# NTSB investigations: Lycoming IO-540 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 2 · 88 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA228.md): Lancair Legacy 2000 · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report · Jun 16, 2026 · N84BZ · Substantial damage
  > On June 16, 2026, about 0906 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur built Lancair Legacy 2000, N84BZ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Los Angeles, California. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was…
- [NTSB WPR25FA147](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25FA147.md): Paul Berkovitz Vans RV-10 · Simi Valley, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · May 3, 2025 · N626PB · Destroyed
  > On May 3, 2025, about 1350 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Van’s RV-10, N626PB, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Simi Valley, California. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a…
- [NTSB WPR24LA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA111.md): Piper Aerostar 601P · Grass Valley, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 14, 2024 · N1SS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control in a gusting wind condition.
- [NTSB WPR23LA363](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA363.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Needles, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 13, 2023 · N2957N · Substantial damage
  > An encounter with windshear during the initial climb after takeoff, resulting in a loss of control and a subsequent hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR23LA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA216.md): Cessna 172R · Santa Monica, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 5, 2023 · N819KS · Substantial damage
  > A failure of the nose wheel upper torque link bolt, which resulted in a loss of steering control. Contributing to the accident were maintenance personnel’s failure to inspect and replace the fractured bolt and the pilot’s oversight of the bolt during his…
- [NTSB WPR23LA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA170.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Van Nuys, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 28, 2023 · N549TS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control of the helicopter, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB WPR22LA271](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA271.md): Piper PA-32-301 · San Jose, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 23, 2022 · N300BH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation, a total loss of engine power, and an impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR22LA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA232.md): Maule MX-7-235 · Copperopolis, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 11, 2022 · N13ZF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control of the airplane during takeoff in gusting wind.
- [NTSB WPR22FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA044.md): Jahnke Lionel G Glasair III · Big Bear City, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 21, 2021 · N291KT · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.
- [NTSB WPR20LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA135.md): Piper PA-23-250 · Hemet, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 30, 2020 · N6521Y · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s failure to properly inspect and replace damaged aileron control cables, which resulted in fatigue separation of the aileron control cable and loss of control of the aircraft.
- [NTSB WPR20LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA009.md): Cessna 206 · Stockton, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 18, 2019 · N11379 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB WPR19FA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA188.md): Robinson R44 · Hayward, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 15, 2019 · N144TG · Substantial damage
  > The pilots’ loss of control during a low altitude maneuver for undetermined reasons, which resulted in impact with terrain.
- [NTSB WPR18LA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA203.md): Piper PA32 · Avalon, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 25, 2018 · N4747H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's delayed decision to conduct a go-around following an unstable landing approach and long landing.
- [NTSB GAA18CA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA140.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Woodland, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 24, 2018 · N630ML · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s distraction due to her malfunctioning iPad, which led to her inadvertent forward cyclic application.
- [NTSB WPR18FA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18FA084.md): Cessna 182T · Santee, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 6, 2018 · N3525T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to take off into instrument meteorological conditions that resulted in spatial disorientation, and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
- [NTSB WPR17LA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA188.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · El Dorado Hills, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 26, 2017 · N61NM · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel's inadequate routine maintenance on the helicopter engine, which led to low cylinder compression, improper magneto timing, and camshaft lobe wear, which subsequently resulted in degraded engine performance.
- [NTSB WPR17FA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA161.md): Applegate Panzl S331E · Apple Valley, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 2017 · N331ST · Substantial damage
  > A fatigue failure of the left aileron control rod end during aerobatic flight, which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane.
- [NTSB WPR17FA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA105.md): Socata TB 20 Trinidad · Sierraville, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 17, 2017 · N28070 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB WPR17LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA054.md): Johnson Harmon Rocket · Corona, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 17, 2017 · N275JS · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel starvation as a result of a failure of internal components of the fuel servo.
- [NTSB WPR17LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA043.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Mt. Baldy, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 29, 2016 · N324RS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain main rotor speed during a low orbiting approach over a confined mountainous area. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt to land in an area that did not allow for a safe exit path under conditions near…
- [NTSB WPR14LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA071.md): Piper PA 32-301 · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 2013 · N8169C · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel starvation, which resulted from the pilot’s failure to adequately manage the fuel supply.
- [NTSB WPR13LA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA085.md): Jeremiah Jackson Vans RV-10 · Julian, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 5, 2013 · N262NJ · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to oil starvation as a result of a disconnected oil line. Contributing to the accident was an insufficiently tightened oil line fitting.
- [NTSB WPR13CA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA021.md): Piper PA24 · Lake Tahoe, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 21, 2012 · N7950P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to ensure that the landing gear was extended before landing.
- [NTSB WPR11FA474](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA474.md): Poe G L/Poe S Y 540 · Chualar, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 2011 · N42GP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s incapacitation due either to g-induced loss of consciousness alone or in combination with a cardiac arrhythmia. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s use of several medications.
