# Final NTSB investigations: Prior to flight

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.

Page 1 of 3 · 101 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA26LA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA314.md): Cessna 421 · Fulton, KY · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 21, 2026 · N28RH · Substantial damage
  > The misfuelling of the airplane by the refueler. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to verify that the airplane had been properly fueled prior to departing on the accident flight.
- [NTSB CEN26LA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA205.md): Vans RV4 · Conroe, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 13, 2026 · N292M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to properly latch the canopy before flight, which led to the canopy opening shortly after takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA26LA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA085.md): Burkhart Grob Luft UND Raumfah G103 Twin Astir Trai · Brownsboro, AL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 26, 2025 · N103T · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to properly lock the rear canopy prior to flight, which led to the canopy opening during aerotow at low altitude, and a subsequent off-airport landing in a corn field.
- [NTSB CEN25LA332](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA332.md): Cessna 172 · Air Force Academy, CO · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 21, 2025 · N1401E · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to perform an adequate preflight inspection.
- [NTSB ERA25LA315](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA315.md): Patriot CX1900A · Centreville, AL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 20, 2025 · N150SP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to detect and remove water contamination from the airplane’s fuel system before the flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb.
- [NTSB ERA25LA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA199.md): Cessna 182A · Ocala, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 8, 2025 · N174A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to depart on the flight with known electrical issues and his subsequent loss of situational awareness (geographic position), which resulted in his eventual decision to perform an off-airport landing.
- [NTSB CEN24LA358](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA358.md): Hughes 369 · Canton, MI · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 11, 2024 · N8969F · Substantial damage
  > Fatigue cracking of the main rotor blade that occurred at an undetermined time.
- [NTSB ANC24LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24LA077.md): Robinson R44 · Honolulu, HI · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 19, 2024 · N740RH · Substantial damage
  > A failure of the flex plate yoke flange assembly due to incorrectly torqued bolts. Contributing was the maintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the tail rotor flex plate assembly.
- [NTSB ERA24LA250](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA250.md): Piper PA28R · Vero Beach, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 7, 2024 · N287ND · Substantial damage
  > Excessive side loading of the vertical stabilizer.
- [NTSB ERA24LA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA194.md): Mooney M20E · Hornell, NY · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 26, 2024 · N5632Q · Substantial damage
  > A cabin fire as a result of a damaged lithium-ion battery pack.
- [NTSB WPR24LA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA099.md): Piper PA-18A 150 · Dallesport, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 27, 2024 · N518SW · Minor damage
  > The pilot’s failure to disengage the ignition prior to moving the propeller by hand resulting in the inadvertent starting of the engine.
- [NTSB WPR24LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA068.md): Cessna 421C · Carson City, NV · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 8, 2024 · N421TP · Substantial damage
  > Airport personnel’s failure to properly prioritize their response actions, including updating the airport’s automated weather observation system recording in a timely manner to notify incoming pilots of a runway closure, which resulted in an airplane striking…
- [NTSB WPR24LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA030.md): Arrow Falcon Exporters UH-1H · Firebaugh, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 4, 2023 · N3053Q · Substantial damage
  > An on-ground fuel fire for reasons that could not be determined due to extensive thermal damage.
- [NTSB CEN23LA326](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA326.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Charles City, IA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 26, 2023 · N4174L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper preflight of the helicopter to ensure that it was within the loading and performance limitations that resulted in settling and impact with terrain during initial climb.
- [NTSB WPR23LA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA183.md): Aero Vodochody L-39ZA · Barnhart, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 2, 2023 · N343WT · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel from an undetermined source.
- [NTSB CEN23LA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA099.md): Piper PA-28-160 · Eau Claire, WI · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 5, 2023 · N9770J · Destroyed
  > The engine fire that began for undetermined reasons following numerous engine start attempts.
- [NTSB WPR23LA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA072.md): Cessna 441 · Liberal, KS · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 13, 2022 · N253SB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, failure to set the parking brake, and his decision to exit the airplane with engines running to remove a wheel chock, resulting in the airplane’s unintended movement and subsequent collision with a hangar.
