NTSB investigations: Continental C85 series
2,292 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, newest first
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'))
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."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 LAX90LA012Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCulver VEE · Santa Paula, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed for a positive rate of climb.NTSB FTW90DRG01Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportFunk, D.D. B85C · San Antonio, TXFailure of the pilot to maintain airspeed, which resulted in a stall. The unfavorable/gusty wind condition was a related factor.NTSB ATL90LA005Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Maysville, KYThe improper inspection of the airplanes engine by the pilot/owner resulting in five rocker box cover screws being missing and subsequent loss of engine oil due to the cover vibrating and causing a hole to be worn in it. Subsequent loss of engine power due to…NTSB 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.NTSB CHI89LA187Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Shelbyville, INThe pilot failed to maintain proper alignment during the landing roll.NTSB LAX89LA261Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Rio Linda, CAFailure of the pilot to maintain proper runway alignment during an aborted landing. Related factors were: a false airspeed indication, the pilot's lack of familiarity with the aircraft, his improper use of carburetor heat, his diverted attention, and the…NTSB BFO89LA051Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Bridgeport, WVThe loss of engine power because of fuel starvation. Fuel starvation occurred because of unporting of fuel from the tank outlet when the aircraft was in a slip attitude shortly before the power loss. A contributing factor is inadequate information in the…NTSB 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.NTSB LAX89LA220Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCommonwealth 185 · Sacramento, CAFuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to accurately determine the fuel load prior to departure.NTSB MKC89LA133Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Creve Ceour, MOThe failure of the pilot to plan the approach and maintain alignment with the sod landing strip. The pilot's innattention to the grass strip resulted in a landing in a soft wheat field.NTSB NYC89DFJ01Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportDavis DA-2A · Skaneateles, NYThe pilot's hard landing which resulted in nose gear collapse.NTSB ATL89FA150Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportTaylorcraft BC12-D · Jamestown, TNThe pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed to avoid an inadvertent stall. The stall occurred at an altitude which precluded recovery prior to ground impact. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of proficiency in the airplane.NTSB CHI89LA089Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Terre Haute, INPilot's inability to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. A factor in the accident was the crosswind.NTSB MKC89DCG01Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportGrigg/Bowers Flybaby · West Plains, MOImproper preflight planning by the pilot and his failure to attain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall as he was attempting to avoid a power transmission line. Factors related to the accident were: rising terrain, tall grass, tailwind, and the…NTSB DEN89LA079Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 7AC · Wolf Point, MTThe failure of the student pilot to use carburetor heat in a timely manner which resulted in a partial loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate weather evaluation the pilot made after taking off and flying through fog due to his…NTSB ANC89LA044Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-5 · Skwentna, AKThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain. A contributing factor is the pilot's lack of experience in off airport landings.NTSB DEN89LA063Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Farmington, NMImproper use of brakes which resulted in an inadvertent ground swerve.NTSB MKC89LA050Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Audubon, IAThe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident were the crosswind conditions.NTSB MKC89DCJ01Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportPiper PA-17 · Omaha, NEWitnesses observed the airplane takeoff and climb steeply to about 100 feet above ground. The airplane then turned sharply to the right and crashed into the ground in a nose low attitude. Investigation revealed no problems with either engine or airframe.NTSB BFO89LA008Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 207 · Topping, VAThe pilot of N76470 departed on rwy 18 and followed the noise abatement procedure before turning downwind for rwy 18. The pilot of N73114 departed the grass rwy 18 and flew the noise abatement procedure prior to turning to a heading of 070 deg to depart the…NTSB MIA89LA036Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · Homestead, FLThe plt rprtd that while climbing at night after takeoff, the eng sputtered. He suspected possible water in the fuel & landed across rows in a field. Drg the landing, the gear failed & the acft came to rest on its belly with a bent prop, torn fabric & dmgd…NTSB MKC89LA009Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Lawrence, KSThe plt elected to terminate a local flt due to windy, turbulent conditions aloft. He initiated a landing in a slight crosswind that he rprtd was gusting to 20 knots. Drg the landing, he lost control & the acft touched down hard in a nose low attitude.…NTSB 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.…NTSB 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 &…NTSB MKC89LA002Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Quinter, KSThe pilot was flying at reduced power without the use of carburetor heat. The aircraft engine began to run rough. The pilot added carburetor heat and full throttle which resulted in the engine backfiring. The pilot elected to execute a precautionary landing.