Fatal NTSB investigations: Continental C85 series
153 cases on aircraft whose registry engine model is Continental C85 series. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.
Cases per year
| 1964 | 6 |
|---|---|
| 1965 | 3 |
| 1966 | 3 |
| 1967 | 6 |
| 1968 | 7 |
| 1969 | 4 |
| 1970 | 2 |
| 1971 | 2 |
| 1972 | 1 |
| 1973 | 3 |
| 1974 | 1 |
| 1975 | 3 |
| 1976 | 3 |
| 1977 | 3 |
| 1978 | 5 |
| 1979 | 7 |
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1981 | 3 |
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2003 | 8 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 3 |
Where
Open the mapLatest cases
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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 x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('17008'))
ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
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 x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('17008'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB CEN26FA034Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportFunk B85C · Anderson, INOn November 4, 2025, about 12:45 eastern standard time, a Funk B85C airplane, N24157 was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Anderson, Indiana. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of…NTSB WPR25FA257Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 140 · Shelter Cove, CAOn August 17, 2025 about 1521 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 140, N89447, was involved in an accident near Shelter Cove, California. The student pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14…NTSB CEN25FA151Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportAeronca 7AC · Cape Fair, MOOn April 10, 2025, at 0904 central daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC airplane, N83952, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Cape Fair, Missouri. The pilot received serious injuries, and the passenger was fatally injured. The airplane…NTSB CEN24FA312Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportEngineering & Research Ercoupe 415-C · Elkhart, ILAn off-airport landing in a soybean field for reasons that could not be determined. Contributing to the severity of the pilot’s injuries and airplane damage was a fire that occurred at an unknown time.NTSB GAA23WA146Accident · 2 fatalClass 5 · ForeignEngineering & Research 415-C · St. Mary, JamaicaNTSB WPR22FA255Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAeronca 7BCM · Lake McMurray, WAThe pilot’s decision to continue visual flight into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of visual reference and subsequent controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA22FA233Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 140 · Wayne, NEThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack on final approach while conducting traditional short takeoff and landing operations in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin from which the pilot could not…NTSB CEN19FA307Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 140 · Lakeview, SDThe student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack, an aerodynamic stall, and subsequent impact with terrain, and the student pilot’s non-compliance and lack of…NTSB CEN19FA191Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPiper J3C · Elyria, OHA loss of engine power due to carburetor icing, and the pilot’s subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.NTSB CEN18FA235Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415 D · Monmouth, ILA loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB ERA18FA152Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Daytona Beach, FLThe pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation during the initial climb, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed while turning back to the runway, which resulted in an exceedance of the…NTSB ERA16FA324Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · North Collins, NYThe failure of the second airplane's pilot to see and avoid the first airplane as he was overtaking the first airplane.NTSB CEN16FA370Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 11 · Arcanum, OHThe student pilot's reckless flying attitude and use of multiple psychoactive drugs, which likely impaired his ability to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at low altitude.NTSB WPR16FA118Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportMoore Joseph O Varieze · Santa Paula, CAA total loss of engine power due to fatigue failure of the camshaft drive gear teeth.NTSB CEN16FA054Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Keytesville, MOThe non-instrument-rated pilot's decision to operate in dark night conditions with low clouds, which resulted in a loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's use of methamphetamine, which impaired his…NTSB CEN15FA291Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion 7BCM · Portland, TXThe pilot’s ostentatious low-altitude aerobatic display, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin when he exceeded the airplane’s critical angle of attack. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment due to alcohol and drugs.NTSB CEN15FA181Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J-4A · Pine River, MNThe pilot' failure to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff, which resulted in the airplane's wing exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to conduct the flight…NTSB ERA15FA103Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8 · Fort Valley, GAThe flight instructor’s failure to maintain airspeed during an approach with a simulated engine failure, which resulted in an exceedance of the wing’s critical angle-of-attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB ERA14FA327Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Parma, NYThe pilot's decision to land with a quartering tailwind and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the severity of the pilot's injuries was the failure of the aluminum center safety belt bracket.NTSB WPR14FA132Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Carson City, NVThe pilot’s delayed decision to initiate a course-reversal turn when the airplane was unable to attain sufficient altitude to cross a mountain range, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and entering an aerodynamic stall…NTSB WPR14LA100Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415 C · Poulsbo, WAThe pilot's failure to confirm that the engine oil filler cap was secured before flight, which resulted in oil exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power during cruise flight.NTSB ERA13LA076Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCassutt Sport Racer · Collegedale, TNImpact with trees and terrain during the landing approach likely due to the physiological incapacitation of the pilot.NTSB CEN13FA081Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Blair, NEThe pilot's loss of control due to physical incapacitation.NTSB CEN12LA203Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportEnbody Frank GY 201 Minicab · Granite Shoals, TXA loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a contaminated carburetor fuel screen. