# NTSB investigations, 1998: 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 · 135 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CHI99LA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA057.md): Mooney M20E · Tryon, NE · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 31, 1998 · N333WS · Substantial damage
  > other maintenance personnel's not correcting a loose cylinder assembly. Factors were loose engine cylinder assembly, fractured cylinder mounting hardware, the roadway, and road sign.
- [NTSB LAX99LA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA061.md): Ercoupe 415-C · San Ysabel, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 1998 · N99371 · Substantial damage
  > A fatigue fracture of the crankshaft and the resulting separation of the propeller.
- [NTSB LAX99FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99FA051.md): Learjet 55B · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 1998 · N554CL · Substantial damage
  > the total loss of electrical power due to the flight crew's failure to complete the engine start checklist, or the electrical power failure checklist, which kept the generators off line and resulted in the complete discharged of both batteries. Also causal to…
- [NTSB MIA99IA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA99IA046.md): Boeing 737-232 · Orlando, FL · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 1998 · N327DL · Minor damage
  > A discharged battery due to a loss of electrolyte, and the latent shorted failures of the No. 1 and 2 generator control unit (GCU) blocking diodes (CR910) for undetermined reasons. These failures resulted in an excessive current drawn from both GCUs, during…
- [NTSB SEA99LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA020.md): Garlick UH-1H · Darrington, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 14, 1998 · N94NW · Substantial damage
  > The total separation of the vertical fin (stabilizer), as the result of fatigue cracks which initiated in the fourth rivet hole above where the fin extends from the tailboom.
- [NTSB CHI99LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA045.md): Beech 58 · Ankeny, IA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 3, 1998 · N7278R · Substantial damage
  > the elevator control system jammed for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ATL99LA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL99LA024.md): Beech 33-F33A · Fernandina Bch, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 28, 1998 · N69FL · Substantial damage
  > The Pilot's failure to maintain flying airspeed that resulted in a loss of control and an inadvertent stall. Factors were several electrical system component malfunction.
- [NTSB FTW99LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA045.md): Lockheed L-1329 · Austin, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 27, 1998 · N787WB · Substantial damage
  > The steering actuator fatigue failure resulting from inadequate procedure documentation for the manufacturing process.
- [NTSB LAX99LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA040.md): Grumman-Schweizer G-164C · Oroville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 1998 · N6596K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to attempt readjustment of the rudder pedal in-flight.
- [NTSB FTW99LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA034.md): Stanton Staros SA 260 · Marion, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 24, 1998 · N540HC · Destroyed
  > The fuel leak for an undetermined reason which resulted in an in-flight fire.
- [NTSB NYC99FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99FA026.md): Cessna 414A · Mattapoisett, MA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 20, 1998 · N6820J · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after an undetermined failure of the airplane's attitude indicator. A factor in this accident was fog.
- [NTSB DEN99LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99LA020.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Erie, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 1998 · N8236Z · Destroyed
  > The shorting of the aluminum battery wire and the subsequent failure of the fuel line. Factors were the weak/deteriorated battery, the insufficient information in the airplane's POH about charging an airplane's battery, and the fire in the crew compartment.
- [NTSB SEA99FA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99FA013.md): Hiller UH-12E · Marshall, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 10, 1998 · N752GB · Destroyed
  > The loss of the bolt that connects the lateral cyclic linkage push rod to the lower end of the upper firewall-mounted lateral cyclic linkage bellcrank, resulting in an uncontrolled descent into the terrain.
- [NTSB ATL99IA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL99IA015.md): McDonnell Douglas MD-11 · Atlanta, GA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Nov 9, 1998 · N811DE · Minor damage
  > Failure of the Company's maintenance personnel to follow the aircraft's maintenance manual which resulted in a cargo bin fire. Contributing to the severity of the incident was the failure of the mechanic to safety the circuit breaker, and the cut/severed…
- [NTSB MIA99LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA99LA030.md): Cessna 172N · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 7, 1998 · N1901S · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot-in-command to note that the flaps did not retract while the pilot-rated student performed a touch-and-go landing on a 6,001 foot-long runway. Factors in the accident were the total failure of the flap system for undetermined reasons…
- [NTSB NYC99IA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99IA024.md): Boeing 737-3TO · Newark, NJ · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 1998 · N12318 · Minor damage
  > A loss of torque on the apex nut of the shimmy damper for undetermined reason(s), which resulted in a failure of the shimmy damper, and the subsequent failure of the lower torsion link of the right main landing gear.
