# NTSB investigations, 1997: 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 3 · 139 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB FTW98LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA071.md): Unknown Quicksilver GT-500 · San Antonio, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 21, 1997 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > the kitplane builder's improper installation of the bolts attaching the left leading edge wing strut fitting to the leading edge spar, which resulted in the eventual failure of the fitting and the ensuing loss of control. Related factors were: the…
- [NTSB LAX98IA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98IA061.md): McDonnell Douglas MD-80 · San Francisco, CA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Dec 20, 1997 · N932AS · No damage
  > An emergency evacuation due to fumes from a failed hydraulic line that entered into the cabin.
- [NTSB ATL98LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA019.md): Siggi's Airplane Works D-4 Fascination · Leesburg, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 6, 1997 · DMSMV · Destroyed
  > structural failure of the right wing, during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent to the ground.
- [NTSB FTW98LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA060.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Lubbock, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 1, 1997 · N6661P · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate maintenance of the landing gear assembly by maintenance personnel resulting in a partial gear extension, and the pilot's misjudgment of a proper touchdown point to intentionally shut down the engine resulting in the airplane landing short of…
- [NTSB FTW98LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA059.md): Mooney M20F · Stuttgart, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 27, 1997 · N2954L · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to activate the runway lights, which led to his selection of a closed/abandoned runway for the landing. Factors relating to the accident were: the unlatched cabin door, and the lack of lighting conditions at dusk.
- [NTSB ATL98FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98FA017.md): Mark Ewart Velocity Standard RG · Florence, SC · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 26, 1997 · N907ME · Substantial damage
  > improper maintenance procedures used by the pilot/repairman, which resulted in the loosening and eventual failure of the propeller. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's self-imposed pressure to hurry to the destination, and trees in the forced…
- [NTSB SEA98LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA017.md): Bell TH-1L · Canby, OR · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 1997 · N8160G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's allowance of excessive airspeed resulting in the long-line hook impacting the tail rotor, and his allowance of an airspeed bleed-off preventing a successful run-on landing due to a loss of yaw control.
- [NTSB FTW98LA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA055.md): Piper PA-32RT-300T · Midlothian, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 23, 1997 · N21433 · Substantial damage
  > fatigue failure of the #2 cylinder fuel injection line in an area where the line was previously damaged, which resulted in an in-flight engine compartment fire and a forced landing. Related factors were: the previous damage of the fuel injector line, and the…
- [NTSB ATL98LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA022.md): Christen Industries S-2B · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 23, 1997 · N317JK · Substantial damage
  > The undetermined malfunction of the right brake and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout. A factor was the quartering tailwind.
- [NTSB MIA98IA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98IA035.md): Douglas DC-8F-55 · Miami, FL · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Nov 20, 1997 · N55FB · Minor damage
  > The inadequate overhaul of the No. 4 engine start valve resulting in the valve remaining open after engine start; and the subsequent free run state of the starter resulting in a starter overheat, disintegration and fire.
- [NTSB CHI98LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA040.md): Cessna 172 · Salem, IN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 20, 1997 · N92042 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's misjudgment of distance and altitude, while on final approach to land at night. Factors relating to the accident included: an undetermined electrical malfunction, inoperative flaps, darkness, the pilot not using the landing light, and the…
- [NTSB MIA98LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA027.md): Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 · Spruce Pine, NC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 1997 · N45018 · Substantial damage
  > The unintentional locking-up of the left brake for undetermined reasons resulting in the on ground loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the inability of the pilot to maintain directional control.
- [NTSB CHI98IA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98IA035.md): Cessna 152 · Blaine, MN · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Nov 12, 1997 · N48863 · Minor damage
  > the fracture of the flap cable as a result of fatigue cracking.
- [NTSB LAX98LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA034.md): Globe GC-1B · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 8, 1997 · N3232K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of directional control due to an inadvertent ground loop resulting from a deflated tire.
- [NTSB MIA98FA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98FA025.md): Fokker F100 · Charlotte, NC · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 7, 1997 · N865US · Substantial damage
  > Improper written instructions (job/task card) by company maintenance personnel. The procedures did not reflect the correct manufactures maintenance manual servicing procedure, and did not ensure that the proper tool (replenishing gun) was available for the…
- [NTSB FTW98FA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA044.md): Piper PA-34-200T · Myton, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 7, 1997 · N2119D · Destroyed
  > The pilot exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane which resulted in an in-flight airframe overload failure. A related factor was the dark night.
- [NTSB CHI98LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA032.md): Cessna 421A · Tomahawk, WI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 7, 1997 · N2957Q · Substantial damage
  > the elevator trim tab bolt backed out, allowing the trim tab to flutter, and destroy the elevator. The factors involved were improper annual inspection by the maintenance personnel, and the inadequate aircraft preflight done by the pilot.
