Fatal NTSB investigations: Lycoming IO-360-L2A

42 cases on aircraft whose registry engine model is Lycoming IO-360-L2A. 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

20032026
Fatal NTSB investigations: Lycoming IO-360-L2A per year, 2003–2026: 42 cases
20031
20053
20061
20071
20082
20091
20101
20112
20125
20131
20143
20152
20173
20181
20192
20202
20212
20223
20231
20242
20251
20262

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.\"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 ('41597'))
  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 WPR26FA294Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportTextron 172S · Provo, UTOn August 7, 2026, about 1549 mountain daylight time, a Textron Aviation Inc. 172S, N1842E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Provo, Utah. The flight instructor sustained serious injuries, and the pilot undergoing instruction…Aug 7, 2026 · N1842E · Substantial damageNTSB WPR26FA232Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 172 · Willard, UTOn June 23, 2026, at about 2247 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N387AF, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Willard, Utah. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91…Jun 24, 2026 · N387AF · DestroyedNTSB WPR25FA264Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna 172S · Los Banos, CAOn August 26, 2025, about 1905 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N5203H, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Los Banos, California. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part…Aug 27, 2025 · N5203H · DestroyedNTSB ERA25FA082Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Cintrona, PRMaintenance personnel’s inadequate inspection of the airplane, which resulted in inflight the failure of the right aileron carry through cable due to wear, reduced effectiveness of the airplane’s ailerons, and a subsequent loss of control.Dec 20, 2024 · N22088 · DestroyedNTSB CEN24LA099Accident · 1 fatalClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportTextron 172S · Direct, TXThe pilot died by suicide.Jan 25, 2024 · N23107 · DestroyedNTSB WPR23FA172Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172S · Los Angeles, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with the hilly terrain resulting from his loss of situational awareness due to the deteriorating weather conditions as he descended to approach his destination airport.Apr 30, 2023 · N575ND · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA022Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 172S · Statesboro, GAThe pilot’s failure to include deplaning procedures as part of a passenger safety briefing and failure to have the passengers remain onboard until the engine was shut down, which resulted in a passenger subsequently being struck by the rotating propeller.Oct 17, 2022 · N2476Y · No damageNTSB ERA23FA001Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172S · Hermantown, MNThe pilot’s loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation during initial climb in dark night and low instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a descent into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s fatigue due to a long…Oct 2, 2022 · N262TA · Substantial damageNTSB CEN22FA424Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172S · Longmont, COThe pilots’ inability to see and avoid each other, resulting in a midair collision.Sep 17, 2022 · N2117Y · 2 aircraft · DestroyedNTSB ERA22FA058Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Branchville, NJThe flight instructor’s failure to recover from a steep spiral turn during an instructional flight.Nov 11, 2021 · N90559 · DestroyedNTSB WPR21FA211Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportTextron 172S · Eden, UTThe flight instructor’s improper aeronautical decision-making, which led to an encounter with a downdraft at a low altitude in mountainous terrain and resulted in the instructor’s loss of airplane control and an impact with terrain.May 29, 2021 · N1727T · DestroyedNTSB GAA20WA139Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignCessna 172 · Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSep 22, 2020 · N9056K · DestroyedNTSB CEN20FA110Accident · 3 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Lincoln, ILThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during an aerial survey, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low to recover.Mar 3, 2020 · N157SF · DestroyedNTSB CEN19FA221Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 172 · Katy, TXThe pilot’s loss of airplane control and subsequent impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Jul 13, 2019 · N517LA · DestroyedNTSB ERA19FA107Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Mansfield, MAThe flight instructor's failure to maintain airplane control during initial climb after a touch-and-go landing, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.Feb 23, 2019 · N224TA · Substantial damageNTSB ERA18LA094Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Ocean City, MDThe pilot's flight in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in an impact with water for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.Mar 1, 2018 · N615JA · DestroyedNTSB ERA17LA261Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Danbury, CTThe pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to operate the airplane above its maximum gross weight, which likely reduced…Jul 30, 2017 · N612DF · Substantial damageNTSB CEN17FA111Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Berthoud, COThe failure of the pilots to apply prompt and/or correct flight control inputs to adequately recover from the intentional aerodynamic spin.Feb 27, 2017 · N2461N · Substantial damageNTSB WPR17FA063Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Ramona, CAThe flight instructor's failure to ensure that adequate clearance from terrain was maintained after performance of a simulated engine failure maneuver, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.Feb 12, 2017 · N2179L · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA008Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Seville, FLThe airplane’s encounter with a downdraft, and the pilot's decision to maneuver the airplane at a low altitude and airspeed, which provided insufficient time and altitude to recover before