NTSB investigations: Continental C85 series

67 cases on aircraft whose registry engine model is Continental C85 series, where the first occurrence was “Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical”. 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

19832026
NTSB investigations: Continental C85 series per year, 1983–2026: 67 cases
19836
19844
19853
19862
19873
19887
19895
19901
19913
19924
19954
19964
19981
19993
20001
20013
20021
20034
20041
20052
20064
20071

Latest 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.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.engine_model_code IN ('17008')
      AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND o.aircrafts_position = x.position AND o.\"occurrenceNumber\" = 1 AND o.\"occurrenceCode\" = 353))
  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.

NTSB MIA07LA124Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDennis M. Durgin Junior Ace · Dover-Foxcroft, METhe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed following total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, resulting in a stall/mush, uncontrolled descent, and in-flight collision with trees.Jul 21, 2007 · N9778N · Substantial damageNTSB ANC06LA129Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J5A · North Pole, AKThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation during cruise flight, and an emergency landing.Aug 30, 2006 · N35395 · Substantial damageNTSB NYC06CA188Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 120 · Ashland, KYThe pilot's improper fuel tank selection, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the trees.Jul 30, 2006 · N1981V · Substantial damageNTSB CHI06LA191Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Laporte, MNThe inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot and the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion during takeoff. A contributing factor was the runway marker.Jul 14, 2006 · N3089N · Substantial damageNTSB SEA06CA101Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Vaughn, WAThe loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.May 20, 2006 · N2426H · Substantial damageNTSB DFW06CA002Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportCulver LCA · McGregor, TXThe pilot's improper preflight planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.Oct 4, 2005 · N32476 · Substantial damageNTSB IAD05LA035Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca S7CCM · Ulster, NYA loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. Contributing to the accident was conditions conducive to carburetor icing.Jan 30, 2005 · N3069E · Substantial damageNTSB ANC04LA109Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · North Pole, AKThe pilot's failure to use carburetor heat during takeoff/initial climb, which resulted in a total loss of engine power, and an in-flight collision with trees.Sep 15, 2004 · N1629V · Substantial damageNTSB IAD04CA002Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 140 · Ridegway, VAThe pilot's improper pre-flight planning, which resulted in an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion.Oct 7, 2003 · N2370N · Substantial damageNTSB 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.Aug 17, 2003 · N99748 · DestroyedNTSB CHI03LA253Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Morrilton, ARThe deterioration of the fuel line resulting in fuel contamination and the loss of engine power.Aug 10, 2003 · N72971 · Substantial damageNTSB NYC03LA055Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Fryeburg, MEAn in-flight encounter with carburetor ice, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during a simulated engine failure.Feb 16, 2003 · N76897 · Substantial damageNTSB CHI02LA104Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHoagland Varieze · Gary, INThe pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the airplane during the forced landing due to a locked brake. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's inaccurate fuel consumption calculations which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the…Apr 15, 2002 · N97JW · Substantial damageNTSB FTW01LA150Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Winnsboro, TXthe loss of engine power during takeoff climb for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the ensuing forced landing.Jun 21, 2001 · N73004 · Substantial damageNTSB DEN01LA065Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportErco 415-C · Ivins, UTThe unsuitable terrain on which to make a forced landing. A contributing factors was the carburetor icing conditions.Mar 9, 2001 · N1121J · Substantial damageNTSB SEA01LA040Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415G · Santiam, ORThe partial blockage of the carburetor main metering jet orifice by contamination of undetermined origin. Factors include a snow-covered runway upon which the pilot executed a forced landing.Jan 20, 2001 · N94432 · Substantial damageNTSB