# Fatal NTSB investigations: 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. Page 1 of 14 · 656 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB NYC08FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA051.md): Beech 60 · New Castle, DE · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 4, 2007 · N105PP · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a split flap takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident were the failure of the right flap drive mechanism and the pilot's failure to verify that both flaps were… - [NTSB DFW08FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08FA038.md): Cessna T210M · Tulsa, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 28, 2007 · N3NG · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power transmission line(s). Contributing to the accident were the loss of aircraft electrical power, diverted attention, and the night conditions. - [NTSB DFW08FA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08FA031.md): Piper PA-28R-200 · Ranger, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 2007 · N55307 · Destroyed > The pilot's intentional performance of aerobatic maneuvers that exceeded the design limits of the airplane structure. - [NTSB LAX08LA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA024.md): North Wing Mustang II 17.5 · Tracy, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 26, 2007 · UNREG · Substantial damage > Failure or disconnection of a wing support/brace assembly for undetermined reasons during an undetermined phase of flight. - [NTSB MIA08FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08FA003.md): Bellanca 7GCBC · Newton, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 2007 · N62970 · Substantial damage > The failure of the right wing wooden spar due while the airplane was in cruise flight, due to the mechanic's inadequate annual inspection and his failure to comply with an airworthiness directive. - [NTSB ANC07FA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC07FA109.md): Helio H-295 · King Salmon, AK · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 1, 2007 · N295BA · Substantial damage > A corrosion-induced fatigue fracture of the airplane's left wing to fuselage attachment cap fitting, which resulted in a partial separation of the left wing, and an uncontrolled descent. - [NTSB SEA07LA259](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07LA259.md): Rose Peregrine · Reno, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 12, 2007 · N13NG · Substantial damage > The overspeed of the modified racing engine during takeoff that created an oil mist on the exhaust and smoke, and the pilot's failure to maintain a speed above stall speed (Vs) during his attempted emergency landing. Contributing to the accident was the… - [NTSB DFW07FA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07FA198.md): Fairchild Hiller FH-1100 · Hosston, LA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 12, 2007 · N313BG · Destroyed > The in-flight separation of the main rotor mast while in cruise flight following a mast bumping event. The reason for the mast bumping event was not determined. - [NTSB CHI07LA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07LA273.md): Terpstra Exec 162F · Winamac, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2007 · N428JT · Substantial damage > The inadequate installation of the horizontal stabilizer bracket by the pilot, the fatigue fracture seperation of vertical stabilizer bracket during cruise flight, and the aircraft control not possible by the pilot. - [NTSB SEA07LA217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07LA217.md): Taylorcraft BF12 · West Linn, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2007 · N13060 · Substantial damage > The corrosion, fatigue fracture, and subsequent separation of the left wing lift strut attachment fitting. Also causal was the inadequate maintenance and annual inspection by the owner/pilot/mechanic. - [NTSB CHI07LA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07LA191.md): Piper PA-22-135 · Johnson, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 2007 · N3737A · Substantial damage > The failure of the left wing's lift strut, which resulted in the separation of the left wing, and the subsequent airplane control not being possible. Factors were the overdue annual inspection, the overdue compliance with an Airworthiness Directive on the… - [NTSB CHI07MA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07MA160.md): Cessna 550 · Milwaukee, WI · Accident · 6 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Jun 4, 2007 · N550BP · Destroyed > The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the pilots’ mismanagement of an abnormal flight control situation through improper actions, including failing to control airspeed and to prioritize control of the… - [NTSB MIA07FA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA07FA098.md): Hughes 369A · Moulton, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 13, 2007 · N468WE · Destroyed > The separation of a main rotor blade from its tension torsion bar for an undetermined reason. - [NTSB ATL07FA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL07FA083.md): Cessna 182Q · Asheville, NC · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 4, 2007 · N735DP · Substantial damage > The failure of the directional gyro and attitude indicator due to a vacuum system leak caused by a loose fitting. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to execute a partial panel, no-gyro approach. - [NTSB ATL07FA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL07FA077.md): Beech 58 · Hamilton, GA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 22, 2007 · N5647C · Destroyed > The pilot's exceeding the design stress limits of the airplane while performing aerobatics in a nonaerobatic airplane, which resulted in an in-flight overload failure of the airframe. A factor in the accident was the pilot's decision to perform aerobatics. - [NTSB CHI07LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07LA104.md): Piper PA-22-108 · Ava, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 16, 2007 · N4712Z · Substantial damage > The failure of the aileron cable eye splice during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident were improper installation and service of the crimped cable sleeve, which rendered the airplane uncontrollable. - [NTSB SEA07LA090](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07LA090.md): Burton Fly Baby · Arlington, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 4, 2007 · N101LX · Substantial