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment from medications that degraded his decision-making and the pilot's improper maintenance of the airplane.NTSB ERA12LA141Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBowers Fly Baby 1-A · Jefferson, GAThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin. Also causal was the partial loss of engine power during the initial climb due to the improper installation of a magneto. Contributing to the accident was the…NTSB ERA11LA503Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Cordele, GAThe pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.NTSB CEN09LA128Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportProbst Baby Ace D · Kilgore, TXA loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's improper fuel planning. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain situational awareness, resulting in him being lost.NTSB ERA09FA087Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-D · Sebring, FLThe pilot's exceedance of the design stress limitations of the airplane.NTSB SEA07LA217Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BF12 · West Linn, ORThe 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 CHI06LA268Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWindler Tri Q2 · Branson, MOFatigue 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 MIA06LA118Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415C · Panacea, FLA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in the airplane descending and impacting trees during the approach. A possible contributing factor was the pilot's pre-existing cardiovascular condition.NTSB SEA05LA165Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Chiloquin, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and a loss of control during a pull-up maneuver. A factor contributing to the accident was the inadvertent stall/spin, which resulted in the subsequent collision with terrain.NTSB CHI04LA003Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8E · Orange City, IAThe pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance from the trees while manuevering at a low altitude. A factor was the trees.NTSB LAX03LA289Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportButzbach Smith Miniplane DSA1 · Escondido, CAThe pilot's low level aerobatic maneuver and his failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and impact with terrain.NTSB CHI03FA301Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 11BC · Colfax, WIThe pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A factor associated with the accident was the low altitude at which the pilot was maneuvering.NTSB CHI03LA282Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Edwardsburg, MIThe pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance from the power line during his low level cruise. Factors were the power transmission line, the lake, and low altitude flight.NTSB ATL03FA128Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Rome, GAA loss of engine power due to fuel system contamination (water). Also causal was the pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons.NTSB CHI03LA241Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportYoung Pietenpol Air Camper · Peru, INThe pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance from the trees during the landing. A factor was the trees he impacted.NTSB DEN03FA087Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415D · Los Lunas, NMthe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the transmission wire. Contributing factors were the high wind, the pilot's decision to make a low-altitude turn onto the crosswind leg, and the power line.NTSB MIA03FA077Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportChampion Aeronca 7BCM · Pahokee, FLThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in an inadvertent stall while maneuvering.NTSB LAX00FA170Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportEmigh Trojan A2 · Brentwood, CAthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane.NTSB DEN99FA075Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-11 · Lander, WYThe pilot inadvertently stalling the airplane. Factors were his abrupt maneuvering of the airplane to avoid a powerline, and his attention being diverted.NTSB FTW98FA377Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportJodel F11-3 · Beeville, TXThe failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain obstacle clearance during an intentional low altitude maneuver.NTSB FTW98FA291Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140A · Edgewood, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain minimum required airspeed for flight. Factors were the worn fuel line, which separated, and the failure of the maintenance personnel to locate the worn fuel line during the annual inspection.NTSB FTW98FA203Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Olustee, OKThe student pilot's improper decision to attempt an 180 degree turn to return to the takeoff runway.NTSB LAX97FA259Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-85 · Bullhead City, AZimproper judgement of the pilot by intentionally performing low level maneuvers, and his misjudgment of a level-off over water.NTSB CHI97FA095Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Big Lake, MNThe pilot's maneuvers which exceeded the design stress limits of the airplane and resulted in structural overload of the horizontal tail followed by a structural overload of the wings.NTSB SEA96FA185Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAeronca 7CCM · Marsing, IDloss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in a stall and collision with terrain.NTSB CHI96LA188Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGray Miniplane DSA-1-G · Astoria, ILthe pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the terrain while performing an aerobatic maneuver.NTSB ATL96FA006Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8E · Picayune, MSa worn left magneto distributor gear, which resulted in a loss of engine power; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the ground.