LAX01LA064Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Bakersfield, CAThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning, fuel management, and inadequate remedial actions, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. The pilot made an off-field landing and collided with a fence.Dec 23, 2000 · N72970 · Substantial damageNTSB FTW00LA025Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStreifthau Baby Great Lakes · Iowa Park, TXThe loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's failure to refuel the airplane.Nov 3, 1999 · N415 · Substantial damageNTSB MIA99LA169Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Woodstock, GAa total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation because of contaminated fuel, resulting in a forced landing and subsequent impact with a tree.Jun 9, 1999 · N76390 · Substantial damageNTSB LAX99LA208Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCulver V · San Martin, CAFuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning and failure to refuel the aircraft during an en route stop.Jun 4, 1999 · N44549 · Substantial damageNTSB SEA98LA130Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPerson Vari EZE · Arlington, WAA lack of adequate carburetor heat available and overload of the main landing gear. Contributing factors were carburetor icing conditions and soft terrain.Jul 11, 1998 · N29NS · Substantial damageNTSB CHI96LA285Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRamesbotham CH701 · N. Sioux City, SDthe pilot's delay in switching fuel tanks which resulted in fuel starvation. Factors associated with the accident were the low altitude at which the loss of engine power occurred and the powerline which was contacted.Aug 11, 1996 · N4053G · Substantial damageNTSB LAX96LA282Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Page, AZdecision of the pilot to operate the airplane with an inoperative transfer pump and inaccurate fuel consumption calculations.Jul 20, 1996 · N2915H · Substantial damageNTSB NYC96LA115Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8E · Macedon, NYa blocked gascolator, inadequate maintenance, and the pilot's decision to fly with a known fuel flow deficiency, which resulted in a loss of engine power, forced landing, and subsequent nose over.May 24, 1996 · N2189B · Substantial damageNTSB NYC96LA091Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Houlton, MEthe pilot's failure to select the fullest fuel tank prior to takeoff which resulted in fuel starvation during the initial takeoff climb.Apr 25, 1996 · N2001N · Substantial damageNTSB LAX96LA010Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Dixon, CAfuel starvation due to debris blocking the carburetor main jet.Oct 14, 1995 · N1782V · Substantial damageNTSB NYC95LA206Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Richmond, RIThe pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply, and his improper positioning of the fuel selector, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power.Aug 28, 1995 · N3174N · Substantial damageNTSB CHI95LA275Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8E · Lowell, INa loss of engine power due to carburetor ice. The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a factor.Aug 6, 1995 · N1829K · Substantial damageNTSB BFO95LA039Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3-C65 · Bayport, NYThe pilot's improper positioning of the fuel selector.Apr 2, 1995 · N70234 · DestroyedNTSB LAX92LA272Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415C · Santa Clarita, CAFuel starvation caused by the inflight separation of the fuel gascolator bowl due to improper component installation.Jun 30, 1992 · N3165H · Substantial damageNTSB CHI92LA163Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Elk River, MNThe pilot's improper preflight inspection.Jun 6, 1992 · N76028 · Substantial damageNTSB FTW92LA139Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-CD · Van, TXFuel exhaustion engine power loss due to the pilot's failure to refuel. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain available for the forced landing.May 22, 1992 · N3454H · Substantial damageNTSB NYC92LA071Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Palmer, MAThe improper use of carburetor heat which resulted in a power loss due to carburetor ice over unsuitable terrain. Factors related to the accident were the carburetor icing conditions and the failure of the pilot to be aware of the temperature/dewpoint spread.Mar 31, 1992 · N3047N · Substantial damageNTSB CHI91LA256Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8E · Valparaiso, INThe pilot in command's failure to maintain airspeed. A factor contributing was improper maintenance (design change) performed by an unqualified person (pilot in command).Aug 11, 1991 · N45WB · Substantial damageNTSB LAX91FA334Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415C · Rubidoux, CAThe mechanic's improper installation of the magnetos and