# NTSB investigations, CA: Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf 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 8 · 357 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB SEA08LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08LA033.md): Beech A36 · El Centro, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 14, 2007 · N435M · Substantial damage > The failure of maintenance personnel to properly secure the #2 cylinder through bolts. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for landing. - [NTSB LAX07TA277](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07TA277.md): Air Tractor AT-802A · Big Bear City, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Sep 17, 2007 · N91357 · Substantial damage > Loss of engine power while maneuvering due to the failure of the number 1 bearing that was caused by electrical discharge damage to the bearing originating from the starter-generator. Contributing to the accident was the operator's failure to follow the… - [NTSB LAX07LA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07LA236.md): Cessna R172K · Goleta, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 2, 2007 · N458BJ · Substantial damage > The oil starvation and failure of the number one piston connecting rod and bearing that was due to the fragmentation of the number 2 main bearing, which then obstructed the engine oil pickup tube and restricted the flow of oil through the engine. - [NTSB LAX07LA234](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07LA234.md): Piper PA-24-260 · Ramona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2007 · N8637P · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to a short circuit between both magneto ground leads. A factor in the accident was the inadequate annual/100-hour maintenance inspection regarding the wires. - [NTSB LAX07LA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07LA218.md): Clement Zenith Zodiac CH601 · Rosamond, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 2007 · N239PC · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power during approach due to the improper idle screw/stop adjustment. A factor contributing to the accident was deteriorated fuel. - [NTSB SEA07LA204](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07LA204.md): Air Tractor AT-502A · Chowchilla, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 30, 2007 · N6176L · Substantial damage > The loss of engine power as the result of the fatigue fracture and separation of two compressor turbine blades, which induced a catastrophic failure of the compressor turbine section. - [NTSB SEA07LA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07LA172.md): Cessna 177RG · Oceanside, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 19, 2007 · N2144Q · Substantial damage > The improper installation of the propeller governor (gasket) by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a oil exhaustion induced total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. - [NTSB SEA07CA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07CA144.md): Billings/Humbyrd Thorpe T-18 · Corona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 4, 2007 · N45BH · Substantial damage > A loss of engine power during the initial climb due to a fuel system malfunction. The pilot's incorrect maintenance modification to the fuel system and continued operation with known deficiencies were factors. - [NTSB LAX07CA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07CA181.md): Dutton Air Camper · Atwater, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 1, 2007 · N86698 · Substantial damage > a loss of power due to the failure of the number 2 connecting rod. - [NTSB LAX07CA146](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07CA146.md): Cessna 177RG · Perris, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 30, 2007 · N177R · Substantial damage > a loss of engine power while in cruise flight due to an improperly installed magneto housing by the owner/pilot. - [NTSB LAX07LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07LA031.md): Ryan Navion B · Riverside, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 12, 2006 · N5348K · Substantial damage > A leak in the fuel selector valve and gascolator that resulted in fuel starvation on takeoff due to air leakage into the fuel system. A contributing factor in the accident was the inadequate annual inspection performed by other maintenance personnel. - [NTSB LAX07LA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07LA016.md): Cessna 152 · Prunedale, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 22, 2006 · N45929 · Substantial damage > Total loss of engine power due to failure of connecting rod cap during cruise flight for undetermined reasons. - [NTSB LAX07LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07LA005.md): Robinson R22 Beta · Upland, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 2006 · N821SH · Substantial damage > Disconnection of the throttle control linkage due to improper maintenance, which resulted in a loss of engine power during initial climb. - [NTSB LAX07LA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07LA004.md): Grumman American AA-5B · Oakdale, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 2006 · N39ER · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power resulting from lubrication deprivation for undetermined reasons. - [NTSB ENG06IA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG06IA018.md): Boeing 767-223(ER) · Los Angeles, CA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jun 2, 2006 · N330AA · Substantial damage > The HPT stage 1 disk failed from an intergranular fatigue crack because of GE's inadequate design of the CF6-80 series HPT stage 1 disk. The inadequate design of the disk resulted in a high stress area in the blade slot bottom aft corner that was at or nearly… - [NTSB LAX06FA129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06FA129.md): Beech A36 · Santa Monica, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 13, 2006 · N16JR · Substantial damage > The failure of an aviation maintenance technician to properly torque and cotter pin the number 2 connecting rod bolts at their attach point to the crankshaft, which resulted in the