NTSB investigations

69 cases where NTSB found Modification/alteration.

Cases per year

20082026
NTSB investigations per year, 2008–2026: 69 cases
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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\", '02062030'))
  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 WPR26LA056Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportRotorway Exec · Lake Havasu City, AZThe pilot’s improper securing hardware installation, which resulted in a loss of throttle control and a loss of engine power.Dec 8, 2025 · C-GBZD · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA223Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA22 · Hebron, OHThe airplane owner and pilot’s intentional allowance of unapproved maintenance and maintenance personnel’s failure to adequately maintain or service the brake system, which resulted in a total loss of brake pressure.Jun 7, 2025 · N6804B · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA091Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHelio HT-295 · Marion, OHThe failure of the right main landing gear spring due to intergranular stress-corrosion cracking that progressed into fatigue. Contributing to the accident was the improper rework of the spring at an undetermined time.Jan 5, 2025 · N18JC · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24LA148Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportKjelsrud Gary Kitfox · Powell, WYThe pilot’s adjustment of the carburetor to an incorrect setting, which resulted in partial loss of engine power during takeoff.May 10, 2024 · N605GK · Substantial damageNTSB CEN24LA145Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20E · Alpine, ARThe improper maintenance of the cabin air and exhaust system which resulted in a cracked exhaust pipe and damaged cabin air tubing, and the subsequent elevated carbon monoxide levels in the cockpit and a forced landing to unsuitable terrain after the pilot…Apr 2, 2024 · N86UM · Substantial damageNTSB WPR24LA034Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 310 · Hayden, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent stall during a precautionary landing. Contributing to the accident was the improper maintenance…Nov 13, 2023 · N86H · Substantial damageNTSB DCA23FA339Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBoeing 717-200 · Charlotte, NCA fatigue fracture of the upper lock link that initiated along scratch features on the lower surface at the parting line of the forged aluminum component. Contributing to the accident was the overhaul facilities noncompliance with Service Bulletin 717-32-002.Jun 28, 2023 · N955AT · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22LA243Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMooney M20C · Oxnard, CAFuel starvation due to an inappropriately maintained and modified fuel selector valve.Jul 10, 2022 · N6416U · Substantial damageNTSB WPR22FA151Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 208B · Heyburn, IDThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during an instrument approach, which resulted in a descent below the approach path and impact with a vent stack. Also causal was the failure of the processing plant to correctly paint the vent stacks, which had been…Apr 13, 2022 · N928JP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA159Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportDwyer Michael D Q · Spring Hill, FLThe pilot’s improper modification of the pull starter motor, which resulted in its failure and the subsequent loss of engine power.Mar 17, 2022 · N3QP · DestroyedNTSB ERA22LA080Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-12 · Labelle, FLThe pilot’s improper fuel system modification, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.Nov 30, 2021 · N3098M · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA385Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportDoan Vernon D W10-WITTMAN Tailwind · Brooksville, FLThe failure of the nose landing gear retention bolt during taxi which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent impact with the taxiway.Sep 29, 2021 · N68TW · Substantial damageNTSB WPR21LA172Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMichael J Robbins Searey · Friday Harbor, WAPartial loss of engine power due to the detachment of the throttle cable from the carburetor arm, as a result of the pilot’s inadequate maintenance which resulted in an off-airport landing and impact with vegetation.Apr 22, 2021 · N888MJ · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21LA018Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportZenith Stol CH801 · Apison, TNA total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, as a result of an incorrectly placarded fuel selector.Oct 12, 2020 · N801TP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA21FA010Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCzech Sport Cruiser · Waterloo, ALThe improper configuration of the airplane’s fuel system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation following the failure of the electric fuel pump.Oct 7, 2020 · N251SC · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20LA424Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportKitfox Speedster · Leadville, COA partial loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s improper maintenance.Sep 24, 2020 · N525PP · Substantial damageNTSB CEN20LA173Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportTitan Titan Tornado S · Haskell, OKThe student pilot/builder’s addition of winglets to the stabilator, which resulted in flutter and overstress failure of the stabilator control horn.May 9, 2020 · N318WH · Substantial damageNTSB WPR20LA130Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBell UH 1H · Mesa, AZAn in-flight separation of the tail rotor gearbox from the airframe due to fatigue failure of the gearbox attachment studs, resulting in a loss of directional control and subsequent ground impact. Contributing to the accident were 1) the improper application…Apr 24, 2020 · N3276T · Substantial damageNTSB WPR19TA248Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3Final reportHall Kitfox · Nampa, IDThe owner's improper installation of the tailwheel, which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain directional control during landing as a result of severe tailwheel vibrations.Aug 30, 2019 · N87TJ · Substantial damageNTSB ERA19FA256Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMoriarty Marvin Aventura II · Minneola, FLThe pilot’s improper modifications to the airplane’s engine, which resulted in the partial loss of engine power. