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NTSB investigations: Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG, IA

29 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.

Defining event

Finding

Phase of flight

Aircraft model

Cases per year

19752026

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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'IA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA' 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

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.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'IA' AND c.\"eventCountry\" = 'USA'
    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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'IA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  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

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 CEN22LA356Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportArbc Inc DBA Lindstrand 150A · Indianola, IAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level maneuvering.Jul 30, 2022 · N316EB · Minor damage NTSB CEN13LA484Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRockwell International S-2R · Larchwood, IAA complete loss of engine power during an agricultural application flight for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examinations did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.Aug 12, 2013 · N5610X · Substantial damage NTSB CEN11CA667Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportTompkins Tandem Rocket · Lemars, IAThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering.Sep 25, 2011 · N29RT · Substantial damage NTSB CEN11LA402Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna P210R · Albia, IAThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, in which he did not detect that less fuel was on board the airplane than planned, which precipitated a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion during initial descent.Jun 18, 2011 · N900SR · Substantial damage NTSB CEN11CA065Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportWelch Thomas RV9 · Sac City, IAThe pilot's loss of directional control while landing with a gusting wind.Nov 3, 2010 · N475TW · Substantial damage NTSB CHI08CA240Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportGrumman-Schweizer G-164B · Salem, IAThe loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. Contributing to the accident was the high grass encountered during the landing roll.Aug 7, 2008 · N48412 · Substantial damage NTSB CHI08LA189Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRoof Curtis Hawk P6E · Iowa City, IAThe loss of engine power for an undetermined reason and the pilot's subsequent failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.Jul 3, 2008 · N386PE · Substantial damage NTSB CHI08LA037Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPadelt PG37-1 · Hampton, IAThe pilot's inadequate in-flight planning which resulted in the failure to maintain clearance with the power lines. Contributing to the accident was the power line.Nov 16, 2007 · N4448Y · Substantial damage NTSB CHI07LA203Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-36-285 · Belle Plaine, IAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout.Jul 3, 2007 · N57600 · Substantial damage NTSB CHI07CA196Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportAnderson Glasair FT II · Cedar Rapids, IAThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during the downwind leg, which resulted in a forced landing. A factor in the accident was the unsuitable terrain encountered.Jun 29, 2007 · N123JA · Substantial damage NTSB CHI07LA037Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-31T1 · Waterloo, IAThe go-around not performed and the improper flare by the pilot during landing.Dec 13, 2006 · N20DL · Substantial damage NTSB CHI05CA209Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportNational Ballooning 751-12 · Indianola, IAThe in-flight fire due to the loose fuel line connection as a result of the pilot's inadequate preflight. A factor was the power lines.Aug 2, 2005 · N3219T · Substantial damage NTSB CHI05LA082Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMatthews Christen Eagle II · Iowa City, IAThe pilot not maintaining airplane control and airspeed, and the stall/spin encountered during aerobatic maneuvering. A factor in the accident was the pilot exceeding the published airplane's aft center of gravity limit and a factor in the pilot rated…Mar 27, 2005 · N85SM · Destroyed NTSB CHI04LA019Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Davenport, IAA loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the improper installation of the fuel nozzle. Also causal was the engine manufacturer's improper installation instructions for the nozzle pressure port plug on the fuel manifold valve. A factor…Oct 16, 2003 · N25496 · Substantial damage NTSB CHI03LA309Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStrother KR2 · Clarinda, IAFailure of the pilot to maintain clearance from the roadway sign. The loose gravel and the sign were contributing factors.Sep 11, 2003 · N60MS · Substantial damage NTSB CHI02LA286Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBailey DSA-1 · Washington, IAThe selection of unsuitable terrain and the failure of the oil pressure gage line. Factors were, the pilot/owners failure to obtain an annual condition inspection, and the corn crop.Sep 16, 2002 · N304MB · Substantial damage NTSB CHI93LA023Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 140 · Waverly, IAThe pilot's excessive application of brakes during landing roll.Oct 27, 1992 · N4213N · Substantial damage NTSB CHI91LA263Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech 36 · Davenport, IAThe inadequate visual lookout and poor inflight planning and decision making by the pilot of N97867. Factors in the accident are inoperative exterior lights and radio communication not possible.Aug 15, 1991 · N25496 · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage NTSB MKC90LA145Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMonnett Sonerai II · Cherokee, IAAircraft control not maintained by the pilot in command.Jul 13, 1990 · N2MX · Substantial damage NTSB MKC89LA065Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportComposite Aircraft Mfg Cozy · Hudson, IAImproper preflight by the pilot which resulted in an inadequate fuel supply and fuel exhaustion.Feb 25, 1989 · N611CZ · Substantial damage NTSB MKC88LA142Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportShirlan Dickey E-RACER · Dubuque, IAAt a fuel stop in Dubuque, IA the PIC purchased fuel for the final leg of his flt to oshkosh. After a pre-flt chk and subsequent eng runup, the PIC took the active rwy and commenced a takeoff roll. The lift off and initial climb went without difficulty until…Jul 29, 1988 · N131RD · Substantial damage NTSB MKC88LA130Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech A-36 · Marion, IAWhile attempting to land after one go-around. Witnesses said the acft touched down beyond the half way point on the 2300 foot sod runway. He appeared to be high and fast according to witnesses. The pilot said he might have mistaken the threshold and landed…Jul 8, 1988 · N25496 · Substantial damage NTSB MKC88LA096Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMccurry Taylor Monoplane · Marshalltown, IAThe pilot stated that he had intentionally shut down the engine-- so as to attempt a power off 'deadstick' landing. As he was descending, the pilot changed his plans and decided to restart the engine--but the engine would not start. While attempting the…May 24, 1988 · N4256B · Substantial damage NTSB MKC86FCD03Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportRoger Warnell KR-1 · Waterloo, IAThe pilot reported that he had carburetor problems. The engine quit and the pilot made a forced landing about one mile from airport. This was the pilots first flight in this aircraft.Aug 17, 1986 · N49RW · Destroyed NTSB MKC84LA287Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRaven S55A · Prairie City, IAWhile the hot air balloon was airborne, the surface winds increased to 13 KTS. The plt instructed both passengers to prepare for a high wind landing. Contrary to the plt's instructions, the passenger, who became injured, crouched in the bottom of the basket…Sep 30, 1984 · N8517L · No damage NTSB MKC82DA158Accident · No injuriesFinal reportFairchild Hiller FH 1100 · Mason City, IADuring a swath run, the engine RPM dropped to flight idle and the helicopter was landed hard in a clear area beside the field. An investigation revealed that a sensing line for the fuel control system had failed. This prevented the engine from operating above…Aug 26, 1982 · N1345Q · Substantial damage NTSB MKC80FCD04Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper PA-22 · Des Moines, IAOct 28, 1979 · N8731C · Substantial damage NTSB MKC79DCD11Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 140 · Lamotte, IAFeb 11, 1979 · N89902 · Substantial damage NTSB MKC75FCD37Accident · Minor injuriesClosedBrantly 305 · Swisher, IAMar 2, 1975 · N16616 · Substantial damage