z · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22FA261Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper PA-28RT-201 · Panama City, FLMaintenance personnel’s failure to follow the avionics installation guidance for the oil pressure sensor, which resulted in the high-cycle fatigue failure of an line, oil starvation, and the subsequent loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was…Jun 6, 2022 · N160LL · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA177Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Enterprise, ORThe inadequate maintenance and inspection of the crankshaft expansion plug, which resulted in the separation of the expansion plug from the crankshaft and the subsequent loss of oil and windshield obstruction during departure.May 14, 2022 · N3960M · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA268Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportWingren Norman Escapade · Brasstown, NCThe failure of the engine gearbox drive flange, which resulted in a nose gear collapse during the subsequent precautionary landing in tall grass.May 9, 2022 · N86RD · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22LA144Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus Design SR22T · Minot, NDThe failure of the Nos.2, 4, and 6 cylinders due to detonation.Mar 11, 2022 · N164CP · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA081Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-28 · Scottsdale, AZA loss of engine power due to oil exhaustion.Jan 18, 2022 · N5276W · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA097Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 207 · Marathon, FLA total loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 2 bearing, which resulted in the No. 2 connecting rod failing due to fatigue, high heat, and stress.Dec 29, 2021 · N1596U · Minor damageNTSB ERA22LA082Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech S35 · Tallahassee, FLA total loss of engine power due to a lack of oil lubrication.Dec 7, 2021 · N80YD · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22FA076Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna T210R · Grove City, PAA catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation after the pilot’s failure to secure the oil filler cap before flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilots’ decision to continue the flight following the oil loss event and precautionary landing.Nov 24, 2021 · N6209U · DestroyedNTSB ERA22LA071Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 210 · Brent, ALThe inadequate maintenance of the oil filter adapter, which resulted in in an engine oil leak and subsequent loss engine oil pressure, and the subsequent off-airport landing.Nov 21, 2021 · N5779J · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22LA037Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBeech K35 · Hammond, LAA complete loss of engine power due to oil starvation as a result of the oil filter safety wire fracturing and the oil filter becoming loose in flight for a reason that could not be determined given the evidence available during the investigation.Oct 28, 2021 · N899RW · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA011Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportFlight Design Ctls · Greenville, SCA total loss of engine power resulting from the in-flight disconnection of oil hoses from the oil thermostat.Oct 10, 2021 · N121YT · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21FA304Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportFocke-Wulf FWP-149D · Killeen, TXThe total loss of engine power due to a fatigue failure of a crankshaft counterweight mounting lobe, which resulted in a counterweight separation and catastrophic secondary damage to the engine drivetrain. Contributing to the accident was the mislabeled…Jul 4, 2021 · N9145 · DestroyedNTSB ERA21LA250Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportDiamond DA20 · Matthews, VAThe mechanic’s failure to properly secure the oil sump drain plug during a 100-hour maintenance inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to oil starvation.Jun 14, 2021 · N458MA · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA219Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportStoddard Hamilton Glasair II · Darby, MTThe pilot’s impact with terrain during a go-around following an attempted precautionary landing due to a low oil pressure indication. The reason for the low oil pressure indication could not be determined based on the available information.May 29, 2021 · N8176J · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21FA229Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMunson Roger J RV-8 · Van Cleve, KYA loss of engine power due to loss of engine oil pressure.May 24, 2021 · N284RM · DestroyedNTSB CEN21LA034Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182 · Lebanon, OHImproper maintenance that resulted in a blocked crankcase breather port and a subsequent total loss of engine power.Oct 28, 2020 · N3537C · Substantial damageNTSB CEN21LA031Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Buda, TXAn improperly torqued oil line fitting during an engine overhaul, which resulted in oil exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.Oct 21, 2020 · N5932U · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA008Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportExperimental Quad City Challenger II · Northfield, NHA total loss of engine power due to oil starvation of the No. 1 cylinder. Contributing to the accident was the pinched No. 1 cylinder oil injection line.Oct 3, 2020 · N129AY · Substantial damageNTSB ERA20LA327Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20R · Weston, FLA total loss of engine power because of the overheating and failure of the connecting rod bearings due to a lack of lubrication for reasons that could not be determined.Sep 9, 2020 · N120GX · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20LA286Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRobinson R44 · Welsh, LAA partial loss of engine power while in flight due to corrosion of engine components, which resulted in a loss of control and a subsequent impact with terrain.Jul 2, 2020 · N7511D · Substantial damageNTSB ERA20LA212Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32RT · Selma, ALThe mechanic’s failure to clean the oil suction screen during the most recent maintenance, which resulted in oil starvation and subsequent total loss of engine power.Jun 10, 2020 · N543GS · DestroyedNTSB CEN20LA189Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA28 · Steele, MOThe loss of oil pressure for a reason that could not be determined leading to failure of the engine connecting rod.May 22, 2020 · N7355W · Substantial damageNTSB ERA20LA062Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA32RT · Fletcher, NCA failure of two of the oil pump drive gear’s teeth, which resulted in a loss of engine oil lubrication, and a total loss of engine power.Dec 28, 2019 · N27GB · DestroyedNTSB ERA20LA039Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportRans Rans S7 Courier · West Liberty, KYThe pilot's failure to verify that the engine oil tank contained adequate oil for the cross-country flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power as a result of lack of lubrication. Contributing to the accident was the incorrect oil consumption…Nov 15, 2019 · N831RS · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA012Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCzech Sport Sportcruiser · Holden, UTThe fatigue failure of the No. 2 cylinder intake valve spring retainer due to air trapped in the lubrication system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the severity of the damage was the improper deployment of the ballistic…Oct 23, 2019 · N204BF · Substantial damageNTSB CEN19LA275Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 150 · Rio Grande City, TXThe loss of engine power following an increase in oil temperature for undetermined reasons during cruise flight, which resulted in a forced landing on unsuitable terrain.Aug 15, 2019 · N150CR · Substantial damageNTSB CEN19LA258Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna R172 · North Garden, VAA total loss of engine power due to the failure of the oil pump drive gear.Aug 8, 2019 · N1609V · Substantial damage