damage > The pilot exceeding the design stress limits of the aircraft while maneuvering in intentional aerobatics. - [NTSB ATL07LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL07LA066.md): Szybowcowy Zaklad Do SZD-36A · Sylacauga, AL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 31, 2007 · N6SZ · Substantial damage > The pilot's improper installation of the left wing attachment pin, which allowed it to disengage during cruise flight, resulting in wing separation. - [NTSB LAX07LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07LA118.md): Ryan Navion A · Los Banos, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 30, 2007 · N4369K · Destroyed > the pilot's intentional performance of aerobatic maneuvers that exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane structure. Also causal was the pilot's impairment due to the effects of alcohol consumption. Contributory was the pilot's impairment due to the… - [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 ATL07LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL07LA054.md): James Walter Hornet · Talbotton, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 18, 2007 · N7XS · Substantial damage > The failure of the right main fuel line, resulting in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power. - [NTSB CHI07MA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07MA083.md): McDonnell Douglas 369FF · Haena, HI · Accident · 1 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Mar 11, 2007 · N911VC · Substantial damage > The fatigue failure of the tail rotor blade root fitting due to a manufacturing defect which resulted in the separation of the tail rotor system and loss of tail rotor control. A contributing factor to the accident were the trees that the helicopter struck… - [NTSB CHI07LA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07LA080.md): Wood Quickie Q-2 · Edwardsville, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 5, 2007 · N89WW · Substantial damage > The loss of engine power during cruise due to loose cylinder head bolts/loose cylinders. - [NTSB LAX07FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07FA026.md): Aircraft Mfg & Dev. CH601XL Slsa · Yuba City, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 4, 2006 · N158MD · Destroyed > In-flight structural failure of the horizontal stabilizer and wings for undetermined reasons. - [NTSB CHI07FA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07FA016.md): Cessna 175 · Battle Creek, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 2, 2006 · N9408B · Substantial damage > A loss of engine power while in cruise flight due to an oil leak from the nose seal of the reduction gear case. Contributing to the accident were the oil leak, the pilot's reduced visibility out the windscreen, and rising terrain. - [NTSB LAX07FA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07FA012.md): Piper PA-42 · Prescott, AZ · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 18, 2006 · N121CS · Destroyed > The failure of the pilot following a jet aircraft to maintain adequate separation from the high velocity jet core exhaust. The separation of the T-tail upper section vertical stabilizer of the following aircraft due to contact with the high velocity jet core… - [NTSB DFW07FA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07FA004.md): Aero Commander 690A · Antlers, OK · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 2006 · N55JS · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to reduce airspeed while operating in an area of moderate turbulence, resulting in an in-flight break up. Contributing factors were the pilot's decision to exceed the maximum takeoff weight, and the prevailing turbulence. - [NTSB CHI06LA268](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06LA268.md): Windler Tri Q2 · Branson, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 2006 · N6628K · Destroyed > Fatigue failure, originating in an area of surface corrosion, of the right elevator mid span hinge pin and the subsequent failure of the elevator torque tube. Additional causes are the separation of the elevator from the airframe due to the hinge pin and… - [NTSB DEN06LA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN06LA116.md): Baker RV-3AB · Laramie, WY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 2006 · N43EM · Destroyed > The in-flight failure of the right wing spar during aerobatic flight. Contributing to the accident was the owner/operator's failure to comply with the service bulletin issued by the kit manufacturer. - [NTSB LAX06GA254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06GA254.md): Aviation International Rotors CH-54A · Happy Camp, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · Aug 5, 2006 · N6156U · Substantial damage > The fatigue failure of tail rotor blade spindle, which resulted in the separation of the blade and tail rotor gearbox. - [NTSB SEA06FA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06FA146.md): Spectrum Aeronautical 33 · Spanish Fork, UT · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 2006 · N322LA · Destroyed > Incorrect installation by company maintenance personnel of the aft upper torque tube bell crank resulting in roll control that was opposite to that commanded in the cockpit. Contributing factors were the lack of maintenance documentation detailing the… - [NTSB CHI06LA190](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06LA190.md): Armpriest Breezy · South Haven, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 15, 2006 · N316DA · Substantial damage > The inadvertent stall by pilot during climb following propeller blade damage from the compartment door separation after takeoff. The low altitude and airspeed not maintained by the pilot were additional causes. Contributing factors were the compartment door… - [NTSB MIA06FA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA06FA120.md): Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 · Fort Pierce, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 2006 · N316PR · Destroyed > the pilot’s loss of aircraft control during the initial climb which was precipitated by the sudden loss of thrust and increase in drag from the right engine, and the pilot’s failure to adhere to the published emergency procedures regarding the position of the… - [NTSB MIA06FA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA06FA117.md): Beech 65-A90-1 · Tampa, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 2006 · N7043G · Destroyed > The poor in-flight planning decision by the captain for his failure to establish the airplane on a stabilized