- [NTSB CHI99LA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA016.md): Cessna 310I · Janesville, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 2, 1998 · N8069M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection in which he failed to remove the tow bar from the nose gear. Also causal was his misjudgment of distance and altitude from the runway which resulted in both his premature shutdown of the engines and an undershoot of…
- [NTSB DCA99MA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA99MA007.md): Boeing 737-200 · Atlanta, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Major investigation · Final report · Nov 1, 1998 · EICJW · Substantial damage
  > (1) the capping of the incorrect hydraulic line by mechanics, which led to the failure of hydraulic system A; (2) the mechanics' lack of experience working with the Boeing 737 hydraulic system; and (3) the maintenance controller's failure to ascertain more…
- [NTSB CHI99LA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA012.md): Hiller UH-12C · Clinton, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 1998 · N9739C · Substantial damage
  > the failure of the 90 degree gearbox for reasons undetermined. Factors were the failure of the gearbox, and it not being possible for the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft.
- [NTSB FTW99FA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99FA016.md): Kolb Twinstar TA-2 · Bryan, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 23, 1998 · N4281Z · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control as result of the partial separation of the elevator trim tab resulting in the inability to maintain aircraft control. A factor was the improper design and installation of the elevator trim tab.
- [NTSB LAX99IA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99IA013.md): Boeing MD-11 · Honolulu, HI · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Oct 21, 1998 · N581FE · No damage
  > A jammed spoiler control pulley system caused by a shop rag left in an area of recent maintenance. Neither the maintenance organization nor the mechanic responsible could be determined.
- [NTSB IAD99LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD99LA003.md): Piper PA-34 · Teteboro, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 1998 · N1025U · Substantial damage
  > the collapse of the landing gear due to a bent gear locking mechanism for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB MIA98LA254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA254.md): Bell 47-D1 · Oxford, MS · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 1998 · N755E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control due to vibration from the main rotor blade for undetermined reasons. A related finding was the improper repair of a crack in the laminant of the blue main rotor blade by other maintenance personnel.
- [NTSB SEA98LA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA178.md): Cessna 414 · Burley, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 28, 1998 · CGLHP · Substantial damage
  > A brake system failure for undetermined reasons. An intentional ground loop was a factor.
- [NTSB FTW98LA412](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA412.md): Cessna 152 · Durango, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 27, 1998 · N4568F · Substantial damage
  > Improper maintenance by an unknown person and the subsequent throttle cable disconnect due to a castellated nut separation. Factors were the none suitable soft terrain for the forced landing, and the failure of the nose wheel landing gear during the landing…
- [NTSB LAX98FA305](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA305.md): O'Neil VAN'S RV-3 · Arbuckle, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 1998 · N244WW · Destroyed
  > The pilot's attempt to continue VFR flight in instrument conditions, which led to his spatial disorientation and in-flight loss of aircraft control, and, resulted in a pilot-induced overload failure of the airframe. The pilot's use of quinine may have been a…
- [NTSB ANC98LA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98LA164.md): Grumman S2F-1 · Wasilla, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 1998 · N8115V · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the recently overhauled right brake seal resulting in a total loss of brake fluid, failure of the right brake system, and subsequent inability of the pilot to utilize the brake. A contributing factor was the soft terrain.
- [NTSB LAX98LA299](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA299.md): Cessna 185E · Mesa, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 20, 1998 · N1613M · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the wheel assembly retention nuts and subsequent wheel separation.
- [NTSB ATL98LA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA123.md): Vertical Concepts Searey · Hiawassee, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 1998 · N39CS · Substantial damage
  > The delamination of the hull that resulted in a nose over during landing.
- [NTSB MIA98LA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA230.md): Bell 47D1 · Dawson, GA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 1998 · N4702S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing resulting in debris being blown up during landing resulting in damage to the tail rotor and loss of control.
- [NTSB CHI98LA342](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA342.md): MBB BK-117 · Topeka, KS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 1998 · N230H · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to assure the engine cowling was secured during the aircraft preflight which resulted in the cowling separating from the helicopter and damaging the main rotor and tail rotor system. Factors associated with the accident were the cowling…
- [NTSB CHI98LA341](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA341.md): Cessna 210D · Sturgis, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 1998 · N524BL · Substantial damage
  > the cracked left main landing gear saddle, resulting in the pilot's inability to get the gear into the down and locked position.