separation of the connecting rod in flight, and complete power loss. - [NTSB LAX06LA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06LA103.md): Harwood Kenneth Lancair 360A · Thermal, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 6, 2006 · N15KH · Substantial damage > A loss of engine power caused by the separation of the number three cylinder due to the improper torque on the hold down nuts. - [NTSB LAX06LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06LA094.md): Cessna T210N · Mariposa, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 24, 2006 · N4791C · Substantial damage > The failure of the maintenance personnel to follow the procedures in the TCM maintenance manual and adequately torque the engine through-bolts, which led to the separation of the No. 6 cylinder and the catastrophic failure of the engine. - [NTSB LAX06LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06LA048.md): Cessna 182A · San Diego, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 27, 2005 · N3936D · Substantial damage > The failure of the camshaft due to fatigue of one of the gear teeth, which resulted in a loss of engine power. Factors were the fence and the fence post. - [NTSB LAX05LA319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05LA319.md): Rose Kitfox · Hesperia, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 27, 2005 · N656T · Substantial damage > a loss of engine power due to a loose master ignition relay wire. - [NTSB LAX05LA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05LA273.md): Piper PA-18-105 · Palos Verdes, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 2005 · N294T · Destroyed > a loss of engine power due to the cyclic fatigue failure and separation of the number 4 piston. - [NTSB LAX05FA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05FA264.md): San Joaquin Helicopters OH-58A+ · Lancaster, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 2005 · N177SJ · Substantial damage > The pinion to turbine shaft coupling failed in fatigue due to a misaligned turbine shaft, which resulted in a loss of engine power. - [NTSB LAX05GA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05GA231.md): Eurocopter France EC120B · Fair Oaks, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · Jul 14, 2005 · N266SD · Destroyed > The failure of the constant delta P diaphragm in the fuel control unit, which resulted in an increased fuel flow and subsequent catastrophic failure of the engine. The diaphragm's failure was the result of improper installation by the engine manufacturer. A… - [NTSB LAX05LA208](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05LA208.md): Beech C35 · Pasadena, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 2005 · N5813C · Substantial damage > a fuel starvation induced loss of engine power due a failure of the electric fuel pump. A factor in the accident was the dark night lighting conditions. - [NTSB LAX05LA172](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05LA172.md): Republic RC-3 · Geyserville, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 14, 2005 · N6292K · Substantial damage > A loss of engine power due to failure of the number 1 connecting rod bearing due to a probable oil starvation. - [NTSB LAX05LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05LA140.md): Beech 35-C33A · Paso Robles, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 20, 2005 · N299X · Substantial damage > the separation of the number 4 engine cylinder due to improperly torqued cylinder hold down nuts. A finding in this accident was the lack of a shoulder restraint system in the airplane, which contributed to the occupants' injuries. - [NTSB LAX05LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05LA070.md): Cessna 150H · Pauma Valley, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 16, 2005 · N22562 · Substantial damage > the loss of engine power due to an undetermined obstruction in the vent system for the fuel tanks and failure of the fuel caps to vent. - [NTSB LAX04IA311](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04IA311.md): Sikorsky S-70A · Pacoima, CA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Aug 30, 2004 · N160LA · Minor damage > the failure of the operator's mechanics to install the turboshaft engine's forward curvic seal during a gas generator turbine (GGT) replacement. Contributing factors to the incident were the failure of the manufacturer to provide a forward curvic seal with… - [NTSB LAX04LA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA292.md): American Champion 7ECA · Manchester, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 15, 2004 · N11037 · Substantial damage > maintenance personnel's failure to adequately torque the top spark plug on the number one cylinder, which resulted in a separation of that plug and a loss of engine power. - [NTSB LAX04LA280](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA280.md): Piper PA-32RT-300 · Ontario, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 2004 · N5GC · Substantial damage > a catastrophic engine failure due to the overheating of a connecting rod bearing, and the resulting failure of the rod, for undetermined reasons. - [NTSB LAX04LA257](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA257.md): Ercoupe 415-C · Castaic, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 10, 2004 · N2542H · Substantial damage > a catastrophic engine failure due to oil exhaustion, which was caused by the failure of maintenance personnel to completely tighten the oil screen. - [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 LAX04LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA228.md): Wilson Avid Bandit · Paso Robles, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 28, 2004 · N55368 · Substantial damage > the loss of engine power during takeoff climb due to a cold seizure of the rear cylinder. - [NTSB LAX04TA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04TA202.md): Bell OH-58A+ · Bakersfield, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · May 4, 2004 · N397E · Substantial damage > loss of engine power due to the separation of the diaphragm portion of the repaired second-stage turbine nozzle from the rim portion due to the use of an inadequate cleaning method to