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during an attempted return to the airport…Aug 23, 2019 · N9143M · Substantial damageNTSB ERA19LA032Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportTitan T51 · Valkaria, FLThe partial, then total, loss of engine power due to detonation and associated damage to several pistons as a result of an overly lean fuel-to-air ratio.Oct 27, 2018 · N154DF · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA034Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportJust Just Aircraft (Highl · Monroe, WAThe pilot's improper engine modification and operation, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, and the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate approach path, which resulted in the airplane landing short of the runway.Oct 12, 2018 · N488VG · Substantial damageNTSB ERA18LA163Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportVans RV4 · Butler, PAThe pilot's improper decision to fly the airplane with a known engine problem and his improper modification of the engine control unit fuel delivery software, which led to the engine running too lean and resulted in a total loss of engine power during climb.Jun 7, 2018 · N7765X · Substantial damageNTSB ERA18LA135Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportHeard Alan E Mosquito XE · Albion, NYThe pilot's inadvertent, improper configuration of the engine fuel system, which resulted in an excessively lean air-to-fuel ratio and resulted in a loss of engine power; and the pilot's subsequent failure to maintain main rotor rpm following the loss of…Apr 24, 2018 · N911CY · DestroyedNTSB WPR18LA111Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPflugradt Kitfox · Clatskanie, ORA partial loss of engine power due to an improperly secured throttle cable set screw.Mar 20, 2018 · N925DP · Substantial damageNTSB WPR18LA021Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMetcalfe Robert B Vans RV 6 · Selma, CAThe pilot’s failure to properly secure an alternator ground cable swage that led to problems with the electrical system and/or electronic engine controls, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.Oct 30, 2017 · N88MV · Substantial damageNTSB CEN17LA293Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportChapman T-BIRD II · Potosi, MOThe pilot's loss of airplane control during a departure turn for reasons that could not be determined.Jul 31, 2017 · N204BC · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17LA082Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportOTT 601XL-B · The Dalles, ORA partial loss of engine power due to the reverse bending fatigue failure of the propeller hub bolts, which resulted from the bolts not fitting tightly into the propeller hub holes. Also causal was the pilot's decision to use improper bolts for this type of…Mar 31, 2017 · N610TT · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17CA129Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportKerns Kenneth H Kens Wingless Wonder · Mount Airy, NCThe pilot’s improper adjustment of the prerotator motor, which resulted in its failure to disengage and the subsequent loss of aircraft control during takeoff.Mar 12, 2017 · N7195R · Substantial damageNTSB CEN17LA070Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 15AC · Pontiac, MIThe improper installation of the left wheel brake torque plate by maintenance personnel, which resulted in the separation of the torque plate from the axle endplate and a loss of directional control during landing.Dec 23, 2016 · N1337H · Substantial damageNTSB CEN17LA030Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCirrus Design SR22 · Bloomfield, NMMaintenance personnel’s failure to fully torque the fuel port cap, which allowed the cap to back off in flight and interrupted fuel flow to the engine, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.Oct 28, 2016 · N234PJ · Substantial damageNTSB WPR16FA183Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 182P · Gilbert, AZAn inadvertent explosion of pyrotechnics, which were contained in a box that had been installed on the airplane's left main landing gear assembly spring leg which resulted in shrapnel striking the airplane's left wing and breaching the left wing fuel tank,…Sep 18, 2016 · N20844 · DestroyedNTSB CEN16LA047Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter EC120B · Goshen, INThe failure of the Thomas coupling at the interface with the main gear box tail rotor output shaft, which resulted in the helicopter's loss of tail rotor control.Nov 16, 2015 · N88HA · Substantial damageNTSB CEN15LA421Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLerch RV6A · Deckerville, MIThe in-flight loss of engine oil after the oil filter separated from the engine adapter assembly because of an incorrect modification of the oil filter adapter assembly, which resulted in a precautionary landing in a field.Sep 22, 2015 · N215DG · Substantial damageNTSB GAA15CA242Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 305A · Midlothian, TXThe failure of the brake line tubing for