- [NTSB WPR22LA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA154.md): Eurocopter AS 350 B3 · Deer Valley, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 17, 2022 · N808LF · Substantial damage
  > The fuelers improper action during the refueling process.
- [NTSB DCA21LA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA21LA226.md): Bombardier CL-600-2B19 · Asheville, NC · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 17, 2021 · N444ZW · Substantial damage
  > The fuel truck driver backing up in the direction of the airplane without the use of marshallers.
- [NTSB WPR21LA342](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA342.md): Beech 58 · Palo Alto, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 13, 2021 · N162DF · Substantial damage
  > The fuelers addition of the incorrect fuel to the fuel tanks which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR21LA149](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA149.md): Luscombe 8A · Port Townsend, WA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 29, 2021 · N28461 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate engine hand propping procedure which resulted in the airplane’s unexpected movement and subsequent impact with a fueling station.
- [NTSB CEN21LA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA174.md): Beech 95-B55 (T42A) · Colby, KS · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 10, 2021 · N568P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to remove the towbar from the nose landing gear before takeoff, which resulted in a sustained adverse yaw condition, and his failure to adequately monitor the fuel system while circling the airport, which resulted in fuel starvation and…
- [NTSB CEN21LA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA138.md): Cessna 182F · Millville, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 24, 2021 · N3209U · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate maintenance/inspection of the airplane, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to oil starvation.
- [NTSB CEN21LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA133.md): Aero Commander S2R · Alamo, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 9, 2021 · N5679X · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel.
- [NTSB CEN20CA337](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA337.md): Evektor Aerotechnik L13 · Frankenmuth, MI · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Aug 16, 2020 · N334BA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to stow the speed brake prior to attempting takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN20CA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA231.md): Destiny XLT · Frankfort, OH · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jun 16, 2020 · UNREG · Minor damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the powered parachute, which resulted in his takeoff with twisted riser lines and impaired aircraft control.
- [NTSB ANC20LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20LA050.md): Rockwell 500 · Aniak, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 29, 2020 · N909AK · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to the use of improper fuel. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the pilot and ground personnel to ensure that the airplane was serviced with the proper fuel.
- [NTSB CEN20CA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA087.md): Vans RV8 · Columbus, MS · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 15, 2020 · N7736T · Destroyed
  > The inadvertent engine start of the unoccupied airplane, which resulted in it moving forward and impacting a hangar and an electrical box.
- [NTSB GAA20CA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20CA025.md): Cessna 172 · Key West, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 13, 2019 · N5522S · No damage
  > The pilot’s and the passenger's improper decision to have the passenger attempt to move a wheel chock while the propeller was turning, which resulted in a serious injury.
- [NTSB ERA20TA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20TA005.md): Silverlight AR-1 · Fort Meade, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Final report · Oct 3, 2019 · N463JW · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection that failed to detect water contamination of the fuel and resulted in a total loss of engine power during cruise flight.
- [NTSB GAA19CA549](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA549.md): Cessna L19 · Kennett, MO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 15, 2019 · N4584N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to install the engine oil filler cap before the first flight of the day; his subsequent failure to conduct a preflight check before the accident flight, which resulted in his failure to note that the cap was not installed; and his improper…
- [NTSB WPR19LA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA259.md): Piper PA28 · Marana, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 14, 2019 · N4403Z · Substantial damage
  > Excessive fuel pressure and temperature throughout the fuel system due to heat soaking, which resulted in an engine fire during engine start.
- [NTSB DCA19CA186](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA19CA186.md): Boeing 757 · San Francisco, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jul 23, 2019 · N57852 · Substantial damage
  > failure of the ground crew to maintain clearance from the parked airplane during pushback.
- [NTSB DCA19CA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA19CA168.md): Boeing 737-8H4 · Pittsburgh, PA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jun 17, 2019 · N8608N · Substantial damage
  > a provisioning truck that impacted the airplane resulting in substantial damage.
- [NTSB DCA18CA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA18CA294.md): Airbus A321 · Dallas, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 26, 2018 · N994AN · No damage
  > a passenger leaving a bag in the aisle that the flight attendant tripped over.
