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Fatal NTSB investigations: Lycoming VO-435 series

45 cases on aircraft whose registry engine model is Lycoming VO-435 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.

Defining event

Finding

Phase of flight

Aircraft model

Cases per year

19642026

Fatal NTSB investigations: Lycoming VO-435 series per year, 1964–2026: 45 cases
1964	1
1967	2
1968	1
1969	2
1971	2
1973	1
1974	2
1975	2
1978	1
1979	2
1980	1
1981	1
1983	1
1985	3
1986	1
1987	1
1988	1
1989	1
1990	1
1991	1
1994	4
1996	1
1999	2
2001	1
2002	1
2003	1
2006	1
2012	1
2013	1
2014	2
2015	1
2018	1

Where

Latest cases

Query with 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."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 ('41525')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

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 ('41525'))
  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 ('41525'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

Run 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 CEN18FA258Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G · Arlington, INThe inflight separation of the upper transmission due to the thread failure of transmission housing attachment bolts, which were installed on the helicopter with thread damage from a prior installation.Jul 6, 2018 · N96195 · Substantial damage NTSB WPR15LA193Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G 5 · Salinas, CAThe non-instrument-rated pilot's visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his spatial disorientation and loss of helicopter control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment by high-dose opioid use.Jun 20, 2015 · N4427F · Substantial damage NTSB CEN14LA415Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G 2 · Jeanerette, LAThe pilot’s improper decision to operate an unairworthy helicopter, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain.Aug 10, 2014 · N4690 · Destroyed NTSB CEN14LA418Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportTexas Helicopter OH 13H/M74A · Little Falls, MNThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree at the edge of a field that he was spraying.May 28, 2014 · N51853 · Substantial damage NTSB ERA14FA066Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTexas Helicopter M74L · Sebring, FLA partial loss of engine power as a result of contamination of the engine’s fuel supply, and the pilot’s impaired performance due to his use of diphenhydramine, which resulted in his inability to complete a forced or precautionary autorotative landing…Dec 6, 2013 · N1001N · Destroyed NTSB CEN13LA086Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2 · Walkerville, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain altitude while maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude, which did not provide enough margin to recover from the descent.Dec 1, 2012 · N3755Z · Substantial damage NTSB NYC06FA100Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G-3B-1 · East Hanover Tw, PAThe pilot's improper decision to hover out-of-ground-effect in a tailwind, and his failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor in the accident was the tailwind.Apr 20, 2006 · N22MP · Destroyed NTSB MIA04FA008Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2A-1 · Balm, FLThe pilot's intentional buzzing and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance which resulted in an in-flight collision with a building.Oct 21, 2003 · N73979 · Destroyed NTSB FTW02LA264Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2 · Edmondson, ARThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the high voltage power lines.Sep 25, 2002 · N5193B · Destroyed NTSB MIA02FA045Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-260 · Jacksonville, FLThe pilot becoming spatially disoriented and losing control of the airplane during a missed approach resulting in the airplane descending uncontrolled and colliding with trees and the ground.Dec 13, 2001 · N7701J · Destroyed NTSB ATL99FA132Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportContinental Copters Tomcat MK5A · Heflin, ALThe pilot of N9010T's failure to maintain visual lookout while maneuvering, resulting in a midair collision with N30899. A factor was the sun glare.Sep 16, 1999 · N9010T · 2 aircraft · Destroyed NTSB SEA99LA149Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2 · Benton City, WAA loss of power for undetermined reasons and the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate rotor RPM following the power loss. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of certification and total experience.Aug 26, 1999 · N11VH · Destroyed NTSB LAX96LA111Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2A1 · Honiara, Solomon Islandsthe pilot and the ship crew's failure to assure the tie down strap was removed prior to liftoff.Jan 29, 1996 · N6569H · Destroyed NTSB LAX94LA386Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-5 · Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)an in-flight collision with the water for undetermined reasons.Sep 17, 1994 · N2280W · Substantial damage NTSB FTW94FA158Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2 · Tulsa, OKIn flight loss of control due to the pilot's improper use of the cyclic and collective controls when he maneuvered abruptly to avoid colliding with a flock of birds. Factors were the birds and the inflight separation of the left synchronized elevator.May 16, 1994 · N47GY · Destroyed NTSB LAX94LA199Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportContinental Copters Tomcat MK5A · Brawley, CAFailure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude, while maneuvering to land after completing aerial application. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the lack of visual cues for the pilot to detect the obstruction (power line).Apr 22, 1994 · N9061T · Destroyed NTSB CHI94FA330Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G-5A · Wisconsin Rpds, WIUndetermined.Mar 22, 1994 · N2991W · Destroyed NTSB CHI91FA294Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell-K Copter 47D1 · Laurie, MOPoor judgement of the pilot, due to impairment from consumption of alcoholic beverage before flight, his intentional buzzing, and his inadequate visual lookout (failure to see-and-avoid power lines).Sep 15, 1991 · N7768 · Destroyed NTSB LAX91LA013Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G5 · AntarcticaThe pilot's failure to maintain on adequate altitude while maneuvering above the water.Oct 22, 1990 · N2294W · Destroyed NTSB ATL89FA193Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportTexas Helicopter OH-13/M74 · Norman Park, GAImproper planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in his physical impairment from exposure to lannate, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance above the ground. A factor related to the accident was: failure of the pilot to use a respirator while…Aug 2, 1989 · N51850 · Destroyed NTSB CHI88DEX11Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportContinental Copters MK-5 · Redkey, INPhysical impairment of the pilot due to drugs which resulted in a misjudged approach and subsequent contact with trees during the approach to an aerial application swath run.Aug 10, 1988 · N25561 · Destroyed NTSB MIA87FA236Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 152 · Opa Locka, FLA student plt & instructor (CFI) in Cessna 152, N48864, took off & entered rgt traffic to practice lndgs on rwy 9R. Soonthereafter, a helicopter plt (h/p) in a bell 47G-2, N6728D, took off & entered rgt traffic to practice lndgs in a desig-nated helicopter…Aug 31, 1987 · N48864 · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage NTSB LAX86LA211Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBell 47G-5A · AganaThe helicopter crashed into the ocean when the plt attempted to lift off from a tuna boat. Reportedly, only three of the four tiedown ropes, which had secured the helicopter to the boat, had been released. The plt's medical certificate was dated 1/18/84.May 6, 1986 · N2996W · Destroyed NTSB CHI86FA017Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G-5 · Plainfield, WIThe acft crashed into trees and nosed into the wooded terrain after a loss of powr. The helicopter had been refueled the day before the acc. Normal fuel load was 20 gals. The plt had sprayed 20 acres & flown 9 miles to another field to spray but aborted due…Oct 27, 1985 · N7840S · Destroyed NTSB CHI85FA301Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G2A1 · Brook, INThe helicopter contacted the terrain in a flat attitude and rolled over during an autorotative landing. A witness stated an autorotation was entered at 800 ft AGL during which the plt made a 360 deg descending turn. An application of pwr was heard at an alt…Jul 20, 1985 · N1345A · Destroyed NTSB CHI85FA198Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2 · Burlington, MIThe helicopter was departing from a trailer which was sloped 5 degs to the left. During takeoff, the left skid lifted off first and the helicopter drifted to the right. The right skid caught on the trailer guides and the helicopter rolled over to the right.May 16, 1985 · N3755J · Substantial damage NTSB NYC83FA106Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 47G-2 · Waymart, PAThis was an introductory instructional flt. Witnesses observed the helicopter flying straight & level prior to the accident. The helicopter had impacted a 60-FT tree at about the 40-FT level. No preimpact failure/falfunction of either the airframe or engine…Apr 30, 1983 · N2829B · Destroyed NTSB CHI81FEV21Accident · 1 fatalClosedTexas Hel OH-13H · Danville, ILJun 16, 1981 · N10002 · Destroyed NTSB LAX80FVM37Accident · 1 fatalClosedTexas Hel OH-13H · Salinas, CAAug 6, 1980 · N10003 · Substantial damage NTSB NYC79FHJ21Accident · 1 fatalClosedBell 47G-5 · Jamesport, NYJul 6, 1979 · N8593F · Destroyed NTSB SEA79AA029Accident · 1 fatalClosedHiller UH12D · Chehalis, WAApr 3, 1979 · N64867 · Minor damage NTSB LAX79FUJ13Accident · 1 fatalClosedBell 47G3B · Springerville, AZNov 10, 1978 · N8483E · Destroyed NTSB MKC76AK012Accident · 3 fatalClosedBell 47G-5 · Keystone, SDAug 5, 1975 · N4753R · Substantial damage NTSB OAK75FVG79Accident · 1 fatalClosedTomcat MK 5A · Gridley, CAJun 25, 1975 · N9001T · Destroyed NTSB SEA75AS022Accident · 1 fatalClosedBell 47G-2 · Kingston, WANov 4, 1974 · N5160B · Destroyed NTSB LAX74AL084Accident · 2 fatalClosedBell 47G-3B · La Crescnta, CAJun 23, 1974 · N8496E · Destroyed NTSB FTW74FPJ06Accident · 1 fatalClosedEL Tomcat MK5 · Springer, OKAug 16, 1973 · N11VH · Substantial damage NTSB NYC71FHA51Accident · 1 fatalClosedBell 47G2 · Branchville, NJJun 8, 1971 · N8426E · Destroyed NTSB OAK71AP032Accident · 1 fatalClosedBell 47G-5 · S.Francisco, CAFeb 11, 1971 · N2294W · Destroyed NTSB UNK69X0137Accident · 3 fatalClosedBell 47G-2 · Ngara Fall, CanadaAug 5, 1969 · N8403E · Destroyed NTSB NYC69A0105Accident · 1 fatalClosedBell 47D1 · Gettysburg, PAMay 25, 1969 · N6598D · Destroyed NTSB LAX70F0025Accident · 2 fatalClosedBell 47G-2 · Hollywood, CASep 4, 1968 · N5193B · Destroyed NTSB ANC68A0004Accident · 1 fatalClosedBell 47G-2 · Cordova, AKJul 27, 1967 · N8406E · Destroyed NTSB UNK67X0126Accident · 3 fatalClosedBell 47J · Ontario, CanadaJun 8, 1967 · N2833B · Destroyed NTSB UNK64X2719Accident · 1 fatalClosedBell 47G3 · Manson, WAJul 8, 1964 · N8441E · Destroyed