Fatal NTSB investigations

286 cases where the first occurrence was “Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf”.

Cases per year

19822026
Fatal NTSB investigations per year, 1982–2026: 286 cases
198214
19838
198416
198514
198612
198712
198812
198911
199013
199117
199212
199311
199414
199517
199610
19977
199810
19997
20008
200110
200212
200311
20049
20058
20066
20075

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 o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o.\"occurrenceNumber\" = 1 AND o.\"occurrenceCode\" = 351)
  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 NYC08FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28R-200 · Augusta, GAA loss of engine power due to the fatigue fracture of the number 2 cylinder attach studs, and the subsequent separation of the number 2 cylinder.Dec 5, 2007 · N43274 · Substantial damageNTSB MIA07LA155Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-5A · Worthington, KYThe separation of the engine's No. 4 piston from the crankshaft for unidentified reasons and the pilot's continued operation with known equipment deficiencies.Sep 22, 2007 · N26442 · Substantial damageNTSB SEA07FA195Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportYakovlev YAK-55M · Everett, WAThe pilot's inadequate preflight planning and inspection that led to oil exhaustion and a catastrophic engine failure. Also causal was the pilot's attempted operation of an aircraft with known deficiencies, and the lack of a current airworthiness inspection.…Jul 14, 2007 · N55NH · DestroyedNTSB NYC07FA119Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-A55 · Dunkirk, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during a single-engine missed approach, after the failure of the airplane's left engine aft-top counterweight assembly. Contributing to the accident were instrument meteorological conditions due to clouds.May 17, 2007 · C-FDJP · Substantial damageNTSB ANC07FA013Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 207A · Kenai, AKThe total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to the disintegration of engine bearings and the fracture of a connecting rod, which resulted in a ditching into ice covered ocean water. Factors contributing to the survivability of the accident were…Jan 9, 2007 · N9941M · Substantial damageNTSB NYC07LA026Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportVogel Glastar 41 · Snow Shoe, PAThe builder's improper installation of an additional alternator. Contributing to the accident were the night lighting conditions.Nov 11, 2006 · N441AV · Substantial damageNTSB DFW07FA020Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Danville, ARFailure of the number 5 cylinder which resulted in oil starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power, and the pilot's inability to see the transmission line during the forced landing. Factors Contributing to the accident were the dark night and the…Nov 5, 2006 · N15852 · DestroyedNTSB DFW07FA007Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32R-300 · Dry Prong, LAThe loss of engine power during cruise flight due to oil starvation, resulting in an emergency off-airport forced landing. A factor associated with the accident was the instructor's improper in-flight decision in delaying to seek an emergency landing site…Oct 22, 2006 · N64GK · Substantial damageNTSB SEA06LA162Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportKaman HH-43F · Metaline Falls, WAThe failure of the left-hand cross-shaft input internal spline while the helicopter was in a hover, which resulted in the loss of gear box timing, in-flight blade contact and separation, and the subsequent loss of control and impact with a log deck.Aug 18, 2006 · N559D · DestroyedNTSB CHI06FA210Accident · 6 fatalClass 1 · FieldFinal reportde Havilland DHC-6-100 · Sullivan, MOthe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed following a loss of power in the right engine due to the fracturing of compressor turbine blades for undetermined reasons. Contributing to some parachutists' injuries was the lack of a more effective restraint system…Jul 29, 2006 · N203E · Substantial damageNTSB LAX06FA129Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech A36 · Santa Monica, CAThe failure of an aviation maintenance technician to properly torque and cotter pin the number 2 connecting rod bolts at their attach point to the crankshaft, which resulted in the separation of the connecting rod in flight, and complete power loss.Mar 13, 2006 · N16JR · Substantial damageNTSB MIA06FA024Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Mims, FLThe loss of engine power due to improper installation of the #2 cylinder by maintenance personnel, which resulted in the separation of the cylinder as a result of fatigue cracking of the cylinder to crankcase fasteners. A contributing factor was the lack of…Nov 23, 2005 · N666DE · Substantial damageNTSB DFW06LA027Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportArrow Falcon Exporters Arrow F OH-58A · West Memphis, ARThe loss of engine power due to a disconnected pneumatic (Pc) line. A contributing factor was the ravine.Nov 5, 2005 · N331TA · DestroyedNTSB NYC06FA015Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 411 · East Hampton, NYThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, while maneuvering with the left engine inoperative. Contributing to the accident were the failure of the left engine, and the pilot's lack of multiengine certification.Oct 23, 2005 · N7345U · DestroyedNTSB LAX05FA264Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportSan Joaquin Helicopters OH-58A+ · Lancaster, CAThe pinion to turbine shaft coupling failed in fatigue due to a misaligned turbine shaft, which resulted in a loss of engine power.Aug 10, 2005 · N177SJ · Substantial damageNTSB CHI05LA226Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Culver, INThe