- [NTSB WPR11LA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA179.md): Eagle DW1 · Newman, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 1, 2011 · N8812A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from a vehicle during a low-altitude operation.
- [NTSB WPR11FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11FA027.md): Reed Glasair III SH-3R · Lake Mathews, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 23, 2010 · N2XZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude beneath a cloud layer.
- [NTSB WPR10LA458](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA458.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Mammoth, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 2010 · N2153S · Substantial damage
  > Dynamic rollover of the helicopter during a precautionary landing.
- [NTSB WPR10LA420](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA420.md): Robinson R44 · San Diego, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 2010 · N7186Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to utilize carburetor heat during initial climb, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.
- [NTSB WPR10LA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA259.md): Socata TB-20 · Happy Camp, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 22, 2010 · N3041Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and decision to continue to operate under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an encounter with an embedded thunderstorm and rain showers and moderate to severe turbulence,…
- [NTSB WPR10GA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10GA231.md): Cessna T206H · Borrego Springs, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · May 7, 2010 · N663HP · Destroyed
  > The pilot suffered a sudden incapacitating event as a result of his severe cardiovascular disease.
- [NTSB WPR10LA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA195.md): Snow Rocket F1 · Borrego Springs, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 8, 2010 · N28VS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inability to maintain control due to the in-flight failure and separation of the pilot's flight control stick. The reason for the flight control stick failure could not be determined.
- [NTSB WPR09FA385](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA385.md): Cessna 182S · Napa, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 2009 · N23750 · Substantial damage
  > The instrument-rated pilot’s loss of situational awareness and failure to follow the prescribed instrument departure clearance/procedure, which resulted in an in-flight collision with the terrain.
- [NTSB WPR09FA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09FA102.md): Siai-Marchetti SF-260C · Santa Monica, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 29, 2009 · N688C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to select the proper fuel tank for takeoff, which resulted in a loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while attempting a return to runway maneuver.
- [NTSB LAX08LA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA183.md): Robinson R44 II · Topanga, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 15, 2008 · N168AG · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of the tail rotor gear box for an undetermined reason. Contributing to the accident was the hilly terrain, which was unsuitable for a forced landing.
- [NTSB SEA08LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08LA070.md): Kidd Chris Harmon ROC · Maricopa, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 2, 2008 · N96KR · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude while maneuvering in mountainous, hilly terrain. Contributing to the accident were hilly terrain, a low ceiling and gusty winds.
- [NTSB LAX08FA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08FA028.md): Piper PA-60-602P · McFarland, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 9, 2007 · N6895Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight preparation and improper fueling procedures that led to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB SEA07CA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07CA104.md): Maule MT-7-235 · Concord, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 17, 2007 · N3115U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, resulting in a ground loop/swerve and collapse of the nose landing gear. A contributing factor was the gusty wind condition.
- [NTSB LAX07LA099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07LA099.md): Mallian Rocket II · Arvin, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 3, 2007 · N789JM · Destroyed
  > Loss of control during cruise for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX07LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07LA054.md): John Lauer Harmon Rocket II · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 9, 2006 · N604JL · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during an aerobatic maneuver.
- [NTSB LAX06LA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06LA229.md): Velocity 173/RG-XL · Modesto, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2006 · N992PC · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's misjudged flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a hard landing and landing gear collapse. A contributing factor was the pilot/builder's inadequate adjustment of the landing gear cable tension.
- [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 LAX06CA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06CA212.md): Maule M-7-235C · La Verne, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 25, 2006 · N209Z · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to obtain/maintain directional control on the landing rollout.
- [NTSB ANC06LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC06LA029.md): Cooper Harmon Rocket ll · McKittrick, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 25, 2006 · N96CR · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain altitude/clearance while performing intentional low altitude aerobatic flight maneuvers. Factors associated with the accident are the low altitude aerobatic flight maneuvers.
- [NTSB LAX06FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06FA054.md): Piper PA-32RT-300 · Kingsburg, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 10, 2005 · N3039B · Destroyed
  > The pilot's in-flight decision to continue VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions during descent, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees and terrain. Fog, low ceiling, and obscuration were factors.
- [NTSB LAX06CA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06CA039.md): Cessna 182T · Livermore, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 30, 2005 · N51732 · Substantial damage
  > substantial damage to the airplane during unknown phase of flight for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX05CA147](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05CA147.md): Maule MA-7-235C · Borrego Springs, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 10, 2005 · N1033C · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
- [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 LAX04LA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA251.md): Socata TB-20 · Perris, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 2004 · N110U · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to oil exhaustion as a result of the mechanic's use of an incorrect gasket during the installation of the vacuum pump.
- [NTSB LAX02LA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA275.md): Huene Velocity XL-RG · Fresno, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 2002 · N394BL · Destroyed
  > An in-flight exhaust stack separation during descent for landing resulting in loss of engine power and a forced landing to an open field.
- [NTSB LAX02LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA112.md): Maule M-7-260 · Montague, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 15, 2002 · N7ZF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control.

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

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

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