- [NTSB NYC98LA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA172.md): Ekstrom-Farrington Twinstar · Paducah, KY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 25, 1998 · N72DE · Substantial damage
  > Failure of a through-bolt that attached the lateral control arms to the yoke assembly, due to unanticipated rotor brake forces through the flight control system.
- [NTSB CHI98LA326](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA326.md): Cessna 150B · Lamar, MO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 21, 1998 · N1239Y · Substantial damage
  > inadequate lubrication of the torque plate holes and torque pins by the mechanic who performed the airplane's last annual inspection.
- [NTSB CHI98FA323](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98FA323.md): Bell 222 · Spencer, IA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 21, 1998 · N30SV · Destroyed
  > The below standard (loose) fit of the 'white' swashplate outer ring pin resulting in fatigue and subsequent separation of the pin, and ultimately the in-flight breakup of the rotorcraft. A factor was the manufacturer's dissemination of the pin which did not…
- [NTSB FTW98LA368](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA368.md): Massey Christen Eagle II · Galveston, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 1998 · N72BJ · Substantial damage
  > The inflight structural failure of the wing spars for the lower wings due to an undetermined reason.
- [NTSB ATL98LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA118.md): Piper PA-30-39 · Greenville, NC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 1998 · N7298Y · Substantial damage
  > A loose wiring connection at the landing gear motor relay that prevented the electrical extension of the landing gear.
- [NTSB FTW98FA364](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA364.md): Beech 1900D · Denver, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 1998 · N251GL · Substantial damage
  > Debonding of the propeller erosion shield due to an improper overhaul and repair by other maintenance personnel.
- [NTSB FTW98IA361](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98IA361.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Denver, CO · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 1998 · N66906 · Minor damage
  > A hydraulic failure due to a ruptured hydraulic line, preventing the extension of the nose and right main landing gear.
- [NTSB SEA98LA166](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA166.md): Cessna 175 · Missoula, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 15, 1998 · N8512X · Substantial damage
  > A complete loss of crankcase oil due to a missing oil filler tube followed by the failure of a connecting rod. Factors include encountering a small pine tree during the landing roll.
- [NTSB MIA98LA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA226.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Conway, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 15, 1998 · N3981Z · Substantial damage
  > The total failure of the left wing forward and aft attachment fitting due to corrosion and fatigue during a banner tow pick-up resulting in a subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ANC98TA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98TA125.md): Bell 206B II · Chickaloon, AK · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 15, 1998 · N70711 · Substantial damage
  > A fracture of the main rotor drag pin assembly.
- [NTSB SEA98LA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA162.md): Cessna T337E · Hillsboro, OR · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 13, 1998 · N78SC · Substantial damage
  > The disengagement of the pilot seat forward and aft movement locking pin, followed by the pilot's seat sliding to the rear of the seat track.
- [NTSB SEA98LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA158.md): Cessna 182 · Yellowpine, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 1998 · N6437A · Substantial damage
  > Right main landing gear spring strut fatigue, improper maintenance, and subsequent separation of the strut end.
- [NTSB ATL98LA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA102.md): Piper PA-22 · New Bern, NC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 1998 · N1266C · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the inner cable of the carburetor heat cable assembly that prevented the application of carburetor heat. Factors were conditions favorable for the formation of carburetor ice.
- [NTSB MIA98LA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA218.md): Schweizer SGS 1-34 · Pensacola, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 1998 · N7631 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain a proper sink rate during an emergency landing resulting in impact with trees and subsequent stall and impact with the terrain.
- [NTSB LAX98TA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98TA251.md): Aero Commander 690 · Ely, NV · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Jul 28, 1998 · N349AC · Substantial damage
  > The failure and separation of the left main gear wheel halves due to overload as a result of excessive air pressure. A contributing factor was the inadequate maintenance/service of the main gear tires.
- [NTSB CHI98LA281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA281.md): Luckey Dragonfly II · Caro, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 1998 · N14U · Substantial damage
  > an improper inflight decision when he mistook the road for the runway of the nearby airport to land on. A factor in this accident was the total failure of the engine's crankshaft.
- [NTSB SEA98LA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA146.md): Garlick UH-1H · Libby, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 1998 · N83NW · Substantial damage
  > A failure of the external load cable, which became entangled in the tail rotor.
- [NTSB CHI98LA272](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA272.md): Cessna 140 · Falls City, NE · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 23, 1998 · N76601 · Substantial damage
  > the main landing gear leg fracturing and separating from the portion mounted to the fuselage for undetermined reasons.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?year=1998&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") = 1998
  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=1998

---
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.