…NTSB ANC89LA002Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-11 · Levelock, AKThe airplane was at approximately 250 to 300 feet above sea level, and was executing a 360 degree turn to the left when the airplane stalled and crashed in the river. The pilot reported that he has never held a FAA pilot or medical certificate.NTSB 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…NTSB 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…NTSB MKC88LA156Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · St Charles, MOThe plt rprtd that during the flt, he enctrd thunderstorm activity, as well as a downdraft, which resulted in a loss of about 400 ft of alt. Subsequently, the acft was landed in a corn field & was damaged. About 13 mi se at st louis, the visibility was rprtd…NTSB NYC88LA213Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8A · Plymouth, MAThe acft was taking off on a hard packed, grassy area beside a paved rwy with a 12 kt headwind. After the tail was raised, and at a point 900 ft from the beginning of the roll, the acft suddenly nosed over. Examination of the broken right main landing gear…NTSB LAX88DVM03Accident · No injuriesFinal reportWittman Tailwind W-8 · Watsonville, CANTSB 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…NTSB NYC88LA208Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415C · Auburn-Lewiston, METhe student pilot of an Ercoupe 415C hand-propped the aircraft with no one at the controls and the tail not tied down. The engine started and the Ercoupe struck a parked, unoccupied, tied down Cessna 170.NTSB 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…NTSB NYC88LA171Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415C · Steep Falls, METhe Ercoupe 415C took off to practice touch and go's with a student pilot in the left seat and on the controls. In the right seat was a private pilot who was listed as a pilot rated passenger. Both occupants were co-owners of the aircraft. The student pilot…NTSB DEN88LA130Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C-65 · West Jordon, UTNTSB MIA88FA184Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · N Fort Myers, FLThe plt tkof on rwy 27 with the wind fm 060 deg at 12 gusting 23 KTS. Density alt was 2100'. Witnesses said the acft was in a slow speed, nose hi climb, when eng pwr was interrupted momentarily. Pwr was restored, but soon thereafter, the acft rolled rgt,…NTSB NYC88LA140Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportLuscombe 8E · Rochester, NYThe Luscombe 8E experienced a failure of the right main landing gear axle during a bounced landing. The failure occurred at the weld where the axle attaches to the landing gear strut. Examination of the fracture revealed a pre-existing crack that was not…NTSB FTW88LA095Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGlobe GC-1B · Pipe Creek, TXShortly after takeoff, the engine started running rough. The pilot said he thought he could make the airport and turned toward it. Just short of the airport, the engine quit completely. The pilot was able to get to the airport but crossways to the runway.…NTSB ATL88LA121Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Easley, SCThe plt rptd that he attempted to land at the 2,000 ft strip in a 15 kt tailwind. The airplane touched down long, and he elected to abort the ldg and takeoff again. During initial climb, he felt the tailwheel hit trees located at the end of the rwy. He…NTSB NYC88LA103Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Schroon Lake, NYDuring landing roll on a frozen lake, the left landing gear dug into a soft spot. The aircraft nosed over and was substantially damaged. In his recommendation for prevention of this acc, the plt said 'by not lndg on ice.'NTSB BFO88LA021Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Orange, VAAccording to the plt, during the landing roll the acft drifted to the right and before he could take corrective action the acft ground looped. He had 3 hrs of total time in this make/model acft. The plt rptd he was late applying corrective rudder forces. He…NTSB FTW88FA057Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 120 · Ada, OKThe pilot was flying low up the river and hit the upper strand of a two strand high voltage power line. Both the pilot and passenger received serious injuries when the airplane crashed on a sand-bar in the river.NTSB DEN88LA066Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J3C · Cody, WYDuring an attempted landing at a private airstrip which was covered by 5-6 inches of dry powdered snow, the acft touched down. It pitched forward and nosed over. After the acft came to rest, the pilot got out of the acft, examined the landing gear, and…NTSB 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…NTSB ATL88LA058Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportErcoupe 415-C · Marlboro, OHThe student plt rptd that he flew a flat final apch to remain clear of trees. The airspeed began to drop, and the airplane subsequently landed hard after clearing the trees.NTSB FTW88FA024Accident · Serious injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Bryan, TXThe student plt took off at ngt with a passenger aboard. After takeoff, he remained in a left traffic pattern & made a low apch. Witnesses rprtd the plt then entered a rgt pattern, but the acft was lower & slower than normal as it was turning on the 2nd apch…NTSB DEN88LA017Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J5A · Devils Lake, NDA commercial plt was giving instruction to another commercial plt with a CFI rating. Witnesses observed the aircraft at approximately 100 feet over a water fowl production lake. The plt stated that during a turn and pull up, the engine lostpower and the…NTSB NYC88LA017Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-4 · St. Paul, PAThe flight was enroute from mount pleasant to winchester, Virginia on a heading of 140 degrees and at 4500 feet. About 25-30 minutes into the flight, engine power loss was experienced. The pilot switched from the auxilliary to the main fuel tank and applied…NTSB ATL88LA017Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper J-3 · Clarks Hill, SCThe aircraft was circling about 200 feet above the trees when the pilot began a climbing turn. As he leveled the wings the aircraft began to descend. The pilot applied full power and eased forward on the control stick lowering the aircraft nose slightly. When…