# Final NTSB investigations: Lycoming IO-720 series

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 · 85 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN25LA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA218.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Huron, SD · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 19, 2025 · N6174A · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during a low-level aerial application, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of airplane control at too low of an altitude to recover.
- [NTSB CEN24LA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA269.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Avoca, NE · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 16, 2024 · N2386X · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to the loose left magneto which resulted in erratic engine timing.
- [NTSB ERA23LA364](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA364.md): Piper PA24 · Norwood, MA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 7, 2023 · N400RW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to fly an appropriate glide path during the landing approach, which resulted in a collision with approach lights and the ground short of the intended runway.
- [NTSB WPR22LA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA180.md): Piper PA-24-400 · Benson, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 15, 2022 · N8493P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to lower the landing gear on approach due to distraction.
- [NTSB WPR21LA343](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA343.md): Piper PA-24-400 · Fullerton, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 30, 2021 · N8501P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to monitor the environment and maintain a proper glidepath on approach which, resulted in a collision with the airport perimeter fence.
- [NTSB GAA19CA319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA319.md): Piper PA24 · Weiner, AR · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 6, 2019 · N8529P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll on a wet runway, which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with a pole.
- [NTSB WPR13CA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA148.md): Piper PA-24-400 · Minden, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 12, 2013 · N8533P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and a loss of directional control.
- [NTSB CEN11CA526](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA526.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Cambridge, NE · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 23, 2011 · N3963E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to reset the engine's mixture control lever to the full rich position prior to takeoff.
- [NTSB ERA10LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA263.md): Hachem Zachery S E7 · Homerville, GA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 12, 2010 · N101RU · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
- [NTSB CEN10LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA127.md): Hawker Beechcraft 65-B80 · Minneapolis, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 24, 2010 · N132BA · 2 aircraft · Minor damage
  > The pilot of the other airplane not setting the parking brake adequately while holding for departure. Contributing to the accident was the pilot of the other airplane being distracted while doing his paperwork.
- [NTSB ERA10FA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10FA138.md): Beech 65 · Lawrenceville, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 8, 2010 · N130SP · Substantial damage
  > The failure of both engines for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA09FA303](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09FA303.md): Aero Commander 500 S · Daytona Beach, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 25, 2009 · N73U · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection.
- [NTSB CEN09LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA023.md): Piper PA-36-285 · Silverton, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 18, 2008 · N57740 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a transmission wire.
- [NTSB LAX08CA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08CA188.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Lodi, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 19, 2008 · N3859E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate in-flight decision to continue the flight into an area of obscured visibility and his failure to maintain clearance above obstacles.
- [NTSB LAX07LA280](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07LA280.md): Root Sherpa · Scappoose, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 2007 · N1415B · Substantial damage
  > A loss of aircraft pitch control due to the fatigue failure of the fuselage tube structure at the flight control stick gimbal mechanism due to an incomplete weld penetration at the root of the weld.
- [NTSB CHI07CA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA088.md): Piper PA-24-400 · Des Moines, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 13, 2007 · N400VL · Substantial damage
  > the nose landing gear becoming jammed in a partially extended position during flight as a result of damage to the nose landing gear by ground personnel.
- [NTSB CHI05CA210](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05CA210.md): Barr Barr Six · Knox, IN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 1, 2005 · N83W · Destroyed
  > The undetermined cause of the fire during the taxi.
- [NTSB LAX05GA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05GA243.md): Aero Commander 680 FL · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Jul 22, 2005 · N7UP · Destroyed
  > The pilot's excessive selection of flaps prior to takeoff, which resulted in a failure to obtain/maintain an appropriate climb airspeed, and an inadvertent stall/mush during takeoff-initial climb. A factor contributing to the accident was a high density…
- [NTSB SEA04LA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA178.md): Helio H800 · Fossil, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 2004 · N4033G · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to remove the aileron wing gust locks prior to flight, which resulted in a loss of control during the descent/emergency landing. A factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight.
- [NTSB ATL04CA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL04CA106.md): Beech BE-65 (LF-23F) · Winder, GA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 4, 2004 · N870KS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of power in both engines.
- [NTSB MIA04LA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA04LA074.md): Terry E. Morris Glasair III · Lakeland, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 18, 2004 · N333ZZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and establish a climb during an attempted go-around which resulted in a stall/mush and collision with terrain. His failure to follow air traffic control instructions is a contributing factor.