- [NTSB LAX98LA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA026.md): Striplin Lone Ranger Slvr CLD · Agua Dulce, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 29, 1997 · N4478Y · Destroyed
  > Failure of the propeller system/drive assembly, and the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the ground. Inadequate maintenance/inspection of the propeller system was a contributing factor.
- [NTSB CHI98LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA027.md): Champion 7ECA · Augusta, KS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 29, 1997 · N7505F · Substantial damage
  > failure of the aircraft owner to reinstall the quick release hinge pins/safety pins, and failure of the pilot to notice the missing pins during the aircraft preflight, which resulted in separation of the main entry door during flight.
- [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 CHI98LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA020.md): Mooney M20C · St Charles, MO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 20, 1997 · N9449V · Substantial damage
  > failure of the alternator's front bearing, depletion of battery power, and failure of the emergency landing gear extension handcrank to engage during the pilot's attempt to perform the emergency procedure.
- [NTSB ATL98LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA005.md): Mooney M20C · Hendersonville, NC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 20, 1997 · N3426X · Substantial damage
  > The undetermined malfunction of the nose gear steering assembly that resulted in the loss of directional control during a full stop landing. A factor was the rough and uneven runway condition..
- [NTSB ANC98IA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98IA004.md): Cessna 208B · Kasigluk, AK · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Oct 20, 1997 · N9304F · No damage
  > inadequate inspection of the aileron by company maintenance personnel, and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the aileron, which led to the jamming of the left aileron due to loose balance weight retaining screws.
- [NTSB FTW98IA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98IA019.md): Boeing 757-222 · Seattle, WA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Oct 16, 1997 · N581UA · Minor damage
  > Maintenance personnel's failure to properly secure the left off-wing slide door after routine slide replacement, allowing an inflight separation of the slide. Factors were inadequate training of maintenance personnel and inadequate written instructions by the…
- [NTSB FTW98TA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98TA051.md): Cessna P210N · Bryce Canyon, UT · Incident · No injuries · Final report · Oct 15, 1997 · N731NX · Minor damage
  > The failure of the resistor (inverter) in the door seal pressurization air pump due to continuous operation. Factors were a failure in the door seal pressurization system, its inadequate design by the manufacturer, its inadequate written instructions for…
- [NTSB CHI98FA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98FA017.md): Beech G35 · Poplar Grove, IL · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 6, 1997 · N129B · Substantial damage
  > flutter for an undetermined reason, which resulted in structural damage to the aft fuselage.
- [NTSB NYC98LA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA006.md): Hiller UH-12C · Bennington, VT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 1997 · N49983 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the cyclic control due to an improper modification by the pilot/owner.
- [NTSB CHI98IA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98IA007.md): Boeing 737-200 · Chicago, IL · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 1997 · N129SW · Minor damage
  > an improper repair to a crack in a brake flange hole on the left main landing gear outboard axle, and subsequent fatigue failure of the axle.
- [NTSB CHI97LA306](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA306.md): Bell 47 · Pipestone, MN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 1997 · N9005T · Substantial damage
  > the fracture of the pitch control rod assembly.
- [NTSB ANC97LA157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA157.md): Cessna 180 · King Salmon, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 1997 · N4900A · Substantial damage
  > The distorted/misaligned main landing gear, and an improper maintenance repair of the main landing gear. A factor associated with the accident was rough and uneven terrain.
- [NTSB SEA97IA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97IA219.md): Boeing 737-3T0 · Seattle, WA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Sep 27, 1997 · N13331 · No damage
  > Separation of the ABSB-4 aileron bus cable, resulting in reduced lateral controllability of the aircraft. Related factors were wear in the cable and inadequate inspection of the cable by company maintenance personnel.
- [NTSB FTW97IA363](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97IA363.md): Boeing 737-200RS · Salt Lake City, UT · Incident · Minor injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 1997 · N205AU · Minor damage
  > The captain's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll. Factors were the loss of hydraulic pressure in the 'A' hydraulic system, the thrust reverser failure on the number one engine, and flight crew coordination not being maintained.
- [NTSB FTW97FA352](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA352.md): Bell 407 · Grand Isle S108 · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 1997 · N467PH · Substantial damage
  > The tail rotor blade strike(s) that severed the aft portion of the tailboom, subsequently rendering the pilot with no tail rotor control while in cruise flight. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced autorotative landing.
- [NTSB MIA97LA245](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97LA245.md): Louttit Celebrity · Ridgeland, SC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 17, 1997 · N729BL · Substantial damage
  > the in-flight failure of the upper wing spar wood resulting in a forced landing in swampy terrain.