the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed. Factors related to this accident are the pilot's inadvertent stall and the residential area.Jul 28, 1991 · N94385 · DestroyedNTSB NYC91LA146Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Delaware, OHCarburetor ice and the pilot in command's improper use of carburetor heat. A factor in the accident was the carburetor icing conditions.Jun 2, 1991 · N2858N · Substantial damageNTSB ATL90LA062Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Atmore, ALFuel starvation due to an inadequate preflight and improper positioning of the fuel selector. A factor related to the accident was: rough terrain in the emergency landing area.Feb 11, 1990 · N90093 · Substantial damageNTSB SEA90LA018Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Amboy, WALoss of engine power due to carburetor icing.Nov 18, 1989 · N2070V · DestroyedNTSB SEA90LA017Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415D · Vancouver, WAThe pilot's inadvertant leaning of the fuel mixture to near idle cutoff, causing the engine to quit.Nov 18, 1989 · N3354H · Substantial damageNTSB ATL89LA215Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Semmes, ALImproper replacement of the fuel cap gasket by the pilot, which resulted in a blocked fuel cap vent and fuel starvation. Trees in the emergency landing area contributed to aircraft damage.Sep 17, 1989 · N83732 · Substantial damageNTSB ATL89FA167Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Conyers, GACarburetor ice and the pilot's improper use of carburetor heat. Carburetor icing condition was a related factor.Jun 22, 1989 · N1875V · Substantial damageNTSB LAX89LA220Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCommonwealth 185 · Sacramento, CAFuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to accurately determine the fuel load prior to departure.Jun 17, 1989 · N92827 · Substantial damageNTSB SEA89LA012Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLaycock Baby Great Lakes · Graham, WAEng lost pwr while in cruise on local flt. Plt attempted to return to field but contacted trees during emerg descent to forced lndg. Investigation revealed presence of water in fuel system. Fuel sediment bowl was automotive type with aviation drain installed.…Oct 15, 1988 · N8519K · Substantial damageNTSB CHI89LA008Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · St Peter, MNThe plt had intended to make a touch-&-go landing on a grass strip, but stated that he came in 'somewhat high.' He rprtd the acft was still airborne about halfway down the rwy when he elected to go around. He attempted to add power, but the eng 'sputtered &…Oct 12, 1988 · N2081V · Substantial damageNTSB NYC88DHA04Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportBanks/Mong Sport · Marshalls Creek, PAThe homebuilt airplane impacted the ground in a steep nose down attitude among three tall pine trees. After impact, it bounced back about three feet & came to rest. There was no damage to the trees. An exam of the prop revealed no evidence of the engine…Sep 8, 1988 · N25JJ · Substantial damageNTSB ANC88LA113Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8E · Dillingham, AKThe pilot-in-command was beginning his descent for landing at Dillingham, Alaska and did not apply carburetor heat until his engine began to sputter. The engine stopped producing power and the pilot was unable to restart the engine. He landed on the tundra…Aug 20, 1988 · N2542K · Substantial damageNTSB CHI88DER07Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportChampion 7CCM · Int'L Falls, MNThere were no eyewitnesses to this accident. The aircraft with an instructor and student aboard was reported missing. When located the seaplane had descended into a wooded swamp and the aircraft was substantially damaged and both occupants received fatal…Aug 6, 1988 · N1744E · DestroyedNTSB NYC88LA183Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca S11BC · Livingston Mnr, NYThe pilot had just departed from the surface of a lake, when at an altitude of 50 ft AGL and in a left turn, the engine quit. There was not enough altitude to make it back to the lake. The aircraft impacted trees and was destroyed. The pilot had experienced…Jul 16, 1988 · N3988E · DestroyedNTSB LAX88DUG01Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportSmith DSA-1 · Upland, CAThe pilot reported that he had performed a moderate to severe 'noseover' at 4000 ft AGL. The engine started to run rough and then quit. The pilot stated that he had performed maintenance on the carburetor just prior to this flight. An emergency landing was…Jan 7, 1988 · N2Q · Substantial damageNTSB DEN87LA244Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · San Ysidro, NMThe plt and pax were on a LCL sightseeing flt. The plt stated that he had been flying low and slow at a nose high attitude. The engine began to overheat and did not cool off and the pilot executed a precautionary landing on a dirt road. The acft ballooned and…Sep 26, 1987 · N76907 · Substantial damage