Fatal NTSB investigations: Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG
420 cases on aircraft whose registry engine model is Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG. 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 | 1 |
|---|---|
| 1965 | 1 |
| 1966 | 2 |
| 1970 | 1 |
| 1971 | 2 |
| 1972 | 1 |
| 1975 | 1 |
| 1976 | 1 |
| 1977 | 2 |
| 1978 | 3 |
| 1979 | 2 |
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 6 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1986 | 5 |
| 1987 | 8 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 2 |
| 1992 | 5 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 7 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 9 |
| 2001 | 8 |
| 2002 | 15 |
| 2003 | 21 |
| 2004 | 18 |
| 2005 | 20 |
| 2006 | 21 |
| 2007 | 19 |
| 2008 | 17 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 12 |
| 2012 | 14 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 11 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 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 ('99999'))
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 ('99999'))
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 WPR27FA012Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldInvestigation openGugger David RV-7A · Petaluma, CANTSB ERA26FA214Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportPiper PA-25-235 · Saratoga Springs, NYOn May 26, 2026, about 1347 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235 airplane, N8656L, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Saratoga Springs, New York. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code…NTSB WPR26FA101Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportSonex Onex · Caldwell, IDOn February 6, 2026, about 0945 mountain standard time, a Sonex Onex airplane, N362DZ, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Caldwell, Idaho. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations…NTSB CEN25FA261Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportKolb Firestar · Meadow Grove, NEOn July 19, 2025, about 2050 central daylight time, a Kolb Firestar airplane, N55161, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Meadow Grove, Nebraska. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal…NTSB WPR25FA127Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportAzalea Saberwing · Justin, TXOn April 11, 2025, about 1906 central daylight time (CDT), an experimental amateur-built Azalea Aviation LLC Saberwing, N121DF, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Justin, Texas. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a…NTSB ERA25FA065Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportTruitt James B Vans RV-8A · Fort Blackmore, VAOn December 4, 2024, about 1451 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Vans RV-8A, N627TT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fort Blackmore, Virginia. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was…NTSB WPR25FA020Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportExtra Flugzeugbau EA 300/L · Las Cruces, NMThe pilot’s entry into an aerobatic maneuver at an altitude that was insufficient to complete a successful recovery, which resulted in an accelerated stall and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR24FA309Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportNanchang China CJ-6A · Lancaster, CAThe CJ-6A pilot’s failure to maintain separation and the Yak pilot’s failure to monitor the other airplane during a detachment, which resulted in a midair collision.NTSB ERA24FA362Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSchleicher Alexander ASH 26 E · Waynesville, OHA loss of control on takeoff for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR24FA185Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRans S-12XL Airaile · Picacho Peak, AZThe pilot’s decision to conduct a low-altitude flight in mountainous terrain and his subsequent loss of airplane control after encountering mechanical turbulence, which resulted in an impact with the terrain.NTSB CEN24FA170Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportZenith CH601 · Bristol, INThe pilot’s loss of control during the descent for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a steep descent into terrain.NTSB CEN24FA167Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVertical Aviation Technologies Hummingbird · Spring Branch, TXA total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a forced landing and a subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB CEN24FA164Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLancair Legacy FG · Spicewood, TXThe pilot’s failure to properly configure the airplane during a go-around in gusting wind conditions, and his subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery.NTSB ERA24FA160Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportArthur B Canning Merlin Lite · Mulberry, FLThe pilot/builder’s modifications of the motorglider’s engine, which resulted in an excessively lean fuel air mixture, preignition, piston failure, and a subsequent total loss of engine power during the initial climb. Contributing to the outcome was the…NTSB WPR24FA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeauchamp Norm Kitfox · Eloy, AZThe separation of a propeller blade during the initial climb due to insufficient blade retention forces. Contributing to the accident was the propeller blade retention design, manufacturing defects that prevented the propeller from achieving adequate grip…NTSB CEN24FA024Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportLancair 320 · Manitowoc, WIThe pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions and failure to maintain clearance from trees and terrain during an unapproved instrument approach. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…NTSB CEN23FA410Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSonex Sonex · Dowagiac, MIThe total loss of engine power due to the failure of the ignition distributor rotor.NTSB CEN23FA220Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV7 · Gibbon, NEThe pilot’s improper decision to fly the airplane into known adverse weather and icing conditions which resulted in a loss of control.NTSB WPR23FA153Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMullins David J JR Glastar · Cal-Nev-Ari, NVThe pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude for undetermined reasons while maneuvering to land in dark night conditions, which resulted in collision with terrain.NTSB ERA23FA045Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBearhawk Patrol · Hanover Township, PAThe pilot’s decision to unlatch his seatbelt during flight, which allowed him to exit the airplane and impact the tail, resulting in a loss of control and impact with terrain.NTSB WPR22FA332Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBeech 58 · Galt, CAThe certified flight instructor's failure to maintain