# NTSB investigations: Lycoming IO-540 series: Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction

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.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB NYC07LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07LA104.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Richmond, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 25, 2007 · N679DM · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of the right brake assembly by maintenance personnel.
- [NTSB DEN07FA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN07FA079.md): Robinson R44 II · Ponte Vedra Bch, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 27, 2007 · N744SH · Destroyed
  > the mechanic's improper installation of the attachment hardware for the servo to swashplate push-pull tube joint which resulted in a disconnection, subsequent loss of control, and impact with terrain. Contributing factors were the company management's…
- [NTSB LAX06LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06LA228.md): Palmer Seawind 3000 · Havasu Lake, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2006 · N8025Q · Destroyed
  > an electrical fire due to improper wiring of the electrical system by other maintenance personnel.
- [NTSB CHI06CA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA125.md): Bangham Barracuda · Monett, MO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 5, 2006 · N91LB · Substantial damage
  > Rupture of the hydraulic hose and deformation of the hydraulic cylinder piston rods for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a failure of the landing gear extension system. Contributing factors were the pilot's premature shutdown of the engine on short…
- [NTSB ATL06CA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL06CA073.md): Robinson R44 Raven II · Rocky Point, NC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 3, 2006 · N288RH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate visual lookout during a precautionary landing which resulted in an in-flight collision with a transmission wire.
- [NTSB ANC05FA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC05FA039.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Dunnellon, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 2, 2005 · N444NM · Destroyed
  > The improper installation of the bolt that connects the throttle linkage to the fuel control arm by an unknown maintenance person, which resulted in a loss of the bolt, a loss of engine rpm control, and subsequent forced landing and collision with trees.
- [NTSB LAX04LA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA253.md): Anderson Harmon Rocket II · Seal Beach, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 2004 · N28BE · Destroyed
  > the in-flight separation of the elevator, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and an uncontrolled descent. The underlying cause and mechanism of the elevator separation could not be determined.
- [NTSB CHI04CA159](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04CA159.md): Bracken CB540 · Lapeer, MI · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 19, 2004 · N5439N · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control due to an undetermined flight control system malfunction. Contributing factors to the accident were the wires and trees.
- [NTSB ATL04LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL04LA126.md): Piper PA 32R-301 · Baxley, GA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 14, 2004 · N8451E · Substantial damage
  > The mechanical malfunction of the autopilot pitch servo, and the pilot's inability to maintain adequate control pressure to manually retrim the pitch attitude.
- [NTSB ATL04LA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL04LA065.md): Aero Commander 500 · Allendale, SC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 11, 2004 · N800SL · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the hydraulic brake system accumulator due to a ruptured diaphragm. A factor was the ditch.
- [NTSB FTW04LA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04LA001.md): Bratton Experimental Homebuilt Swearingen SX300 · Floresville, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 2, 2003 · N301SX · Substantial damage
  > The separation of one propeller blade while in cruise flight. A factor contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB CHI03LA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA314.md): Cessna 182S · Joliet, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 2003 · N775WB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot not performing a go-around when the other airplane taxied onto the landing runway, which resulted in the pilot not attaining the proper touchdown point. Factors to the accident include the failure of the alternator, the complete loss of electrical…
- [NTSB SEA03LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA066.md): Maule MX-7-235 · Plummer, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 20, 2003 · N114MK · Substantial damage
  > The jamming of the left parking brake locking tab on a burr on the left brake master cylinder activation rod during the landing roll, resulting in the left brake becoming locked in a position where excessive braking was applied.
- [NTSB LAX03LA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA123.md): Robinson R-44 II · Willcox, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 2, 2003 · N233TR · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the alternator belt which resulted in the failure of the main drive belt.
- [NTSB FTW03LA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA061.md): Creekmore Team Rocket F-1 · Rosenberg, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 20, 2002 · N140TC · Destroyed
  > The in-flight separation of the vertical stabilizer as a result of the builder's failure to install the upper attachment fitting for the vertical fin aft spar.
