NTSB investigations
101 cases where NTSB found Debris/dirt/foreign object.
Cases per year
| 2008 | 4 |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 16 |
| 2015 | 10 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 9 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Where
Open the mapLatest 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\", '03022055')) 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", '03022055')) 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 WPR26LA187Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCirrus Design SR20 · Sedona, AZThe pilot’s inability to maintain directional control due to a plastic foreign object jammed in the rudder pedals, while landing with a gusting left crosswind.NTSB WPR26LA015Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172S · Lathrop, CAAn inflight collision with a bird.NTSB WPR25LA231Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGary Weaver CCK-1865 · Wahsatch, UTThe pilot’s inability to maintain directional control following a collision with a boulder during an off airport precautionary landing.NTSB WPR25LA093Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAirbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 · Moab, UTThe inflight collision with debris during takeoff.NTSB CEN25LA054Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAmerican AA-1B · Brenham, TXA partial loss of engine power due to an obstructed induction system from a mud dauber nest.NTSB WPR25LA047Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna A185F · Lewistown, MTThe pilot’s inadvertent impact with a rock during a landing on a grass strip.NTSB CEN25LA020Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportStarship Enterprise · Addison, TXForeign object debris damage to the ventral stabilizer.NTSB CEN24LA239Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportThrush S2R · Hebron, NDForeign object debris in the Negative Torque Sensing (NTS) system check valve, which impeded the flow of oil to the NTS system and the propeller governor (PG) reset piston, resulting in a total loss of engine power and an off-airport forced landing.…NTSB CEN24LA227Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBeech D55 · Colorado Springs, COThe deflated right main landing gear tire due to a sidewall puncture made by an unknown object, which led to the pilot’s loss of directional control and the landing gear collapse during landing roll.NTSB ANC24LA040Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 180H · Soldotna, AKThe pilot’s failure to recognize and avoid an obstacle on the runway environment during takeoff roll. Contributing was flat light conditions.NTSB ANC23LA086Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182K · Trimble River Valley, AKThe pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the left main landing gear (MLG) tire impacting a rock, resulting in the separation of the MLG wheel, and the subsequent loss of directional control.NTSB CEN22LA328Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter Deutschland EC 135 · Mount Vernon, ILThe inadequate securement of the cloth fire extinguisher cover, which resulted in it being blown off the fire extinguisher and ingested into the helicopter’s fenestron during the landing.NTSB CEN22LA329Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172M · Saint Joseph, ILThe pilot’s failure to remain clear of obstacles while landing.NTSB CEN22LA308Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV6 · Aurora, COA total loss of engine power due to foreign object debris blockage of engine air intake. The source of the debris could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB ERA22LA290Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportSchweizer 300 C · Boonville, NCThe helicopter’s impact with a non-biological object, which resulted in substantial damage to a main rotor blade.NTSB CEN22LA228Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT-602 · Allport, ARA partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination from foreign object debris. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s failure to follow the manufacturer’s required airframe fuel filter inspection interval.NTSB WPR22LA031Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportBell 206L-3 · Covelo, CAA passenger’s unsecured object departed the cabin resulted in a collision with the tail rotor drive shaft.NTSB ANC21LA088Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-18-150 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and nose over.NTSB ANC21LA058Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMaule M-5-210C · Anchorage, AKThe pilot’s impact with a log while dragging an off-airport landing site.NTSB WPR21LA304Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 182C · Coeur D Alene, IDThe pilot’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point due to excessive airspeed, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with an object near the end of the runway.NTSB ERA21LA251Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA-24 · Monticello, NYThe pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection which resulted in a failure of the right main landing gear tire on landing rollout, a subsequent loss of directional control, and landing gear collapse.NTSB WPR21LA183Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMD Helicopters 369FF · Mesa, AZA tail rotor blade strike to an undetermined object while practicing approaches to unimproved terrain.NTSB CEN21LA060Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportPiper PA22 · Salem, INThe pilot’s failure to avoid an obstacle during his approach to land.NTSB ANC20CA097Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportPiper PA18 · Arctic Village, AKThe pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a rock damaging the empennage.NTSB WPR20CA284Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportBell 205 · LaVerne, CAThe pilot’s delayed decision to initiate a go-around while landing in an unimproved area which resulted in a collision with debris.NTSB CEN20CA334Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportHughes 369 · Delia, KSForeign object damage sustained to the main rotor blades due to aerial tree trimming.NTSB