- [NTSB DEN03LA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA098.md): Helio H800 · Cody, WY · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2003 · N4035K · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper preflight planning and his failure to maintain aircraft control when returning to the airport. Factors contributing to the accident were the oil leak, the attempted precautionary landing, and the downdraft.
- [NTSB LAX03LA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA129.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Herald, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 5, 2003 · N3859E · 2 aircraft · Minor damage
  > the inadequate visual lookout for other aircraft by both pilots that resulted in a midair collision.
- [NTSB SEA00LA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA00LA145.md): Root Sherpa · Helena, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2000 · N1415B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing.
- [NTSB FTW98LA200](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA200.md): Piper PA-24-400 · Jackson, WY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 1, 1998 · N8536P · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed, while approaching to land; his failure to attain a proper touchdown point for landing; and his failure to go around, while there was sufficient runway remaining. A related factor was the uneven terrain, which was…
- [NTSB FTW98LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA027.md): Helio H-800 · Ogden, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 20, 1997 · N40013 · Substantial damage
  > failure of the tail wheel assembly, which rendered the aircraft uncontrollable during landing roll.
- [NTSB CHI97LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA105.md): Piper PA-24 · Elk Falls, KS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 12, 1997 · N8739P · Substantial damage
  > fracture of the fuel selector assembly which resulted in fuel starvation.
- [NTSB FTW97LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA105.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Danevang, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 18, 1997 · N7167E · Substantial damage
  > The utility's company failure to notify affected parties of the downed line, and the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the downed wire. A factor was the downed wire.
- [NTSB FTW97LA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA061.md): Piper PA-24-400 · Broomfield, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 10, 1996 · N8450P · Substantial damage
  > failure of the pilot to maintain proper alignment with the runway, while landing. A factor relating to the accident was: the variable/gusty wind condition with possible windshear.
- [NTSB FTW96LA353](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA353.md): Piper PA-36-300 · Hale Center, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 1996 · N57831 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and failure to obtain and/or maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush. The overweight condition of the airplane and high density altitude were related factors.
- [NTSB CHI92DCD03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92DCD03.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Deloit, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Apr 29, 1992 · N3986E · Substantial damage
  > Inadequate visual lookout by the pilot in command while performing aerial application maneuvers. A factor in the accident is the pilot's diverted attention.
- [NTSB FTW91LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA127.md): Piper PA-24-400 · Nashville, AR · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 1991 · N8507P · Substantial damage
  > Fuel starvation induced loss of power due to a blocked finger fuel strainer in the fuel servo unit. A factor was the unsuitable terrain at the pilot's disposal.
- [NTSB ATL91LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA135.md): Piper PA-24-260 · Springfield, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 16, 1991 · N8739P · Substantial damage
  > The PA-24 pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed while executing a go-around, resulting in the stalling of the airplane. A factor in the accident was the PA-24 pilot's failure to visually detect the J-3 in a timely manner.
- [NTSB DEN91FA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91FA039.md): Piper PA-24-400 · Snowmass, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 8, 1991 · N8510P · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a proper altitude in mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB DEN90LA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90LA157.md): Piper PA-36 · Clarkston, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 1990 · N9980P · Substantial damage
  > Jammed ailerons resultant from the collision with crops.
- [NTSB LAX90LA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA120.md): Cessna 414 · Ramona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 16, 1990 · N711AG · Destroyed
  > Right main gear scissors assemlby becoming disconnected during landing roll, allowing the right run landing gear to collapse; scissor assembly washers not being replaced as recommended in Cessna aircraft service bulletin ME83-37..
- [NTSB MKC89LA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA198.md): Beech 80 · Littlefork, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 1989 · N132BA · Substantial damage
  > Total failure of the electrical system during IFR operations & the aircraft's collision with a rock fence during the subsequent gear-up precautionary landing.
- [NTSB SEA88LA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA174.md): Piper PA-24-400 · Gasquet, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 1988 · N8541P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot stated that as he turned final approach, intense sunglare was encountered. The plt executed a go-around 'in the blind,' and collided with trees in approach path. The acft remained flyable and the pilot diverted to medford, Oregon.
