# NTSB investigations: Lycoming IO-540 series, AK

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 2 · 84 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ANC26LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC26LA029.md): Maule M-7-235 · Wasilla, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Apr 3, 2026 · N93ML · Substantial damage
  > On April 3, 2026, at 1300 Alaska daylight time, a Maule M 7 235 airplane, N93ML, was substantially damaged during an accident near Wasilla, Alaska. The pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a personal flight under the…
- [NTSB ANC25LA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA099.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Petersville, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 29, 2025 · N74435 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the helicopter’s available power while landing in a remote confined area, which resulted in rotor droop and a hard landing.
- [NTSB ANC25LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA015.md): Gippsaero PTY GA8 · Nightmute, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 4, 2025 · N916RK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of directional control while taxiing in gusting wind conditions.
- [NTSB ANC24LA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24LA055.md): Gippsland GA-8 · Tuntutuliak, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 26, 2024 · N13AV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff after an encounter with a gusting wind, which resulted in a wing strike.
- [NTSB ANC24LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC24LA013.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Glacier View, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 11, 2024 · N74868 · Substantial damage
  > A sudden stoppage of the tail rotor for unknown reasons, which resulted in the tortional overload failure of the tail rotor driveshaft.
- [NTSB ANC23FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23FA045.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Old Harbor, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 2, 2023 · N1132Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s delayed decision to turn away from the terrain.
- [NTSB ANC23LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23LA028.md): Maule M-5-235C · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 4, 2023 · N5644W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed decision to execute a go-around maneuver while landing with excess airspeed into a short strip, which resulted in a runway overrun and subsequent loss of control.
- [NTSB ANC22LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC22LA010.md): Found Acft Canada FBA-2C1 · Kenai, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 30, 2021 · N108J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion.
- [NTSB ANC21LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA080.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Pelican, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 31, 2021 · N779DZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of control while landing on a remote helipad.
- [NTSB ANC21LA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA079.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Pelican, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 30, 2021 · N878CB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper preflight planning to ensure adequate power to hover out-of-ground effect while conducting external load operations.
- [NTSB ANC21LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA017.md): Maule M-6-235 · Tyonek, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 13, 2021 · N56517 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the airplane encountering deep snow and coming to rest inverted.
- [NTSB ANC20CA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20CA068.md): Robinson R44 · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Jul 10, 2020 · N878CB · Substantial damage
  > The crew leader's decision to throw a chainsaw bar into the moving arc of the main rotor blade.
- [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 ANC20CA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20CA023.md): Robinson R44 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Data collection · Final report · Feb 21, 2020 · N716JL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from snow covered terrain during an en route descent in flat light conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB ANC18LA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18LA058.md): Robinson R44 · Bettles, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 2018 · N744AK · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel's application of insufficient preload on the attachment hardware for the idler gear shaft during engine overhaul, which resulted in the dismounting of the idler gear shaft assembly due to wear and deformation and the subsequent total…
- [NTSB ANC18LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18LA032.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 20, 2018 · N511CC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while in a hovering turn, which resulted in a collision with obstacles.
- [NTSB ANC16CA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC16CA051.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Homer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 4, 2016 · N719TF · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight collision with a bird resulting in damage to a tail rotor blade, which required replacement.
- [NTSB ANC16CA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC16CA031.md): Maule M 6-235 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 11, 2016 · N5650J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to land on terrain unsuitable for a wheel equipped airplane.
- [NTSB GAA16CA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA009.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 6, 2015 · N779DZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the engine start sequence, which resulted in the helicopter sliding on a steel deck and impacting a crane. Contributing to the accident was the absence of traction material on the helicopter…
- [NTSB ANC14CA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14CA042.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Coldfoot, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 18, 2014 · N74713 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resulted in an emergency landing on uneven terrain.
- [NTSB ANC14FA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14FA030.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Chugiak, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 28, 2014 · N392GP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control of the helicopter due to impairment or incapacitation from a sudden, acute cardiac event.
- [NTSB ANC12FA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12FA083.md): Piper PA-32-301 · Hoonah, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 2, 2012 · N8200M · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain while in cruise flight in marginal visual meteorological conditions.
- [NTSB ANC12CA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12CA082.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Wainwright, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 31, 2012 · N74496 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of ground personnel to ensure the helicopter was serviced with the proper fuel. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to monitor the fueling process.
- [NTSB ANC12FA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12FA066.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2012 · N432LT · Destroyed
  > The noninstrument-rated pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions likely leading to spatial disorientation, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and in-flight structural failure.
- [NTSB ANC12CA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12CA063.md): Piper PA-32-301 · King Salmon, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 28, 2012 · N8470Y · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight collision with a bird during cruise flight.
- [NTSB ANC11CA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11CA075.md): Piper PA-32-301 · Kodiak, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 12, 2011 · N8152Z · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power while on approach to land due to a disconnected throttle control linkage, and the maintenance director's inadequate inspection of the throttle linkage during maintenance.