- [NTSB DCA18CA299](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA18CA299.md): Boeing 757 · Newark, NJ · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 24, 2018 · N13113 · No damage
  > the catering cart striking the flight attendant's foot.
- [NTSB WPR18LA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA259.md): Cessna 172 · Roche Harbor, WA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 12, 2018 · N24ME · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to secure his seat position prior to takeoff, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and subsequent hard landing.
- [NTSB GAA18CA409](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA409.md): Cessna 208 · Chicago, IL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 4, 2018 · N208EE · Substantial damage
  > The service truck driver’s evasive maneuver to avoid a bag cart tug, which resulted in the truck impacting a parked airplane.
- [NTSB DCA18CA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA18CA209.md): Boeing 737-8H4 · Phoenix, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 12, 2018 · N8693A · No damage
  > a passenger bumping into a flight attendant who was holding a hot liquid.
- [NTSB ERA18MA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18MA099.md): American Eurocopter AS350B2 · New York, NY · Accident · 5 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Mar 11, 2018 · N350LH · Substantial damage
  > Liberty Helicopters Inc.'s use of a NYONair-provided passenger harness/tether system, which caught on and activated the floor-mounted engine fuel shutoff lever and resulted in the in-flight loss of engine power and the subsequent ditching. Contributing to…
- [NTSB CEN18LA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA113.md): Aero Commander 100-180 · Deport, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 2, 2018 · N3733X · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/owner's inadequate maintenance of the fuel caps.
- [NTSB WPR18LA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA058.md): Cessna 210 · San Bernardino, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 2017 · N222AT · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of the left main landing gear (MLG) saddle, which resulted in the pilot's inability to extend the left MLG. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to fly the airplane before the annual inspection was completed and…
- [NTSB DCA18CA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA18CA074.md): Boeing 737 7H4 · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 19, 2017 · N740SW · No damage
  > The provisioning agent's lack of situational awareness while stepping from the airplane to the provisioning van. Contributing to the accident was the provisioning vans failed switch.
- [NTSB DCA18CA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA18CA001.md): Boeing 737 7H4 · Chicago, IL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 2, 2017 · N930WN · Substantial damage
  > the mechanical failure of the tugs fuel governor, which made it difficult for the ramp agent to stop the tug. Contributing to the accident was the lack of guidance on how ground personnel were to handle vehicle malfunctions.
- [NTSB ERA17LA333](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA333.md): Buschmann/Vanzee Vari EZ · Ambler, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 2017 · N830S · Substantial damage
  > Water contamination of the fuel that was not detected during a preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB GAA17CA537](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA537.md): Bellanca 8GCBC · Foley, AL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 23, 2017 · N181TM · Substantial damage
  > The ground crew’s incorrect hook up of the banner, which resulted in a nose-over.
- [NTSB CEN17LA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA234.md): Aeronca 65 CA · Mount Vernon, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2017 · N33778 · Minor damage
  > The pilot's improper starting procedure before hand propping the engine, and his subsequent attempt to stop the moving airplane, which resulted in him being struck by the propeller.
- [NTSB GAA17CA347](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA347.md): Aeronca 11AC · Watervliet, MI · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 16, 2017 · N9404E · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in a takeoff over maximum gross weight from a turf runway in high density altitude conditions and the airplane’s inability to attain a climb rate and subsequent collision with trees.
- [NTSB CEN17LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA135.md): Luscombe 8F · Vicksburg, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 2017 · N2007B · No damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent contact with the propeller while hand propping the engine, which resulted in a fatal injury.