approach for a forced landing, resulting in the airplane landing on a taxiway near the departure end of the runway. Contributing to the accident were… - [NTSB DEN06LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN06LA039.md): Spane RV-4 · Wichita, KS · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 17, 2006 · N437T · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate preparation prior to takeoff, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane resulting in a stall and subsequent crash. Factors contributing to the accident were the unsecured canopy latch, the pilot's diverted attention, and the… - [NTSB LAX06LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06LA105.md): Hooker Zodiac 601XL · Oakdale, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 8, 2006 · N105RH · Destroyed > the structural failure of the wings for undetermined reasons. - [NTSB DCA06MA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA06MA010.md): Grumman G-73T · Miami, FL · Accident · 20 fatal · Class 1 · Major · Final report · Dec 19, 2005 · N2969 · Destroyed > The in-flight failure and separation of the right wing during normal flight, which resulted from (1) the failure of the Chalk's Ocean Airways maintenance program to identify and properly repair fatigue cracks in the right wing and (2) the failure of the… - [NTSB CHI05FA272](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05FA272.md): Mitsubishi MU-2B-36 · West Memphis, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 23, 2005 · N103RC · Destroyed > The pilot's improper in-flight decision not to land at the departure runway or other available airports during the emergency descent, and his failure to maintain clearance from a vehicle and terrain. Contributing factors were a false engine fire warning… - [NTSB DFW05FA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05FA242.md): Akro Tech Aviation Inc. Giles G-300 · Yukon, OK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 2005 · N300NW · Destroyed > The catastrophic separation of the canopy as result of the failure of the forward canopy hinge while performing aerobatics and the subsequent incapacitation of the pilot. - [NTSB SEA05LA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05LA188.md): Kirner Fisher FP404 · Prineville, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 2005 · UNREG · Substantial damage > The design stress limits of the aircraft were exceeded resulting in a wing separation while the pilot was accomplishing maneuvers of hard banking turns, spins and steep descents. - [NTSB CHI05LA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05LA243.md): Allensworth Baby Belle · El Dara, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 2005 · N9094P · Destroyed > The manufacturer failed to specify a relief radius on the tail rotor spindle drawings, which resulted in the spindle being manufactured with an inadequate relief radius at the point of fatigue failure. - [NTSB NYC05LA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC05LA096.md): Hall Maxair Drifter · Gloucester, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 2005 · N9238V · Substantial damage > The in-flight separation of the empennage, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent impact with the ground. - [NTSB ATL05FA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL05FA079.md): North American SNJ-6 · Kissimmee, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 9, 2005 · N453WA · Substantial damage > The failure of the outboard right-wing lower attachment bracket due to fatigue cracking and the subsequent in-flight separation of the right wing assembly. - [NTSB MIA05LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA05LA046.md): Cessna 172M · Orlando, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 11, 2005 · N9336H · Substantial damage > The failure of the CFI to initiate a precautionary landing after noticing zero oil pressure with corresponding oil temperature increase, resulting in total loss of engine power due to oil exhaustion. A contributing factor in the accident was the failure of… - [NTSB DFW05LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05LA043.md): Akers Douglas RA40 Defiant · Slaton, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 2004 · N765MM · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing factors were the opening of the canopy in-flight and the pilot's diverted attention. - [NTSB LAX05FA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05FA046.md): Cessna T207A · Meadview, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 8, 2004 · N1783U · Destroyed > a loss of control due to the in-flight separation of the right elevator and elevator trim tab control surfaces. The precipitating reason for the elevator separation could not be resolved as related to the tab foam core issue with the available evidence. - [NTSB DEN05FA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN05FA032.md): Beech A45 · Montgomery, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 7, 2004 · N141SW · Destroyed > the in-flight separation of the left wing as a result of extensive fatigue cracking throughout the wing carry-through structure. - [NTSB SEA05FA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05FA022.md): Cessna 185F · Renton, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 5, 2004 · N532PC · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control when the flaps became jammed/stuck in their full-down position during a takeoff from a touch-and-go landing. Factors include a worn/disconnected flap latch mechanism, and the flaps being unable to be retracted. - [NTSB SEA05LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05LA133.md): Aero Vodochody Aero. Works L-39C · Hyak, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 19, 2004 · N39TJ · Destroyed > The loss of aircraft control during climb to cruise due to an undetermined flight control malfunction. - [NTSB NYC04FA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04FA197.md): Robinson R-22 · Northport, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 2004 · N871CL · Substantial damage > An improper maneuver by the flightcrew while attempting to avoid a kite, which resulted in mast bumping, the separation of the main rotor system, and a subsequent uncontrolled descent into water. Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?fatal=1&occurrence=130&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."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE 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?fatal=1&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.