loss of engine power while maneuvering due to partial failure of the left magneto, and the flight instructor's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall. An additional cause was improper maintenance by company maintenance personnel,…Aug 10, 2005 · N4512Q · Substantial damageNTSB LAX05GA231Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportEurocopter France EC120B · Fair Oaks, CAThe failure of the constant delta P diaphragm in the fuel control unit, which resulted in an increased fuel flow and subsequent catastrophic failure of the engine. The diaphragm's failure was the result of improper installation by the engine manufacturer. A…Jul 14, 2005 · N266SD · DestroyedNTSB ATL05LA103Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportRutherford Seawind 3000 · Sarasota, FLMaintenance personnel failure to secure throttle linkage on the carburetor which resulted in loss of engine power and a collision with a building.Jun 18, 2005 · N7117 · Substantial damageNTSB IAD05FA068Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna R182 · New Fairfield, CTFailure of the aluminum-clad, number two connecting rod bearings, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. A factor was the relatively short forced landing area.May 24, 2005 · N756PN · DestroyedNTSB CHI05FA048Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech S35 · Herman, WIThe installation of the improper cylinder base packing seals by maintenance personnel resulting in the loss of lubriation and subsequent failure of the number four connecting rod/bearing. A factor associated with the accident was the trees that the airplane…Dec 25, 2004 · N5631K · Substantial damageNTSB IAD05FA012Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna P210 · Paint Lick, KYImproper alignment of a turbocharger oil line, which resulted in wear damage through the hose wall and a subsequent loss of engine oil. Contributing to the accident was the low cloud ceiling.Nov 12, 2004 · N6539P · DestroyedNTSB ATL05FA013Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech BE-60 · Asheville, NCThe pilot's failure to follow emergency procedures and to maintain airspeed following a loss of engine power during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and subsequent uncontrolled impact with terrain. Contributing to the cause was inadequate…Oct 27, 2004 · N611JC · Substantial damageNTSB NYC05FA005Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-161 · Madison, CTA loss of engine power due to separation of the propeller due to under-torqued retention bolts.Oct 11, 2004 · N233PA · Substantial damageNTSB CHI04FA203Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportKnoepflein Lancair Legacy 2000 · Madison, WIA loss of engine power due to high engine temperatures which resulted in a failure of the number three piston, the pilot's continued operation of the airplane with known high temperature problems, the pilot's poor inflight planning, and the pilot's failure to…Aug 1, 2004 · N98SN · DestroyedNTSB CHI04LA128Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American P-51C · Hager City, WIThe improper installation of the camshaft drive gear assembly which resulted in the retaining nut backing off allowing the drive gear to move up the shaft. A factor associated with the accident was the low altitude at which the power loss occurred and the…May 29, 2004 · N61429 · Substantial damageNTSB ATL04FA090Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportSmith Aerostar 601P · Johns Island, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during emergency descent, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and uncontrolled descent into trees and terrain. A factor was the loss of engine power in one engine due to pre-ignition/detonation.Apr 5, 2004 · N869CC · Substantial damageNTSB LAX04LA132Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportGillespie Sport Copter Vortex · Yuba City, CAa loss of engine power due to the incorrect installation of the fuel line, which resulted in fuel starvation, and the pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM, which resulted in an inflight loss of control. A factor to the accident was the pilot's lack of…Feb 21, 2004 · N96XV · Substantial damageNTSB FTW04FA057Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 182RG · El Dorado, ARThe loss of engine power as a result of loss of engine oil due to the failure of the oil filter converter plate gasket and the noncompliance to an airworthiness directive. Contributing factors were the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing and the…Jan 6, 2004 · N9318R · Substantial damageNTSB FTW04FA029Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · High Island 573The loss of engine power due to the failure of the 3rd stage turbine wheel and subsequent catastrophic failure of the turbine assembly.Dec 1, 2003 · N457PH · DestroyedNTSB LAX04FA042Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 177RG · Blk Canyon City, AZa loss of engine power due to the failure of the single-drive dual magneto that resulted from inadequate lubrication of the breaker cam. Also causal was the improper maintenance by other maintenance personnel during a recent inspection, which should have…Nov 13, 2003 · N431DL · DestroyedNTSB LAX04LA029Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportNorth American T-28B · Hornbrook, CAa catastrophic engine failure from oil exhaustion due to inadequate maintenance installation of the lubricating system hoses.Oct 28, 2003 · N28AF · DestroyedNTSB LAX03LA300Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMcClanahan Stits Playmate SA-11 · Fontana, CAa loss of engine power due to oil starvation that was the result of misaligned main bearing halves that obstructed the oil galley passages. Since the history of the engine could not be reconstructed, the person or entity responsible for the