# NTSB investigations: Continental C85 series, CA

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 6 · 266 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR27LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR27LA023.md): Cessna 120 · Death Valley, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Investigation open · Oct 24, 2026 · N89885
- [NTSB WPR26LA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA227.md): Emigh Trojan A2 · Healdsburg, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Jun 21, 2026 · N8329H · Substantial damage
  > On June 21, 2026, about 1210 Pacific daylight time, an Emigh Trojan A-2, N8329H, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Healdsburg, California. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured. The airplane was operated as…
- [NTSB WPR26LA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA106.md): Cessna 120 · Kneeland, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 20, 2026 · N72904 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing roll on a snow-covered runway.
- [NTSB WPR25FA257](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25FA257.md): Cessna 140 · Shelter Cove, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Aug 17, 2025 · N89447
  > On August 17, 2025 about 1521 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 140, N89447, was involved in an accident near Shelter Cove, California. The student pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14…
- [NTSB WPR23LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA128.md): Jones Jay D Cassutt M 11 · Castroville, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 12, 2023 · N55XJ · Substantial damage
  > A failure of the outboard trailing edge rib in the left wing, which resulted in a separation of the left aileron and a loss of control.
- [NTSB WPR23LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA021.md): Cessna 140 · Georgetown, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 20, 2022 · N55DC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain control during an attempted go-around, which resulted in a runway excursion and a separation of the right main landing gear.
- [NTSB WPR22LA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA242.md): Cessna 120 · San Carlos, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 28, 2022 · N2056V · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB WPR22LA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA072.md): Cessna 120 · Upland, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 3, 2022 · N76646 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control during a go-around as it encountered wake turbulence from a slow hover taxiing helicopter.
- [NTSB WPR20LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA094.md): Ercoupe 415 · Torrance, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 25, 2020 · N3437H · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of power due to a malfunction of the throttle cable, which limited movement of the throttle body.
- [NTSB WPR20CA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA045.md): Cessna 140 · Lancaster, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 16, 2019 · N4098N · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his use of excessive braking while taxiing.
- [NTSB GAA19CA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA013.md): Cessna 140 · Marina, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 10, 2018 · N89266 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadvertent application of the brakes, which resulted in a nose-over.
- [NTSB GAA18CA455](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA455.md): Cessna 140 · Healdsburg, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 26, 2018 · N1902V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.
- [NTSB GAA17CA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA071.md): Cessna 120 · Lincoln, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 14, 2016 · N120MD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.
- [NTSB GAA16LA525](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16LA525.md): Cessna 120 · Davis, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 2016 · N76284 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and noseover. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the seatbelt anchor bracket.
- [NTSB WPR16LA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA139.md): Cessna 140 · Salinas, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2016 · N89965 · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of a bulkhead-skin joint that supported the main landing gear leg, which resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear. Contributing to the failure were the non-original structural configuration of the 60-year-old airplane and the…
- [NTSB WPR16FA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA118.md): Moore Joseph O Varieze · Santa Paula, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 28, 2016 · N80681 · Destroyed
  > A total loss of engine power due to fatigue failure of the camshaft drive gear teeth.
- [NTSB WPR16LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA018.md): Cessna 120 · Lone Pine, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 2015 · N3124N · Substantial damage
  > The fracture of the left main landing gear (MLG) wheel axle due to fatigue, which resulted in the separation of the left MLG wheel during takeoff from a dirt airstrip.
- [NTSB WPR14LA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA300.md): Luscombe 8A · Rancho Cucamonga, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2014 · N77942 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB WPR14CA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA197.md): Cessna 140 · Vacaville, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 21, 2014 · N2256N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's use of excessive brakes during landing, which resulted in a nose over. Contributing to the accident was a partial loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb, likely due to carburetor ice.
- [NTSB WPR13CA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA033.md): Cessna 140 · Watsonville, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 2, 2012 · N77227 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during the landing roll.
- [NTSB WPR12LA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA264.md): Luscombe 8 · Twentynine Palms, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 29, 2012 · N2435K · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB WPR12CA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA114.md): Aeronca 7BCM · Woodland, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 19, 2012 · N6451C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not maintain directional control during landing.
- [NTSB WPR11LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA131.md): Aeronca 7AC · Novato, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 10, 2011 · N2659E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's use of a non-vented fuel cap, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB WPR10CA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA106.md): Cessna 140 · Chico, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 9, 2010 · N3160N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate weather evaluation and failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering in low visibility conditions.
- [NTSB WPR09CA399](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA399.md): Aeronca 11CC · El Cajon, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 15, 2009 · N4385E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions and failure to maintain directional control while landing.
- [NTSB LAX07CA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07CA283.md): Luscombe 8E · Ramona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 29, 2007 · N2826K · Substantial damage
  > the installation and subsequent failure of an incorrect part, which jammed in one wheel's brake caliper and induced the pilot's loss of directional control.