- [NTSB ANC11LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC11LA027.md): Piper PA-32-301 · Cold Bay, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 15, 2011 · N81052 · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight encounter with unforecast turbulence, which resulted in structural damage to the stabilator.
- [NTSB ANC10LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10LA032.md): Piper PA-32-301 · King Cove, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 26, 2010 · N8305H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate descent rate during gusty winds while landing, resulting in a hard landing and damage to the airplane.
- [NTSB ANC09CA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC09CA048.md): Piper PA-32-301 · Birchwood, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 16, 2009 · N8374T · Substantial damage
  > The failure of maintenance personnel to properly maintain the cargo door latch, resulting in an in-flight opening and separation of the cargo door, and substantial damage to the horizontal stabilator when it was struck by remnants of the cargo door.
- [NTSB ANC08LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08LA046.md): Piper PA-32 · Koliganek, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 2008 · N8327S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's VFR flight into adverse weather conditions that resulted in a collision with snow-covered terrain during a turn to reverse direction. Factors contributing to the accident were low ceilings, flat lighting conditions, and the snow-covered terrain.
- [NTSB ANC07LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC07LA081.md): Maule M-7-235 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2007 · N56568 · Substantial damage
  > The reversal of the elevator control cables by maintenance personnel, and the inadequate preflight inspection by the flight instructor and dual student.
- [NTSB ANC06LA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC06LA025.md): Robinson R44 · Ilimana, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 12, 2006 · N7528Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather conditions, and his spatial disorientation and loss of control during a subsequent landing attempt. Factors associated with the accident are flat light and whiteout conditions, fog, and snow-covered terrain.
- [NTSB ANC05CA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC05CA102.md): Piper PA-32-301 · Karluk, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 15, 2005 · N8152Z · Substantial damage
  > A collision with a deer on the runway during the landing roll, which resulted in substantial damage to the tail of the airplane.
- [NTSB ANC03LA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA119.md): Maule M-7-235 · McGrath, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 2003 · N5657A · Substantial damage
  > Fuel starvation due to the pilot's improper placement of the fuel selector to a nearly empty fuel tank prior to takeoff, resulting in a loss of engine power, and an in-flight collision with trees.
- [NTSB ANC03LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA005.md): Piper PA-32 · Bethel, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 22, 2002 · N76RL · 2 aircraft · Minor damage
  > The failure of both pilot's to maintain a visual outlook during taxi operations on the ramp.
- [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 ANC02FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC02FA010.md): Piper PA-32 · Haines, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 15, 2002 · N30004 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and subsequent collision with trees while in cruise flight. Factors in the accident were weather conditions consisting of freezing rain, mist, and low ceilings.
- [NTSB ANC01FA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC01FA106.md): Maule M-6-235 · Kotzebue, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 2001 · N56467 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from an obstruction (antenna tower), and his continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors associated with the accident were low ceilings, and low visibility.
- [NTSB ANC01FA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC01FA093.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Haines, AK · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 30, 2001 · N39586 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions, and his poor in-flight decision making. Factors associated with the accident were clouds and mountainous terrain. A finding is the pilot's use of FAA prohibited drugs.
- [NTSB ANC01LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC01LA071.md): Piper PA-32R · Egegik, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 2001 · N8096V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. Factors in the accident were a soft area of runway, and sunglare.
- [NTSB ANC01LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC01LA056.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Emmonak, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 14, 2001 · N4375B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent stall while maneuvering. A factor associated with the accident was soft, snow-covered terrain.
- [NTSB ANC00LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC00LA022.md): Piper PA-32-301 · Ekuk, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 26, 2000 · N8004N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an unsuitable runway for landing. Factors associated with the accident were the inadequate runway maintenance by the runway maintenance personnel, snow berms, and insufficient runway condition information disseminated by the company…
- [NTSB ANC00LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC00LA013.md): Maule M7-235C · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 1999 · N5657A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's intentional takeoff into known adverse weather. Factors associated with this accident are crosswinds, gusts, and downdrafts.
- [NTSB ANC00LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC00LA009.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Russian Mission, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 28, 1999 · N31606 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's continued flight into adverse weather, and an inadvertent stall. Factors in the accident were adverse weather consisting of icing conditions, and airframe icing.
- [NTSB ANC99LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC99LA127.md): Maule M-7 · Kotzebue, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 1999 · N770AS · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight collision with a bird.
- [NTSB ANC99LA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC99LA109.md): Cessna A188-B · Bettles, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 1999 · N731UW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor was soft terrain.
- [NTSB ANC99LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC99LA039.md): Piper PA-32-301 · Chefornak, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 27, 1999 · N81844 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site. A factor associated with the accident was rough and uneven terrain.
- [NTSB ANC98LA165](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98LA165.md): Maule ML-7 · Wasilla, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 1998 · N6110C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, resulting in an inadvertent stall. Contributing factors were the gusty and turbulent weather conditions.
- [NTSB ANC98LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98LA023.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Naknek, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 26, 1998 · N38186 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout. Factors in the accident were flat lighting conditions, and inadequate airport facilities.
- [NTSB ANC98LA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98LA025.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Kongiganak, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 24, 1998 · N81844 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot misjudged distance/altitude and airspeed, and his delay initiating a go-around. Related factors were the downdraft and snowbank.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?engine=41530&state=AK&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" = 'AK' 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 ('41530', '41585'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

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

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