- [NTSB WPR17LA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA064.md): Beech A36TC · Stevensville, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 23, 2017 · N3803J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to conduct a takeoff with a tailwind on an upsloping runway in an overweight airplane, which resulted in the airplane having insufficient energy to climb out of ground effect.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/100/cases.md?status=final&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
WITH phase_names(main, name) AS (VALUES (100, 'Prior to flight'), (150, 'Standing'), (200, 'Pushback/towing'), (250, 'Taxi'), (300, 'Takeoff'), (350, 'Initial climb'), (400, 'Enroute'), (450, 'Maneuvering'), (500, 'Approach'), (550, 'Landing'), (600, 'Emergency descent'), (650, 'Uncontrolled descent'), (700, 'Post-impact'), (750, 'After landing'), (800, 'Other'), (990, 'Unknown')),
  crosswalk(code, main, name) AS (VALUES (500, 150, 'Standing'), (501, 150, 'Standing - pre-flight'), (502, 150, 'Standing - starting engine(s)'), (503, 150, 'Standing - engine(s) operating'), (504, 150, 'Standing - engine(s) not operating'), (505, 150, 'Standing - idling rotors'), (510, 250, 'Taxi'), (511, 200, 'Taxi - pushback/tow'), (512, 250, 'Taxi - to takeoff'), (513, 250, 'Taxi - from landing'), (514, 250, 'Taxi - aerial'), (520, 300, 'Takeoff'), (521, 300, 'Takeoff - roll/run'), (522, 350, 'Takeoff - initial climb'), (523, 300, 'Takeoff - aborted'), (530, 400, 'Climb'), (531, 400, 'Climb - to cruise'), (540, 400, 'Cruise'), (541, 400, 'Cruise - normal'), (542, 400, 'Maneuvering - holding (IFR)'), (550, 400, 'Descent'), (551, 400, 'Descent - normal'), (552, 600, 'Descent - emergency'), (553, 650, 'Descent - uncontrolled'), (560, 500, 'Approach'), (561, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - downwind'), (562, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - base turn'), (563, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - base leg/base to final'), (564, 500, 'Approach - VFR pattern - final approach'), (565, 500, 'Go-around (VFR)'), (566, 500, 'Approach - IAF to FAF/outer marker (IFR)'), (567, 500, 'Approach - FAF/outer marker to threshold (IFR)'), (568, 500, 'Circling (IFR)'), (569, 500, 'Missed approach (IFR)'), (570, 550, 'Landing'), (571, 550, 'Landing - flare/touchdown'), (572, 550, 'Landing - roll'), (573, 550, 'Landing - aborted'), (574, 550, 'Emergency landing'), (575, 550, 'Emergency landing after takeoff'), (576, 600, 'Emergency descent/landing'), (580, 450, 'Maneuvering'), (581, 450, 'Maneuvering - aerial application'), (582, 450, 'Maneuvering - turn to reverse direction'), (583, 450, 'Maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)'), (590, 450, 'Hover'), (591, 450, 'Hover - in ground effect'), (592, 450, 'Hover - out of ground effect'), (600, 800, 'Other'), (610, 990, 'Unknown')),
  current_codes AS (
    SELECT e.case_mkey, TRY_CAST(e."tier1Number" AS INTEGER) AS code,
      row_number() OVER (PARTITION BY e.case_mkey ORDER BY coalesce(e."isDefiningEvent", false) DESC, e.position) AS n
    FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e
    WHERE e.aircrafts_position = 1 AND e."tier1Number" GLOB '[1-9][0-9]*'
      AND (e."isDefiningEvent" OR e.case_mkey IN (SELECT "mKey" FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' WHERE "isPre1982"))
  ),
  phases AS (
    SELECT case_mkey, 'current' AS scheme, code, CASE WHEN code >= 990 THEN 990 ELSE code // 50 * 50 END AS main
    FROM current_codes WHERE n = 1
    UNION ALL
    SELECT o.case_mkey, 'older', o."phaseOfFlightCode", w.main
    FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o JOIN crosswalk w ON w.code = o."phaseOfFlightCode"
    WHERE o.aircrafts_position = 1 AND o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o.case_mkey NOT IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM current_codes)
  ),
  case_phases AS (
    SELECT p.*, c."eventDate", c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AS fatal, a.aircraft_model_code
    FROM phases p JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c ON c."mKey" = p.case_mkey
    LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = p.case_mkey AND a.position = 1
    WHERE c."eventDate" >= DATE '1962-01-01' AND p.main IN (SELECT main FROM phase_names)
  )
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."completionStatus" = 'Completed'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM case_phases WHERE main = 100)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/100/cases?status=final

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