- [NTSB SEA07CA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07CA176.md): Commonwealth 185 · Redlands, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 22, 2007 · N92827 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate weather evaluation which resulted in the airplane's lack of climb performance and subsequent collision with terrain. Contributing factors included the downdraft and the high temperature.
- [NTSB SEA07CA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07CA054.md): Cessna 140 · Murrieta, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 23, 2007 · N2006V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's excessive application of brakes during taxi after landing, resulting in a nose over.
- [NTSB SEA07CA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07CA047.md): Cessna 140 · San Jose, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 14, 2007 · N18WB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's excessive use of the airplane's wheel brakes, which resulted in a nose over during landing.
- [NTSB LAX07LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07LA081.md): Cessna 140 · Van Nuys, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 2006 · N9198Z · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot under instruction to maintain directional control of the airplane and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision.
- [NTSB LAX04LA265](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA265.md): Ercoupe 415-D · Santa Clarita, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 13, 2004 · N3837H · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadequate planning/decision by his inadequate evaluation of the weather resulting in an attempt to conduct flight beyond the aircraft's climb performance capability.
- [NTSB LAX04LA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA092.md): Cessna 140 · Vacaville, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 12, 2004 · N77S · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to either obtain a preflight weather report and forecast for the destination or to add additional fuel, which ultimately resulted in fuel exhaustion and collision with trees.
- [NTSB LAX04CA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04CA070.md): Luscombe 8E · San Jose, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 18, 2003 · N1338B · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll.
- [NTSB LAX03LA289](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA289.md): Butzbach Smith Miniplane DSA1 · Escondido, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 2003 · N40DB · Destroyed
  > The pilot's low level aerobatic maneuver and his failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB LAX03LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA059.md): Farmer R B DA5-A · Apple Valley, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 4, 2003 · N7053U · Substantial damage
  > the detonation of the number 1 and 3 cylinders and the subsequent over temperature of those cylinders and their corresponding pistons.
- [NTSB LAX01LA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA260.md): Cessna 140 · San Luis Obispo, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 2001 · N2903N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing that resulted in dragging the wing and nosing over.
- [NTSB LAX01LA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA171.md): Aeronca 7DC · Hollister, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 12, 2001 · N4009B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate aircraft handling procedure and failure to maintain directional control while landing in a known crosswind.
- [NTSB LAX01LA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA064.md): Cessna 140 · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 23, 2000 · N72970 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning, fuel management, and inadequate remedial actions, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. The pilot made an off-field landing and collided with a fence.
- [NTSB LAX01LA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA044.md): Cessna 140 · Sacramento, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 2000 · N2154V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control on landing rollout.
- [NTSB LAX00LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA228.md): Cessna 140 · Hayfork, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2000 · N2688N · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot under instruction to maintain directional control during the landing roll and the inadequate supervision of the flight instructor, which resulted in a collision with a runway light, overload failure of the wheel axle, and the airplane…
- [NTSB LAX00FA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00FA170.md): Emigh Trojan A2 · Brentwood, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 22, 2000 · N8324H · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane.
- [NTSB LAX99LA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA227.md): Cessna 120 · Chino, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 1999 · N2651N · Substantial damage
  > A preexisting fatigue fracture of the right axle.
- [NTSB LAX99LA208](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA208.md): Culver V · San Martin, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 4, 1999 · N44549 · Substantial damage
  > Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning and failure to refuel the aircraft during an en route stop.
- [NTSB LAX98LA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA213.md): Piper J3C-65 · Redding, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 1998 · N30576 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's excessive use of the brakes while taxiing, allowing the aircraft to nose over.
- [NTSB LAX98LA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA151.md): Luscombe 8E · Auburn, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 2, 1998 · N2435K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper use of carburetor heat and the rough/uneven (furrowed) terrain. A contributing factor was carburetor icing conditions.
- [NTSB LAX97LA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA273.md): Cessna 140 · Pacoima, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 1997 · N76102 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing.
- [NTSB LAX97LA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA223.md): Cessna 140 · Columbia, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 1997 · N4293N · Substantial damage
  > the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during a bounced landing recovery.
- [NTSB LAX97LA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA216.md): Cessna 120 · Hollister, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 1997 · N1819N · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's excessive use of right rudder during the initial stages of the takeoff ground roll, which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control. The unfavorable wind was a related factor.
- [NTSB LAX97LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA077.md): Cessna 140 · Emigrant Gap, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 25, 1996 · N76857 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's misjudgment of altitude/clearance while attempting a precautionary landing on a closed, snow covered runway.
- [NTSB LAX96LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA010.md): Cessna 140 · Dixon, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 14, 1995 · N1782V · Substantial damage
  > fuel starvation due to debris blocking the carburetor main jet.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?engine=17008&state=CA&page=2

## 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('17008'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?engine=17008&state=CA

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