- [NTSB ANC02LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC02LA069.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Kake, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 2002 · N2947N · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of the upper engine cowling from the airplane. A factor contributing to the accident was the soft, sandy terrain of the landing area.
- [NTSB CHI02LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02LA022.md): Smith Aerostar 601 · Danville, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 8, 2001 · N128AC · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the main landing gear scissor assembly during landing for undetermined reasons, resulting in the directional control of the airplane not being possible.
- [NTSB LAX02LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA015.md): Thomson Harmon Rocket II · Perris, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 27, 2001 · N325L · Substantial damage
  > the airplane builder's failure to properly install a bolt and nut into the aileron and elevator flight control system. A contributing factor was the soft terrain conditions for the ensuing forced landing.
- [NTSB ATL01LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL01LA029.md): Robert D. Wood Velocity Xlfg · Sebastian, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 3, 2001 · N658SE · Substantial damage
  > The manufacturer's inadequate design of the winglet/rudder assembly, and inadequate bonding techniques for metal to fiber structures, which resulted in control surface flutter.
- [NTSB LAX01LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA045.md): Collette Glassair III · Guistine, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 19, 2000 · N540AK · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel misrouted the crankcase breather hose so that it was pinched when the cowling was installed. This pressurized the crankcase displacing the oil seal and forcing oil out of the engine. A factor was the unsuitable terrain encountered during…
- [NTSB MIA00LA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA00LA219.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Washington, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 16, 2000 · N2947A · Substantial damage
  > The inadvertent stall by the pilot-in-command while returning for a precautionary landing. Contributing to the accident was the loose engine cowling.
- [NTSB CHI00LA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00LA189.md): Staudacher S-300D2 · Kenosha, WI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 2000 · N112KG · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of the rod end bearing and the separation of the aileron. A factor was the inadequate design change by the aircraft designer.
- [NTSB SEA99LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA131.md): Piper PA-23-250 · Snohomish, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 1999 · N65PR · Substantial damage
  > Brake system failure due to the presence of air bubbles in the hydraulic fluid.
- [NTSB FTW99LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA034.md): Stanton Staros SA 260 · Marion, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 24, 1998 · N540HC · Destroyed
  > The fuel leak for an undetermined reason which resulted in an in-flight fire.
- [NTSB FTW98LA303](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA303.md): Piper PA-60-602P · Beaumont, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 1998 · N6898Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while attempting to return to the airport. Factors were the open baggage compartment door and the pilot's diverted attention to the open door.
- [NTSB IAD97LA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97LA044.md): Aerospatiale TB-20 · University Park, PA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 18, 1997 · N2803A · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inability to control the airplane due to a damaged/bent elevator control lever and resultant lack of elevator authority.
- [NTSB CHI96LA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA317.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Stewartville, MN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 26, 1996 · N801SP · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in a failure to reach the proper touchdown point for the landing. The fractured nose gear shimmy damper attaching collar and the jammed nose gear were related factors.
- [NTSB ATL96LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL96LA045.md): Piper PA-32-RT-300 · Blountville, TN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 7, 1996 · N2200J · Substantial damage
  > Inadequate maintenance, and subsequent in-flight separation of the cowling, due to worn cowling components.
- [NTSB FTW95LA355](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA355.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Fayetteville, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 1995 · N47423 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inability to extend the landing gear due to the failure of an emergency gear extension valve.
- [NTSB MIA95LA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA95LA061.md): Glassair III · Boynton Beach, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 22, 1995 · N300FF · Substantial damage
  > a violent shimmy of the nose gear for undetermined reason(s), which resulted in an on-ground loss of directional control and a subsequent nose over.
- [NTSB BFO93FA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO93FA107.md): US/Lta 138S Airship · New York, NY · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 1993 · N832US · Destroyed
  > Inadequate design of, and design standards for, the airship which resulted in an envelope failure following separation of a portion of the night sign equipment.
- [NTSB LAX93IA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93IA235.md): US/Lta 138-S · Santa Maria, CA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · May 25, 1993 · N832US · Minor damage
  > Inadequate specifications in the design and manufacture of a rudder control tube rod end bearing by the airship manufacturer.