WPR20LA246Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT802 · Elgin, NVThe trailing pilot’s failure to maintain separation from the lead airplane during a fire retardant deployment flight, which resulted in the trailing airplane flying through a plume of retardant and the trailing pilot’s subsequent loss of visibility that led…NTSB CEN20LA207Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportIcon A5 · Duluth, MNThe pilot’s failure to remove an object from the airplane’s exterior, which impacted the propeller blades when he applied full power, causing them to fracture and damage the airplane.NTSB ERA19TA276Accident · No injuriesClass 3Final reportBeech 23 · Panama City, FLA total loss of engine power due to an obstructed fuel vent, and the flight instructor's failure to ensure that the student did an adequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a forced landing.NTSB GAA19CA531Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Nuiqsut, AKThe pilot's improper decision to land downwind from unsecured debris, which resulted in the helicopter’s main rotor disk ingesting foreign objects.NTSB ANC19TA044Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3Final reportCessna 180 · Anchorage, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain takeoff heading due to sun glare, which resulted in his inability to see an island adjacent to the water lane and subequent impact with the island.NTSB GAA19CA281Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 340 · Carvers, NVThe pilot’s failure to accurately assess the available runway for the takeoff, which resulted in impact with a gravel berm.NTSB GAA19CA066Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 · Lihue, HIThe passenger’s improper decision to hold her cell phone outside the helicopter, which resulted in it departing the helicopter and striking the tail rotor.NTSB WPR18LA222Accident · Serious injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAir Tractor AT802 · Northport, WAA total loss of engine power during a climb due to an accumulation of molten environmental particles, the source of which could not be determined based on the available evidence, which resulted in a forced landing.NTSB GAA18CA489Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportMaule MX7 · Valdez, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain the proper airspeed during landing, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent nose-over.NTSB CEN18LA127Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMX MXS · Fulton, TXA total loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the crankshaft, which resulted in the pilot’s forced landing to an abandoned airport and the airplane’s subsequent impact with debris on the runway.NTSB WPR18CA048Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 172P · Valley Springs, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering for landing and his decision to land on a surface with obstructions.NTSB ERA18LA044Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA34 · Thomasville, GAA stone becoming lodged in a left main landing gear (MLG) drag link, which resulted in the failure of the left MLG to extend and lock.NTSB ERA18LA026Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA28 · Bladenboro, NCA loss of engine power due to carburetor icing and the presence of an insect nest in the carburetor heat control box that prevented the pilot’s application of carburetor heat from restoring engine power.NTSB GAA18CA034Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAirbus Helicopters EC 130 · La Paloma, TXThe separation of a weight from the gunner’s net, which struck the helicopter’s main rotor blade during flight.NTSB ANC17LA042Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 19A · Palmer, AKThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the right main landing (MLG) tire impacting a rock and the subsequent loss of directional control and collapse of the right MLG.NTSB GAA17CA359Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna A188 · Salem, ORThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane contacting tall grass.NTSB GAA17CA323Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT 802 · Prosser, WAThe pilot’s abrupt maneuver to avoid hay bales during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control.NTSB WPR17LA094Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportYakovlev YAK 52 · Porterville, CAA partial loss of engine power due to contaminants in the fuel system that decreased the fuel flow, the source of which could not be determined.NTSB GAA17CA166Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA28 · Phoenix, AZThe flight instructor’s incorrect control inputs while taking off with a known quartering tailwind, which resulted in a loss of directional control and runway excursion.NTSB WPR17LA030Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAero Commander 690 · Scottsdale, AZThe pilot’s loss of directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in the runway excursion onto the rock-covered runway safety area.NTSB GAA17CA057Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPiper PA18 · Mouth of The Big Susitna River, AKThe pilot’s decision to take off with a gusting quartering tailwind and his subsequent loss of airplane control.NTSB GAA16CA503Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 185 · Fairbanks, AKThe pilot’s failure to recognize he was taking off with a tailwind and his inadequate compensation for taking off with a tailwind, which led to the airplane’s failure to attain a climb and a subsequent forced landing.NTSB WPR16FA166Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportDouglas TA-4K · Las Vegas, NVForeign object debris in the engine's main fuel control unit, which restricted fuel flow and subsequently resulted in the loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the installation or addition of an extra seal during the main fuel control unit…NTSB GAA16CA321Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAir Tractor AT 502 · Delhi, LAThe pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll as a result of a piece of concrete from the runway impacting the right main landing gear brake during the landing roll, resulting in a right brake failure and a ground loop.