NTSB investigations: Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG, NC

47 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

19652026
NTSB investigations: Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG, NC per year, 1965–2026: 47 cases
19651
19701
19721
19782
19841
19851
19861
19871
19892
19911
19942
19951
20011
20023
20032
20041
20051
20072
20081
20091
20101
20111
20121
20132
20141
20152
20161
20171
20201
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20224
20232
20251
20261

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.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'NC' 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.

NTSB ERA26LA133Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMorris Bradley D Zenith Stol CH-701 · Hendersonville, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with trees.Mar 1, 2026 · N123XP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA25LA196Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportChris Wallen/Michael Pliske Just Acft Highlander · Brasstown, NCThe pilot’s inadvertent application of brake pressure during landing, which resulted in a nose over.Apr 30, 2025 · N788MP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA278Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportGopalan Hariharan 4 Place · Sanford, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in a crosswind, which resulted in a nose over.Jun 25, 2023 · N108YZ · Substantial damageNTSB ERA23LA241Accident · Minor injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportBurril Benjamin D BDB001 · Wadesboro, NCA reported total loss of engine power and a subsequent forced landing for reasons that could not be determined because the pilot did not make the wreckage available for examination.May 17, 2023 · N191CK · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA432Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 140 · Winterville, NCThe student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing. A factor in the accident was the instructor’s delayed remedial action which resulted in an inability to recover the airplane from an aerodynamic stall.Sep 28, 2022 · N2509N · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA268Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportWingren Norman Escapade · Brasstown, NCThe failure of the engine gearbox drive flange, which resulted in a nose gear collapse during the subsequent precautionary landing in tall grass.May 9, 2022 · N86RD · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA132Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 140 · New Bern, NCThe loss of brake pressure on the left brake due to a failed O-ring seal.Feb 11, 2022 · N2509N · Substantial damageNTSB ERA22LA110Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportMiller Roger Thatcher CX4 · Angier, NCThe pilot’s encounter with a flock of birds on final approach, which resulted in a loss of control, an aerodynamic stall and spin, and impact with trees and terrain.Jan 18, 2022 · N254RM · Substantial damageNTSB 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.May 27, 2021 · N831HC · DestroyedNTSB ERA20CA152Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHolmgren Bearhawk · Ahoskie, NCThe collapse of the right main landing gear during a bounced, crosswind landing.Apr 17, 2020 · N118CR · Substantial damageNTSB ERA17TA196Accident · No injuriesFinal reportErnest T Christley Zenith Zodiac 601XL · Sanford, NCThe pilot’s selection of a threaded metal rod of insufficient strength to connect the fuel tank selector handle to the fuel valve, which resulted in his inability to switch fuel tanks and a subsequent total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.May 29, 2017 · N167EZ · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA301Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMeans Rober C Rotorway Exec · Iron Station, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from the ground while hovering, which resulted in separation of the forward section of the right skid tube with counterweight attached, a sudden center of gravity (CG) shift outside the normal operating…Aug 26, 2016 · N48KM · Substantial damageNTSB GAA16CA099Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportDavis Michael J MD Special · Wallace, NCThe pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.Dec 21, 2015 · N141MD · Substantial damageNTSB ERA16LA041Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWoodrow Larry W Sonex · Morganton, NCThe pilot/owner’s inadequate maintenance inspection following a propeller strike, which resulted in the subsequent in-flight propeller separation due to propagation of fatigue cracks in the crankshaft.Nov 15, 2015 · N7035Z · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14CA349Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportPekola James W Ridge Runner III · Andrews, NCThe pilot's failure to open the fuel tank valves during the preflight examination of the airplane, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.Jul 10, 2014 · N39ZT · Substantial damageNTSB ERA14CA017Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBeech A36 · Burnsville, NCThe pilot's failure to achieve a proper touchdown point during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.Oct 23, 2013 · N7257W · Substantial damageNTSB ERA13CA206Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportPoole Robert C JR Van's · Salisbury, NCThe pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing, and his subsequent decision to exit the paved runway onto the soft terrain.Apr 17, 2013 · N439RP · Substantial damageNTSB ERA12FA256Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportAnderson John H Avid Flyer MK 4 · Waxhaw, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during an attempted go-around, which resulted in a low-altitude aerodynamic stall.Mar 26, 2012 · N61410 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA11CA355Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportDotson William P Sngl Seat Hawk Arrow · Carthage, NCA partial loss of engine power due to the pilot’s improper installation of the engine’s No. 1 cylinder spark plugs.Jun 20, 2011 · N4209F · Substantial damageNTSB ERA10LA504Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportAeronca 11AC · Mocksville, NCThe pilot’s failure to attain the proper touchdown point, following a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.Aug 28, 2010 · N85929 · Substantial damageNTSB ERA09LA356Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportChris Mitchell Titan Tornado · Chadbourn, NCThe pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during initial climb following a loss of engine power. The reason for the power loss was not determined.Jun 18, 2009 · N259CM · Substantial damageNTSB