impacting terrain.Oct 10, 2015 · N5295Y · Substantial damageNTSB WPR15FAMS1Accident · 1 fatalMissing aircraftFinal reportCessna 172S · Davenport, CAUndetermined because the airplane was not located.May 8, 2015 · N191TGNTSB ERA15FA046Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172 · Hinton, VAThe flight instructor’s decision to conduct a night training flight in mountainous terrain without conducting or allowing the student to conduct appropriate preflight planning and his lack of situational awareness of the surrounding terrain altitude, which…Nov 8, 2014 · N2152T · Substantial damageNTSB CEN14FA506Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Okmulgee, OKThe pilot's continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance with trees and terrain.Sep 19, 2014 · N2435R · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14FA283Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Daytona Beach, FLA partial loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined due to the postaccident condition of the wreckage. Contributing to the accident was the pilots' decision to turn back to the airport, which led to…Jun 10, 2014 · N5524L · DestroyedNTSB WPR13FA254Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-181 · Anthem, AZThe failure of the pilots in both aircraft to maintain adequate visual lookout in a known training area where multiple aircraft frequently operated, which resulted in a midair collision.May 31, 2013 · N327PA · 2 aircraft · Substantial damageNTSB WPR13LA062Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Kahului, HIThe noninstrument-rated pilot’s spatial disorientation and subsequent failure to maintain airplane control while operating over water in dark night conditions with reduced visibility due to rain in the area.Dec 2, 2012 · N3554Y · Substantial damageNTSB CEN13FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172R · Simpson, LAThe pilot’s loss of airplane control while maneuvering between areas of precipitation during a night cross-country flight.Oct 15, 2012 · N2126R · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12FA572Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Land O'Lakes, FLThe pilot’s decision to continue the cross-country flight while fatigued, which resulted in him falling asleep during the initial descent for landing.Sep 22, 2012 · N21750 · Substantial damageNTSB CEN12FA199Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Longmont, COThe inadequate visual lookout by the pilots of both airplanes, which resulted in a mid-air collision.Mar 23, 2012 · N10468 · 2 aircraft · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12FA193Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Key West, FLThe non-night-qualified pilot's improper decision to depart in dark night visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in his subsequent spatial disorientation, loss of control, and impact with water.Feb 24, 2012 · N53589 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA11FA146Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · New Smyrna Beach, FLThe flight instructor's failure to recognize or implement adequate remedial action to counter the effects of spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the spatial disorientation experienced by one or both pilots.Feb 16, 2011 · N6345L · Substantial damageNTSB ERA11FA118Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · North Myrtle Beach, SCThe pilot's loss of airplane control during a missed approach due to spatial disorientation.Jan 18, 2011 · N2100V · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10LA105Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Greenbush, METhe pilot's improper decision to attempt a transoceanic flight in turbulent, icing conditions, with an overweight airplane that was not approved for moderate turbulence and not equipped with deicing systems. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's…Jan 4, 2010 · N5118J · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Tallahassee, FLThe pilots' spatial disorientation during flight in dark conditions, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent into terrain.Nov 5, 2009 · N5194X · DestroyedNTSB LAX08FA261Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Incline Village, NVThe pilot's decision to initiate a flight for which he was neither approved nor qualified and his failure to maintain terrain clearance during the flight. Contributing to the accident were the dark night, the mountainous terrain, and the pilot's medical…Aug 8, 2008 · N15963 · Substantial damageNTSB LAX08LA191Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Oceanside, CAFailure of the pilot to regain airplane control during an intentional stall/spin maneuver.Jun 23, 2008 · N2436F · DestroyedNTSB LAX08FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Palm Springs, CAThe flight instructor's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall during takeoff-initial climb, and his impairment from alcohol.Oct 29, 2007 · N21101 · Substantial damageNTSB DFW07FA019Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Hominy, OKThe pilot's continued cruise flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain. Contributing factors were the dark night conditions, and the low ceilings.Nov 5, 2006 · N53443 · DestroyedNTSB DEN06FA023Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Pinon, NMthe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane for undetermined reasons.Dec 14, 2005 · N1257Z · DestroyedNTSB MIA05FA140Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Key West, FLThe failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain directional control of the airplane during the dark, night flight over water, resulting in the uncontrolled descent and in-flight collision with the water. A contributing factor in the accident was the pilot's…Jul 31, 2005 · N65982 · DestroyedNTSB LAX05LA073Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 172SP · Casa Grande, AZthe pilot's inadvertent encounter with a rotating propeller. Contributing factors were the dark night conditions and the pilot's fatigued condition.Jan 19, 2005 · N2157H · No damageNTSB CHI03FA284Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 172S · Lake Elmo, MNBoth pilots failed to maintain adequate visual lookout and did not maintain clearance from the other aircraft.Aug 22, 2003 · N53033 · 2 aircraft · Destroyed