control of the airplane and inadequate supervision of the flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin from which he could not recover.NTSB ERA22FA384Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMXR Technologies MX2 · Osteen, FLThe pilot’s loss of airplane control while performing aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in the airplane entering an inverted flat spin that continued until the airplane impacted terrain.NTSB WPR22FA312Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportJackson Dennis RV-8 · Scio, ORThe pilot’s decision to perform a low-altitude aerobatic maneuver and his improper execution of the maneuver, which resulted in impact with terrain.NTSB WPR22FA227Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna 152 · Mendon, UTThe flight instructor’s failure to recover from a developed spin, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s decision to enter the maneuver below the operator’s altitude limitation.NTSB GAA22WA132Accident · 1 fatalClass 5 · ForeignSukhoi SU-31 · Ploiesti, RomaniaNTSB WPR22FA048Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportZenith Zodiac CH601XL · Temecula, CAThe failure of the airplane’s canopy latch system, which resulted in the canopy opening in flight and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a secondary canopy latch as recommended by the kit manufacturer.NTSB CEN22FA029Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV · Harrison, MIThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during landing approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB CEN21FA426Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRans S20 · Wadsworth, OHThe pilot’s decision to depart shortly after a landing helicopter, which resulted in an encounter with the helicopter’s wake turbulence and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment by his recent use of ethanol.NTSB CEN21LA395Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportKlapp Peter A Klapp KR-2S · Wadsworth, OHA loss of airplane control for a reason that could not be determined based on available information.NTSB ERA21FA318Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPitts 12 · Ocklawaha, FLThe pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while performing aerobatic maneuvers, which resulted in an inverted flat spin from which he was unable to recover.NTSB ERA21FA317Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportRotorway Exec 162F · Argyle, NYThe pilot’s abrupt control inputs, which resulted in a low G condition, main rotor mast bumping, and the subsequent severing of the tail boom by a main rotor blade.NTSB WPR21FA210Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportMark Coby Early Bird Jenny · Stoneville, NCThe pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a loss of control.NTSB CEN21LA092Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportSonex Tailwheel · Burleson, TXA total loss of engine power due to engine seizure. Contributing to the accident was the pilot decision not to orbit the airport, as originally planned.NTSB CEN21LA053Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportTrick Trikes Stss · Holden, MOThe noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff.NTSB ERA20LA324Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportVans RV 8 · Hilliard, FLA total loss of engine power due to oil starvation.NTSB CEN20LA278Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportGrumman G164 · Springfield, COThe pilot’s loss of visibility in the cockpit due to foam created by the chemicals loaded in the hopper, which resulted in collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the combining of chemicals known to produce foam and the pilot’s failure to…NTSB WPR20LA201Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAvia Stroitel AC-5M · Bend, ORA loss of control just after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.NTSB WPR20LA177Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportZenair CH601 · Maricopa, AZThe pilot’s loss of situational awareness and descent below pattern altitude during the landing approach, which resulted in collision with terrain at night.NTSB CEN20LA134Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportMuse P51D · Mesquite, TXThe pilot’s inadvertent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, loss of control, and subsequent impact with terrain.NTSB ERA20FA029Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportPavel Tango2 · Cedartown, GAThe pilot's loss of control of the gyroplane for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.NTSB ERA20FA013Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportSportine Aviacija LAK17B · Tamaqua, PAThe pilot's exceedance of the glider's critical angle of attack while climbing in thermal lift, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.NTSB WPR20FA005Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportBede BD5 · Camarillo, CAThe No. 4 connecting rod’s bearing shift and separation of the No. 4 connecting rod, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing.NTSB ERA20MA001Accident · 7 fatalClass 2 · MajorFinal reportBoeing B17 · Windsor Locks, CTThe pilot’s failure to properly manage the airplane’s configuration and airspeed after he shut down the No. 4 engine following its partial loss of power during the initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the pilot/maintenance director’s inadequate…NTSB ERA19FA275Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans RV 8 · Stroudsburg, PAThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane for undetermined reasons.NTSB WPR19FA241Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportGlaser Dirks DG 300 Elan · Wilkeson, WAThe pilot’s delayed decision to land following a loss of thermal lift, which resulted in collision with trees during the landing approach.NTSB GAA19WA460Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationDe Havilland DH82 · Hythe, United KingdomNTSB WPR19FA172Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportNanchang CJ6 · Porter Ranch, CAThe pilot’s continued flight into marginal visual meteorological conditions, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.NTSB ERA19FA183Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportVans Vans RV 4 · Green Cove Springs, FLThe failure of each pilot to maintain separation from the other airplane during intentional maneuvers within close proximity of each other.NTSB CEN19FA144Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportVans RV6 · Chillicothe, OHThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane following an intermittent loss of engine power during cruise flight that resulted in him impacting trees. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available…NTSB WPR19FA118Accident · 1 fatalClass 2 · FieldFinal reportNorthrop N9M · Norco, CAThe pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons.