# NTSB investigations, 2003

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 36 of 42 · 2,062 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB FTW03LA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA113.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Bonham, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 14, 2003 · N5264L · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as result of the unapproved fuel selector valve handle installed on the aircraft by an unknown person. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB DEN03LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA049.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Belen, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 14, 2003 · N6960P · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's improper preflight/in-flight decision making which resulted in the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing factors include, the partial fuel selector valve failure, the pilot's intentional operation with known deficiencies in…
- [NTSB ATL03FA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03FA061.md): Cessna 177 · Old Fort, NC · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 14, 2003 · N3275T · Destroyed
  > The pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into IMC and his failure to maintain terrain clearance which resulted in an in-flight collision with mountainous terrain.
- [NTSB NYC03IA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03IA066.md): Dornier 328-300 · Wellman, OH · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Mar 13, 2003 · N419FJ · Minor damage
  > An in-flight encounter with lightning.
- [NTSB MIA03LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03LA075.md): Beech V35B · Humacao, PR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 13, 2003 · N35SR · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in the airplane departing the left side of the runway, and impacting with a ditch. Factors in this accident were; the pilot did not follow the procedures, and…
- [NTSB DEN03LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA050.md): Piper PA-28R-200 · Delta, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 13, 2003 · N16438 · Substantial damage
  > the loss of engine power due to company maintenance personnel's inadequate major engine overhaul (an oil pressure fitting in the engine accessory drive case had not been capped). Contributing factors were the loss of engine oil, and lack of suitable terrain…
- [NTSB NYC03LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA068.md): Piper PA-18 · Mineral, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 12, 2003 · N276T · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's delayed remedial action.
- [NTSB FTW03LA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA110.md): Cessna 177A · England, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 12, 2003 · N30461 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to refuel the airplane while searching for a private grass airstrip, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB DCA03WA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA03WA031.md): Boeing 747-300F · Johannesburg · Accident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Mar 12, 2003 · ZS-SAJ · Substantial damage
- [NTSB DCA03WA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA03WA030.md): Boeing 747-400 · Auckland, New Zealand · Accident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Mar 12, 2003 · 9V-SMT · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX03LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA112.md): Cessna 172R · Thermal, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 11, 2003 · N4201Y · Substantial damage
  > the student pilot's failure to use aileron controls to compensate for the known crosswind and failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout.
- [NTSB LAX03FA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA111.md): Beech 3NM · Anza, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 11, 2003 · N14437 · Destroyed
  > the failure of the pilot to maintain an adequate airspeed resulting in a stall and loss of control.
- [NTSB ENG03RA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ENG03RA012.md): Boeing 737-200 · Kelona, BC, Canada · Incident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Mar 11, 2003 · C-FTWJ
- [NTSB DEN03LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA048.md): Piper PA-12 · Buena Vista, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 11, 2003 · N78559 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing factors were the crosswind weather condition and gusty wind condition.
- [NTSB NYC03LA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA065.md): Cessna 172P · Linden, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 10, 2003 · N30EF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control during landing. Factors in the accident were the crosswind and the snowbank.
- [NTSB MIA03CA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03CA074.md): Schempp-Hirth DISCUS-2B · Clermont, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 10, 2003 · N828JN · Substantial damage
  > An in-flight encounter with wind gusts while making an approach to land in a field resulting in the aircraft landing early and colliding with a berm.
- [NTSB CHI03FA080](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA080.md): Mooney M20J · Tower, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 10, 2003 · N201ZM · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during cruise flight. A factor to the accident was the clouds and night conditions.
- [NTSB FTW03WA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03WA128.md): Cessna R172HP · Ocana, Colombia · Accident · 5 fatal · Foreign investigation · Mar 9, 2003 · HK2727 · Destroyed
- [NTSB FTW03LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA108.md): Waco UKS-7 · El Paso, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 2003 · N17721 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to compensate for existing wind conditions. A contributing factor was the crosswind.
- [NTSB FTW03LA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA107.md): Cessna 150K · Sherman, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 2003 · N6066G · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to refuel the airplane which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB DEN03LA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA047.md): Mooney M20C · Colo Springs, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 2003 · N9313V · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during initial climb which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing factors include the downdraft, crosswind and gusty wind conditions.
- [NTSB ATL03LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA060.md): Cessna 172P · Concord, NC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 2003 · N52546 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper flare during touchdown and failure to properly recover from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of control and inflight collision with the runway. A factor was the pilot did not understand the porpoise condition during landing.
- [NTSB ATL03LA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA058.md): Cessna 172 M · Collegedale, TN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 2003 · N1754V · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a loss of control, impact with terrain and subsequent nose over.
- [NTSB ANC03LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC03LA031.md): Cessna 185 · Galena, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 9, 2003 · N1613M · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the airplane to climb after takeoff which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain during an aborted landing attempt.
- [NTSB NYC03LA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA064.md): Piper PA-22/20-150 · South Woodstock, CT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2003 · N7342D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control
- [NTSB NYC03LA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC03LA063.md): Brantly Helicopter B-2B · Zelienople, PA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2003 · N2238U · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the tail rotor assembly due to improper maintenance by the owner/pilot.
- [NTSB LAX03LA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA110.md): Kolb Firestar · San Diego, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2003 · N670JW · Substantial damage
  > propeller delamination due to the pilot's failure to properly secure the rear seat shoulder harness prior to flight. A contributing factor was the soft ground in which the airplane landed.
- [NTSB IAD03LA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD03LA037.md): Beech 23 · Cincinnati, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2003 · N6995Q · Substantial damage
  > The second pilot's inadequate flare and the pilot/owner's lack of remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing. A factor was the wind gusts.
- [NTSB FTW03LA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA119.md): Cessna 150 · Pearland, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2003 · N8994U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment. Contributing factors were the pilot's diverted attention to the banner staging area, and the ditch.
- [NTSB DEN03FA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03FA045.md): Piper PA-46-500TP · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2003 · N522RF · Destroyed
  > The pilot's unstabilized approach and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. Contributing factors were the dark night light condition, and the static wires.
- [NTSB CHI03LA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA091.md): Aviat A-1 · Cahokia, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2003 · N96033 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane which resulted in a ground loop. A factor associated with the accident was the gusty crosswind condition.
- [NTSB CHI03LA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA082.md): Cessna 172H · Callao, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2003 · N275SW · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to the erosion of the number 2 piston, resulting in loss of compression on that cylinder. Contributing factors were the tailwind, the muddy runway condition, and the roadway and ditch.
- [NTSB CHI03LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA081.md): Cessna 180K · St Charles, MO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2003 · N2732K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain directional control resulting in a ground loop. A factor was the crosswind.
- [NTSB ATL03LA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA057.md): Cessna 172 · Camden, SC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2003 · N3287L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion, subsequent loss of engine power and an in-flight collision with terrain.
- [NTSB ATL03LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA056.md): Fokker F.27MK 500 · Kinston, NC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2003 · N712FE · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of the main drag stay tube. A factor is no inspection procedure required.
- [NTSB ATL03FA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03FA055.md): Beech A-36 · Milledgeville, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2003 · N333RB · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper IFR procedure by which he failed to maintain the minimum descent altitude, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance. A factor was low the ceiling.
- [NTSB LAX03FA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA109.md): Cessna 172L · Rosamond, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 7, 2003 · N19770 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in a stall and impact with flat level terrain. Also causal was the pilot's impaired judgment due to recent use of cocaine, and ethanol.
- [NTSB LAX03FA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA108.md): Stinson 108-1 · Eloy, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 7, 2003 · N8344K · Substantial damage
  > a loss of engine power caused by the fatigue failure of the number 4 cylinder exhaust valve.
- [NTSB DEN03LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA046.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Richfield, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 7, 2003 · N8205W · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing roll resulting in a ground loop/swerve and subsequent nose over. A contributing factor was the gusty wind conditions.
- [NTSB ATL03LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA059.md): Aeronca 7AC · Gordo, AL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 7, 2003 · N1648E · Substantial damage
  > Fatigue failure of the crankshaft.
- [NTSB FTW03LA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA106.md): Eurocopter AS350B2 · Venice, LA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 6, 2003 · N945PT · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inability to maintain directional control following a loss of tail rotor drive. A contributing factor was the fog.
- [NTSB FTW03LA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA105.md): Aerospatiale SA341G · Alpine, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 6, 2003 · N16KH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain translational lift, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent of the helicopter during takeoff. A contributing factor was the gusty tailwind condition.
- [NTSB FTW03LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA104.md): Bell 206L-3 · Kingsland, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 6, 2003 · N793CA · Substantial damage
  > The loss of tail rotor drive as a result of a blanket coming in contract with the tailrotor blades, after the aft cargo door was left unsecured. Contributing factors were the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing, and the failure of the medical…
- [NTSB DCA03RA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA03RA029.md): Boeing 737-2T4 · Tamanrassett, Algeria · Accident · 102 fatal · Foreign investigation · Mar 6, 2003 · 7T-VEZ
- [NTSB CHI03FA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03FA078.md): Beech A36 · Sparta, IL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 6, 2003 · N7253Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision by his flight into known icing conditions which resulted in airframe icing and degraded aircraft performance until the onset of a stall.
- [NTSB SEA03LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03LA043.md): Cessna 208B · Creswell, OR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 5, 2003 · N9793B · Substantial damage
  > Water contamination in the fuel system which resulted in a loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff, and the pilot's inadequate pre-flight inspection. Trees were a factor.
- [NTSB SEA03FA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03FA042.md): Piper PA-34-220T · Rexburg, ID · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 5, 2003 · N9257X · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while on final approach. High and gusting winds were a factor.
- [NTSB MIA03LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03LA073.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Lake Placid, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 5, 2003 · N81549 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed during climb, which resulted in the airplane stalling, and impacting with a house.
- [NTSB LAX03LA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA106.md): Cessna 421C · Crescent City, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 5, 2003 · N26533 · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the upper and lower right main landing gear scissor links due to improper maintenance, which resulted in a ground loop, and the collapse of the right main landing gear during the landing roll.
- [NTSB CHI03LA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA079.md): Cessna 172R · St. Paul, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 5, 2003 · N35307 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of directional control by the solo student pilot. A factor to the accident was the excessive speed during landing.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?year=2003&page=37

## 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") = 2003
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?page=36&year=2003

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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.