ERA09LA106Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportReamer RV7A · Wadesboro, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while on approach for a precautionary landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.Dec 25, 2008 · N675RV · Substantial damageNTSB MIA07CA151Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchleicher ASW-24E · Morganton, NCThe failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed while turning base to final resulting in the left wing contacting the ground.Sep 12, 2007 · N24WR · Substantial damageNTSB NYC07LA140Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportStinson 108-2 · Washington, NCA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the proximity of trees.Jun 17, 2007 · N267C · DestroyedNTSB ATL05CA053Accident · Serious injuriesData collectionFinal reportBennett Ra Oliver Zodiac CH 601 HDS · Mt. Olive, NCRupture of the engine's cooling system radiator, which allowed steam to fill the cockpit.Feb 26, 2005 · N2521B · Substantial damageNTSB ATL05LA017Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportDavid Nielson Ison Hi-Max 1700 · Hendersonville, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.Oct 30, 2004 · N105DN · Substantial damageNTSB ATL04LA003Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWhitty Mustang II · Holly Ridge, NCThe loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing.Oct 3, 2003 · N888PW · Substantial damageNTSB ATL03LA129Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWilliam Allen MONI-1 · Timberlake, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with the ground.Aug 18, 2003 · N240A · Substantial damageNTSB MIA02LA171Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportJohnson Hornet · Archdale, NCthe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during final approach, which resulted in the airplane drifting off course and impacting with trees. Factors in this accident were the pilot's attention being diverted due to the right door not being secured.Sep 21, 2002 · N1928J · Substantial damageNTSB ATL02LA170Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMikoyan Gurevich Mig-15 · Whiteville, NCThe pilot continued visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions and experienced spatial disorientation which resulted in a loss of control and the subsequent collision with the ground .Sep 18, 2002 · N151MG · DestroyedNTSB ATL02LA125Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRotorway Exec 162F · Concord, NCThe pilot's improper use of cyclic while attempting a hover resulting in dynamic rollover.Jun 17, 2002 · N588JR · Substantial damageNTSB ATL02LA016Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportWhitty, Philip J. Mustang II · Hampstead, NCA loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent nose over during landing roll. A factor was the soft, unsuitable terrain.Dec 4, 2001 · N888PW · Substantial damageNTSB MIA95IA194Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportBoeing 737-3B7 · Charlotte, NCImproper installation of the 'a' system flight control computer by company maintenance personnel, which resulted in pin connector(s) being pushed loose and subsequent malfunction of the autopilot.Aug 5, 1995 · N396US · No damageNTSB ATL95LA017Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportWSK PZL Mielec TS-11 Iskra · Shelby, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain landing approach speed, which resulted in a final approach stall. Factors were the night lighting conditions, and the pilot's failure to use the landing light.Nov 20, 1994 · N619R · DestroyedNTSB ATL94LA118Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMonnett Moni · Ashville, NCThe failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft. A factor in the accident was the thunderstorm off the departure end of the runway.Jun 10, 1994 · N112MX · Substantial damageNTSB ATL91LA165Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportIcard, Claude M. Sonerai II LT · Morganton, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane on the runway, and the inadvertent rotation of the airplane, resulting in an unplanned flight.Aug 31, 1991 · N9QC · Substantial damageNTSB ATL89LA221Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBeech B23 · Hatteras, NCLoss of engine power for an unknown reason.Sep 29, 1989 · N2333L · Substantial damageNTSB ATL89FA196Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A-36 · Chapel Hill, NCThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering for a landing. Contributing factors were: the pilot's failure to follow the emergency procedures for an autopilot malfunction, and pilot fatigue.Aug 12, 1989 · N25805 · DestroyedNTSB ATL87LA199Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBurkhart Grob G-103A · Mt. Airy, NCThe instructor stated this was the second flight of the day with the student. They had released from an air tow at 1,500 feet AGL. The instructor was demonstrating glide slope control for best final glide. When the sailplane was about 1,000 feet AGL and one…Jul 5, 1987 · N930BG · Substantial damageNTSB ATL86FA266Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper TG8-J3C-65 · Apex, NCThe plt was practicing takeoffs and landings in his newly acquired J3 at a private airstrip when the eng sputtered and then quit. The plt lost control of the acft and hit a 't' hanger prior to hitting the ground. The acft caught fire and was destroyed,…Sep 26, 1986 · N27047 · DestroyedNTSB ATL85LA273Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 404 · Hayesville, NCFisherman heard an aircraft overhead but did not see any sign of it in the night sky. Shortly thereafter they saw a flash and fire on the side of a mountain, then they heard the explosion. The sheriff was called and an investigation revealed a crashed…Sep 11, 1985 · N128SP · DestroyedNTSB ATL84LA144Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportBrown, R. M. JR. Monnett Moni · Kill Devil Hill, NCThe acft was the 4th acft to take off of 7 scheduled to make a formation fly-by of the wright brothers national memorial. As the acft took off to join up for the flt, a thick low fog bank rolled in. The other acft departed the area, but the plt attempted to…Apr 14, 1984 · N92RB · Substantial damageNTSB IAD78FA074Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 310Q · Durham, NCJun 29, 1978 · N7537Q · Substantial damageNTSB IAD78DKM05Accident · No injuriesClosedBeech B23 · Sophia, NCJan 12, 1978 · N2325J · Substantial damageNTSB MIA73DLG02Accident · No injuriesClosedBell 47D1 · Dalzell, NCJul 5, 1972 · N586T · Substantial damageNTSB IAD71DKM07Accident · No injuriesClosedLuscombe 8E · Wadesboro, NCJul 19, 1970 · N25295 · Substantial damageNTSB MIA66F0052Accident · No injuriesClosedPiper PA-28 · Winston Salem, NCJul 17, 1965 · N8618W · Substantial damage