- [NTSB SEA88LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA018.md): Piper PA-24-400 · Winnemucca, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 1987 · N400TT · Substantial damage
  > The plt was attempting to land close to the approach end of the rwy. He made the approach with full flaps at 85 mph the rate of descent became excessive and before recovery was affected the acft collided with a fence near the rwy threshold. The acc site was…
- [NTSB NYC87DHD05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87DHD05.md): Piper PA-36-400 · Mullica Hill, NJ · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · May 23, 1987 · N2412X · Destroyed
  > The pilot of the PA-36 was spraying chemicals on trees for control of the gypsy moth. He reported that he was unable to clear power lines and dumped his load. The aircraft settled to the ground. The FAA reported that the weight of the aircraft exceeded the…
- [NTSB DEN87LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87LA117.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Lamar, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 1, 1987 · N2335X · Substantial damage
  > The commercial plt was on takeoff from a dirt strip with a fully loaded ag acft, for an aerial application flt. After lifting off prematurely, the acft settled to the rwy. The left wing struck a post skidding the acft to the left. After crossing an irrigation…
- [NTSB SEA87LA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA016.md): Piper PA-24-400 · Oregon City, OR · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 2, 1986 · N8419P · Substantial damage
  > Shortly after takeoff, an eng failure occurred. The plt elected to make a forced lndg on a freeway. During the landing, the acft collided with two vehicles. An inspection revealed an eng oil line had ruptured which led to oil exhaustion. Evidence indicated…
- [NTSB CHI86LA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA153.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Breckenridge, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 13, 1986 · N6184A · Substantial damage
  > Aircraft collided with a truck while engaged in aerial application work. Pilot was unable to maintain control and the aircraft collided with terrain after an uncontrolled descent. Investigation revealed that the aileron had separated due to the collision.
- [NTSB MIA86LA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA86LA179.md): Piper PA-24-400 · St.Augustine, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 11, 1986 · N8495P · Substantial damage
  > A forced ldg was made after the eng failed while cruising at 8000 ft. an exam of the eng revealed that the top of the crankcase was cracked & a hole was in the top of the case at the no. 2 cylinder. The bottom of the cap of the no. 2 connecting rod had broken…
- [NTSB FTW85FRD03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85FRD03.md): Advanced Technology Predator 480 · Welsh, LA · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Aug 21, 1985 · N480AG · Destroyed
  > The acft impacted the terrain in an uncontrolled descent during the initial takeoff climb. The plt reported that after takeoff at an alt of aprx 20 ft AGL, the acft rolled 20 to 25 degs to the right. After correcting for the roll, the plt stated, the acft…
- [NTSB LAX85FA122](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA122.md): Piper PA-24-400 · Helendale, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 24, 1985 · N3983D · Substantial damage
  > Shortly after initiating an enroute letdown, the acft experienced a catastrophic engine failure at about 4,500 ft MSL. Plt selected a road for an attempted emergency landing, but a car turned onto the road in front of him and forced a diversion to a nearby…
- [NTSB MKC84LA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC84LA176.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Storm Lake, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 19, 1984 · N3953E · Substantial damage
  > While on the 2nd swath run, the plt maneuvered the acft to cross under power lines bordering the edge of the corn field. He said he misjudged the distance to clear the power lines. The vertical stabilizer & rudder struck the lines & were torn from the acft.…
- [NTSB DEN84LA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA138.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 25, 1984 · N2371Y · Substantial damage
  > The acft had recently been sold & was being ferried to the buyer in Oklahoma. After a refueling stop at the coronado arpt, the plt took off & proceeded northeast to avoid rotor clouds associated with the sandia mountains about 8 mi east of Albuquerque, NM.…
- [NTSB MIA82DA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA82DA183.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Astatula, FL · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Sep 18, 1982 · N3808E · Substantial damage
  > The plt stated the acft failed to become airborne at the usual takeoff point & did not climb when forced into the air. The acft then settled into soft sand.
- [NTSB FTW82FRJ12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82FRJ12.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Wildsville, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Jun 21, 1982 · N90297 · Destroyed
  > The pilot took off on a local flight to spray a bean field. About 1000 ft from the end of the field was a 300 ft radio tower. The aircraft was observed to circle the bean field and circle the radio tower twice. During a procedure turn, the aircraft struck the…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?engine=41546&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
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 x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('41546'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?engine=41546&status=final

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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.
