Fatal NTSB investigations
286 cases where the first occurrence was “Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf”.
Cases per year
| 1982 | 14 |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 8 |
| 1984 | 16 |
| 1985 | 14 |
| 1986 | 12 |
| 1987 | 12 |
| 1988 | 12 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 13 |
| 1991 | 17 |
| 1992 | 12 |
| 1993 | 11 |
| 1994 | 14 |
| 1995 | 17 |
| 1996 | 10 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 8 |
| 2001 | 10 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 11 |
| 2004 | 9 |
| 2005 | 8 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2007 | 5 |
Where
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.
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
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 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.NTSB 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.NTSB 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.…NTSB 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.NTSB 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…NTSB 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.NTSB 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…NTSB 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…NTSB 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.NTSB 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…NTSB 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.NTSB 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…NTSB 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.NTSB 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.NTSB 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.NTSB 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,…NTSB 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…NTSB 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.NTSB 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.NTSB 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…NTSB 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.NTSB 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…NTSB 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.NTSB 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…NTSB 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…NTSB 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.NTSB 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…NTSB 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…NTSB 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.NTSB 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…NTSB 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.NTSB 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…NTSB 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…NTSB 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.NTSB 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…NTSB 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…NTSB 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…NTSB NYC03FA043Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportBeech V35B · Delaware City, DEThe mechanic's improper engine overhaul. A factor was the night condition.NTSB 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.NTSB 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…NTSB ATL03FA025Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-32-300 · Macon, GAThe loss of engine power due to oil starvation.NTSB 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.NTSB 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.NTSB ATL02FA175Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportPiper PA-28-140 · Milton, FLA sheared mixture cable which resulted in a loss of engine power.NTSB 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…NTSB 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…NTSB 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.NTSB 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.NTSB 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…NTSB 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.