- [NTSB ANC93LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC93LA036.md): Maule M5 · Chena Hot Sprng, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 20, 1993 · N9176E · Substantial damage
  > The total failure of the landing gear axle as a result of a pre existing fracture in the axle.
- [NTSB ATL93LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL93LA050.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Goldsboro, NC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 14, 1993 · N8409A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision in attempting a night landing at an airport without operating runway lights which resulted in a touchdown off the runway. Factors which contributed to the accident were: an airplane lighting malfunction for an undetermined…
- [NTSB CHI92FA267](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92FA267.md): Piper PA-61-601P · Aurora, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 1992 · N717BB · Destroyed
  > Exceeding the design stress limits of the airplane by the pilot in command.
- [NTSB NYC90FA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90FA040.md): Piper PA-60-602P · Frenchtown, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 1989 · N6894Y · Destroyed
  > The inadequate maintenance and inspection of the turbocharger tailpipe exhaust stack on the right engine by the mechanic(s). The failure of the tailpipe permitted heat from the exhaust to weaken the main spar of the right wing resulting in a catastrophic…
- [NTSB MIA88LA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA88LA204.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Fort Myers, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 17, 1988 · N2032M · Substantial damage
  > While en route, on a personal cross country flt, the alternator belt broke resulting in the loss of electrical power which the plt did not recognize before the battery had been drained. During the precautionary landing the acft landed hard resulting in…
- [NTSB NYC86FHD03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86FHD03.md): Passonno Skybolt · Moorestown, NJ · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Aug 27, 1986 · N8FP · Destroyed
  > The Passonno skybolt was observed to recover from a loop and then the tail surfaces started to shake. The acft then descended to the ground and was destroyed by impact. Examination of various horizontal stabilizer and elevator components showed that the…
- [NTSB MKC86LA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC86LA120.md): Eagle DW-1 · Corning, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 29, 1986 · N8814M · Substantial damage
  > The plt was making his second flt in this acft when the accident occurred. He failed to lock the cockpit canopy before start of takeoff roll. During the takeoff roll the canopy opened and separated from the acft. The plt diverted his attention from flying the…
- [NTSB CHI86FEM05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86FEM05.md): Eagle DW-1 · Baroda, MI · Accident · No injuries · Final report · May 23, 1986 · N8807Z · Substantial damage
  > The plt shut down the acft engine after noticing oil on the canopy and a loss of oil pressure. A forced landing was performed in a corn field and the acft nosed over. Post accident inspection disclosed the oil pressure hose had ruptured.
- [NTSB CHI86LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA021.md): Eagle DW-1 · Bangor, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 30, 1985 · N8807Z · Substantial damage
  > The acft nosed over after landing on a grass landing strip. The pilot stated the tail came up and the aircraft flipped over on its back after left brake was applied. An examination of the landing gear and brakes revealed that the right brake was released but…
- [NTSB DEN84LA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA215.md): Eagle DW-1 · Marion, SD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 1984 · N8802R · Substantial damage
  > In cruise flt, oil covered the windscreen and plt elected a precautionary landing on a dirt road. Acft collided with a mailbox on roll out and nosed over. Oil filler cap found loose.
- [NTSB CHI84LA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA231.md): Eagle DW-1 · Oklee, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 1984 · N8801P · Substantial damage
  > The acft ran off a road into a ditch which destroyed the main landing gear during the forced landing. The plt said oil covered the windshield after takeoff and he could not see well enough to find the airstrip so he landed on the road while looking out the…
- [NTSB ANC83LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC83LA046.md): Piper PA-32-301 · Nondalton, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 17, 1983 · N8429N · Substantial damage
  > The plt reported that during a landing on an ice & snow covered rwy, the braking was poor & he was using pumping actions while applying the brakes. Reportedly, when the acft was about half way down the rwy, the left brake lost all pressure. At about the same…

## 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."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('41530', '41585')
    AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND o.aircrafts_position = x.position AND o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 130))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?engine=41530&occurrence=130

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.