- [NTSB ANC97TA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97TA148.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Saint Mary'S, AK · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Sep 13, 1997 · N7054 · Substantial damage
  > The excessive pressure in the brake system resulting from heating of the recently serviced hydraulic fluid in the brake master cylinders, and the resultant locked brakes and inability to maintain directional control of the airplane.
- [NTSB NYC97LA180](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA180.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Leroy, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 1997 · N2480R · Substantial damage
  > a lack of fluid in the brake reservoir, and the pilot's decision to operate the airplane with defective brakes, which led to an overrun during landing and a collision with trees.
- [NTSB NYC97FA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97FA178.md): Cessna U206B · Gilbertsville, KY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 1997 · N206KY · Destroyed
  > The improper repair of a float by maintenance personnel which resulted in the total failure of the float.
- [NTSB ANC97LA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA142.md): Maule ML-4-220C · Aniak, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 4, 1997 · N2048U · Substantial damage
  > The inadvertent swerve during landing on calm water. A factor was the pilot's lack of certification in single engine seaplanes.
- [NTSB ANC97LA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA144.md): Cessna 185 · Kotzebue, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 1997 · N185QB · Substantial damage
  > The collapse/deflation of the right main tire when the tire slipped on the tire wheel rim which resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear due to overload.
- [NTSB LAX97LA312](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA312.md): Cessna T210J · Avra Valley, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 1997 · N2280R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot became lost/disoriented during his taxiing into the ramp area. Factors in the accident were the lack of taxiway lights, the pilot's lack of familiarity with the layout of the airport, and the airport operator's failure to either identify the…
- [NTSB SEA97FA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97FA196.md): Southern Aero UH-1B · Skykomish, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 1997 · N896W · Substantial damage
  > A fatigue fracture in the main rotor mast, which resulted in an in flight separation of the main rotor from the helicopter. Contributing to the accident was insufficient Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness standards and requirements for the aircraft.
- [NTSB FTW97LA331](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA331.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Pineland, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 1997 · N9197F · Substantial damage
  > failure of the right main wheel brake, during the landing roll. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's failure (or inability) to maintain directional control of the airplane, after loss of right braking action.
- [NTSB FTW97LA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA328.md): Fingerhut Revolution Mini 500 · Huffman, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 1997 · N570F · Substantial damage
  > The disengagement of the helicopter's collective control tube due to improper installation by the builder. Factors were the lack of sufficient information provided by the kit manufacturer and the pilot's inability to cushion the landing.
- [NTSB FTW97FA330](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA330.md): Southwest Florida SW204 · Manila, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 1997 · N482SA · Destroyed
  > Fatigue failure of the main rotor blade resulting in the in-flight separation of the main rotor system due to the use of an unairworthy blade, and failure of the maintenance personnel who modified the rotor blade and the mechanic who complied with the…
- [NTSB LAX97IA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97IA300.md): Airbus Industrie A300 B4-203 · Los Angeles, CA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 1997 · N862PA · Minor damage
  > Separation of the landing gear tire tread and subsequent ingestion of the tread into the intake of the engine.
- [NTSB FTW97LA326](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA326.md): Bell 206B · Oak Grove, LA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 23, 1997 · N7929J · Substantial damage
  > The disconnect of the #5 tail rotor drive segment due to the debonding of the joint between the shaft tube and the flange fitting. Factors were the improper bead blasting of the tail rotor drive segment by an unknown maintenance personnel, and the lack of…
- [NTSB CHI97LA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA266.md): Swearingen SA226TC · Des Moines, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 1997 · N224AM · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision and failure to perform the emergency procedure for shut-down of the right engine. Factors relating to the accident were: the power lever cable became disconnected from the fuel control unit, due to improper…
- [NTSB FTW97IA305](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97IA305.md): Saab-Scania 340B · Lafayette, LA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1997 · N313AE · Minor damage
  > The failure of the AC generator due to the failure of the anti-drive end bearing.
- [NTSB LAX97FA276](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97FA276.md): Lockheed L-1011-385-1-15 · Honolulu, HI · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 1997 · N740DA · Minor damage
  > the cumulative distance taxied immediately prior to takeoff that precipitated an excessive heat buildup in the tires and resulted in the bead separation of a single tire during the takeoff roll. The absence of cockpit procedures/directives or monitoring…
- [NTSB CHI97FA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97FA248.md): Valley Adventurers Adventurer 333 · Fond Du Lac, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 1997 · N323VA · Destroyed
  > The kit manufacturer's use of inadequate material in construction of the airplane, his inadequate application of quality controls resulting in the debonding of the horizontal stabilizer. Factors were the total loss of the horizontal stabilizer, the elevator,…

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?year=1997&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 year(c."eventDate") = 1997
  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?occurrence=130&year=1997

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