the right main landing gear brake, due to a non-standard method used to secure the brake line, which resulted in a loss of control during landing, and a ground loop.Aug 29, 2015 · N5255G · Substantial damageNTSB WPR15LA228Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHudson Zodiac CH 601 XLB · Hubbard, ORA severe propeller vibration due to the pilot's improper installation of the propeller spacer assembly, which necessitated an engine shutdown, an off-airport landing, and a collision with a sprinkler system.Aug 2, 2015 · N234S · Substantial damageNTSB ERA15IA198Incident · No injuriesClass 2 · IncidentFinal reportDassault-Breguet Mystere Falcon 900 · Orlando, FLUnknown maintenance personnel’s inadequate securing of a wiring bundle during a maintenance, repair, or modification event, which led to chafing of the wiring bundle, an electrical short and arcing, and a subsequent in-flight fire.Apr 16, 2015 · N610RL · Minor damageNTSB WPR15LA067Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportFarthing James W II Beaver · Perris, CAThe partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to an improperly configured carburetor and fuel supply system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's loss of airplane control during the off-field landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.Dec 21, 2014 · N105JF · Substantial damageNTSB WPR15CA066Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportFerdon Thorp T 18 · San Rafael, CAThe pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff. Contributing to the accident are an inadequate modification to the seat position, and the pilot's failure to check flight controls for freedom and correct movement.Dec 20, 2014 · N25VP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14FA350Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportWilderoder Great Lakes 2TIA · Lillian, ALA loss of engine power due to an inoperative magneto and possible carburetor ice, which resulted in a forced landing into unsuitable terrain. Contributing to the accident was an inadequate magneto overhaul by unknown personnel and the modification to the…Jul 23, 2014 · N47149 · Substantial damageNTSB ENG14IA019Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 767 332 · Los Angeles, CAThe combination of fuel leaking from the integrated drive generator (IDG) fuel/oil heat exchanger and the coincident arcing of the IDG power feeder cables that ignited the leaking fuel. Contributing to the ignition of the fuel was the misrouting of the IDG…Jul 11, 2014 · N139DL · Minor damageNTSB WPR14LA225Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEmery Mark Rotorway 162F · Merced, CAThe helicopter pilot/owner's decision to install a belt type not recommended by the kit manufacturer in the tail rotor drive system using the incorrect tension values, which led to the belt’s in-flight failure and the subsequent loss of tail rotor drive…Jun 4, 2014 · N78291 · DestroyedNTSB WPR14FA135Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEvolution Trikes Revo · Kekaha, HIThe pilot's reconfiguration of the fuel venting system, which resulted in a loss of engine power and subsequent loss of aircraft control.Mar 11, 2014 · N98EV · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14LA099Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47D1 · Pell City, ALThe pilot’s use of an improper clutch engagement procedure, which resulted in clutch glazing, slippage, and, ultimately, the in-flight disengagement of the clutch and a loss of rotor rpm. Contributing to the accident were the installation of a light-weight…Jan 21, 2014 · N93067 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR14LA031Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA 28-180 · Big Creek, CAThe loss of engine power due to the improper installation of an oil pressure sending unit by the pilot, who was not a certificated mechanic, which resulted in a forced landing in mountainous terrain.Oct 24, 2013 · N30865 · Substantial damageNTSB WPR13LA290Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E · Casa Grande, AZThe total loss of engine power due to the ingestion of a foreign object and maintenance personnel's failure to remove shop rags before completing the installation of the air inlet barrier system.Jun 25, 2013 · N34CT · Substantial damageNTSB WPR13LA272Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 175 · Needles, CAA loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s inadequate fuel planning. Contributing to the severity of the front passenger’s injuries was the pilot’s decision to depart with more passengers than available seats, which resulted in…Jun 16, 2013 · N9370B · Substantial damageNTSB WPR13LA216Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRans S-17 · Fontana, CAA loss of engine power due to improper construction and inadequate maintenance of the fuel system and engine. Contributing to the accident was the airplane’s inadvertent contact with an unseen guy wire during the landing flare.May 4, 2013 · N6171R · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13LA199Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMaxfly Inc/Mckay WM Searey · Polk City, FLThe improper installation of incorrect attachment hardware by maintenance personnel during an undocumented repair, which resulted in an in-flight structural failure and subsequent loss of aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the covering of the…Apr 11, 2013 · N914WM · Substantial damageNTSB WPR13FA169Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMooney M20A · Wikieup, AZThe manufacture and installation of a nonstandard part by unknown maintenance personnel to compensate for a bent, misaligned crankshaft propeller flange, which resulted in the improper clearance of the bearings on the crankshaft journal, a loss of oil…Mar 28, 2013 · N6018X · Substantial damage