bearing…Sep 27, 2003 · N9YC · DestroyedNTSB MIA03FA141Accident · 2 fatalClass 1 · FieldFinal reportCessna 402C · Treasure Cay, Bahamasthe in-flight failure of the right engine and the pilot’s failure to adequately manage the airplane’s performance after the engine failed. The right engine failure resulted from inadequate maintenance that was performed by Air Sunshine’s maintenance personnel…Jul 13, 2003 · N314AB · Substantial damageNTSB CHI03LA201Accident · 2 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportMcIlraith Sea Rey · Tomah, WIThe loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed resulting in a stall/spin during the forced landing.Jul 5, 2003 · N216ST · DestroyedNTSB LAX03FA200Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas 369D · Volcano, HIa loss of engine power due to the fatigue fracture and separation of the compressor coupling adapter. The fatigue fracture was initiated by fretting on the pilot diameter due to both the inadequate design of the coupling and the coaxial misalignment of the…Jun 15, 2003 · N4493M · DestroyedNTSB FTW03FA120Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Broken Arrow, OKFailure of the engine due to the blow-by condition in the number six cylinder for undetermined reasons, which resulted in oil starvation and eventual failure of the associated connecting rod end cap. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed…Mar 31, 2003 · N70NZ · DestroyedNTSB FTW03FA097Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell 407 · Mi 700The catastrophic failure of the engine resulting from 1st stage turbine wheel blade failure due to type 1 hot corrosion (sulfidation). Contributing factors were the pilot's failure to brief the passengers on emergency safety equipment (life raft), the pilot's…Feb 16, 2003 · N407HH · DestroyedNTSB NYC03FA043Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Delaware City, DEThe mechanic's improper engine overhaul. A factor was the night condition.Jan 26, 2003 · N6432X · Substantial damageNTSB CHI03LA052Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportHavir Avid Flyer · Cambridge, NEThe inadvertent stall by the pilot following a total loss of engine power and the seizure of the engine. A factor to the accident was the engine overhaul not performed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.Jan 13, 2003 · N248H · DestroyedNTSB DEN03FA025Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 421 · Akron, COThe fractured connecting rods and the pilot not maintaining aircraft control following the engine failure. Factors contributing to the accident were the low altitude, the pilot not maintaining minimum controllable airspeed following the engine failure, the…Dec 25, 2002 · N421D · DestroyedNTSB ATL03FA025Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Macon, GAThe loss of engine power due to oil starvation.Dec 21, 2002 · N47420 · DestroyedNTSB FTW03FA044Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 210L · Kentwood, LAThe failure of the #1 and #2 connecting rods during climb to cruise due to overheating, resulting from oil starvation. A contributing factor was the low cloud conditions limiting the pilot's visibility during the ensuing emergency landing.Nov 20, 2002 · N93770 · DestroyedNTSB LAX03FA005Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportGrumman AA-5A · Phoenix, AZfailure of the lubricating system resulting in a total loss of engine power and an off airport forced landing.Oct 12, 2002 · N9566U · DestroyedNTSB ATL02FA175Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Milton, FLA sheared mixture cable which resulted in a loss of engine power.Sep 23, 2002 · N8828N · Substantial damageNTSB IAD02FA091Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA 32R-301T · Byram Township, NJthe improper manufacturing of the crankshaft gear bolt, which resulted in the failure of the bolt due to hydrogen embrittlement, and the subsequent loss of engine power. Also causal was the engine manufacturer's failure to remove the affected bolts from fixed…Sep 8, 2002 · C-GKLY · DestroyedNTSB CHI02FA231Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-46-350P · Benton Harbor, MIThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed above stall speed resulting in a stall/spin. Additional causes were the pilot not maintaining best glide airspeed and optimal glidepath following the loss of engine power. A factor to the accident was the engine…Aug 4, 2002 · N316PM · Substantial damageNTSB MIA02FA131Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAmerican General AA-5 · Boca Raton, FLThe owner/operator's failure to perform an overhaul or comply with a service bulletin 240 which would have probably precluded the continued installation of the number four cylinder exhaust valve and its subsequent failure.Jul 12, 2002 · N6024L · Minor damageNTSB LAX02LA197Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportPiper PA-22-135 · Brownsville, CAa loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during a turn to reverse course back to the runway, resulting in a stall and collision with terrain.Jun 14, 2002 · N3329B · DestroyedNTSB LAX02FA163Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna T210M · Groveland, CAa catastrophic engine failure due to the fatigue fracture and failure of the crankshaft. A factor contributing to the accident was the unsuitable nature of the mountainous terrain for a successful forced landing. The precipitating cause of the fatigue…May 13, 2002 · N761LX · DestroyedNTSB FTW02FA106Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech D35 · Nacogdoches, TXThe failure of the engine driven fuel pump drive pin resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing factors were inadequate maintenance, the pilot's inadequate use of the manual auxillary fuel pump (wobble pump), and the night conditions.Mar 29, 2002 · N2966B · Substantial damage