clean the joint prior to the braze repair during overhaul by the… - [NTSB LAX04LA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA171.md): Maule M-7-260C · Paso Robles, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 28, 2004 · N99KJ · Substantial damage > fuel system vapor lock due to the failure of the left exhaust stack clamp pin, which caused a separation of the exhaust stack from the muffler and the porting of hot exhaust gases onto the fuel lines. - [NTSB LAX04LA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA169.md): Stanley Glasair SH-2 · San Luis Obispo, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 21, 2004 · N309TS · Substantial damage > The loss of engine power due to the failure of the #3 cylinder piston and connecting rod for undetermined reasons. - [NTSB LAX04LA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA141.md): Vogt KR2S · Lompoc, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 29, 2004 · N4027Y · Substantial damage > a failure of the fuel pump, which induced a total loss of engine power. - [NTSB LAX04LA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA132.md): Gillespie Sport Copter Vortex · Yuba City, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 21, 2004 · N96XV · Substantial damage > a loss of engine power due to the incorrect installation of the fuel line, which resulted in fuel starvation, and the pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM, which resulted in an inflight loss of control. A factor to the accident was the pilot's lack of… - [NTSB LAX04LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA100.md): Cessna 170B · Santa Rosa, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 17, 2004 · N2502C · Substantial damage > the failure of the number 2 cylinder barrel due to fatigue. The lack of suitable landing terrain was a factor in the accident. - [NTSB LAX04LA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA084.md): Piper PA-32R-300 · Riverside, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 1, 2004 · N589Q · Substantial damage > engine oil exhaustion due to the extrusion of an oil filter converter plate gasket and the failure of the aircraft owner to comply with a mandatory Service Bulletin and a Federal Aviation Administration emergency Airworthiness Directive. - [NTSB LAX04LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA062.md): Cessna 172N · Snelling, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 8, 2003 · N739SU · Substantial damage > The total loss of engine power due to oil starvation caused by the failure of the engine driven oil pump. - [NTSB LAX04LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA039.md): Zivko Edge 540-T · King City, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 2003 · N540RC · Substantial damage > The after market manufacturer's improper application of a crankshaft, which exceeded the original manufacturer's intended use. A factor in the accident was the oil covering the windscreen, which restricted the pilot's ability to see. - [NTSB LAX04LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA029.md): North American T-28B · Hornbrook, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 28, 2003 · N28AF · Destroyed > a catastrophic engine failure from oil exhaustion due to inadequate maintenance installation of the lubricating system hoses. - [NTSB LAX04LA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA016.md): Beech A36 · Lancaster, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 16, 2003 · N700TT · Substantial damage > A loss of engine power due to thermal fatigue failure of the first stage turbine wheel resulting in release of a section of its rim. The thermal fatigue was due to the engine exceeding its temperature limits during one or more start cycles. - [NTSB LAX04LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA015.md): Bell UH-1B · Durham, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 16, 2003 · N234SJ · Substantial damage > Separation of the power turbine shaft retaining bolt resulting in extensive power turbine area damage and a loss of shaft output power. - [NTSB LAX04TA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04TA018.md): Bell UH-1H · Sacramento, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Oct 15, 2003 · N114FD · Substantial damage > The loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of a planetary reduction gear. - [NTSB LAX03LA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA300.md): McClanahan Stits Playmate SA-11 · Fontana, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 27, 2003 · N9YC · Destroyed > a loss of engine power due to oil starvation that was the result of misaligned main bearing halves that obstructed the oil galley passages. Since the history of the engine could not be reconstructed, the person or entity responsible for the bearing… - [NTSB LAX03LA226](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA226.md): Bell 47 G5 · Salinas, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 6, 2003 · N7938J · Substantial damage > The failure of a piston connecting rod during an aerial application, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing. - [NTSB LAX03LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA128.md): Cessna 172N · Anaheim, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 5, 2003 · N6272D · Substantial damage > Failure of company maintenance personnel to correctly install and safety wire the oil drain plug, which led to a loss of engine oil and a catastrophic internal failure of the engine. - [NTSB LAX03LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA056.md): Nicholson Lancair 320 · Corona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 2002 · N364M · Substantial damage > The pilot/builder's improper maintenance procedure for reattaching a high-pressure oil line, which resulted in the oil line disconnecting during flight, followed by a loss of oil and engine seizure. Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?state=CA&occurrence=351&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 o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 351) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?occurrence=351&state=CA --- 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.